Ultrasound- and Homogenization-Assisted Extraction of Cottonseed Oil Using Ethyl Acetate: Optimization and Evaluation of Oil Quality and Energy Aspect

Abstract

Combining ultrasound and homogenization methods with ethyl acetate as a green solvent, this research designed and optimized an environmentally friendly protocol for cottonseed oil extraction. The extraction parameters were as follows: extraction time (30–90 min), extraction temperature (30–60 °C), and solvent to solid ratio (3:1–6:1 ml/g). The best extraction parameters were determined using the RSM and BBD: 65.67 min, 30.10 °C, and a solvent to solid ratio of 5.6:1. The optimized procedure resulted in 80.44% oil recovery, 80.22% radical scavenging activity, and 5.75% FFA as oleic acid. The most profound terms with the lowest P-values were linear terms of solvent to solid ratio for oil recovery, linear terms of temperature for radical scavenging activity, and linear terms of time and temperature for FFA and PV. This approach promises an effective, green option that enhances oil recovery and oxidative stability while lowering environmental impact, energy consumption, and operational risks with only a tenth of the energy required per gram of oil compared to hexane-based solvent extraction.