1 research outputs found
Valorization of By-Products from Biofuel Biorefineries: Extraction and Purification of Bioactive Molecules from Post-Fermentation Corn Oil
The aim of this work was to develop innovative and sustainable extraction, concentration,
and purification technologies aimed to recover target substances from corn oil, obtained as side stream
product of biomass refineries. Residues of bioactive compounds such as carotenoids, phytosterols,
tocopherols, and polyphenols could be extracted from this matrix and applied as ingredients for
food and feeds, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetic products. These molecules are well
known for their antioxidant and antiradical capacity, besides other specific biological activities,
generically involved in the prevention of chronic and degenerative diseases. The project involved the
development of methods for the selective extraction of these minor components, using as suitable
extraction technique solid phase extraction. All the extracted and purified fractions were evaluated
by NMR spectroscopic analyses and UV–Vis spectrophotometric techniques and characterized by
quali-quantitative HPLC analyses. TPC (total phenolic content) and TFC (total flavonoid content)
were also determined. DPPH and ABTS radical were used to evaluate radical quenching abilities.
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), amylase, glucosidase, and tyrosinase were selected as enzymes in the
enzyme inhibitory assays. The obtained results showed the presence of a complex group of interesting
molecules with strong potential in market applications according to circular economy principles