Germination on the nutritional properties of seeds of four melon varieties / Efeito da germinação nas propriedades nutricionais de sementes de quatro variedades de melão

Fruit seeds, in terms of nutrition, are as wholesome as the grains cultivated exclusively for human consumption. The fruit pulp-processing agroindustry, more often than not, discards these seeds as unprofitable waste. The inclusion of seeds as a consumer product, equal in value to the pulp itself, can be made possible by adopting processes that increase their worth, and ideally at minimal costs. The controlled germination process is suitable for such an endeavor. The strategy presented here, is low in cost and permits the modulation of the constituents of the seeds by breaking the continuity of the process at the precise time, thus enabling the formation of a new product, which possesses bioactive properties. This research was performed with the focus on exploring the ways that the germination time influences the constituents of the seeds in four melon varieties. The Cantaloupe, Gália, Pele-de-Sapo and Orange melon seeds were studied and the water content, ash, proteins, lipids, total and reducing sugars, total phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoids and anthocyanins were determined in the samples. This was done in natura and post germination specifically at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours. Germination altered all the parameters, except the ash content. In Pele-de-Sapo, the protein content dropped, while in the others it showed an increase. Germination caused a rise in the values of the total and reducing sugars, as well as the total phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoids and anthocyanins, showing variations during the intermediate times, based on the variety. Mostly, higher values were achieved at 96 h of the germination process.

Sementes de frutas são materiais tão nutritivos quanto grãos produzidos especificamente para o consumo, no entanto, comumente essas sementes são desprezadas pela agroindústria de processamento de polpas de frutas como resíduo sem valor. A inserção desse tipo de material como produto de consumo tão nobre quanto à própria polpa pode ser viabilizada pela utilização de processos que lhe agreguem valor, preferencialmente com os menores custos. O processo de germinação controlada pode ser utilizado com esse fim. Trata-se de uma estratégia de baixo custo, que permite modular os constituintes das sementes pela interrupção do processo no tempo adequado, permitindo a criação de um novo produto, com destaque para as propriedades bioativas. O trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de se estudar o efeito do tempo de germinação sobre os constituintes das sementes de quatro variedades de melão. Foram utilizadas sementes de melões das variedades Cantaloupe, Gália, Pele-de-Sapo e Orange, determinando-se o teor de água, cinzas, proteínas, lipídios, açúcares totais e redutores, compostos fenólicos totais, taninos, flavonoides e antocianinas nas amostras in natura e após germinação em tempos de 24, 48, 72 e 96 h. Com exceção do teor de cinzas, todos os parâmetros foram alterados pela germinação. Na Pele-de-Sapo o teor de proteínas foi reduzido, nas demais, foi aumentado. Açúcares totais e redutores, compostos fenólicos totais, taninos, flavonoides e antocianinas tiveram teores elevados com a germinação, variando em tempos intermediários conforme a variedade, em sua maioria com valores mais altos atingidos em 96 h de processo germinativo.

Effect of Enzymatic Biotransformation on the Hypotensive Potential of Red Grape Pomace Extract.

Hypertension is a widespread health risk, affecting over a billion people and causing 9 million deaths per year. The Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) is a primary target for hypertension treatment, and it is primarily treated through drugs that inhibit the Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme (ACE). In addition to pharmacological treatment, various plants are recommended in traditional medicine for blood pressure regulation. This study aimed to produce high-phenolic-content extracts with and without enzymatic assistance from red grape pomace and evaluate their antioxidant capacity and ACE inhibitory potential. The total phenolic content (TPC) was measured, and phenolic identification was performed using HPLC analysis. In addition, the antioxidant capacity and anti-hypertensive potential were determined via in vitro assays. There was no statistical difference in the TPC antioxidant capacity between the extraction methods. Otherwise, when considering the extraction yield, the enzymatic process recovered around 70% more phenolic compounds from the pomace, and the phenolic profile was changed. Enzymatic assistance also significantly increased the ACE inhibitory potential in the grape pomace extract. This study demonstrates the viability of upcycling grape pomace to obtain bioactive compounds and to reduce their environmental impact, and highlights the influence of the enzymatic extraction on the hypotensive potential of the extract.

