Search Results (42)

The consumption of vegetable oils is steadily increasing, especially in Asian countries. Once used, the utilized cooking oils are either thrown into landfills or dumped there, endangering both the environment and people. One common method is to convert waste cooking oil (WCO) into biofuel; however, since WCO contains many free radicals, burning it releases large quantities of pollutants, meaning that disposal of WCO poses significant environmental risks. To stabilize the WCO (Cocos nucifera) before converting it into biofuel, this study analyzed the extraction, optimization, and use of antioxidant-rich bio-oil from Anisomeles malabarica leaves as a natural additive. Solvent screening revealed that a hexane–ethanol ratio of 4:2 was optimal for generating 76.7% bio-oil at room temperature. A maximum yield of 77% was attained by temperature and time optimization, which determined that 50 °C and 20 min were ideal. The extraction exhibits zero-order kinetics during the increasing phase, according to kinetic studies, with rate constants ranging from 0.54 to 1.44% min⁻¹ (R² = 0.950–0.997). The Peleg equilibrium model (average R² = 0.806) was used to describe the extraction profile. The regression equation ln(k) = 1799.3 × (1/T) − 10.828 (R² = 0.9748, p = 0.0002) was obtained using Arrhenius analysis. It was found that the compounds responsible for the antioxidant scavenging activity were found to be phytol, hexadecenoic acid, and tocopherol (vitamin E). The DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) test confirmed that 3% (v/v) bio-oil scavenged about 95% of free radicals, whereas the conjugated diene experiment demonstrated that over 90% of lipid oxidation in WCO was prevented. The combustion and emission properties of biofuel (WCB), which was created by transesterifying bio-oil-treated WCO, were compared to those of neat diesel and untreated WCO-derived biofuel (WC). In comparison to both WC50 and neat diesel, WCB50 demonstrated an equivalent in-cylinder pressure and heat release rate, but significantly reduced emissions of NO_x, CO, hydrocarbons, and smoke. These results show that Anisomeles malabarica bio-oil works well as a natural antioxidant addition for clean combustion and biodiesel stabilization. Full article

Background: Fresh frozen tissues are considered the gold standard for proteomic analyses due to their superior preservation of protein integrity; however, their use is limited by the logistical and financial requirements of long-term cold storage. Formaldehyde-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues provide a practical alternative, owing to their stability and widespread availability in clinical settings. A critical step in FFPE proteomics is deparaffinization, which traditionally relies on organic solvents such as xylene, along with the efficient reversal of formaldehyde-induced crosslinks. Methods: In this study, we evaluated multiple FFPE protein extraction and digestion workflows including chaotropic, surfactant-based, and detergent-free approaches in combination with xylene-free deparaffinization strategies, using label-free data-independent acquisition (DIA) LC-MS/MS. Results: Among the tested methods, a chaotropic, reductant, and surfactant-free in-solution digestion workflow demonstrated robust protein and peptide recovery. A modified version of this protocol further improved peptide coverage while maintaining comparable protein depth. The applicability of the optimized workflow was assessed using FFPE needle biopsy samples from control, hepatic steatosis, and liver fibrosis groups. Exploratory proteomic patterns were observed across conditions, with hepatic steatosis associated with early activation of stress-response pathways, while fibrosis showed evidence suggesting altered lipid metabolism. Conclusions: Overall, this study presents a simple, xylene-free, and MS-compatible workflow for FFPE proteomics that is suitable for low-input clinical samples and may support broader application of archival tissues in proteomic research. Full article

Background/Objectives: In this study, we investigated the effect on antioxidant defenses of a tomato extract obtained by supercritical CO₂ extraction (sCO₂TE), evaluating whether this green extraction method preserves biological activity compared to a conventional tomato extract (CTE) and focusing on superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) regulation, Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) activation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation modulation. Methods: Human glioblastoma astrocytoma U-373 cells were pre-treated with sCO₂TE or conventional tomato extract (CTE) and subsequently exposed to sodium arsenite (AsNaO₂) to induce oxidative stress, or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to trigger inflammatory signaling. Cell viability was assessed by Trypan Blue and MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide]; cell toxicity by propidium iodide staining. Intracellular ROS and lipid peroxidation were measured by flow cytometry. Gene expression of NRF2, SOD1 and GPX1 was analyzed by qRT-PCR, NRF2 activation and modulation of ERK1/2 (Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 1/2) and NF-κB (Nuclear Factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) were evaluated by Western blot. Results: Pre-treatment with sCO₂TE significantly reduced AsNaO₂-induced ROS production and lipid peroxidation, showing a stronger effect compared to CTE. sCO₂TE enhanced the expression of NRF2 phosphorylation and its downstream targets SOD1 and GPX1, particularly under oxidative stress conditions. In addition, sCO₂TE attenuated LPS-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and NF-κB p65, suggesting anti-inflammatory activity. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that sCO₂TE preserves the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of tomato-derived bioactives. The comparable efficacy of sCO₂TE and CTE supports the use of sCO₂ as a sustainable and solvent-free extraction method for the development of nutraceutical formulations targeting oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Full article

