Aqueous extraction to high yield and quality of macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) pulp oil

Abstract

Aqueous extraction of oil from fresh pulp of macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) assisted with the commercial enzyme pool Cellic® CTec3 was evaluated at the laboratory and larger reactor scale. Effects of temperature and time of malaxation on the efficiency of extraction were studied by response surface methodology. Oil characteristics were determined by measurements of acidity, molar absorptivities K232 and K270, carotene content and Deterioration of Bleachability Index. The aqueous extraction proved to be efficient for obtaining high quality oil. The best oil recovery efficiency was reached with the assistance of the buffered enzyme at mild conditions. Mass balance indicates an oil yield around three times higher than currently found in the traditional industry based on expelling of the dried pulp.

Keywords

• Acrocomia aculeata
• Hydrolytic enzymes
• Free fatty acids
• Oil recovery
• Bioeconomy