Extraction of lipids from cherry seed oil using supercritical carbon dioxide

Cherry seeds (Prunus avium L.) were extracted with compressed carbon dioxide at 313 K and 333 K in the pressure range 18-22 MPa. The influence of superficial velocity was also analysed using values of (0.02, 0.06 and 0.08 cm/s. The extraction yield was increased by a reduction in particle size. The physical and chemical characteristics of the oil were determined. The results, in terms of free fatty acids and sterol compositions, were compared with those obtained when hexane was used as solvent. Other physical and chemical characteristics were also compared with refined hexane-extracted oil.