Showing papers in "Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology in 2010"
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of different process parameters such as pH of the medium, temperature, inoculum size, age of inoculum, agitation and incubation time was monitored to enhance the lactose conversion in whey to L(+) lactic acid.
Abstract: The aim of this work was to study the fermentation of whey for the production of L(+) lactic acid using Lactobacillus casei. The effect of different process parameters such as pH of the medium, temperature, inoculum size, age of inoculum, agitation and incubation time was monitored to enhance the lactose conversion in whey to L(+) lactic acid. Fermentations were performed without any pH control. The optimization of the fermentation conditions resulted in significant decrease in fermentation time, besides increase in lactose conversion to lactic acid. The optimized process conditions resulted in high lactose conversion (95.62%) to L(+) lactic acid production (33.73 g/L) after an incubation period of 36 h.
107 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the main microbial aspects and research on atrazine degradation by isolated microbial species and microbial consortia, as well as approaches on the development of techniques for microbial removal of Atrazine in natural environments.
Abstract: The world practice of using agrochemicals for long periods, in an indiscriminated and abusive way, has been a concern of the authorities involved in public health and sustainability of the natural resources, as a consequence of environmental contamination. Agrochemicals refer to a broad range of insecticides, fungicides and herbicides, and among them stands out atrazine, a herbicide intensively used in sugarcane, corn and sorghum cultures, among others. Researches have demonstrated that atrazine has toxic effects in algae, aquatic plants, aquatic insects, fishes and mammals. Due to the toxicity and persistence of atrazine in the environment, the search of microbial strains capable of degrading it is fundamental to the development of bioremediation processes, as corrective tools to solve the current problems of the irrational use of agrochemicals. This review relates the main microbial aspects and research on atrazine degradation by isolated microbial species and microbial consortia, as well as approaches on the development of techniques for microbial removal of atrazine in natural environments.
93 citations
TL;DR: In this article, physicochemical, morphology and pasting properties of starches extracted from water chestnuts of three Lakes of Kashmir valley (Wular, Anchar and Dal Lakes) were conducted to determine their application in different food products.
Abstract: Studies on physicochemical, morphology and pasting properties of starches extracted from water chestnuts of three Lakes of Kashmir valley (Wular, Anchar and Dal Lakes) were conducted to determine their application in different food products. The water chestnut starch from Dal Lake had more oval shaped granules than water chestnut starches from the Wular and the Anchar Lakes.The unique feature of the water chestnut starches were shape of starch granules which looked like horn(s) protruding from the surface which did not appear in other starches already studied. Proximate analysis of water chestnut starches showed that average protein content were 0.4%, amylose 29.5 % and ash 0.007 on dry weight basis. Increase in water binding capacity, swelling power and solubility was found over a temperature range of 50-90oC. Water chestnut starches showed an increase in syneresis during freeze thaw cycles and decline in paste clarity upon storage. Starch extracted from the water chestnuts of the Dal Lake showed higher water binding capacity, swelling, solubility, past clarity, freeze thaw stability, peak viscosity, final viscosity and lower protein content, amylose content, pasting temperature and gel firmness than starches extracted from water chestnuts of the Wular and the Anchar Lakes.
74 citations
TL;DR: Comparative efficacy of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) crude powder and salinomycin sodium on the occurrence of coccidiosis and growth performance of broiler was evaluated and maximum coccidiostatic effect was observed with turmeric showing mild bloody diarrhea as compared to other infected groups receiving turmeric containing rations.
Abstract: Comparative efficacy of turmeric (Curcuma longa L) crude powder and salinomycin sodium on the occurrence of coccidiosis and growth performance of broiler was evaluated A total of 90, day-old chicks were randomly divided into six groups From first day onward, ration was supplemented with 1, 2 and 3 % turmeric powder in groups 2, 3 and 4, respectively, group 1 received salinomycin sodium @ 12 g 50 kg-1 feed while groups 5 and 6 were kept as infected un-medicated and uninfected un-medicated controls First five groups were infected with Eimeria tenella sporulated oocysts @ 1,00,000/chick at the age of 20 days Body weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio were investigated throughout the experimental period, and bloody diarrhea and oocysts excretions were investigated at the first and the second week after infection Maximum coccidiostatic effect was observed with turmeric (3%) showing mild bloody diarrhea as compared to other infected groups receiving turmeric containing rations This effect was comparable with a standard coccidiostat ie, salinomycin sodium Similarly, the weight gain in the groups treated with salinomycin sodium (2280g) and 3% turmeric (2293g) were also significantly higher (p < 005) than that of infected control group (1955g) In the groups treated with ration supplemented with 3% turmeric powder and salinomycin sodium, the peak excretion of oocysts was delayed about 1 or 2 days relative to the control infected group Concentration-dependent coccidiostatic effect of turmeric suggested that further studies should be carried out to determine the possible maximum safe levels of turmeric with least toxic effects to be used as coccidiostat
74 citations
TL;DR: The illness observed in tilapia naturally infected with S. agalactiae was experimentally reproduced in this study, and the clinical signs produced were similar to those reported from the natural infections.
