Volatile Fatty Acids Synthesis Research Articles

Anaerobic valorization of sewage sludge pretreated through hydrothermal carbonization: Volatile fatty acids and biomethane production

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) emerged as an effective technology for the treatment of various types of wet biomass and organic residues, including sewage sludge, offering the potential for sludge reduction and resource recovery. HTC pretreatment impact on downstream sludge fermentation is investigated. Results obtained at optimal conditions for HTC pretreatment (170 °C for 30 min) indicated that soluble carbon was significantly increased in the liquid fraction, enhancing feedstock availability for fermentation. Semi-continuous fermentation of HTC-treated sludge resulted in a stable process in which a mixed microbial community produced volatile fatty acids (VFAs) with longer chain acids content, acidification yield of 0.59 ± 0.05 g COD-VFA g−1 CODin and volumetric productivity of 1.6 ± 0.5 g COD-VFA L−1 d−1. Biomethane Potential tests evidenced high values for hydrochar. Overall, the HTC pretreatment enables improved conversion efficiencies, in the view of valorizing the liquid for VFA synthesis and the hydrochar for biomethane production.

The Bifidobacterium-dominated fecal microbiome in dairy calves shapes the characteristic growth phenotype of host

The dominant bacteria in the hindgut of calves play an important role in their growth and health, which could even lead to lifelong consequences. However, the identification of core probiotics in the hindgut and its mechanism regulating host growth remain unclear. Here, a total of 1045 fecal samples were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing from the 408 Holstein dairy calves at the age of 0, 14, 28, 42, 56, and 70 days to characterize the dynamic changes of core taxa. Moreover, the mechanisms of nutrient metabolism of calf growth regulated by core bacteria were investigated using multi-omics analyses. Finally, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in mice were conducted to illustrate the potential beneficial effects of core bacteria. Four calf enterotypes were identified and enterotypes dominated by Bifidobacterium and Oscillospiraceae_UCG-005 were representative. The frequency of enterotype conversion shifted from variable to stable. The close relationship observed between phenotype and enterotype, revealing a potential pro-growth effect of Bifidobacterium, might be implemented by promoting the use of carbohydrate, activating the synthesis of volatile fatty acids, amino acids and vitamin B6, and inhibiting methane production in the hindgut. The FMT results indicated the beneficial effect of Bifidobacterium on host growth and hindgut development. These results support the notion that the Bifidobacterium-dominated fecal microbiome would be an important driving force for promoting the host growth in the early life. Our findings provide new insights into the potential probiotic mining and application strategies to promote the growth of young animals or improve their growth retardation.

Harnessing Brewery Spent Grain for Polyhydroxyalkanoate Production

The utility of brewery spent grain (BSG), a byproduct of the beer production process, for the synthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), is a significant advancement towards sustainable and cost−effective biopolymer production. This paper reviews the upcycling potential of BSG as a substrate for PHA production, utilizing various biotechnological approaches to convert this abundant waste material into high−value biodegradable polymers. Through a comprehensive review of recent studies, we highlight the biochemical composition of BSG and its suitability for microbial fermentation processes. This research delves into different methodologies for PHA production from BSG, including the use of mixed microbial cultures (MMCs) for the synthesis of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), a critical precursor in PHA production, and solid−state fermentation (SSF) techniques. We also examine the optimization of process parameters such as pH, temperature, and microbial concentration through the application of the Doehlert design, revealing the intricate relationships between these factors and their impact on VFA profiles and PHA yields. Additionally, this paper discusses challenges and future perspectives for enhancing the efficiency and economic viability of PHA production from BSG. By harnessing the untapped potential of BSG, this research contributes to the development of a circular economy model, emphasizing waste valorization and the creation of sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics.

