Optimization of tocopherol concentration process from soybean oil deodorized distillate using response surface...

Area of Science:

• Chemical Engineering
• Food Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Soybean oil deodorized distillate contains valuable unsaponifiable fractions like tocopherols (vitamin E) and sterols.
• Recovery of these compounds is commercially significant due to their vitamin and anticarcinogenic properties.
• Molecular distillation offers a solvent-free method for concentrating thermosensitive compounds like vitamins.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize the molecular distillation process for concentrating tocopherols from soybean oil deodorized distillate.
• To investigate the impact of feed flow rate and evaporator temperature on tocopherol concentration and free fatty acid (FFA) elimination.
• To determine optimal operating conditions for maximizing tocopherol yield and purity.

Main Methods:

• Utilized molecular distillation for the separation and purification of tocopherols.
• Employed response surface methodology to optimize process parameters.
• Investigated the effects of feed flow rate (4-12 mL/min) and evaporator temperature (130-200°C) on distillate and residue streams.

Main Results:

• Feed flow rate and evaporator temperature significantly influence FFA elimination.
• Optimal conditions for FFA loss reduction involve increasing evaporator temperature and decreasing feed flow rate.
• High tocopherol concentrations were achieved in the residue stream under low feed flow rates and high evaporator temperatures.

Conclusions:

• Molecular distillation is a viable technique for concentrating tocopherols from soybean oil deodorized distillate.
• Optimized process parameters enhance both tocopherol recovery and FFA reduction.
• The study provides a framework for efficient industrial-scale purification of valuable compounds from vegetable oil distillates.