Modeling and optimization of process parameters for supercritical CO2 extraction of Argemone mexicana (L.) seed oil

This research article deals with the determination of optimal conditions of extraction parameters (e.g. temperature (60-100 degrees C), pressure (200-350 bar), particle size (0.5-1.0 mm), flow rate-CO2 (5-15 g/min), and the % of co-solvent (0.0-10% of flow rate-CO2) resulting to the optimal cumulative extraction yield during the supercritical fluid extraction of Argemone mexicana (L.) seed oil with and without a modifier (ethanol) using a supercritical carbon dioxide as solvent. A "five-factors-three-levels" Box-Behnken design under the response surface methodology was used to show independent and interactive effects of extraction parameters. A mathematical regression model was expressed properly by a quadratic second-order polynomial equation. The maximum oil yield (42.86%) from A. mexicana seeds was obtained with the optimal conditions (85 degrees C, 305 bar, 0.75 mm, 11 g/min, and 9% of flow rate-CO2) of extraction parameters. The fatty acids analysis of the seed oil was done using gas chromatography and found its suitability as bio-fuel.