Amaranthus dubius seeds oil extraction using green solvent approach with terpenes

Abstract

This research will explore the potential for utilizing wild amaranth (Amaranthus dubius) seeds, which are abundant and have not been utilized in Indonesia. This research will focus on optimizing the amaranth seed oil extraction process using the response surface method and the characteristics of the oil produced from amaranth seeds. The solvent used in this research is a biobased green solvent, terpenes. This research aims to explore the potential of utilizing wild amaranth seeds by optimizing the oil extraction process using a biobased green solvent, terpenes, through the response surface methodology (RSM). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results indicate that the terpenes solvent contains various terpenoids such as α-pinene, β-pinene, and camphene. By applying ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and optimizing the critical process parameters (liquid-to-solid ratio, extraction temperature, and extraction time) through a Box-Behnken RSM design, the maximum oil yield was achieved under environmentally friendly conditions. The optimum condition was reached at a solvent-to-solid ratio of 5.13 ml/0.1 g, a temperature of 49.39 °C, and an extraction time of 47 minutes. With these optimal parameters, the predicted oil yield was 2.04%. The optimized extraction not only delivered a high-quality oil-rich extract but also minimized solvent residue, energy consumption, and hazardous emissions.