Alternative Oil Source Research Articles

Evaluation of black soldier fly larvae oil (Hermatia illucens L.) calcium salt as an alternative fat source for laying quail diets.

This study aims to determine the effect of adding saponified black soldier fly larvae oil calcium salt (BSFLO-SCa) to quail feed as an alternative source of fat on laying performance, blood lipid profile, egg quality, and gene expression in lipid metabolism. A total of 120 female Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) aged 24 weeks were divided into 3 treatments, each with 8 replications, and each replication consisted of 5 quails in a completely randomized design. The applied treatments were the inclusion of basal feed as a control (T0) and basal feed supplemented with 1% BSFLO-SCa (T1) and 2% BSFLO-SCa (T2). The study indicated that the supplementation starting from 1% of BSFLO-SCa significantly decrease (p<0.05) in feed conversion ratio (FCR), blood lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol). Gene expression on fat synthesis of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and cholesterol synthesis of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) downregulated (p<0.05). In addition, the other parameters did not affect by supplementation of 1% BSFLO-SCa. The inclusion at 2% of BSFLO-SCa significantly increased (p<0.05) protein content of yolk and albumen, egg weight, egg shape index, and gene expression on fat oxidation of carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1). Egg yolk cholesterol, egg albumen ash, haugh unit (HU), and gene expression on fat synthesis of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) were significantly reduced (p<0.05). Addition of 2% BSFLO-SCa in the feed improves performance, egg quality, and reduces cholesterol in the blood and eggs of quail. This improvement is accompanied by a reduction in the expression of key genes involved in lipid metabolism. BSFLO-SCa oil has the potential to be an alternative oil source in quail feed.

Dietary lipid sources affect growth performance, lipid deposition, antioxidant capacity and inflammatory response of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

The present study explored the effects of different lipid sources on growth performance, lipid deposition, antioxidant capacity, inflammatory response and disease resistance of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Four isonitrogenous (crude protein 50.46 %) and isolipidic (crude lipid 11.12 %) diets were formulated to contain 7 % of different oil sources including fish oil (FO) (control), soybean oil (SO), linseed oil (LO) and coconut oil (CO). Largemouth bass with initial body weight of 36.0 ± 0.2 g were randomly distributed into 12 tanks, with 30 fish per tank and 3 tanks per treatment. The fish were fed with the experiment diets twice daily for 8 weeks. The results indicated that the weight gain of largemouth bass fed the FO diet was significantly higher than that of fish fed the LO and CO diets. The liver crude lipid content in FO group was significantly higher than other groups, while the highest liver triglyceride content was showed in SO group and the lowest was detected in LO group. At transcriptional level, expression of lipogenesis related genes (pparγ, srebp1, fas, acc, dgat1 and dgat2) in the SO and CO group were significantly higher than the FO group. However, the expression of lipolysis and fatty acids oxidation related genes (pparα, cpt1, and aco) in vegetable oils groups were significantly higher than the FO group. As to the antioxidant capacity, vegetable oils significantly reduced the malondialdehyde content of largemouth bass. Total antioxidant capacity in the SO and LO groups were significantly increased compared with the FO group. Catalase in the LO group was significantly increased compared with the FO group. Furthermore, the ER stress related genes, such as grp78, atf6α, atf6β, chop and xbp1 were significantly enhanced in the vegetable oil groups compared with the FO group. The activity of serum lysozyme in vegetable oil groups were significantly higher than in FO group. Additionally, the relative expression of non-specific immune related genes, including tlr2, mapk11, mapk13, mapk14, rela, tgf-β1, tnfα, 5lox, il-1β and il10, were all significantly increased in SO and CO groups compared to the other groups. In conclusion, based on the indexes including growth performance, lipid deposition, antioxidant capacity and inflammatory response, SO and LO could be alternative oil sources for largemouth bass.

