Mechanical oil extraction of Nicotiana tabacum L. seeds: analysis of main extraction parameters on oil yield

The aim of this study is to find the best conditions of tobacco seed oil (TSO) press extraction, combining multiple extraction factors such as screw rotational speed, seeds preheating and extraction temperature, in order to have a higher oil yield. The extracted oil, having peculiar chemical properties, can be used for several purposes, also as edible oil. TSO was obtained using a mechanical screw press that has been assembled with a head press and with speed and temperature sensors mounted on the machine. Results show that the combination of high extraction temperature, slow rotational screw speed and seeds preheating has a significant effect on the oil yield. Extracting under such conditions, oil yield is 79.47±0.12 as % (w/w), which is 25% (w/w) more than the lowest yield among investigated condition.