Pilot-scale extraction of multiple biopesticidal compounds from mustard biofuel by-products

Abstract

Oils from Sinapis alba and Brassica juncea mustards can be used as a raw material for biofuel and biodiesel. Mustard seed meal left after oil extraction is considered a low value by-product. Valorization of mustard meal into biopesticide is one of the promising directions. The development of a suitable pilot scale extraction and concentration procedure is the first critical step to achieve this goal. Thus, the objective of the presented work was to develop a scaled-up process for producing mustard seed meal biopesticides. Modular pilot plant was built to allow for up to 100 gallons extraction capacity. The pilot plant setup included components that are widely accessible and can be adjusted to meet a range of production scales. The ratio of mustard seed meal to water, temperature, and extraction times were optimized for extraction of major mustard biopesticidal compounds (ionic thiocyanate, 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, and sinigrin). To evaluate the potential as an animal feed and further valorization of mustard seed meal, extracted mustard seed meals were analyzed for chemical composition. Based on total digestible nutrients and net energies, both B. juncea and S. alba extracted mustard seed meals were siutable animal feed for dairy cows.