Optimization of supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of essential oil from spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) leaves by using Taguchi methodology

摘要

In this study, the essential oil of aerial parts species of a plant called Spearmint was extracted by CO2 to optimize the results of the supercritical extraction process. In order to achieve maximum total yield extraction and SF-CO2 concentration, tests were done in a laboratorial pilot considering the Taguchi method under following condition: pressure. 90,100,140,170 bar, temperature, of 35, 40, 45, 50 ℃, mean particles size: 250,500,710,1000 μm, flow rate 1,3,5,8 ml/s and dynamic time 30, 50, 90, 120 min. The optimizing conditions for SCE and SF-CO2 concentration are: 90 bar, 45 ℃, 500 μm, 5 ml/s, 120 min and 90 bar, 35 ℃, 250 μm, 1 ml/s, 30 min. SCE total yield and CO2 concentration are 2.032% and 0.033 mg/ml. In similar and optimal conditions of extraction, supplementary tests were done so resulted and experimental amount of the calculated sum are in accordance with total yield extraction and SF-CO2 concentration. This is the first report announcing optimization of spearmint SCE by use of Taguchi method.