Optimization of Conditions for Ethyl Acetate Extraction of Mono-, Di-, Triglycerides and Free Fatty Acids from Soapstock Using Response Surface Methodology

Soapstock (SS), a by-product of vegetable oil refining, is a promising source of a mixture of mono-, di-, triglycerides, and free fatty acids (MDTG-FFA), a valuable feedstock for biodiesel production. In this study, the selective extraction of MDTG-FFA from SS using green solvents (ethyl acetate, ethyl formate, methyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, and isobutanol) was investigated. Ethyl acetate showed the highest efficiency, allowing the elimination of the phosphatide (PL) precipitation step with acetone. The process optimization was carried out by response surface methodology with central composite design. Statistical analysis confirmed the significance of the obtained models: F-values were 4.55 (p = 0.013) for MDTG-FFA and 9.62 (p = 0.00074) for PL. Regression analysis revealed a good fit of the experimental data with quadratic models for MDTG-FFA and PL, with coefficients of determination (R2) of 0.804 and 0.897, respectively. The optimum extraction parameters were a solvent-to-dry-matter-of-SS ratio 5:1, time 10.2 min, and initial extraction temperature 21.7 °C. Under these conditions, maximum MDTG-FFA yields of 12.6% and 13.4% were achieved for the two batches of SS, respectively, with minimum PL yields of 0.02% and 0.1%. The obtained MDTG-FFA extracts rich in free fatty acids represent a promising feedstock for biodiesel production. The proposed method provides a rational, resource-efficient, and environmentally preferable extraction of valuable components from SS.