Valorization of By-Products from Biofuel Biorefineries: Extraction and Purification of Bioactive Molecules from Post-Fermentation Corn Oil

Abstract

The aim of this work was to develop innovative and sustainable extraction, concentration, and purification technologies aimed to recover target substances from corn oil, obtained as side stream product of biomass refineries. Residues of bioactive compounds such as carotenoids, phytosterols, tocopherols, and polyphenols could be extracted from this matrix and applied as ingredients for food and feeds, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetic products. These molecules are well known for their antioxidant and antiradical capacity, besides other specific biological activities, generically involved in the prevention of chronic and degenerative diseases. The project involved the development of methods for the selective extraction of these minor components, using as suitable extraction technique solid phase extraction. All the extracted and purified fractions were evaluated by NMR spectroscopic analyses and UV–Vis spectrophotometric techniques and characterized by quali-quantitative HPLC analyses. TPC (total phenolic content) and TFC (total flavonoid content) were also determined. DPPH and ABTS radical were used to evaluate radical quenching abilities. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), amylase, glucosidase, and tyrosinase were selected as enzymes in the enzyme inhibitory assays. The obtained results showed the presence of a complex group of interesting molecules with strong potential in market applications according to circular economy principles.

Innovative Approaches to an Eco-Friendly Cosmetic Industry: A Review of Sustainable Ingredients

“…Corn residues (Zea mays L.) from biorefineries also have interesting compounds, especially after fermentation. Squalenes, carotenoids, omega-3, and other steroids with antioxidant potential have already been obtained [116].…”

Valorisation of Side Stream Products through Green Approaches: The Rapeseed Meal Case

“…It has also been studied as a source of amino acids for diverse applications [2,7,9] with a lack of studies focusing on its antioxidant components. As part of our interest in the valorisation of industrial byproducts [15,17] and in to the pursuit of fully reusing such a precious waste, we decided to focus on its antioxidant content. To start our investigation, we evaluated native RSM (R1) as a source of sinapic acid, and then we focused on the residues after protein removal (R2 and R3).…”

“…The aim of the present work was to study rapeseed meal composition and valorise the bioactive molecule composition through innovative and "green" extraction procedures such as supercritical CO 2 extraction [12][13][14][15]. Great attention was paid to the better recovery of specific polyphenolic compounds, the presence of which was highlighted by means of NMR, GC/MS, and HPLC-DAD analyses.…”

Nanoparticle-based applications by atmospheric pressure matrix assisted desorption/ionization mass spectrometry

“…124 Furthermore, in 2023, Francesco and co-workers subjected fruit seeds belonging to the pomegranate cultivar "Granata" to extraction and oily component analysis through AP MALDI MS to gain information about their composition. 125 This contributes to enhancing food safety and preventing outbreaks of foodborne diseases.…”