Freshwater green alga Chlorella sp. KLSc59 produced all forms of omega-3 oil: ALA, EPA, and DHA

Omega-3 fats are known to be the essential nutrient for human health, obtainable only through food sources. Algae and phytoplankton are primary sources that can synthesize various useful metabolites, such as carotenoids, antioxidants, and omega-3 oil. As the trend toward healthy alternative food options grows, this study aimed to screen eight strains of freshwater microalgae that might be promising sources of omega-3 oil. The results showed that three algal strains-BNG2, Chlorella sp. KLSc59, and Chlorella sp. KLSc61-had the ability to produce all forms of omega-3 oil, including alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Among these strains, Chlorella sp. KLSc59 exhibited the most consistent omega-3 fatty acids-production when detected with gas chromatography equipped with flame ionization detector. Under optimal conditions (30 % flask volume, 10 mM CaCl2, pH of 6.0, and light incubation at 162 μmol photons m−2 s−1) for 5 days, Chlorella sp. KLSc59 produced the highest amount of omega-3 fat, yielding 21.74 ± 0.63 % of the total peak area (equivalent to 18.43 ± 0.6 μg/mg DCW), including 21.53 ± 0.66 % (equivalent to 18.26 ± 0.7 μg/mg DCW) ALA, 0.03 ± 0.2 % (equivalent to 0.02 ± 0.0 μg/mg DCW) EPA, and 0.18 ± 0.01 % (equivalent to 0.15 ± 0.0 μg/mg DCW) DHA, with an omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of 2.28. This study highlights the potential use of Chlorella sp. KLSc59 for omega-3 oil production and its role as an alternative source of omega-3 oil for the next generation.

Comparative study on the extraction strength of solvents on tar sand from Okitipupa, Ondo State

Tar sand, an aggregate of sand, clay, water and bitumen was sampled from Okitipupa area of Ondo State, Nigeria, extracted and optimized using n-hexane and toluene in a soxhlet extractor todetermine solvent effectiveness in extracting the bitumen content and their environmental effect. The experiment was carried out by heating the solvent at and above their boiling temperatures solely to get an optimum yield at a temperature and time of extraction of oil from the tar sand. The analysis gave an optimal yield of 9.07 % at 75oC in 4 h when n-hexane was used and an optimal yield of 21.27 % at 120oC in 4 h when toluene was used. A drastic change in colour was also notice in the sand residue to almost sandy soil nature when toluene was used as solvent compare to when n-hexane was used which shows a slight change from its blackish nature. The change in colour of the black tar sand is an indication of high extraction efficiency. Hence, owing to high demand for conventional oil supply in the country and the urgent need for an alternative source of oil, the bitumen extract can serve as an alternative source of unconventionaloil supply in Nigeria and feedstock in refineries.

Characteristics of Hozat apricot seed oil as a new source of oilseed

There has been an increase in apricot consumption due to its high bioactive and fiber content. However, the seed, inside part of the fruit, is considered as a food waste. In this study, potential usage of apricot seeds (bitter and sweet), that were cultivated in Hozat region- Tunceli, as an alternative oil source was evaluated. No comprehensive research has been undertaken to assess the seeds as an oil source before. In assessing its suitability for consumption, proximate composition of seed and physicochemical properties of the seeds’ oil had been determined. The proximate composition included the content of protein, ash, moisture, oil and the acidity as pH, in addition; iodine value, refractive index, nutritional quality, total phenolic content, antioxidant content, fatty acid composition and rheological properties of the oil were determined. Also, the effect of variety on them was examined.Overall, oil content was found to be the major component of the seed, thus the seed is good enough to be used as an oil source. Five different fatty acids were identified in the oil, that produced from the seed. These were palmitic, heptadecanoic, oleic, linoleic and linolenic acid. The oil had a refractive index between 1.4617 and 1.4628, iodine value between 100.47 and 102.11 gms, total phenolic content between 0.83 and 1.29 mg GAE g−1 oil, antioxidant activity between 11.21 and 11.60 mg TE g−1 oil for DPPH assay and 7.92–8.20 mg TE g−1 oil for ABTS assay, and apparent viscosity of 0.04 Pa.s. Moreover, viscous flow tests showed that the oil has a Newtonian flow behavior, and the nutritional indexes, that include unsaturated, atherogenicity, thrombogenicity and hypocholesterolemic/ hypercholesterolemic ratio, indicated that the oil is good enough for consumption as an oil source. The variety was found to have a significant effect on total phenolic content, antioxidant activity and refractive index of the oil, that was produced from apricot seed.

