A Comparative Review of Biomass Conversion to Biodiesel with a Focus on Sunflower Oil: Production Pathways, Sustainability, and Challenges
Fossil fuels have been the main source of energy for decades. However, they are non-renewable resources that take millions of years to replenish from decomposed organic matter. As they are depleting at an alarming rate, a shift towards more sustainable fuels is gaining popularity. Biodiesel is emerging as a biodegradable and renewable energy source that serves as a promising alternative to conventional fuels. It addresses the challenges of greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring energy security. Among potential feedstocks, sunflower oil demonstrates unique advantages due to its high oil yield, favorable fatty acid composition, and availability. Despite extensive research on biodiesel, no comparative study has yet synthesized the four generations of biodiesel feedstocks while integrating optimization strategies with a particular focus on sunflower oil and sustainability trade-offs. This review aims to fill that gap by providing a comprehensive analysis of biodiesel production pathways, highlighting sunflower oil within a broader sustainability framework. The four generations are assessed based on feedstock potential, efficiency, and yield, while optimization processes for sunflower oil-based biodiesel are examined in terms of economic feasibility, limitations, and environmental impacts. The principal findings highlight the low free fatty acid composition of sunflower oil compared to other feedstocks, which makes it efficient for transesterification. Challenges such as production costs, land consumption, and food chain disruption are also discussed. Finally, innovative insights are presented for improving the viability of biodiesel through advanced technologies and supportive policies.
- Research Article
- 10.15587/2312-8372.2017.112912
- Sep 21, 2017
- Technology audit and production reserves
The object of research is high oleic sunflower oil (HOSO) and refined deodorized sunflower oil (RDSO) as a control. The distinguishing characteristic of HOSO consists in the changed fatty acid composition , has a high content of triglycerides of oleic acid more than 89 %. HOSO has the following characteristics: (ρ=915...920 g/cm 3 , η=0.0180±0.0009 Pa, t (solidification)= 0...-6 oC, refractive index 1,466...1,468; Tb N = 0. 0100±0.0003 mg MA/1000 g, PN =0.83±0.02 mmol ½ O/kg , SN =184...194 mg KOH, AN =0.112±0.003 mg KOH/g; IN =105±5 % I 2 ; =3.00±0.09). One of the most problematic places for using oils is that they are faster than solid fats, refreshing products has less shelf life. In the course of the study, the influence of technological factors on the HOSO properties and the scientific basis for the HOSO use as a prescription component of food systems i s determined. It is proved that during the storage HOSO is more resistant to processes in comparison with RDSO , since glycerides of polyunsaturated fatty acids oxidize faster than monounsaturated, confirming the experimental data of physicochemical parameters, fatty acid composition and dynamics of the content of tocopherols. HOSO stability for oxidation processes under conditions of prolonged thermal action in comparison with RDSO (control) by functional numbers (acid, peroxide, iodine, thiobarbituric) is studied. It is found that the oxidation rate in HOSO is lower than in theRDSO (control) by 2 times at the beginning of the heat treatment and by 1.23 times with the maximum duration of heat treatment. The coefficient of extinction grows to the limit of maximum permissible values at 6 hours in RDSO and 18 hours in HOSO, which confirms the HOSO thermal stability that is 3 times greater. Essential changes in the fatty acid composition and in the complex of tocopherols of oils under heat treatment conditions, the nature of which depends on the type of oil and the duration of heat treatment, are also shown, which also indicates a greater stability of HOSO for oxidation processes in comparison with RDSO (control). On the basis of the research, recommendations are developed on the HOSO use in the technology of custard products and as a medium for frying. Rational conditions of the brewing process are t=95...100 oC, τ=(3...5)×60 s, hydromodule «HOSO-water» – 1:2.5. Recommended parameters for the HOSO use as a medium for frying, in particular deep-fried: t=160...180 oC, duration of continuous use τ=(0...18)×60 2 s, ratio « HOSO – semifinished product» is 4: 1, HOSO storage time is 24 months. Thus, HOSO use will ensure the use of domestic raw materials; the maximum realization of the functional and technological properties of HOSO with obtaining high-quality products; reduction of energy costs and labor intensity of the process; introduction of resource-saving technologies using the newest principles of food production.
