Optimization of microwave hydro-distillation of lemongrass leaves (Cymbopogon nardus) by response surface methodology

Abstract

Abstract Essential oil of lemongrass (Cymbopogon nardus) or Citronella Oil is widely used in industry, especially pharmaceuticals and perfumes. The microwave assisted method was successfully applied in extracting fragrant essential oils on a laboratory scale of extraction, namely Microwave Hydrodistilation (MHD). MHD is a combination of hydrodistillation with microwave for extraction. The purpose of this research was to study several effects parameters (microwave power, material size, and extraction time) on the yield of Citronella Oil obtained by the MHD method and to find optimal conditions using response surface methodology (RSM). The results showed that the smaller size of the material, the lower the yield of oil obtained. The longer extraction time, results in higher yields was. While the greater the power, the higher the yield produced. The highest results obtained for extraction using the MHD method are the microwave power at 600 W, material size of 0.5 cm, and extraction time is 90 min in resulting a yield of 1.817%. Chemical Analysis of Citronella Oil was the highest component that analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technology.