Characterization and Benzo[a]pyrene Content Analysis of Camellia Seed Oil Extracted by a Novel Subcritical Fluid Extraction

A novel continuous subcritical n-butane extraction technique for Camellia seed oil was explored. The fatty acid composition, physicochemical properties, and benzo[a]pyrene content of Camellia seed oil extracted using this subcritical technique were analyzed. Orthogonal experiment design (L-9(3(4))) was adopted to optimize extraction conditions. At a temperature of 45 A degrees C, a pressure of 0.5 MPa, a time of 50 min and a bulk density of 0.7 kg/L, an extraction yield of 99.12 +/- A 0.20 % was obtained. The major components of Camellia seed oil are oleic acid (73.12 +/- A 0.40 %), palmitic acid (10.38 +/- A 0.05 %), and linoleic acid (9.15 +/- A 0.03 %). Unsaturated fatty acids represent 83.78 +/- A 0.03 % of the total fatty acids present. Eight physicochemical indexes were assayed, namely, iodine value (83.00 +/- A 0.21 g I/100 g), saponification value (154.81 +/- A 2.00 mg KOH/g), freezing-point (-8.00 +/- A 0.10 A degrees C), unsaponifiable matter (5.00 +/- A 0.40 g/kg), smoke point (215.00 +/- A 1.00 A degrees C), acid value (1.24 +/- A 0.03 mg KOH/g), refrigeration test (transparent, at 0 A degrees C for 5.5 h), and refractive index (1.46 +/- A 0.06, at 25 A degrees C). Benzo[a]pyrene was not detected in Camellia seed oil extracted by continuous subcritical n-butane extraction. In comparison, the benzo[a]pyrene levels of crude Camellia seed oil extracted by hot press extraction and refined Camellia seed oil were measured at 26.55 +/- A 0.70 and 5.69 +/- A 0.04 mu g/kg respectively.