Aqueous-Based Extractions of Macauba ( <i>Acrocomia aculeata</i> ) Pulp Oil: Process Optimization, Scale-up Reproducibility, and Oil Quality

Aqueous extraction processing (AEP) and aqueous enzymatic extraction (AEE) were optimized and scaled up for macauba pulp oil recovery. Initially, the process parameters were evaluated on a laboratory scale. Optimal conditions, enzyme concentration (pectinase, AEP: 0%, AEE: 1% v/v), extraction time (2 h), temperature (50 °C), and stirring rate (350 rpm) were selected for higher oil efficiency. Subsequently, four scale-up trials were conducted: AEP, AEE-pectinase, AEE-cellulase, and AEE-pectinase/cellulase. AEE-pectinase/cellulase system showed the highest oil yield (73%) compared to AEP (51%). The oils had acidity of 2.76–2.93% (oleic acid) and K270 values between 0.16 and 0.19, indicating good oxidative stability. Carotenoid levels varied between 25 and 30 μg g–1, and the fatty acid profile showed elevated amounts of oleic (71%) and linoleic (10%) acids. In conclusion, the scale-up of AEP/AEE proved to be viable, ensuring efficient oil recovery and preserving product quality, highlighting its potential for industrial macauba oil production within the context of sustainable and green food processing industries.