Extraction of β-carotenes from palm oil mesocarp using sub-critical R134a

Abstract

Sub-critical extraction of palm oil from palm mesocarp using R134a solvent was conducted via the dynamic mode to investigate the ability of R134a to extract ß-carotene. The yield of palm oil and the solubility of ß-carotene were investigated at 40, 60 and 80°C and pressure range from 45-100. bar. The extracted oil was analysed for ß-carotene content using UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The results showed that palm oil yield increased with pressure and temperature. The maximum solubility of ß-carotene was obtained at 100. bar and 60°C while the lowest solubility occurred at 80. bar and 40°C. The higher concentration of extracted ß-carotene ranging from 330-780. ppm as compared to that achieved through conventional palm oil processing indicates that extraction of ß-carotene using R134a is viable.