Biotechnological applications of avocado seed

Abstract

Due to the various nutrients and vitamins that avocado presents, it is considered the healthiest fruit in the world. Of this fruit, only its pulp is used, generating tons of by-products in the form of shell and seed. The avocado seed (AS) represent up to 18% of the total weight of the fruit, even though it is a good source of protein and antioxidant compounds, is generally discarded, becoming a source of contamination. Therefore, a review of biotechnological applications of this by-product of avocado is shown, where its composition, antioxidant capacity, therapeutic and antimicrobial properties are considered, as well as its use in the removal of toxic compounds and for the production of biofuels, emphasizing its toxicological risks due their anti-nutrients. The biotechnological applications and patents described in this work demonstrate the economic potential of the AS.