Maximization and characterization of ultrasonic-assisted extraction of taro corms mucilage using response surface optimization and comparison with conventional methods

Interest in extracting mucilage from natural sources like taro corms stems from its potential applications in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, while traditional extraction methods are often inefficient and time-consuming. Hence, the critical purposes of the current research trends are to use an efficient and sustainable extraction method, optimize the process conditions for maximum yield and quality. Nevertheless, this research aimed to optimize the conditions for ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) of mucilage from taro corms and compare its extraction efficacy and functional properties with conventional methods like heat extraction and Soxhlet extraction. As a consequence, the extraction conditions were optimized with fifteen experimental trials using response surface methodology (RSM) combined with a Box-Behnken design (BBD) (three-factor-three-level), considering ultrasonic temperature (X₁, 40–60 °C), ultrasonic time (X₂, 15–45 min), and water-to-solvent ratio (X₃: 3:1–7:1). Moreover, a second-order polynomial model predicted the responses, and model validity was confirmed through analysis of variance (ANOVA). Briefly, the results revealed the optimal extraction parameters for maximizing taro mucilage extraction (14.315 ± 0.015%) were 60 °C ultrasonic temperature, 45 min ultrasonic time, and a 5:1 water-to-solid ratio. This outperformed heating extraction (4.15 ± 0.029%) and Soxhlet extraction (6.05 ± 0.011%). Furthermore, the UAE extracted mucilage exhibited superior functional properties, including higher emulsion stability against heat (92 ± 0.023%), water holding capacity (65 ± 0.013%), oil holding capacity (41 ± 0.01%), foaming capacity (38 ± 0.041%), and foaming stability (87 ± 0.021%) compared to the heating and Soxhlet methods. In addition, the experimental results supported the predicted values, confirming the appropriateness of the model and the efficacy of RSM in optimizing UAE extraction conditions. These results not only provide a practical solution for efficient taro mucilage extraction but also underscore the effectiveness of RSM in optimizing extraction conditions. Ultimately, the study’s findings have the potential to significantly impact various industries by enhancing product quality, reducing waste, and conserving valuable resources.