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Toward unfolding the bioeconomy of nopal ( Opuntia spp.)
Author(s) -
Ciriminna Rosaria,
ChavarríaHernández Norberto,
RodríguezHernández Adriana I.,
Pagliaro Mario
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
biofuels, bioproducts and biorefining
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.931
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1932-1031
pISSN - 1932-104X
DOI - 10.1002/bbb.2018
Subject(s) - cladodes , bioproducts , cactus , nutraceutical , arid , food industry , microbiology and biotechnology , chemistry , botany , food science , biology , ecology , biofuel
Besides being a source of healthy food and water in arid and semi‐arid lands, the Opuntia cactus plant (nopal) provides unique ecosystem services. In the last decade the plant's cladodes, fruits, flowers, and byproducts have become a source of valued bioproducts, increasingly used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food, beverage, and nutraceutical industries. Following an updated examination of the new uses of nopal's biological resources, this study suggests avenues to overcome the main obstacles to unleashing the full potential of Opuntia 's bioeconomy. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd