Acidic pH based microwave-assisted aqueous extraction of seed oil from yellow horn (Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge.)

In this study, an efficient and green acidic pH based microwave-assisted aqueous extraction (MAAE) of seed oil extraction from yellow horn (Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge.) was investigated. It was observed that oil extraction yield increased at weak acidic condition, and the pH effects on the oil extraction process were illustrated. Meanwhile, the operating parameters were optimized using central composite design (CCD) combined with response surface methodology (RSM). From the economic perspective, the selected operating parameters were: pH 5, microwave power 500 W, stirring rate 300 rpm, extraction temperature 70 °C, liquid to solid ratio 5.2:1 and extraction time 52 min. The physicochemical properties were determined to evaluate the quality of seed oil. The chemical composition of extracted seed oil was analyzed by GC–MS. This novel extraction technique provided high throughput and high quality oil.

► A novel green microwave-assisted aqueous extraction technology was developed.
► Oil extraction yield increased at weak acidic pH with security of quality.
► This study provided a green process design for industrial producing edible oil.