Lipid recovery and bioactive compounds profiling from cocoa bean shells

Cocoa bean shells (CBS), a major chocolate industry by-product, rich in dietary fibres and bioactive compound, represent a promising target for upcycling in sustainable food systems. This study evaluates the CBS lipidic fraction extracted by Soxhlet using four apolar solvents: dichloromethane (DE), petroleum ether (PE), diethyl ether (EE), and hexane (HE). The extracts were analysed for yield and chemical composition, including phenolics, methylxanthines, phytosterols, tocopherols, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Results showed a significant variation in extraction yields, with DE providing the highest yield (8.05 g/100 g of CBS), compared to others (5.13-5.92 g/100 g of CBS). The phenolic content (3.57-38.2 mg/kg of lipid extract) varied depending on the solvent used, with protocatechuic acid being the most abundant compound (up to 32.2 mg/kg of lipid extract obtained with EE). Brassicasterol was detected in all the extracts (337-520 mg/kg of lipid extract), confirming the presence of valuable phytosterols. Additionally, 115 VOCs were quantified across all samples, with great variation between solvents (23.4-116.5 mg/kg of lipid extract). This study highlights CBS as a valuable source of bioactive lipids and supports their valorisation for the recovery of high-value compounds. These results pave the way for the development of natural ingredients applicable in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics, contributing to agro-industrial waste reduction and promoting circular economy strategies.