A comparative and economic study of the extraction of oil from Baru (Dipteryx alata) seeds by supercritical CO2 with and without mechanical pressing.

The present study evaluated the effect of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) assisted by cold pressing (SFEAP) on the overall yield, extraction kinetics, composition of baru seed oil and manufacturing cost (COM). The best extraction conditions were determined in extraction assays combining different pressures (150-350 bar) and temperatures (35 and 45 °C). The extraction yield by SFEAP (28.6 g oil/100 g baru seed) was approximately 31% higher than that obtained by SFE (21.9 g oil/100 g baru seed), according to the kinetic study with the best extraction conditions (350 bar and 45 °C). The extraction yield observed under this condition allowed us to obtain a lower COM for both techniques (SFE was US$ 118.32/kg baru oil and SFEAP was US$ 87.03/kg baru oil) compared to lower pressures and temperatures. The oil obtained under all extraction conditions was rich in unsaturated fatty acids and other bioactive compounds. The extraction of baru seed oil by SFEAP resulted in a higher yield and lower manufacturing cost than SFE.