Extraction of β-carotenes from palm oil mesocarp using sub-critical R134a

Sub-critical extraction of palm oil from palm mesocarp using R134a solvent was conducted via the dynamic mode to investigate the ability of R134a to extract beta-carotene. The yield of palm oil and the solubility of beta-carotene were investigated at 40,60 and 80 degrees C and pressure range from 45-100 bar. The extracted oil was analysed for beta-carotene content using UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The results showed that palm oil yield increased with pressure and temperature. The maximum solubility of beta-carotene was obtained at 100 bar and 60 degrees C while the lowest solubility occurred at 80 bar and 40 degrees C. The higher concentration of extracted beta-carotene ranging from 330-780 ppm as compared to that achieved through conventional palm oil processing indicates that extraction of beta-carotene using R134a is viable. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.