Extraction of Beta Carotene from Palm Mesocarp via Green Sub-critical Carbon Dioxide

Experiments involving subcritical carbon dioxide extraction of palm oil from treated palm mesocarp were done to determine palm oil yield and concentration of beta-carotene. As comparison, the conventional method of Soxhlet Extraction with six different solvents was used. The overall oil yield was measured as weight of oil per weight of sample, while anti-oxidant activity was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryihydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method. The sub-critical extraction was conducted at a constant temperature of 30˚C and four different pressures at 10 MPa, 15 MPa, 20 MPa and 25 MPa. The sub-critical extraction produced high concentration of beta-carotene than soxhlet extraction, even though the oil yield was lower. Furthermore, the anti-oxidant analysis showed a similar trend as the concentration of beta carotene. The best condition of sub-critical extraction was obtained at 25 MPa and 30˚C.