In the ever-evolving landscape of agricultural technology, a groundbreaking study led by Aymane Allay from the Laboratory of Agricultural Production Improvement, Biotechnology, and Environment at Mohammed I University has shed new light on the potential of hemp seed oil. The research, published in Scientific Reports, delves into the optimization of ethanol-modified supercritical CO₂ extraction, a method that could revolutionize the way we extract and utilize bioactive compounds from hemp seeds.
The study focused on enhancing the extraction process of hemp seed oil using supercritical CO₂ modified with ethanol. By fine-tuning variables such as extraction temperature, pressure, and time, the researchers were able to significantly boost the yield and quality of the extracted oil. “We found that by optimizing these parameters, we could achieve a maximum yield of 28.83% of fresh seeds,” Allay explained. “But the real game-changer was the addition of ethanol as a co-solvent.”
The introduction of ethanol into the supercritical CO₂ extraction process proved to be a pivotal discovery. The optimal ethanol concentration of 10% not only increased the oil yield to 30.13% but also enhanced the extraction of phenolic compounds, which are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. “The addition of ethanol significantly increased the total phenols to 294.15 GAE mg/kg and total tocopherols to 484.38 mg/kg,” Allay noted. “This enhancement in bioactive compounds opens up new avenues for the use of hemp seed oil in various industries, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food.”
The implications of this research extend beyond the agricultural sector, with potential benefits for the energy sector as well. The optimized extraction process could lead to more efficient and sustainable production of biofuels from hemp seeds, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, the enhanced bioactive compounds in the extracted oil could be utilized in the development of high-value products, such as anti-aging creams, dermato-protective agents, and antimicrobial treatments.
The study also identified 26 phenolic compounds in the extracted oils, with N-trans-caffeoyltyramine, and cannabisins A and B being the most abundant. These compounds, along with the improved oxidative stability index (OSI) of 28.01 hours, indicate that the oil extracted using this method could have significant commercial value.
As the demand for sustainable and high-quality hemp seed oil continues to grow, this research paves the way for future developments in the field. By optimizing the extraction process and enhancing the bioactive compound content, the study provides a roadmap for the production of hemp seed oil that meets the stringent requirements of various industries. The findings, published in Scientific Reports, offer a glimpse into the future of hemp seed oil extraction and its potential to shape the agricultural and energy landscapes.