Ultra turrax-assisted extraction of Amazon oils: Optimization and comparison with Soxhlet and compressed propane extraction

Abstract

The Amazon region, while rich in biodiversity, experiences low socio-economic development. One promising solution involves using Amazon oilseeds, which offer high nutritional value and industrial potential. However, traditional extraction methods have limitations, such as high energy use, solvent consumption, and low yields. This study optimized the extraction of Brazil nut oil (BNO) and Tucumã-do-Amazonas oil (TAO) using Ultra turrax-assisted extraction (UTAE), comparing it with conventional and non-conventional methods. Using the Plackett-Burman design, only extraction time and solvent/solid ratio were significant factors. Optimizing these variables through response surface methodology achieved high yields: 64.6% for BNO and 61.1% for TAO, outperforming Soxhlet and compressed propane extraction (CPE) by up to 43.4%. UTAE produced comparable oleic acid levels in BNO (37.0 - 37.8%) and TAO (66.1 - 68.2%). Additionally, the total phenolic content was higher in both CPE (7.87 ± 0.77 and 26.71 ± 0.63 mg GAE.100 g−1) and UTAE (4.57 ± 1.00 and 19.63 ± 1.68 mg GAE.100 g−1) compared to Soxhlet (1.25 ± 0.37 and 10.97 ± 1.92 mg GAE.100 g−1) for BNO and TAO, respectively. These results highlight UTAE's efficiency for oil extraction.