# Deep Eutectic Solvent-Based Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Baicalin fromScutellaria baicalensisGeorgi

Authors: Hui Wang; Xiaodi Ma; Qibin Cheng; Xiaoli Xi; Liwei Zhang
Journal: Journal of Chemistry
 (2018)

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## Abstract

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have attracted significant attention as green media for the extraction and separation of natural compounds from Chinese medicine. In this study, a hydrophobic DESs-based microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) was successfully used to efficiently extract baicalin fromScutellaria baicalensis Georgi. Firstly, DecA: N4444-Cl (DES-1 , molar ratio 1 : 2) was screened and selected as the most appropriate DES by comparing the extraction yield in different hydrophobic DESs. Based on the extraction yield of baicalin, response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to model and optimize the parameters (extraction temperature, liquid-solid ratio, and extraction time). Furthermore, the maximum yield of 106.96 mg·g−1 was achieved under optimum conditions in DES-containing aqueous solutions (33 vol% water content), which reached a similar level that was conducted using the pharmacopoeia procedure (104.94 mg·g−1). These results indicated that the proposed method is an excellent alternative for the extraction of baicalin.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

The biological activityof Scutellaria baicalensisGeorgi, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, is well known for anti-inflammation, anticancer, treating bacterial and viral infections of the respiratory system, detoxifying toxicosis, reducing total cholesterol level, and decreasing blood pressure [1–3]. The main active ingredient ofScutellaria baicalensisGeorgi is baicalin, which has been demonstrated to decrease blood pressure, have antitoxin and antifever effect, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases [4–7]. Therefore, baicalin is widely used in medicine, health foods, functional products, and cosmetics. Currently, baicalin is mainly extracted fromScutellaria baicalensis Georgiusing traditional methods, such as hot reflux-assisted extraction (HRAE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) [8–11]. However, these traditional methods have many disadvantages, such as the consumption of large volumes of solvent and energy, low yields, lengthy extraction procedures, and serious environmental pollution. Thus, it is highly desirable to identify an efficient and green extraction method for baicalin.Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are commonly made up of two or more compounds, a combination of hydrogen bond donors (HBDs) and hydrogen bond acceptors (HBAs), which form liquids upon mixing with melting points below that of the individual components due to self-association [12, 13]. DESs show great promise as green solvents due to their biodegradability, low toxicity [14], easy preparation [15], and novel properties [16]. DESs are regarded as designer solvents with the appropriate selection of individual components in terms of molecular structure, chemical nature, ratio, and water content [17, 18]. Based on these unique characteristics, there are reports on the use of hydrophilic DESs as extraction media to extract bioactive compounds from plants [19–21]. Recently, Li [22] reported that ChCl-based DESs (choline chloride : lactic acid) can be used for the extraction of baicalin from Radix Scutellariae, but the process has a low extraction yield. Considering the physicochemical properties of baicalin and the designable natural of DESs, in this study, we attempted to prepare a hydrophobic DES for highly efficient extraction of baicalin.In order to enhance the extraction yield of baicalin, nine different hydrophobic DESs which consisted of decanoic acid and different quaternary ammonium salts in different molar ratios were successfully prepared in this study. Then, the most suitable DES with the highest extraction yield was determined by evaluating the extraction process in different hydrophobic DESs. To maximize the extraction yield of baicalin, independent variables including extraction temperature, liquid-solid ratio, and extraction time were optimized using the Box-Behnken design. Under the optimal conditions, we further verified the feasibility and superiority of the hydrophobic DESs-based MAE through comparing with conventional methods (e.g., HRAE, UAE). Lastly, the microstructure alterations in the samples before and after extraction were observed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) in order to determine the extraction mechanism.


## 2. Materials and Methods

### 2.1. Materials and Reagents

DriedScutellaria baicalensis Georgi was purchased from theScutellaria baicalensis Georgi Planting Base in Lingchuan county (Shanxi, China). It was milled, screened using 60 mesh stainless steel sieves, and then stored in closed desiccators for use. Baicalin (>93.3%), standard substance, was purchased from National Institutes for Food and Drug Control.Decanoic acid (DecA, purity > 98.0%), tetrabutylammonium chloride (N4444-Cl, purity > 98.0%), tetraoctylammonium bromide (N8888-Br, purity > 98.0%), methyltrioctylammonium chloride (N8881-Cl, purity > 98.0%), and methyltrioctylammonium bromide (N8881-Br, purity > 98.0%) were purchased from Xiya Chemistry Co., Ltd. (Shandong, China). Methanol, ethanol, phosphoric acid, and other organic solvents of HPLC grade were from MREDA (MREDA Technology Inc., Beijing, China). Water was deionized.


### 2.2. HPLC Analysis

HPLC analysis was performed using an Elite HPLC system (Agilent, Germany) equipped with a high-pressure gradient (G1311C), a VWD detector (G1314B), an autosampler (G1329B), and a column oven (GT-30). Data processing was carried out using Agilent Open LAB CDS Chemstation edition Software Ver. C. 01.07 (Agilent Technologies, Waldbronn, Germany). HPLC analysis was conducted on a Venusil XBP-C18 (4.6 mm × 250 mm, 5μm, 100 Å). The mobile phase was CH3OH (A) and 0.4% phosphoric acid (B) at a flow rate of 1 mL·min−1. The column temperature was controlled at 40°C. Detection was performed at a wavelength of 278 nm.


