Beta-carotene Extraction from Oil Palm Kernel Meal

Abstract

In this study, oil palm kernel meal was utilized as a feedstock for the extraction of beta-carotene using two kinds of solvents such as hexane and dichloromethane. From testing by thin layer chromatography (TLC) technique, hexane and dichloromethane exhibited well results for beta -carotene extraction, Thereafter, the oil containing in obtained extract was easily separated by cooling method at lower temperature of -5 °C. Moreover, when sample was further carried out via saponification reaction, resulting in Rf value accorded to beta-carotene standard. The quantitative analysis of beta-carotene was determined by High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results were found that beta-carotene amounts extracted from hexane and dichloromethane were 18.97±1.70 and 11.41±0.25 mg/kg of oil palm kernel meal, respectively