The current rise in global population and the subsequent demand for food supply to meet the current population has directed the attention of researchers towards sustainable, plant-based sources, particularly underutilized crops. Bactris gasipaes is one such underutilized crop with significant functional food value. During processing, 84% of the total weight of the palm is discarded in the form of waste, or so-called by-products, which are a rich source of bioactive compounds. These compounds can be effectively recovered through modern extraction and valorization techniques. This review critically examines the extraction methods, nutritional profiles, and valorization opportunities of peach palm, highlighting both traditional uses and innovative processing strategies. Recent advances enable the targeted recovery of multiple peach palm fractions, e.g., proteins are commonly extracted using alkaline methods, lipids and carotenoids via green solvents or supercritical CO₂, and starch and dietary fiber through hydrothermal or downstream separation processes. Key nutritional findings demonstrate that peach palm fractions offer significant protein content (with isolates reaching 40 to 60%), a favorable starch profile (up to 79%), and abundant unsaturated lipids and carotenoids, making them suitable for gluten-free, protein-enriched, and functional ingredient applications. Previous studies have focused mainly on the edible pulp of peach palm for protein, lipid, and carotenoid extraction, whereas other fractions such as peel, seed, and processing residues remain comparatively underexplored due to technological and safety constraints. This review provides a consolidated and critical overview of recent advances in fractionation and green extraction strategies for multiple value-added streams (proteins, lipids, carotenoids, starch, and dietary fiber), highlighting knowledge gaps and opportunities for sustainable food ingredient development. Full article

Background/Objectives: Oleosomes, plant-derived lipid nanostructures comprising a triacylglycerol core surrounded by a phospholipid monolayer and interfacial proteins, provide sustainable alternatives to synthetic lipid vesicles. This study compares solvent-free aqueous extractions of oleosomes from five nuts (almond, macadamia, walnut, hazelnut, pine) and five seeds (flaxseed, sunflower, hemp, sesame, canola/rapeseed) to understand how botanical origin influences composition and physicochemical behavior. Methods: Oleosomes were isolated using solvent-free aqueous extraction. Extraction yield, lipid content, protein content, particle size, polydispersity, and zeta potential were determined using standard analytical assays and dynamic light scattering techniques. SDS–PAGE was performed to evaluate interfacial protein profiles and oleosin abundance. Results: Extraction yields ranged from 8.4% (flaxseed) to 59.5% (walnut). Oleosome diameters spanned 424 nm to 3.9 µm, and all oleosome dispersions exhibited negative zeta potentials (–26 to –57 mV). SDS–PAGE revealed abundant 15–25 kDa oleosins in seed oleosomes but relatively sparse proteins in nut oleosomes. Seed oleosomes were smaller and exhibited stronger electrostatic stabilization, while nut oleosomes formed larger droplets stabilized primarily through steric interactions due to lower oleosin content. Conclusions: Variation in oleosin abundance and interfacial composition leads to distinct stabilization mechanisms in nut and seed oleosomes. These findings establish a predictive basis for tailoring oleosome size, stability, and functionality, and highlight their potential as natural nanocarriers for food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical formulations. Full article

This study compares the extraction of oils and bioactive compounds from Acmella oleracea using supercritical CO₂, pressurized R-134a, and propane under systematically designed experimental conditions. Extraction yields ranged from 1.16–3.35% for CO₂, 1.90–2.35% for R-134a, and 1.30–5.42% for propane. Propane achieved the highest yields and the fastest plateau (~35 min), producing extracts dominated by unsaturated fatty acids (linoleic acid ≈ 85%). Supercritical CO₂ generated the most diverse chemical profile, combining alkamides (spilanthol), triterpenoids (β-amyrone), and lipids, with a plateau at approximately 50 min, whereas R-134a selectively enriched β-amyrin acetate (~70%) with intermediate kinetics (~45 min). These yield values are typical for non-oilseed species, in which the low natural abundance of the target metabolites renders solvent selectivity more relevant than the total extract mass. Statistical modeling (R² > 0.96) confirmed that pressure was the main driver of CO₂ and propane extraction, whereas temperature dominated R-134a performance. The distinct selectivity patterns revealed by Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) indicate that each solvent generates compositionally different extracts aligned with specific industrial applications in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals. The unified comparison of these three fluids under a consistent experimental design provides practical insights for rational solvent selection: propane favors unsaturated lipids, CO₂ preserves multifunctional compositions, and R-134a targets triterpenoid esters, supporting the economic feasibility of producing enriched, solvent-free plant extracts. Full article

