Comparison of carminic acid extraction by UAE and MAE techniques under the same in vitro conditions
Keywords:
carminic acid, cochineal, ultrasound, microwave, optimizationAbstract
Carminic acid is a highly valuable natural dye extracted from the cochineal insect (Dactylopius coccus), widely used in food, cosmetics, and textile industries. The limitations of conventional extraction methods such as high energy consumption and intensive use of solvents have driven interest in more sustainable technologies. This article presents an exploratory and descriptive literature review comparing two green extraction techniques: ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and microwave assisted extraction (MAE) under controlled laboratory conditions. A total of 30 scientific publications from recognized academic databases were analyzed. The results indicate that UAE achieved a carminic acid yield of 26.3%, compared to 18% for MAE. Additionally, extracts obtained through microwave treatment exhibited greater color intensity in textile applications, provided that irradiation was not excessive. Further studies revealed that a microwave power of 400 W was optimal for extraction, as higher power levels compromised cellular structure and reduced efficiency. These findings confirm that optimizing parameters such as power, temperature, exposure time, and solid-to-liquid ratio is critical for improving extraction efficiency in future industrial applications. Both techniques demonstrated significant advantages over traditional methods, positioning themselves as viable alternatives for enhancing efficiency and sustainability in the production of natural dyes.
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