Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Crude Oil from Winter Melon (Benincasa hispida) Seed Using Response Surface Methodology and Evaluation of Its Antioxidant Activity, Total Phenolic Content and Fatty Acid Composition

Mandana Bimakr,Md Zaidul Islam Sarker,Ali Ganjloo,Farah Saleena Taip,Russly Abdul Rahman,Noranizan Mohd Adzahan

doi:10.3390/molecules171011748

Abstract

In the present study, ultrasound-assisted extraction of crude oil from winter melon seeds was investigated through response surface methodology (RSM). Process variables were power level (25–75%), temperature (45–55 °C) and sonication time (20–40 min). It was found that all process variables have significant (p < 0.05) effects on the response variable. A central composite design (CCD) was used to determine the optimum process conditions. Optimal conditions were identified as 65% power level, 52 °C temperature and 36 min sonication time for maximum crude yield (108.62 mg-extract/g-dried matter). The antioxidant activity, total phenolic content and fatty acid composition of extract obtained under optimized conditions were determined and compared with those of oil obtained by the Soxhlet method. It was found that crude extract yield (CEY) of ultrasound-assisted extraction was lower than that of the Soxhlet method, whereas antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of the extract obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction were clearly higher than those of the Soxhlet extract. Furthermore, both extracts were rich in unsaturated fatty acids. The major fatty acids of the both extracts were linoleic acid and oleic acid.

Highlights

Benicasa hispida L. (Cucurbitaceae), is variously named winter melon, white gourd, ash pumpkin, tallow gourd, white pumpkin, ash gourd, wax gourd, gourd melon and Chinese watermelon or Chinese preserving melon in English [1]
The individual effect of process variables, including power level (A), temperature (B) and sonication time (C), on the crude extract yield (CEY) was found by perturbation plot
The experimental results showed that all three process variables, including power level, temperature and sonication time, contributed to the extraction of crude oil

Summary

Introduction

Benicasa hispida L. (Cucurbitaceae), is variously named winter melon, white gourd, ash pumpkin, tallow gourd, white pumpkin, ash gourd, wax gourd, gourd melon and Chinese watermelon or Chinese preserving melon in English [1]. The Cucurbitaceae family is mostly distributed around the tropical regions and the winter melon, which has been cultivated for at least 2,000 years, originated from south-east Asia [2]. This fruit is large and seedy with white colored and spongy flesh. Index of Nutritional Quality (INQ) data shows that Benicasa hispida is valued as a high quality vegetable [2]. To the best of our knowledge, studies on chemical composition of seed oil from Benincasa hispida and its antioxidant activity have not been reported yet

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Conclusion