- Research Article
5
- 10.1080/21623945.2022.2042963
- Mar 16, 2022
- Adipocyte
Middle Eastern immigrants are at high-risk for insulin resistance. Fatty acid composition (FAC) plays an important role in the development of insulin resistance but has not been investigated in people of Middle Eastern ancestry. Here, the aim was to assess the FAC in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue (VAT and SAT) in healthy Iraqi- and Swedish-born men using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method.This case-control study included 23 Iraqi- and 15 Swedish-born middle-aged men, without cardiometabolic disease. Using multi-echo MRI of the abdomen, the fractions of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (fSFA, fMUFA, and fPUFA) were estimated in VAT and SAT. SAT was further analyzed in deep and superficial compartments (dSAT and sSAT). In all depots, fPUFA was significantly higher and fSFA significantly lower in Iraqi men, independently of age and BMI. In both Iraqi- and Swedish-born men, higher fPUFA and lower fMUFA were found in sSAT vs. dSAT. Among Iraqi men only, higher fPUFA and lower fMUFA were found in SAT vs. VAT.Iraqi-born men presented a more favorable abdominal FAC compared to Swedish-born men. This MRI method also revealed different FACs in different abdominal depots. Our results may reflect a beneficial FAC in Middle Eastern immigrants.
- Research Article
5
- 10.1088/1755-1315/85/1/012059
- Sep 1, 2017
- IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science
To study the effect of pork adipose tissue substitution with vegetable oils in chicken frankfurters, six frankfurter formulations were produced: control; with pork backfat; with olive oil; with rapeseed oil; with sunflower oil; with palm oil, and; with a mixture of 12% rapeseed oil and 8% palm oil. Fatty acid composition and cholesterol content and some oxides thereof were determined in the final products. The use of vegetable oils resulted in improvement of the fatty acid composition and nutritional of frankfurters. Frankfurters with vegetable oils contained significantly less cholesterol and some of its oxides, compared to the frankfurters with pork fat. The formulation with palm oil had the least favourable fatty acid composition. The use of 12% rapeseed oil improved the ratio of fatty acids in frankfurters with a mixture of rapeseed and palm oils. Complete pork fat replacement with vegetable oils in chicken frankfurter production is technologically possible. The mixture of 12% rapeseed oil and 8% palm oil is a good alternative to pork fat from health aspects. Further research is needed to find the most appropriate mixture of vegetable oils, which will produce frankfurters with good sensory characteristics, a more desirable fatty acid ratio and high nutritional value.
- Research Article
- 10.2139/ssrn.3880578
- Jul 2, 2021
- SSRN Electronic Journal
Background: Middle Eastern immigrants are at high-risk for insulin resistance. Fatty acid composition (FAC) plays an important role in the development of insulin resistance but has not been investigated in people of Middle Eastern ancestry. Here, the aim was to assess the FAC in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue (VAT and SAT) in healthy Iraqi- and Swedish-born men using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method. Methods: This case-control study included 23 Iraqi- and 15 Swedish-born middle-aged men, without cardiometabolic disease. Using multi-echo MRI of the abdomen, the fractions of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (fSFA,f MUFA , and fPUFA , respectively) were estimated in VAT and SAT. SAT was further analyzed in deep and superficial compartments (dSAT and sSAT). Findings: In all investigated adipose tissue depots, fPUFA was significantly higher (p <0.001) and f significantly lower (p <0.001) in Iraqi men, independently of age and BMI. In both Iraqi- and Swedish-born men, higher fPUFA and lower fMUFA were found in sSAT vs. dSAT. Among Iraqi men only, higher f PUFA and lower f MUFA were found in SAT vs. VAT (p <0.001). Interpretations: Iraqi-born men presented a more favorable abdominal adipose tissue FAC compared to Swedish-born men. This MRI method also revealed differences in FAC comparing different abdominal adipose tissue depots. Our results may reflect a beneficial FAC in Middle Eastern immigrants which needs to be further investigated. Funding: Lund University; the Swedish Research Council; the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research; MAS Foundation for Fighting Cancer; the Cancer Research Foundation, Oncology Department, SUS Malmo. Declaration of Interest: None to declare. Ethical Approval: Approval for the study was granted from the Ethical Review Board of Lund University (2015/507).