Bioreduction of chromate in a syngas-based membrane biofilm reactor

This study leveraged synthesis gas (syngas), a renewable resource attainable through the gasification of biowaste, to achieve efficient chromate removal from water. To enhance syngas transfer efficiency, a membrane biofilm reactor (MBfR) was employed. Long-term reactor operation showed a stable and high-level chromate removal efficiency > 95%, yielding harmless Cr(III) precipitates, as visualised by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Corresponding to the short hydraulic retention time of 0.25 days, a high chromate removal rate of 80 µmol/L/d was attained. In addition to chromate reduction, in situ production of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) by gas fermentation was observed. Three sets of in situ batch tests and two groups of ex situ batch tests jointly unravelled the mechanisms, showing that biological chromate reduction was primarily driven by VFAs produced from in situ syngas fermentation, whereas hydrogen originally present in the syngas played a minor role. 16 S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing has confirmed the enrichment of syngas-fermenting bacteria (such as Sporomusa), who performed in situ gas fermentation leading to the synthesis of VFAs, and organics-utilising bacteria (such as Aquitalea), who utilised VFAs to drive chromate reduction. These findings, combined with batch assays, elucidate the pathways orchestrating synergistic interactions between fermentative microbial cohorts and chromate-reducing microorganisms. The findings facilitate the development of cost-effective strategies for groundwater and drinking water remediation and present an alternative application scenario for syngas.

Optimization of Long-Chain Fatty Acid Synthesis from CO 2 Using Response Surface Methodology

A microbial electrosynthesis cell (MES) is an electrochemical technique in which electrolithoautotrophic electroactive microbes fix carbon dioxide (CO2) to longer-chain volatile fatty acids (VFAs). The synthesis of VFAs from CO2 requires optimization to improve the MES performance for industrial feasibility. This work studied the effect of different parameters, such as pH, headspace gas pressure, ethanol concentration, electrolyte, and trace element concentrations, on VFA synthesis from CO2 that used mixed anaerobic consortia in serum bottles. The operational parameters were varied according to a central composite design (CCD) and response surface methodology (RSM). A global optimum for the response variables was determined. The optimum values of different operating factors to maximize VFA production that was obtained from the optimizations were 1.12 × 105 Pa pressure, pH 7.149, ethanol = 2,318.7 mg/L, three times the standard Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen (DSMZ) 300 electrolyte concentration and five times the standard DSMZ 300 trace elements concentration. The experimental study was validated in triplicate, which considered the optimal values. The rate of total VFA production that was obtained from the operational parameters experimental study was 43.7 ± 5.9 mg/L/day under this optimized condition, which agreed with the predicted value of 30.39 mg/L/day. For the media optimization, validation of the experimental study was conducted at the optimal values, and their experimental response was 79.75 ± 19.26 mg/L/day, and the predicted response was 75.89 mg/L/day for total VFA production rates.

Relationship between hindgut microbes and feed conversion ratio in Hu sheep and microbial longitudinal development.

Feed efficiency is an important indicator in the sheep production process, which plays an important role in improving economic benefits and strengthening energy conservation and emission reduction. Compared with the rumen, the fermentation of the hindgut microorganisms can also provide part of the energy for the host, and the composition of the hindgut microorganisms will affect the feed efficiency. Therefore, we hope to find new ways to regulate sheep feed efficiency by studying the sheep gut microbes. In this study, male Hu sheep with the same birth date were raised under the same conditions until 180 d old. The sheep were divided into high and low groups according to the feed conversion ratio (FCR) at 80 to 180 d old, and the differences in rectal microorganisms between the two groups were compared. The permutational multivariate analysis (PERMANOVA) test showed that there were differences in microorganisms between the two groups (P < 0.05). Combined with linear fitting analysis, a total of six biomarkers were identified, including Ruminobacter, Eubacterium_xylanophilum_group, Romboutsia, etc. Functional enrichment analysis showed that microorganisms may affect FCR through volatile fatty acids synthesis and inflammatory response. At the same time, we conducted a longitudinal analysis of the hindgut microbes, sampling nine-time points throughout the sheep birth to market stages. The microbiota is clearly divided into two parts: before weaning and after weaning, and after weaning microbes are less affected by before weaning microbial composition.

Seasonal characterization of the prokaryotic microbiota of full-scale anaerobic UASB reactors treating domestic sewage in southern Brazil.

Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) reactors are alternatives in the anaerobic treatment of sanitary sewage in different parts of the world; however, in temperate environments, they are subject to strong seasonal influence. Understanding the dynamics of the microbial community in these systems is essential to propose operational alternatives, improve projects and increase the quality of treated effluents. In this study, for one year, high-performance sequencing, associated with bioinformatics tools for taxonomic annotation and functional prediction was used to characterize the microbial community present in the sludge of biodigesters on full-scale, treating domestic sewage at ambient temperature. Among the most representative phyla stood out Desulfobacterota (20.21-28.64%), Proteobacteria (7.48-24.90%), Bacteroidota (10.05-18.37%), Caldisericota (9.49-17.20%), and Halobacterota (3.23-6.55%). By performing a Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA), Methanolinea was correlated to the efficiency in removing Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Bacteroidetes_VadinHA17 to the production of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), and CI75cm.2.12 at temperature. On the other hand, Desulfovibrio, Spirochaetaceae_uncultured, Methanosaeta, Lentimicrobiaceae_unclassified, and ADurb.Bin063-1 were relevant in shaping the microbial community in a co-occurrence network. Diversity analyses showed greater richness and evenness for the colder seasons, possibly, due to the lesser influence of dominant taxa. Among the principal metabolic functions associated with the community, the metabolism of proteins and amino acids stood out (7.74-8.00%), and the genes related to the synthesis of VFAs presented higher relative abundance for the autumn and winter. Despite the differences in diversity and taxonomic composition, no significant changes were observed in the efficiency of the biodigesters.

Impact of Inclusion of Multicomponent Synbiotic Russian Holstein Dairy Cow's Rations on Milk Yield, Rumen Fermentation, and Some Blood Biochemical Parameters.

The purpose of this study was to appraise the effect of the inclusion of multicomponent synbiotic “Kormomix® Rumin” in feeding lactating Holstein cows on milk productivity, indicators of rumen fermentation metabolism, and some hematological and biochemical parameters of the blood. For this study, 40 highly productive Russian Holstein cows were selected according to their productivity, physiological condition, live weight, and age. They were divided into four groups (10 heads/each). All animals received the basal total mixed ration (TMR), which was balanced and corresponded to the nutritional requirements for cows during the milking period with a milk yield of 36 kg/daily. The first group (control) fed basal (TMR) only while the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th group fed the basal (TMR) supplemented with a multicomponent synbiotic “Kormomix® Rumin” in amounts 25, 50, and 75 g/head/day, respectively, which was administered manually and individually after morning feeding daily and mixing carefully together with the concentrates directly after calving until 120 DIM. Milk, ruminal fluid, and blood samples were collected for studying the studied parameters. The highest values in all studied milk parameters were recorded in the 2nd experimental group but the differences were not significant. The inclusion of “Kormomix® Rumin” increased significantly the synthesis of volatile fatty acids in the 2nd experimental group (9.38 vs. 7.04 mmol/100 ml) in the control group. The level of serum α-Amylase (total) decreased significantly in the 2nd experimental group compared with other groups. The urea level recorded the lowest value in the control group, while the urea/creatinine ratio recorded the lowest value in the 4th group and the differences were significant when compared with the 2nd group. Accordingly, the inclusion of synbiotic “Kormomix® Rumin” in the diets of lactating cows has no impact on milk production. Whereas, it improves the intensity of rumen fermentation, which contributes to more efficient utilization of feed without any harmful effects on blood traits. Moreover, the recommended dose for use in their diets is 25 g/head/day.

Altered Intestinal Production of Volatile Fatty Acids in Dogs Triggered by Lactulose and Psyllium Treatment.

The intestinal microbiome of dogs can be influenced by a number of factors such as non-starch polysaccharides as well as some non-digestible oligo- and disaccharides. These molecules are only decomposed by intestinal anaerobic microbial fermentation, resulting in the formation of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), which play a central role in maintaining the balance of the intestinal flora and affecting the health status of the host organism. In the present study, the effects of lactulose and psyllium husk (Plantago ovata) were investigated regarding their influence on concentrations of various VFAs produced by the canine intestinal microbiome. Thirty dogs were kept on a standard diet for 15 days, during which time half of the animals received oral lactulose once a day, while the other group was given a psyllium-supplemented diet (in 0.67 and in 0.2 g/kg body weight concentrations, respectively). On days 0, 5, 10 and 15 of the experiment, feces were sampled from the rectum, and the concentration of each VFA was determined by GC-MS (gas chromatography–mass spectrometry). Lactulose administration caused a significant increase in the total VFA concentration of the feces on days 10 and 15 of the experiment (p = 0.035 and p < 0.001, respectively); however, in the case of psyllium supplementation, the concentration of VFAs showed a significant elevation only on day 15 (p = 0.003). Concentrations of acetate and propionate increased significantly on days 5, 10 and 15 after lactulose treatment (p = 0.044, p = 0.048 and p < 0.001, respectively). Following psyllium administration, intestinal acetate, propionate and n-butyrate production were stimulated on day 15, as indicated by the fecal VFA levels (p = 0.002, p = 0.035 and p = 0.02, respectively). It can be concluded that both lactulose and psyllium are suitable for enhancing the synthesis of VFAs in the intestines of dogs. Increased acetate and propionate concentrations were observed following the administration of both supplements; however, elevated n-butyrate production was found only after psyllium treatment, suggesting that the applied prebiotics may exert slightly different effects in the hindgut of dogs. These findings can be also of great importance regarding the treatment and management of patients suffering from intestinal disorders as well as hepatic encephalopathy due to portosystemic shunt.

