MicrobiorefinerieS and greEN proceSses of bioactive production for zerO-waste industRIalization of Avocado species - SENSORIA-2

• Grant number: 25/04972-4
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• Start date: October 01, 2025
• End date: September 30, 2030
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Food Science and Technology - Food Engineering
• Agreement: ANR
• Principal Investigator: Alessandra Lopes de Oliveira
• Grantee: Alessandra Lopes de Oliveira
• Principal researcher abroad: Caroline West
• Institution abroad: Université d'Orléans , France
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos (FZEA). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Pirassununga , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: Pirassununga
• Principal investigators: Patrícia Maria Berardo Gonçalves Maia Campos
• Associated researchers: Christianne Elisabete da Costa Rodrigues ; Christophe Hano ; Clément De Saint Jores ; Cyril Colas ; David da Silva ; Deise Carla Almeida Leite Dellova ; Eliana Cristina da Silva Rigo ; Eliana Setsuko Kamimura ; Emilie Destandau ; Eric Lesellier ; Fabiana Testa Moura de Carvalho Vicentini ; Fougere ; Giovani Leone Zabot ; Heidge Fukumasu ; Juliane Viganó ; Luiz Alberto Beraldo de Moraes ; Marco Antonio Trindade ; Milena Martelli Tosi ; Pierre-Eric Campos ; Priscyla Daniely Marcato Gaspari ; Renata Gebara Sampaio Dória ; Rosemary Aparecida de Carvalho

Abstract

This thematic project proposal (SENSORIA-2) is innovative in several ways, particularly in its comparative study of extracts obtained from different fruits, focusing on their protein content, starch composition, and other constituents. This research is framed within the global challenge of food loss and waste in avocado processing. Instead of contributing to environmental pollution and exacerbating climate issues, avocado processing waste will be repurposed for various applications. Avocado processing generates significant waste, with millions of tons of peels and seeds discarded annually worldwide. This waste releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. Despite its environmental impact, plant waste, such as avocado peels and pits, is often overlooked in international discussions. Avocados are highly nutritious, containing beneficial compounds in their pulp, seed, and skin. These components, including monounsaturated fatty acids and bioactive compounds, have potential applications in the production of functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Maximizing avocado utilization through biorefineries aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including poverty eradication, sustainable agriculture, health, and climate action. Given the multidisciplinary nature of the scientific challenges involved, this research project brings together engineers, chemists, pharmacists, and veterinarians. The collaboration of experts from different fields is essential to achieving innovation across multiple domains.The research will be carried out by different working groups (WPs), each focusing on a specific aspect: extraction (WP1), molecular characterization (WP2), bioactivity analysis (WP3), and applications (WP4, WP5, WP6) of the various products obtained from six avocado varieties commonly grown in Brazil. This pioneering collaboration between Brazilian and French researchers aims to fill gaps in the scientific literature by extracting valuable compounds from different avocado species using green technologies. These extracts will be thoroughly analyzed and compared for their bioactive composition and used in diverse applications, including food formulation, antioxidant coatings for fruits and meat products, and cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations.Additionally, avocado seed starch will be explored for its potential use in manufacturing additives for bone repair materials, presenting a holistic approach to waste utilization. The project will also investigate the healing properties of avocado extracts in veterinary applications for horses, dogs, and cats. Toxicity tests will be conducted to ensure the safety of the extracts and derived products for both human and animal use.Overall, this interdisciplinary research initiative aims to develop sustainable solutions, advance scientific knowledge, and foster collaboration to create a more inclusive and sustainable world. (AU)