Evaluation of the effects of pressurized solvents and extraction process parameters on seed oil extraction in Pachira aquatica

• Published in: The Journal of supercritical fluids 2020-07, Vol.161, p.104823, Article 104823
• Main Authors: Lopes, Naielen de Lara, de Almeida-Couto, Jéssica Maria Ferreira, da Silva, Camila, Bisinotto Pereira, Mariana, Colombo Pimentel, Tatiana, Barão, Carlos Eduardo, Cardozo -Filho, Lúcio
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bioactive compounds; Carbon dioxide; Fatty acids; Mathematical modeling; Propane
• ISSN: 0896-8446; 1872-8162
• DOI: 10.1016/j.supflu.2020.104823

[Display omitted] •Extraction of monguba oil with subcritical propane is a viable alternative.•The suggested pressure of 6 MPa and temperature of 45 °C.•The kinetic behavior of extraction was represented by Sovová's mathematical model.•Oil extraction with pressurized n-propane showed higher concentrations of bioactive compounds. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the type of pressurized fluid and the extraction process parameters on the yield, fatty acid profile, and bioactive compounds of monguba oil. The kinetic behavior of oil extraction was satisfactorily represented by Sovová's mathematical model. The use of n-propane resulted in higher oil yields compared to the use of CO2 with co-solvent. The yield obtained with propane extraction was lower than that obtained with Soxhlet extraction, but with significant process time saving (30 min vs. 16 h). The fatty acid profile was influenced by the solvent type and process parameters and the use of n-propane at lower temperatures (30 °C). Thus, we concluded that the extraction of monguba oil with the use of subcritical propane is a viable alternative resulting in time saving and oils with higher concentration of bioactive compounds.