Abstract:

In this study, a Pulverisette planetary ball mill was used for the ultrafine grinding of camellia pollen in attempt to achieve the full release of intracellular nutrients. In order to maximize cell disruption efficiency, its relationship with three variables, including rotation speed, grinding time and ball/camellia pollen ratio was modeled using multiple regression analysis based on Box-Behnken central composite experimental design, and the interactive effects of the above variables on the variable were evaluated by response surface methodology. Results showed that the optimum values of parameters for ultrafine grinding of camellia pollen were as follows: grinding drum rotation speed 520－590 r/ min, grinding time 36－38 min and ball/camellia pollen ratio 6.8－7. The optimized ultrafine grinding gave a cell disruption efficiency as high as 100%. This investigation can provide useful experimental evidences for the efficient utilization of camellia pollen in food and cosmetic industries.

Key words: camellia pollen, ultrafine grinding, cell wall disruption, response surface methodology