Impact of microwave pretreatment on yield, quality and lipid composition of Acer truncatum Bunge seed oil

This study is to optimize microwave pretreatment of Acer truncatum seeds to enhance quality and production of Acer truncatum seed oil (ATSO). The optimum microwave power, microwave-treatment time, as well as microwave-treatment temperature were determined through single-factor and orthogonal experiments, and they were 600 W, 5 min, and 50 degrees C, respectively, resulting in an ATSO yield of 35.2 %. The lipid components of ATSO extracted from non-microwave-treated as well as microwave-treated A. truncatum seeds were qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated by lipidomic analysis. Through liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LCMS/MS) analysis, 2005 lipid molecules belonging to 42 lipid subclasses were specified. The outcomes of lipidomic analysis demonstrated the microwave pretreatment of A. truncatum seeds not only increased levels of beneficial lipids in ATSO but also changed lipid composition of the oil, potentially enhancing the positive health effects of the oil. This research brings a scientific basis for improving the yield as well as quality of ATSO and helps in understanding lipid composition and health benefits of the oil, promoting the utilization of this valuable natural resource.