Effect of micelle concentration on degumming of sesame oil (Sesamum indicum L) with ultrafiltration membrane

Abstract Sesame oil ( Sesamum indicum L.) is obtained from roasted and pressed sesame seeds. The existence of phospholipids and contaminants in sesame oil is unfavorable, as it induces a darkening of the oil’s hue, thereby diminishing its oxidative stability. Failure to eliminate phospholipids compounds from sesame oil through the degumming process leads to a deterioration in quality thus influencing consumer acceptability. This research aimed to investigate the impact of micelle concentrations in hexanes-sesame oil mixture on the degumming process employing ultrafiltration membranes. This investigation involved the preparation of sesame oil through a procedure that entailed roasting at 180°C for 30 minutes, followed by pressing at a pressure of 140 kN for 5 minutes. Micelles of sesame oil roasted with hexane were prepared at concentrations of 20%, 25% and 30%. Moreover, the degumming of sesame oil micelles was accomplished by utilizing PES (Polyether sulfone) and PVDF (Polyvinylidene diflouride) ultrafiltration membranes and then by analyzing the resulting sesame oil’s properties. The results indicated that using a PVDF membrane for sesame oil degumming resulted in a higher permeate flux than a PES membrane. Furthermore, treatment with a 30% micelle concentration resulted in a yield of 70.63%, with phospholipid levels of 13.96 ppm and membrane rejection value of 92.9%.