Rice bran, a rice milling by-product, is a rich source of bioactives such as tocopherols and γ-oryzanol, with promising antioxidant properties. This study compared three extraction techniques—Soxhlet, maceration, and supercritical CO₂ (SC-CO₂)—to identify the method offering the best balance of rice bran oil (RBO) recovery, composition, and sustainability. Although all methods yielded similar oil quantities (~9.5–10.8%), SC-CO₂ extraction achieved superior preservation of bioactives, with the highest tocopherol (116.9 µg/g) and γ-oryzanol (13.2 mg/g) levels. Antioxidant capacity, assessed via FRAP, ABTS, and DPPH assays, was consistently higher in SC-CO₂-extracted oil. The fatty acid profile further confirmed the advantages of SC-CO₂ extraction, with the oil showing a high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids (86.3%) and low saturated content (13.6%). In contrast, Soxhlet- and maceration-extracted oils contained higher saturated fractions (56.5% and 60.1%, respectively) and lower unsaturated content, reflecting the impact of thermal and solvent exposure on the lipid composition. Environmental impacts were quantified through cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment (LCA), showing that SC-CO₂ extraction led to the lowest ecological burden due to its solvent-free process and lower energy demand. Normalizing impacts on both oil yield and bioactive content further highlighted its advantages. These findings place SC-CO₂ extraction as a green, efficient alternative for valorizing rice bran, yielding a high-quality, antioxidant-rich oil suitable for food and cosmetic applications. The integrated chemical and environmental evaluation underscores the potential for a sustainable bioeconomy, effectively turning agricultural residue into functional ingredients. Full article

Microalgae are considered a potential source of fatty acid esters that are suitable for biodiesel production. However, a principal bottleneck in lipids extraction is related to the selection of appropriate solvents in order to obtain an efficient process. In this work, a simple methodology based on Hansen Solubility Parameters (HSP) was developed, aiming to solvent screening towards selective extraction of lipid compounds: main parameters that were considered for an optimum solvent included the partitioning of free fatty acids and other non-desired solutes, e.g., pigments and phospholipids, as well as the minimum water dissolution. The method takes into account the affinity of a candidate solvent with desired and non-desired solutes along with their relative differences. A large number of solvents (>5000) were scanned by this method for their capacity to selectively extract fatty acid esters from microalgae biomass, and hexane proved to be among the optimum solvents. This prediction was supported by the Snyder’s polarity index as well as ab initio quantum mechanical Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations of the Gibbs free energy of solvation and partition coefficients. Moreover, model validation carried out by liquid–liquid extraction of algal liquor with hexane and other solvents, and measurement of lipids allocation using paper chromatography and spectroscopy. Low lipids yield was observed, while the extract was enriched in fatty acid esters. A critical discussion is provided regarding the low yield ratios and potential implications due to overestimation of lipids content in microalgae. Full article

Oleosomes are submicron oil bodies of a triacylglycerol core enveloped by a phospholipid monolayer and embedded proteins, forming a naturally assembled nanocarrier with exceptional oxidative resilience, interfacial stability, and biocompatibility. Their unique architecture supports solvent-free extraction, self-emulsification, and near-complete encapsulation of highly lipophilic compounds (log P > 4), including curcumin and cannabidiol, with reported efficiencies exceeding 95%. These plant-derived droplets enhance oral bioavailability through lymphatic uptake and enable targeted delivery strategies such as magnetically guided chemotherapy, which has reduced tumor burden by approximately 70% in vivo. The review critically examines recent advances in oleosome research, spanning botanical sourcing, green extraction technologies, interfacial engineering, xenobiotic encapsulation, pharmacokinetics, and therapeutic applications across oncology, dermatology, metabolic disease, and regenerative medicine. Comparative analyses demonstrate that oleosomes rival or surpass synthetic lipid nanocarriers in encapsulation efficiency, oxidative stability, and cost efficiency while offering a sustainable, clean-label alternative. Remaining challenges, including low loading of hydrophilic drugs, allergenicity, and regulatory standardization, are addressed through emerging strategies such as hybrid oleosome–liposome systems, recombinant oleosin engineering, and stimulus-responsive coatings. These advances position oleosomes as a versatile and scalable platform with significant potential for food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications. Full article

