Optimization of the process of concentration of vitamin e from DDSO using supercritical CO2

The objective of this work was the scientific development of concentration of vitamin E from deodorizer distillate of soybean oil (DDSO) using supercritical CO2. Vitamins and sterols rare produced synthetically, but recently the interest in their extraction from natural sources has increased. Therefore, the motivation behind this work was to concentrate the tocopherols from deodorizer distillate of soybean oil, thereby increasing the value of this by-product, rich in fatty acids, sterols, tocopherols and squalene. The experimental step and the simulation of the process were done in a semi-batch mode using supercritical carbon dioxide. The operational conditions studied were temperatures of 40, 60 and 80oC and pressures from 90 to 350 bar. The best results for concentration factor and efficiency and pressures were achieved in a continuous process where the operational variables were optimized.