Acrocomia Aculeata Research Articles

BIOENERGETIC CULTURES: ESTIMATE OF OIL CONTENT IN MACAW PALM VIA COMPUTER VISION

Macaw palm (Acrocomia aculeata) is a potential raw material for biodiesel production owing to its high oil content. In this study, a model is created that can estimate the oil percentage in Macaw fruit using spectral indices obtained via computer vision. Ninety Macaw fruits are used to perform an experiment. They are categorized into three stages of maturation and counted in terms of weeks after flowering. Images of the fruits are captured using a multispectral camera in the visible spectral region (RGB) and infra-red regions (NIR), which allows spectral indices to be obtained. A model is established using the principal component regression method and used to estimate the oil content based on the colorimetric characteristics of Macaw palm fruits. The selected model is composed of the first two principal components, which indicate an explanatory potency of 91.57% of the variance. Applying this information to the validation data, the model exhibits a determination coefficient of 0.91, mean square error of 10.61%, and standard error of 5.46% in terms of the oil content, which indicates that computer vision is a promising alternative method for estimating oil content.

Shadowing of a bioenergetic species in soybean development: an analysis of the feasibility potential of this integration

There is currently a lack of information in the literature on the integrated production of macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) and soybean (Glycine max) crops, and the importance of expanding integrated production systems; therefore, the objective of this work was to identify the effects of macauba shading on growth, development, and productivity of different soybean cultivars. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design in a factorial scheme (4 × 2), with four cultivars and two production systems (monoculture and crop-forest integration), and four replicates per treatment. All soybean cultivars in the crop-forest integration system showed plant stagnation due to the shade level of the palm trees, as well as a reduction in the leaf area index and chlorophyll content in the leaves. Regarding reproductive parameters, grain, and oil yield, the cultivars responded differently between the production systems, revealing an interaction between the genotype and the environment. Our methodology was not favorable to soybean production; therefore, the management of spacing between palm trees and the selection of soybean genotypes that are more adapted to shaded environments are strategies that can allow for the integrated production of these species.

Production of Protein Concentrates from Macauba (Acrocomia aculeata and Acrocomia totai) Kernels by Sieve Fractionation.

Macauba palm fruits (Acrocomia aculeata and Acrocomia totai) are emerging as sources of high-quality oils from their pulp and kernels. The protein-rich macauba kernel meal (MKM) left after oil extraction remains undervalued, mainly due to the lack of suitable deoiling parameters and integrated protein recovery methods. Therefore, the present study aimed to produce protein concentrates from MKM using sieve fractionation. The deoiling parameters, comprising pressing, milling, and solvent extraction, were improved in terms of MKM functionality. The combination of hydraulic pressing, milling to 1 mm, and the hexane extraction of A. aculeata kernels resulted in MKM with the highest protein solubility (77.1%), emulsifying activity index (181 m2/g protein), and emulsion stability (149 min). After sieve fractionation (cut size of 62 µm), this meal yielded a protein concentrate with a protein content of 65.6%, representing a 74.1% protein enrichment compared to the initial MKM. This protein concentrate showed a reduced gelling concentration from 8 to 6%, and an increased emulsion stability from 149 to 345 min, in comparison to the MKM before sieving. Therefore, sieve fractionation after improved deoiling allows for the simple, cheap, and environmentally friendly recovery of MKM proteins, highlighting the potential of macauba kernels as a new source of protein.

Growth Performance, Carcass and Pork Quality Traits of Growing-Finishing Pigs with High and Low Breeding Values for Residual Feed Intake Fed Diets with Macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) Pulp as Alternative Raw Material

