Agro-industrial Wastes For Production Research Articles

Effects of Electron Beam Radiation on the Phenolic Composition and Bioactive Properties of Olive Pomace Extracts.

Olive pomace is an agro-industrial waste product generated from the olive oil industry and constituted by bioactive compounds with potential applications in several industrial sectors. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effects of electron beam (e-beam) radiation on olive pomace, specifically on phenolic compounds (by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS) and the bioactive properties (antioxidant, antiproliferative, and antimicrobial activities) of crude olive pomace (COP) and extracted olive pomace (EOP) extracts. The amount of total flavonoid content and the reducing power of COP extracts were higher than those obtained for EOP extracts. The results suggested that e-beam radiation at 6 kGy increased both total phenolic and total flavonoid contents as well as the reducing power of COP extracts, due to the higher extractability (>2.5-fold) of phenolic compounds from these samples, while decreasing the scavenging activity of extracts. The extracts of both olive pomaces showed antibacterial potential, and COP extracts at 400 µg/mL also presented antiproliferative activity against A549, Caco-2, 293T, and RAW264.7 cell lines, with both properties preserved with the e-beam treatment. All in all, e-beam radiation at 6 kGy appears to be a promising technology to valorize the pollutant wastes of the olive oil industry through enhancing phenolic extractability and bioactive properties, and, furthermore, to contribute to the environmental and economical sustainability of the olive oil industry.

A dye elution method for the quantification of insecticidal crystal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis and its compatibility with the presence of agro-industrial raw materials and waste products.

The insecticidal crystal proteins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis during sporulation are active ingredients against lepidopteran, dipteran, and coleopteran insects. Several methods have been reported for their quantification, such as crystal counting, ELISA, and SDS-PAGE/densitometry. One of the major tasks in industrial processes is the analysis of raw material dependency and costs. Thus, the crystal protein quantification method is expected to be compatible with the presence of complex and inexpensive culture medium components. This work presents a revalidated elution-based method for the quantification of insecticidal crystal proteins produced by the native strain B. thuringiensis RT. To quantify proteins, a calibration curve was generated by varying the amount of BSA loaded into SDS-PAGE gels. First, SDS-PAGE was performed for quality control of the bioinsecticide. Then, the stained protein band was excised from 10% polyacrylamide gel and the protein-associated dye was eluted with an alcoholic solution of SDS (3% SDS in 50% isopropanol) during 45 min at 95°C. This protocol was a sensitive procedure to quantify proteins in the range of 2.0-10.0 µg. As proof of concept, proteins of samples obtained from a complex fermented broth were separated by SDS-PAGE. Then, Cry1 and Cry2 proteins were properly quantified.

Application of appropriate technology for feed supplements in Sukanagalih Village, Tasikmalaya Regency

Feed supplement is useful as a growth promoter, increasing efficiency and feed consumption, helping digestion and metabolism, and improving the quality of livestock products. The aim of this community service is to apply appropriate technology to utilize mangosteen peel and turmeric as feed supplement for poultry in Sukanagalih Village, Tasikmalaya Regency, as well as produce quality feed supplement and improve the skills of farmers in processing the supplement feed. This community service activity is one of the Kosabangsa programs between the Universitas Perjuangan Tasikmalaya as the implementation team and the IPB University as the accompanying team. This activity started from September to December 2023 in Sukanagalih Village, Rajapolah District, Tasikmalaya Regency. The method for implementing this activity consists of counseling, training, and assistance to livestock groups. The target partners for this activity were Kelompok Megar Bebek Cihateup and the Berdikari Village-Owned Enterprise (Bumdes Berdikari) with a total of 20 participants each, so the total participants are 40 people. The level of community empowerment increased to 80 – 85% in the knowledge, skills, accessibility, and income categories. The results of this activity are very beneficial for the community, where the application of appropriate technology for processing mangosteen peel and turmeric as feed supplements can increase the added value and selling value of agro-industrial waste products in Tasikmalaya Regency. The application of appropriate technology for the use of supplement feed is able to increase the knowledge and skills of the community in Sukanagalih Village, Tasikmalaya Regency in processing feed supplements.

