Production of Oil from Agro Seeds using Mechanothermal Extraction: A Review of Chemical, Pharmaceutical, and Food Applications

Year : 2026 | Volume : 13 | Issue : 02 | Page : 09 26
By

Umah Matthew Kingdom,

Abowei M.F.N.,

  1. Senior Lecturer, Department of Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
  2. Professor, Department of Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

The increasing demand for sustainable raw materials and renewable industrial resources has intensified research into the extraction of oils from agro seeds for chemical, pharmaceutical, and food applications. Agro-seed oils are valuable due to their biodegradability, nutritional composition, eco-friendliness, and wide industrial applicability. This review examines the production of oil from agro seeds using mechanothermal extraction techniques with emphasis on extraction efficiency, physicochemical characteristics, and industrial utilization. Mechanothermal extraction combines thermal conditioning and mechanical pressing to improve oil recovery by weakening cellular structures and enhancing oil release from seed matrices. The review further discusses enzyme-assisted aqueous extraction (EAAE), which employs enzymes such as proteases, cellulases, and pectinases to hydrolyze cell wall components and improve oil yield. Important process parameters including pH, temperature, hydrolysis time, enzyme concentration, particle size, and solid-to-solvent ratio significantly influence extraction performance and oil quality. Agro-seed oils possess desirable physicochemical and bioactive properties that support their applications in biodiesel production, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food processing, nutraceuticals, soaps, lubricants, and other engineering products. The utilization of agro-seed residues for oil production contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing agricultural waste and dependence on fossil-based resources. Furthermore, mechanothermal extraction offers advantages such as lower solvent usage, reduced environmental impact, improved extraction efficiency, and adaptability to industrial-scale operations. The review concludes that mechanothermal extraction and enzyme-assisted techniques provide sustainable and economically viable alternatives for agro-based oil production. Continued research into process optimization, refining technologies, and industrial commercialization is essential for maximizing the economic and environmental benefits of agro-seed oil production.

Keywords: Mechanothermal extraction, agro-seed oils, enzyme-assisted aqueous extraction, sustainable processing, industrial applications

[This article belongs to Journal of Catalyst & Catalysis ]

How to cite this article: Umah Matthew Kingdom, Abowei M.F.N.. Production of Oil from Agro Seeds using Mechanothermal Extraction: A Review of Chemical, Pharmaceutical, and Food Applications. Journal of Catalyst & Catalysis. 2026; 13(02):09-26.
How to cite this URL: Umah Matthew Kingdom, Abowei M.F.N.. Production of Oil from Agro Seeds using Mechanothermal Extraction: A Review of Chemical, Pharmaceutical, and Food Applications. Journal of Catalyst & Catalysis. 2026; 13(02):09-26. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jocc/article=2026/view=254984

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Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 13
Issue 02
Received 02/06/2026
Accepted 11/06/2026
Published 30/06/2026
Publication Time 28 Days

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