Squalene Extraction by Supercritical Fluids from Traditionally Puffed Amaranthus hypochondriacus Seeds

Abstract

Extraction of squalene, a potent natural antioxidant, from puffed A. hypochondriacus seeds was performed by supercritical fluid extraction (SCFE); besides, to have a blank for comparison, extraction was performed also by Soxhlet method using organic solvents (hexane). Chemical proximal composition and seed morphology were determined in raw, puffed, and SCFE-extracted seeds. Extracts were obtained with a 500 mL capacity commercial supercritical extractor and performed between 10 and 30 MPa at 313, 323, and 333 K under constant CO 2 flow of 0.18 kg CO 2 /h during 8 h. The squalene content was determined and the fatty acids present in the extracts were identified by GC-MS. The extract obtained by SCFE from puffed amaranth seeds reached 460 ± 28.1 g/kg squalene in oily extract at 313 K/20 MPa.

Squalene from Fish Livers Extracted by Ultrasound‐Assisted Direct In Situ Saponification: Purification and Molecular Characteristics

“…Thus, high‐intensity ultrasound may extensively (break the cell membrane and denature proteins) release the squalene from complex tissue as evidenced by the increased efficiency, compared to the conventional solvent extraction method (Table ) (Halim et al, ). In addition, squalene may undergo weak hydrophobic‐hydrophobic or van der Waals interactions with denatured cellular components (proteins and carbohydrates) generated during the extraction process (Popa et al, ; Rosales‐García et al, ; Spanova and Daum, ). These interactions may be destabilized by ultrasonic cavitation, resulting in increased mobility of squalene to interact with the solvent system.…”

“…Owing to its unique functional and structural properties, squalene has numerous applications in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and food industries (Bindu et al, ; Spanova and Daum, ). Due to its high commercial demand, the global production of squalene has increased to 2500 ton year −1 in 2013 with a value of 93 million dollars and is expected to rise to 241.9 million dollars by year 2022 (Research, ; Rosales‐García et al, ). Squalene is produced at 1050 ton year −1 from plants (chiefly from olive oil); 1000 ton year −1 is recovered from shark liver (a processing by‐product), and the remainder (450 ton year −1 ) is produced synthetically via genetically modified microorganisms (e.g., Amyris, Inc. (Emeryville, CA, USA) and Biossance (Emeryville)).…”

Kinetics and Thermodynamics of Oil Extracted from Amaranth

“…This is because of its applications in various industrial products, hence, the need to briefly highlight it. Squalene is a type of unsaponifiable lipid which functions as a biosynthetic precursor, to all steroids (phytosterols and cholesterol) in both plants and animals [6,15]. It is a triterpene (C 30 H 50 ), often found in tissues of plants and animals [15].…”

“…Squalene is a type of unsaponifiable lipid which functions as a biosynthetic precursor, to all steroids (phytosterols and cholesterol) in both plants and animals [6,15]. It is a triterpene (C 30 H 50 ), often found in tissues of plants and animals [15]. Many research works have shown the biochemical importance squalene as antioxidant [15][16][17][18], as well as chemopreventive agent [19].…”

“…It is a triterpene (C 30 H 50 ), often found in tissues of plants and animals [15]. Many research works have shown the biochemical importance squalene as antioxidant [15][16][17][18], as well as chemopreventive agent [19]. The economic and industrial importance of squalene cannot be overemphasized, due to its numerous applications.…”