Application of Response Surface Methodology in the Process of extracting essential oil from the Calamondin (Citrus microcarpa) Peels

Abstract

Abstract Calamondin (Citrus microcarpa) essential oil is applied in different fields, including medicine, food, and cosmetic. This study aimed to determine theextraction yield of essential oil from Calamondin peels and optimize the extraction process using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). A three-level three-factors Box Behnken design with three variables including extraction temperature (103-137°C), time (95-145 min), and water to the material ratio (1.32-4.68 mL/g) was adopted. The aforementioned factors are identified to exert significant influence on the essential oil efficiency. Adopting a central composite design, optimal processing conditions were determined. The maximum yield of essential oil was 3.2%, achieved at conditions of the ratio of water and raw materials (3.20:1 mL/g), the temperature of 120.84°C and time of 21.27 min. The results showed good fits with the proposed model for the essential oil extraction (R2 = 99.71%).