Dose-dependent effect of plants of the Lamiaceae family on the concentration of methane, fatty acids and nitrogen in the ecosystem in vitro

Fermentation processes in the rumen of ruminants determine how much final metabolites and their derivatives will be formed, which are necessary for the full development of the organism, the level of productivity, and also affect the level of formation of endogenous substances, namely, greenhouse gas emissions. These criteria lead us to the search for new feed products that improve the metabolic processes of the rumen and the digestive system as a whole, so phyto-substances can serve as an alternative. The article presents the results of in vitro study of the influence of Salviae folia, Scutellaria baicalensis, Oríganum vulgáre on formation of methane, synthesis of volatile fatty acids and nitrogen, as the main indicator parameters of the enzymatic activity of the rumen of ruminants. It was found that when using phyto- substances: Salviae folia and Scutellaria baicalensis, more acetic and propionic acid was formed, Oríganum vulgare in various dosages shifted towards propionic and valeric acid. Formation of a larger amount of microbial protein (P≤0.05) with use of Salviae folia, Scutellaria baicalensis, Oríganum vulgáre in various dosages was established. Methane production decreased with use of Oríganum vulgáre.

Advances in nanotechnology and the benefits of using cellulose nanofibers in animal nutrition.

The production of cellulose nanofibers promotes the utilization of plant residues that are generated in agro-industries during food processing. The utilization of these plant by-products reduces environmental contamination. Cellulose nanofibers are used in several sectors, including the drug, food, and animal nutrition industries. Many sources of nanofibers used in animal diets can be used as potential fiber substitutes after being processed to improve efficiency. For instance, including nanometric particles of plant fibers (<100 nm) in animal feed may provide excellent physical properties such as high reactivity, a large surface area, and improved nutrient absorption from the diet. Nanotechnology improves the characteristics of fibers that are important for gastrointestinal transit and their utilization as energy sources and substrates for microbial fermentation in the digestive tract of animals. Nanofibers can improve the synthesis of volatile fatty acids and the blood lipid profile, with positive effects on the intestinal health of animals. Moreover, in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated promising effects in reducing blood glucose levels without toxic effects on the body. Supplying nanofibers in the diet improve animal performance, increase productivity, and work toward a more sustainable economic development of agribusinesses. The quality of animal products such as meat, milk, and eggs is also reported to be improved with the inclusion of nanominerals in the feed. Overall, the application of nanotechnology to harness the by-products of agro-industries can increase economic viability and sustainability in animal production systems. Therefore, this review presents a current survey on the main research and advances in the utilization of nanotechnology, focusing on cellulose nanofibers in animal feed to improve animal performance.

Effect of Elevated Hydrogen Partial Pressure on Mixed Culture Homoacetogenesis

This study aimed to systematically investigate the effect of elevated hydrogen partial pressure on mixed culture homoacetogenesis in the range of 1–25 bar. Seven batch experiments were performed at different initial headspace pressures, i.e., 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 bar. The 15 bar batch showed the highest gas uptake rate (6.22 mol h−1L−1) and volatile fatty acids synthesis (3.55 g L−1) by a final microbial consortium that was found to be largely reduced in complexity compared to the original inoculum culture and dominated by members of the Pseudomonadaceae and Clostridiaceae. Product distribution shifted from acetate to C3-C5 acids at a pressure above 15 bar. 15 bar was found to be the optimum elevated pressure for the used mixed culture fermentation medium and biodiversity used in this study, and pressure above 15 bar inhibited the microbial consortia and resulted in lowered gas uptake rate and product synthesis.

