Abstract: Response surface methodology was applied for the optimization of process conditions for the extraction of polyphenols from mango kernel. Temperature, extraction time and solid-to-liquid ratio were identified as main factors that affect polyphenol extraction by means of one-factor-at-a-time experiments. Based on a 20-run, three-level Box-Benhnken experimental design and multiple regression analysis, a mathematical model equation was fitted that describes the extraction rate of polyphenols as a function of temperature, extraction time and solid-to-liquid ratio, and the relationship between the function and the three variables was analyzed using response surface analysis. As a result, the optimal extraction conditions were extraction temperature of 56 ℃, extraction time of 2 h, 95% ethanol as extraction solvent with a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:6.8. Under these conditions, the experimental extraction rate of polyphenols was 9.38%, which was close to the predicted value of 9.21% and obviously higher than the previously reported value of 6.86%. Therefore, the established extraction method has high reliability.

Key words: mango kernel, polyphenol, extraction condition, response surface methodology