- Research Article
- 10.51470/plantarchives.2026.v26.supplement-1.340
- Jan 1, 2025
- Plant Archives
Cold-pressed oils have recently gained consumer interest due to their perceived nutritional benefits, while blended edible oils are increasingly marketed for offering complementary fatty acid profiles. The present study evaluated the fatty acid composition of sunflower and rice bran oils in their refined, coldpressed, and blended forms. Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) were analyzed using GC-FID. Results revealed that refining had no significant impact on individual fatty acid proportions in either oil. Rice bran oil exhibited the highest saturated fatty acid (SFA) content (23.60 ± 0.21%), while sunflower oil contained the lowest (7.84 ± 0.035%). Palmitic acid (C16:0) was the predominant SFA across all oils. Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) were highest in the blended oil (44.13 ± 0.015%), whereas sunflower oil showed the highest polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (56.40 ± 0.071%). Sunflower oil contained the highest omega-6 content (C18:2n6cis), while rice bran oil contained more omega-3 fatty acids (C18:3n3cis). Blending rice bran oil with 20% sunflower oil improved the overall unsaturated-tosaturated fatty acid ratio from 11.76 to 3.64. These results suggest that blending sunflower and rice bran oils enhances their nutritional balance without altering core fatty acid composition due to extraction or refining.
- Research Article
6
- 10.1159/000176225
- Jan 1, 1978
- Nutrition and metabolism
Arachid, sunflower and primor oils, which are all poor in saturated fatty acids and differ, in particular, in their oleic, linoleic and linolenic acid content, were fed to rats throughout one short and one long experiment. In the short experiment (1 month), they were given a hyperlipidic diet (35% of total food weight) and in the long experiment (1 year) a normolipidic diet (6% of total food weight). The chief results observed were as follows. Diminished weight gain of rats ingesting sunflower oil in the long experiment when compared with the other two groups. Absence of significant differences in cholesterolemia, triglyceridemia and phospholipidemia, depending on the type of oil ingested. A significant rise in glycemia for rats absorbing sunflower oil in the short experiment, thus confirming our previous observations. A significant rise in blood urea in rats ingesting primor oil in the short experiment. A significant rise in proteinemia in rats absorbing primor oil in both experiments. Very similar fatty acid composition for serum triglycerides and free fatty acids, with a high linoleic acid content in animals absorbing sunflower oil (this only applied to the short experiment with a hyperlipidic diet). Identical fatty acid composition of serum phospholipids, which were also rich in stearic acid and to a lesser extent in arachidonic acid (this applied to all diets and experiments). Identical fatty acid composition of serum cholesterol esters, also rich in arachidonic acid, for all diets and experiments. Very similar fatty acid composition for aorta triglycerides and free fatty acids which, like the corresponding serum fractions, also had a high linoleic acid content in the sunflower oil group, in the short experiment (animals on a hyperlipidic diet). Identical fatty acid composition of aorta phospholipids whatever the diet or type of experiment. This composition is very similar that of serum phospholipids (i.e. particularly rich in stearic acid and fairly rich in arachidonic acid). A fatty acid composition for aorta cholesterol esters completely different from that of serum cholesterol esters, the first being rich in palmitoleate and laurate; the nature of this difference depends on the oil ingested, since palmitoleate was chiefly found in rats absorbing primor oil, and laurate in animals on the sunflower oil diet.
