Multi-objective Optimization, Process Scale-up Techno-Economics and
Uncertainty analysis of Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Phenolic-Rich
Extract from Allium sativum
Abstract
Allium sativum extract is one of the medicinal and aromatic products
used in pharmaceutical and food industries. The scientific literature
bibliography regarding process scale-up simulation and techno-economics
of phenolic extract from Allium sativum microwave-assisted extraction is
seldom reported. This study presented optimization and techno-economic
evaluation of phenolics recovery from allium sativum microwave-assisted
extraction. Box-benken design extraction experiment was conducted at
irradiation power (520 – 1040 W), extraction time (2- 10 minutes) and
solid-liquid ratio (0.4 – 1 g/100 ml). The extraction conditions that
optimized experimental extractible yield and Total Phenolic Content
(TPC) were evaluated in Box-benken desirability of Response Surface
Methodology. Bioactive finger printing of the extract was analyzed using
HPLC. Aspen Batch Process Developer was used for the process
techno-economic analysis. Profitability uncertainty was analyzed using
Monte-Carlo Simulation (MCS). Optimal extractible yield (28.62 %) and
TPC (76.8 mgGAE/g dry extract) were obtained at irradiation time 7.62
mins, microwave power 826.67 Watt with solid-liquid ratio 0.55g/100ml.
The HPLC fingerprint revealed Bentulinic acid, galic acid, chlorogenic
acid, ellagic acid and ferulic acid. Cost of Manufacturing (COM) for 5L,
50L and 500L extractors gave US$ 1480, US$ 220 and US$ 56
respectively. Techno-economic results of 500L extraction capacity with
900 kg/year design gave batch size (0.25 kg), production rate (2
kg/mins), cycle time (125 mins), discounted NPV (38133 US$), ROI
(34%), IRR (37%) and PBT (2.94yrs). MCS results show 85.58 % and
83.53certainties of achieving base case ROI PBT. Therefore, the study
shows that MAE of garlic powder is economically feasible.