Design of experiments (DoE) to model phenolic compounds recovery from grape pomace using ultrasounds

Grape processing by-products (particularly grape pomace) are known to contain high amounts of phenolic compounds. To improve the extraction of phenols from this by-product, it is necessary to develop a method and set and model optimal conditions for their extraction. By applying the design of experiments (DoE) approach, optimal experimental factors of Ultrasound-assisted extraction (USAE) were determined to obtain grape pomace extracts with a satisfactory yield of phenols anthocyanins, as well as extracts with high antioxidant capacity using reagents approved in the food industry. Initial method optimization covered two experimental factors: solvent concentration and the weight ratio of the sample and solvent using fixed USAE conditions from literature. For the final method optimization, the three investigated experimental factors were: pH value, the temperature of extraction, and extraction time. The optimal experimental conditions for the development of the method were 55% ethanol, sample/solvent ratio 1:40, pH 4.5, T 55 °C, and 30 min. Depending on the primary goal of the extraction process (the antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, content of individual phenols, or content of individual anthocyanins), these parameters can easily be modified to obtain the desired recovery.