Oilseed Research Articles

Metabolic Flux Analysis to Increase Oil in Seeds.

Ensuring an adequate food supply and enough energy to sustainably support future global populations will require enhanced productivity from plants. Oilseeds can help address these needs; but the fatty acid composition of seed oils is not always optimal, and higher yields are required to meet growing demands. Quantitative approaches including metabolic flux analysis can provide insights on unexpected metabolism (i.e., when metabolism is different than in a textbook) and can be used to guide engineering efforts; however, as metabolism is context-specific, it changes with tissue type, local environment, and development. This review describes recent insights from metabolic flux analysis in oilseeds and indicates engineering opportunities based on emerging topics and developing technologies that will aid quantitative understanding of metabolism and enable efforts to produce more oil. We also suggest that investigating the key regulators of fatty acid biosynthesis, such as transcription factors, and exploring metabolic signals like phytohormones in greater depth through flux analysis, could open new pathways for advancing genetic engineering and breeding strategies to enhance oil crop production.

Hydroxyapatite/Chondroitin Sulphate Nanocomposite Infused with Black Seed Oil for Bone Tissue Applications: Physicochemical Characterizations and In Vitro Screening

AbstractMorbidities associated with natural bone have highlighted the need of advanced bioactive implants for the replacement of damaged bone. Known for their beneficial bioactivity and biocompatibility, Nigella sativa seeds (kalonji/black seed) are traditionally used in many medications. This research focuses on the positive impact of black seed extract on the chondroitin sulfate‐based hydroxyapatite nanocomposite for bone tissue regeneration applications. Novel nanocomposites with varied concentrations of black seed extract (0, 1, 2, and 3 wt%) were fabricated through a coprecipitation approach and analyzed for physicochemical and biological applications. The results of X‐ray diffraction and FTIR spectroscopy revealed that the HCSK3 nanocomposite was successfully developed with appreciably strong molecular interactions among their components. HCSK3 nanocomposite exhibits higher rough surface morphology (Ra −1.13 µm and Rz −4.8 µm), uniform particle distribution (average particle size −9.9 nm), and good thermal stability with total weight loss of 13%. It also provides better nucleation sites for apatite formation and protein adsorption stimulating cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. Moreover, HCSK3 nanocomposite showed excellent cell viability, higher ARS/ALP activities, better antibacterial property, and nonhemolytic property (below 3%). Thus, it can be concluded that HCSK3 nanocomposite manifested the highest biocompatibility and negligible cell toxicity. Therefore, it can be employed as an ideal bone implant in the bone tissue restoration phenomenon.

Effects Of Extraction Methods on The Physicochemical Characteristics, Fatty Acid Composition, Total Phenol Content, and Alpha-Tocopherol Levels of Moringa Peregrine Seed Oil

Effects Of Extraction Methods on The Physicochemical Characteristics, Fatty Acid Composition, Total Phenol Content, and Alpha-Tocopherol Levels of Moringa Peregrine Seed Oil

Optical Characteristics of the Black Seed Oil: Fluorescence and Adulteration Detection.

Understanding the optical characteristics, especially the fluorescence properties of vegetable oils, particularly black seed oil (BSO), is an essential prerequisite for the development of the future applications in both medicinal and nutritional fields. In this way, it is essential to identify the roles played by the components such as unsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, flavonoids, vitamin E, and chlorophylls in the BSO fluorescence spectra. In the current landscape, challenges arise from the adulteration of BSO with impurities such as sunflower oil (SO), complicating efforts to obtain pure BSO. Here, dependence of the BSO fluorescence on excitation wavelength has been examined using UV- visible diode lasers (λ = 355, 405, 440, 532 and 660nm) as excitation sources. Though conjugated unsaturated fatty acids, flavonoids and chlorophylls are mainly contributed to the fluorescence due to UV excitation, wavelengths in the visible range specifically excite carotenoids, vitamin E, and chlorophylls. By utilizing the laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) technique, we explored the effects of inner filters and setup geometry to gain deeper insights into the BSO fluorescence dynamics. Differential spectral analysis (DSA) revealed that adulteration of BSO with SO alters its fluorescence features. As a result, a novel approach is proposed for adulteration detection, based on the simultaneous excitation of BSO and SO by a 405nm laser, benefit to indirect excitation of the carotenoids of BSO by fluorescence emission of SO within the spectral range of 400-500nm, which results in the enhancement of BSO fluorescence in the region of 500-600nm.