Abstract: The pathogenesis of a Streptococcus agalactiae was evaluated in a three-period experiment. Two groups of 40 fishes were intraperitoneally (i.p.) challenged in each experimental period with different infective doses of the pathogen. Doses varied from 1.0 x 106 to 1.5 x 108 CFU/fish. One group of 40 tilapia i.p. injected with tryptic soy broth (TSB) was used as a control group in each period. Mortalities varied from 67.5% in group 8 (infective dose 1.0 x 106 CFU/fish) to 90.0% in group 1 (infective dose 1.5 x 108 CFU/fish). Significant differences in mortalities were found only between group 8 and each of the other groups, except group 5 (infective dose 6.0 x 106 CFU/fish; mortality 75.0%). The highest mortality coefficients were observed in days 1-2 after inoculation (accumulated mortality 44.4%), and a second peak of mortality occurred at days 6-7. Challenged fishes from all the groups showed alterations in behaviour and similar clinical signs. These were anorexia, lethargy, erratic swimming, exophthalmia and ascites. Macroscopically, skin hemorrhage, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly with organ paleness and visceral adherences were observed. S. agalactiae was re-isolated from all the fishes from the experimental groups submitted to bacteriological examination. The illness observed in tilapia naturally infected with S. agalactiae was experimentally reproduced in this study, and the clinical signs produced were similar to those reported from the natural infections.
62 citations
TL;DR: Water bathing at the farm was a critical manoeuvre for increasing the unfavourable truck microenvironment for short journey, whereas conversely for longer journey it was less stressful influencing the broiler breast meat quality.
Abstract: The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of road transportation conditions on the occurrence of broiler PSE-(Pale, Soft, Exudative) and DFD-like (Dark, Firm, Dry) meats in the Brazilian commercial slaughterhouse plant. Samples of Pectoralis major m from 47-day-old broilers of commercial lineage were analyzed. The results indicated that water-bathing birds just before journey over 3.0km promoted the occurrence of 46.0% of PSE and 4.0% of DFD-like meat, while birds under non-water bathing conditions presented 14.7 and 2.0%, respectively. For a distance of 68.0km, the occurrences of PSE-and DFD-like meat were 44.0 and 0.0% under water bathing conditions, and 52.0 and 0.0% without water bathing, respectively. Water bathing at the farm was a critical manoeuvre for increasing the unfavourable truck microenvironment for short journey, whereas conversely for longer journey it was less stressful influencing the broiler breast meat quality.
60 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, three strains of Trichoderma reesei were cultivated in media with pre-treated bagasse and vinasse and the results showed that the treatment of the bagasse with 2% H 2O2 + 1.5% NaOH + autoclave resulted in a greater fibe r breakage increasing the cellulose level up to 1.2 times and decreasing 8.5 times the hemicellulose content.
Abstract: In this present work, three strains of Pleurotus an d Trichoderma reesei were cultivated in media with pre-treated bagasse and vinasse. Cellulolytic and lignolytic ac tivities and biomass production were analyzed. The treatment of the bagasse with 2% H 2O2 + 1.5% NaOH + autoclave resulted in a greater fibe r breakage increasing the cellulose level up to 1.2 times and decreasing 8.5 times the hemicellulose content. This treatment also resulted in a high lignolytic activity for all cultures utilized. T. reesei produced laccase, peroxidase and manganese-pe roxidase in all the treatments, having its manganese-peroxidase act ivity raging from 1.9 to 4.8 times higher than the basidiomycetes.
55 citations
TL;DR: Investigation of the production of the fungi Isaria fumosorosea and Isaria farinosa in biphasic fermentation using agro-industrial products and residues demonstrated that the two fungal species could be rapidly produced with higher yield of conidia on agro -industrial resources by using biphasics.
Abstract: This work investigated the production of the fungi Isaria fumosorosea and Isaria farinosa in biphasic fermentation using agro-industrial products and residues. Combinations of natural liquid substrates, alternative to the complete medium and potato dextrose medium, were evaluated. The best liquid media were sugarcane molasses + rice broth, rice broth + yeast and sugarcane molasses + yeast + rice broth, which resulted in the highest viable propagule concentration. The molasses + rice broth medium was selected for the next phase of the study in which the production of both fungal isolates was evaluated in solid grain substrates. In solid-state fermentation, the best conidia production was achieved with the soybean meal and broken corn for I. farinosa, and whole rice and broken rice for I. fumosorosea. Results demonstrated that the two fungal species could be rapidly produced with higher yield of conidia on agro-industrial resources by using biphasic fermentation techniques.