### 2.3. Preparation of Hydrophobic DESs

Decanoic acid (DecA) was mixed with quaternary ammonium salts (N4444-Cl, N8881-Cl, N8881-Br, and N8888-Br) at molar ratio of 2 : 1, 1 : 1, and 1 : 2, respectively, in a sealed glass bottle. The mixture was then heated in a water bath at 35°C until it was a transparent liquid and then cooled to room temperature for 12 h. The hydrophobic DESs were further dried in a desiccator in the presence of P2O5. The prepared DESs are listed in Table 1. The water content in the DESs was 7, 13, 20, 27, and 33 vol%, respectively. All the DESs solutions were equally homogeneous.Table 1
Different composition of DESs applied in this work.
Abbreviation
HBD
Type of HBA
HBD/HBA ratio
DES-1
DecA
N4444-Cl
1 : 2
DES-2
1 : 1
DES-3
2 : 1
DES-4
DecA
N8881-Cl
1 : 2
DES-5
1 : 1
DES-6
2 : 1
DES-7
DecA
N8881-Br
2 : 1
DES-8
1 : 1
DES-9
DecA
N8888-Br
2 : 1


### 2.4. Solubility Tests

Solubility tests were carried out using distilled water, 70% ethanol, and DESs with an excess of the tested compound in a capped bottle and stirring at 40°C for 2 h. The resulting liquids containing undissolved solid compounds were centrifuged and the supernatant was transferred to a 5 mL-microtube, diluted with methanol, and vortexed to a homogeneous solution. The concentration of baicalin in the solution was monitored by HPLC. All solubility tests were performed in triplicate.


### 2.5. Extraction of Baicalin

Scutellaria baicalensisGeorgi was pulverized to finer than 60 mesh; a 0.5 g sample was dispersed in 8 mL DESs in a two-neck pear shaped flask and then extracted in the microwave reactor under the following optimized conditions: ratio of solvent to raw material (16 mL·g−1), extraction time (5 min), extraction temperatures (60°C), and extraction power (900 W). The resulting solution was filtered through a 0.45-μm syringe filter before being used. All experiments were performed in triplicate.


### 2.6. Comparison Experiments

In order to evaluate the efficiency of the DES-based microwave-assisted extraction method, different extraction procedures were compared. Three common extraction techniques were selected as follows: MAE (85°C, 23 mL·g−1, 900 W for 10 min), UAE (23 mL·g−1, 900 W for 10 min), and HRAE (80°C, 133 mL·g−1, for 3 h, in the Chinese pharmacopoeia).


## 2.1. Materials and Reagents

DriedScutellaria baicalensis Georgi was purchased from theScutellaria baicalensis Georgi Planting Base in Lingchuan county (Shanxi, China). It was milled, screened using 60 mesh stainless steel sieves, and then stored in closed desiccators for use. Baicalin (>93.3%), standard substance, was purchased from National Institutes for Food and Drug Control.Decanoic acid (DecA, purity > 98.0%), tetrabutylammonium chloride (N4444-Cl, purity > 98.0%), tetraoctylammonium bromide (N8888-Br, purity > 98.0%), methyltrioctylammonium chloride (N8881-Cl, purity > 98.0%), and methyltrioctylammonium bromide (N8881-Br, purity > 98.0%) were purchased from Xiya Chemistry Co., Ltd. (Shandong, China). Methanol, ethanol, phosphoric acid, and other organic solvents of HPLC grade were from MREDA (MREDA Technology Inc., Beijing, China). Water was deionized.


## 2.2. HPLC Analysis

HPLC analysis was performed using an Elite HPLC system (Agilent, Germany) equipped with a high-pressure gradient (G1311C), a VWD detector (G1314B), an autosampler (G1329B), and a column oven (GT-30). Data processing was carried out using Agilent Open LAB CDS Chemstation edition Software Ver. C. 01.07 (Agilent Technologies, Waldbronn, Germany). HPLC analysis was conducted on a Venusil XBP-C18 (4.6 mm × 250 mm, 5μm, 100 Å). The mobile phase was CH3OH (A) and 0.4% phosphoric acid (B) at a flow rate of 1 mL·min−1. The column temperature was controlled at 40°C. Detection was performed at a wavelength of 278 nm.


## 2.3. Preparation of Hydrophobic DESs

Decanoic acid (DecA) was mixed with quaternary ammonium salts (N4444-Cl, N8881-Cl, N8881-Br, and N8888-Br) at molar ratio of 2 : 1, 1 : 1, and 1 : 2, respectively, in a sealed glass bottle. The mixture was then heated in a water bath at 35°C until it was a transparent liquid and then cooled to room temperature for 12 h. The hydrophobic DESs were further dried in a desiccator in the presence of P2O5. The prepared DESs are listed in Table 1. The water content in the DESs was 7, 13, 20, 27, and 33 vol%, respectively. All the DESs solutions were equally homogeneous.Table 1
Different composition of DESs applied in this work.
Abbreviation
HBD
Type of HBA
HBD/HBA ratio
DES-1
DecA
N4444-Cl
1 : 2
DES-2
1 : 1
DES-3
2 : 1
DES-4
DecA
N8881-Cl
1 : 2
DES-5
1 : 1
DES-6
2 : 1
DES-7
DecA
N8881-Br
2 : 1
DES-8
1 : 1
DES-9
DecA
N8888-Br
2 : 1


## 2.4. Solubility Tests

Solubility tests were carried out using distilled water, 70% ethanol, and DESs with an excess of the tested compound in a capped bottle and stirring at 40°C for 2 h. The resulting liquids containing undissolved solid compounds were centrifuged and the supernatant was transferred to a 5 mL-microtube, diluted with methanol, and vortexed to a homogeneous solution. The concentration of baicalin in the solution was monitored by HPLC. All solubility tests were performed in triplicate.


