Exploring the Biorefinery Potential of Acrocomia aculeata : A Native Mexican Palm for Sustainable Resource Valorization

The growing concerns about the excessive use of natural resources and the need to find sustainable sources of energy, this comprehensive study explores the biorefinery potential of two different varieties of Acrocomia aculeata , the coyol palm, originating from Veracruz and Chiapas. The main objective is to determine which of these coyol varieties is most suitable for biorefinery applications through detailed physicochemical analysis. A distinctive aspect of this research lies in its comparative evaluation of these coyol varieties, revealing inherent physicochemical disparities that can have a significant impact on the efficiency and productivity of biorefineries. The results show that the Chiapas coyol palm outperforms the Veracruz variety, with notable oil yields (up to 2 Tons/Ha) and substantial carbohydrate content (0.4 Tons/Ha), making it a versatile option for various applications, like biofuel production to potential uses in food, cosmetics, chemicals, and industrial products. This research identifies the epicarp and mesocarp as fundamental reservoirs of sustainable energy, with considerable lignocellulosic material contents estimated at 5.05 and 6.85 Tons/Ha, respectively. This study demonstrates the enormous potential of the coyol palm for valorization, highlighting its yield capacity (12.8 to 25 Tons/Ha) as a renewable resource that can boost the bioeconomy of Mexico and America while enhancing energy diversity. It is important to note that, despite not being domesticated or improved, the coyol palm offers competitive biomass yields compared to other crops. The results emphatically underscore the critical importance of carefully selecting the appropriate coyol variety to optimize biorefinery efficiency, aligning with sustainable practices. Graphical Abstract