Bio-directed Chemical Study of Pleurotus ostreatus Spent Substrate and Its Nematicidal Activity.

PURPOSE: In the present study, the nematicidal activity of the chemical fractionation of the spent substrate of the edible mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus against eggs and L3 larvae of Haemonchus contortus was evaluated. METHODS: The hydroalcoholic extract of the spent substrate was subjected to a bipartition with ethyl acetate giving two fractions: one aqueous (F. Ac) and one organic (F. AcOET). Both fractions were evaluated against eggs and L3 larvae at different concentrations (5, 2.5, 1.25, 0.625 and 0.3125 mg/mL) and 2% methanol, PBS and thiabendazole (5 mg/mL) as controls. Chemical fractionation of F. AcOET was performed in open column chromatography where 76 fractions were obtained and when analyzed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) were grouped into 11 mixtures (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11). These mixtures were evaluated at 10 mg/mL against eggs and L3 larvae. The data obtained were analyzed by ANOVA and a Tukey test in the SAS V9 program. RESULTS: The results showed that, in the evaluation of F. AcOET and F. Ac, for the inhibition of egg hatching, the highest percentages were 78.80 and 76.89% at 5 mg/mL, respectively. As for the percentage of larval mortality, F. AcOET obtained 60.91 and F. Ac 29.77% at 5 mg/mL. The results of the evaluations of the mixtures showed that mixtures R4, R5 obtained 100 and 95.41% larval mortality and mixtures R6 and R7 presented 100% inhibitory activity of egg hatching, so these were analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry finding compounds such as vanillin, ß-sitosterol, ρ-methyl ρ-hydroxycinnamate and ρ-hydroxybenzaldehyde. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study demonstrate that the spent substrate of P. ostreatus has potential anthelmintic activity against H. contortus. Moreover, by reusing and taking advantage of this substrate, its environmental pollution effects can be reduced.

Changes in soil temperature and moisture due to sugarcane straw removal in central-southern Brazil

Crop residues left in the field cover and protect the soil surface, and regulate key processes and functions, such as gas and water exchanges. However, the Brazilian sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) sector has begun to use straw as feedstock to produce bioenergy. We conducted a field study to evaluate the effects of sugarcane straw removal in soil temperature and moisture changes at three sites (with different soil textures: Site 1 - clayey Oxisol, Site 2 - medium texture Oxisol, and Site 3 - sandy Ultisol) in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four rates of straw removal: i) no removal (NR); ii) moderate removal (MR); iii) substantial removal (SR), and iv) total removal (TR). Soil temperature was measured by sensors in the 0- to 5- and 5- to 10-cm soil layers. Undisturbed soil samples were collected from the 0- to 20- and 20- to 40-cm layers to determine soil moisture. Intensive straw removal (HR and TR) increased the soil temperature between 2 and 3 °C and the thermal amplitude between 5 and 9 °C in the 0- to 5-cm layer, compared to MR and NR. Soil moisture decreased between 0.03 and 0.07 g g-¹ in the 0- to 20-cm layer with intensive straw removal. The sandy soil was more susceptible to straw removal. Therefore, straw maintenance on the soil surface plays an essential role in temperature regulation and preservation of higher soil moisture, especially in regions with severe water deficits and long periods of water stress.

Adsorción de Cd(II) y Pb(II) presentes en solución acuosa con hueso de nanche (Byrsonima crassifolia) / Adsorption of Cd(ll) and Pb(ll) present in aqueous solution with nanche stone (Byrsonima crassifolia) / Adsorção de Cd(ll) e Pb(ll) presente em solução aquosa com osso nanche (Byrsonima crassifolia)