This study evaluated the effects of dietary macauba pulp on the growth performance, carcass, and pork traits of growing-finishing pigs; and whether differences in residual feed intake breeding values could influence the pigs’ growth responses to macauba pulp inclusion in the diet. A total of 282 (34.8 ± 4.40 kg) pigs (barrows and females), progeny of sires with high (HRFI) or low (LRFI) breeding value for residual feed intake, were pair-housed on the basis of sex, breeding value, and initial BW. Diets with (macauba) or without (control) of 50 g/kg of macauba pulp inclusion were randomly assigned to the experimental pens. There were eight treatment groups: HRFI barrows were fed the control diet; HRFI barrows were fed the macauba diet; LRFI barrows were fed the control diet; LRFI barrows were fed the macauba diet; HRFI female pigs were fed the control diet; HRFI female pigs were fed the macauba diet; LRFI female pigs were fed the control diet; and LRFI female pigs were fed the macauba diet. The trial lasted 90 days and was divided into four phases: growing phase 1 (G1) and 2 (G2); and finishing phases 1 (F1) and 2 (F2). There was no interaction between sex, breeding value, and diet for performance, carcass, and pork traits. Barrows had higher feed intake (ADFI), daily gain (ADG), feed conversion rate (FCR), and final body weight than female pigs. The breeding value had no effect on performance measurements. The inclusion of macauba pulp in the pigs’ diets did not affect any growth parameter during G1, G2 and F1 phases. However, reduced ADFI and improved FCR were observed in F2. Female pigs had lower backfat thickness (BF) and higher loin eye area (LEA) than barrows. HRFI pigs had higher hot carcass weight and LEA, and lower BF than LRFI pigs. There was no effect of macauba pulp inclusion on carcass traits. Pork from barrows presented lower Warner–Bratzler shear force and higher fat content than pork from the females. There was no effect of breeding value on pork traits. Pork from pigs fed the macauba diet showed lower moisture content and water-holding capacity. In conclusion, macauba pulp can partially replace corn without reducing the performance of pigs. Regardless of sex and breeding value for RFI, pigs responded similarly to macauba pulp inclusion in diets.

Obtention and evaluation of physico-chemical and techno-functional properties of macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) kernel protein isolate

The consumption of plant proteins is increasing worldwide. These proteins have an important role in human nutrition as well as in the technological properties of foods. Thus, there is a great interest in exploring new sources of plant proteins, such as macauba (Acrocomia aculeata), which is a promising tropical palm tree, native to Brazil, whose fruits are rich in oil, proteins and dietary fiber. Hence, the objective of this work was to obtain and evaluate the physico-chemical and techno-functional properties of the macauba kernel protein isolate (MKPI). Defatted macauba kernel flour was obtained and used to produce the MKPI by isoelectric precipitation. Then, the proximate composition, amino acid profile, and physico-chemical and techno-functional properties of the MKPI were determined. The MKPI stood out for its high protein content (94.9%) and high levels of arginine (16.21%) and glutamate (20.84%). The MKPI average isoelectric point was at pH 4.9 and its proteins showed low solubility in the pH range from 4.0 to 6.0. Moreover, the hydrophobicity of MKPI proteins was higher at pH 3.5 than at pH 7.0, and they had higher oil holding capacity (153.77%) than water holding capacity (97.29%). Regarding the MKPI emulsifying and gelling properties, emulsions with 0.5% and 1.0% of MKPI remained stable during storage and the minimum gelling concentration was 14%. Thus, the MKPI has a great potential to be produced and used by the food industry due to its nutritional and techno-functional properties.

Synchronization between photosynthetic responses to seasonality during fruit development and fatty acid profile of mesocarp oil in macauba (Acrocomia aculeata)

Macauba palm (Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd. ex Mart. Arecaceae) is a novel oil crop with wide industrial applicability. However, little is known about the photosynthetic responses to seasonality during fruit development in macauba palm and its effects on the fatty acid profile of mesocarp oil and its physicochemical and spectroscopic characteristics. The fatty acid profile changed in six fruit developmental stages (ranging from 180 days after anthesis to full ripening and dispersion). This occurred during the transition from dry to rainy season concomitant with adjustments in photosynthetic responses. The increase in mesocarp oil yield in the fruit was synchronized with the higher photosynthetic capacity at the beginning of the rainy season, being characterized by a raise in oleic acid. The dynamics of soluble solids, acidity, pH, total sugars and starch were proportional to the spectroscopic changes and allowed to determine the ideal harvest point: 360 days after anthesis, with fruits still in the bunch. The macauba palm fruits in this stage showed suitable physical and chemical characteristics for industrial use, as well as higher oil yield. The monitoring of chemical changes with Fournier transformed infrared spectroscopy techniques would aid fast and precise detection of the fruit development and its ideal harvest point.