## 2.5. Extraction of Baicalin

Scutellaria baicalensisGeorgi was pulverized to finer than 60 mesh; a 0.5 g sample was dispersed in 8 mL DESs in a two-neck pear shaped flask and then extracted in the microwave reactor under the following optimized conditions: ratio of solvent to raw material (16 mL·g−1), extraction time (5 min), extraction temperatures (60°C), and extraction power (900 W). The resulting solution was filtered through a 0.45-μm syringe filter before being used. All experiments were performed in triplicate.


## 2.6. Comparison Experiments

In order to evaluate the efficiency of the DES-based microwave-assisted extraction method, different extraction procedures were compared. Three common extraction techniques were selected as follows: MAE (85°C, 23 mL·g−1, 900 W for 10 min), UAE (23 mL·g−1, 900 W for 10 min), and HRAE (80°C, 133 mL·g−1, for 3 h, in the Chinese pharmacopoeia).


## 3. Results and Discussion

### 3.1. Comparison of Solubility

Dissolution of the active ingredients in herbal medicines is essential for the extraction process, which can be compared directly and evaluated accurately by equilibrium solubility. Therefore, the equilibrium solubility of baicalin in different solvents (e.g., water, 70% ethanol, and DESs) at room temperature was determined for screening and comparison, respectively, and the results are shown in Table2. As shown in Table 2, the equilibrium solubility of baicalin in DES-1, DES-2, and DES-3 was greater than those in water and ethanol. The solubility of baicalin in DES-1 peaked at 19.73 mg·mL−1, which was approximately 240 times the solubility of baicalin in water and 10 times the solubility of baicalin in 70% ethanol, respectively. We speculate that DecA can form strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding with N4444-Cl, while baicalin is a hydroxy compound. Therefore, similar polarity between molecules of DES-1 and baicalin is responsible for their high dissolution [23].Table 2
Solubility of baicalin in different solvents.
Number
Solvents
Solubility of baicalin (mg·mL−1)
(1)
Water
0.08
(2)
70% Ethanol
1.85
(3)
DES-1
19.73
(4)
DES-2
2.74
(5)
DES-3
2.23
(6)
DES-4
1.77
(7)
DES-5
—
(8)
DES-6
1.17
(9)
DES-7
1.3
(10)
DES-8
—
(11)
DES-9
1.28From Table2, it can be seen that there is large variation in the equilibrium solubility of baicalin in different DESs. These results indicated that not only solvent polarity but also other factors such as intermolecular interaction, and especially the ability to form hydrogen bonds between the solvents and baicalin as well as the physical properties of the solvents (e.g., viscosity and surface tension), could affect the solubility of the solute.


### 3.2. Comparison of the Extractability of DESs

The extraction efficiency of nine different hydrophobic DESs was investigated using MAE under the same conditions: extraction time (5 min), extraction temperature (60°C), power (500 W), and liquid-solid ratio (16 mL·g−1). As shown in Figure 1, the results indicated that DES-1 exhibited the strongest extraction efficiency, and the extraction yield reached 50 mg·g−1. Thus, DES-1 was screened for further experiments.Figure 1
Extracted amounts of baicalin using different types of DESs.From Figure1, it can be seen that the extraction yield of baicalin in nine DESs has significant difference. In this study, DecA was designated as the HBD, and the HBAs were chosen from quaternary ammonium salts with different carbon chain lengths. These results indicated that the HBA type and the HBD/HBA molar ratio showed a clear effect on the extraction yield of baicalin. It is generally believed that the extraction efficiency of target compounds can be affected by polarity, diffusion, solubility, viscosity, and surface tension [23].Comparison among DESs formed with HBD-HBA (N4444-Cl, N8881-Cl, N8881-Br, and N8888-Br) indicated that extraction yield decreased a little along with the increase of the length of alkyl chain. This is the reason that the alkyl chain length was longer, the polarity was lower, and the viscosity was higher, so the solubility of baicalin decreased [24].Comparison among DES-1, DES-2, and DES-3 indicated that the extraction yield with DES-1 was maximal. When the HBD/HBA molar ratio decreased from 2 : 1 to 1 : 2, the amounts of HBA increased, and thus resulted in the decrease in viscosity and surface tension, which would enhance their extraction efficiency [25, 26].


