Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the applicability of supercritical fluid technology for extraction of avocado oil. The dried avocado fruit pulp (Persea americana Mill.) was extracted by using a semi-pilot supercritical extraction system. Effect of several process parameters, such as CO₂ flow rate, particle size, pressure and temperature on total oil yield, free fatty acid, peroxide value, total phenolic and total flavonoid content in oil were assessed. Avocado oil was extracted within the range for flow rate of 10 and 15L/h, particle size of 2.0 and 3.0 mm, temperature of 34, 42 and 50 ^oC and pressure of 15, 20, 25 and 30 MPa. Kinetic curves clearly exhibited three periods of extraction (constant rate, falling rate and diffusion-controlled). Increasing flow rate, pressure, temperature or reducing particle size brought an increase in the oil yield and extraction rate. Overall, after 150 min of extraction, the oil in dried avocado was almost completely extracted. The oil yield by supercritical CO₂ method (58.97%) obtained at 50 ^oC and 30 MPa was higher than that by Soxhlet method (55.83%). An increase in pressure (at constant temperature) brought an increase in free fatty acid values in oil but decrease in peroxide values and total phenolic content. On the other hand, the effect of temperature on those parameters was opposite. The oil by supercritical CO₂ method was of better quality than that by Soxhlet method.

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