- Research Article
19
- 10.1002/er.7086
- Jul 27, 2021
- International Journal of Energy Research
Hydrogen farm concept: A Perspective for Turkey
- Book Chapter
- 10.58532/v3bdrs1p1ch15
- Mar 6, 2024
The search for renewable and sustainable energy sources has become imperative as the world continues to grapple with the challenges posed by climate change and the depletion of finite fossil fuel reserves. Biofuels are derived from organic matter and have gained traction as an eco-friendly substitute for conventional fossil fuels. By utilizing feedstocks such as agricultural residues, dedicated energy crops, and even algae, biofuels offer reduced greenhouse gas emissions and can be compatible with existing combustion engines. Researchers are actively investigating methods to enhance biofuel production efficiency and address land-use competition, food security, and biodiversity concerns. Biodiesel, a type of biofuel, is produced through the trans-esterification of vegetable oils or animal fats. It is a renewable and biodegradable alternative to traditional diesel fuel, with the potential to decrease greenhouse gas emissions significantly. Hydrogen is regarded as a versatile, clean energy carrier with zero carbon emissions when utilized in fuel cells. It can be produced through various processes, including water electrolysis using renewable energy sources like wind, solar, or hydropower. Developing hydrogen infrastructure and storage solutions is vital to unlock its potential as a mainstream fuel for vehicles, industrial applications, and power generation, aiming to create a sustainable and emissions-free energy landscape. Cyanobacteria, represent a promising avenue for sustainable energy and chemical production. These microorganisms can efficiently convert sunlight and carbon dioxide into biofuels and valuable biochemical through photosynthesis. While each renewable resource offers distinct advantages and challenges, they share the common goal of fostering a sustainable energy transition. Continued research, technological advancements, and supportive policies are essential to realizing the full potential of biofuel, biodiesel, hydrogen, and cyanobacteria as key components of a cleaner and more environmentally conscious energy future. Embracing these renewable alternatives presents a promising pathway to mitigate climate change and promote global energy security. This review focuses on promising alternatives that have garnered significant attention recently: microbial fuel cells, biofuel, biodiesel, hydrogen, and cyanobacteria.
- Research Article
22
- 10.1017/s1751731107001528
- Jan 1, 2008
- Animal
Chemical composition and oxidative status of tissues from Iberian pigs as affected by diets: extensive feeding v. oleic acid- and tocopherol-enriched mixed diets
- Research Article
33
- 10.3109/09637486.2011.609158
- Aug 19, 2011
- International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition
Headspace-solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography (HS-SPME-GC) was used to identify in total 74 volatile lipid oxidation compounds altogether in thermally stressed conventional and high-oleic sunflower (HOSF) oil samples (in accelerated storage conditions for 14 days at 80°C). Out of the volatile compounds identified, six volatile compounds were selected as marker compounds for the assessment of lipid oxidation of sunflower (SF) and HOSF oils due to their low odour threshold values and fatty-rancid odour impression. Additionally, other oxidation parameters such as fatty acid composition, peroxide value (PV), anisidine value and tocopherol and tocotrienol composition were determined. Multivariate statistical methods (principal component analysis and agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis) were applied to identify sensitive oxidation marker compounds. Preliminary results revealed that hexanal, E-2-heptenal, E-2-decenal and E,E-2,4-nonadienal were the most suitable in differentiating HOSF and SF oil varieties from each other and SF samples with differing oxidative properties. Differentiation of SF samples according to their volatile compound composition was done in accordance with the results from the well-known oil quality parameters (e.g. PV or fatty acid composition). In conclusion, the combination of volatile compound analysis with HS-SPME-GC and multivariate statistical methods provides a sensitive tool in differentiating conventional SF and HOSF oils by means of volatile lipid oxidation marker compounds.
- Research Article
22
- 10.1016/j.fcr.2013.05.007
- Jun 13, 2013
- Field Crops Research
Assessment of the critical period for the effect of intercepted solar radiation on sunflower oil fatty acid composition
- Research Article
41
- 10.1016/s0022-2275(20)34902-6
- Oct 1, 1999
- Journal of Lipid Research
Dietary fats are efficiently absorbed in the small intestine and transported into the blood via the lymph as chylomicrons, despite enormous variations in the amount and composition of the dietary lipid. The aim of the present study was to investigate how enterocytes respond to increased dietary fats of different composition. Rabbits were fed a low fat chow diet, and chow supplemented with sunflower oil (high n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids), fish oil (high n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids), or an oil mixture of a composition similar to that of the typical western diet. Feeding fat for 2 weeks markedly stimulated the ability of the isolated enterocytes to synthesize and secrete apolipoprotein B48, triacylglycerol, and cholesteryl ester (up to 18-, 50-, and 80-fold, respectively) in particles of chylomicron density. The magnitude of stimulation was sunflower oil > western diet lipid > fish oil. Single doses of lipid given 18 h prior to isolation of enterocytes stimulated chylomicron secretion by only 10% of that observed after 2 weeks of dietary supplementation. Enterocytes are replaced rapidly (half-life 1-2 days) by cells which move from the crypts to the tips of the villi, where absorption of nutrients takes place. Our observations suggest that dietary lipids modulate the function of enterocytes as they move from the crypts, so that the cells are 'turned-on' to lipid absorption. The results also show that diets of different fatty acid composition vary in their effects.