### 3.3. Optimization of the Extraction Conditions by RSM

According to the above results, DES-1 was selected as the most appropriate DES for the optimization process to maximize the extraction yield of baicalin. In order to define the effect of various independent variables on extraction yield, single-factor experiments were carried out to select the main variables for the Box-Behnken design (BBD). On the basis of the above single-factor tests, three independent variables including extraction temperature(A), extraction time (B), and the liquid-solid ratio (C) were selected and each factor in the experiment was established and coded at three levels by associated minus signs (−1) for low levels, zero (0) representing the center value, and plus signs (+1) for high levels. The experimental design matrix and levels are shown in Table 3. Then, 3 factors and 3 levels were selected for use in the BBD and 17 experimental runs were employed in this study. The extraction yield of baicalin was set as the response to maximize the value.Table 3
Variables in Box-Behnken design.
Factor
Actual and coded levels used for the conditions
Low (−1)
Medium (0)
High (+1)
A: temperature (°C)
70
80
90
B: time (min)
5
10
15
C: liquid-solid ratio
10
20
30
Dependent variable
Constrains
R
1 = baicalin/(g/mg)
MaximizeThe BBD experiment yielded 17 different formulations expressed in natural units, and the responses are summarized in Table4. The nonlinear regression fitting based on the quadratic model of the Design-Expert software (trial version 8.0.6.1, Stat-Ease Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) was employed to express baicalin extraction yield (YBaicalin) in the equation of dependent variables shown below:(1)YBaicalin=-197.10+6.08A+1.01B+2.28C+0.078AB+3.7510-3AC-0.042BC-0.041A2-0.33B2-0.041C2.Table 4
Box-Behnken design with independent variables and measured response.
Run
FactorA: temperature/°C
FactorB: time/min
FactorC: liquid-solid ratio/(mL·g−1)
Baicalin/(mg·g−1)
(1)
90
10
30
82.82
(2)
70
10
10
73.63
(3)
70
5
20
76.23
(4)
80
5
30
79.01
(5)
90
5
20
73.89
(6)
90
15
20
79.89
(7)
80
15
10
73.48
(8)
80
15
30
74.71
(9)
80
10
20
86.38
(10)
90
10
10
78.35
(11)
70
15
20
66.59
(12)
80
10
20
86.68
(13)
70
10
30
77.95
(14)
80
10
20
86.29
(15)
80
10
20
85.89
(16)
80
10
20
87.02
(17)
80
5
10
69.43Table5 shows the analysis of variance (ANOVA) for the quadratic model. High coefficient determination (r2=0.9955) and nonsignificant lack of fit (p value of 0.1058) indicated that the models were accurate and satisfactory. As shown in Table 5, the interaction terms AB and BC were significant (p<0.01 and p<0.05), indicating a significant effect on baicalin yield. The “Pred R-Squared” of 0.9447 is in reasonable agreement with the “Adj R-Squared” of 0.9898.Table 5
The ANOVA for the experimental results of the BBD.
Source
Sum of squares
df
Mean square
F value
p value Prob > F
Model
648.15
9
72.02
173.65
<0.0001
Significant
A: temperature
52.79
1
52.79
127.28
<0.0001
B: time
1.89
1
1.89
4.56
0.0701
C: liquid-solid ratio
48.02
1
48.02
115.79
<0.0001
AB
61.15
1
61.15
147.45
<0.0001
AC
0.00562
1
0.0052
0.014
0.9106
BC
17.43
1
17.43
42.03
0.0003
A
2
72.03
1
72.03
173.68
<0.0001
B
2
280.77
1
280.77
677.01
<0.0001
C
2
71.77
1
71.77
173.05
<0.0001
Residual
2.90
7
0.41
Lack of fit
2.18
3
0.73
4.03
0.1058
Not significant
Pure error
0.72
4
0.18
Cor total
651.05
16
R2
0.9955
AdjR2
0.9898
PredR2
0.9447The three-dimension surface plots indicated that superposed effects were employed to investigate the interactions between the different variables of extraction temperature(A), extraction time (B), and the liquid-solid ratio (C) on the extraction yield of baicalin (Figures 2(a)–2(c)). In general, the relationship between the extraction yield and the single variable can be described by a quadratic parabola, and the results indicated that the extraction yield gradually enhanced with increasing temperature, extraction time, and the liquid-solid ratio and then decreased to an extent.Figure 2
3D response surface plots of baicalin.
(a)
(b)
(c)Overall, the temperature and extraction time were more important than the liquid-solid ratio. Figure2(a) shows that the liquid-solid ratio had little effect on extraction efficiency when the extraction time was fixed. As shown in Figure 2(b), when the liquid-solid ratio was fixed, the extraction yield gradually rose with increasing temperature, reached a maximum at 84°C, and then decreased. Therefore, the optimal temperature was considered to be 84°C. This increase in extraction yield can be explained by an acceleration of mass transfer caused by increased temperature. However, an excessively high temperature can cause activity loss, damage the target compounds, and increase the solubility of impurities, resulting in a decrease in the extraction yield. As shown in Figure 2(c), when the temperature was fixed, the extraction yield of baicalin increased with increasing extraction time from 5 to 11 min. The yield peaked after 11 min and then significantly decreased. Therefore, the optimal extraction time was determined to be 11 min. Prolonging the irradiation time led to full extraction of the target compounds from the solvent and increasing the extraction time up to 11 min resulted in little volatilization and decomposition, resulting in a small decrease in the extraction yield.The extraction conditions were optimized using the model equation by solving a regression equation with the estimated extraction yield of baicalin. According to optimization of the regression model, the optimum conditions were as follows: extraction temperature of 85°C, extraction time of 10 min and liquid-solid ratio of 23.11 mL·g−1, and the maximum extraction yield was 87.02 mg·g−1.The fixed optimum conditions were used for the verification test, and the prediction was determined from the regression model. Based on the operability of the process, the independent variables were modified to 85°C, 10 min, and 23 mL·g−1, respectively. Under the fixed optimum conditions, parallel tests were repeated three times, and the actual extraction yield obtained was 86.99 mg·g−1, which was in accordance with the predicted value. These results confirmed that the response model was suitable for optimization.