The advancement of modern lifestyles has precipitated excessive consumption of energy-dense foods, driving the escalating global burden of lipid metabolism dysregulation-related pathologies—including obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and cardiovascular disorders—which collectively pose a formidable challenge to global public health systems. The almond hull, as a by-product of almond processing, is rich in polyphenolic compounds with demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-lowering potential, though its precise hypo-lipidemic mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, polyphenols were extracted from almond hulls using 50% ethanol with ultrasound-assisted extraction, followed by preliminary purification via solvent partitioning. The ethyl acetate fraction was analyzed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Network pharmacology and molecular docking were employed to investigate the interactions between key bioactive constituents (e.g., quercetin, baicalein, and kaempferol) and targets in lipid metabolism-related pathways. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations further evaluated the stability of the lowest-energy complexes. Results revealed that the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited potent pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 204.2 µg/mL). At 0.1 mg/mL after 24 h treatment, it significantly reduced free fatty acids (FFAs)-induced intracellular triglyceride accumulation (p < 0.01) and enhanced cellular antioxidant capacity. Network pharmacology and in vitro studies suggest almond hull extract modulates PI3K-AKT signaling and improves insulin resistance, demonstrating lipid-lowering effects. These findings support its potential in functional foods and pharmaceuticals, though further in vivo validation and mechanistic investigations are required. Full article

The sustainable production of healthy structured lipids (SLs) using oils extracted from agro-industry by-products or non-conventional lipid sources is of utmost importance in the framework of a circular bioeconomy, toward a zero-waste goal. In this study, low-calorie triacylglycerols (TAGs) containing a long-chain (L) fatty acid (FA) at position sn-2 and medium-chain (M) FAs at positions sn-1,3 (MLM type SL) were obtained from virgin cold-pressed milk thistle (51.55% linoleic acid; C18:2), grapeseed (66.62% C18:2), and apricot kernel (68.61% oleic acid; C18:1) oils. Lipase-catalyzed acidolysis with capric acid (C10:0) or interesterification with ethyl caprate (C10 Ethyl) in solvent-free media were performed. In batch reactions, immobilized Rhizomucor miehei lipase (Lipozyme RM) was used as a biocatalyst. For all tested oils, new TAG (SL) yields, varying from 61 to 63%, were obtained after 6 h of interesterification. Maximum new TAG yields were reached after 6, 24, and 30 h of acidolysis with grapeseed (64.7%), milk thistle (56.1%), or apricot kernel (69.7%) oils, respectively. Continuous acidolysis and interesterification of grapeseed oil were implemented in a packed-bed bioreactor, catalyzed by immobilized Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase (Lipozyme TL IM). Throughout 150 h of continuous operation, no lipase deactivation was observed, with average SL yields of 79.2% ± 4.1 by interesterification and 61.5% ± 5.91 by acidolysis. Full article

Defatting dehulled hemp seeds is a crucial step prior to protein extraction. However, conventional methods rely on flammable solvents, posing significant health, safety, and environmental concerns. Additionally, hemp protein has poor extractability, challenging functionality, and flavor limitations, restricting its broader application in foods. Accordingly, a two-phase natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES)-assisted extraction was evaluated as a solvent-free alternative for co-extracting protein and oil from full-fat hemp flour. In comparison to the reference hemp protein isolate (R-HPI), produced from hexane-defatted flour following conventional alkaline extraction, NADES-extracted hemp protein isolate (N-HPI) had significantly higher protein extraction yield and purity. N-HPI exhibited enhanced surface charge, lower hydrophobicity, and thus higher solubility at an acidic pH compared to R-HPI. N-HPI had a higher abundance of edestin and lower levels of vicilin-like proteins, which contributed to superior gelation compared to R-HPI. N-HPI, compared to R-HPI, contained lower levels of lipid-derived off-flavor compounds, such as aldehydes, alcohols, and ketones. These findings highlighted, for the first time, the potential of a two-phase NADES-assisted extraction as a sustainable alternate and effective process for producing high-quality, functional hemp protein. The development of such a green process is an impetus for broadening the applications of hemp protein in food systems. Full article