Characterization of Sulfur Oxidizing Bacteria and Their Effect on Growth Promotion of Brassica napus L.

Oil seeds sector is one of the major dynamic components of the agriculture world. Oil seeds such as canola (Brassica napus) require a higher quantity of sulfur (S), which is supplied through inorganic fertilizers. However, the overapplication of agro-chemicals to get higher yields of crops is harming the soil health. Therefore, the application of bacterial cultures with plant growth-promoting activity as biofertilizers ensures soil health maintenance and enhances crop productivity. To achieve this aim, the present research was initiated by procuring three sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOBs), namely, SOB 5, SOB 10, and SOB 38, from the Microbiology Department, PAU. In the initial assessment, all three SOB cultures showed resilience to pesticide toxicity at the recommended dosage, with the exception of ridomil. These cultures were later characterized morphologically, biochemically, and at the molecular level using 16s rRNA resulting in their identification as Enterobacter ludwigii strain Remi_9 (SOB 5), Enterobacter hormaechei strain AUH-ENM30 (SOB 10), and Bacillus sp. 5BM21Y12 (SOB 38). Functional characterization of these SOB cultures revealed their ability to exhibit multifarious plant growth-promoting traits. Bacillus sp. 5BM21Y12 showed greater functional activity, including high P solubilization (14.903 µg/mL), IAA production (44.28 µg/mL), siderophore production (13.89 µg/mL), sulfate ion production (0.127 mM), ammonia excretion (2.369 µg/mL), and Zn solubilization (22.62 mm). Based on the results of functional and molecular characterization, Bacillus sp. 5BM21Y12 was selected for field trials by formulating different treatments. Composite treatment, T8 (100% S + Bacillus sp. + pesticides) significantly enhanced growth parameters (plant height, root, and shoot biomass), yield attributes (siliqua length, test weight, number of siliqua/plant), yield parameter (total biomass and seed yield), quality parameter (crude protein and oil) as compared to all other sole treatments employed in the field. A combined application of non-pathogenic Bacillus sp. 5BM21Y12, with good functional activity enhanced yield of crop due to synergistic and additive interaction with fertilizer/pesticides. As biofertilizer application reduces the input of pesticides/fertilizers new inoculant formulations with cell protectors and the development of compatible pesticides should be searched to assure the benefits of integrated treatment.

Utilization of Neem Seed Oil as Surfactant in the Production of Flexible and Rigid Polyurethane Foam

Extraction and processing of polyether polyols derived from petrochemicals, commonly used as surfactants during polyurethane foam (PUF) production, contribute to carbon emissions and raises the issue of long-term sustainability given that petrochemicals are non-renewable resources. Here, 5 mg and 4 mg of neem seed oil are employed to form flexible and rigid PUF, classified purposefully based on their divergent usage. To find an environmentally friendly replacement, flexible PUF whose mass, volume, density, compression, tensile strength, cream time, foam rise and rising time are 0.0047 kg m3, 16.52 kg/m3, 8.10%, 39.28 kN/m2, 60s, 10s and 60s is formed by mixing 1.25 kg polyol, 5mg silicon oil and 10g calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Likewise, by mixing 1.2 kg polyol, 4mg silicon oil and 8g CaCO3, a rigid PUF with 0.005kg, m3, 16.2 kg/m3, 8.15%, 40.72 kN/m2, 50s, 15 cm and 58s key, physical and mechanical property as respectively listed under the flexible PUF formulation is produced. Both foams were produced using equal amounts of toluene diisocyanate, water, stannous octoate and methylene chloride, resulting in PUF that can be used in insulation, cushioning and construction support applications based on their characteristic height, density, tensile strength and compressive strength. As the surfactant, neem seed oil's potential in the synthesis of PUF cannot be overemphasized. The study of the kinetics of PUF production is limited and should trigger the adoption of biobased surfactants for industrial applications in the future.

