Impact of Sonication on the Yield and Properties of Starch and Polyphenols from Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Rhizome

This study evaluates the impact of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) on starch and polyphenol recovery from cassava rhizomes (Manihot esculenta Crantz). Using a Box–Behnken design, key parameters—i.e., temperature, time, and solid-to-liquid ratio—were optimized for maximum yield. The extracted starch and polyphenols were characterized for their physicochemical and functional properties, including swelling and solubility indices, oil and water absorption, and antioxidant activity. UAE achieved optimal conditions at 40 °C, 10 min, and a 1:2.5 g/mL solid-to-liquid ratio, yielding 16.51% starch, a significant improvement over the conventional method (12.02%). In addition, the UAE extract presented a total phenolic content of 7644.46 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE) per 100 g of dry extract and an antioxidant activity of 68.65% inhibition in the DPPH assay. UAE-treated starch granules exhibited structural integrity comparable to those extracted conventionally, with improved extraction efficiency attributed to the cavitation effect of ultrasonic waves. This green technology offers a sustainable alternative, reducing energy consumption while maintaining the functionality of the extracted compounds. The findings support UAE as a relevant method for extracting functional starch and phenolic extracts, with potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.