Shotgun-Based Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Phospholipid and Triacylglycerol Molecular Species and Eicosanoids in Salmon Muscle Tissue on Feeding Microbial Oil.

The continuous growth of aquaculture places a growing demand on alternative sources of fish oil (FO). Certain microorganisms provide a sustainable replacement for FO due to their content of EPA and DHA, which are essential for fish health. Appreciable evidence shows that changes in feeding sources may alter the nutritional components of salmon; however, the influence of diets on lipid species remains unclear. In this study, the identification and semi-quantification of lipid molecular species in salmon muscle during feeding with a microbial oil (MO) were carried out by focusing on triacylglycerol (TAG) and diacyl-phospholipid using shotgun-based mass spectrometry analysis. DHA in the MO diet was efficiently incorporated into phospholipid structures on feeding, followed by accumulation in salmon muscle. The MO diet elevated the level of certain EPA-containing TAGs, such as TAG C52:5 (16:0_16:0_20:5) and TAG C54:6 (16:0_18:1_20:5), indicating that the MO diet may be an excellent source for enhancement of the abundance of ω3 lipids. Further, prostaglandins (PGs) PGE2 and PGF3α were identified and quantified for the first time in salmonid tissue.

Insights into the characterization and therapeutic potential of Tasar silkworm pupal oil

Oil extracted from various species of silkworm pupae emerged as an alternative source of edible oil with great therapeutic value. However, the Tasar silkworm, is mainly known for producing more textured silk than the applications of its pupal oil. The current study aimed to extract characterize and investigate edible and therapeutic properties of Tasar Pupal Oil (TPO).TPO was extracted by Soxhlet extraction method. Characterization of TPO was conducted by GC/MS and FTIR. The Total phenolic content of TPO was evaluated by Folin-Ciocalteu assay. The safety evaluation of TPO was checked on healthy HEK293 (human embryonic kidney cells) using MTT assay. Whereas, therapeutic properties of TPO were analyzed through DPPH, FRAP, SRB assay and agar-well diffusion method. GC/MS study revealed that α-linolenic acid (ALA) (38%) was the major component of TPO followed by n-hexadecanoic acid (25.64%), and other minor compounds were detected in small amounts. The functional groups of TPO shown by FTIR analysis correspond with similar peaks of edible oils. The TPO was reported to be low in phenolic content. The DPPH and FRAP radical scavenging assays demonstrate that TPO exhibits significant antioxidant capabilities. Further, TPO revealed a substantial dose-dependent anticancer activity against colon cancer cells, with a GI50 value of ≤20 μg/ml. Interestingly, TPO was safe and non-toxic on HEK293 cells. Further, TPO exhibited antibacterial activity against S. typhi and S. mutans at various dilutions. Our findings clearly reveal the potentiality of TPO by displaying the characteristics of edible oil and therapeutic properties including antioxidant, anticancer, and antibacterial.

Exploring the Potential of Sago Caterpillars as Cooking Oils: Extraction, Purifying and Characterization.

&lt;b&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/b&gt; The dual demand for palm oil, both as a cooking oil and as a raw material for biodiesel, gives rise to concerns regarding potential shortages. Hence, it is crucial to explore alternative sources of cooking oil, with one such alternative being the oil extracted from sago caterpillars. This study aims to extract and determine the characteristics of sago caterpillar oil and its potential as cooking oil. &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; Sago caterpillar oil extraction was done using pressing, Soxhlet extraction and Folch's lipid extraction. The yield of sago caterpillar oil obtained by pressing, Soxhlet and Folch's lipid extraction were 20, 16 and 2.2%, respectively. Oil purifying was done using degumming, neutralization and bleaching. Furthermore, the resulting sago caterpillar oil was characterized physically, chemically and organoleptic. &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; The sago caterpillar oil met the requirements as cooking oil based on the Indonesian National Standard for cooking oil and other chemical parameters. The results of the analysis of sago caterpillar oil with gas chromatography-mass spectrometer showed that the sago caterpillar oil contained 0.15% lauric acid, 2.06% myristic acid, 5.92% palmitoleic acid, 55.05% palmitic acid, 0.84% linoleic acid, 34.00% oleic acid and 1.43% stearic acid. The main peak positions from the fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer are at 725, 1118, 1165, 1234, 1373, 1458, 1743, 2854 and 2924 cm&lt;sup&gt;1&lt;/sup&gt;. The results of the analysis of sago caterpillar oil showed that the lipid profile of sago caterpillar oil was similar to commercial palm oil. &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; Based on the results of extraction, purifying and characterization, it was concluded that sago caterpillar oil has the potential to be used as cooking oil.

