Abstract:

A central composite design was used to investigate the best conditions for separation of anthocyanins from
sugarcane tip extracts. In the separation procedure, the independent variables studied were pH value, elution volume, and
flow rate. Using anthocyanins content as the response variable, a multivariable quadratic regression equation was developed. The
optimal separation conditions for anthocyanins from sugarcane tip extracts were determined as follows: the extract was distilled
with water followed by pH adjustment to 5.51 and loaded onto a column packed with D141-type resin with a resin-to-extract (dry
weight) ratio of 20:1, and then the column was eluted with 3.76 BV of 30% aqueous ethanol at a flow rate of 1.59 BV/h. The
anthocyanins content of the purified product obtained was 91 mg/kg, which was similar to the predicted value.

Key words: response surface methodology, sugarcane tips, anthocyanins, separation