A combined procedure of supercritical fluid extraction and molecular distillation for the purification of alkylglycerols from shark liver oil

Ethanolysis of squalene free shark liver oil was carried out to obtain a product mixture comprised mainly of fatty acid ethyl esters and non-esterified alkylglycerols. Purification of non-esterified alkylglycerols from this product mixture via supercritical fluid extraction and short-path distillation has been compared. The effect of temperature and mass flow in a sequential distillation strategy was evaluated. In addition, combination of supercritical fluid extraction and short-path distillation to obtain a product highly enriched in alkylglycerols readily for human consumption was also studied.

► Comparison of supercritical fluid extraction and short path distillation for the enrichment of alkylglycerols.
► The product attained after ethanolysis of squalene free shark liver oil as starting material.
► Combination of supercritical fluid extraction and short path distillation to obtain highly concentrated in alkylglycerols.
► A product readily for human consumption.
► Precursors for structured alkylglycerols and functional ingredients.