Process optimization of solvent extraction of seed oil from Moringa oleifera: An appraisal of quantitative and qualitative process variables on oil quality using D-optimal design

• Published in: Biocatalysis and agricultural biotechnology Vol. 20; p. 101187
• Main Authors: Oladipo, Babatunde, Betiku, Eriola
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.07.2019
• Subjects: Modeling; Moringa oleifera; Optimization; Solvent extraction; Vegetable oil; Vegetable oil; Moringa oleifera; Solvent extraction; Modeling; Optimization
• ISSN: 1878-8181; 1878-8181
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2019.101187

Moringa oleifera seed oil (MOSO) was extracted from its kernels using solvent extraction method. The effect of extraction time (1–3 h), solid/solvent ratio (0.050–0.200 g/ml) and type of solvent (ethyl acetate, ethanol and n-hexane) on MOSO yield were assessed. The coefficient of determination - R2, adjusted R2, and predicted R2 of 0.9993, 0.9986 and 0.9965, respectively obtained demonstrate the model developed can effectively explain the extraction process. Optimal condition of extraction time of 3 h, solid/solvent ratio of 0.050 g/ml and n-hexane established for the process could be used to obtain MOSO yield of 41.72 ± 0.45 wt%. Extraction efficacy test showed ethanol, ethyl acetate and n-hexane gave maximum MOSO yield of 8.24 ± 0.00, 14.28 ± 0.22 and 42.00 ± 0.45 wt%, respectively. The physical and chemical properties of the MOSO differed on the basis of choice of solvent used for the extraction. The acid values of the oil were 8.25 ± 0.01, 3.40 ± 0.04 and 2.88 ± 0.07 mg KOH/g oil with ethanol, ethyl acetate and n-hexane. Fatty acid profile analysis of the MOSO samples confirms that a high-oleic oil could be produced from Moringa oleifera seeds, and thus, could potentially serve as feedstock for chemical and food processing industries. Display Omitted •Moringa oleifera oil extraction was carried using n n-hexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol.•n-hexane gave the highest oil yield (42.00 ± 0.45 wt%) followed by ethyl acetate and ethanol.•The quadratic model developed for the oil extraction process had R2 of 0.9993.•The quality of the oil samples were affected by solvent type used for the extraction.•The GC analysis of the oil showed it contained mainly of oleic acid (>69%).