Optimizing the incorporation of aloe vera in yacon slices (Smallanthus sonchifolius Poepp. & Endl.) through vacuum impregnation using response surface methodology

The objective of this research was to optimize the parameters of the vacuum impregnation of dehydrated yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius Poepp. & Endl.) with Aloe vera. Samples of yacon 40 mm in diameter and 5 mm in thickness and Aloe Gold Seal-Natural 200X (AGS) in aqueous solution (15 g/100 mL) were used. The impregnation process was tested by varying the pressure, [98.2-451.8] mbar, and time, [7.9-22.1] min, of treatment, with the volumetric and mass fractions of Aloe vera in the yacon samples reaching [0.0418- 0.2023] m³ solution/m³ yacon and [21.1650- 55.4374] mg aloe/100 g yacon, respectively. The optimization was determined from the results of the process and using response surface methodology, yielding maximum mass and volumetric fractions at 451,777 mbar and 22,0711 minutes. Therefore, it is possible to impregnate yacon with Aloe vera and optimize the process.