Resumen El hueso de nanche es un residuo agrícola con gran potencial de uso como adsorbente. Al respecto, se evaluó la capacidad de adsorción de iones Cd(II) y Pb(II), presentes en solución acuosa, utilizando este residuo. Las pruebas realizadas en este estudio fueron: la determinación del punto de carga cero (pHPZC), determinación de sitios activos (método de Boehm y espectroscopía FTIR) y el desarrollo de los modelos matemáticos de Langmuir, Freundlich y Prausnitz-Radke, a través de isotermas de adsorción. Los resultados obtenidos del pHPZC del hueso de nanche estuvieron en un rango ácido (6,0), mientras que la concentración de sitios ácidos y básicos fue de 0,1037 y 0,046 mol/g, respectivamente. Los espectros infrarrojos (FTIR) detectaron sitios funcionales ácidos asociados al grupo fenol, ácidos carboxílicos y lactonas. Finalmente, la capacidad de adsorción del hueso de nanche para Cd(II) y Pb(II) se incrementó con el pH y alcanzó porcentajes de remoción hasta de 84 % para Cd(II) a pH 8, y de 82% para Pb(II) a pH 5. En conclusión, el pH y la presencia de sitios funcionales ácidos fueron determinantes en la eliminación de los iones Pb(II) y Cd(II).

Abstract The nanche stone is an agricultural residue that has great potential as adsorbent. Then, the adsorption capacity of Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions present in aqueous solution was evaluated, using the stone as adsorbent. The tests performed for this purpose were the determination of point of zero charge (pHPZC), determination of active sites (Boehm method and FTIR spectroscopy), and the development of the mathematical models of Langmuir, Freundlich, and Prausnitz-Radke through adsorption isotherms. The results obtained from the pHPZC of the nanche stone were in an acidic range (6,0), while the concentration of acid and basic sites were 0.1037 and 0.046 mol/g respectively. The infrared spectra (FTIR) detected acid functional sites associated with the phenol group, carboxylic acids, and lactones. Finally, the adsorption capacity of nanche stone to Cd(II) and Pb(II), increased with the pH, achieving percentages of removal up to 84% for Cd (II) to pH 8, and of 82% for Pb(II) to pH 5. In conclusion, the pH and the presence of acidic functional sites were decisive in the elimination of the Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions.

Resumo O osso Nanche é um resíduo agrícola que possui grande potencial como adsorvente, neste respeito, a capacidade de adsorção de íons Cd(II) e Pb(II) presentes em solução aquosa foi avaliada, utilizando osso como adsorvente. Os testes realizados para este fim foram a determinação do ponto zero de carga (pHPZC), a determinação de sites ativos (método Boehm e espectroscopia FTIR) e o desenvolvimento dos modelos matemáticos de Langmuir, Freundlich e Prausnitz-Radke através de isotermas de adsorção. Os resultados obtidos do pHPZC do osso nanche foram em uma faixa ácida (6,0), enquanto a concentração de ácidos e sites básicos foram 0,1037 e 0,046 mol / g, respectivamente. Os espectros de infravermelho (FTIR) detectaram sites funcionais ácidos associados ao grupo fenol, ácidos carboxílicos e lactonas. Finalmente, a capacidade de adsorção do osso nanche para Cd(II) e Pb(II), aumentou com o pH, atingindo porcentagens de remoção de até 84% para o Cd(II) em pH 8, e 82% para Pb(II) a pH 5. Em conclusão, o pH e a presença de sites funcionais ácidos foram decisivos na eliminação dos íons Pb (II) e Cd (II).

Pretreatment Affects Activated Carbon from Piassava.

The specificity of activated carbon (AC) can be targeted by pretreatment of the precursors and/or activation conditions. Piassava (Leopoldinia piassaba and Attalea funifera Martius) are fibrous palms used to make brushes, and other products. Consolidated harvest and production residues provide economic feasibility for producing AC, a value-added product from forest and industrial residues. Corona electrical discharge and extraction pretreatments prior to AC activation were investigated to determine benefits from residue pretreatment. The resulting AC samples were characterized using elemental analyses and FTIR and tested for efficacy using methylene blue and phenol. All resulting AC had good adsorbent properties. Extraction as a pretreatment improved functionality in AC properties over Corona electrical discharge pretreatment. Due to higher lignin content, AC from L. piassaba had better properties than that from A. funifera.

