Açaí oil is developed at the Guamá Science and Technology Park with clean technology
Innovation from the Guamá Science and Technology Park has the support of the Government of Pará, combining health, sustainability, and the enhancement of the production chain in the Amazon
Researchers from the Supercritical Technology Laboratory (Labtecs) at the Federal University of Pará (UFPA), located in the Guamá Science and Technology Park (PCT) in Belém, have developed an oil extracted from açaí pulp. The research, supported by the State Secretariat for Science, Technology, and Higher, Professional, and Technological Education (Sectet), uses clean and innovative technology that ensures a high-purity product, free of chemical solvents and preserving the bioactive compounds of the fruit.
Rich in mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids — known as "good fats" — açaí oil aids cardiovascular health and metabolic balance. The concentration of antioxidants is about 33 times higher than that of grapes, contributing to cholesterol control.
In addition to culinary use, especially in salads and cold preparations, the product has potential for the cosmetic industry, being able to be incorporated into shampoos, creams, moisturizers, and soaps.
Enhancement of the bioeconomy - The project also aims to reduce waste disposal in the açaí chain. Currently, about 83% of the fruit is discarded after the pulp is consumed. With the oil, this waste can be utilized, generating new economic opportunities around one of the main products of Amazonian sociobiodiversity.
“Açaí oil is an example of how science can add value to Amazonian biodiversity. We use clean and innovative technology that guarantees a high-purity product with great gastronomic and cosmetic potential. In addition to promoting health, this initiative contributes to the sustainability of the açaí chain and strengthens the regional bioeconomy. Our focus now is to enable the product's entry into the market and expand its positive impact in the Amazon,” emphasizes Professor Raul Costa, coordinator of Labtecs.
The oil is defined as the oil obtained only by physical processes, without the use of chemical solvents, preserving the natural characteristics of the fruit. Better known for olive oil, the concept also applies to açaí when extracted by mechanical pressing or supercritical technology, both clean methods.
Like olive oil, açaí oil can be classified as virgin or extra virgin, according to its acidity and sensory purity. In Brazil, the use of the term "oil" is regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) and the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa).
The innovation uses carbon dioxide in a supercritical state, which combines characteristics of gas and liquid, allowing greater efficiency in the extraction of substances without toxic solvents. This method is widely used in the food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and environmental industries, including for coffee decaffeination. Its main advantage is preserving nutritional properties and reducing environmental impacts.
Reference in innovation in the Amazon - The Guamá Science and Technology Park (PCT) is an initiative of the Government of Pará, in partnership with UFPA, the Federal Rural University of the Amazon (Ufra), and managed by the Guamá Foundation. Located in Belém, the complex is the first technological park in the North region and acts as a hub for stimulating applied research, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.
Currently, it brings together more than 90 resident and associated companies, 17 laboratories with over 400 researchers, 44 patents, and a technical school. The PCT integrates national and international innovation networks, consolidating Pará on the global science and technology map.
