Research Article Published: February 24, 2026 Volume 2, Issue 1

Modelling Of Picralima Nitida Extraction and Optimization of the Effect of Process Parameters Using Artificial Neural Network and Response Surface Methodology

Authors

Joshua. E.O.1

Affiliation: Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Benin, Benin City, PMB 1154.

Oyedoh. E.A.1

Affiliation: Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Benin, Benin City, PMB 1154.

Victory I.A1

Affiliation: Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Benin, Benin City, PMB 1154.

Aiwekhoe S.E1

Affiliation: Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Benin, Benin City, PMB 1154.

Abstract

This study explores the extraction of bioactive components from the deciduous tree Picralima nitida, which is utilized in pharmacology and traditional medicine. The components, including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins, were extracted using ethanol as the solvent under different conditions such as particle size, temperature, and extraction time. The goal was to optimize the extraction process to achieve the highest yield. The study revealed that extraction yield was directly proportional to both temperature and time, while it had an inverse relationship with particle size. Two optimization tools, artificial neural network (ANN) and response surface methodology (RSM), were employed to model and optimize the extraction process. RSM was used to develop a quadratic model for predicting extraction yield based on variations in particle size, temperature, and extraction time. ANN, on the other hand, utilized the Bayesian regularization learning algorithm with the hyperbolic tangent (Tanh) function for the hidden and output layers, proving to be the superior model for predicting extraction yield. The performance of both models was evaluated using R2 and RMSE values. ANN yielded an R2 value of 0.97708 and an RMSE value of 0.063578, while RSM resulted in an R2 value of 0.9296 and an RMSE value of 2.07. Despite RSM predicting a higher optimum yield of 42.87 at 90°C, 50 minutes, and 1mm for temperature, extraction time, and particle size, respectively, ANN provided a more accurate prediction of 40.5762 under the same conditions. Therefore, based on the predicted yields, ANN is recommended as the more effective tool for modelling and optimizing the extraction process.

Keywords

Picralima nitida Artificial Neural Network Response Surface Methodology Soxhlet extraction Bioactive components Process optimization Extraction yield GC-MS analysis Phytochemicals Predictive modelling Secondary metabolites Traditional medicine Process parameters

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How to Cite

APA Style:

Joshua, E.O., Oyedoh, E.A., Victory, I.A., & Aiwekhoe, S.E. (2026). Modelling of Picralima nitida extraction and optimization of the effect of process parameters using artificial neural network and response surface methodology. International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Related Sciences, 2(1), 21-35.

IEEE Style:

E.O. Joshua, E.A. Oyedoh, I.A. Victory, and S.E. Aiwekhoe, "Modelling of Picralima nitida extraction and optimization of the effect of process parameters using artificial neural network and response surface methodology," International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Related Sciences, vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 21-35, 2026.

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