Effect of Various Diluents on the Result of Particle Size Analyzing Process of Theobroma cacao Pod Husk Extract

Introduction: Extract of Theobroma cacao pod husk has been inspected for its application in dental therapy. Conventional maceration and ultrasonic-assisted extraction technique are several ways to produce the extract. In the process, particle size reduction could happen, which has a beneficial effect. Various tools could be used to examine the particle size of materials. Particle Size Analyzer is the most accurate tool to meet the requisite. A diluent is needed to perform the test using a particle size analyzer. Water is a suggestive diluent, but other diluents could be used, such as ethanol. Methods: In this study, extract of Theobroma cacao pod husk was prepared using conventional maceration and ultrasonic-assisted extraction. Those extracts were examined using a particle size analyzer with different diluents. Results: The study showed that ethanol as a diluent produced smaller particles than water. On conventional maceration extract, when ethanol was used as the diluent, the average particle size was 221.9 ± 49.7 nm; when water was used as the diluent, the average particle was 1,689 ± 359 nm. On ultrasonic-assisted extraction extract, the average particle size was 107.8 ± 27 nm when ethanol was used as the diluent. When water was used as the diluent, the average particle was 320.8 ± 81.6 nm. Conclusion: The diluent used in the particle size analysis process will determine the results. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the diluent used in the particle size analysis process to have reliable results.