Effect of Supplemental Light for Leaves Development and Seed Oil Content in Brassica napus

Effect of Supplemental Light for Leaves Development and Seed Oil Content in Brassica napus

Econometric analysis of factors influencing export performance of soybean (Glycine max) production in NIGERIA: An auto-regressive distributive lag (ARDL) approach

This study presents an econometric analysis of factors influencing the export performance of soybean (Glycine max) production in Nigeria using an auto-regressive distributive lag (ARDL) approach. The study used a secondary data covering the period from 2011 to 2022. The used data were collected from CBN (Central Bank of Nigeria), NBS (National Bureau of Statistics), FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), and the General Household Survey-Panel (GHS-P) in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the World Bank publication. The data analysis included descriptive statistics, Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) unit root test, Bound test, ARDL, and principal component model. The result of the ADF unit root test showed that the trade openness, consumer price index, exchange rate, population growth, world trade in oil seeds, agricultural labor, and soybean production were stationary at first difference I (1), while agricultural machinery was stationary at level I (0). The results of ARDL method showed that the consumer price index, population growth rate, world trade in oil seeds, agricultural labor, and agricultural machinery were significant factors influencing export performance of soybean in Nigeria. The trade openness and exchange rate were not different significantly from zero. The trade openness could not expand market access due to non-competitiveness of the Nigerian’s soybean. The exchange rate has lost its role with respect to soybean seed partners in international trade. The policies that would encourage exportation of this crop should be pursued by provision of storage facilities, granting of tax holidays, long term export credit at concessionary interest rate to exporters, and research activities towards improving the quality of produced agricultural products. Keywords: Export Performance, Augmented Dickey-Fuller, Auto-Regressive Distributive Lag, Soybean Production, Nigeria

Revealing the Feedback Loop: Comparing Satellite and Sensor-derived Meteorological Parameters in Groundnut Cultivation

Background: Studying soil moisture’s impact on groundnut, particularly under rainfed conditions, is crucial for improving quality and yield. This research explores soil moisture dynamics using satellite and in-situ sensor data to enhance water management and crop predictions, focusing on the feedback mechanisms between soil moisture and weather variables. Methods: The study was conducted at the Oil Seed Research Station (TNAU) in Tindivanam, Tamil Nadu, using the groundnut variety TMV 14. Soil moisture and weather parameters were monitored at critical crop growth stages, using an in-situ soil moisture sensor (Cr 300) and compared with satellite data from SMAP, ERA5 and Sentinel 1A with environmental factors. Statistical analysis was carried out using SAS JMP Pro and network analysis via Cytoscape 3.8.2 software. Result: Pre-monsoon soil moisture SMAP, SMAP-RZSM and sensor (VWC at 10cm) were found to increase in post-monsoon. Strong positive correlations were attained between SMAP-SM and SMAP-RZSM (r=0.94), indicating a reinforcing loop. Whereas, the negative feedback was observed between SMAP-SM and deeper soil temperatures (-0.91). It underscores the dynamic interplay between soil moisture and atmospheric conditions, essential for developing efficient water management strategies and enhancing crop resilience to climate variability.

Evaluating the Performance of Agricultural Tractor Engine using Cottonseed Oil Biodiesel

The energy demand has been significantly increasing around the world in the last century. Conventional fossil fuels as one of the sources has been highly demanded due to its negative environmental effect. The growing demand for energy stimulated the development of renewable and eco-friendly alternative energy sources. Produced from vegetable oils and animal fats, biodiesel is a renewable, sustainable, and biodegradable fuel. It can be used as an alternate fuel to conventional diesel (CD) in compression ignition (CI) engines. The Belarus 920 tractor, with a maximum output of 74.5kW, was put through a Power Take Off (PTO) test in this study to assess its performance and emission components when fueled with conventional petroleum diesel, B20, B50, and B100 of Cotton Seed Oil Biodiesel (CSOME). The performance results showed that the power and Break Thermal Efficiency (BTE) fell, while the BSFC improved, when the tractor was fueled with neat CSOME and its mixes.