The use of sesame oil in sea bream feeds and its effects on growth and body chemical composition

As fish oil availability declines worldwide and its price rises, there is a growing need to engage in scientific investigations into alternative oil sources for incorporation into fish feeds. This study aimed to determine the effects of dietary sesame oil on the growth performance, feed utilization, and nutritional composition of sea bream (Sparus aurata). Twenty-five individual fish (initial mean weight: 32.38±0.27 g) were placed in each tank in triplicate. Four experimental fish meal-based (iso-proteic 49% and iso-lipidic 20%) diets were formulated; the control (C) group contains 100% of fish oil (FO) and varying amounts (20, 40, 60%) of sesame oil (SO). During the 75-day experiment, the fish were fed 3 times a day, and the mean ambient temperature and dissolved oxygen values were measured as 22.5±0.5°C and 6.8±0.3 mg/L, respectively. At the beginning of the experiment, 20 fish were sampled to determine their nutrient composition and somatic indexes. In the end, 4 fish were collected for the same procedures and 4 for each tank’s muscle and liver fatty acid compositions. At the end of the study, the S60 group exhibited the lowest final weight (FW) and feed utilization parameters. On the other hand, there were no statistical differences between FO, SO20, and SO40 in terms of FW. In addition, the SO40 group had the best feed conversion ratio (FCR) among the groups (P&lt;0.05). The whole-body lipid compositions of the groups were different. The highest lipid level was found in SO40 with 15.83±0.36%. Muscle and liver fatty acid composition was significantly affected by the fatty acid profile of experimental feeds. While total ω-6 fatty acids were higher in the SO groups than in group C, total ω-3 fatty acids were higher in the C group compared to the SO groups (P&lt;0.05). The ω-3/ω-6 ratios in the SO20 and SO40 groups showed similarity, while the highest ratio was observed in the control group (P&lt;0.05). As a result, according to data obtained from our study, it is predicted that 40% SO could be added to sea bream feed instead of FO in terms of growth performance, feed utilization, and nutritional composition.

Drying treatment impact on oil yield extracted from black soldier fly larvae using supercritical carbon dioxide and its biological activities

Abstract Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae are considered economically viable as an alternative source of oil and bioactive compounds. The drying and extraction methods are critical steps in the extraction of oil and have an impact on the characteristics and composition of the extracted oil. Supercritical CO2 extraction of oil from black soldier fly larvae allows for the extraction of important bioactive compounds and oils while causing the least amount of change. The effect of different pre-treatment tray-drying and freeze-drying methods on the quantity and biological activities of oil extracted from black soldier fly larvae using supercritical CO2 was investigated in this study. Oil extraction from tray-dried and freeze-dried black soldier fly larvae samples could be done at low temperatures for a shorter extraction time, resulting in higher yields while avoiding the negative effects of high temperatures on lipids and other valuable components. The oil extracted from tray-dried and freeze-dried black soldier fly larvae contained major fatty acid compositions such as lauric acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid and palmitic acid, as well as total phenolic compounds (0.067-0.113 mg gallic acid/g oil), antioxidant capacity 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhdrazyl (DPPH) (0.36-0.56 μmol Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC)/10 g oil), and antioxidant capacity 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) (0.23-0.55 μmol TEAC/10 g oil, and ferric reducing antioxidant power antioxidant capacity (0.33-0.64 μmol TEAC/10 g oil). The oil extracted from tray-dried and freeze-dried larvae samples had a shelf life of approximately 2.42-3.63 months and 2.51-3.40 months, respectively, at storage temperatures ranging from 25 to 55 °C. The oil extracted from tray-dried and freeze-dried larvae samples extracted using supercritical CO2 had high acid values which could inhibit keratinocyte growth by 76.70 and 75.04%, respectively, at 100 mg/ml concentrations. Furthermore, the tray-drying and freeze-drying methods had no effect on the physicochemical properties of the supercritical CO2-extracted oil from dried black soldier fly larvae samples.

