Isolation of squalene from shark liver oil
Liver oils of some deep sea sharks mainly Centrophorus sp. found under a depth of 300 – 1000m in Pacific, North Atlantic and Indian Ocean contain 85% – 90% unsaponifiable matter which contains the hydrocarbon squalene. Squalene and its hydrogenated product are used for several decades as base for cosmetic products. It also used as skin rejuvenating agent. It is mild on human skin and imparts softness without oily appearance. The demand of squalene by cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry is on increase. Realizing the importance, a method of extraction, isolation and purification of squalene has been developed.
