Optimization of ultrasound assisted aqueous enzymatic extraction of oil from Cinnamomum camphora seeds

Cinnamomum camphora seed oil was extracted via ultrasound assisted aqueous enzymatic extraction (UAAEE). Neutral protease was selected for the enzymolysis pretreatment. A Plackett–Burman design and Box–Behnken design were employed to obtain the optimal UAAEE conditions and predict maximum oil yield. The optimal UAAEE conditions, with an actual yield of 80.12 ± 1.35%, were as follows: 4 h incubation time, 400 rpm agitation rate, 10 mL/g water to solid ratio, 1.9% enzyme amount, 1.4 h ultrasound time, and 220 W ultrasound power. Analysis of fatty acid compositions demonstrated that C. camphora seed oil possessed high medium-chain triglyceride content. Analysis of physicochemical properties demonstrated that the oil extracted via UAAEE possessed a lower acid value in comparison with oil extracted using the Soxhlet extraction; furthermore, other indices showed no significant difference between the two methods. The nutritional properties analysis revealed that the oil obtained using UAAEE had remarkable antiatherogenic and hypocholesterolemic activities. These results clarified that UAAEE is an efficient and eco-benign method for extracting plant seed oil and also indicated that C. camphora seed oil is a medium-chain triglyceride oil, which can be used as an ingredient in milk formulae for infants or in other health-related food industry products.