Oil extraction from black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) larvae meal by dynamic and intermittent processes of supercritical CO2 – Global yield, oil characterization, and solvent consumption

The aim of the present study was to investigate the pressure (P) and temperature (T) conditions of sc-CO2 extraction by comparing yield and solvent consumption in two processes (dynamic and intermittent), at 25 and 30 MPa and 60 °C. The meal and oil of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) larvae were characterized to establish the carotenoid content and the profiles of total and free fatty acids, volatile and triacylglycerols (TAGs). The dynamic and intermittent processes showed similar yields and the intermittent extraction revealed lower CO2 consumption as it used half of the mass spent when compared to the dynamic process. The carotenoid levels in the oil varied from 2.05 to 4.59 mg/kg, and the main fatty acids were oleic (18:1n-9,O), lauric (12:0,La), linoleic (18:2n-6,Li), and palmitic (16:0,P). Our results showed the intermittent sc-CO2 process as a new means of oils production with high potential for application in the cosmetic and food industries.