Optimization of microwave-assisted hydro distillation extraction process of essential oil from Chestnut flower by response surface methodology

Effects of the solid-solvent ratio, microwave power and extraction time and their interaction on extraction rate of the essential oil from the Chestnut flower, extracted by the microwave-assisted hydro distillation, were researched and preparing technology was optimized using response surface design and data analyzed by SAS software. According to quadratic regression model and the feasibility of actual operation, the optimum extraction parameters were as follows:the solid-solvent ratio 1∶24 (g/m L) , microwave power 300 W and extraction time 17 min. Under the optimized conditions, the actual oil yield was 0.647%±0.030%.