ULTRASOUND-ASSISTED EXTRACTION OF LYCOPENE AND beta-CAROTENE FROM TOMATO-PROCESSING WASTES

Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of lycopene and beta-carotene from tomato-processing wastes were investigated. Hexane: acetone: ethanol (2:1:1 v/v/v) including 0.05% (w/v) butylated hydroxyl toluene (BHT) was used as a solvent, with 1:35 w/v solid liquid ratio at 15 +/- 5 degrees C. Ultrasonic power (50, 65, 90W) was applied in UAE for 1-30 min. Conventional organic solvent extraction (COSE) was applied under the same solvent and temperature conditions for 10-40 min. UAE was more effective and required a shorter time than COSE. Maximum lycopene and beta-carotene yields were obtained using 90W ultrasonic power for 30 and 15 min, respectively.