Mathematical Model Study on Solvent Extraction of Carotene from Carrot

Carotenoids are known as provitamin A, while there is an increasing interest in their role as an antioxidants. Anti-cancer activity and other health benefits provided by β-carotene include the protection against cardiovascular disease and cataract prevention, Carrots are one of the best sources of β-carotene. In this paper we have studied the influence of particle size, temperature, solvents, solid is to solvent ratio and extraction time on the extraction yield of β-carotene, and verification of different models and rate kinetics to establish the extraction mechanism. Ethanol, pet ether, ethyl acetate & n-hexane are used as solvent and carrot of cubes of equivalent diameter of 1.077±0.134 cm, 0.801±0.1078 cm & 0.508±.0456cm are used for solvent ratios from 1:5 to 1:60. Temperature was varied from 30 to 50C. Experimental results better fitted in power law model than Peleg model also it obey Pseudo second order kinetic & Intraparticle diffusion model. Extent of color extraction is established by Hunter Lab colorimeter.