Box–Behnken Design to Optimize Standardized Mangiferin-Rich Mango Peel Extract from Agro-Industrial Waste Product

The light mango or “Ma-Muang Bao” (Mangifere indica L. var.) is a native mango species originating from Malaysia and southern Thailand. The whole Ma-Muang Bao fruit, except peels, is popular as both a raw and ripe fruit for consumption, as well as being used in various processed food products. This study aims to transform the peel of a specific mango variety, which is a byproduct of the agro-industrial sweet, pickled mangoes industry, into a valuable bioactive ingredient for healthcare products. This is achieved through the establishment of a standardized mangiferin-rich mango peel extract (SMPE). Employing the Box–Behnken design (BBD) within the framework of response surface methodology (RSM), an optimal microwave-assisted extraction procedure was developed. A total of 27 experiments, each with four independent variables, including solvent ratio, extraction power, extraction time, and ethanol (EtOH) ratio, were conducted to optimize the extraction method in terms of mangiferin content and extraction yield. The optimized extraction conditions encompassed a solvent ratio of 120 mL EtOH/100 g sample, an extraction power of 450 W, an extraction time of approximately 4.3 min, and an EtOH ratio of 69.44% (EtOH in water). Small-scale extractions were carried out using the following specified parameters: solvent ratio of 120 mL, extraction power of 450 W, extraction time of 4 min, and EtOH ratio of 70% EtOH. These extractions yielded an extract with a mangiferin content of 27.24 ± 2.05 mg/g and an extraction yield of 3.71 ± 0.17% w/w. Notably, these outcomes were better from the mangiferin content of 19.62 mg/g and a yield of fresh peel of 5.61% estimated through BBD analysis. Furthermore, a pilot-scale extraction was performed using 7 kg of fresh mango peel and 70% EtOH (8.4 L) for 4 min, resulting in an extract with a mangiferin content of 51.85 ± 0.35 mg/g and a fresh peel yield of 4.35% w/w. This method emerges as the most suitable for mango peel extraction and forms the basis of the SMPE. The results from biological activities highlight the potential use of SMPE as the active ingredient for cosmeceutical or healthcare products for wound-healing and skin-brightening agents. Additionally, the knowledge from this study presents an alternative approach to various plant sources and sustainable extraction methods for the herbal extract industry.

Utilization potential of agro-industrial by-products and waste sources: Laccase production in bioreactor with Pichia pastoris

Valorization of waste materials has been an attractive approach due to ensuring circular bioeconomy model in bioprocesses depending on annual billion metric tons production of agro-industrial by-products and wastes. With being an influential platform of Pichia pastoris fermentation to produce value-added bioproducts, especially for recombinant proteins, the studies have been gaining speed to apply the circular bioeconomy model to these processes by enhancing production efficiency. In this study, solid and liquid dextrose from a local corn processing industry and watermelon peel from a local market were evaluated for production of Madurella mycetomatis laccase from P. pastoris X33 in a bioreactor. When compared to fermentation including alternative sources and glycerol/methanol which was performed as a control study, almost 2-fold higher laccase activity with 41 g DCW/L and 1.30-fold increase in laccase activity with 50 g DCW/L were determined, respectively for fermentation strategies including solid dextrose and liquid dextrose. Maximum laccase activity was obtained from watermelon peel hydrolysate utilization although lowest cell density was obtained in the growth stage. One-way ANOVA analysis confirmed the effect of carbon sources encouraging heterologous protein production in P. pastoris expression system. These results proved suitability of bioprocesses which were designed for the valorization of solid/liquid dextrose and watermelon peel hydrolysate as alternative carbon sources in P. pastoris fermentation for future scale-up.

