Study and characterization of a product based on a vegetable extract of quinoa fermented with water kefir grains.

This work aimed to study and characterize a product based on vegetable extract of quinoa (WVEQ) fermented with water kefir grains. The effect of sucrose concentration (SC), inulin concentration (IC), and xanthan gum (XG) concentration were evaluated using a central composite design (CCD) 23. They were subsequently characterized regarding cellular growth of the grains, beverage yield, pH, soluble solids, carbon dioxide (CO2) production, lactic acid, and ethanol production. Therefore, for the final stage, two formulations (F1 and F8) of the CCD were chosen to be characterized in terms of proximate composition, microbiological composition of the kefir culture, analysis of organic compounds, sensory analysis, and enzymatic and microbiological characterization before and after simulation of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. In the two chosen products, one can see that fermentation optimized the bioavailability of proteins due to the high proteolytic activity of the microorganisms in kefir and the increase in lipid content. In identifying microorganisms, there was a prevalence of Saccharomyces sp. yeasts. In the sensory analysis, the F8 formulation showed better results than the F1 formulation. In vitro, gastrointestinal digestion showed reduced lactic acid bacteria and yeast and increased acetic acid bacteria in the liquid phase for both formulations. In the enzymatic profile, there was a reduction in all enzymes analyzed for both formulations, except for amylase in F1, which went from 14.05 U/mL to 39.41 U/mL. Therefore, it is concluded that using WVEQ as a substrate for the product appears to be a viable alternative with nutritional and technological advantages for serving a specific market niche.

Trichoderma koningiopsis fermentation in airlift bioreactor for bioherbicide production.

During scaling of fermentations, choosing a bioreactor is fundamental to ensure the product's quality. This study aims to produce bioherbicides using Trichoderma koningiopsis fermentation, evaluating process parameters in an Airlift bioreactor. As a response, we quantified the production of enzymes involved in the bioherbicide activity (amylase, cellulase, laccase, lipase, and peroxidase). In addition, it evaluated the agronomic efficiency of the fermented extract optimized through tests that promoted soybean growth and nodulation, soybean seed germination, and in vitro phytopathogen control. As a result of optimizing the scaling bioprocess, it was possible to obtain an adequate fermentation condition, which, when applied to soybean seeds, had beneficial effects on their growth. It allowed the production of an enzyme cocktail. These results add a crucial biotechnological potential factor for the success of the optimized formulation in the Airlift bioreactor, in addition to presenting relevant results for the scientific community.

Fungus-based bioherbicides on circular economy.

This review aimed to show that bioherbicides are possible in organic agriculture as natural compounds from fungi and metabolites produced by them. It is discussed that new formulations must be developed to improve field stability and enable the commercialization of microbial herbicides. Due to these bottlenecks, it is crucial to advance the bioprocesses behind the formulation and fermentation of bio-based herbicides, scaling up, strategies for field application, and the potential of bioherbicides in the global market. In this sense, it proposed insights for modern agriculture based on sustainable development and circular economy, precisely the formulation, scale-up, and field application of microbial bioherbicides.

Seawater-based biorefineries: A strategy to reduce the water footprint in the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass.

Biorefineries are an essential step towards implementing a circular economy in the long term. They are based on renewable raw materials and must be designed holistically, recovering building blocks from being converted into several products. Lignocellulosic biomass is considered a critical pillar for a biologically based economy and a high value-added feedstock. The separation of the structural complexity that makes up the biomass allows the development of different product flows. Chemical, physical, and biological processes are evaluated for fractionation, hydrolysis, and fermentation processes in biorefineries; however, the volume of freshwater used affects water safety and increases the economic costs. Non-potable-resources-based technologies for biomass bioconversion are essential for biorefineries to become environmentally and economically sustainable systems. Studies are being carried out to substitute freshwater with seawater to reduce the water footprint. Accordingly, this review addresses a comprehensive discussion about seawater-based biorefineries focusing on lignocellulosic biomass conversion in biofuel and value-added products.

Fusarium oxysporum and Aspergillus sp. as Keratinase Producers Using Swine Hair From Agroindustrial Residues.

Technological processes mediated by microorganisms and enzymes are promising alternatives for treatment of recalcitrant residues. Keratinases hydrolyze keratin, the primary component of some wastes generated in many industrial activities. The present study was designed to evaluate strategies for obtaining keratinases produced by fungi using submerged fermentation and two residues as substrates, chicken feathers and swine hair. Two fungi isolated from feather residues showed potential for keratinase production, Fusarium oxysporum and Aspergillus sp. These were subjected to submerged fermentation using chicken feathers and swine hair prepared in three conditions (microbial concentration reduction, sterilization and hydrogen peroxide). The residual mass was quantified and tested for keratinase production. The most potent enzymatic extract was used in the precipitation technique with salts and organic solvents. The best results of enzymatic activity were obtained using F. oxysporum, on the 6thday of fermentation, obtaining 243.25 U mL-1 using sterilized swine hair as the substrate. Aspergillus sp. showed the highest keratinolytic activity on the 9thday, 113.50 U mL-1 using feathers as the substrate. The highest degradation percentage was 59.20% (w/w) in swine hair and the precipitation technique, with relative activities close to 50%. The results are promising for the application of residues and microorganisms in biotechnological processes of economic and environmental interest.

Removal of chromium from wastewater by swine hair residues applied as a putative biofilter.

Swine production chain generates residues with potential application in environmental processes. This study aimed at the use of swine hair as a potential biofilter for hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) removal from wastewater of tannery industry. The hair was pretreated using H2O2 in alkaline medium, and statistical analysis was carried out to evaluate the hair degradation, as well the Cr(VI) removal by the potential pretreated biofilter. The results showed 99% of Cr(VI) removal in 105 min of treatment in large pH range (1-10). Treated and untreated effluents were submitted to cytotoxicity study using vegetable and animal cells, demonstrating a significant reduction on toxicity to both cells. Therefore, swine hair demonstrated to be a promising residue for heavy metal removal on the perspective of an environmentally friendly technique.

Cellulolytic enzyme production from agricultural residues for biofuel purpose on circular economy approach.

This study evaluated the production of cellulolytic enzymes from different agricultural residues. The crude enzyme extract produced was characterized and applied for saccharification of some agricultural residues. Maximum cellulolytic activities were obtained using soybean hulls. All enzymatic activities were highly stable at 40 °C at a pH range of 4.5-5.5. For stability at low temperatures, the enzyme extract was stored at freezing temperature and cooling for about 290 days without major loss of activity. The Km values found for total cellulase (FPase), endoglucanase (CMCase), and xylanase were 19.73 mg ml-1, 0.65 mg ml-1, and 22.64 mg ml-1, respectively, and Vmax values were 0.82 mol min-1 mg-1, 0.62 mol min-1 mg-1, and 104.17 mol min-1 mg-1 to cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and xylan, respectively. In the saccharification tests, the total amount of total reducing sugars (TRS) released from 1 g of soybean hulls catalyzed by the enzymes present in the crude enzyme extract was 0.16 g g-1 dry substrate.