Characterization and Optimization of Microwave Assisted Process for Extraction of Nutmeg (<i>Myristica fragrans</i> Houtt.) Mace Essential Oil

Abstract

Microwave-assisted extraction could be considered as an extraction technique that results in the production of a higher quantity of oil in less time with minimum energy consumption. This study envisages development and optimization of a microwave assisted extraction system for extracting nutmeg mace essential oil. In order to evaluate the developed system for extraction of nutmeg mace essential oil, the process parameters such as solid: water ratios of 1:14, 1:10 and 1:6, power densities of 9.6, 14.4 and 19.2 W.g-1 and soaking time of 2, 3 and 4 h which would influence the essential oil yield, extraction time and energy consumption were chosen as independent variables. The optimized conditions of solid: water ratio, power density and soaking time for extracting nutmeg mace essential oil in the microwave-assisted process were found to be 1:14, 14.4 W.g-1 and 4 h, respectively. Under optimized conditions, the microwave-assisted process resulted in an oil yield of 8-12 %, with an extraction time of 3 h and energy consumption of 1.09 kWh.