Recent Progress and Future Perspectives for Zero Agriculture Waste Technologies: Pineapple Waste as a Case Study

Worldwide, a huge production of agro-industrial wastes is observed every year in the milling, brewing, agricultural, and food industries. Biochemical and bioactive substances can be produced from these agricultural wastes. Pineapple by-products, which consist of the peeled skin, core, crown end, etc., account for 60% of the weight of pineapple fruit and are disposed of as waste, causing disposal and pollution problems. The bioconversion process can utilize these wastes, which are rich in cellulose and hemicellulose, the main components, to produce value-added biochemicals/bioactive compounds such as pectin, citric acid, bromelain, ferulic acid, vanillin, and so on. Therefore, the sustainable solution for food and nutrition security can be supported by the utilization of pineapple waste. The proposed review article addresses approaches that do not generate waste while adding value. This can be achieved by using innovative biorefinery techniques such as green extraction and the use of green solvents. Microbial fermentation with an effective pretreatment (such as hydrothermal treatment and enzymatic treatment) to convert complex waste (pineapple fruit) into simple sugars and later fuel production are also discussed. The proposed review also provides a concise overview of the most recent research and developments in the field of advanced pineapple waste processing technologies.

Immunogenic Effects of Dietary Terminalia arjuna Bark Powder in Labeo rohita, a Fish Model: Elucidated by an Integrated Biomarker Response Approach

Utilizing agro-industrial waste and herbal products to create a circular bioeconomy is becoming increasingly popular. Terminalia arjuna is a significant ethnomedicinal plant that has not yet been exploited in animal feed. In the present study, nutritional Terminalia arjuna bark powder-based fish feed was created and supplied to a candidate fish species Labeo rohita at varied levels: 0% (0 g/kg), 0.5% (5 g/kg), 1% (10 g/kg), and 1.5% (15 g/kg). These treatment groups are denoted as CT, T1, T2, and T3, respectively. Utilizing a contemporary comprehensive biomarker response strategy, the study clarified the genomic influence of dietary herb inclusion. In response to bacterial infection, the immunogenic genes, STAT 1 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 1), ISG 15 (interferon stimulating gene), and Mx "myxovirus resistance gene", were shown to be elevated. The results of densitometry demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in STAT 1 and ISG 15, with Mx exhibiting maximal values at 1 g/kg TABP (Terminalia arjuna bark powder-based feed). This is the first study to identify TABP as an immunomodulator in fish and established the IBR (Integrated Bio-marker Response) as a reliable marker in evaluating the impact of multiple drivers in a holistic manner. Thus, the present study cleared the path for TABP to be utilized as an effective feed additive which enhances the specific adaptive immune system of the fish for the production of the Green fish product for a sustainable circular bioeconomy.

Green Synthesis of Antibacterial Silver Nanocolloids with Agroindustrial Waste Extracts, Assisted by LED Light

Herein, the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), assisted by LED light, using the aqueous extracts of agroindustrial waste products, such as avocado seeds (ASs), cocoa pod husks (CPHs), and orange peels (OPs), is presented. Surface plasmon resonance analysis showed faster and complete NP formation when irradiated with blue LED light. Green and red light irradiation showed non- and limited nanoparticle formation. TEM analyses confirmed the semispherical morphology of the synthesized AgNPs, with the exception of OP–AgNPs, which showed agglomeration during the light irradiation. For AS–AgNPs and CPH–AgNPs, the average particle diameter was about 15 nm. Interestingly, the CPH extract demonstrated faster nanoparticle formation as compared to the AS extract (100 min vs. 250 min irradiation time, respectively). FTIR spectroscopy assessed the involvement of diverse functional groups of the bioactive phytochemicals present in the plant extracts during nanoparticle photobiosynthesis. The antioxidant activity, as determined by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, varied from 1323.72 µmol TE/mL in the AS aqueous extract to 836.50 µmol TE/mL in the CPH aqueous extract. The total polyphenol content was determined according to the Folin–Ciocalteu procedure; the AS aqueous extract exhibited a higher polyphenol content (1.54 mg GAE/g) than did the CPH aqueous extract (0.948 mg GAE/g). In vitro antibacterial assays revealed that the AS–AgNPs exhibited promising antibacterial properties against pathogenic bacteria (E. Coli), whereas the CPH–AgNPs showed antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli. The green synthesis of AgNPs using AS, CPH, and OP aqueous extracts reported in this work is environmentally friendly and cost-effective, and it paves the way for future studies related to agroindustrial waste valorization for the production of advanced nanomaterials, such as antibacterial AgNPs, for potential biomedical, industrial, and environmental applications.

