Experimental optimization of supercritical extraction of β-carotene from Aloe barbadensis Miller via genetic algorithm

In this study, experimental supercritical CO2 extraction of β-carotene from leaf skin of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) was investigated and modeling of this system was developed in order to predict the extraction yield as a function of effective operating variables. The results of β-carotene extraction via supercritical CO2 were compared with the conventional Soxhlet extraction from almost 5 g of Aloe vera skin with 100 ml petroleum ether as solvent. The shrinking core model was applied in the simulation which is similar to irreversible desorption of a solute from a porous adsorbent. The modeling predictions are very well compatible with the experimental data. The β-carotene extraction yield was determined as a function of temperature, pressure, CO2 flow rate and dynamic extraction time. The genetic algorithm (GA) was used to determine the optimal operating conditions in which the maximum amount of β-carotene extraction yield was obtained.