Optimization of supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of essential oil from spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) leaves by using Taguchi methodology

In this study, the essential oil of aerial parts species of a plant called Spearmint was extracted by CO2 to optimize the results of the supercritical extraction process. In order to achieve maximum total yield extraction and SF-CO2 concentration, tests were done in a laboratorial pilot considering the Taguchi method under following condition: pressure. 90,100,140,170 bar, temperature. of 35, 40, 45, 50 °C, mean particles size: 250,500,710,1000 μm, flow rate 1,3,5,8 ml/s and dynamic time 30,50,90,120 min. The optimizing conditions for SCE and SF-CO2 concentration are: 90 bar, 45 °C, 500 μm, 5 ml/s, 120 min and 90 bar, 35 °C, 250 μm, 1 ml/s, 30 min. SCE total yield and CO2 concentration are 2.032% and 0.033 mg/ml. In similar and optimal conditions of extraction, supplementary tests were done so resulted and experimental amount of the calculated sum are in accordance with total yield extraction and SF-CO2 concentration. This is the first report announcing optimization of spearmint SCE by use of Taguchi method.

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► Optimization of experimental conditions of the SCE Spearmint essential oil is important.
► Determination and confirmation of optimum yield SCE of Spearmint essential oil.
► Estimate and confirmation of SC-CO2 optimum concentration in SCE process.
► This first report announcing SCE optimization by using Taguchi method.
► SCE essential oil quality higher than essence extracted by traditional methods.