Esterification of enzymatically treated macaw palm oil catalyzed by heteropolyacid supported onto Nb2O5

An approach to producing biodiesel is the esterification of free fatty acids with an acyl acceptor. Free fatty acids can be produced through the hydrolysis of acylglycerols and represent a somewhat challenging feedstock for the production of biodiesel due to slower kinetics and the production of water in the reaction. The purpose of this work was to demonstrate the feasibility of a Keggin-structured heteropolyacid, H3PW12O40 (HPW) supported onto Nb2O5 to be used as a catalyst for the reaction of free fatty acids with ethanol to produce ethyl esters that comply with biodiesel norm values. The use of heteropolyacids as heterogeneous catalysts may present advantageous operational benefits, including the tolerance to residual water present in the medium and the potential for reusability. The catalyst was prepared via impregnation of HPW onto Nb2O5 and was characterized in terms of acidity and surface properties. The enzymatic hydrolysis of macaw palm oil yielded a feedstock containing a free fatty acid content greater than 93%. The hydrolysate was assessed as a reactant for the esterification reaction, evaluating temperature, molar ratio, and catalyst amount, leading to optimal conversions greater than 99% with viscosity and density within the regulatory limits for biodiesel. The use of heterogeneous acid catalysts, such as HPW/Nb2O5, represents a potentially feasible alternative to unlocking the potential of working with challenging feedstocks as oil hydrolysates.

Combination of storage followed by drying assures higher yield and quality of macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) pulp oil

Macauba is a productive palm tree species in the tropical biome, and presents some advantages, as cultivation suitable for lands outside the rain forests, and lower rate of oil acidification after harvesting. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of storage time of macauba fruits, followed by drying, on the pulp oil content and quality. Ripe macauba fruits stored under room conditions (23 ± 1 ºC) for 0, 10, 20 and 30 days were oven dried at 60 °C and 100 °C for 24 h. The control was left undried. Physical, chemical and biochemical aspects of the pulp and physicochemical properties of its oil were evaluated. It was observed that oil content increased throughout the storage time after fruits drying, and drying the fruit at 100 °C after 30 days of storage optimizes the overall pulp oil quality.

KINETICS AND MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF THE DRYING PROCESS OF MACAÚBA ALMONDS

ABSTRACT The study of drying kinetics is fundamental for making the correct choice of time and temperature to be used in the drying process. In addition, mathematical modeling enables the simulation, optimization, sizing, and determination of the commercial application of the drying system. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the kinetics and mathematical modeling of the drying process of macaúba almond [Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd. ex Mart] performed at different temperatures. For this purpose, the drying was performed under three different temperatures: 40 °C, 50 °C, and 60 °C. Four repetitions were performed for each temperature. The experimental data were fitted by nine different mathematical models. The choice of the best model was based on the following statistical parameters: magnitude of the adjusted coefficient of determination, magnitude of the mean relative error, and standard error of the estimate. It was observed that an increase in the drying temperature resulted in a reduction of drying time. The shortest drying time was observed in the treatment performed under 60 °C in which the almonds attained equilibrium moisture content at 34.08 h. The longest drying time was observed in the treatment performed under 40 °C, with the almonds attaining equilibrium moisture content at 404.40 h. Approximation of Diffusion, Midilli, Page, and Modified Page were the models that best described the drying process of macaúba almonds with the aim of subsidizing the design of industrial dryers.

Aqueous extraction to high yield and quality of macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) pulp oil

Aqueous extraction of oil from fresh pulp of macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) assisted with the commercial enzyme pool Cellic® CTec3 was evaluated at the laboratory and larger reactor scale. Effects of temperature and time of malaxation on the efficiency of extraction were studied by response surface methodology. Oil characteristics were determined by measurements of acidity, molar absorptivities K232 and K270, carotene content and Deterioration of Bleachability Index. The aqueous extraction proved to be efficient for obtaining high quality oil. The best oil recovery efficiency was reached with the assistance of the buffered enzyme at mild conditions. Mass balance indicates an oil yield around three times higher than currently found in the traditional industry based on expelling of the dried pulp.

Macauba fruits preserved by combining drying and ozonation methods for biodiesel production

ABSTRACT Macaúba (Acrocomia aculeata) is an oleaginous plant for use in biodiesel production. After harvest, the fruits of this palm tree have high water content, thus attracting microorganisms. Therefore, it is necessary to adopt appropriate fruit storage strategies to ensure oil quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the combined use of drying and ozonation on the quality of macaúba fruit oil used to produce biodiesel. The fruits were dried at 60 °C and subsequently subjected to ozonation (treatments with different dosages and application intervals). The treatments with the combined use of drying and ozonation were efficient in maintaining FFA content below 5% for up to 45 days of storage. Furthermore, these treatments did not affect the oil content in the mesocarp of macauba fruits during 180 days of storage. Thus, the combined technique of drying and ozonation of macauba fruits without epicarps can become a viable alternative post-harvest.

