Sustainable Extraction of Tobacco Seed Oil Using Alternative Green Solvents

The present study aimed to investigate the performance of two green solvents (2-methyloxolane (2-MeOx) and d-limonene) for the extraction of glyceride oil from tobacco seeds. Glyceride oil was isolated by three extraction methods with both solvents—Soxhlet extraction, maceration, and ultrasonic-assisted extraction. Soxhlet extraction with 2-MeOx gave the highest oil yield (35.0%), while maceration and ultrasonic methods resulted in lower yields (~25%). Tobacco seed oil extracted with 2-MeOx was rich in unsaturated fatty acids (69.2–84.0%), with linoleic acid predominating (38.0–68.5%). Soxhlet extraction with d-limonene resulted in the highest yield of glyceride oil (47%), while maceration and ultrasonic extraction produced 16% and 23%, respectively. Previous studies by the research group showed that Soxhlet extraction with n-hexane yielded 38.4 ± 0.5% oil. The fatty acid composition of oils obtained with d-limonene differed depending on extraction type—Soxhlet extraction showed higher saturated fatty acids (69.4%), whereas maceration and ultrasonic extraction produced a more unsaturated profile (57.4% and 72.4%, respectively). Ultrasonic extraction with both solvents generated oils approaching the ideal saturated: monounsaturated: polyunsaturated ratio. Lipid index evaluation indicated that oils extracted with 2-MeOx exhibit a healthier but thermally sensitive profile, while d-limonene oils are more stable and suitable for storage and processing.