Agricultural wastes as alternative substrates in the production of conilon coffee seedlings / Resíduos agrícolas como substratos alternativos na produção de mudas de café conilon

Research related to the use of agricultural residues as alternatives to commercial substrates has become fundamental for reducing the production costs of coffee seedlings. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of residues of pepper (Piper nigrum) powder, coffee (Coffea) husk, coconut (Cocos nucifera) fiber and pine (Pinus) bark as alternative substrates in the development of coffee (Coffea canephora) seedlings in tubes. The experiment was carried out at the Demuner Seedling Nursery, in the municipality of São Roque do Canaã, Espírito Santo, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized, with six treatments: T0- Bioplant® commercial substrate (control); and from T1 to T5, increasing proportions (%) of pepper powder and decreasing coconut fiber and pine bark (0/20/50, 10/15/45, 20/10/40, 30/5/35 and 40/0/30) and fixed proportions of coffee husk (30%). At 120 days after staking, we evaluated the plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, shoot dry mass and root dry mass. Any of the substrates containing different proportions of agricultural residues can be used as an alternative to the commercial substrate in the production of Conilon coffee seedlings since most of the growth variables evaluated did not differ from the control. Due to the high availability of pepper powder in the region, we recommended the substrate with 40% pepper powder, 30% coffee husk and 30% pine bark

Pesquisas relacionadas ao uso de resíduos agrícolas como alternativas aos substratos comerciais são fundamental para reduzir os custos de produção das mudas de café. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o efeito dos resíduos pó de pimenta (Piper nigrum), casca de café (Coffea), fibra de coco (Cocos nucifera) e casca de pinus (Pinus) como substratos alternativos no desenvolvimento de mudas de café Conilon (Coffea canephora) em tubetes. O experimento foi realizado no viveiro de produção de mudas Demuner, localizado no município de São Roque do Canaã, ES. Foi adotado o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com seis tratamentos, sendo, T0: Substrato comercial Bioplant® (testemunha); e de T1 ao T5, proporções crescentes de pó-de-pimenta e decrescentes de fibra de coco e casca de pinus (0/20/50; 10/15/45; 20/20; 20/10/40, 30/5/35 e 40/0/30) e proporções fixas de casca de café (30%). Aos 120 dias após estaqueamento avaliaram-se: altura de planta, número de folhas, diâmetro do coleto, massa de matéria seca da parte aérea e massa de matéria seca radicular. Qualquer um dos substratos contendo diferentes proporções de resíduos agrícolas pode ser uma alternativa ao substrato comercial na produção de mudas de café Conilon, já que a maioria das variáveis de crescimento avaliadas não diferiu da testemunha. Em razão da maior disponibilidade de pó-de-pimenta na região, recomenda-se o substrato contento 40% de pó-de-pimenta, 30% de casca de café e 30% de casca de pinus.

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.

Enhancing biohydrogen production from Agave tequilana bagasse: Detoxified vs. Undetoxified acid hydrolysates.

The aim of this work was to compare the biohydrogen production potential of undetoxified and detoxified acid hydrolysates from A. tequilana bagasse. Detoxification was carried out with activated carbon at different concentrations and pH values. Results indicated that pH was not a significant variable, while the lowest evaluated concentration of activated carbon (1% p/v) significantly promoted the highest removal of acetic acid (89%) with minimal losses of fermentable sugars. Regarding dark fermentation experiments, central composite designs were used to optimize COD and pH variables for both substrates, undetoxified and detoxified hydrolysates (activated carbon 1% p/v and pH 0.6). At optimal conditions, the detoxified hydrolysate produced 33% more biohydrogen than the undetoxified one. Hydrogen molar yields were 1.71 and 1.23 mol H2/molsugar, respectively. This improvement was correlated to changes in metabolic byproducts, since the detoxified hydrolysate produced only acetic and butyric acids, while lactic acid was detected in the undetoxified hydrolysate.

