Optimization of Parameters for Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extraction of Mongolian Sea Buckthorn Oil

Sea buckthorn seed oil is a unique plant-based product rich in Omega-3, -6, -7, and -9 fatty acids, along with bioactive antioxidants that support cardiovascular health and promote anti-aging. Traditional extraction methods often involve organic solvents, which may compromise the bioactivity and purity of the oil. Supercritical CO₂ extraction provides a cleaner and more selective alternative. This study aims to model and optimize the process parameters that influence the efficiency and yield of oil extraction from sea buckthorn seeds using supercritical CO₂. A Central Composite Rotatable Design (CCRD) was employed to plan the experiments and evaluate the effects of the parameters. Sea buckthorn seeds were dried and ground before extraction. A supercritical fluid extraction system was utilized. The parameters under investigation included pressure, temperature, and extraction time. Results were processed using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with Minitab software. Among the parameters studied, pressure exhibited the most significant impact on oil yield, while temperature and time had moderate effects. Interaction effects, particularly pressure–temperature (AB) and pressure–time (AC), significantly influenced the extraction efficiency. The predicted optimal condition for maximum yield was 5075 psi, 70°C, and an extraction time of 10 hours. The study confirms that supercritical CO₂ extraction is effective for obtaining high-quality sea buckthorn seed oil. Pressure was identified as the most critical factor, and the interactions among parameters must be considered for process optimization. These results support future scale-up for the production of functional foods and nutraceuticals.