# Extraction of Oil from Amazonian Attalea tessmannii Kernels: Kinetics Modeling, Diffusivity Analyses, and Physicochemical Characterization

## TL;DR

This study explores oil extraction from an underexplored Amazonian palm, analyzing its chemical composition and potential uses in food, pharmaceuticals, and biodiesel.

## Contribution

The study provides novel insights into the lipid extraction kinetics and physicochemical properties of Attalea tessmannii kernel oil.

## Key findings

- The kernel has a high lipid content of 64.19%.
- The Brimberg model best fits the extraction kinetics with an activation energy of 27.5 kJ mol–1.
- The oil is rich in lauric acid and suitable for food, pharmaceutical, and biodiesel applications.

## Abstract

The Amazon rainforest, recognized for its biodiversity,
is an important
source of timber and nontimber products that support the livelihoods
of traditional communities. Among these resources, palm fruits are
especially important because of their economic and ecological value.
This study investigates Attalea tessmannii, an underexplored palm species, focusing on the chemical composition
of its kernel, lipid extraction (kinetics and diffusivity analysis),
and oil characterization. The kernel exhibited a high lipid content
of 64.19%. Lipid extraction using hexane reached maximum yield at
60 °C after 180 min. Among the kinetic models tested, the Brimberg
model showed the best fit, with an activation energy of 27.5 kJ mol–1. The diffusion coefficient ranged from 1.8 ×
10–11 to 5.8 × 10–11 m2/s (25–60 °C). The oil was rich in short-chain
fatty acids, mainly lauric acid (∼50%). The physicochemical
parameters of A. tessmannii kernel
oil indicated its potential for use in food, pharmaceutical, and biodiesel
applications.