Effect of different proportions of coffee chaff on the composition of alternative substrates for producing cucumber seedlings / Efeito de diferentes proporções de moinha de café na composição de substratos alternativos para produção de mudas de pepino

One of the main factors related to the quality of edible vegetable seedlings is the type of substrate used. The growth variables of cucumber seedlings grown on alternative substrates to the commercial substrate, having increasing levels of coffee drying residues (chaff). The experiment was conducted under a completely randomized design with six treatments and ten replications, where: T1: commercial substrate (CS); T2: 0% chaff (CH) + 40% carbonized rice husk (CRH) + 15% coconut fiber (CF) + 5% eggshell (ES) + 40% CS; T3: 10% CH + 40% CRH + 15% CF + 5% ES + 30% CS; T4: 20% CH + 40% CRH + 15% CF + 5% ES + 20% CS; T5: 30% CH + 40% CRH + 15% CF + 5% ES + 10% CS; T6: 40% CH + 40% CRH + 15% CF + 5% ES + 0% CS. The variables evaluated were electrical conductivity of substrates, dry mass of the root system and the aerial part, seedling height, stem diameter and number of leaves. Increasing proportions of chaff also increase the electrical conductivity of the substrate. Proportions around 15 to 20% of chaff in the composition of the substrate present the highest values of stem diameter, dry mass of the root system and of the aerial part. Proportions up to 30% of the substrate constituted by 40% rice husk, 15% coconut fiber, 5% egg husk and 10% commercial substrate can also be used without loss in the growth variables of cucumber seedlings.(AU)

Um dos principais fatores relacionados à qualidade das mudas de olerícolas é o tipo de substrato utilizado. Avaliaram-se as variáveis de crescimento de mudas de pepino produzidas em substratos com níveis crescentes de resíduo da secagem dos grãos de café (moinha) em substituição ao uso exclusivo do substrato comercial. O experimento foi realizado no delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com seis tratamentos e dez repetições,  sendo: T1: Substrato comercial (SC); T2: 0% de moinha (MO)+ 40% de casca de arroz carbonizada (CAC) + 15% de fibra de coco (FC) + 5% de casca de ovo (CO) + 40% de SC; T3: 10% de MO + 40% de CAC + 15% de FC + 5% de CO+ 30% de SC; T4: 20% de MO+ 40% de CAC+ 15% de FC + 5% de CO + 20% de SC ; T5: 30% de MO + 40% de CAC + 15% de FC + 5% de CO + 10% de SC; T6: 40% de MO + 40% de CAC + 15% de FC + 5% CO + 0% SC. Avaliou-se condutividade elétrica dos substratos, matéria seca do sistema radicular e parte aérea, altura de plântula, diâmetro de caule e número de folhas. Proporções crescentes de moinha acarretam no aumento da condutividade elétrica do substrato. Proporções em torno de 15 a 20% de moinha na composição do substrato apresentam os maiores valores de matéria seca da parte aérea, de raiz e diâmetro do caule. Proporções de até 30% de moinha em substrato composto por 40% de CAC, 15% de FC, 5% de CO e 10% de SC, também podem ser utilizados sem que haja prejuízo nas variáveis de crescimento de mudas de pepino.(AU)

Effect of different proportions of coffee chaff on the composition of alternative substrates for producing cucumber seedlings / Efeito de diferentes proporções de moinha de café na composição de substratos alternativos para produção de mudas de pepino

One of the main factors related to the quality of edible vegetable seedlings is the type of substrate used. The growth variables of cucumber seedlings grown on alternative substrates to the commercial substrate, having increasing levels of coffee drying residues (chaff). The experiment was conducted under a completely randomized design with six treatments and ten replications, where: T1: commercial substrate (CS); T2: 0% chaff (CH) + 40% carbonized rice husk (CRH) + 15% coconut fiber (CF) + 5% eggshell (ES) + 40% CS; T3: 10% CH + 40% CRH + 15% CF + 5% ES + 30% CS; T4: 20% CH + 40% CRH + 15% CF + 5% ES + 20% CS; T5: 30% CH + 40% CRH + 15% CF + 5% ES + 10% CS; T6: 40% CH + 40% CRH + 15% CF + 5% ES + 0% CS. The variables evaluated were electrical conductivity of substrates, dry mass of the root system and the aerial part, seedling height, stem diameter and number of leaves. Increasing proportions of chaff also increase the electrical conductivity of the substrate. Proportions around 15 to 20% of chaff in the composition of the substrate present the highest values of stem diameter, dry mass of the root system and of the aerial part. Proportions up to 30% of the substrate constituted by 40% rice husk, 15% coconut fiber, 5% egg husk and 10% commercial substrate can also be used without loss in the growth variables of cucumber seedlings.

