Optimization of clove oil hydro-distillation: Effects of process parameters on yield and bioactive compound recovery

• Experimental optimization of clove oil hydro-distillation was performed. • Process parameters significantly influenced oil yield and bioactive compound recovery. • HPLC, antioxidant, and antibacterial assays confirmed high product quality. • Optimal conditions were identified as 200 W heating and 500 mL collected distillate. • Energy and cost analyses demonstrated process efficiency and sustainability. This study focuses on the experimental optimization of clove ( Syzygium aromaticum ) oil extraction via hydro-distillation, with particular emphasis on the recovery of biologically active compounds responsible for the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of targeted oil. The objective was to determine the optimal process parameters that ensure maximum extraction efficiency of these bioactive constituents while maintaining cost-effectiveness and product quality. The extracted oils were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography to quantify major phenolic and aromatic constituents, including eugenol and related derivatives. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH radical scavenging assay, enabling quantitative evaluation of the radical-quenching capacity per milliliter of clove oil. Antibacterial potential was evaluated using the agar disk diffusion method against Escherichia coli K12 407 and Bacillus subtilis 3562, with inhibition zones providing a measure of antibacterial efficacy. Process variables such as heating intensity and distillate volume were systematically studied in relation to oil yield, energy consumption, and bioactivity. The optimal conditions were identified at a heating intensity of 200 W with a distillate collection of 500 mL. Under these conditions, 1.219 g of clove oil was obtained from 25 g of dried clove buds, corresponding to a yield of 4.88%. The oil extracted under these optimized parameters exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity and strongest antibacterial activity, correlating with the highest concentration of eugenol detected by HPLC. These findings demonstrate that hydro-distillation optimization not only enhances oil yield but also maximizes the recovery of bioactive compounds, supporting the efficient and sustainable production of high-quality clove essential oil with significant biotechnological potential.