Pig processing industries have produced large quantities of by-products, which have either been discarded or used to make low-value products. This study aimed to provide recommendations for manufacturing edible oil from pig brains, thereby increasing the value of pork by-products. The experiment compared non-solvent extraction methods, specifically wet rendering and aqueous saline, to a standard solvent extraction method, the Bligh and Dyer method, for extracting oil from pig brains. The yield, color, fatty acid profile, a number of lipid classes, and lipid stability against lipolysis and oxidation of the pig brain oil were comprehensively compared, and the results revealed that these parameters varied depending on the extraction method. The wet rendering process provided the highest extracted oil yield (~13%), followed by the Bligh and Dyer method (~7%) and the aqueous saline method (~2.5%). The Bligh and Dyer method and wet rendering techniques produced a translucent yellow oil; however, an opaque light-brown-red oil was found in the aqueous saline method. The Bligh and Dyer method yielded the oil with the highest phospholipid, cholesterol, carotenoid, tocopherol, and free fatty acid contents (p < 0.05). Although the Bligh and Dyer method recovered the most unsaturated fatty acids, it also recovered more trans-fatty acids. Aqueous saline and wet rendering procedures yielded oil with low FFA levels (<1 g/100 g). The PV of the oil extracted using all methods was <1 meq/kg; however, the Bligh and Dyer method had a significant TBARS content (7.85 mg MDA equivalent/kg) compared to aqueous saline (1.75 mg MDA equivalent/kg) and wet rendering (1.14 mg MDA equivalent/kg) (p < 0.05). FTIR spectra of the pig brain oil revealed the presence of multiple components in varying quantities, as determined by chemical analysis experiments. Given the higher yield and lipid stability and the lower cholesterol and trans-fatty acid content, wet rendering can be regarded as a simple and environmentally friendly method for safely extracting quality edible oil from pig brains, which may play an important role in obtaining financial benefits, nutrition, the zero-waste approach, and increasing the utilization of by-products in the meat industry. Full article

As byproducts generated by commercial and domestic food-related processes, FOGs (fats, oils, and grease) are the leading cause of sewer pipe blockages in the US and around the world. Grease trap waste (GTW) is a subcategory of FOG currently disposed of as waste, resulting in an economic burden for GTW generators and handlers. This presents a global need for both resource conservation and carbon footprint reduction, particularly through increased waste upcycling. Therefore, it is critical to better understand current GTW handling practices in the context of the urban food–energy–water cycle. This can be accomplished with firsthand data collection, such as onsite visits, phone discussions, and targeted questionnaires. GTW disposal methods were found to be regional and correspond to key geographical locations, with landfill operations mostly practiced in the Midwest regions, incineration mainly in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, and digestion mainly in the West of the US. Select GTW samples were analyzed to evaluate their potential reuse as low-cost feedstocks for biodiesel or renewable diesel, which are alternatives to petroleum diesel fuels. Various GTW lipid extraction technologies have been reviewed, and more studies were found on converting GTW into biodiesel rather than renewable diesel. The challenges for these two pathways are the high sulfur content in biodiesel and the metal contents in renewable diesel, respectively. GTW lipid extraction technologies should overcome these issues while producing minimum-viable products with higher market values. Full article

Hydrothermal co-liquefaction (co-HTL) is a process involving two sources of biomasses aiming at bio-crude production. Since there is a lack of studies performed with sugarcane bagasse and residual soybean oil, this study investigated different conditions for the co-HTL of these biomasses, with and without the presence of ethanol as a co-solvent to maximize the bio-crude yield. All co-HTL reactions were carried out in a 300 mL Parr^® reactor at temperatures ranging from 200 to 300 °C. After the reaction, a vacuum filtration was performed to separate the bio-char, later washed with ethanol to extract heavy bio-crude, while the liquid-phase was mixed with dichloromethane to recover light bio-crude. Bio-crude yields of around 95 wt.% were obtained at 300 °C using ethanol and water as solvents. The highest bio-char yield (16.6 wt.%) was achieved when using only sugarcane bagasse as the substrate, without the presence of soybean oil. Bio-crude samples obtained at higher temperatures (280 °C and 300 °C) using ethanol as a hydrogen donor presented higher contents of both free fatty acids and fatty acid ethyl esters. This work presents a promising process to produce high-quality bio-crude using an abundant feedstock (sugarcane bagasse) in the presence of a lipid source which could cause environmental problems if poorly handled. Full article