Search Results (3)

The valorization of byproducts such as defatted meal (DM) is essential for the implementation of a biorefinery structure and can be achieved through the application of emerging technologies, such as pressurized liquid extraction. This work aimed to apply pressurized liquid extraction to obtain products derived from the DM of crambe (Crambe abyssinica Hochst) seeds. The experiments investigated the effect of ethanol percentage in the hydroalcoholic solvent (25%, 50% and 75%, v/v) on the mass extract yield (MEY) and on the composition of the products obtained: phytochemical extract (PE) and processed flour (PF). The PE obtained using 25% ethanolic solvent had the highest MEY (23.48 wt%) and phenolic compounds, composed of caffeic, gallic and ferulic acids, which conferred activity against the fungus C. albicans. The solvents tested did not influence the content of soluble proteins. The solvent with 75% ethanol promoted the highest levels of glucosinolates (258.94 μmol/g) and tannins (8.80 mg/g) in the PE, reducing 96% and 98% of these contents in the PF produced. The PF obtained in the extraction with 75% ethanol contained phenolic compounds (~23 mg/100 g), dietary fibers (54.25 g/100 g) and soluble proteins (26.39 wt%), mainly composed of glutelin fraction. The PF also presented adequate functional properties, such as water solubility and absorption, which suggest potential use in pet food formulations. Full article

Crambe abyssinica Hochst defatted seed meals were used to produce protein hydrolysates through a mild enzymatic two-step hydrolysis process. The resulting hydrolysates were rich in free amino acids, low-molecular-weight peptides, and potential bioactive compounds such as phenols, glucosinolates, or their derivatives. These hydrolysates were tested in bioassays, performed under controlled conditions, on mung bean (Vigna radiata) cuttings, to investigate a possible auxin effect, and on maize (Zea mays L.) in an aeroponic/hydroponic system during the first two weeks of growth. In both assays, crambe hydrolysates revealed a stimulating effect on root development at a dose corresponding to nitrogen concentration of 4.8 mM, promoting lateral root formation and altering root architecture. Furthermore, they exhibited a positive impact on nitrogen content in both maize roots and shoots, along with an increase in the chlorophyll SPAD index. Notably, the observed effects were similar to those induced by a commercial biostimulant based on an animal-derived hydrolysate, tested under the same conditions on maize. The present work underscores the potential of crambe seed by-products for new sustainable and environmentally safe agro-inputs aimed at enhancing crop performance within the framework of a circular economy. Full article

Crambe (Crambe abyssinica Hochst) is an oilseed crop in the Brassicaceae family. Crambe’s ability to survive in diverse environmental conditions, its unique oil composition, the high oil content, suitability for the production of slip agents for plasticizers, the capacity to be easily included in common crop rotations, and its adaptability to equipment used for small grain cultivation has renewed the interest in this emerging crop. Crambe is considered one of the main sources of erucic acid, which can be up to 60% of its seed oil content. Erucic acid (C22:1) is a fatty acid with industrial importance since it is used to produce erucamide, key ingredient in the plastic industry. Inclusion of crambe into crop rotations can be beneficial because of its short life cycle, low fertility requirements, resistance to pest and diseases, and relative drought tolerance. Currently high erucic acid rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) (HEAR) is the principal source for erucic acid. However, the risk of contaminating food quality rapeseed (i.e., canola) by cross-pollination and the negative impact on climate, due to high inputs, are potential limitations to expand HEAR cultivation. Crambe has thus great potential to, at least, partially replace HEAR as a source of erucic acid, if the current knowledge-gap in agronomic management and crop improvement (seed yield and quality) can be addressed. Seed yield needs to be increased to be able to compete with HEAR. In addition, reducing glucosinolates and fiber in crambe meal may increase its inclusion in monogastrics rations. The objective of this review was to compile and summarize new and existing information on agricultural practices in crambe production and management to identify gaps in knowledge and areas for future research to increase the cultivation of crambe. Full article