Metabarcoding expands knowledge on diversity and ecology of rare actinobacteria in the Brazilian Cerrado.

Rare and unknown actinobacteria from unexplored environments have the potential to produce new bioactive molecules. This study aimed to use 16 s rRNA metabarcoding to determine the composition of the actinobacterial community, particularly focusing on rare and undescribed species, in a nature reserve within the Brazilian Cerrado called Sete Cidades National Park. Since this is an inaccessible area without due legal authorization, it is understudied, and, therefore, its diversity and biotechnological potential are not yet fully understood, and it may harbor species with groundbreaking genetic potential. In total, 543 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) across 14 phyla were detected, with Actinobacteria (41.2%), Proteobacteria (26.5%), and Acidobacteria (14.3%) being the most abundant. Within Actinobacteria, 107 OTUs were found, primarily from the families Mycobacteriaceae, Pseudonocardiaceae, and Streptomycetaceae. Mycobacterium and Streptomyces were the predominant genera across all samples. Seventeen rare OTUs with relative abundance < 0.1% were identified, with 82.3% found in only one sample yet 25.5% detected in all units. Notable rare and transient genera included Salinibacterium, Nocardia, Actinomycetospora_01, Saccharopolyspora, Sporichthya, and Nonomuraea. The high diversity and distribution of Actinobacteria OTUs indicate the area's potential for discovering new rare species. Intensified prospection on underexplored environments and characterization of their actinobacterial diversity could lead to the discovery of new species capable of generating innovative natural products.

A new species and new records of Leptogium (Ach.) Gray (Collemataceae, Peltigerales) from Rio Grande do Sul State with an identification key for the genus.

Specimens of Leptogium collected in ten localities from the State of Rio Grande do Sul were studied. Sixteen species were found of 28 records mentioned to the state, which represents around 57% of the Leptogium diversity known for Rio Grande do Sul. Leptogium exaratum is proposed as a new species. Leptogium atlanticum, L. milligranum and L. vesiculosum are reported for the first time to the state. The lectotype of L. javanicum is reported here and detailed descriptions are provided to the examined specimens. An identification key is showed with all the 28 mentioned species of Leptogium. It is the first published taxonomic key for Leptogium from Rio Grande do Sul, the State with the highest diversity of this genus in Brazil.

Selecting lichen functional traits as ecological indicators of the effects of urban environment.

Air pollution and the urban heat island effect are known to directly affect ecosystems in urban areas. Lichens, which are widely known as good ecological indicators of air quality and of climatic conditions, can be a valuable tool to monitor environmental changes in urban environments. The objective of this work was to select lichen functional traits and functional groups that can be used as ecological indicators of the effects of urbanization, with emphasis in the Southern subtropics, where this had never been done. For that, we assessed lichen functional composition in urban sites with different population density, which was considered as proxy for grouping sites in two levels of urbanization (low and medium/high). This a priori grouping was based on their significantly differences on air pollutants and land cover. Urbanization and air pollution showed to affect all lichen functional traits, with different responses depending on the functional group. Medium/high density urbanization was associated to an increase on the mean relative abundance of lichens with chlorococcoid green algae, foliose narrow lobes, soredia as the main reproduction strategy, pruinose thallus and containing secondary metabolites for chemical protection. Lower density urbanization showed a higher relative frequency of cyanolichens and lichens with Trentepohlia as the main algae, loosely attached crustose thallus and isidia as the main reproductive structure. The differences found on photobiont and growth form traits in response to the environmental variables used as proxies of microclimatic conditions (forest cover and number of trees around the sampling units), enabled us to detect the urban heat island effect (drier conditions in more urbanized sites).

Air quality assessment in different urban areas from Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, using lichen transplants.

Based on the need to monitor air pollution and on the importance of doing it with biological organisms, the present work had as main objective to assess air quality in urban areas through lichen transplants. Besides, we also tested whether there were differences among the studied sites, aiming to point out the main pollution characteristics of the areas. The monitoring was carried out in seven cities, which varied from mainly rural to mainly industrial, in Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. The foliose lichen Parmotrema tinctorum was used as the biomonitor species. Physiological tests and contents of sulphur and heavy metals were measured in the lichen thalli. Other pollutants assessed through air samplers were available for some cities, and modeled concentrations of fine particulate matter and nitrogen oxides for all sites. The effect of air pollution negatively reflected on the physiology parameters of the lichen and the concentration of all heavy metals increased after exposure, especially in the industrial sites. We generated a profile of air pollutants and pointed out that Charqueadas and Esteio had the worst air quality. Since they have high demographic densities, the results are of great public health concern and could be guidelines for future studies.