Antibacterial Effects of Black Cumin Seed Oil on Oral Microcosm Biofilms.

Interest in natural extracts for managing oral biofilms is increasing, with black cumin seed oil (BCSO) demonstrating efficacy against Streptococcus mutans. The effectiveness of antibacterial agents should be evaluated using multi-species oral biofilm models that closely mimic actual conditions. This study aimed to compare the antibacterial effects of BCSO and chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) on oral microcosm biofilms. Biofilms using human saliva as the inoculum were cultured for 2 days and subsequently treated with 0.5% dimethyl sulfoxide, 0.5% BCSO, or 0.12% CHX once daily for 6 days. Following treatment, the red fluorescence intensity (RatioR/G) of the oral biofilm; biomass, including extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) levels and live bacteria counts; and colony-forming units (CFUs) of aciduric bacteria were evaluated. RatioR/G after BCSO treatment (1.26 ± 0.03) was not significantly different from that after CHX treatment (p = 0.552). The EPS levels were also not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.743). The live bacteria count was 0.55 times lower in the BCSO-treated group than in the CHX-treated group (p = 0.018). No significant between-group difference was observed in the CFUs of aciduric bacteria (p = 0.935). These results suggest that BCSO exhibits antibacterial effects similar to those of CHX, highlighting its potential as an effective alternative.

KINETIC AND THERMODYNAMIC STUDY OF GOURD SEEDS OIL EXTRACTION (Cucurbita pepo)

Our interest has been imphasized in this paper on oil extraction of gourd seeds because these are widespread in all the country (DRCongo) and are reputed to have excellent cure properties against prostate. They prevent also diabetes cardiac fits, cerebral vascular accident, lived complaints and menopause symptoms. We need of course to solve the problem of home technology for underdeveloped countries where the transfer of technology is made impossible by the so called the developed countries wishing to maintain the rest of the world in timeless impoverishment. In this paper the kinetic and the thermodynamic study of extraction shows for the former aspect (kinetic aspect) how to calculate the kinetic constant ( k ) which will allow to size the reactor of production of gourd seeds oil in large quantities because the reactor volume is directly proportional to the desired volumic debit of produced oil per hour and for the later aspect (thermodynamic aspect) the released energy accompagning the extraction ( exothermic phenomenon) can be used for example to produce mechanical work or electrical work, it can be also converted to strengthen the production. The proposed kinetic method is original, it supports the name of its founder (KUNYIMA method).

Study of the Feasibility of Extracting Babassu Seed Oil by Extraction in an Ultrasonic Bath Using Organic Solvents

Introduction: Orbignia speciosa or phalerata (babassu) is an oilseed plant of great economic importance. The structure of the babassu fruit is similar to that of a coconut, and is composed of four parts: epicarp, mesocarp, endocarp and the seed, which contains approximately 60% oil, where lauric acid predominates in its composition, which is mainly responsible for the antiviral, antifungal and bactericidal activities of babassu oil. Babassu oil is a vegetable oil widely used in the food industry, and it also has wide application in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. The objective of this work will be to use organic solvents in the extraction of oil from the babassu seed by the ultrasonic bath method with hexane, and with less toxic solvents such as ethyl acetate, isopropanol and ethanol. The kinetic curve of the extraction process will be determined to define the time required to reach saturation, establishing the time found as the ideal for the process. The fatty acid composition will be determined by gas chromatography. The antioxidant activity will be analyzed according to the adapted method of free radical capture by ultraviolet and visible spectrophotometry (UV-VIS). This method is based on the capture of the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical by antioxidants, producing a decrease in absorbance. After the interpretation and correlation of the results, it will be possible to establish the factors that present the best performance for the extraction of babassu oil and its chemical properties and compare them with the oil obtained using hexane. Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the extraction of babassu seed oil with different organic solvents in order to evaluate the possibility of replacing hexane with a less toxic alternative solvent using the ultrasound extraction method. Theoretical Framework: A large amount of waste is produced by the food and agricultural industries, such as pulp, skins, seeds and fruit peels, some of which are considered by-products with a certain economic value. Babassu seed oil is rich in lauric acid, which has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities, among others. Method: The methodology used is experimental and applied in stages; the ideal oil extraction conditions were verified, the extraction was carried out using different organic solvents, the oil content obtained was quantified, the fatty acids were characterized, the antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH method and finally the results obtained were compared. Results and Discussion: The oils obtained from the babassu seed through extraction in an ultrasonic bath with different organic solvents proved to be a promising by-product due to the characteristics evaluated. Research Implications: The oils obtained through organic solvents presented similar characteristics to those obtained with hexane, thus enabling its replacement due to it being a more toxic solvent. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature on vegetable oils extracted through green technologies with organic solvents, adding value to a by-product of a native fruit.

