Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy as a tool for identifying the unique characteristic bands of lipid in oilseed components: Confirmed via Ethiopian indigenous desert date fruit.

Searching for good sources of value-added lipids that can be utilized for industrial and domestic applications is getting a fast-growing attention. Hence, the exploitation of underutilized fruit species for oil production is of particular care. But, rapid and accurate characterization of oil-bearing biomass before considering it as an alternative source is essential to know the properties of interest which significantly influence biomass conversion. Instead of testing oilseed components to know their lipid reach part via extractive techniques, one of the rapid analysis methods is Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic approach. Thus, this paper aims to identify the unique characteristic bands of lipids in oilseed components confirmed via Ethiopian desert date fruit (i.e., mesocarp, endocarp, kernel and oil). While all parts of the fruit were subjected to oil extraction, it was proved that the only fatty portion containing about 40.32% wt of lipid was in its kernel. Accordingly, the only functional groups observed in the oil-rich part include = C-H stretching at 3006/7 cm in aromatic and olefins of unsaturated fatty acid, symmetrical C-H stretching of aliphatics in the -CH groups at 2853 cm, C-O stretching in esters due to asymmetric vibrations of C-C(=O)-O bonds at 1159/66 cm, and C-H rocking vibration of methylene in alkanes at 718/23 cm.