Development of Industrial Technology of Inulin Production from Dandelion Roots (Taraxacum officinale Wigg.)

A method of extraction with forced circulation of extractant was used for exhaustive extraction of inulin from dandelion roots (Taraxacum officinaleWigg.). Inulin samples were obtained by three methods that were evaluated by inulin yield and purity. The results were used to develop an industrial technology for inulin production from dandelion roots that consisted of extraction of roots with water at 80°C, circulation of the extractant at a rate of 90 L/h, concentration of the extract to 70% dry residue, precipitation of inulin by adding 95% EtOH in a concentrate(EtOH volume ratio of 1:4, and sedimentation for 8 h. Inulin was produced in 30.0% yield of the raw material mass with a purity of at least 80%. The following characteristics were determined: mass loss on drying ≤5.0%; ash content ≤2%; heavy metals ≤0.001%; inulin content ≥80.0%. The resulting product complied with standards for the contents of toxic elements, pesticides, and radionuclides and was safe for use in the pharmaceutical and food industries.