Harnessing sponge gourd: an alternative source of oil and protein for nutritional security.

Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roem. is an important cucurbit crop that assures food security and dietary diversity among the poor communities. In the present study, seeds of 42 genotypes of Luffa cylindrica were evaluated for their potential use as oil seed crop. Seed moisture, oil and protein content and fatty acids profile were estimated along with total phenol and sugar content. Significant differences were observed among the various genotypes where oil content ranged from 15.4-29.8% and protein 19.9-30.8%. Total phenol content was high 6.43-12.84 mg/100 g, which bodes well for the sponge gourd seeds' ability to act as antioxidants. Significant correlation were found between important constituents studied like protein and oil, palmitic acid, stearic acid and oleic acid. Total unsaturated fatty acids were in higher amount comparable to saturated fatty acids signifying the good quality of Luffa seed oil. Our research revealed that the NDSG-1, Pusa Sneha, DSG-95, DSG-98, DSG-108, and DSG-26 genotypes were very nutritious due to their high levels of protein, oleic acid, and oil output. Additionally, selection of traits having considerable correlation will be beneficial and help in improved varietal development for usage as an alternative oilseed crop. Our research sheds light on the nutritional value of sponge gourd seeds and suggests using them as a potential source for oil and protein, particularly in underdeveloped countries.

Valorization of soursop (Annona muricata) seeds as alternative oil and protein source using novel de-oiling and protein extraction techniques

In this research, for the first time, the valorization of soursop seeds, a poorly studied biomass, was investigated to simultaneously produce oil and proteins within a biorefinery approach. A new mild protein extraction method (Pressurized Water Extraction, PWE) was developed and optimized via response surface methodology and compared with conventional alkaline extraction. Furthermore, the impact of the de-oiling technique, i.e., n-hexane or cold pressing, was investigated. The extracted proteins were evaluated in terms of physicochemical composition, amino acid content, and techno-functional properties. The type of de-oiling technique was found to have a minor impact. Instead, considerable differences were observed between the two protein extraction methodologies. At optimized conditions (pH 8.1 and 40 °C), PWE resulted in a more protein-rich extract (48 vs. 30 wt% for alkaline water), better preservation of the amino acid content, and higher solubility and in vitro digestibility. A mixed behavior was found for the techno-functional properties. Emulsification and oil holding capacity were similar for both techniques, while improved foaming was observed after alkaline water extraction. This research showed that the non-exploited soursop seeds could be a valuable source of oil and protein. Moreover, the novel PWE enables protein extraction with reduced impact on the protein structure.

Bonds with Variable Coupon as Alternative Source of State Financing for Oil and Gas Industry

The article studies the problem of searching for financing by companies of oil and gas industry. On the one hand, projects in the industry can be highly beneficial in case of positive macro-economic situation, on the other hand, such projects require serious financing on the investment stage. The goal of the research is to develop an alternative mechanism of financing oil and gas industry by bonds with variable coupon rate, which is based on the interest rate of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, current prices on crude oil of the Urals brand, base price on crude oil fixed in accordance with the Budget Code of the Russian Federation and actual level of oil production. As a result of the research a mechanism of the floating bond coupon was developed, which is not limited in size in case of high oil prices. This mechanism is based on the current interest rate. Unrecoverable budget losses in the budget system are absent in case of granting standard investment privileges for oil and gas projects. Moreover, if situation in oil prices is positive, state can get higher coupon profit on such bonds. The given type of bonds is an alternative source of financing oil and gas projects on the part of state.

