In this study, polyethylene glycol was used for the ultrasound‐assisted extraction of polysaccharides from superfine ground Auricularia auricula. The experimental factors including PEG molecule weight, PEG concentration, sample size, liquid–solid ratio, extraction temperature, and extraction time were optimized by the Box‐Behnken Design. The results showed that the optimal extraction conditions were a liquid–solid ratio of 39.27 ml/g, an extraction temperature of 91.94 °C and an extraction time of 32.44 min. Under these extraction conditions, the extraction yield of AAP was proved to be 25.75 ± 0.59%. The optimal extraction yield was well in close agreement with the value predicted by the regression model.
Practical applications
The PEG‐based ultrasound‐assisted extraction of polysaccharides from Auricularia auricular not only effectively decreases the extraction time, but also increases the extraction yield. Furthermore, the superfine grinding technology can greatly improve reactive surface to the largest content, thus enhancing the extraction yield.