Um dos principais fatores relacionados à qualidade das mudas de olerícolas é o tipo de substrato utilizado. Avaliaram-se as variáveis de crescimento de mudas de pepino produzidas em substratos com níveis crescentes de resíduo da secagem dos grãos de café (moinha) em substituição ao uso exclusivo do substrato comercial. O experimento foi realizado no delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com seis tratamentos e dez repetições,  sendo: T1: Substrato comercial (SC); T2: 0% de moinha (MO)+ 40% de casca de arroz carbonizada (CAC) + 15% de fibra de coco (FC) + 5% de casca de ovo (CO) + 40% de SC; T3: 10% de MO + 40% de CAC + 15% de FC + 5% de CO+ 30% de SC; T4: 20% de MO+ 40% de CAC+ 15% de FC + 5% de CO + 20% de SC ; T5: 30% de MO + 40% de CAC + 15% de FC + 5% de CO + 10% de SC; T6: 40% de MO + 40% de CAC + 15% de FC + 5% CO + 0% SC. Avaliou-se condutividade elétrica dos substratos, matéria seca do sistema radicular e parte aérea, altura de plântula, diâmetro de caule e número de folhas. Proporções crescentes de moinha acarretam no aumento da condutividade elétrica do substrato. Proporções em torno de 15 a 20% de moinha na composição do substrato apresentam os maiores valores de matéria seca da parte aérea, de raiz e diâmetro do caule. Proporções de até 30% de moinha em substrato composto por 40% de CAC, 15% de FC, 5% de CO e 10% de SC, também podem ser utilizados sem que haja prejuízo nas variáveis de crescimento de mudas de pepino.

Biochar from different residues on soil properties and common bean production

ABSTRACT: The production of biochar from organic residues promises to be an interesting strategy for the management of organic waste. To assess the effect of biochar on soil properties and the production and nutrition of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), three simultaneous experiments were conducted in a greenhouse with different biochar from organic residues (rice husk, sawdust, and sorghum silage) used as filtration material for swine biofertilizer. In each experiment the treatments consisted of five different biochar concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 L m3), arranged in a completely randomized design, with four repetitions. In the experiments, the use of biochar increased soil pH, cation exchange capacity, nutrient availability in the soil, and nutrient accumulation in grains. The biochar concentrations corresponding to the maximum production of grain dry matter of bean plants were 100, 68, and 71 L m3 for biochar from rice husk filter (BRHF), biochar from sawdust filter (BSF), and biochar from sorghum silage filter (BSSF), respectively.(AU)

Biochar from different residues on soil properties and common bean production

ABSTRACT: The production of biochar from organic residues promises to be an interesting strategy for the management of organic waste. To assess the effect of biochar on soil properties and the production and nutrition of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), three simultaneous experiments were conducted in a greenhouse with different biochar from organic residues (rice husk, sawdust, and sorghum silage) used as filtration material for swine biofertilizer. In each experiment the treatments consisted of five different biochar concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 L m3), arranged in a completely randomized design, with four repetitions. In the experiments, the use of biochar increased soil pH, cation exchange capacity, nutrient availability in the soil, and nutrient accumulation in grains. The biochar concentrations corresponding to the maximum production of grain dry matter of bean plants were 100, 68, and 71 L m3 for biochar from rice husk filter (BRHF), biochar from sawdust filter (BSF), and biochar from sorghum silage filter (BSSF), respectively.

