Oil extraction from structured bed of pumpkin seeds and peel using compressed propane as solvent

ABSTRACT In this study, the extraction of oil from a structured bed composed of pumpkin seeds and peel, using compressed propane as the solvent, was investigated. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of temperature and pressure on the yield and quality of the oil obtained. An increase in temperature and pressure favored the oil extraction, resulting in yields of 15.36% from the structured-bed and 21.79% from the seeds only. The extracts showed high concentrations of linoleic and oleic acids. The application of lower pressures and higher temperatures favored the extraction of β-carotene and tocopherols, resulting in an extract with higher antioxidant activity under these conditions. In contrast, the extraction of phytosterols and phenolic compounds was favored by the application of lower temperatures. The oils extracted from the structured bed presented superior quality compared with the seed oil, in relation to all parameters evaluated.