(a)   Sonication –

Sonication extraction is a process that uses ultrasound waves to extract phytochemicals and other compounds from plant materials. Ultrasound waves are high-frequency sound waves that are inaudible to the human ear. When ultrasound waves are passed through a liquid, they create cavitation bubbles. These cavitation bubbles collapse violently, creating shock waves and shear forces that can disrupt cell walls and release intracellular contents.

 

Procedure –

The plant material is ground into a fine powder.

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The powder is suspended in a solvent, such as water or ethanol.

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The suspension is placed in a sonication bath.

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The sonication bath is turned on and the suspension is sonicated for a period.

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The suspension is filtered to remove the plant material.

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The extract is concentrated using a rotary evaporator or other suitable method.

 

Bath Sonicator

Probe Sonicator

Note- Why sonication Extraction is also called as Acoustic Wave extraction?

ð Sonication is known as acoustic wave extraction because it uses sound waves to extract compounds from plant materials. The sound waves used in sonication are high-frequency ultrasound waves, which are inaudible to the human ear (Acoustic Wave).

ð Ultrasound waves can be used to generate cavitation bubbles in a liquid. Cavitation bubbles are small bubbles that collapse violently, creating shock waves and shear forces. These shock waves and shear forces can disrupt cell walls and release intracellular contents.

(b)  Microwave Extraction –

Microwave extraction (MAE) is a method of extracting phytochemicals from plants using microwave radiation.

-        Microwaves cause the water molecules in the plant material to vibrate and heat up, which helps to break down the cell walls and release the phytochemicals.

-        effective for extracting heat-sensitive phytochemicals