3. Biotechnological Potential of Cottonseed, a By-Product of Cotton Production

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is an important fibre crop of global significance. It is grown and harvested in tropical and subtropical regions of more than 80 countries. The state of Chihuahua, in Mexico, is the leader in the production of cotton covering 70% of national production. According to statistics reported in 2016, 488,000 metric tons were obtained and utilized as follows: 93% for textile industry, 2.28% as cattle feed, 1.1% was re-harvested, and the other 3.56% was discharged, and in consequence an environmental impact occurs. That remaining cottonseed constitutes a potential agroindustry residue with biotechnological applications due to its chemical composition: fibre, proteins (as well as essential amino acids such as lysine, methionine, tryptophan, and other amino acids) carbohydrates, and lipids (it is important to highlight gossypol and the fatty acids profile). In this chapter, food and bioenergy applications of cottonseed in terms of bioactive compounds (phenolic content), bioactivity (antioxidant activity), and lipid content (production of biodiesel) are reviewed, as well as the chemical compounds responsible of such applications, different types of extraction methods and analytical protocols for their identification, purification, and quantification.