Escherichia coli expressing endoglucanase gene from Thai higher termite bacteria for enzymatic and microbial hydrolysis of cellulosic materials

Background: Endoglucanase plays a major role in initiating cellulose hydrolysis. Various wild-type strains were searched to produce this enzyme, but mostly low extracellular enzyme activities were obtained. To improve extracellular enzyme production for potential industrial applications, the endoglucanase gene of Bacillus subtilis M015, isolated from Thai higher termite, was expressed in a periplasmic-leaky Escherichia coli. Then, the crude recombinant endoglucanase (EglS) along with a commercial cellulase (Cel) was used for hydrolyzing celluloses and microbial hydrolysis using whole bacterial cells. Results: E. coli Glu5 expressing endoglucanase at high levels was successfully constructed. It produced EglS (55 kDa) with extracellular activity of 18.56 U/mg total protein at optimal hydrolytic conditions (pH 4.8 and 50°C). EglS was highly stable (over 80% activity retained) at 40­50°C after 100 h. The addition of EglS significantly improved the initial sugar production rates of Cel on the hydrolysis of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), microcrystalline cellulose, and corncob about 5.2-, 1.7-, and 4.0-folds, respectively, compared to those with Cel alone. E. coli Glu5 could secrete EglS with high activity in the presence of glucose (1% w/v) and Tween 80 (5% w/v) with low glucose consumption. Microbial hydrolysis of CMC using E. coli Glu5 yielded 26 mg reducing sugar/g CMC at pH 7.0 and 37°C after 48 h. Conclusions: The recombinant endoglucanase activity improved by 17 times compared with that of the native strain and could greatly enhance the enzymatic hydrolysis of all studied celluloses when combined with a commercial cellulase.

Anxiety and memory deficits induced by tannery effluent in C57BL/6J female mice.

This study aimed to evaluate the behavior of female C57Bl/6J mice exposed to tannery effluents diluted in drinking water. Female mice were divided into a control group, in which the animals received only drinking water, and experimental groups, which received raw tannery effluent in 7.5 and 15 % concentrations diluted in water (period of 60 days). In the last experimental week, the mice (in diestrus phase) were subjected to different behavioral tests: elevated plus-maze, open-field test, forced swim test, and object recognition test. Our data demonstrated that exposure to tannery effluent increased the anxiety index of animals and decreased the locomotion ratio in the central quadrants/total, indicating an increase in anxiety-like behavior. Regarding the forced swim test, we did not observe changes in the evaluated behaviors. There were no statistically significant differences in the recognition index of the novel and familiar object in the groups exposed to tannery effluent compared with the control group, indicating a possible influence of the constituents of tannery effluent on cognition. Thus, our findings support the hypothesis that effluents, containing neurotoxic substances, could cause behavioral disruptions in female C57Bl/6J mice.

Surface response methodology for the optimization of lipase production under submerged fermentation by filamentous fungi

Abstract A Plackett–Burman Factorial Design of 16 experiments was conducted to assess the influence of nine factors on the production of lipases by filamentous fungi. The factors investigated were bran type (used as the main carbon source), nitrogen source, nitrogen source concentration, inducer, inducer concentration, fungal strain (Aspergillus niger or Aspergillus flavus were selected as good lipase producers via submerged fermentation), pH and agitation. The concentration of the yeast extract and soybean oil and the pH had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on lipase production and were consecutively studied through a Full Factorial Design 23, with the concentration of yeast extract and pH being significant (p < 0.05). These variables were optimized using a central composite design, obtaining maximum lipolytic activities with the use of 45 g/L of yeast extract and pH 7.15. The statistical model showed a 94.12% correlation with the experimental data.

Surface response methodology for the optimization of lipase production under submerged fermentation by filamentous fungi

A PlackettBurman Factorial Design of 16 experiments was conducted to assess the influence of nine factors on the production of lipases by filamentous fungi. The factors investigated were bran type (used as the main carbon source), nitrogen source, nitrogen source concentration, inducer, inducer concentration, fungal strain (Aspergillus niger or Aspergillus flavus were selected as good lipase producers via submerged fermentation), pH and agitation. The concentration of the yeast extract and soybean oil and the pH had a significant effect (p 0.05) on lipase production and were consecutively studied through a Full Factorial Design 23, with the concentration of yeast extract and pH being significant (p 0.05). These variables were optimized using a central composite design, obtaining maximum lipolytic activities with the use of 45 g/L of yeast extract and pH 7.15. The statistical model showed a 94.12% correlation with the experimental data.(AU)

Surface response methodology for the optimization of lipase production under submerged fermentation by filamentous fungi.

