Unlocking the potential: green strategies for rapeseed meal

Rapeseed meal (RSM) is a byproduct of rapeseed extraction for oil manufacturing. It is reported to be high in proteins 1, phenolics, and flavonoids 2, substances with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities that make it suitable for use in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics. Various valorization procedures have been developed for fully exploiting RSM, including numerous extraction strategies 3 aimed at bioactive extraction. In this study, we compared a traditional ethanol Soxhlet extraction to a supercritical CO2-based technique with ethanol as a modifier. This approach, which uses supercritical carbon dioxide as a solvent to extract target molecules from a feedstock, is widely regarded as environmentally friendly and efficient. It has various advantages over standard extraction procedures, including minimal toxicity, good selectivity, and high purity of extracted chemicals. 4 The current study seeks to valorize the RSM by developing "green" extraction techniques for bioactive substances using alcoholic solvents and/or supercritical CO2. Enhancing the recovery of polyphenolic components was prioritized, and the results were assessed using NMR and HPLC-DAD studies. Additionally, using specific methods, the antioxidant qualities of the extraction residues were investigated. Based on our findings, a quantitative recovery hypothesis has been put forth for bioactive-rich extracts that are repurposed in nutraceuticals and cosmetics. 5 References: [1] Z. Zhang, S. He, H. Liu, X. Sun, Y. Ye, X. Cao, Z. Wu, H. Sun, Food Chem. 2020, 327, 126998. [2] M. Zhang, C. Zheng, M. Yang, Q. Zhou, W. Li, C. Liu, F. Huang, J. Am. Oil Chem. Soc. 2019, 96, 303-317. [3] S. Vuorela, A. S. Meyer, M. Heinonen, J. Agric. Food Chem. 2004, 52, 8202–8207. [4] M. Zoccali, P. Donato, L. Mondello, Trends Analyt. Chem. 2019, 116, 158-165. [5] D. Rivera, K. Rommi, M. M. Fernandes, R. Lantto, T. Tzanov, Int. J. Cosmet. Sci. 2005, 37, 496–505.