Production of Volatile Fatty Acids in a Semi-Continuous Dark Fermentation of Kitchen Waste: Impact of Organic Loading Rate and Hydraulic Retention Time

The aim of the study was to evaluate the possibility of using the process of dark fermentation to convert kitchen waste into valuable volatile fatty acids in a semi-continuous process at different values of the organic loading rate (2.5 and 5.0 gVS/(L × d)) and hydraulic retention time (5 and 10 d) using anaerobic mixed microbial consortia. The experiments were performed in a bioreactor of working volume 8L with pH control. The maximum volatile fatty acids yield in a steady state (22.3 g/L) was achieved at the organic loading rate of 5.0 gVS/(L × d) and HRT of 10 days. The main products of dark fermentation were acetic and butyric acids, constituting, respectively, 35.2–47.7% and 24.1–30.0% of all identified volatile fatty acids. Additionally, at the beginning of the fermentation and in a steady-state condition, the microbial population analysis (16S rDNA) of the fermentation mixture with the most effective volatile fatty acids generation has been performed to monitor the DF microflora development. The dominant microorganisms at a phylum level in a steady state were Firmicutes (44.9%) and Bacteroidetes (30.1%), which indicate the main role of those phyla in the volatile fatty acids synthesis.

АНАЛИЗ ЖИРНОКИСЛОТНОГО СОСТАВА МОЛОКА КОРОВ НА ФОНЕ ДОБАВКИ МОДИФИЦИРОВАННОГО ДИАТОМИТА

The article presents the results of studying the effect of modified diatomite as part of a complex additive at the ratio of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in cow’s milk. Production and physiological tests were carried out on the basis of a dairy farm LLC “Agrofirma Tetyushskoe” in the Ulyanovsk region on black-and-white cows of 2...3 lactation. For the physiological experiment, animals were selected by the method of analogues by live weight, number and month of lactation, pregnancy, and physiological state. The complex additive included modified diatomite, diacetophenonyl selenide containing organic selenium (DAFS), sunflower oil, and feed yeast. Additive based on 250 g/head/day mixed with feed once a day was administered in the diet of animals of the experimental group, the other group was a control and received no additive. The additive had an effect on the fatty acid composition of milk and contributed to an increase in the fraction of saturated fatty acids with a short chain. In the fat fraction, the amount of saturated short-chain fatty acids increases by 4.0% due to an increase in the content of capric (by 6.7%), lauric (by 12.3%, P&lt;0.05), myristic (by 13.3%, P&lt;0.05), palmitic (by 17.1%, P&lt;0.05), which is a positive factor and indicates an active synthesis of volatile fatty acids, primarily acetate and 3-hydroxybutyrate. At the same time, there was a sharp decline in the content of stearic (27.3%, P&lt;0.05) and arachinic (27.6%, P&lt;0.05) acids. The milk of cows in the experimental group showed a decrease in the level of monounsaturated fatty acids by 7.4%.

Electrotrophy of biocathodes regulates microbial-electro-catalyzation of CO2 to fatty acids in single chambered system

Microbial electrochemical conversion of CO2 to value-added products needs effectual biocathodes. In this study, three different working electrodes (biocathode) namely carbon cloth (CC, MES1), stainless steel mesh (SS, MES2) and hybrid electrode (CC + SS, MES3) were evaluated in membrane-less single-chambered Microbial electrosynthesis systems (MESs). Performance of MES was assessed by total volatile fatty acids (VFA) productivity and, reductive current generations upon continuous poised potential (−0.4 V vs. Ag/AgCl (3.5 M KCl)). MES3 showed higher VFA synthesis (CC + SS; 1.4 g VFA/L), followed by MES1 (CC; 1.1 g VFA/L) and MES2 (SS; 0.8 g VFA/L) with corresponding reductive current generation of −1.13 mA, −2.74 mA and −0.39 mA. Electro-kinetics revealed the biocathode efficacy towards enhanced electrotrophy with confined electron losses by regulating electron flux in the system. The study infers the potential of hybrid electrode as an efficient biocathode for the reduction of CO2 to VFA synthesis.

