This study aims to improve press equipment for safflower oil production by using a mechanism that optimizes pressure distribution within screw turns. A detailed analysis of the main components of the produced safflower oil was performed, encompassing both quantitative and qualitative assessments. Through the exploration of dependencies governing the safflower oil pressing process on the screw press, the optimal parameters were determined. As a result of the research, the optimal diaphragm gap between the gape cylinder and the pressing screw was determined, with the optimal oil yield percentage achieved at ω = 6.2 rad/s and δ = 5 mm. The study also compared the performance of the existing Dream Modern ODM-01 screw press and its upgraded version by analyzing the extracted oil. The results reveal changes in the quantitative and qualitative composition of the main oil components following the operation of the existing and the modernized screw presses. For instance, the amount of unsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic acid (7.7 ± 0.566%), linoleic acid (85.3 ± 1.185%), and linolenic acid (1.2 ± 0.223%), increased. There was an increase in the presence of inorganic substances in safflower oil: iron (0.023 ± 0.031 mg/kg), phosphorus (0.086 ± 0.059 mg/kg), silicium (0.136 ± 0.075 mg/kg), and others. The findings of this study hold significant commercial value and offer promising prospects for global market implementation.
This study presents an innovative, resource-efficient apparatus for safflower oil production, designed for small- and medium-sized enterprises. The developed equipment integrates grinding and pressing into a single operation, optimizing extraction efficiency while reducing operational costs and processing time. A comparative analysis of the physicochemical and fatty acid profiles of safflower oil produced using traditional and combined grinding-pressing methods confirmed the superiority of the new approach. Optimal process parameters were identified: pressing time (τ = 3.41 min) and degree of grinding (i = 0.25), which resulted in higher oil yield and improved product quality. Multiple regression and sensitivity analyses revealed that temperature is the most significant factor positively influencing oil yield, whereas excessive grinding intensity and pressure negatively impact extraction efficiency. The results of the multiple regression analysis demonstrated that pressing time had a statistically significant impact on oil yield (p < 0.05). Although temperature was identified as the most influential factor overall, the significance of pressing time indicates that this variable also contributes meaningfully to the extraction efficiency. The regression model revealed a nonlinear (quadratic) relationship between pressing time and oil yield, suggesting that there is an optimal pressing duration. Beyond this optimal point, further increases in pressing time may result in a decline in yield due to over-compression or the release of undesired compounds. Interestingly, pressing time was found to have no significant effect on oil yield, suggesting that optimizing temperature and pressure is more critical for enhancing efficiency. The developed apparatus not only enhances oil quality, particularly its fatty acid composition, but also offers a scalable, sustainable solution for improving safflower oil production. These findings highlight the feasibility of integrating grinding and pressing, paving the way for advancements in cost-effective, high-yield oil extraction technologies.
The protein fraction of slaughterhouse blood remains underutilized primarily due to challenges associated with its instability during processing and storage. This study aimed to develop stable bovine blood plasma gels using selected lactic acid bacteria and flaxseed oil cake flour. Various lactic acid bacteria strains were incorporated at concentrations of 5–20% (w/w), and gel properties such as pH, gelation time, yield stress, and freeze–thaw syneresis were evaluated. Optimal gelation was achieved at 20% inoculum, producing fibrin networks with yield stresses (372 Pa) comparable to recalcified controls (410 Pa), but accompanied by high serum loss and undesired acidic aromas at higher bacterial densities. Incorporating 5% hydrated flaxseed oil cake flour successfully reduced syneresis below 10%, improved water-holding capacity (135%), and prevented development of off-flavors, demonstrating beneficial interactions between flaxseed polysaccharides and blood plasma proteins. Thus, combining a 20% mixed lactic starter with 5% flaxseed cake flour yielded a stable plasma gel suitable for meat product applications, balancing rapid gel formation, high moisture retention, desirable rheological properties, and neutral sensory characteristics.
This study investigated the technological feasibility of using a pre-structured bovine blood plasma–flaxseed composition as a functional partial substitute for beef in emulsion-type sausages. Five formulations containing 0–30% replacement were evaluated to determine effects on structural, nutritional, and microbiological properties. Incorporation of the structured composition modified the functional balance of the protein system: water-holding capacity remained stable (p > 0.05), while fat-holding and emulsifying capacities improved at higher inclusion levels (p < 0.05), indicating enhanced interfacial stabilization of the fat phase. Progressive softening of texture was observed, with significant reductions in hardness and chewiness at 30% replacement (p < 0.05). Cooking loss increased at elevated substitution levels but remained within acceptable technological limits. During refrigerated storage, microbial counts remained below safety thresholds. A 15–25% replacement level provided the most balanced performance, maintaining sensory acceptability while improving lipid stabilization. The results demonstrate that structured plasma-based systems can function as effective protein–emulsion modifiers in meat formulations, supporting sustainable valorization of slaughter by-products.