Microcontaminant removal in solar pilot scale photoreactors with commercial iron nanoparticles obtained from olive mill wastewater

This study assessed removal of microcontaminants (MCs) from natural water (NW) using iron nanoparticles extracted from olive mill wastewater (ZVI-OMW), an agro-industrial waste product, combined with oxidants under natural solar radiation. The specific effects of corrosion, adsorption and solar photolysis, and of H2O2, S2O82-, carbonates and ZVI-OMW concentrations on treatment efficiency were also evaluated. Lab tests demonstrated that the combination of 1 mM S2O82- with NW and 1 mM ZVI-OMW was the best treatment option. Process performance was evaluated under these operating conditions in pilot-scale raceway pond reactors (RPR) at three liquid depths (5, 10 and 15 cm), as well as in a compound parabolic collector (CPC) photo-reactor. The time required to achieve 50% removal of a MC mixture (atrazine, carbendazim, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam, at 100 µg/L each) increased with liquid depth, resulting in 164, 224, and 250 min for 5, 10, and 15 cm, respectively. MC mass removal rate increased with liquid depth, achieving 50% MC removal in the CPC (1 mM ZVI-OMW) in 120 min. Doubling ZVI-OMW concentration was detrimental to process efficiency in both photoreactors due to light obstruction. Partial sedimentation of ZVI-OMW in the RPR suggests that the use of this type of reactor for heterogeneous photocatalysis could present problems for large-size operation.

The Efficacy of Phenolic Compound Extraction from Potato Peel Waste

As an agroindustrial waste product, potato peels contain valuable phenolic compounds that can be extracted before they are sent to the landfill. Based on previous work, this study focused on determining the efficacies of phenolic compound extraction from potato peels using conventional shaking extraction (CSE) and both direct ultrasound-assisted extraction (DUAE), and indirect ultrasound-assisted extraction (IUAE). The yield curve associated with each extraction method was measured and characterized. The maximum yield of phenolic compounds and its dependence on processing parameters were evaluated. The applicability of the Peleg model for describing the yield curve was evaluated. Based on the Peleg model, a recovery ratio was defined to calculate its corresponding extraction rate. This extraction rate, combined with the yield, can be used for describing the efficacy of an extraction method. Our results indicate that the ultrasound-assisted extraction methods were capable of extracting phenolic compounds at a given recovery ratio one or two orders of magnitude faster than the CSE method. Models described in the article are expected to be useful in evaluating the extraction efficacy of valuable compounds from various agricultural or agroindustrial waste.

Pumpkin Seeds as a Power House of Nutrition: A Review

Today the need to obtain nutritious foods from new sources and lower in waste food processing industry has created a high interest. Modification of agro industrial waste products into valuable elements is probably a huge footstep towards the direction of food sustainability. The seeds of pumpkin (Cucurbita sp.) are generally considered to be agro-industrial wastes and discarded. But pumpkin seeds are densely packed with useful nutrients and nutraceuticals such as amino acids, phytosterols, unsaturated fatty acids, phenolic compounds, tocopherols, cucurbitacins and valuable minerals. All these bioactive compounds are important to a healthy life and well-being. The present study aims at reviewing the various researches done in the past on the uses of the pumkin seed for the treatment of digestion problems, diarrhoea, colic, dyspepsia etc. Various researcher investigated that the used of pumpkin seed are beneficial for some diseases such as diabetes, alzheimer, anti cancer, hypercholesterolemic and hypertension patients. Pumpkin seeds have wide application, as antimicrobial, antioxidant, insecticidal, encapsulation, antifungal. As from all the studies, that done and concluded that pumpkin seed have been used as functional food for humans by combining with unit operations of food processing for treatment of various ailments.