Seasonality and the control of longevity and dormancy in macaúba palm diaspores

The persistence of diaspores in soil seed banks (SB) will depend on their ability to remain viable (longevity) without germinating (dormancy). Changes in longevity and dormancy are governed by interactions between both intrinsic and environmental factors, and which determine the dynamics of SB. Our understanding of those dynamics will be important for the commercial propagation and conservation of natural populations, but remains incipient for tropical species. We evaluated the effects of climatic seasonality on the longevity and dormancy of diaspores of the neotropical oleaginous macaúba palm (Acrocomia aculeata). Pyrenes (seeds enveloped by the endocarp) of the species were kept in simulated SB under nursery conditions for two years. Morphological, biomechanical, cytological and physiological evaluations were carried out, every 90 days. The longevity of macaúba pyrenes is related to the maintenance of the structural protection of the embryo, tolerance to water deficits, and the control of oxidative stress. Dormancy level is reduced by changes in the biomechanics of the micropylar region: the gradual weakening of resistance tissues (the operculum and germination pore plate) and the increasing growth force of the embryo. Diaspores gradually become competent at perceiving environmental stimuli (especially high temperatures), which favors germination during windows of climatic opportunity in the late austral spring and early summer. Diaspores persisting in the SB contribute to the resilience of natural populations and will be important to the management and enrichment of areas where the species is exploited through extractivism.

Mechanical properties of the macaw palm endocarp aiming seedling production process

Background: The Macaw palm ( Acrocomia aculeata) is a palm tree native to the Tropical America Forests. This palm has stood out due to its high potential for the production of oil for biofuels, being an excellent source of renewable energy. However, due to the rudimentary way of exploring the Macaw palm, mostly using native people labor, it is not possible to extract the maximum economical potential that this plant can provide. In order to use the Macaw palm in industrial scale, new strategies using high-performance machinery in several segments of the production chain should be employed. Results: For that, its seedlings production must be broadly expanded, using modern techniques for its propagation and production on an industrial scale, since its present low germination rates when the natural way is employed. In this way, the present paper has the objective of establishing a database of the mechanical properties of the endocarp of the Macaw palm when submitted to compression efforts, typically used for removing almonds from the endocarp. The inherent variability of its mechanical properties was quantified, using three different crops sites. Conclusion: Important information about the mechanical properties of the Macaw palm endocarp is presented, serving as guideline for future works to genetic improvement of the Macaw palm, in order to obtain fruits with less variability in the mechanical properties of the endocarp and consequently improve the production on an industrial scale.

Macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) kernel has good protein quality and improves the lipid profile and short chain fatty acids content in Wistar rats.

Macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) has aroused interest in the food industry due to the high nutritional value of its fruits. This study aimed to evaluate the protein quality and influence on biochemical markers, short chain fatty acids content, intestinal morphology, and intestinal functionality in Wistar rats of macauba kernel. Male young rats were divided into three groups (n = 8) that received a control diet (casein), and two test diets (M30: 30% semi-defatted macauba kernel flour or M50: 50% semi-defatted macauba kernel flour) for 29 days. Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER), Net Protein Ratio (NPR), True Digestibility (TD), biochemical, and intestinal morphology and functionality markers were evaluated. The PER and NPR values were lower in test groups compared to the control group. TD did not differ between M30 and M50. The animals that were fed the macauba kernel flour had lower concentrations of total cholesterol and triglycerides compared to the control group. The concentration of acetic and propionic acids was higher and the fecal pH was lower in M30 and M50 groups compared to the control group. Gene expression of aminopeptidase (AP) and sodium-glucose transport protein 1 (SGLT1) did not differ among the groups, and the M50 group had lower expression of peptide transporter 1 (PepT1) and sucrase isomaltase (SI) than the control group. Crypts thickness was higher in the M50 group compared to the other groups, while the intestinal muscle layer width did not differ among groups. Therefore, macauba kernel flour proved to be a good plant protein alternative, and its consumption reduced blood lipids and increased short chain fatty acids content.

