Volatile Oil Extraction Using Supercritical Fluid: A Mini Review
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Abstract
Volatile oils are complex mixtures of low-molecular-weight compounds responsible for the distinctive aroma of each plant species. In addition to their aroma properties, these oils exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Supercritical fluid extraction has emerged as a highly efficient and environmentally friendly technique for obtaining volatile oils, offering multiple advantages over conventional extraction methods. This approach minimizes thermal degradation of heat-sensitive compounds, reduces the need for toxic organic solvents, and allows selective extraction of target constituents by fine-tuning operational parameters. This article reviews the fundamental principles of supercritical fluid extraction for volatile oil recovery, common supercritical solvents, and the critical factors influencing extraction efficiency, such as pressure, temperature, modifier type and concentration, extraction time, flow rate, particle size, and moisture content. Understanding and optimizing these variables is essential to maximize yield and to obtain volatile oils with desired chemical profiles.
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