High-value products from flaxseed through innovative biocatalytic technologies

General introduction

Within the Flaxit project, 48 different varieties of flax were analyzed for the presence of potentially interesting substances (oil, protein, fibers, etc.) in the residual flows, with the aim of processing the entire flax plant with zero waste (no unusable surpluses). After extracting the (interesting) oil from the linseed, the press cake was also tested for protein content and the functionality of these proteins was characterized. A nice finding is that the protein extracts prove to be easily processable in high-moisture extrusion (HME) processing, after which they can be used in plant-based meat alternatives due to their good gelatinization and emulsion characteristics.

The growing global demand for flax fibers has resulted in a clear increase in the area under flax cultivation in Flanders and Europe. For every ton of long flax fibers, 0.7 tons of linseed are produced in Belgium, which is considered a by-product, 30-40% of which is oil that is mainly used for technical applications in the lower market segment. The residual fraction after extraction of the linseed oil is used as animal feed.
This project aims to improve valorization through the valuable biomolecules oil (consisting of polyunsaturated fatty acids), carbohydrates, and proteins. 

Research approach

Among the flax varieties, there were 13 oil types and 35 fiber types (6 winter and 42 summer types). The genetic diversity in flaxseed composition was evaluated in field trials. A wide variation in oil content was observed, ranging from 34 to 53%. Based on this, the researchers selected interesting varieties in terms of oil content and protein yield. After oil extraction and fractionation, flaxseed, oil, and press cake remain. Proteins and carbohydrates could be extracted from the defatted press cake. These can primarily be used in food applications. Using other extraction and biocatalytic transformations, other additional value chains have been explored, which may offer new opportunities for farmers and industry in Belgium. 

Relevance/Valorisation

The aim of Flaxit was to achieve a broader valorization of flax. The multidisciplinary Flaxit team used enzymatic and microbial transformations for the production of (i) methyl, ethyl, and polyglycerol esters from flaxseed oil for use in personal care and cosmetic applications, (ii) long-chain dicarboxylic acids from flaxseed oil and carbohydrates for, for example, new polymers and cosmetic applications, and (iii) proteins/peptides & water-soluble dietary fibers from defatted flaxseed cake for techno-functional applications in food products. Creating higher added value from flaxseed will ultimately also benefit the primary sector.

Funding provider(s)
FWO - Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek