Extraction of oil from Jatropha curcas L. seed kernels by enzyme assisted three phase partitioning

Three phase partitioning has been evaluated for extraction of oil from Jatropha curcas L. seeds. This process consisted of simultaneous addition of t-butanol (1:1, v/v) and 30% (w/v) ammonium sulphate to the slurry prepared from Jatropha seed kernels. Combination of sonication and enzyme treatment with a commercial preparation of fungal proteases at pH 9, led to 97% oil yield within 2 h. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.