Estudio comparativo de dos métodos químicos para la extracción de aceite de sacha inchi

Abstract

The use of ethyl acetate as an alternative to replace n-hexane in order to obtain of oil from Sacha Inchi seeds was evaluated; in this way, the oil was extracted from Sacha Inchi seed oil, previously ground, by organic solvents (ethyl acetate and n-hexane) was done with the assistance of ultrasound at a power of 40 HZ at room temperature (24 °C) for 30 minutes. The oil obtained from each treatment was characterized by Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) using the TRWAX column (30 m long, 0.25 mm internal diameter, and 0.25 µm thick) for the analysis, identification and quantification of the profile of the fatty acids contained. It was found that sacha inchi oil contains six acids, including palmitic, stearic, oleic, elaidic, linoleic and linolenic acids. The values of saturated fatty acids (palmitic acid and stearic acid) were approximately 7%, while 0.6% of elaidic acid (trans-saturated acid), on average; the sample extracted with ethyl acetate (0.44%) had a lower content. High oleic acid (9.63%) and linoleic acid (33.55%), on average; with no significant difference between the use of n-hexane and ethyl acetate. Also, a high value of linolenic acid was obtained (49.10% average), which was higher in the sample extracted with ethyl acetate. In conclusion, ethyl acetate can replace hexane as a solvent in the extraction of Sacha Inchi seed oil and provide a lower environmental impact, improved safety, and better quality.