Abstracto

Optimization of extraction conditions of melanin from black tea leaves using response surface methodology

Yu Zou, Yuan Wu, Mixia Tian

Melanin is a natural pigmentwith great development potential as a healthful food colorant. In this paper, extraction conditions of natural melanin from black tea leaves were investigated. Temperature, duration and liquid-solid ratio were chosen to optimize extraction conditions using response surface methodology (RSM). The Box-Behnken experimental results showed the optimum extraction conditions as follows: a temperature of 97.92 ï‚°C, a duration of 44.93 min and a liquid-solid ratio of 106.76mL/g. Under these conditions, themaximalmelanin yield was 271.40mg/100 g. The results of this study showed that black tea leaves could be used as a good source of the new-type natural melanin.