A Plackett-Burman Factorial Design of 16 experiments was conducted to assess the influence of nine factors on the production of lipases by filamentous fungi. The factors investigated were bran type (used as the main carbon source), nitrogen source, nitrogen source concentration, inducer, inducer concentration, fungal strain (Aspergillus niger or Aspergillus flavus were selected as good lipase producers via submerged fermentation), pH and agitation. The concentration of the yeast extract and soybean oil and the pH had a significant effect (p<0.05) on lipase production and were consecutively studied through a Full Factorial Design 2(3), with the concentration of yeast extract and pH being significant (p<0.05). These variables were optimized using a central composite design, obtaining maximum lipolytic activities with the use of 45g/L of yeast extract and pH 7.15. The statistical model showed a 94.12% correlation with the experimental data.

Crop residue stabilization and application to agricultural and degraded soils: A review.

Agricultural activities produce vast amounts of organic residues including straw, unmarketable or culled fruit and vegetables, post-harvest or post-processing wastes, clippings and residuals from forestry or pruning operations, and animal manure. Improper disposal of these materials may produce undesirable environmental (e.g. odors or insect refuges) and health impacts. On the other hand, agricultural residues are of interest to various industries and sectors of the economy due to their energy content (i.e., for combustion), their potential use as feedstock to produce biofuels and/or fine chemicals, or as a soil amendments for polluted or degraded soils when composted. Our objective is review new biotechnologies that could be used to manage these residues for land application and remediation of contaminated and eroded soils. Bibliographic information is complemented through a comprehensive review of the physico-chemical fundamental mechanisms involved in the transformation and stabilization of organic matter by biotic and abiotic soil components.

Optimization of culture conditions for tannase production by Aspergillus sp. gm4 in solid state fermentation / Otimização das condições de cultivo para produção de tanase por Aspergillus sp. gm4 em fermentação em estado sólido

Tannase is an industrially important enzyme produced by a large number of microorganisms. This study analyzed the production of tannase by Aspergillus sp. GM4 under solid-state fermentation (SSF) using different vegetable leaves (mango, jamun and coffee) and agricultural residues (coffee husks, rice husks and wheat bran). Among the substrates used jamun leaves yielded high tannase production. The Plackett-Burman design was conducted to evaluate the effects of 12 independent variables on the production of tannase under SSF using jamun leaves as substrate. Among these variables, incubation time, potassium nitrate and tannic acid had significant effects on enzyme production. A lower incubation time was fixed and supplementation with potassium nitrate and tannic acid were optimized using the Central Composite Design. The best conditions for tannase production were: incubation time of 2 days; tannic acid at 1.53% (w w-1) and potassium nitrate at 2.71% (w w- 1). After the optimization process, tannase production increased 4.65-fold, which showed that the statistical experimental design offers a practicable approach to the implementation of optimization of tannase production.

Tanase é uma enzima industrialmente importante produzida por um grande número de microrganismos. Este estudo analisou a produção de tanase por Aspergillus sp. GM4 em fermentação em estado sólido (FES) utilizando diferentes vegetais como folhas de manga, de jambolão, de café e resíduos agrícolas, como a casca de café, casca de arroz e farelo de trigo. Entre os substratos utilizados, as folhas jambolão renderam alta produção de tanase. O planejamento de Plackett-Burman foi conduzido para avaliar os efeitos de 12 variáveis independentes sobre a produção de tanase em FES usando folhas jambolão como substrato. Entre estas variáveis, tiveram efeitos significativos na produção da enzima o tempo de incubação, o nitrato de potássio e o ácido tânico. O menor tempo de incubação foi fixado e a suplementação de nitrato de potássio e ácido tânico foi otimizada utilizando o planejamento composto central rotacional. As melhores condições para a produção de tanase foram o tempo de incubação de dois dias, a concentração de ácido tânico de 1,53% (g g-1) e de nitrato de potássio 2,71% (g gw-1). Após o processo de otimização, a produção tanase aumentou 4,65 vezes, o que mostrou que o delineamento experimental foi um método viável para a otimização da produção de tanase.