Nutritional and Potential Health Effect of Pumpkin seeds

The Cucurbitaceae family's pumpkin seeds are often viewed as industrial waste and discarded. In many regions of the world, seeds are eaten raw, boiled, or roasted, but only for personal consumption. Because they are high in protein, fiber, minerals, and vitamins, they may be considered essential for the food industry. Because the seeds are a byproduct of the pumpkin fruit, they are less expensive, and their inclusion in a variety of foods may result in higher nutritious content at a lower cost. Pumpkin seeds have been found to be beneficial to one's health. More research and study on the transformation of these agro industrial waste products into valuable materials is most likely a huge step in the right direction for worldwide efforts in food sustainability.

Review on production of citric acid by fermentation technology

Citric acid is the most important organic acid produced in tonnage and is extensively used in food and pharmaceutical industries. It is produced mainly by submerged fermentation using Aspergillus niger or Candida sp. from different sources of carbohydrates, such as molasses and starch-based media. In view of surges in demand and growing markets, there is always a need for the discovery and development of better production techniques and solutions to improve production yields and the efficiency of product recovery. To support the enormous scale of production, it is necessary and important for the production process to be environmentally friendly by utilizing readily available and inexpensive agro-industrial waste products, while maintaining high production yields. This review article for fermentation of citric acid and Microbial production of citric acid, Substrates and strategies of citric acid production for Surface fermentation, Submerged fermentation, Solid-state fermentation and also the effects of various Factors affecting of citric acid fermentation conditions are Carbon source, Nitrogen limitation, Phosphorus source, Lower Alcohols, pH of culture medium, Trace elements, Aeration and Other factors. citric acid recovery options and the numerous applications of citric acid, based on the literature review information of citric acid production by fermentation technology.

Pumpkin seeds as a Power House of Nutrition: A Review

Today the need to obtain nutritious foods from new sources and lower in waste food processing industry has created a high interest. Modification of agro industrial waste products into valuable elements is probably a huge footstep towards the direction of food sustainability. Pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita sp.) are commonly regarded as agro-industrial waste and discarded. However, pumpkin seeds are high in amino acids, phytosterols, unsaturated fatty acids, phenolic compounds, tocopherols, cucurbitacins, and essential minerals, among other nutrients and nutraceuticals. All of these bioactive substances are essential for living a healthy and happy life. The present study aims at reviewing the various researches done in the past on the uses of the pumkin seed for the treatment of digestion problems, diarrhoea, colic, dyspepsia etc. Various researcher investigated that the used of pumpkin seed are beneficial for some diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer, anti cancer, hypercholesterolemic and hypertension patients. Pumpkin seeds has wide application ,as antimicrobial, antioxidant, insecticidal, encapsulation, antifungal. As from all the studies, that done and concluded that pumpkin seed have be used as functional food for humans by combine with unit operations of food processing for treatment of various ailments.

Statistical optimization of saccharificaion of carbohydrate content of alkali pretreated sugarcane bagasse by enzyme cocktail produced by Bacillus vallismortis MH 1 and Bacillus aestuarii UE25

Saccharification of widely available agro-industrial waste product, sugarcane bagasse (SB) can be achieved by microbial enzymes. Since single enzyme cannot completely saccharify SB, therefore, enzyme cocktails are designed for effective saccharification. In this study, alkali (NaOH) pretreated SB was saccharified using enzyme preparations from a halotolerant bacterium, Bacillus vallismortis MH 1 and a thermophilic bacterium, B. aestuarii UE25. The factors affecting the process of saccharification were statistically optimized by Central Composite design (CCD). After analysis, CCD predicted the optimum conditions i.e. 8.08 U of B. vallismortis MH 1 and 1.92 U of B. aestuarii UE25 for 1 g of substrate; temperature, 65℃; pH, 4; and reaction time, 48 h. Under optimal conditions, 501 mg g−1 reducing sugars were obtained after the saccharification of pretreated SB. The structural analysis of substrate by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gravimetric analysis showed damaged structure, increased porosity and a reduction in cellulosic content, indicating significant degradation of the SB by the enzyme cocktail. Hence, it can be concluded that enzyme cocktail used in this study is effective for the saccharification of alkali pretreated SB.

