Work

Optimisation of microwave-assisted extraction of date seed oil

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Date seed waste (DSW), a by-product of the date industry, can be used to extract high-value oils. Using this biomass improves the food industry's sustainability. This study aimed to optimise microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) parameters to maximise the oil yield from DSW. An optimisation approach was used for one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT). The study examined the impact of microwave power (400–800 W), extraction time (10–20 min), and solvent volume (80–120 mL) on oil yield. A second-order polynomial regression model predicted the extraction outcomes to ensure statistical reliability, and they performed each experiment three times. Design of Expert (DoE) analysis identified extraction time (F = 20.96, p ≤ .0001) and microwave power (F = 13.56, p ≤ .0001) as the most significant factors, whereas solvent volume had a lesser effect (p ≥ .05). The model demonstrated a high predictive accuracy (R2 = 0.90). Optimal extraction conditions, which used 700 W microwave power, 15 min extraction time, and 80 mLsolvent volume as H2O, achieved a validated maximum oil yield of 9.14 ± 0.124%. The prediction error was 4.6%, and validation showed no difference in yield (p ≥ .05). The MAE protocol effectively extracted oil from DSW and exhibited superior predictive capability compared to OFAT. The DoE-optimised MAE protocol enables sustainable oil recovery from DSW, supporting valorisation, and efficiency.

Source: International Journal of Food Science & Technology

DOI: 10.1093/ijfood/vvaf218

Authors: Abdalbasit A Mariod1, Ahmed A M Elnour

Institutions: University of Jeddah, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, University of Southampton

Language: English

Topic: Date Palm Research Studies

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,638