Preparation and Characterization of Solid Acid Catalysts for the Conversion of Sesamin into Asarinin in Sesame Oil

Abstract

Asarinin, an isomer of sesamin, has attracted attention because it has stronger biological properties than sesamin. The research on the conversion of sesamin into asarinin is limited. In this study, solid acid catalysts were screened and applied to promote the conversion of sesamin into asarinin in sesame oil. The results showed that citric acid loaded on zeolite beta (CTAH) was the optimal catalyst for asarinin production among the prepared catalysts. Characterization showed that CTAH had the greatest pore volume, largest surface area and strongest acid content. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize the reaction conditions for asarinin yield using CTAH. The optimal reaction conditions were as follows: temperature, 85 °C; time, 2.7 h; catalyst amount, 1.6%. The predicted and experimental values of asarinin yield were 50.79 and 51.80 mg/100 g, respectively. The peroxide value and color in sesame oil samples treated with CTAH were clearly improved. In short, CTAH is a solid acid catalyst with potential application in the industrial conversion of sesamin into asarinin and in the improvement of sesame oil.

Kinetic modeling of the sesamin conversion into asarinin in the presence of citric acid loading on Hβ

“…To the best of our knowledge, no kinetic models have been developed for the sesamin conversion in sesame oil system. The SACs studied here, which was used in our previous work, showed good catalytic performance ( 14 , 23 ). In this study, the kinetics of the sesamin conversion with CA/Hβ in cold-pressed sesame oil (CSO) was investigated.…”

“…Briefly, a 20 g sample of Hβ was added to 200 ml of critic acid aqueous solution, and the resulting suspension was stirred at room temperature for 16 h. And then washed, dried and calcined. The catalyst has been proven to promote the conversion of sesamin into asarinin and shows well activity ( 14 ).…”

“…The parameters affecting sesamin conversion of sesame oil were reaction temperature (70-90 • C), initial concentration of sesamin (21.47-23.83 mmol/L), catalyst loading (1.0-3.0%) and rotation 10.3389/fnut.2022.983843 speed (200-400 rpm). These parameters were selected according to the results of previous tests (14). C A (mg/100 g) and C B (mg/100 g) represent the concentrations of sesamin and asarinin, respectively, in the oil samples during the whole reaction process.…”

“…It is formed from sesamin during refining processes (i.e., acid clay bleaching and deodorization at high temperature) ( 9 , 10 ). Compared with homogeneous catalysts (e.g., hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid), heterogeneous catalysts such as phosphotungstic acid ( 11 ), acid cation exchange resin ( 12 ), acid clay ( 13 ), and Hβ zeolite ( 14 ) have the advantages of easier separation and recycling. Owing to its surface acidity and special porous structure, zeolite beta is a commonly used solid acid catalyst (SACs).…”

The Potential of Food By-Products: Bioprocessing, Bioactive Compounds Extraction and Functional Ingredients Utilization

“…Although the sole extraction and characterization of the compounds of interest is the most preferred option, as in the above-reported cases, as well as for Aloe vera anthraquinones [ 12 ] or sesame oil asarin [ 13 ], the use of the whole discarded biomass is the valorization alternative that can prevent the further generation of by-products and should be preferred in terms of sustainability of the overall upcycling process. This option was chosen by Najjar et al [ 14 ] for the valorization of date seed flour, incorporating it in composite cookies and thus leading to a high amount of total polyphenolic content, with flavonoids showing high in vitro antioxidant activity.…”