The application of lichens as ecological surrogates of air pollution in the subtropics: a case study in South Brazil.

The use of lichens as ecological surrogates has been an important tool to evaluate the impact of air pollution in both ecosystem and human health but remains underused in the subtropics due to lack of knowledge. Aiming to support the application of lichen as ecological surrogates of the effects of air pollution in the subtropics, we hypothesized that urbanization was an important driver of changes on lichen diversity, composition, and vitality. For that, we quantified several lichen diversity metrics (richness, cover, and community composition) and photobiont vitality in relation to atmospheric pollution or its surrogates (modeled pollutant gases, pollutants in lichen thallus, and land cover). We confirmed that air pollution was a key driver for lichen diversity. Changes in lichen community composition and vitality were very significantly related to air pollution and integrated the effect of multiple stressors (particulate matter, NOx, and Cu), thus being powerful ecological indicators of air pollution in the subtropics.

Facilitation as Attenuating of Environmental Stress among Structured Microbial Populations.

There is currently an intense debate in microbial societies on whether evolution in complex communities is driven by competition or cooperation. Since Darwin, competition for scarce food resources has been considered the main ecological interaction shaping population dynamics and community structure both in vivo and in vitro. However, facilitation may be widespread across several animal and plant species. This could also be true in microbial strains growing under environmental stress. Pure and mixed strains of Serratia marcescens and Candida rugosa were grown in mineral culture media containing phenol. Growth rates were estimated as the angular coefficients computed from linearized growth curves. Fitness index was estimated as the quotient between growth rates computed for lineages grown in isolation and in mixed cultures. The growth rates were significantly higher in associated cultures than in pure cultures and fitness index was greater than 1 for both microbial species showing that the interaction between Serratia marcescens and Candida rugosa yielded more efficient phenol utilization by both lineages. This result corroborates the hypothesis that facilitation between microbial strains can increase their fitness and performance in environmental bioremediation.

Isolation, characterization, and identification of wild killer yeasts from sugarcane juice / Isolamento, caracterização e identificação de leveduras killer de caldo de cana de açúcar

Ethanol produced by the fermentation of sugarcane juice has emerged as an important renewable fuel. The yield of this fermentation is affected by undesirable microbial contaminants, but killer yeasts can be a promising strategy to reduce this problem. The present study aimed to isolate, characterize, and identify wild killer yeasts from sugarcane juice. Samples were inoculated in culture medium containing chloramphenicol, and 140 colonies with different characteristics were selected. These isolates were submitted to the killer phenotype assay, and the positive killers were characterized and identified according to the standard methods. Only two strains showed killer activity, identified as Pichia anomala CE025 and P. membranaefaciens CE088. At 25C, both strains exhibited killer activity at pH 4.0, 4.3, and 4.5, but this activity was not detected at pH 3.0, 3.5, 5.0, and 6.0. The killer phenotype of P. membranaefaciens CE088 was inhibited above 30C, while for P. anomala, CE025 inhibition occurred only at a higher temperature. Both strains were able to grow in 12% ethanol, and P. anomala CE025 was more tolerant than P. membranaefaciens CE 088. Further studies will be conducted to isolate, purify and identify the killer toxins produced by Pichia anomala and Pichia membranaefaciens species.(AU)

O etanol produzido a partir da fermentação do caldo de cana emergiu como um combustível renovável. O rendimento desta fermentação é afetado por micro-organismos indesejáveis e as leveduras killer se constituem uma alternativa promissora para combater essa contaminação. Nesta perspectiva, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo isolar, caracterizar e identificar leveduras killer de caldo de cana. As amostras foram inoculadas em meio de cultura contendo cloranfenicol e 140 colônias com diferentes características foram selecionadas. Esses isolados foram avaliados quanto à presença do fator killer e os isolados positivos caracterizados e identificados por métodos convencionais. Apenas dois isolados apresentaram atividade killer e foram identificados como Pichia anomala CE025 e P. membranaefaciens CE088. A 25C as duas linhagens exibiram atividade killer em pH 4.0, 4.3 e 4.5, mas esta atividade foi inibida a pH 3.0, 3.5, 5.0 e 6.0. Para P. membranaefaciens CE088 o fenótipo killer foi inibido acima de 30C, enquanto que a P. anomala CE025 exibiu essa característica acima deste valor. Ambas as linhagens foram capazes de crescer na presença de 12% de etanol, mas P. anomala CE025 foi mais tolerante do que P. membranaefaciens CE088. Estudos posteriores serão realizados para isolar, purificar e identificar as toxinas killer produzidas pelas espécies Pichia anomala e Pichia membranaefacien.(AU)

