Economic analysis of oleoresin production from malagueta peppers (Capsicum frutescens) by supercritical fluid extraction

An economical evaluation of the extraction of capsaicinoids-rich oleoresin from malagueta pepper using supercritical carbon dioxide was performed, considering both oleoresin and total capsaicinoids yields. Simulations of SFE process (15 MPa and 40 degrees C) were performed using the SuperPro Designer 8.5 degrees to estimate the cost of manufacturing (COM) for three different SFE production scales (0.05, 0.3 and 0.5 m(3)). The calculated COM based on the total capsaicinoids yield had a minimum point in the extraction curve (for the three different scales) at 240 min, which indicates that the SFE process should be conducted up to this time. The COM for oleoresin extraction yield was obtained at 240 min in a 2 x 0.5 m(3) unit, corresponding to 125.41 US$/kg extract. The estimated commercialization price of oleoresin obtained under the proposed conditions was 223 US$/kg extract, suggesting that the production of malagueta oleoresin by SFE seems to be economically applicable in large production scale.