Valorization of food waste and economical treatment: Effect of inoculation methods

We evaluated cost-effective food waste (FW) treatment and synthesis of volatile fatty acids (VFA) using a leach bed reactor (LBR) operated at neutral pH and room temperature to maximize the profit from recovered products. Three inoculation strategies that include (1) inoculum pretreatment, (2) pretreatment plus leachate recycle, and (3) sole leachate recycle were examined and LBR performance was compared in these inoculation conditions. The inoculation method influenced the hydrolysis of FW in the LBR. Hydrolysis yield was as high as 771 ± 4 g cum.sCOD/kg VSadded with the second inoculation method only in a short reaction time of 6 d. Butyric and acetic acids consistently dominated VFA, and the LBR achieved the highest VFA yield of 649 ± 13 g COD/kg VSadded in the second inoculation. Bacterial community dynamics targeting 16S rRNA gene suggested that Roseburia would be the key player to fermentation of slowly biodegradable FW (e.g., fibers), while multiple types of bacteria affiliated with Enterobacteriaceae, Lactococcus, and Bacteroides mainly fermented FW to butyric and acetic acids at initial phase. The operating cost for FW treatment was calculated $88.1-$126.8 per ton of VSadded in the LBR. This study suggests that LBRs can economically stabilize FW only in 6 d without regular inoculation of exogenous microorganisms, along with high VFA recovery.

Sheep fermentation in sheep in case of feeding of different quality corn silage

The results of studies on the effect of corn silage conditions and degree of grinding on its quality, eatability and digestion in the body of sheep are presented in the article. &#x0D; Studies show that the rates of scar fermentation of sheep depend on the level of grinding corn on silage fed to the animals. The proteolytic activity of sheep microorganisms in both balance experiments was at the level of 2.28 ± 0.32 to 2.34 ± 0.18 units.&#x0D; The cellulosolytic activity of the microorganisms of the contained rumen in sheep during the first balance experiment was found to be significant - 11.98 ± 0.42 - 12.12 ± 0.38% and did not differ from that activity in sheep during the second balance experiment - 12.02 ± 0 , 66 - 12.56 ± 0.44%.&#x0D; Feeding the silage from corn in the stage of milky-waxy ripeness of the sheep in the experimental period had a positive effect on the activity of the microorganisms of the rumen.&#x0D; The amylolytic activity of rumen microorganisms in the animals of the first group (silo with a grinding value of 0.4 - 1.0 cm) was 0.92 ± 0.06 conventional amylolytic units. In sheep of the second group (silo with a value of grinding 1,0 - 2,0 cm) this indicator was 1,26 times (p &lt;0,01), and of the third group (silo with a value of grinding 2,0 - 3,0 cm) in 1.07 times higher than in animals of the first group. Feeding experimental animals silage from corn waxy ripeness of the grain also contributed to the increased activity of the microorganisms of the rumen.&#x0D; Amylolytic activity in sheep of the second experimental group was 0.90 ± 0.08 conventional am. units, which is 1.17 times less than this indicator of the animals of the second group and was 4.65% more than in the animals of the third group. At the same time, the proteolytic activity of the rumen microorganisms in the animals of the second group was 1.09 times less than in the animals of the second group during the first balance experiment, which indicates the physiology of the silage obtained from corn milky-waxy ripeness of the grain. So, the amylolytic activity of sheep microorganisms at the end of the equilibrium period of the first balance experiment ranged from 0.82 ± 0.04 to 0.85 ± 0.06 conventional am. units, and during the second balance experiment from 0.80 ± 0.06 to 0.84 ± 0.04 conditional am. units&#x0D; The level of total nitrogen in the contained scar of animals during the first balance experiment was 1.08, 1.18, 1.11 times higher (p &lt;0.05) than in animals fed a silage of corn in the waxy stage grain.&#x0D; Indicators of carbohydrate-lipid metabolism in the body of sheep during the first balance experiment indicate the efficiency of feeding silage from maize to animals in the stage of milky-waxy ripeness of grain, which is accompanied by activation of synthesis of volatile fatty acids in the rumen by 1.38 times (p &lt;0.01) that was 1.12 times (p &lt;0.05).