Isolamento e susceptibilidade antimicrobiana de linhagens de bactérias lácticas do caldo de cana em fermentação para produção de aguardente / Isolation and antimicrobial susceptibility of strains of lactic acid bacteria fermented sugarcane juice for the production of brandy

Bactérias do ácido láctico (BAL) se constituem o principal grupo contaminante das fermentações alcoólicas. Esses micro-organismos consomem o açúcar que seria transformado em álcool, resultando na produção de metabólitos que alteram o desenvolvimento do processo. Também flocu- Iam as leveduras obstruindo equipamentos, reduzindo o rendimento e a qualidade do produto final. Os antibióticos estão entre as substâncias usadas para o controle dessa contaminação e, embora eficientes, promovem a seleção de linhagens resistentes o que limita o uso das mesmas. Nesse contexto, este trabalho teve por objetivo isolar, caracterizar e avaliar a susceptibilidade de linhagens de bactérias lácticas oriundas das principais etapas do processo fermentativo para produção de aguardente. Foram utilizados discos com penicilina-G (10 ug), antibiótico inibidor da síntese da parede celular, e discos com tetraciclina (30 ug) e cloranfenicol (30 ug), ambos inibidores da produção de proteínas. Referidos antibióticos são amplamente utilizados nas fermentações alcoólicas. Para avaliação da susceptibilidade foi usada à técnica de difusão em Ágar Muller-Hinton. Foram selecionadas 20 colônias do meio ágar MRS, que apresentaram características morfológicas e bioquímicas típicas de Lactobacillus (85%) enquanto (15%) foram cocos Gram positivos em pares e tétrades. O crescimento escasso e irregular dos isolados no meio Ágar Muller- -Hinton não permitiu uma conclusão decisiva sobre a susceptibilidade aos antibióticos testados. Tendo em vista o uso de antibióticos como agente de controle microbiano nas fermentações industriais, este resultado evidencia a necessidade da padronização de um método para monitorar a resistência de linhagens BAL provenientes desses processos. (AU)

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) comprise the main contaminant group of alcoholic fermentations. These microorganisms consume the sugar that would be transformed to alcohol, resulting in the production of metabolites that alter the development processo Also flocculate yeast clogging equipment, reducing the yield and quality of the final product. Antibiotics are among the substances used to control this contamination, and although efficient, promote the selection of resistant strains which limits the use of the compounds. In this context, this study aimed to isolate, characterize and assess the susceptibility of lactic acid bacteria strains from the main stages of the alcoholic fermentation process for the production of aguardente. The disks were penicillin G (10 units], antibiotic inhibitor of cell wall synthesis, and discs with tetracycline (30 J.1g) and chloramphenicol (30 ug}, both inhibitors of protein production. These antibiotics are widely used in industrial fermentations. To evaluate the susceptibility was used to agar diffusion technique. Twenty colonies were selected from MRS medium and characterized as Lactobacillus (85%) and Gram positive cocci in pairs and tetrads (15%). The sparse and irregular growth of the isolates in Mueller-Hinton agar could not establish. the susceptibillty of isolates to antibiotics tested. In view of the use of antibiotics as a microbial control agent in industrial fermentations, this result shows the need for standardizing a method for monitoring the resistance of BAL strains. (AU)

Evolução do crescimento das populações de leveduras e bactérias lácticas na fermentação do caldo de cana para produção de aguardente / Evolution of the growing populations of yeast and lactic acid bacteria in the fermentation of sugar cane juice to produce brandy

