Optimization of date seed oil extraction using the assistance of hydrothermal and ultrasound technologies

The date seed is a by-product from the industry. Its use as source of added-value compounds great interest. Oil accounts for 5-13% seed’s weight. Soxhlet extraction with organic solvents traditional method obtaining oil seeds. In this work, hydrothermal pre-treatments and sonication are proposed to make more environmentally friendly process. Factors such time temperature hexane-to-seed ratio (H/S) have been considered. Response surface methodology was applied optimization. Hydrothermal treatments increased recovery. H/S most influential factor, close 7 mL/g seeds both samples. 71% recovery achieved native after 15 min at 45 ºC, 80% 180 ºC-treated 35 ºC when compared extraction. These conditions comply our initial aim. Pre-treatments seem negative effect on stability, although observation needs be confirmed.