### 3.4. Effect of Water Content in the DESs

As mentioned above, the quaternary ammonium salt-based DESs have strong design ability when the composition and molar ratio between HBD and HBA are adjusted. In addition, the properties of DESs can be tailored in a controlled way by adding water to facilitate their application. It was reported that the addition of water to DESs can change the viscosity, surface tension, and polarity, which may affect the extraction efficiency of target compounds [27].In order to achieve a better extraction yield, the water content of the hydrophobic DESs-containing aqueous solutions on extraction yield was investigated. Due to the weak intersolubility of DES-1 and water, the water content was set at 0, 7, 13, 20, 27, and 33 vol% in the DES-water solutions. The DESs-containing aqueous solutions at different concentrations were used to extract baicalin under the above optimum conditions, and the results are shown in Figure3. The results indicated that the extraction yield increased constantly with water content, and reached 106.96 mg·g−1 at a water content of 33 vol% in the DES-1 containing aqueous solutions.Figure 3
Effect of water content in DESs on the extraction ability.We speculate that reasons for this phenomenon may be due to the addition of water, which may lead to a significant alteration in the physical and chemical characteristics as well as the hydrogen bonding network of DESs. The above predictions were confirmed by our results, which indicated that changing polarity of the diluted DESs has an obvious influence on the extraction capacity of different types of DESs. Furthermore, for hydrophobic DESs, the optimal water content may be also correlated with the viscosity of DESs.


### 3.5. Comparison of Extraction Methods

Comparisons of different methods and extraction solvents were carried out, and the extraction yield of baicalin in 33 vol% DESs-containing aqueous solutions and 70 vol% ethanol under the MAE, UAE, and HRAE was determined, respectively. The extraction yields using these methods are listed in Table6.Table 6
Extraction contents of the baicalin using various extraction procedures.
Extract method
Solvent
Baicalin (mg·g−1)
UAE
70% ethyl alcohol
60.92
Moisture content 33% of DES
69.05
HRAE
70% ethyl alcohol
104.94
Moisture content 33% of DES
93.71
MAE
70% ethyl alcohol
95.14
Moisture content 33% of DES
106.96The results showed that the extraction efficiency obtained with these methods was in accordance with the following order: MAE > HRAE > UAE. As shown in Table6, the maximum extraction yield was 106.96 mg·g−1 using the DES-based MAE, which is slightly higher than that extracted by 70 vol% ethanol-based HRAE (104.94 mg·g−1). The obtained extraction yields by these two methods were very similar; however, the extraction time in DES-based MAE was only 10 min, which was far less than that with 70% ethanol-based HRAE (3 h).These results showed that ethanol-based HRAE (3 h) and DESs treatment made a significant contribution to the extraction efficiency of baicalin. When microwave radiation heating was compared with traditional heating and ultrasonic penetration, it was found that the dissolution and diffusion rate of baicalin from the plant cells were faster heated by microwave radiation. It is known that the microwave heating has the advantages of homogeneous heating, high speed, and high heat efficiency, which may be responsible for the higher extraction efficiency and shorter extraction time [28, 29]. In addition, the DESs can accelerate plant cell rupture and release of the intracellular products by damaging the cell walls [30–33]. Therefore, the DES-based MAE could be developed into a more rapid and effective extraction method for the efficient extraction of target compounds.


### 3.6. Microstructure Alterations during the Different Extraction Procedures

In order to determine microstructure alterations using the different extraction methods, raw and extractedScutellaria baicalensisGeorgi samples were examined by SEM (Figure 4). It can be seen in Figure 4(a) that the external surface of the raw sample was smooth with no apparent disruption on the cell surface. During hot reflux extraction, only a few slightly ruptured (Figures 4(b) and 4(e)); this is due to the fact that the heat transfer was mainly implemented by conduction and convection, which have little effect on the disruption of plant cells. Thus, the target compounds were extracted mainly through solubilization and permeation and the extraction time was long. Following UAE, the sample was partially destroyed and a few significant ruptures were observed on the cell surface (Figures 4(c) and 4(f)); this may be because the ultrasonic energy only has a destructive impact on the plant cell wall. Therefore, only part of target compounds can be extracted and the extraction yields was lower. After extraction using MAE for 10 min, plant cells were not clear and appeared completely disrupted and collapsed in different solvents (Figures 4(d) and 4(g)). In the process of MAE, pressure build-up within the glands could have exceeded their capacity for expansion and caused their rupture more rapidly and completely. Hence, the extraction time was shorter and the extraction yields were higher.Figure 4
SEM images ofScutellaria baicalensisGeorgi samples. (a) Raw materials. (b) DES-based HRAE. (c) DES-based UAE. (d) DES-based MAE. (e) 70% ethanol-based HRAE. (f) 70% ethanol-based UAE. (g) 70% ethanol-based MAE.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)As for the same extraction methods, the degree of disruption of plant cells was in the following order: DESs-based HRAE (Figure4(b)) > 70 vol% ethanol-based HRAE (Figure 4(e)), DESs (Figure 4(c))-based UAE > 70 vol% ethanol-based UAE (Figure 4(f)), DESs-based MAE (Figure 4(d)) > 70 vol% ethanol-based MAE (Figure 4(g)). The results indicated that the plant cells were easily disrupted in DESs conditions. This may be due to the fact that DESs damage the cell wall by fiber dissolution [34] and the target compounds were extracted from the plant cells.Generally, the SEM results of microstructure alterations coincided with data on the corresponding extraction efficiency, which demonstrated that cell rupture had a significant effect on extraction [29]. Furthermore, the SEM results revealed the extraction mechanisms from the microstructure point of view.