A fermentação alcoólica da cana-de- -açúcar envolve a competição entre as populações de leveduras e de bactéria lácticas. Enquanto o primeiro grupo é responsável pela produção de etanol, o segundo compete com as leveduras e reduz a eficiência do processo. Nessa perspectiva, o presente trabalho teve por objetivo monitorar a evolução do crescimento das populações de leveduras e bactérias lácticas durante as principais etapas de fermentação do caldo de cana para produção de aguardente e usar a relação entre os dois grupos como um índice de eficiência do processo. Amostras de caldo de cana foram coletadas nas três principais etapas fermentativas (preliminar, tumultuosa e complementar) e as populações de leveduras e bactérias lácticas foram determinadas por contagens totais. Temperatura, pH e concentração de sólidos solúveis (ºBrix) também foram avaliados. A população de leveduras apresentou valores de I,9x 107 UFC/ mL, 25x 107 UFC/mL e na fase final 22,6x 107 UFC/mL. Para a população de bactérias lácticas esses valores foram de 19x107 UFC/mL, 17,lx107 UFC/mL e 92,4x 107 UFC/mL. As razões entre o número de leveduras e bactérias lácticas nas três fases foram respectivamente, 0,10; 1,20 e 0,25. Esses índices indicaram que, embora não tenha sido detectado prejuízo na produção de álcool, a drástica redução do índice ao final do ciclo é sugestiva da formação de produtos secundários que podem alterar o sabor da aguardente. (AU)

The alcoholic fermentation of sugarcane involves competition between yeasts and lactic acid bacteria populations. While the first group is responsible for the production of ethanol the second competes with yeasts and reduces process efficiency. In this perspective, the growth of yeast and lactic acid bacteria populations were monitored during three main stages of sugarcane juice fermentation and the relationship between the two groups was the index used as an indicator of process efficiency. Samples of sugarcane juice were collected in preliminar)', turbulent and complementary alcoholic fermentation and the quantitative evolution of populations of yeasts and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were analyzed by total counts of two groups. The yeast population presented 7values of 1.9x107 CFU/mL, 25x1O CFU/mL and the final stage 22,6x10 CFU/mL. For the population of lactic acid bacteria, these values were 19 x 107 CFU/mL, 17.1 x 107 CFU/ml and 92.4 x 107 CFU/ mL. The ratios between the number of yeasts and lactic acid bacteria in the preliminary, turbulent and complementar stages were respectively 0.10, 1.20 and 0.25. These indices indicated that although there was no prejudice in production of alcohol in the tumultuous phase, the drastic reduction of the index at the end of the cycle is suggestive of the [ormation of side products that can alter the aguardente taste. (AU)

Quantificação e identificação da contaminação bacteriana de caldo de cana em fermentação para a produção de aguardente / Identification and quantification of bacterial contamination in sugar cane juice fermentation to aguardent production

Na fermentação alcoólica para produção de aguardente, o caldo de cana, usado como matéria-prima, transporta uma microbiota bacteriana numerosa e diversa, que age como antagonista da atividade das leveduras. Os produtos secundários gerados por estes contaminantes reduzem a produtividade e alteram as propriedades sensoriais da aguardente. Neste trabalho, amostras de caldo de cana provenientes de domas de fermentação de uma indústria produtora de aguardente no estado do Ceará foram coletadas com o objetivo de I quantificar a evolução do crescimento da população bacteriana durante o ciclo fermentativo e, posteriormente, identificar os principais gêneros contaminantes. Para isso coletas foram realizadas após 3, 11 e 24 horas de fermentação e em cada tempo realizou- se a contagem total de bactérias mesófilas. Colônias com características diferentes foram selecionadas e as características microscópicas e bioquímicas foram determinadas. As contagens apresentaram 8,36 x 106 UFC/mL; 2,46 x 107 UFC/mL e I 7,17 x 107 UFC/mL após 3, 11 e 24 h de fermentação, respectivamente. Foi selecionado um total de 48 isolados que apresentaram características bioquímicas referentes aos seguintes gêneros bacterianos: 35,4% Bacillus, 35,4% Enterobacter, 6,25% Micrococcus, 6,25% Acetobacter e 6,25% Lactobacillus. Cinco isolados (10,4%) caracterizados como bacilos Gram-positivos filamentosos ainda não foram identificados. (AU)

