Optimization of Novel Oil Extraction Technique From Canola Seeds: Lecithin‐Based Microemulsion

Abstract

Nowadays, solvent (hexane) based oil extraction is a widely used commercial technique and there are a number of environmental, economic, and health related concerns. Overcoming such serious issues is driving research to develop alternative safe methods. In the present study, a novel technique, using lecithin‐based microemulsion system, is developed for canola oil extraction. At first, pseudoternary phase diagrams of canola oil/lecithin/propanol/water microemulsions are constructed and the effect of temperature on microemulsion formation was evaluated. So that, (lecithin/propanol)/water microemulsion premixes ([2:1]50:50 and [2:3]80:20) are selected for optimization (temperature, exposure time, premix:canola seeds ratio, and agitation rate) of oil extraction from canola seeds using one factor at a time design. Based on “one factor at a time” design, the highest extraction yield (82.6% wt) achieved at 60 °C, 60 min, 6:1 premix:canola seeds ratio without agitation; the premix composition was (lecithin/propanol)/water (2:1)50:50. From quality point of views, the microemulsion‐based extracted oils has lower peroxide value, higher acidity, as well as low phosphorous and lecithin contents in comparison with hexane extracted one. This technique confirms its simultaneous extraction, recovery, and solubilization capabilities which can be used for oil extraction and food formulation. Practical Applications: For many decades, vegetable oils are commonly extracted by mechanical pressing or extraction with solvents such as hexane. Hexane, a highly volatile and flammable solvent which requires expensive equipment for safe operation, is classified as a hazardous air pollutant and occupational exposure to n‐hexane can cause neurological symptoms and other health defects. Overcoming these serious issues is driving research to develop alternative safe methods such as microemulsion technique. This study introduces a novel technique using lecithin‐based microemulsion systems for extraction of edible oils from oilseeds. This technique, as a low energy consuming method, has great potency for being used as a safe and green oil extraction technique which is the developing direction for not only the dominant oil resources but also nutrient lipids which can be easily dissolvable in aqueous food and pharmaceutical formulations. Accurate ratios of canola seeds, lecithin, 1‐propanol and water at a moderate temperature were used to create a nano‐size canola oil lecithin‐based microemulsion which was then simply demulsified at lower temperature in order to separate the extracted oil (see picture). This technique as a low energy consuming, straightforward and environmentally friendly method could be used for solublization and extraction of oil from various sources.

Microemulsion as nanoreactor for lutein extraction: Optimization for ultrasound pretreatment

“…Among various alternative approaches, surfactant‐assisted extraction, e.g., microemulsion technique (MET), is a novel procedure, capable of fitting to green eco‐friendly food‐grade systems. It has already proven its high potential to extract and solubilize different nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals (Abbasi & Radi, ; Abbasi & Scanlon, ; Amiri‐Rigi, Abbasi, & Scanlon, ; Jalali‐Jivan & Abbasi, ; Radi & Abbasi, ). Therefore, in the present study, this nanotechnological approach, using various surfactants and co‐surfactants, has been selected to examine its capability for extracting lutein from marigold petal powder (MPP).…”

“…Based on existing reports, up to now mostly organic solvent extraction methods (i.e., solid–liquid extraction) have been examined for extracting lutein from plant‐based materials such as green leafy vegetables and marigold petals (Wang et al, ). Despite the high extraction efficiency, these methods have some limitations and drawbacks such as solvent residues in extracted material, health hazards for the operational personnel, methods that are time consuming, demanding high temperatures with a consequent high energy consumption, thermal isomerization, and degradation of the target product as well as bioenvironmental problems of organic wastes (Radi & Abbasi, ). Furthermore, the extracted carotenoid is not usually water soluble, which is a serious issue for the majority of food applications.…”

Nano based lutein extraction from marigold petals: optimization using different surfactants and co-surfactants

“…With regard to its extraction, different methods mostly organic solvent extraction had been already examined [11]. Despite the high efficiency of solvent extraction, it offers some limitations and drawbacks such as solvent residues, health hazards for consumers and operators, lengthy processing, high energy consumption due to high temperature demand, thermal isomerization and degradation possibility as well as bioenvironmental issues [12, 13]. Furthermore, owning to its hydrophobicity, the solvent based extracted lutein cannot be easily re-dispersed in aqueous systems, the majority of food and drug systems, and its vulnerability to degradation and instability is another concern.…”

“…Among various alternative approaches, microemulsion technique (MET) as a novel approach, has high potential to extract different nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals [12]. Microemulsions (ME) are defined as low viscose, isocratic and transparent systems which are thermodynamically stable.…”

“…The controlled release and feasibility at relatively low temperatures are also key scale-up criteria for commercialization [16] and could make this technique as a great candidate for extraction of sensitive phytochemicals such as lutein from natural (food) matrices. Its high potential on extraction and solubilization of different nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals [12, 17, 18] has been proven. However, it has never been used for lutein extraction from marigold except handful reports on solubilization of lutein powder using microemulsion [19].…”