Optimization of pectin extraction from Okra flowers by response surface method

Response Surface Method (RSM) was applied to optimize the pectin extraction condition of Okra flowers.Acid hydrolysis followed by ethanol precipitation was used to extract pectin from Okra flowers in the present work. The effects of acid kinds, material-to-liquid ratio, extraction temperature, extraction time and pH of HCl soiution on the extraction yield of pectin were discussed. Based on the single-factor method, the optimum extraction conditions were obtained by response surface method. As a result, the optimal conditions for pectin extraction were determined as follows:material-to-liquid ratio 1∶30, temperature 90℃, extraction time2.76 h, and pH1.60. Under these conditions, the actual pectin yield was 32.46%, which was close to the predicted value of 32.26%. Thus, the optimized process could provide a useful guidance for industrial pectin preparation.