Genome and Secretome Analysis of Staphylotrichum longicolleum DSM105789 Cultured on Agro-Residual and Chitinous Biomass.

Staphylotrichum longicolleum FW57 (DSM105789) is a prolific chitinolytic fungus isolated from wood, with a chitinase activity of 0.11 ± 0.01 U/mg. We selected this strain for genome sequencing and annotation, and compiled its growth characteristics on four different chitinous substrates as well as two agro-industrial waste products. We found that the enzymatic mixture secreted by FW57 was not only able to digest pre-treated sugarcane bagasse, but also untreated sugarcane bagasse and maize leaves. The efficiency was comparable to a commercial enzymatic cocktail, highlighting the potential of the S. longicolleum enzyme mixture as an alternative pretreatment method. To further characterize the enzymes, which efficiently digested polymers such as cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, starch, and lignin, we performed in-depth mass spectrometry-based secretome analysis using tryptic peptides from in-gel and in-solution digestions. Depending on the growth conditions, we were able to detect from 442 to 1092 proteins, which were annotated to identify from 134 to 224 putative carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) in five different families: glycoside hydrolases, auxiliary activities, carbohydrate esterases, polysaccharide lyases, glycosyl transferases, and proteins containing a carbohydrate-binding module, as well as combinations thereof. The FW57 enzyme mixture could be used to replace commercial enzyme cocktails for the digestion of agro-residual substrates.

The use of broccoli agro-industrial waste in dairy cattle diet for environmental mitigation

Abstract Livestock feed production for the intensive dairy industry has a significant environmental impact. This study evaluated the potential to reduce the environmental impacts of milk production in Guanajuato, Mexico, by incorporating broccoli stems (BS), an abundant agro-industrial waste product with high nutritional value, into dairy cattle feed. The potential reduction of environmental impacts from adding BS to cattle diet formulation was estimated using a life cycle assessment and a linear programming model which considered nutritional requirements as constraints. Two scenarios for milk production were considered: an optimized conventional diet and an optimized diet including BS. The results indicated that incorporating BS in cattle feed could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 118 g CO2 eq kg−1 fat-and-protein corrected milk (FPCM and agricultural land occupation by 0.002 m2a kg−1 FPCM but increased fossil depletion by 4 g oil eq kg−1 FPCM. BS can replace 11.1% of conventional feeds and maximize the incorporation feeds with low environmental impacts in the diet, such as alfalfa hay and maize silage. A sensitivity analysis of the economic allocation showed that the maximum price of BS to remain environmentally viable was 19.28 USD t−1 on a fresh matter basis.

Insights into the genome and secretome of Fusarium metavorans DSM105788 by cultivation on agro-residual biomass and synthetic nutrient sources

