Effect of process variables on the oil yield from <i>C. albidum</i> using response surface methodology

Abstract

Optimization of Chrysophyllum albidum seed oil extraction was carried out in this study. The study demonstrates the prediction capability of response surface methodology for oil extraction from Chrysophyllum albidum seed. RSM based on five levels, three factor central composite design was employed to obtain the best possible combinations of extraction temperature (50-60 ^oC), extraction time (3-6 hours) and solvent type (hexane and petroleum ether) for maximum oil recovery. A quadratic model was obtained and R², R, AAD and RMSE were determined to validate the model. The optimum conditions were found to be extraction temperature of 55 ^oC, extraction time of 6.62 hours with n-hexane a better solvent. For these conditions, oil yield of 12.70% was obtained which is in reasonable agreement with the predicted one. The values of R², R, AAD and RMSE were calculated as 0.9799, 0.9899, 0.016 and 0.12 respectively. Also the C. Albidum oil obtained was characterized to determine its physicochemical properties. The saponification value and iodine value of 191 and 30.94 respectively indicate that it is suitable for soap, cosmetics, candle and lubricating oil production. The FT-IR also reflects the presence of saturated and unsaturated compounds which makes the oil a potential for biodiesel production.