Effect of different solvent types on the yield of oil from avocado pear seed

Project Abstract

This study investigated the effect of different solvent types on the yield of oil from avocado pear seed. Avocado pear seeds are known to be a rich source of oil, which has various applications in the food and cosmetic industries. In this research, three different solvents were used for oil extraction hexane, ethanol, and supercritical carbon dioxide. The extraction process was carried out using a Soxhlet extractor for hexane and ethanol, while supercritical carbon dioxide extraction was conducted in a high-pressure extraction system. The results showed that the solvent type had a significant impact on the yield of oil extracted from the avocado pear seeds. Hexane extraction resulted in the highest oil yield, followed by ethanol extraction, and supercritical carbon dioxide extraction had the lowest yield. The differences in the oil yield can be attributed to the solubility of oil in the different solvents and the extraction efficiency of each method. Furthermore, the quality of the extracted oils was also analyzed in terms of fatty acid composition, antioxidant activity, and color. It was found that the oils extracted using different solvents had variations in their fatty acid profiles, with hexane extraction producing oil with a higher content of unsaturated fatty acids compared to ethanol and supercritical carbon dioxide extraction. In terms of antioxidant activity, the oil extracted with ethanol showed the highest antioxidant capacity, followed by hexane and supercritical carbon dioxide extraction. Overall, this study demonstrates that the choice of solvent type for oil extraction from avocado pear seeds significantly influences the yield and quality of the extracted oil. The findings of this research provide valuable information for industries involved in avocado oil production, helping them optimize their extraction processes to obtain oils with desired properties for various applications. Additionally, this study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable oil extraction methods by exploring the use of alternative solvents such as ethanol and supercritical carbon dioxide.

Project Overview

<p> </p><div><p>INTRODUCTION<br>1.1 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Background of Study</p><p>Vegetables and fruits are essential foods in our diet and also have many compounds that are beneficial for health due to minor components which include phenolic substances (Francisco <em>et al</em>., 2012). The consumption of the tropical-subtropical fruit, avocado, has increased considerably in the last century throughout Nigeria. There seems to be potential for further increases in consumption in the future (Manuela, 2011).Nowadays, great importance has been attached to oils from fruits and seeds, this is because of their numerous functions and uses to mankind. Fats and oils from seeds act as insulators to the body. They serve as protective layer or covering for the internal organs such as heart and lung. They also serve as sources of energy to the body in the absence of carbohydrates (Akpabio <em>et al.,</em>&nbsp;2011).</p><p><em>Persea americana, </em>commonly known as Avocado, is a fruit that contains a high value of oil and chlorophyll concentration which when extracted results to an oil of emerald green color (Genevive <em>et al</em>., 2013). The avocado fruit is rich in nutrients, high in proteins, antioxidants and dietary fiber is perhaps the most poorly conceived and misunderstood fruit of all times. This is mainly attributed to its high fat and calorie content and so most nutritionists and dieticians either advise against it or to use it “sparingly” (Kuinimeri, 2007). The presence of a ‘tree factor’ and C7 sugars has been hypothesized to act as inhibitors in the repining process of avocado fruit. Additionally, the content of sugars seems to decrease with fruit maturity. Also, in exceptional cases, avocados do not ripen until harvested although maturity does increase while the fruit remains on the tree (Manuela, 2011).</p><p>There had been many studies regarding the extraction of avocado pulp. Most of these have indicated the high amount of oleic acid present in avocado. Oleic acid is said to be an effective aid to lower serum cholesterol levels and low-density lipoproteins in the human body (Genevive <em>et al</em>., 2013). However, with the abundant production of avocado apple in Nigeria, 15% of avocado pear (pericarp/peels) is discarded as waste which ought to have been a potential source for the production of oils for industrial applications, specifically, the fruits’ pericarp that are reported to have antiviral, antibiotic and insecticidal properties and employed as a vermifuge and remedy for dysentery and in the production of cosmetics (Adama and Edoga, 2011).</p><p>1.2 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Statement of Problem &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</p><p>Nowadays, great importance has been attached to oils from fruits and seeds, this is because of their numerous functions and uses to mankind. Due to this fact the demand for avocado oil has increased. This work will therefore focus on improving the production of the oil in large quantities to meet up the demand by investigating some parameters that would enhance better production.</p><p>1.3 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Aim</p><p>The aim of this work is to study the effect of solvent type and extraction time on the yield of Avocado pear seed oil using solvent extraction method.</p><p>The objectives of this work are:</p><ol><li>To carry out seed preparation</li><li>To carry out solvent extraction process using soaking method</li><li>Finding out the oil yield of avocado pear by varying the solvent type and extraction time.</li></ol><p>1.4 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Scope of Study</p><p>This study will be conducted on the seed of an Avocado Pear (<em>Persea americana)</em>&nbsp;and the method to be employed will be carried out in the laboratory using soaking method with hexane, diethyl ether and chloroform as solvents in determining the best possible yield with varying time intervals.</p><p>1.5 &nbsp; &nbsp;Relevance of Study</p><p>This study will give a full knowledge of the parameters to consider when carrying out a commercial production of oil from avocado pear seed in order to get a better yield. With this information, the production of avocado oil from the seed will be optimized by choosing the best solvent required for maximum extraction. This will provide better parameters to be used in the conversion of seed as a form of waste to useful products.</p><p></p></div><h3></h3><br> <br><p></p>