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Fishery by-products as valuable source of bioactive compounds: optimization of supercritical fluid extraction process and extracts characterization in terms of fatty acids and vitamin D3

TitleFishery by-products as valuable source of bioactive compounds: optimization of supercritical fluid extraction process and extracts characterization in terms of fatty acids and vitamin D3
Publication TypeArticolo su Rivista peer-reviewed
Year of Publication2026
AuthorsAlessandroni, Laura, Boldrini Luca, Leone Gian Paolo, Frapiccini Emanuela, Panfili Monica, Coisson Jean Daniel, Segale Lorena, Durazzo Alessandra, Lucarini Massimo, Cicero Arrigo Francesco, and Sagratini Gianni
JournalEuropean Food Research and Technology
Volume37
Start Page36
Date Published01/2026
KeywordsFish waste, Green extraction, Nutraceuticals, Omega-3 fatty acids, Supercritical CO2
Abstract

Fishery by-products represent a valuable yet underutilized source of bioactive lipids with potential applications in food, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries. In this context, Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) represents a promising approach for obtaining high-quality extracts without solvent-related safety concerns. This study aims at investigating a sustainable process to obtain extracts rich in bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications from fishing by-products, referring to all the fish that are caught but do not satisfy the market requirements for size or shape. The extraction parameters were determined using a 3-variables Box–Behnken Design (time, temperature and pressure). The 100 min, 400 bar and 40 °C process was selected and applied to five different fish species. In each extract vitamin D3 and 7-dehydrocholesterol were quantified using HPLC-DAD and the fatty acids profile was characterized in GC-MS. The waste products, especially those from sardine and anchovy, exhibited a noteworthy vitamin D3, 7-dehydrocholesterol, and omega-3 fatty acids composition. This research represents a further step in daily fishing waste reuse as a source of high-value extracts.

DOI10.1007/s00217-025-05018-z
Citation Key13784