Production of edible lecithin from sunflower-oil refining waste

Abstract

The spent meal from the production of sunflower oil is a phosphatide concentrate that contains 50–60% of phospholipids (lecithin). We have developed a methodology for the defatting of phosphatide concentrate with isopropyl alcohol at an elevated temperature and low ratios of the phosphatide concentrate to the extractant, and subsequent identification of the components of food lecithin. Extraction at 60°C attains a relatively high yield of phospholipids; phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, and phosphatidylethano- lamine predominate in the fractional composition of phospholipids; at the same time, the carbohydrate content is reduced.