In the quest to maximize the value of agricultural waste, researchers from South China Agricultural University and Guangdong Marubi Biotechnology Co., Ltd. have developed an innovative method to extract high-quality grape pomace oil (GPO) with remarkable anti-aging properties. This breakthrough, led by Zou Xiaojun and colleagues, combines acid-thermal pretreatment with low-temperature continuous phase-transition extraction (LCPE), significantly enhancing both the extraction yield and the retention of active compounds.
Grape pomace, a byproduct of winemaking, has long been underutilized, often discarded or used as low-value animal feed. However, this study, published in *Shipin Kexue* (which translates to *Food Science*), reveals that grape pomace is a treasure trove of bioactive compounds. The researchers found that their novel extraction method, AT-LCPE, resulted in a 96.70% extraction yield of GPO, a substantial improvement over traditional methods. “This method not only increases the yield but also preserves the active substances that make grape pomace oil so valuable,” explained Zou Xiaojun, the lead author of the study.
The AT-LCPE method also led to a significant increase in the contents of total phenols, total flavonoids, and total sterols, which are known for their antioxidant and anti-aging properties. The oil exhibited a remarkable reduction in the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) against the DPPH radical, indicating a high antioxidant activity. In tests with Caenorhabditis elegans, a model organism often used in aging research, the GPO prepared by AT-LCPE significantly prolonged the lifespan of the worms under oxidative stress induced by various factors, extending the average lifespan by up to 33.09%.
The composition analysis of the GPO revealed a rich array of compounds, including fatty acids, esters, terpenoids, and terpenes. Notably, the oil contained typical active substances like linoleic acid, oleanolic acid, β-tocotrienol, and β-sitosterol, as well as rare components such as squalene and ceramide. Some compounds, like soyasapogenol E, ganoderic acid F, and ganoderiol I, were discovered in the oil for the first time.
The implications of this research are far-reaching, particularly for the agritech and energy sectors. As the world seeks sustainable and high-value uses for agricultural waste, this study provides a promising avenue for the grape industry. The high-quality GPO produced through AT-LCPE could find applications in the cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals industries, offering a new revenue stream for grape processors and wineries.
Moreover, the method’s efficiency and effectiveness in extracting both oils and active components could inspire similar innovations in other agricultural sectors, leading to a more circular and sustainable economy. As Zou Xiaojun noted, “This research not only highlights the potential of grape pomace but also sets a precedent for the high-value utilization of other agricultural byproducts.”
The findings of this study provide a theoretical basis and technical support for the high-value development and utilization of grape pomace, paving the way for future advancements in the field. As the agritech industry continues to evolve, such innovations will be crucial in addressing the challenges of waste management and resource sustainability.