## 3.1. Comparison of Solubility

Dissolution of the active ingredients in herbal medicines is essential for the extraction process, which can be compared directly and evaluated accurately by equilibrium solubility. Therefore, the equilibrium solubility of baicalin in different solvents (e.g., water, 70% ethanol, and DESs) at room temperature was determined for screening and comparison, respectively, and the results are shown in Table2. As shown in Table 2, the equilibrium solubility of baicalin in DES-1, DES-2, and DES-3 was greater than those in water and ethanol. The solubility of baicalin in DES-1 peaked at 19.73 mg·mL−1, which was approximately 240 times the solubility of baicalin in water and 10 times the solubility of baicalin in 70% ethanol, respectively. We speculate that DecA can form strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding with N4444-Cl, while baicalin is a hydroxy compound. Therefore, similar polarity between molecules of DES-1 and baicalin is responsible for their high dissolution [23].Table 2
Solubility of baicalin in different solvents.
Number
Solvents
Solubility of baicalin (mg·mL−1)
(1)
Water
0.08
(2)
70% Ethanol
1.85
(3)
DES-1
19.73
(4)
DES-2
2.74
(5)
DES-3
2.23
(6)
DES-4
1.77
(7)
DES-5
—
(8)
DES-6
1.17
(9)
DES-7
1.3
(10)
DES-8
—
(11)
DES-9
1.28From Table2, it can be seen that there is large variation in the equilibrium solubility of baicalin in different DESs. These results indicated that not only solvent polarity but also other factors such as intermolecular interaction, and especially the ability to form hydrogen bonds between the solvents and baicalin as well as the physical properties of the solvents (e.g., viscosity and surface tension), could affect the solubility of the solute.


## 3.2. Comparison of the Extractability of DESs

The extraction efficiency of nine different hydrophobic DESs was investigated using MAE under the same conditions: extraction time (5 min), extraction temperature (60°C), power (500 W), and liquid-solid ratio (16 mL·g−1). As shown in Figure 1, the results indicated that DES-1 exhibited the strongest extraction efficiency, and the extraction yield reached 50 mg·g−1. Thus, DES-1 was screened for further experiments.Figure 1
Extracted amounts of baicalin using different types of DESs.From Figure1, it can be seen that the extraction yield of baicalin in nine DESs has significant difference. In this study, DecA was designated as the HBD, and the HBAs were chosen from quaternary ammonium salts with different carbon chain lengths. These results indicated that the HBA type and the HBD/HBA molar ratio showed a clear effect on the extraction yield of baicalin. It is generally believed that the extraction efficiency of target compounds can be affected by polarity, diffusion, solubility, viscosity, and surface tension [23].Comparison among DESs formed with HBD-HBA (N4444-Cl, N8881-Cl, N8881-Br, and N8888-Br) indicated that extraction yield decreased a little along with the increase of the length of alkyl chain. This is the reason that the alkyl chain length was longer, the polarity was lower, and the viscosity was higher, so the solubility of baicalin decreased [24].Comparison among DES-1, DES-2, and DES-3 indicated that the extraction yield with DES-1 was maximal. When the HBD/HBA molar ratio decreased from 2 : 1 to 1 : 2, the amounts of HBA increased, and thus resulted in the decrease in viscosity and surface tension, which would enhance their extraction efficiency [25, 26].