Deciphering acidogenic process towards biohydrogen, biohythane, and short chain fatty acids production: multi-output optimization strategy

Optimization of process parameters is crucial to understand the acidogenic fermentation process and its regulation towards the production of specific metabolites, viz., biohydrogen (H2), methane (CH4), biohythane (H2+CH4), and volatile fatty acids (VFA). Design of experiments (DOE) based on orthogonal array (OA) was employed to optimize and evaluate the influence of eight critical factors on multiple metabolic output parameters. Analysis of the experimental data revealed a specific influential regime of selected factors in terms of biogas generation and/or VFA synthesis. Application of pretreated inoculum as biocatalyst and high substrate concentration showed substantial enhancement of both H2 and VFA production. High COD of 10 g/L in combination with pretreated inoculum resulted in higher cumulative hydrogen production (CHP), while the higher fraction of acetic acid in the fermentation broth resulted in a higher degree of acidification (DOA). H2/H2+CH4 ratio varied from 0.1 to 0.97 and the application of untreated inoculum was shown to favor biohythane (H2+CH4) production. Overall, this communication holistically documented the feasibility of regulating acidogenic fermentation process towards a spectrum of metabolic end products of high value, while waste treatment was also achieved.

In vitro modulation of rumen microbiota and fermentation by native microorganisms isolated from the rumen of a fed-exclusively-on-pasture bovine

In order to increase productive yields, modulation of rumen fermentation has been a concern in economically relevant species. The ban of antibiotics has driven attention into alternative strategies to modulate ruminal fermentation. Among these, the use of probiotics appears as an interesting approach. The objective of this work was to assess the potential of native bacteria isolated from the rumen of a fed-on-template-pasture cow to modulate fermentation in vitro and to influence the microbiota structure. Seven native ruminal bacteria strains were used in an in vitro gas production experiment. Fermentation dynamics were evaluated, and volatile fatty acids (VFA) and methane were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC), respectively. Microbiota structure was assessed by pyrosequencing and methanogens were quantified by quantitative PCR (qPCR). Added strains modulated fermentation dynamics and VFA synthesis. Neither the general structure of the fermenters microbiota, numbers of methanogenic microorganisms nor methane production were altered by added bacteria. However, addition of two strains reduced the volume of gas produced from soluble carbohydrates, while one of them reduced the ratio of gas production in this phase; this was supported by a VFA concentration diminution (4 h incubation) in almost every treatment. Gas produced by fermentation of non-soluble carbohydrates and its fermentation ratio were enhanced by several strains. Also, the abundances of Lachnospiraceae, Veillonellaceae, Rikenellaceae and Succinivibrionaceae were affected by strain supplementation. Modulation of fermentation by selected ruminal native bacteria was achieved, probably enhancing the fermentation of non-soluble carbohydrates. This study represents a new approach in the knowledge related to the use of probiotics in ruminants.

Management of various organic fractions of municipal solid waste via recourse to VFA and biogas generation

A hybrid anaerobic solid–liquid system was used for anaerobic digestion of organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) consisting of mixed food + fruit waste and vegetable waste. Hydrolysis and acidogenesis potential of the above wastes were evaluated with the aim of producing value-added products in the form of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and biogas recovery. Efficient hydrolysis and acidogenesis of mixed food + fruit waste was observed at a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 1–3 d with a five-fold increase in soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) followed by VFA production consisting of 50–75% acetic acid. Longer time was required for hydrolysis of vegetable waste with optimum hydrolysis and SCOD generation at 9 d HRT followed by VFA synthesis consisting of 45% acetic acid. Higher inoculum:substrate ratios resulted in improved hydrolysis and acidogenesis rates for vegetable waste in shorter time of 6 d with higher VFA production and increase in acetic acid content to 70%. When acidogenic leachate was fed into methanogenic reactors, detectable biogas production was observed after 25 d with 37–53% SCOD removal from leachate from mixed food + fruit waste and methane production of 0.066–0.1 L g−1 SCOD removed and methane content of 38%. Though biogas yield from acidogenic leachate from vegetable waste was lower, nearly 94% volatile solids (VS) removal was observed in the reactors thereby providing methane yield of 0.13–0.21 L g−1 VS consumed. Thus, the study provided a method for generation of value-added products from an otherwise misplaced resource in the form of OFMSW.