Protocol for extracting oil from Ghana shea nuts using solvent extraction

Abstract

Summary: Solvent extraction is the most efficient technique for extracting oils of higher quality for prospective industrial and commercial applications. Here, we present a protocol for extracting oil from Ghana shea nuts using this technique. We describe steps for drying and milling kernels; oil extraction, including the kinetic and thermodynamic processes; and filtration. We then detail procedures for solvent recovery and oil storage. This protocol has the potential for use in industrial and commercial settings for oil extraction.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Alale et al.1 : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.

Keywords

• Chemistry
• Material sciences
• Earth sciences