# Potential of Supercritical _Acrocomia aculeata_ Oil and Its Technology Trends
## 7 Technological Applications  
Macauba is a promising species for technological applications, Table 4, due to its nutritional and bioactive properties already explored in the previous sections. Thus, studies on technological applications of macauba have focused mainly on the production of oil, which can be used in developing new products in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries [12; 13]. The species has sparked the interest of researchers and entrepreneurs due to its high productive potential and specific properties [35]. The oil extracted from the mesocarp of macauba fruits contains carotenoids, such as \(\beta\)-carotene and \(\beta\)-cryptoxanthin, which are important for the nutraceuticaltial and bioprocess industries [36]. However, the oil extraction process generates by-products, such as almond flour and defatted residual pulp flour, which also have significant nutritional and functional properties. Macauba almond flour is rich in carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and ash. Sequilhos, a type of biscuit, were made with different proportions of macauba almond flour and showed satisfactory physicochemical and microbiological properties. In addition, macauba residual flour can be incorporated into biscuit formulations, improving the nutritional quality of the final product [37; 38]. The macauba kernel isolate protein stands out for its high protein content (94.9%) and high levels of arginine (16.21%) and glutamate (20.84%). It also has nutritional properties and technological functionalities, such as oil and water retention capacity, as well as emulsification and gelation, which can be exploited by the food industry [39]. The residue from macauba pulp oil extraction has also been evaluated as an alternative raw material for feeding growing pigs and can be included in pig diets without affecting the average daily gain or feed conversion, although it may result in animals with greater backfat thickness for higher inclusion rates [40]. Macauba pulp and residual kernel flour have prebiotic potential, as they are rich in dietary fibers and antioxidants, which can benefit human health and contribute to the sustainability of food production [41]. The use of these residues in food production not only minimizes costs but also enriches the final products nutritionally [37]. Developing sustainable and knowledge-based value chains for macauba requires a collaborative and systemic approach. To fully exploit macauba's potential in the bio-economy, it is essential to develop a broad collaboration between scientists, public and private sectors, farmers, and civil society [35]. Macauba has also been studied as a promising raw material for the production of sustainable alternative aviation fuels due to its high oil quality and good yield per hectare. The use of sustainable and less food-competitive raw materials is crucial for the development of sustainable aviation fuel chains [2]. Research has shown that these palms have significant potential to generate carbon credits and contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change [19]. Additionally, it has been shown that it is possible to produce biodiesel from macauba seed oil using an eggshell catalyst, achieving an ester conversion yield of about 91% [41]. Other works have also explored the use of commercial acidic ion exchange resins in the synthesis of ethyl esters from crude macauba oil, with promising results and good potential for biodiesel production using heterogeneous acid catalysts [42]. Moreover, various types of heterogeneous catalysts were evaluated for producing fatty acid methyl esters through intereesterification reaction, with the mixed oxide of Ca-Mg-Al with 40% weight of Ca being the most suitable [43]. In summary, macauba (_Acrocomia aculeata_) presents significant potential as a sustainable energy source and raw material in various areas, including food production and biofuels.