Effects of pre-treatment with Aspergillus awamori and extraction methods on essential oil yield from spearmint leaves (Mentha spicata L.)

Extraction of essential oil from spearmint leaves is typically hindered by the presence cell wall composed lignocellulose which can be biologically degraded microorganisms. This study aimed to investigate effects fermentation using Aspergillus awamori towards lignocellulosic content (Mentha spicata L.) leaf as well yield and composition, diffusion coefficient obtained different extraction methods. Fermentation were carried out for 3, 6, 9 days followed drying three techniques particularly Soxhlet, hydrodistillation maceration. After fermentation, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin reduced 37.92% 19.32%, 13.98% 5% 27.20% 12.24%, respectively. The varies 0.35% 2.10% maceration, 0.22% 1.83% Soxhlet 0.07% 0.58% with a maximum (2.10%) was maceration method after fermentation. composition has been determined contains carvone major compound up 77.88%. In addition, coefficients methods have estimated lies in range 2.89 x 10-11 m2/s 3.64 m2/s. Hence, A. decreased thereby increased oil. process determined.