Optimization of microwave-assisted extraction of polyphenols from Quercus bark

Abstract Box–Behnken response surface methodology was used to investigate and optimize microwave assisted extraction (MAE) (treatment power and time) of antioxidant compounds, especially polyphenols, from bark extracts. Moreover, the effects of solvent composition (methanol and ethanol) particle size, and pH conditions were evaluated and optimized. In addition, the effects of MAE were compared to conventional solvent extraction at room temperature and reflux extraction (at 100 °C). The results indicated that all process variables had a significant effect on polyphenol and antioxidant recovery, except for methanol (p > 0.05). For instance, TPC and antioxidant activity were increased when hig…