EXTRACTION AND PURIFICATION OF OMEGA-3-FATTY-ACIDS WITH AN EMPHASIS ON SUPERCRITICAL-FLUID EXTRACTION - A REVIEW

Omega-3 fatty acids have been known to have potential health benefits. These fatty acids are currently in demand in pure form by clinicians to further the understanding of their mechanism of action in the human system. The chemistry sources of omega-3 fatty acids and processing methods for extraction and purification will be summarized in this review. Emphasis is given on recent advances in technological developments, particularly, supercritical fluid extraction and chromatography. With a brief introduction of the principles and advantages of using supercritical fluids for extraction and chromatography, methods involving direct extraction of oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids and those used for concentration of these fatty acids in the ester form are discussed.