Comprehensive profiling of extractable lipophilic constituents in potato peel waste: A basis for future biorefinery applications

The dichloromethane-soluble lipophilic fraction of potato peel waste, representing 2.8 % of its dry weight, was comprehensively analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). This fraction was found to be rich in bioactive constituents, including n -fatty acids (7600 mg/kg), n -fatty alcohols (5870 mg/kg), n -alkyl ferulates (5760 mg/kg), n -alkanes (2970 mg/kg), high-molecular-weight esters (2800 mg/kg), monoglycerides (123 mg/kg), and steroid compounds (2120 mg/kg). The latter comprised several distinct classes, including steroid hydrocarbons (36 mg/kg), steroid ketones (164 mg/kg), free sterols (390 mg/kg), and sterol glycosides (1530 mg/kg). These lipophilic molecules are of considerable interest to the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmetic, and chemical industries due to their functional properties. Their presence in potato peel waste highlights the value of this agro-industrial byproduct as a sustainable and economically viable source of bioactive ingredients. This study provides an important basis for the development of biorefinery strategies aimed at recovering and valorizing these valuable compounds from this underutilized waste stream. • The lipophilic fraction of potato peel waste was analyzed in detail using GC-MS. • Potato peel waste contains many valuable bioactive lipophilic compounds. • These compounds are useful in pharma, cosmetic, and nutraceutical industries. • Valorizing lipids supports circular economy and reduces waste effectively.