Application of Laplacian Biogeography-Based optimization: Optimal extraction of bioactive compounds from Ashwgandha

Abstract

In this paper, the problem of extraction of bioactive compounds from the plant Ashwagandha is formulated as a nonlinear unconstrained optimization problem with more than one objective. Further this problem is solved using Laplacian Biogeography-Based Optimization. This paper focuses on the maximum extraction of two bioactive compounds (withaferin A and withanolide-A) from the roots of Ashwgandha (Withania somnifera). There are two objective functions each representing the maximizing of two bioactive compounds, i.e., withaferin A and withanolide A. The output of the yields is dependent on two factors namely, concentration of methanol and extraction temperature. This nonlinear optimization problem is converted into single objective problem using weighted sum approach and then solved using Laplacian Biogeography-Based Optimization (LX-BBO). Comparing these results with the previously reported results, it can be concluded that LX-BBO works comparatively well for these kind of optimization problems. © Springer Science+Business Media Singapore 2016.