Chapter 32 - Production process, methods of extraction, and refining technologies of unconventional seed oils

Abstract

There are different agricultural crops that bring a significant production of conventional and unconventional seed oils. From them, several applications and industrial demands exist such as pharmaceutical, biological, cosmetic, and energy applications, among others. The list of feedstocks to extract unconventional seed oils is vast, with a wide range of fatty acids profile and with potential applications. This chapter compiles about the methods of seed oil extraction and presents a brief description of the chemical and physical refining routes, which are the most widely used. Several examples of extraction of unconventional seed oils are analyzed too. Some particularities of nonclassical extraction methods such as supercritical fluid, microwave, and ultrasound-assisted extraction of unconventional seed oils are also discussed. The most suitable extraction techniques of oils for biological applications may be the mechanical extraction coupled with supercritical CO2 fluid extraction. The physical refining and the enzymatic catalytic processes are good options to keep the quality of the oil and no alter the fatty acid profile.