Comparison between conventional and ultrasound-assisted techniques for extraction of anthocyanins from grape pomace. Experimental results and mathematical modeling

Abstract

Conventional and ultrasound assisted extraction of anthocyanins from grape pomace are here analyzed and compared. Mathematical modeling is used firstly to represent the extraction process and determine the associated mass transport parameters, and afterwards, to obtain useful predictions on how the system behaves under different operating conditions. The mathematical model here developed is based on first-principles, in order to more accurately describe the underlying phenomena that govern the extraction process behavior. Extraction of anthocyanins from grape pomace is performed using a hydro alcoholic solution as solvent, and experimental runs at different temperatures were carried out for both conventional and ultrasound-assisted techniques. A good agreement between experimental and computed extraction yields was achieved as the reported statistical parameters indicate. Obtained results highlight the performance differences between both processes, and pinpoint which variables impact the most in the extraction yield.