Abstract
Concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids ethyl esters (FAEE) by urea complexation from Echium oil was studied. Different variables involved in the process were investigated: amount and particle size of urea, solvent volume and ratio (hexane/ethanol), load of FAEE and reaction time. Hence, the main goal was to optimize SDA concentration (%) and yield (%) of stearidonic acid (SDA, 18:4 ω-3) and other bioactive FAEE. Similar behaviors were observed in fractionation between α-linolenic (ALA)-linoleic (LA), and γ-linolenic (GLA)-stearidonic (SDA) acids, attributed to similarities on their chemical structures, due to the position of the double bonds. At laboratory scale, the optimal conditions were 3 g urea (powder), 3.6 mL of hexane, 0.54 mL of ethanol and 800 mg of FAEE, during 20 h at 25°C. A scaling-up at pilot plant was carried out twice, obtaining more than 100 g of a final product, with ~29% SDA concentration and ~78% yield. Besides, after two washings with water, ethyl carbamates (urethanes) were not detected in the final product. Thus, a mixture of FAEE with about 85% of bioactive fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties was obtained, which can be a high added-value product with great potential for the synthesis of functional lipids and nutraceuticals.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