Sugarcane juice, used as raw material for aguardent production, carries a large and diverse bacterial microbiota, which acts as antagonist of the yeasts. The byproducts generated by these contaminants reduce the productivity and change the sensory properties of aguardente. In this work, samples of sugarcane juice from vats of fermenting of an aguardente-producing industry in the state of Ceará, were collected in order to quantify the growth evolution of the bacterial population during the fermentation cycle and subsequently identify the major contaminant genera. Samples of sugar cane juice were collected at zero time and after 11 and 24 hours of fermentation and mesophilic bacterial counts were realized. Colonies with different cultural characteristics were selected and the microscopic and biochemical characteristics were determined. The counts showed the following results: 8.36 x 1rY' CFU/ml, 2.46 x 107 CFU/ mL and 7.17 x 107CFU/mL after 3,11 and 24 of fermentation, respectively. A total of 48 isolates were selected which presented microscopic and biochemical characteristics suggestive of the genera: Bacillus 35.4%, Enterobacter 35.4%, Micrococcus 6.25%, Acetobacter 6.25% and Lactobacillus 6.25%. Five isolates (10.4%) characterized as Gram-positive filamentous have not yet been identified. (AU)

Isolation, characterization, and identification of wild killer yeasts from sugarcane juice / Isolamento, caracterização e identificação de leveduras killer de caldo de cana de açúcar

Ethanol produced by the fermentation of sugarcane juice has emerged as an important renewable fuel. The yield of this fermentation is affected by undesirable microbial contaminants, but killer yeasts can be a promising strategy to reduce this problem. The present study aimed to isolate, characterize, and identify wild killer yeasts from sugarcane juice. Samples were inoculated in culture medium containing chloramphenicol, and 140 colonies with different characteristics were selected. These isolates were submitted to the killer phenotype assay, and the positive killers were characterized and identified according to the standard methods. Only two strains showed killer activity, identified as Pichia anomala CE025 and P. membranaefaciens CE088. At 25C, both strains exhibited killer activity at pH 4.0, 4.3, and 4.5, but this activity was not detected at pH 3.0, 3.5, 5.0, and 6.0. The killer phenotype of P. membranaefaciens CE088 was inhibited above 30C, while for P. anomala, CE025 inhibition occurred only at a higher temperature. Both strains were able to grow in 12% ethanol, and P. anomala CE025 was more tolerant than P. membranaefaciens CE 088. Further studies will be conducted to isolate, purify and identify the killer toxins produced by Pichia anomala and Pichia membranaefaciens species.

O etanol produzido a partir da fermentação do caldo de cana emergiu como um combustível renovável. O rendimento desta fermentação é afetado por micro-organismos indesejáveis e as leveduras killer se constituem uma alternativa promissora para combater essa contaminação. Nesta perspectiva, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo isolar, caracterizar e identificar leveduras killer de caldo de cana. As amostras foram inoculadas em meio de cultura contendo cloranfenicol e 140 colônias com diferentes características foram selecionadas. Esses isolados foram avaliados quanto à presença do fator killer e os isolados positivos caracterizados e identificados por métodos convencionais. Apenas dois isolados apresentaram atividade killer e foram identificados como Pichia anomala CE025 e P. membranaefaciens CE088. A 25C as duas linhagens exibiram atividade killer em pH 4.0, 4.3 e 4.5, mas esta atividade foi inibida a pH 3.0, 3.5, 5.0 e 6.0. Para P. membranaefaciens CE088 o fenótipo killer foi inibido acima de 30C, enquanto que a P. anomala CE025 exibiu essa característica acima deste valor. Ambas as linhagens foram capazes de crescer na presença de 12% de etanol, mas P. anomala CE025 foi mais tolerante do que P. membranaefaciens CE088. Estudos posteriores serão realizados para isolar, purificar e identificar as toxinas killer produzidas pelas espécies Pichia anomala e Pichia membranaefacien.

Desinfetantes caseiros: qualidade microbiológica e eficácia sobre escherichia coli e salmonella enteritidis / Homemade disinfectants: microbiological quality and effectiveness of Escherichia coli and Salmonella enteritidis