Physicochemical Properties of Seed Oil Blends and Their Potential for the Creation of Synthetic Oleosomes with Modulated Polarities.

There is an increasing demand within the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries for biofriendly lipid-based active ingredient delivery systems. Micelles, liposomes, and lipid nanoparticles are currently the most used systems despite their limitations. Oleosomes, also known as lipid droplets, are promising alternatives to the existing strategies. Oleosomes are typically found in plant cells and are characterized by a nonpolar triacylglycerol core surrounded by a phospholipid monolayer punctuated with the protein oleosin. Producing oleosomes synthetically allows the customization of their lipid content, size, protein content, and oil core characteristics, expanding their versatility. Herein we demonstrate a proof of concept for the use of synthetic oleosomes to sequester polar molecules by modulating their core polarity with blends of sunflower and castor oils. The physical properties (density, refractive index, and permittivity) of the oil blends are characterized and demonstrate ideal mixing of the oils, which is supported by molecular dynamics simulations. Spectroscopic examination of the oil blends using fluorescent probes shows that the polarity of oil blends increases as the fraction of castor oil increases. Finally, we show that the uptake of a polar fluorescent probe (NBD-glucose) into synthetic oleosomes is enhanced by increasing the polarity of the oil core, but large charged molecules are excluded from the core regardless of polarity. These experiments show that synthetic oleosomes with tunable oil cores can expand the range of molecules that can be loaded into a biofriendly package as desired for biotechnology applications.

Integrating environmental remediation with biodiesel production from toxic non-edible oil seeds (Croton bonplandianus) using a sustainable phyto-nano catalyst

In the current situation of the environmental uprising toxicology, rising global temperature, and energy-depleting urges to explore and discover more renewable and greener ecological-benefiting energy resources. Biobased renewable fuels generated by using waste products can help in waste management, climate change mitigation, and a low-carbon future. The main objective of this research is to produce environment-friendly and cost-effective biofuel. The potentiality of the novel, toxic, waste, and inedible feedstock Croton bonplandianus was evaluated for biodiesel synthesis through transesterification utilizing a Phyto-nano catalyst of potassium oxide prepared by Croton bonplandianus floral stalk's aqueous extract focusing on waste management. Phyto-nano catalyst characterization was done through innovative tools such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), Zeta Potential (ZP), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transformed Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS). The characterization results revealed that the potassium oxide phyto-nanocatalyst possesses an average nanoparticle size of 44.5 nm. This size is optimal for enhanced catalytic activity, indicating significant potential for efficient catalysis. The highest yield (94 %) of biodiesel was secured at optimized reaction conditions of catalyst quantity (0.50 wt%), reaction time (180 min), methanol: oil ratio (9:1), and reaction thermal point (70 °C). Transformation of triglycerides to methyl esters was confirmed by GC/MS, NMR, and FTIR techniques. A total of 21 methyl esters were observed in Croton bonplandianus biodiesel confirmed via GC/MS results. Evaluation of fuel properties was done and matched with international fuel standards. The conclusive remarks for the conducted research are that Croton bonplandianus has a high potential for biodiesel production by applying Phyto-nanocatalysts of potassium oxide while dealing with hazardous environmental conditions and waste management. Phyto nanocatalyst of potassium oxide can be reused and gives the same yield after several cycles of reusability, this reusability of heterogenous Phyto nanocatalyst can reduce to total cost of biodiesel production and can contribute towards circular economy.

