An ultrasound-assisted procedure was applied to the extraction of oil from apricot kernels. The best possible combination of extraction parameters was obtained with the response surface methodology at a three-variable, three level experiments Box-Behnken design. The optimum extraction parameters were as follows: extraction time: 43.95 min; extraction temperature: 51.72 8C; and solvent/sample ratio: 19.8:01 at a fixed ultrasonic frequency of 40 kHz. Close agreement between experimental and predicted values were found. The viscosity values decreased with increase in the shear rate. Viscosities of samples treated with ultrasound for longer time were relatively higher due to dissolution of heavy suspended components. The results suggest that ultrasonic-assisted extraction could be a good option for the extraction of oil from apricot kernels. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSUltrasound treatment is a nonthermal and novel processing technology for extraction of biologically active food components. UAE in this study had a pronounced effect on the overall qualities of the extracted oil while maintaining the quality. Rheological properties of UAE extracted any edible oil is reported first time. This study can be beneficial for industries and researchers for enhancing the yield and maintaining the quality of the oils.

The application of ultrasound during extraction of oil from apricot kernels using hexane was evaluated and compared with conventional methods (mechanical extraction and Soxhlet extraction). Results show that ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) yields more oil with less solvent consumption. The oil yield from UAE, SE, and ME were 44.72%, 44.33%, and 35.06%, respectively. It is noteworthy that it took 44 min to extract oil by UAE method, while alike yield was obtained from SE in 6 hours. Oil extracted by UAE exhibited significantly higher peroxide and ester values. The functional groups of apricot kernel oil were analysed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Untreated and treated kernel powders were studied by scanning electron microscopy, and the development of microstructures and disruption of cell walls were evaluated. Our study suggests that ultrasound assisted extraction may be an effective method to extract edible oils by achieving higher efficiency in shorter extraction time.

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