Disinfectants are chemical agents that promote elimination or reduction of pathogenic microorganisms on most surfaces. To evidence its effectiveness they must meet the parameters established by Brazilian legislation. However, there are a lot of disinfectants manufactured illegally. Thus, the aiming of this work was to evaluate the microbiological safety and antimicrobial activity of home-made disinfectants. For analyzes were tested nine samples of disinfectants marketed in the public streets of Fortaleza city. The microbiological quality assessment was performed by counting aerobic mesophilic. And the antimicrobial action was taken against the strains of Escherichia coli and Salmonella enteritidis. The results showed that all samples tested contained a high level of microbial contamination, ranging from 8.6x103 CFU/ mL to 1,3xl 03 CFU/mL. To test the susceptibility, the highest reduction was to Salmonella enteritidis, with soa¼ CFU/ mL compared to standard 2.8x105 CFU/ mL. However, the results were insignificant, since the amount of microorganisms previously contained in the product had been high, suggesting not only the ineffectiveness of the disinfectant, but also a competition between microorganisms. Therefore, the home- -made disinfectants for domestic use may pose risks to consumer health. (AU)

Os desinfetantes são agentes químicos capazes de promover a eliminação ou redução de micro-organismos patógenos na maioria das superfícies; para comprovação de sua eficácia precisam obedecer aos parâmetros estabelecidos pela legislação brasileira vigente. Entretanto, há uma grande quantidade de desinfetantes fabricados de forma irregular. Assim, o seguinte trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a inocuidade microbiológica e a ação antimicrobiana de desinfetantes caseiros. Para as análises foram testadas 9 amostras de desinfetantes comercializados nas vias públicas da cidade de Fortaleza-CE. A avaliação da qualidade microbiológica foi realizada através da contagem de aeróbios mesófilos. E a ação antimicrobiana foi feita contra as cepas de Escherichia coli e Salmonella enteritidis. Os resultados demonstraram que todas as amostras testadas continham um elevado índice de contaminação microbiana, variando de 8,6x 103 UFC/mL a 1,3x106 UFC/mL. Para o teste de susceptibilidade aos desinfetantes, a maior redução ocorreu em relação à Salmonella enteritidis, com a contagem de 8,Ox103 UFC/mL em relação a um padrão da mesma de 2,8x 105 UFC/mL. Porém, os resultados foram pouco relevantes, visto que a quantidade de micro-organismos previamente existentes no produto já havia sido elevada, sugerindo não só a ineficácia do desinfetante, mas também uma competição entre os micro-organismos. Portanto, os desinfetantes de uso domiciliar caseiros, podem trazer riscos à saúde do consumidor. (AU)

Condições higienicossanitárias de farinhas funcionais comercializadas na cidade de Fortaleza, CE / Hygienic sanitary conditions of functional flours commercialized in the city of Fortaleza-CE

Alimento funcional é todo alimento ou componentes de alimentos que oferecem um benefício saudável, além de seu valor nutritivo, auxiliando na prevenção e tratamento de doenças. O mercado brasileiro contribui na diversidade de produtos alimentícios funcionais, nas suas diversas formas de comercialização a partir de diferentes matérias-primas, como a banana, linhaça, açaí maracujá, castanha, entre outras. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar as condições higiênicos sanitárias de diferentes farinhas funcionais comercializadas no centro da cidade de Fortaleza-CE. Foram analisadas 13 amostras de farinhas funcionais com relação aos micro-organismos aeróbios mesófilos, bolores e leveduras e Bacillus cereus; além da estimativa de coliformes termotolerantes. Os resultados indicaram elevada contaminação de aeróbios mesófilos em 85% das amostras e em relação aos bolores e leveduras aproximadamente 31%, ambas acima do limite máximo estabelecido. Nas farinhas de maracujá e ginseng foram quantificados Bacillus cereus nos valores de lx104UFC/g e 4x 104 UFC/g, respectivamente. E na estimativa de coliformes termotolerantes, a única fora do padrão foi a farinha de castanha; após a estimativa, foi feito o isolamento do micro- -organismo e o mesmo apresentou característica semelhante à Escherichia coli. Considerando que esses produtos são altamente recomendados como fonte de fibras e outros nutrientes no complemento de dietas hipocalóricas, faz-se necessária a utilização de Boas Práticas de Fabricação (BPF) durante o processamento da matéria-prima, para melhor atender a integridade do produto durante sua comercialização, tornando-o apto ao consumo humano. (AU)

