Role of Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) in concentrating omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) rich oil from myctophid resources

Lanternfish, or myctophids, dominate the mesopelagic layers worldwide, particularly in the Southern Ocean, where their diversity spans roughly 35 species within a dozen genera, representing an immense biomass estimate of 70–200 million tonnes. Despite their abundance, they are usually underutilized and least studied. Rich in omega-3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), they can be used as a source for nutraceutical and functional foods. This article highlights the nutritional and ecological significance of myctophid fishes. It assesses the advantages of Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) as a method for obtaining high-quality oil, highlighting its potential in industries such as nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and aquafeed.