## 3.3. Optimization of the Extraction Conditions by RSM

According to the above results, DES-1 was selected as the most appropriate DES for the optimization process to maximize the extraction yield of baicalin. In order to define the effect of various independent variables on extraction yield, single-factor experiments were carried out to select the main variables for the Box-Behnken design (BBD). On the basis of the above single-factor tests, three independent variables including extraction temperature(A), extraction time (B), and the liquid-solid ratio (C) were selected and each factor in the experiment was established and coded at three levels by associated minus signs (−1) for low levels, zero (0) representing the center value, and plus signs (+1) for high levels. The experimental design matrix and levels are shown in Table 3. Then, 3 factors and 3 levels were selected for use in the BBD and 17 experimental runs were employed in this study. The extraction yield of baicalin was set as the response to maximize the value.Table 3
Variables in Box-Behnken design.
Factor
Actual and coded levels used for the conditions
Low (−1)
Medium (0)
High (+1)
A: temperature (°C)
70
80
90
B: time (min)
5
10
15
C: liquid-solid ratio
10
20
30
Dependent variable
Constrains
R
1 = baicalin/(g/mg)
MaximizeThe BBD experiment yielded 17 different formulations expressed in natural units, and the responses are summarized in Table4. The nonlinear regression fitting based on the quadratic model of the Design-Expert software (trial version 8.0.6.1, Stat-Ease Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) was employed to express baicalin extraction yield (YBaicalin) in the equation of dependent variables shown below:(1)YBaicalin=-197.10+6.08A+1.01B+2.28C+0.078AB+3.7510-3AC-0.042BC-0.041A2-0.33B2-0.041C2.Table 4
Box-Behnken design with independent variables and measured response.
Run
FactorA: temperature/°C
FactorB: time/min
FactorC: liquid-solid ratio/(mL·g−1)
Baicalin/(mg·g−1)
(1)
90
10
30
82.82
(2)
70
10
10
73.63
(3)
70
5
20
76.23
(4)
80
5
30
79.01
(5)
90
5
20
73.89
(6)
90
15
20
79.89
(7)
80
15
10
73.48
(8)
80
15
30
74.71
(9)
80
10
20
86.38
(10)
90
10
10
78.35
(11)
70
15
20
66.59
(12)
80
10
20
86.68
(13)
70
10
30
77.95
(14)
80
10
20
86.29
(15)
80
10
20
85.89
(16)
80
10
20
87.02
(17)
80
5
10
69.43Table5 shows the analysis of variance (ANOVA) for the quadratic model. High coefficient determination (r2=0.9955) and nonsignificant lack of fit (p value of 0.1058) indicated that the models were accurate and satisfactory. As shown in Table 5, the interaction terms AB and BC were significant (p<0.01 and p<0.05), indicating a significant effect on baicalin yield. The “Pred R-Squared” of 0.9447 is in reasonable agreement with the “Adj R-Squared” of 0.9898.Table 5
The ANOVA for the experimental results of the BBD.
Source
Sum of squares
df
Mean square
F value
p value Prob > F
Model
648.15
9
72.02
173.65
<0.0001
Significant
A: temperature
52.79
1
52.79
127.28
<0.0001
B: time
1.89
1
1.89
4.56
0.0701
C: liquid-solid ratio
48.02
1
48.02
115.79
<0.0001
AB
61.15
1
61.15
147.45
<0.0001
AC
0.00562
1
0.0052
0.014
0.9106
BC
17.43
1
17.43
42.03
0.0003
A
2
72.03
1
72.03
173.68
<0.0001
B
2
280.77
1
280.77
677.01
<0.0001
C
2
71.77
1
71.77
173.05
<0.0001
Residual
2.90
7
0.41
Lack of fit
2.18
3
0.73
4.03
0.1058
Not significant
Pure error
0.72
4
0.18
Cor total
651.05
16
R2
0.9955
AdjR2
0.9898
PredR2
0.9447The three-dimension surface plots indicated that superposed effects were employed to investigate the interactions between the different variables of extraction temperature(A), extraction time (B), and the liquid-solid ratio (C) on the extraction yield of baicalin (Figures 2(a)–2(c)). In general, the relationship between the extraction yield and the single variable can be described by a quadratic parabola, and the results indicated that the extraction yield gradually enhanced with increasing temperature, extraction time, and the liquid-solid ratio and then decreased to an extent.Figure 2
3D response surface plots of baicalin.
(a)
(b)
(c)Overall, the temperature and extraction time were more important than the liquid-solid ratio. Figure2(a) shows that the liquid-solid ratio had little effect on extraction efficiency when the extraction time was fixed. As shown in Figure 2(b), when the liquid-solid ratio was fixed, the extraction yield gradually rose with increasing temperature, reached a maximum at 84°C, and then decreased. Therefore, the optimal temperature was considered to be 84°C. This increase in extraction yield can be explained by an acceleration of mass transfer caused by increased temperature. However, an excessively high temperature can cause activity loss, damage the target compounds, and increase the solubility of impurities, resulting in a decrease in the extraction yield. As shown in Figure 2(c), when the temperature was fixed, the extraction yield of baicalin increased with increasing extraction time from 5 to 11 min. The yield peaked after 11 min and then significantly decreased. Therefore, the optimal extraction time was determined to be 11 min. Prolonging the irradiation time led to full extraction of the target compounds from the solvent and increasing the extraction time up to 11 min resulted in little volatilization and decomposition, resulting in a small decrease in the extraction yield.The extraction conditions were optimized using the model equation by solving a regression equation with the estimated extraction yield of baicalin. According to optimization of the regression model, the optimum conditions were as follows: extraction temperature of 85°C, extraction time of 10 min and liquid-solid ratio of 23.11 mL·g−1, and the maximum extraction yield was 87.02 mg·g−1.The fixed optimum conditions were used for the verification test, and the prediction was determined from the regression model. Based on the operability of the process, the independent variables were modified to 85°C, 10 min, and 23 mL·g−1, respectively. Under the fixed optimum conditions, parallel tests were repeated three times, and the actual extraction yield obtained was 86.99 mg·g−1, which was in accordance with the predicted value. These results confirmed that the response model was suitable for optimization.


## 3.4. Effect of Water Content in the DESs

As mentioned above, the quaternary ammonium salt-based DESs have strong design ability when the composition and molar ratio between HBD and HBA are adjusted. In addition, the properties of DESs can be tailored in a controlled way by adding water to facilitate their application. It was reported that the addition of water to DESs can change the viscosity, surface tension, and polarity, which may affect the extraction efficiency of target compounds [27].In order to achieve a better extraction yield, the water content of the hydrophobic DESs-containing aqueous solutions on extraction yield was investigated. Due to the weak intersolubility of DES-1 and water, the water content was set at 0, 7, 13, 20, 27, and 33 vol% in the DES-water solutions. The DESs-containing aqueous solutions at different concentrations were used to extract baicalin under the above optimum conditions, and the results are shown in Figure3. The results indicated that the extraction yield increased constantly with water content, and reached 106.96 mg·g−1 at a water content of 33 vol% in the DES-1 containing aqueous solutions.Figure 3
Effect of water content in DESs on the extraction ability.We speculate that reasons for this phenomenon may be due to the addition of water, which may lead to a significant alteration in the physical and chemical characteristics as well as the hydrogen bonding network of DESs. The above predictions were confirmed by our results, which indicated that changing polarity of the diluted DESs has an obvious influence on the extraction capacity of different types of DESs. Furthermore, for hydrophobic DESs, the optimal water content may be also correlated with the viscosity of DESs.