Functional food is any kind of food or food components that provide a healthy benefit in addition to their nutritional value, assisting in the prevention and treatment of diseases. The market contributes to the diversity of functional food products in its various forms of trading from different raw materials such as banana, fiaxseed, açai, passion fruit, chestnuts, among others. This study aimed to evaluate the sanitary conditions of different functional flours commercialized in downtown Fortaleza. Thirteen samples of functional flours were analyzed respect to aerobic mesophilic microorganisms, molds, yeasts and Bacillus cereus, in addition to the estimate of fecal coliform. The results indicated high contamination of aerobic mesophiles in 85% of the samples and for the molds and yeasts about 31% of the samples were contaminated, both results above the maximum limit established. The passion fruit and ginseng flours were quantified for Bacillus cereus and the values were Ixl (li CFU/g and 4x1 (li CFU/g, respectively.1n the estimation of fecal coliform, the only non-standard was the chestnut flour; after the estimate was made, proceeded the isolation of the microorganism, wich presented similar characteristics to Escheri- chia coli. Considering these kind of products are highly recommended as a source of fiber and other nutrients in addition to low-calorie diets, it is necessary to use Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) during the processing of raw materials to better serve the integrity of the product during its marketing, making it suitable for human consumption. (AU)

Efeito do fenol sobre células de Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 25619 livres e imobilizadas em espuma de poliuretano / Effect of phenol on free and immobilized cells of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 25619 in polyurethane foam

A imobilização de micro-organismos sobre superfícies sólidas é uma estratégia recente para tratamento de substâncias químicas tóxicas e recalcitrantes, minimizando o impacto do descarte no ambiente. Assim, este trabalho teve por objetivo, comparar o efeito do fenol sobre células de Pseudomonas aeruginosa livres e imobilizadas em espuma de poliuretano. Foram testados dois tipos de espuma de poliuretano e duas concentrações do meio de cultura. À retenção celular foi avaliada por meio da contagem de células viáveis aderidas ao poliuretano, em intervalos de tempo fixos por 24 h. Subsequentemente, células livres em suspensão e imobilizadas foram imersas em meio mineral contendo fenol como única fonte de carbono e energia. Contagens de células viáveis foram realizadas diariamente para avaliar o efeito do fenol. O número de células retidas foi semelhante nos dois tipos de espuma, sendo significativamente maior no meio de cultura mais concentrado. O efeito do fenol sobre as células imobilizadas foi menos severo que sobre as células livres. Os resultados obtidos nas condições experimentais sugerem que a imobilização celular sobre espuma de poliuretano de 16 e 23 kg.m-3 em caldo Luria-Bertani pode ser usada como ferramenta no tratamento biológico de ambientes poluídos com fenol.

The microbial immobilization on solid surfaces is a recent strategy for treatment of recalcitrant toxic chemicals minimizing the environmental impact of disposal. This study aimed, immobilize the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 25619 in polyurethane foam and compare the effect of phenol on the free and immobilized cells. Two types of polyurethane foam and two concentrations of the culture medium were tested. The cell retention was evaluated by counting of viable cells adhered to the polyurethane in fixed time intervals for 24 h. Subsequently, cells in suspension and immobilized were immersed in mineral medium containing phenol as the sole source of carbon and energy. Viable cell counts were taken daily to assess the effect of phenol. The number of cells retained was similar for both types of foam, being significantly higher in the culture more concentrated. The effect of phenol on the immobilized cells was less severe than on the free cells. The results obtained in the experimental conditions suggest that cell immobilization on polyurethane foam of 16 and 23 kg.m-3 in Luria-Bertani broth can be used as a tool in the biological treatment of polluted environments with phenol.

Use of bioindicators to evaluate air quality and genotoxic compounds in an urban environment in Southern Brazil.

Biological indicators are widely used to monitor genotic compounds and air quality in urban environments. Parmotrema tinctorum and Teloschistes exilis have been used to verify the presence of pollutants and analyze morphophysiological alterations in the thallus of species caused by their action. Species were exposed for seven months, in an urban area, in southern Brazil. Mutagenicity and cytotoxicity of PM10 organic extracts were assessed in the Salmonella/microsome assay at two stations. High concentrations of S, Pb, Cr, Zn and Hg were registered in the last period of exposure and more significant morphophysiological damages were verified in the lichens. Generally a higher mutagenic activity is observed in organic extracts of airborne particulate matter during the first months and in the third period of exposure of lichens. In addition, nitro compounds was detected through nitro-sensitive strains. Lichens and mutagenic biomarkers enabled the evaluation of air quality and the presence of environmentally-aggressive compounds.