Proximate and Nutrition Compositions, FTIR Analysis of Date Seed Powder from Nigerian Date Fruit for Potential Industrial Applications

Background and Objective: Despite being a nutrient-dense byproduct of oil extraction, the chemical and nutritional profile of date seed powder is not yet comprehensively documented. This research investigates its proximate composition, FTIR spectra, and nutritional properties to identify potential applications within the food, livestock feed, and industrial industries. Materials and Methods: Date seed was obtained from Sokoto State, which is one of the states with an abundance of date plants. Proximate analysis was performed using standard methods, and the chemical composition was analyzed, and FTIR was employed to determine the functional groups. The date seed passed several processes, including cleaning, drying, grinding, and particle sizing to obtain the powder. The ash content was determined by incineration, fat content was assessed by the use of solvent extraction through a Soxhlet apparatus, protein content was quantified using the micro-Kjeldahl method, and crude fibre was measured by sequential digestion and ashing. Carbohydrate was calculated by difference. Results: Proximate analysis showed that date seed powder contained 5.0% moisture, 1.3% ash, 14.2% crude fibre, 2.0% crude fat, 12.6% crude protein, 64.9% carbohydrate, and 89.3% dry matter. FTIR analysis identified hydroxyl, methyl/methylene, ester/acetyl, carbonyl, and aromatic C = C functional groups at 3886-3660, 2948-2849, 1735, 1654, and 1597-1507 cm^–1, respectively. These bands suggest the presence of cellulose, lipids, proteins, lignin, phenolic compounds, and other bioactive constituents. Overall, the findings indicate that date seed powder contains functional components with potential nutritional, antioxidant, and prebiotic properties. Conclusion: This study provides valuable information on the proximate and FTIR analysis as well as chemical composition of date seed powder. The results highlight the potential of date seed powder as a nutritious ingredient for food, pharmaceutical, and feed applications, while underscoring the importance of sustainable utilization of this underutilized resource.