| Abstract: | A micelle-mediated extraction and cloud point preconcentration of chlorophylls method was developed. Non-ionic surfactant (Genapol X-080) was employed as an alternative and effective extraction solvent. The optimal extraction parameters based on the micelle extraction technique were determined. Under optimal conditions, i.e., 5% Genapol X-080 (v/v), pH 9.0, liquid/solid ratio of 10:1 (mL g?1), ultrasonic-assisted extraction for 30 min, extraction amount reached the highest value. For the preconcentration of chlorophylls by cloud point extraction (CPE), the solution was incubated at 50° for 30 min, and 0.1 g mL?1 sodium chloride was added to the solution to facilitate the phase separation. The microstructure of coacervate phase after CPE was explored with transmitting electron microscopy. The preconcentration factor for chlorophylls was about 12.5, the extraction recovery approached 99.2%, and the loading capacity was about 1 mg mL?1. Thus coupling of ultrasonic-assisted micelle extraction and cloud point extraction could be employed as a new and effective technique for the rapid extraction and preconcentration of chlorophylls from plants such as spinach. |
