Evaluation of Soxhlet Extraction Efficiency for Black Soldier Fly Larvae Oil: Effects of Extraction Time and Solvent-to-Sample Ratio

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of extraction time and solvent-to-sample ratio on the yield and physicochemical characteristics of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) oil using a completely randomized design (CRD). The extraction was conducted via Soxhlet method with extraction durations of 2, 4, and 6 hours and solvent ratios of 1:7, 1:10, and 1:13 (sample:solvent). The effect of treatments on extraction yield was analyzed using One-Way ANOVA, followed by Duncan’s multiple range test to distinguish differences among treatment groups. The results demonstrated that extraction time had a significant influence on BSFL oil yield (F = 76.173; p < 0.05), where extending the duration from 2 to 6 hours increased the yield from 19.19% to 30.72%. The solvent ratio also affected the extraction performance, with the optimum yield of 32.12% obtained at a ratio of 1:10. The physical characteristics of the extracted oil, based on density measurements, ranged from 0.9494 to 0.9605 g/mL. Furthermore, GC–MS analysis identified three major fatty acid methyl esters—methyl oleate (>50%), methyl palmitate (>20%), and methyl laurate (>10%)—confirming the predominance of FAME compounds and highlighting the potential of BSFL oil as a valuable oleochemical feedstock.