Enzymatic Extraction and Characterization of Lipid Fraction Highly Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids from Mackerel (Scomber scombrus)

Fresh mackerel heads were submitted to enzymatic hydrolysis using Alcalase 2.4L (60°C, 2h). The centrifugation of the slurry displayed three lipid fractions. Chemical characteristics of these fractions showed significant differences for protein, lipid and ash contents. The rate of oil released after enzymatic extraction accounted for 19.20% and 21% for 3% E/S and 5% E/S respectively with no significant difference (p< 0.05). Lipids released after enzymatic processes, lipids from emulsified fraction displayed similar lipid classes level amounted to 95-98% for triglycerides (TG) and 2-5% for phospholipids (PL). As for heavy fraction, there were 42% of TG and 58 % of PL. Lipids released by enzymatic hydrolysis and lipids of emulsified fraction displayed similar content of PUFA and were compared to lipids extracted by solvent. The main PUFA were EPA (6.99 to 7.56%) and DHA (from 11.26 to 15.86%). The lipid of the heavy fraction, which contained the most abundant amount of the DHA accounted for 26.11% and a high amount of EPA (7.73%).