Relationship between the mineral content of sugarcane and its genuine derivative, non-centrifugal raw cane sugar.

Non-centrifugal raw cane sugar (NRCS) is a minimally processed product from sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L). This product contains phytochemical and nutritional compounds that benefit human health. Despite these advantages, NRCS commercialization is hindered by a lack of knowledge about its composition and, consequently, the absence of quality standards. Studies associating the nutritional composition of sugarcane varieties and their genuine products have not yet been found in the literature, and understanding this relationship can help establish quality standards for this product. Therefore, this study evaluated the mineral nutritional composition of genuine derivative NRCS produced from two sugarcane varieties obtained under different agronomic conditions at two stages of maturation to verify the relationships between raw material and the product. The obtained sugarcanes, juices, and bagasse, as well as the produced sugars, were analyzed for mineral content, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, sulfur, iron, manganese, copper, and zinc, using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Most mineral constituents of sugarcane are in the juice in direct proportions to those in raw sugarcane. Thus, minimally processed food derivatives have nutritional characteristics equivalent to the raw materials. Consumption of NRCS contributes to meeting daily requirements for essential nutrients such as magnesium, copper, potassium, and manganese. For manganese, 25 g of NRCS, like the one produced in this study, can fulfill 22 to 76 % of an adult male's daily mineral requirements. The variation observed in the four NRCS samples, obtained from the same sugarcane variety under different maturation and agronomic conditions, was 250 %. This variation makes establishing quality parameters for mineral or ash content difficult. Therefore, setting mineral content levels for NRCS is inappropriate, as this parameter naturally depends on the raw material.

Sugarcane vinasse and microalgal biomass in the production of pectin particles as an alternative soil fertilizer.

High methoxyl pectin was used as biopolymeric matrix to produce a novel slow release soil fertilizer added with sugarcane vinasse and lipid extracted microalgal (Desmodesmus subspicatus) biomass residue (LMBR). Vinasse acted as the biopolymer solvent, providing greater stability to pectin gel, and as a source of nitrogen (N), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg). LMBR (0.5%) was considered a complementary source of N and micronutrients, copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn). Compared to blank pectin particles, the particles with vinasse and LMBR showed homogeneous polymer matrix, spherical shapes, higher soluble matter release and enhanced mechanical properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis indicated the incorporation of microalgal biomass and nutrients from vinasse. Higher rates of biodegradation as well as larger degree of mineralization were found over a period of 36 days for vinasse and LMBR particles. These particles exhibit good perspectives as an alternative fertilizer for agriculture applications and represent an innovative solution for vinasse and LMBR final disposal.