A Short Review on Microemulsion and Its Application in Extraction of Vegetable Oil

Conventional oil extraction method involves various volatile organic solvents (VOCs) that are considered as toxic and probable carcinogenic solvents. Though the risk to human health and environmental contamination exist while using these organic solvents in various processes, they are primarily being used on the back of their easy availability. Additionally, due the absence of any pretreatment, they are considered to be easy to handle. In order to reduce the exposure of these hazardous solvents, researchers are focusing on finding a substitute for the same. This review paper introduces the microemulsion technology as an alternate means of extraction of oils over conventional techniques. Microemulsion provides very efficient approach in oil extraction from oilseed on the back of its subcellular structure, ultralow interfacial tension, high thermal stability and high solubilization. The quality of oils obtained from microemulsion technology is very much comparable or even superior to that of organic solvent extraction method. This article would be helpful in developing more effective microemulsion formulations for extraction of oils.