Exploring the Physicochemical Properties, Functional Nutrition and Fatty Acids Characterization of Myrianthus arboreus Seed Oil as a Novel Lipid Source

Exploring the Physicochemical Properties, Functional Nutrition and Fatty Acids Characterization of Myrianthus arboreus Seed Oil as a Novel Lipid Source

Cucurbita Pepo L. Seed Oil Modulates Dyslipidemia and Neuronal Dysfunction in Tramadol-Induced Toxicity in Wistar Albino Rats.

Objective: The modulating effects of Cucurbita pepo seed oil (CPSO) on dyslipidemia and neuronal dysfunction in tramadol toxicity were studied. Methods: Fifty-six albino rats were divided into seven groups of eight rats each after a 2-week acclimatization period. All animals had unrestricted access to water and feed, and treatments were administered orally once daily for 42 days. Glutamate dehydrogenase and glutaminase activities were assessed using brain homogenate, while lipid profiles were analyzed in serum samples. Results: Tramadol toxicity was evidenced by significant (P < 0.05) increases in brain glutamate dehydrogenase along with significant (P < 0.05) decreases in the activities of glutaminase in the group administered only tramadol. Also, serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C and triglycerides also increased significantly (P < 0.05) following administration of tramadol with decreased level of HDL-C (P < 0.05). However, treatment with CPSO significantly restored the activities and levels of the altered biochemical parameters in a dose-dependent manner. The results of the biochemical investigation using the lipid profile and the enzymes of glutamate metabolism were corroborated by the results obtained from the histopathological examination of the brain. Conclusion: The results of this study therefore suggest that tramadol-induced dyslipidemia and neuronal dysfunction be managed and prevented by the administration of Cucurbita pepo seed oil.

Application of Artificial Neural Networks for Predicting Cooking Dynamics in Industrial Sesame Seed Oil Extraction

Application of Artificial Neural Networks for Predicting Cooking Dynamics in Industrial Sesame Seed Oil Extraction

Microwave-Assisted vs. Conventional Extraction of Moringa oleifera Seed Oil: Process Optimization and Efficiency Comparison.

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of microwave-assisted and conventional extraction using ethanol, hexane, and petroleum ether as solvents, and to optimize the process for extracting oil from Moringa oleifera Lam. seeds, with a focus on improving food-grade oil production. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to enhance the extraction process of the oil. Central composite rotational design (CCRD) was used to analyze the impact of solid-liquid ratio (x1), power (x2), and temperature (x3) on oil yield. The optimization identified the optimal conditions as a solid/liquid ratio of 1:38, power of 175 W, and temperature of 50 °C, achieving a 42% oil yield. Notably, the microwave-assisted extraction reduced the processing time from 8 h (using conventional Soxhlet extraction) to just 1 h. Conventional extraction with hexane and petroleum ether was also performed for comparison, resulting in similar oil content and fatty acid profiles, predominantly, oleic acid. FTIR analysis confirmed that the microwave-extracted oil contained fatty acids and had similar characteristics to the conventionally extracted oil. Thus, the use of ethanol as a green solvent in the microwave has shown significant improvement in terms of time and energy savings compared to the Soxhlet method with toxic solvents. This study concludes that microwave-assisted extraction with ethanol provides a more energy efficient, environmentally friendly, and time-saving alternative for food-grade oil production, aligning with advancements in food engineering and production.

Protective Effect of Flax Seed Oil on acetaminophen- induced toxicity in the renal cortex of albino rats

Protective Effect of Flax Seed Oil on acetaminophen- induced toxicity in the renal cortex of albino rats