BackgroundThe transition to a biobased economy involving the depolymerization and fermentation of renewable agro-industrial sources is a challenge that can only be met by achieving the efficient hydrolysis of biomass to monosaccharides. In nature, lignocellulosic biomass is mainly decomposed by fungi. We recently identified six efficient cellulose degraders by screening fungi from Vietnam.ResultsWe characterized a high-performance cellulase-producing strain, with an activity of 0.06 U/mg, which was identified as a member of the Fusarium solani species complex linkage 6 (Fusarium metavorans), isolated from mangrove wood (FW16.1, deposited as DSM105788). The genome, representing nine potential chromosomes, was sequenced using PacBio and Illumina technology. In-depth secretome analysis using six different synthetic and artificial cellulose substrates and two agro-industrial waste products identified 500 proteins, including 135 enzymes assigned to five different carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZyme) classes. The F. metavorans enzyme cocktail was tested for saccharification activity on pre-treated sugarcane bagasse, as well as untreated sugarcane bagasse and maize leaves, where it was complemented with the commercial enzyme mixture Accellerase 1500. In the untreated sugarcane bagasse and maize leaves, initial cell wall degradation was observed in the presence of at least 196 µg/mL of the in-house cocktail. Increasing the dose to 336 µg/mL facilitated the saccharification of untreated sugarcane biomass, but had no further effect on the pre-treated biomass.ConclusionOur results show that F. metavorans DSM105788 is a promising alternative pre-treatment for the degradation of agro-industrial lignocellulosic materials. The enzyme cocktail promotes the debranching of biopolymers surrounding the cellulose fibers and releases reduced sugars without process disadvantages or loss of carbohydrates.

Interspecific evolutionary relationships of alpha-glucuronidase in the genus Aspergillus

The increased availability and production of lignocellulosic agroindustrial wastes has originated proposals for their use as raw material to obtain biofuels (ethanol and biodiesel) or derived products. However, for biomass generated from lignocellulosic residues to be successfully degraded, in most cases it requires a physical (thermal), chemical, or enzymatic pretreatment before the application of microbial or enzymatic fermentation technologies (biocatalysis). In the context of enzymatic technologies, fungi have demonstrated to produce enzymes capable of degrading polysaccharides like cellulose, hemicelluloses and pectin. Because of this ability for degrading lignocellulosic material, researchers are making efforts to isolate and identify fungal enzymes that could have a better activity for the degradation of plant cell walls and agroindustrial biomass. We performed an in silico analysis of alpha-glucoronidase in 82 accessions of the genus Aspergillus. The constructed dendrograms of amino acid sequences defined the formation of 6 groups (I, II, III, IV, V, and VI), which demonstrates the high diversity of the enzyme. Despite this ample divergence between enzyme groups, our 3D structure modeling showed both conservation and differences in amino acid residues participating in enzyme–substrate binding, which indicates the possibility that some enzymes are functionally specialized for the specific degradation of a substrate depending on the genetics of each species in the genus and the condition of the habitat where they evolved. The identification of alpha-glucuronidase isoenzymes would allow future use of genetic engineering and biocatalysis technologies aimed at specific production of the enzyme for its use in biotransformation.

Characterization and Biotechnological Potential of Intracellular Polyhydroxybutyrate by Stigeoclonium sp. B23 Using Cassava Peel as Carbon Source.

The possibility of utilizing lignocellulosic agro-industrial waste products such as cassava peel hydrolysate (CPH) as carbon sources for polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) biosynthesis and characterization by Amazonian microalga Stigeoclonium sp. B23. was investigated. Cassava peel was hydrolyzed to reducing sugars to obtain increased glucose content with 2.56 ± 0.07 mmol/L. Prior to obtaining PHB, Stigeoclonium sp. B23 was grown in BG-11 for characterization and Z8 media for evaluation of PHB nanoparticles’ cytotoxicity in zebrafish embryos. As results, microalga produced the highest amount of dry weight of PHB with 12.16 ± 1.28 (%) in modified Z8 medium, and PHB nanoparticles exerted some toxicity on zebrafish embryos at concentrations of 6.25–100 µg/mL, increased mortality (<35%) and lethality indicators as lack of somite formation (<25%), non-detachment of tail, and lack of heartbeat (both <15%). Characterization of PHB by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and thermogravimetry (TGA) analysis revealed the polymer obtained from CPH cultivation to be morphologically, thermally, physically, and biologically acceptable and promising for its use as a biomaterial and confirmed the structure of the polymer as PHB. The findings revealed that microalgal PHB from Stigeoclonium sp. B23 was a promising and biologically feasible new option with high commercial value, potential for biomaterial applications, and also suggested the use of cassava peel as an alternative renewable resource of carbon for PHB biosynthesis and the non-use of agro-industrial waste and dumping concerns.