Extraction of Oil from Amazonian Attalea tessmannii Kernels: Kinetics Modeling, Diffusivity Analyses, and...

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Biochemistry
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• The Amazon rainforest is a biodiversity hotspot and a vital source of resources for traditional communities.
• Palm fruits are significant economic and ecological resources within the Amazon.
• An underexplored palm species' kernel was investigated for its chemical composition and oil properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the chemical composition of an underexplored Amazonian palm kernel.
• To determine the optimal conditions for lipid extraction and analyze its kinetics and diffusivity.
• To characterize the extracted oil and assess its potential applications.

Main Methods:

• Lipid content analysis of the palm kernel.
• Hexane-based lipid extraction at varying temperatures and times.
• Kinetic modeling (Brimberg model) and diffusivity analysis.
• Physicochemical characterization of the extracted oil, including fatty acid profiling.

Main Results:

• The palm kernel contained a high lipid content (64.19%).
• Optimal lipid extraction occurred at 60 °C after 180 minutes, with the Brimberg model providing the best kinetic fit (activation energy: 27.5 kJ mol⁻¹).
• The extracted oil was rich in lauric acid (~50%) and possessed physicochemical properties suitable for various applications.

Conclusions:

• The underexplored palm kernel is a valuable source of lipids.
• Efficient lipid extraction parameters were identified.
• The characterized oil demonstrates significant potential for food, pharmaceutical, and biodiesel industries.