NEW STRATEGIES FOR THE OIL EXTRACTION PROCESS OF SOYA BEANS COUPLED WITH ENZYMATIC TREATMENT

An enzymatic hydrolytic process simultaneous with the solvent oil extr action was proposed and carried out during the extraction of soya bean s with hexane. The favourable effect of this treatment was confirmed b y the enhanced oil extraction yield and/or extraction rate. The best c onditions of moisture content and enzyme:seeds ratio during the enzyma tic hydrolytic process were selected to maximize the oil yield. The an alyses of the quality characteristics of oil showed that the free fatt y acids and phosphorus content were higher compared to the oil from un treated samples. The meal in vitro apparent digestibility was slightly improved, as a result of freeing the proteins from the polysaccharide matrix in which they may be entrapped. Experiments to discern the eff ects of the enzymatic treatment on the oil extraction rates revealed t hat a higher oil extraction mte could be attained.