Extraction of high‐quality Antarctic krill (Euphausia Superba) oil using low‐temperature continuous phase‐transition extraction equipment

Abstract The aim of this study was to explore a processing method for efficient extraction of high‐quality krill oil (KO) using a low‐temperature continuous phase‐transition extraction equipment (LCPE). The efficiency of lipid extraction and quality of KO and defatted krill meal (DKM) by LCPE were compared with those of supercritical CO 2 and n ‐hexane extraction. Results showed that compared to other methods, extraction using LCPE had the highest lipid yield (21.72 ± 0.34%), bioactive substances, and dimethyl sulfide (3.12 ± 0.09 mg/kg), the lowest oxidative deterioration. Moreover, compared to other methods, DKM extracted by LCPE had the lowest fat (<2%), the highest protein (>60%), and the best oxidative stability. These benefits would ensure easier transportation and better long‐term storage, allowing for its application on distant‐ocean fishing vessels. Therefore, LCPE is a method that allows for efficient extraction of high‐quality KO.