Network for the Valorization of Plant Materials (VPMA)

Biotransformation (Maroc)
(95-8604)

Principal investigators: 
Dr. Ismaili-Alaoui My Mustapha: Institut agronomique et vétérinaire Hassan II, Rabat (Maroc)
E-mail: [email protected]
Dr. André Morin: CRDA-Agriculture et agroalimentaire Canada, St-Hyacinthe 

In Morocco, the objective of the Biotransformation (Maroc) Project is to develop an appropriate technology through solid phase biotransformation, in order to valorize by-products of the traditional grinding units of olives (Maasras) and the farm-produce industries, in form of protein enriched food for animals, and in form of high value secondary metabolites. The project has developed and experimented an original process for protein enrichment and for production of enzymatic flours (lipases and pectinases) usable in the detergent industry and in the synthesis of food flavours. A patent was registered at national level. Pilot plant production of protein enriched food and metabolites are going on in the Moroccan Agricultural Research Institute and with cattle breeders. In Morocco, the by-products of olives represent about 25 % of all byproducts of the farm-produce industries and it is estimated that 180,000 tons of olive by-products are disposed off into the environment every year.