The Bioprocessing Quick Wins from Avocado Fruit in Uganda

Abstract

Bioprocessing can help redeem the economic value for avocado (Persea americana) in Uganda. This study reviews the virgin potential of avocado bioprocessing in Uganda. Avocado consists of flesh, seed, and peel. The review indicates that the waste seed and peel are vital for development of high-value products. Both the edible part and waste (peel and seed) can be used for biogas production through a solid-state fermentation process. Biodiesel can be developed using avocado seed oil through a process called transesterification. Avocado oil is a better alternative for biodiesel production compared to waste cooking oil as it requires no further conversions processes for transforming fatty acids to esters. The starch-rich avocado seed is a suitable substrate for bioethanol, pigment and starch production. The high starch content places the avocado fruit as a potential: 1) raw material for the production of bioplastics; 2) substrate for bacterial culture media production as opposed to potatoes, cereals, and cassava that double as a staple food. Avocado seeds can also be used for the production of antioxidants relevant for preventing enzymatic browning, thereby increasing product shelf life. Despite the quick wins, there is a need for increased research, financing, personnel training and development of appropriate policies to spur the benefits and untapped potential of avocado bioprocessing in Uganda. The circular economy of avocado waste alone into high-value products could increase gains in the environment and stimulate industrial development, especially the cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical industries in Uganda.

Persea Americana Agro-Industrial Waste Biorefinery for Sustainable High-Value-Added Products

“…However, their production limitations and the depletion of these fossil sources cause their price to increase on a regular basis [90]. Considering the significant amount of waste obtained by the avocado industry, the production of bioenergy and biofuels from these are regarded as possible alternatives to fossil fuels in the short-term [91].…”

“…To date, some studies have declared it possible to obtain biodiesel from avocado seed through transesterification, which simplifies the process due to the low content of free fatty acids and the presence of triglycerides [81,91,100]. Colombo et al determined that the fruit wastes have the potential to be transformed into biofuel.…”

Validating Technologies and Evaluating the Technological Level in Avocado Production Systems: A Value Chain Approach

“…On the other hand, Reints et al [23] indicate that efforts should be made in the adoption of technologies related to efficient water management in avocado cultivation. Likewise, Baidhe et al [24] draw attention to the need to investigate opportunities for the processing of by-products products to strengthen the industrial development capacities of this crop. In this sense, Ramírez-Gil et al [14] found a relationship between the technological level (TL) of the production systems and the incidence of diseases in avocado agricultural systems in the neotropics.…”