Abstract:

Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize the extraction conditions of oil from Sloanea hemsleyana seeds. According to single factor investigations, extraction pressure, temperature and duration and separation temperature were the most important factors affecting oil yield, and carbon dioxide flow rate of 25 kg/h and material particle size of 40 mesh were optimal for oil extraction from Sloanea hemsleyana seeds. A mathematical model with oil yield as a response to extraction pressure, temperature and duration and separation temperature was established using Box-Behnken central composite experimental design. This was followed by response surface analysis. It was found that the optimal process conditions for oil extraction from Sloanea hemsleyana seeds were as follows: extraction pressure 31 MPa; extraction temperature 47 ℃; separation temperature 34 ℃; and extraction duration 72 min and that the resultant oil yield was 48.57%. Meanwhile, GC-MS analysis of fatty acid composition of the extracted oil was conducted, and the results showed that the oil was abundant in unsaturated fatty acids contained 35.17% of oleic acid and 19.76% of linoleic acid.

Key words: Sloanea hemsleyana seed oil, supercritical carbon dioxide extraction, technological conditions, response surface analysis, GC-MS