Comparison of Box-Behnken, Face Central Composite and Full Factorial Designs in Optimization of Hempseed Oil Extraction by n-Hexane: a Case Study

Abstract

Statistical multivariate methods like Box-Behnken, face central composite and full factorial designs (BBD, FCCD and FFD, respectively) in combination with the response surface methodology (RSM) were compared when applied in modeling and optimization of the hempseed oil (HSO) extraction by n-hexane. The effects of solvent-to-seed ratio, operation temperature and extraction time on HSO yield were investigated at the solvent-to-seed ratio of 3:1, 6.5:1 or 10:1 mL/g, the extraction temperature of 20, 45 or 70 °C and the extraction time of 5, 10 or 15 min. All three methods were efficient in the statistical modeling and optimization of the influential process variables and led to almost the same optimal process conditions and predicted HSO yield. Having better statistical performances and being economically advantageous over the FFD with repetition, the BBD or FCCD combined with the RSM is recommended for the optimization of liquid-solid extraction processes.