TITLE:
The Bioprocessing Quick Wins from Avocado Fruit in Uganda
AUTHORS:
Emmanuel Baidhe, Nicholas Kiggundu, Noble Banadda
KEYWORDS:
Avocado, Bioprocessing, High-Value Products, Industrial Development, Uganda
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Bioscience and Biotechnology,
Vol.11 No.8,
August
28,
2020
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.