Extraction of powdered colorant from avocado seed in HASS and strong varieties

Abstract

Colombia is currently a major producer of avocado, which has several uses, from which residues such as the peel and seed are obtained. However, the latter is highlighted, as it has pharmacological properties due to the presence of fatty acids, polyphenolic compounds, and sterols, and has been used against muscle pain. Among the non-medicinal uses, we can highlight the use of the seed in the form of juice to mark clothing, given the oxidation this product undergoes due to the action of air. Therefore, the objective of this research is to develop a powdered dye using an agro-industrial residue such as the avocado seed, which is an alternative to artificial dyes that are polluting. To obtain the dye, the following methodology was used: seed extraction, chopping and drying, grinding, pigment extraction, evaporation, freeze-drying, and an FTIR test. Using the above methodology, different hues were obtained for the Hass and Fuerte varieties, and the FTIR test was used to identify the metabolites present in the dye samples and in the natively ground seed. The predominant functional groups, according to the tables by wavelength, are carboxyl (C-O), hydroxyl (O-H), and alkyl (C-H). Due to its properties, the dye can be used in the food, textile, and pharmaceutical industries, depending on the hue.