Optimization of Sonication and Homogenization-Assisted Solvent Extraction of Cottonseed Oil Using RSM: Oil Recovery, Antioxidant Properties, and Oxidative Stability

The present investigation assesses the effectiveness of ultrasound technology coupled with homogenization for cottonseed oil hexane extraction by optimizing the operation circumstances using response surface methodology (RSM). In this work, 17 experimental trials developed by Box–Behnken Design (BBD) were conducted to investigate the impact of sonication time, extraction temperature, and solvent-to-solid ratio on oil recovery, radical-scavenging activity (RSA), total phenolics content (TPC), free fatty acid (FFA), and peroxide value (PV). Numerical optimization estimated 89.29 min, 59.99°C, and 3.14:1 mL/g solvent-to-solid ratio for maximum oil recovery, maximum RSA, and minimum FFA. This optimum setting resulted in 86.40% oil recovery, 92.5% RSA, and 5.12% FFA as oleic acid. The response variables were significantly influenced by the extraction conditions, particularly the solvent-to-solid ratio, which was critically important to all responses. The response models exhibited strong predictive capability, with R² values ranging from 0.99 to 0.82. While the conventional method necessitates prolonged extraction duration, extensive solvent usage, and generates inferior oil quality due to higher operational conditions, the current study's findings reveal an innovative oil extraction procedure employing hexane, emphasizing the synergistic effect of sonication and homogenization on oil recovery and the antioxidative properties of cottonseed oil.