Chemical and physicochemical characterization of the seed oil from ‘Gefner’ atemoya

Abstract

Atemoya is a hybrid fruit derived from the crossing of sugar-apple (Annona squamosa L.), with cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill.). The objective of this study was to compare two extraction methodologies for the seed oil from ‘Gefner’ atemoya, for yield, chemical and physicochemical characteristics, in order to use the oil as biofuel. The physical extraction was shown to be more economically viable than the chemical, presenting a lower amount of residues and not leading to the oxidation of the extracted oil. Saponification and ester values were high, showing that the oils have a high triacylglycerol content. Fatty acid profile, iodine value and refractive index confirmed the high degree of unsaturation of the fatty acids, demonstrating the advantage of ensuring high fluidity. The oil presents a high acidity, requiring a neutralization process. The different extraction techniques did not significantly interfere in the analyzed values, except for peroxide value. The major fatty acids are the oleic, palmitic and stearic. ‘Gefner’ atemoya seed represents a source of good quality oil, and could be safely applied in the production of biofuel.

Key words: Annona, biofuel, fatty acids