- Research Article
15
- 10.59247/csol.v2i1.59
- Jan 29, 2024
- Control Systems and Optimization Letters
With an emphasis on Bangladesh's accomplishments in solar photovoltaic power production, this extensive study offers a comprehensive review of sustainable and renewable energy sources. Bangladesh, a heavily populated country that depends heavily on energy, has a difficult time satisfying its rising electrical demand while also taking environmental issues into account. The assessment covers a wide range of topics related to renewable energy sources, including solar photovoltaic technology, how it fits into the nation's current energy infrastructure, legislative frameworks, and socioeconomic effects. The report emphasizes how solar photovoltaic power may play a key role in Bangladesh's sustainable energy future by lowering the country's reliance on fossil fuels, lessening the effects of climate change, and promoting economic development via the use of renewable energy sources. This comprehensive review explores the many facets of sustainable and renewable energy sources in further detail, with a particular emphasis on Bangladesh's ever-changing solar photovoltaic power market. The topic of discussion includes developments in solar panel technology, such as increased efficiency, lower costs, and novel ideas. It also looks at how solar energy may be integrated into the current energy system, discussing the benefits and problems related to energy storage and grid modernization. This paper has the potential to improve energy security, the environment, the economy, and the general well-being of the populace, with a focus on solar PV advancement in Bangladesh. It can act as a guide for decision-makers in government, academia, and business to work together to create a more resilient and sustainable energy future for the nation. The research explores how the expansion of the solar business might lead to the creation of jobs, the improvement of skills, and the enhancement of local economies. It also takes into account the advantages for the environment that come from using less fossil fuels, such as lower greenhouse gas emissions and better air quality. This thorough review highlights the importance of Bangladesh's progress toward solar photovoltaic electricity development as a way to guarantee a sustainable and environmentally conscious energy future, lower consumer energy costs, and improve energy security in a country with rising energy consumption and aggressive renewable energy targets.
- Research Article
- 10.53894/ijirss.v8i11.10836
- Nov 7, 2025
- International Journal of Innovative Research and Scientific Studies
This paper employs the K-Nearest Neighbor (k-NN) algorithm to examine the relationship between electricity generation—using renewable and non-renewable energy sources—and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. The model achieved strong predictive accuracy, with a mean squared error (MSE) of 134.9 and an R² value of 0.915. Two analytical approaches were applied: the first included both renewable and non-renewable energy sources to determine the largest contribution of each energy source, and the second excluded non-renewable sources to assess the relative importance of different types of renewable energy. In the first approach, fossil fuel-fired electricity generation contributed 98.04% of the impact on carbon dioxide emissions, confirming its dominant role in increasing global carbon emissions. Renewable energy sources, however, had limited contributions: solar (1.16%), wind (0.71%), hydropower (0.09%), and bioenergy showed a negligible impact. In the second approach—excluding fossil fuels—renewable energy sources gained relative importance, with wind energy emerging as the most influential factor in the model (80.24%), followed by solar (10.92%), and hydropower (8.84%). Bioenergy remained insignificant in both models. The study concludes that fossil fuel–based electricity generation remains the principal driver of CO₂ emissions globally. though, among renewable sources, wind energy exhibits the greatest potential for reducing emissions when fossil fuels are excluded, highlighting its strategic importance in future clean energy transitions. The findings confirm the need for global energy policies that prioritize expanding renewable energy infrastructure, particularly solar and hydropower, while phasing out reliance on fossil fuels. countries should focus on stimulating investment in clean energy, developing efficiency-enhancing technologies, and expanding renewable energy generation to achieve long-term carbon reduction and environmental sustainability while maintaining economic growth.
- Research Article
14
- 10.1016/j.ifset.2016.06.015
- Jun 29, 2016
- Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies
Designing of high voltage electric field for soybean and sunflower oil bleaching
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