Acai seed can be used in the manufacture of cranial prostheses (Image source: Reproduction / Unicamp)

Acai is one of the most sold and appreciated fruits in Brazil, especially on the hottest days. But now a team of researchers led by chemical engineer Rubens Maciel Filho of the State University of Campinas (Unicamp) has found that a substance taken from acai seeds can be used for the production of natural plastic and can be applied to prosthetics. bones, especially cranial ones.

According to the article published in Pesquisa FAPESP magazine, plastic was created as a master's and doctoral work by researchers Laís Gabriel and André Jardini, under the guidance of Maciel, and presents the same characteristics as polyurethane made with petroleum. In an interview with the publication, Maciel explained that the fruit is already studied because it has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

Polyurethane is compatible with living tissues and does not release toxic substances when implanted. If the raw material used for its production is of vegetable origin, the manufacturing price drops dramatically. Maciel cites the example of a bioceramic cranial prosthesis that costs, on average, $ 120, 000. With plastic made from acai seed, a five times cheaper product could be offered.

Sources: FAPESP Research, Unicamp