Extraction of lipids from cherry seed oil using supercritical carbon dioxide

Cherry seeds (Prunus avium L.) were extracted with compressed carbon dioxid e at 313 K and 333 K in the pressure range 18-22 MPa. The influence of supe rficial velocity was also analysed using values of (0.02, 0.06 and 0.08 cm/ s. The extraction yield was increased by a reduction in particle size. The physical and chemical characteristics of the oil were determined. The resul ts, in terms of free fatty acids and sterol compositions, were compared wit h those obtained when hexane was used as solvent. Other physical and chemic al characteristics were also compared with refined hexane-extracted oil.