Functional properties of Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) and Pumpkin seed flours and protein isolate

The current study was intended to evaluate the chemical composition, functional properties, of some cucurbits seed. watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), and Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima), were studied. Proximate analysis gave 17.09% -17.07% protein, 35.55%-39.0% fat,6.00% - 5.5% total ash, 24.9%-2.6% crude fibre, and 10.60% - 28.83% carbohydrate, for Pumpkin and Watermelon seed flour respectively. The seeds are rich in protein, crude fat, and crude fiber. nutritional value in the seed can be recommended on daily allowance, maintenance of good nutritional status and good health. The functional properties of the seed revealed that water and oil absorption capacities for the seed were 3.20 - 5.60 (Ml/g) and 3.93 -3.50 (Ml/g) for Watermelon and Pumpkin seed flour respectively. Foam capacity and bulk density for the seed were 9.67 % -19.0 % and 0.77 (g/ml) -1.5(g/ml). for Pumpkin and Watermelon seed flour respectively. Water and fat absorption capacities, and foam capacity were fairly good in all seeds. However, Pumpkin seed flour gave good functional properties compare to watermelon seed flour. The oil of watermelon and Pumpkin are acceptable according to its chemical properties. The seeds contained high amounts of K, Mg, Na, P and Ca. The obtained results revealed that the seeds presented an alternative source of vegetable oil. Seeds could be added to food systems such as bakery products.

New alternative sources of omega-3 fish oil.

Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids play an important role in brain growth and development, as well as in the health of the body. These fatty acids are traditionally found in seafood, such as fish, fish oils, and algae. They can also be added to food or consumed through dietary supplements. Due to a lack of supply to meet current demand and the potential for adverse effects from excessive consumption of fish and seafood, new alternatives are being sought to achieve the recommended levels in a safe and sustainable manner. New sources have been studied and new production mechanisms have been developed. These new proposals, as well as the importance of these fatty acids, are discussed in this paper.

Impact of laponite on the formation of NGHs and its adaptability for use in NGH drilling fluids

Natural gas hydrates (NGHs) are important potential alternative energy sources of oil and gas, which are efficient and clean. Their exploration and development are inseparable from drilling and drilling fluids. Adding nanomaterials into drilling fluid can effectively weaken the invasion of the drilling fluid into a formation, which is conducive to safe and efficient drilling. Therefore, this study explores the impact pattern and mechanism of different types and dosages of laponite on the formation of hydrates and analyses the adaptability of laponite in offshore NGH drilling fluids. The results show that the hydration of laponite prevents the directional arrangement of water molecules from forming a clathrate structure, and laponite forms a “house of cards” structure in the aqueous phase, which increases the resistance to mass transfer and inhibits the nucleation and growth of hydrates. Under the action of hydration, laponite planarly adsorbs a certain amount of strongly bound water that fails to participate in the formation of hydrates, thereby reducing the amount of hydrates formed. In addition, laponite basically does not increase the viscosity of drilling fluid at low temperatures but strengthens the inhibition and settling stability of the drilling fluid, significantly improving the comprehensive performance of the drilling fluid. It is concluded that 1.0 wt% laponite-RD is suitable for use in hydrate drilling fluid systems, the induction time was extended to 451.33 min, the methane consumption was reduced to 0.12623 mol, the average methane consumption rate was reduced to 0.23983 × 10−3 mol/min, and the linear expansion rate of sediments is as low as 10.2%, which shows excellent rheological property and sedimentation stability.