Efficient and Easily Scaled-Up Biosorbent Based on Natural and Chemically Modified Macauba (Acrocomia Aculeata) to Remove Al3+, Mn2+ And Fe3+ From Surface Water Contaminated with Iron Mining Tailings

Efficient and Easily Scaled-Up Biosorbent Based on Natural and Chemically Modified Macauba (Acrocomia Aculeata) to Remove Al3+, Mn2+ And Fe3+ From Surface Water Contaminated with Iron Mining Tailings

Spatio-temporal characterization of the fruit metabolism in contrasting accessions of Macauba (Acrocomia aculeata)

Although Macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) has been highlighted by its high-quality oil to fit edible and nonedible purposes, data addressing carbon and nitrogen metabolism underlying development and ripening of fruits remain scarce. In addition, accessions of Macauba exibit varied oil yield in fruits, including during the fruit development stages. Here, we monitored contents of carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids and lipids in the mesocarp and endosperm of Macauba fruits until ripening. We selected three accessions from different Brazilian regions (southeast, MG; northeast, PE; and central-west, MS) that differ in the mesocarp lipid content of ripe fruits. Despite the anatomical differences, mesocarp and endosperm exhibited similar trends of metabolite accumulation for most of the analyzed compounds. In the mesocarp, total soluble protein, free amino acids, sucrose, starch and total lipids accumulate towards ripening, while glucose and fructose declined in all accessions. Endosperm differed from mesocarp solely in the amino acid content, which decreased in ripe fruits. In the endosperm, accessions accumulated carbohydrates differently. Accession PE showed comparable fructose and starch contents in the endosperm between the beginning of fruit development and ripening, while in accessions MG and MS, both compounds decreased and increased, respectively, towards ripening. Accession MG was highlighted by its highest lipid content in the two tissues indicating its potential for energy and cosmetic industries. Our results provide novel insights into metabolic changes underlying development and ripening of Macauba fruits and variability in oil content among accessions, indicating new targets for breeding programs.

Structure and genetic diversity of macauba [Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd. ex Mart.] approached by SNP markers to assist breeding strategies

Structure and genetic diversity of macauba [Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd. ex Mart.] approached by SNP markers to assist breeding strategies

Evaluation of Bio-detoxification of Jatropha curcas Seed Cake and Cottonseed Cake by Basidiomycetes: Nutritional and Antioxidant Effects

Poultry and swine are the major proportion of the livestock industry in terms of output value. To meet the growing need for protein sources in these sectors, the use of biomasses coming from agro-industrial residues can be an interesting option in the future years. This study aimed to evaluate the capacity of seven basidiomycetes to grow, detoxicate, increase protein content, and its antioxidant activity when grew in pure Jatropha seed cake (JSC) and cottonseed cake (CSC) biomasses and mixtures containing 50% of lignocellulosic biomasses from coconut husks and Acrocomia aculeata (macauba cake). Results showed that five basidiomycetes were able to grow in these substrates. F. hepatica, P. lecomtei, and P. pulmonarius presented the highest bio-detoxification capacity. All treatments showed a reduction in total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity, but treatments with coconut husks showed lower reductions. Results also indicated that there were molecules produced by basidiomycetes responsible for antioxidant activity other than phenolic compounds. These results indicated that basidiomycetes could detoxify JCS and CSC biomasses, suggesting their possible use in animal feed and that the addition of coconut husks in JSC and macauba cake in cottonseed cake could promote greater colonization by fungi.

Bioadsorption of lead(II) over the pulp of Acrocomia aculeata

The adsorption of lead in aqueous solution onto Acrocomia aculeata pulp was examined. The pulp was characterized in the presence and absence of lead using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TG-DTA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Sulfur and oxygen bonds were responsible for adsorbing lead onto the pulp surface. The TG-DTA profile proved that adding sodium azide increases the pulp�s thermal stability until 200 �C. Adsorption data in batch and column systems were analyzed to understand the pulp adsorption compared to other biomaterials. In the batch experiments, the removal efficiency reached a maximum of 91.9% when a solution of 50 ppm of lead was placed in contact with the pulp for 30 min and fit Freundlich isotherm behavior. In the column experiments, the theoretical maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 11.97 mg g�1; more column data is needed to compare column results to other studies. Further studies to improve the pulp adsorption capacity are needed for it to be a competitive biomaterial for water treatment.

Distribution and future projection of potential cultivation areas for Acrocomia aculeata (Arecaceae) worldwide: the emerging energy culture of the tropics

Distribution and future projection of potential cultivation areas for Acrocomia aculeata (Arecaceae) worldwide: the emerging energy culture of the tropics