Received: 25-07-2016 / Accepted: 06-12-2016
The study was carried out on corn kernels withoil content of 3.36 - 5.73% on dry matter basis in order to select the most suitable variety for oil extraction. The main processing parameters were also examined in order to select the best values which enhance the extraction yield and thequality of the extracted oil. The optimized processing conditions are briefly described as follows. Corn kernels were ground to particle size of 0.1 mm to 0.25 mm in diameter. The ground corns were then extracted two times by n-hexane at a ratio of 1 g ground corn to 8 mL solvent for 5 hours (the first time) and ratio of 1 g ground corn to 4 mL solvent for 2 hours (the second time). Extraction was carried out at 69oC. The extract was then evaporated by rotary vacuum equipmentto collect corn oil. The corn oil obtained has high levels of unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E, and can be used as raw material in the production of functional foods and pharmaceuticals.