Mapping of Alternative Oilseeds from the Brazilian Caatinga and Assessment of Catalytic Pathways toward Biofuels Production

Biofuels are increasingly important renewable resources in the world’s energy matrix that have challenged the scientific community as well as small and large farmers to develop alternatives to fossil fuels in order to achieve the aims of energy transition. In particular, Brazil’s proven competitiveness in agribusiness together with its rich biodiversity put the country in a key position in the biofuels market. The semiarid Caatinga of northeastern Brazil, an exclusive biome rich in many oilseed species suitable for potential energy purposes, is of particular interest in this field. Nowadays, soybeans are the main feedstock used for the production of biodiesel, but, due to the increasing demand for biofuels, the search for alternative sources of oil from tropical flora with high productivity is crucial. Under this premise, this systematic review focuses on mapping Caatinga’s vegetable oil crops that could be used as alternative raw materials for biofuels’ production in Brazil, in addition to traditional soybeans and sugarcane. To gain more detailed insight into these matrices, their main properties, including oil content, fatty acid profile and physicochemical properties, are discussed. Moreover, an overview is provided of processes to synthesize different types of biofuels, particularly biodiesel and aviation biokerosene, including the routes employing homogeneous, enzymatic and mainly heterogeneous catalysts. Finally, future prospects and challenges for renewable biofuels and the Caatinga biome are addressed.

Seven underutilized species of the Fabaceae family with high potential for industrial application as alternative sources of oil and lipophilic bioactive compounds

Fabaceae is the third largest family in the plant world, mainly considered a source of relatively valuable plant protein and a rather poor source of oil. The present study shows that several legume species (Bauhinia purpurea, Phanera vahlii, Butea monosperma, Caesalpinia crista, Gliricidia sepium, Mimosa pudica, Millettia pinnata) can be also considered as an alternative source of oil. The oil yield in studied species (19–36%) was similar or even higher than in soybean (Glycine max), the most known representant of the Fabaceae family. Palmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids constitute 87–99% of detected fatty acids with predomination of unsaturated (62–82%). All obtained oils were rich sources of tocopherols (79–187 mg/100 g oil), mainly α (five species) and γ (two species) homologues. With the exception of M. pinnata, where Δ5-stigmasterol (25%) and α-amyrin (26%) were the main phytosterols, β-sitosterol, Δ5-stigmasterol and campesterol constituted 51–96% of total phytosterols with a predomination of β-sitosterol (36–64%). The total carotenoid and phytosterol contents in studied Fabaceae species were in the range 0.6–8.9 and 175–622 mg/100 g oil, respectively. The present study demonstrated that several legume seeds could be considered a valuable source of oil and lipophilic bioactive compounds.

Chemical Characterization and In Vivo Toxicological Safety Evaluation of Emu Oil.

In this study, the physicochemical properties, fatty acid composition, antioxidant activities, and in vitro as well as in vivo toxicological safety of emu oil were investigated. Emu oil was shown to have a low acid and peroxide value, low amounts of carotenoid and phenolic compounds, and high doses of oleic acid and linoleic acid. Furthermore, in a bacterial reverse mutation assay, emu oil demonstrated no change in the amount of revertant colonies for all strains. In a chromosomal assay, no aberrations occurred in any of the emu oil treatment groups (1.25, 2.5, and 5 μg/mL). In the bone marrow micronucleus test, emu oil up to 20 mL/kg showed no significant increase in the incidence of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes. Moreover, emu oil up to 19.3 mg/kg body weight did not affect body weight in an acute oral toxicity study. These results are crucial for the adoption of emu oil as an alternative source of edible oil.

Nutritional Evaluation of Calabash Gourd (Lagenaria Siceraria) Seeds and Oil

ABSTRACT The nutritional, anti-nutritional contents of calabash gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) seed flour and some nutritional values of its oil were evaluated using standard analytical methods. The proximate analysis ranged from 3.9 (ash) – 46.2% (fat). Phosphorous (554 mg/100 g) was found to be the most abundant mineral in the seed flour. Anti-nutrients recorded for the seed flour were 10.2% (saponin), 0.794 (cyanide), 1.31 (tannin), 10.3 (oxalate) and 19.3 mg/100 g (Phytate). The amino acids composition of the seed flour ranged from 0.746 (methionine) – 18.6 g/100 g cp (glutamic acid). The total PUFA and the total SFA contents of the seed oil were 63.6% and 20.6% respectively. The total phospholipid content of the seed oil was 987 mg/100 g while the total sterol value was 257 mg/100 g. The seeds of calabash gourd could be utilized as an alternative source of stable vegetable oil, mineral elements and protein for culinary and industrial applications.