Multi Response Optimization of Process Parameters in the Extraction of Bioactive Components from Dill: Taguchi-MOORA Methodology

Abstract

The aim of this study was to obtain an extract rich in phenolic compounds with high antioxidant activity from dill (Anethum graveolens L.). To optimize the ultrasound-assisted extraction process, a Taguchi (L9) orthogonal matrix which consists of three levels and three factors including solute: solvent ratio (A; 1:100, 3:100 and 5:100), sonication temperature (B; 30, 45, 60 °C) and sonication time (C; 5, 10, 15 min) was used. In the single response optimization based on the Taguchi method, the optimum ultrasonic extraction parameters for total phenolic content and antioxidant activity (DPPH) were determined as A1B3C3 and A1B1C1, respectively. In this study, MOORA (Multi-Objective Optimization by Ratio Analysis) was utilized to convert a two-response problem into a single response. As a result of this optimization, the solute: solvent ratio, sonication temperature, and sonication time variables were determined as 1:100, 60 °C and 15 min, respectively (Run 3), for the extract with the highest total phenolic and antioxidant content (A1B3C3). According to the results obtained, the solute: solvent ratio was found to be the parameter that most significantly affected the ultrasonic extraction process for both response variables. The Taguchi-MOORA hybrid optimization technique was successfully applied to the ultrasonic extraction of bioactive components from dill.