Lipid Recovery and Bioactive Compounds Profiling from Cocoa Bean Shells

Cocoa bean shells (CBS), a major chocolate industry by-product, rich in dietary fibers and bioactive compound, represent a promising target for upcycling in sustainable food systems. This study evaluates CBS lipidic fraction extracted by Soxhlet using four apolar solvents: dichloromethane, petroleum ether, diethyl ether, and hexane. The extracts were analyzed for yield, and chemical composition, including phenolics, methylxanthines, phytosterols, tocopherols, and volatile compounds (VOCs). Results showed a significant variation in extraction yields, with dichloromethane providing the highest yield (8.05 g/100g of CBS), compared to others (5.13–5.92 g/100g 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 diethyl ether). 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 valorization 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.