Separation of squalene rich fraction from palm oil fatty acid distillate (PFAD): A review

Abstract

Palm Oil Fatty Acid Distillate (PFAD) is a by-product of the palm oil industry which has many potential bioactive compounds such as vitamin E, phytosterols and squalene. To obtain multi-component bioactive compounds, saponification and extraction processes are required. The purpose of this study was to identify a review of the comparison of several methods that are more optimal in separating the Squalene-Rich Fraction from Palm Oil Fatty Acid Distillate (PFAD). The study uses the systematic literature review method, where the review will study and compare several journal descriptions regarding comparisons in managing the optimal separation of the squalene fraction from the three types of methods offered, namely the method using solvents, the method using high pressure supercritical fluid extraction and the isolation of squalene method using Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains. This review presents a descriptive analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of the three methods. The study compared three methods for separating the squalene-rich fraction. The review suggests that the safest method to use is separation with low temperature solvents or the so-called low temperature solvent crystallization. Reviews show that this method will not destroy bioactive compounds which are easily oxidized, be easy to apply, require low production cost and capable of producing high purity squalene-rich fractions.

The physiological function of squalene and its application prospects in animal husbandry

“…As a result, SQ is less stable, oxidizes easily, and gives off a peculiar fishy smell when exposed to air for a long time. Apart from that, SQ is easy to cyclize to generate triterpenoids such as bicyclic, tetracyclic, and pentacyclic structures ( 4 , 11 ). There are four main types of common SQ structures: sterol-like form 1, sterol-like form 2, coiled form, and stretched form ( Figure 1 ).…”

“…In eukaryotes, SQ is an important metabolic intermediate, involved in the synthesis of animal cholesterol and plant sterols ( 4 ). It is generally believed that the unique biological characteristics of SQ are closely related to its special conformation ( 11 ). On the one hand, SQ can easily pass through the cell membrane so that it is evenly distributed inside and outside the cell ( 4 , 11 , 12 ).…”

“…It is generally believed that the unique biological characteristics of SQ are closely related to its special conformation ( 11 ). On the one hand, SQ can easily pass through the cell membrane so that it is evenly distributed inside and outside the cell ( 4 , 11 , 12 ). On the other hand, the abundant double bonds can combine with hydrogen ions in water to form squalane and release O2-, thus accelerating the production of new cells and improving organ function ( 12 ).…”

“…Strong oxidants, free radicals, and poisons can peroxidize cell membrane lipids, increase the permeability of cell membranes, and then cause the loss of intracellular fluid and even cell death ( 25 ). Based on their immense fluidic properties, SQ can be evenly distributed on the organ membrane structure ( 4 , 11 , 12 ). After membrane damage occurs, SQ can repair the injured membrane, and then exert its antioxidant effect ( 11 , 12 ).…”

“…Based on their immense fluidic properties, SQ can be evenly distributed on the organ membrane structure ( 4 , 11 , 12 ). After membrane damage occurs, SQ can repair the injured membrane, and then exert its antioxidant effect ( 11 , 12 ). The mechanism is hypothesized to occur as SQ has an abundant double-bond structure and is lipid-soluble, which rapidly fills in the damaged cell membrane structure ( 4 ).…”