How to extract oil from corn germ during flour processing?
This work aimed the recovery of oil and protein fractions from corn germ (CG) generated as a by-product during flour processing. Several oil extraction techniques were investigated: hexane at room temperature, hexane at 45 °C, supercritical carbon dioxide (Sc-CO 2) and Soxhlet with hexane and ethanol.
What is corn germ oil?
Corn germ oil is a nutritious and healthy edible oil. It has a transparent golden yellow color and a fragrant fragrance. It is called “liquid gold” by Western countries. Corn germ oil contains 80–85% of unsaturated fatty acids, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and α-linolenic acid. The content of linoleic acid is as high as 56%.
Can oil and protein extracts be recovered from corn germ?
Oil and proteins were successfully recovered from corn germ by a biorefinery scheme. Oil extraction yield and TPC of oils were influenced by the polarity of solvents. The protein content of recovered extracts ranged from 20 to 48%. The functionality of protein extracts depended on the defatting pretreatment.
What is corn germ?
Corn germ is a part of the corn embryo, which is located below the corn kernel and is mainly involved in the growth and development of corn (Different Strategies to Obtain Corn ( Zea mays L.) Germ Extracts with Enhanced Antioxidant Properties, Design of corn germ extractor based on S7-1200 PLC).