Surfactant‐assisted extraction of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil by hydrodistillation and its application in microemulsion

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The surfactant-assisted extraction of essential oils from Melaleuca alternifolia foliage, also known as tea tree oil (TTO), was systematically studied with the design of experiments (DoE) aiming to improve the extraction of TTO. Specifically, the optimal parameters of hydrodistillation process were obtained with the response surface methodology (RSM) based on a central composite design (CCD). RESULTS:The concept of enhanced TTO extraction with the renewable nonionic Triton CG-110 surfactant was proven. An optimal extraction yield of TTO was predicted by the RSM model at 6.71 wt% under the following conditions: (i) 597 mg L −1 Triton CG-110 as liquid extractant, (ii) a ratio of liquid extractant/desiccated leaf at 25.4 mL g −1 , and (iii) 140 min for the extraction time. The presence of 650 mg L −1 Triton CG-110 in the extractant could increase the extraction rate of TTO by 17.5%, compared to that without surfactant. The forecast of the DPPH antioxidant activity of TTO by RSM was in good accordance with the measured values. Various microemulsion formulations of TTO with Triton CG-110 were developed and reported.CONCLUSION: The presence of a proper surfactant in the liquid extractant can improve the extraction of essential oils, not only in the form of yield but also in the rate of extraction. No trace of surfactant could be found in the produced essential oil because of the relatively higher boiling point and the lower volatility of the surfactant. The RSM was successfully applied to obtain the optimal extraction parameters for tea tree oil by the surfactant-enhanced hydrodistillation process.

Tea Tree Oil: Properties and the Therapeutic Approach to Acne—A Review

“…The antioxidant activity of TTO has been evaluated in in vitro and in vivo models. Vo et al [ 125 ] wanted to enhance the extraction performance of TTO by hydrodistillation by adding surfactants (nonionic Triton CG-110). An optimal extraction yield of TTO was predicted by the response surface methodology (RSM) under the following conditions: 597 mg/L Triton CG-110 as a surfactant; a ratio of liquid extractant/desiccated leaf at 25.4 mL/g; and 140 min for the extraction time.…”

“…Using the same method (RSM), the maximal antioxidant activity should be in the following conditions: 689 mg/L Triton CG-110 as a surfactant; a ratio of liquid extractant/desiccated leaf at 24.1 mL/g; and 128 min for the extraction time. According to these data, the best conditions for obtaining the maximal antioxidant activity were different from for obtaining the maximal TTO yield, therefore, the extraction must be conducted depending on the final goal: better yield or better antioxidant activity [ 125 ]. At the end of the extraction, the surfactant nonionic Triton CG-110 does not remain in the TTO because it is much less volatile than TTO.…”

Ứng Dụng Phân Tích Thành Phần Chính Và Phân Tích Cụm Để Đánh Giá Sự Biến Đổi Thành Phần Hóa Học Của Tinh Dầu Tràm Trà Theo Mùa

“…Trong nghiên cứu này, Triton CG-110 đã được sử dụng để hỗ trợ việc chiết xuất TTO bằng phương pháp chưng cất lôi cuốn hơi nước. Tuy nhiên, không có dấu vết nào của Triton CG-110 được tìm thấy trong TTO [16]. Điều này có thể là do nhiệt độ sôi của Triton CG-110 cao so với các thành phần riêng lẻ trong TTO.…”