"Turning Waste Into Value: Extraction And Characterization Of Phospholipids From Ghee Residue"

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive approach for the extraction and characterization of phospholipids from ghee residue, emphasizing the conversion of waste material into valuable compounds. The extraction process involved successive washing with acetone and extraction using heated alcohol, followed by purification. Fractionation using silica-gel-G thin-layer chromatography facilitated the identification of distinct phospholipid fractions. Physical evaluations, including color, nature, melting point, and solubility, revealed the lipophilic nature of the phospholipids and their compatibility with organic solvents. TLC analysis yielded an RF value of 0.82, indicative of moderate mobility and separation efficiency. Molecular characterization via Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy provided detailed insights into the molecular structure, identifying characteristic functional groups such as alkyl, carbonyl, halogen, oxygen, vinylic, and aromatic groups. Notably, FTIR and NMR analyses unveiled deviations in frequencies, suggesting variations in chemical environments within the phospholipid molecules. Overall, this study offers a systematic approach for extracting and characterizing phospholipids from ghee residue, highlighting their potential applications in diverse research and industrial domains.