Castor Bean (Ricinus communis) as a Dual-Use Crop: Green Process Engineering for Ricinoleic Acid and Biosafety Barriers against Ricin

Authors

  • Luiz Carlos Alves de Oliveira Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais

Keywords:

Ricinus communis, Ácido Ricinoleico, Ricina, Óleos Vegetais, Biossegurança

Abstract

Ricinus communis is a dual-use crop that produces both high-value ricinoleic acid (RA) and the potent toxin ricin. This narrative review (2015-2025) assessed process and biosafety strategies that enhance RA yields while preventing toxic exposures. PubMed, Scopus and SciELO searches followed SANRA-6 guidance; five core studies met inclusion criteria. Green enzymatic hydrolysis (Lipozyme TL IM, 45 °C, pH 7) achieved mean RA conversions of 96 % with negligible by-products. Autoclave-plus-washing protocols lowered residual ricin in castor meal to < 0.1 mg kg⁻¹, allowing up to 45 % substitution for soybean meal in sheep and goat diets without performance loss. Integrating Good Manufacturing Practices, Hazard Analysis and blockchain-based traceability forms a robust barrier against accidental or intentional poisoning, while opening avenues for anti-inflammatory dermocosmetics and nanostructured drug-delivery systems. Research gaps include randomized clinical trials on RA, standardized biomarkers of ricin exposure and CRISPR-engineered low-ricin cultivars. Process engineering, toxicology and governance thus converge to turn the castor paradox into a model of responsible bio-innovation.

References

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Published

2024-12-02

How to Cite

de Oliveira, L. C. A. (2024). Castor Bean (Ricinus communis) as a Dual-Use Crop: Green Process Engineering for Ricinoleic Acid and Biosafety Barriers against Ricin. Journal of Convergent Scientific Inquiry, 1(1), 25–33. Retrieved from https://jcsi.ufrdj.com/index.php/jcsi/article/view/7

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2025): Journal of Convergent Scientific Inquiry

Section

Revisão Narrativa ou Integrativa

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Copyright (c) 2024 Journal of Convergent Scientific Inquiry

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