## 3.5. Comparison of Extraction Methods

Comparisons of different methods and extraction solvents were carried out, and the extraction yield of baicalin in 33 vol% DESs-containing aqueous solutions and 70 vol% ethanol under the MAE, UAE, and HRAE was determined, respectively. The extraction yields using these methods are listed in Table6.Table 6
Extraction contents of the baicalin using various extraction procedures.
Extract method
Solvent
Baicalin (mg·g−1)
UAE
70% ethyl alcohol
60.92
Moisture content 33% of DES
69.05
HRAE
70% ethyl alcohol
104.94
Moisture content 33% of DES
93.71
MAE
70% ethyl alcohol
95.14
Moisture content 33% of DES
106.96The results showed that the extraction efficiency obtained with these methods was in accordance with the following order: MAE > HRAE > UAE. As shown in Table6, the maximum extraction yield was 106.96 mg·g−1 using the DES-based MAE, which is slightly higher than that extracted by 70 vol% ethanol-based HRAE (104.94 mg·g−1). The obtained extraction yields by these two methods were very similar; however, the extraction time in DES-based MAE was only 10 min, which was far less than that with 70% ethanol-based HRAE (3 h).These results showed that ethanol-based HRAE (3 h) and DESs treatment made a significant contribution to the extraction efficiency of baicalin. When microwave radiation heating was compared with traditional heating and ultrasonic penetration, it was found that the dissolution and diffusion rate of baicalin from the plant cells were faster heated by microwave radiation. It is known that the microwave heating has the advantages of homogeneous heating, high speed, and high heat efficiency, which may be responsible for the higher extraction efficiency and shorter extraction time [28, 29]. In addition, the DESs can accelerate plant cell rupture and release of the intracellular products by damaging the cell walls [30–33]. Therefore, the DES-based MAE could be developed into a more rapid and effective extraction method for the efficient extraction of target compounds.


## 3.6. Microstructure Alterations during the Different Extraction Procedures

In order to determine microstructure alterations using the different extraction methods, raw and extractedScutellaria baicalensisGeorgi samples were examined by SEM (Figure 4). It can be seen in Figure 4(a) that the external surface of the raw sample was smooth with no apparent disruption on the cell surface. During hot reflux extraction, only a few slightly ruptured (Figures 4(b) and 4(e)); this is due to the fact that the heat transfer was mainly implemented by conduction and convection, which have little effect on the disruption of plant cells. Thus, the target compounds were extracted mainly through solubilization and permeation and the extraction time was long. Following UAE, the sample was partially destroyed and a few significant ruptures were observed on the cell surface (Figures 4(c) and 4(f)); this may be because the ultrasonic energy only has a destructive impact on the plant cell wall. Therefore, only part of target compounds can be extracted and the extraction yields was lower. After extraction using MAE for 10 min, plant cells were not clear and appeared completely disrupted and collapsed in different solvents (Figures 4(d) and 4(g)). In the process of MAE, pressure build-up within the glands could have exceeded their capacity for expansion and caused their rupture more rapidly and completely. Hence, the extraction time was shorter and the extraction yields were higher.Figure 4
SEM images ofScutellaria baicalensisGeorgi samples. (a) Raw materials. (b) DES-based HRAE. (c) DES-based UAE. (d) DES-based MAE. (e) 70% ethanol-based HRAE. (f) 70% ethanol-based UAE. (g) 70% ethanol-based MAE.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)As for the same extraction methods, the degree of disruption of plant cells was in the following order: DESs-based HRAE (Figure4(b)) > 70 vol% ethanol-based HRAE (Figure 4(e)), DESs (Figure 4(c))-based UAE > 70 vol% ethanol-based UAE (Figure 4(f)), DESs-based MAE (Figure 4(d)) > 70 vol% ethanol-based MAE (Figure 4(g)). The results indicated that the plant cells were easily disrupted in DESs conditions. This may be due to the fact that DESs damage the cell wall by fiber dissolution [34] and the target compounds were extracted from the plant cells.Generally, the SEM results of microstructure alterations coincided with data on the corresponding extraction efficiency, which demonstrated that cell rupture had a significant effect on extraction [29]. Furthermore, the SEM results revealed the extraction mechanisms from the microstructure point of view.


## 4. Conclusions

The eco-friendliness and low cost of DESs highlight their potential as green solvents for the highly efficient extraction of baicalin fromScutellaria baicalensis Georgi. The most appropriate DES was DES-1, which was screened from the nine hydrophobic DESs by evaluating the equilibrium solubility and extraction efficiency. The extraction conditions were carefully optimized and determined by RSM combined with BBD. Under optimal conditions (extraction temperature of 85°C, extraction time of 10 min, and a liquid-solid ratio of 23 mL·g−1), the extraction yield was 106.96 mg·g−1 in DES-1 containing aqueous solutions. When compared with the traditional procedures (e.g., HRAE, UAE), the DES-based microwave-assisted extraction method was demonstrated to have higher feasibility and superiority, and the microstructure alterations following the different extraction procedures confirmed that cell disruption also affected the extraction efficiency. In conclusion, this new method was characterized by mild processing conditions, high-efficiency, eco-friendliness, and easy realization of commercial production. The microstructure alterations following the different extraction procedures confirmed that cell disruption also affected the extraction efficiency.



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*Source: 9579872-2018-01-08.xml*