Aqueous Two-Phase Extraction of Anthocyanin from Fruits of Garcinia indica

Synthetic colorants and flavouring compounds are posing serious health concerns and hence natural pigments are in the spotlight due to their health benefits and consumer acceptance. Anthocyanin pigments are considered as an important additive in food and medicine due to their antioxidant and anti-microbial properties along with attractive colour. Aqueous two-phase Extraction (ATPE) was used to purify anthocyanin from Garcinia indica from accompanying sugars and proteins. Various PEG-salt and water miscible alcohol-salts ATPS were screened for the extraction of anthocyanin and 1-propanol-magnesium sulfate system was found to be superior. The binodal curve of the selected system was developed at 303.15 K and the effect of 1-propanol and magnesium sulphate concentrations, was studied on the partitioning coefficient and yield of anthocyanin. The maximum yield (98.51%) of anthocyanins with a partitioning coefficient of 70.36 and reduction of 85.92% sugars was achieved in the system which contains the composition of 30% (w/w) of 1-propanol and 32% (w/w) MgSO₄.