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

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 β-carotene. The yield of palm oil and the solubility of β-carotene were investigated at 40, 60 and 80 °C and pressure range from 45–100 bar. The extracted oil was analysed for β-carotene content using UV–Vis spectrophotometry. The results showed that palm oil yield increased with pressure and temperature. The maximum solubility of β-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 β-carotene ranging from 330–780 ppm as compared to that achieved through conventional palm oil processing indicates that extraction of β-carotene using R134a is viable.