51 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a methodology involving sugar cane bagasse bioadsorbent was developed in order to remove the carcinogenic congo red dye from aqueous medium, and the results showed high efficiency with retention of 64 ± 6% in synthetic congo RED solution and 94 ± 5% in effluent enriched with congo Red, at 10.0 g of the bioadhesive.
Abstract: A methodology involving sugar cane bagasse bioadsorbent was developed in order to remove the carcinogenic congo red dye from aqueous medium. The results showed high efficiency with retention of 64 ± 6% in synthetic congo red solution and 94 ± 5% in effluent enriched with congo red, at 10.0 g of the bioadsorbent. The adsorption system provided a maximum adsorption capacity of 4.43 mg/g. Tests showed independence adsorption properties, when compared with the column flow rates. The treatment units could be operated with flexibility. From the results, it was possible to conclude that sugar cane bagasse could be an adequate bioadsorbent.
49 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that sugars and lipids played important role in water movement, protecting the embryo cell membranes against injuries during dehydration.
Abstract: Considering the importance of water content for the conservation and storage of seeds, and the involvement of soluble carbohydrates and lipids for embryo development, a comparative study was carried out among the seeds of Inga vera (inga), Eugenia uniflora (pitanga), both classified as recalcitrant, and Caesalpinia echinata (brazilwood) and Erythrina speciosa (mulungu), considered as orthodox seeds. Low concentrations of cyclitols (0.3-0.5%), raffinose family oligosaccharides (ca. 0.05%) and unsaturated fatty acids (0-19%) were found in the seeds of inga and pitanga, while larger amounts of cyclitols (2-3%) and raffinose (4.6-13%) were found in brazilwood and mulungu, respectively. These results, in addition to higher proportions of unsaturated fatty acids (53-71%) in orthodox seeds, suggested that sugars and lipids played important role in water movement, protecting the embryo cell membranes against injuries during dehydration.
48 citations
TL;DR: Adding sewage sludge to desert soil improved the soil texture, raised the organic matter contents, water holding capacity and lowered pH value, and the contents of NPK gradually increased as the ratio of sewageSludge increased.
Abstract: This investigation was conducted to study the impacts of using sewage sludge at different concentrations (0, 10, 25, 50, 75%) in amendment of desert reclaimed soil properties and some physiological aspects in wheat and jews mallow plants. Generally adding sewage sludge to desert soil improved the soil texture, raised the organic matter contents, water holding capacity and lowered pH value. The contents of NPK gradually increased as the ratio of sewage sludge increased. The fresh and dry weights and biosyntheses of pigment contents of the variously treated test plants were increased by increasing the sewage sludge levels in the soil. Also, total carbohydrate and protein contents of sewage sludge-treated test plants were positively affected. With respect to the proline content and total free amino acids, in most cases, it decreased significantly, expect at 75% sewage sludge, which was higher than that of other concentrations. Also, the accumulation of metal was generally higher, especially in the root than that in the shoot system in the test plant tissues.
TL;DR: This work studied the parasitism capacity of Telenomus remus Nixon on Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) eggs at 15, 20, 25, 28, 31, and 35°C, aiming to use this natural enemy in biological control programs in crops where S. frug Piperda was considered pest.
Abstract: This work studied the parasitism capacity of Telenomus remus Nixon (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) on Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) eggs at 15, 20, 25, 28, 31, and 35°C, aiming to use this natural enemy in biological control programs in crops where S. frugiperda was considered pest. The parasitism during the first 24 h was 60.90, 81.65, 121.05, 117.55 and 108.55 parasited eggs per female from egg masses of approximately 150 eggs, at 15, 20, 25, 28 and 31°C, respectively. Females of T. remus reached parasitism higher than 80% at 15, 20, 25, 28 and 31oC at 5, 27, 8, 2, and 2 days, respectively. At 35oC, there was no parasitism. The highest parasitism rates occurred at 20, 25, 28 and 31°C. T. remus female longevity varied from 15.7 to 7.7 days from 15 to 31°C. The highest tested temperature (35°C) was inappropriate for T. remus development. At that temperature, female longevity was greatly reduced (1.7±0.02) and egg viability was null. All T. remus survival curves were of type I, which showed an increase in mortality rate with time.
TL;DR: The two endophytic fungi isolated from yacon roots as well as their antimicrobial activity detected in the crude extracts cultures were being reported for the first time.
Abstract: Papulaspora immersa and Arthrinium state of Apiospora montagnei Sacc. were isolated from the roots of Smallanthus sonchifolius (yacon). The crude extracts from their cultures inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Kocuria rhizophila, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. The more relevant results were observed in the ethyl acetate extract from P immersa against P aeruginosa (90 µg/mL) and ethyl acetate extract from Arthrinium state of A montagnei Sacc. against P aeruginosa (160 µg/mL). The two endophytic fungi isolated from yacon roots as well as their antimicrobial activity detected in the crude extracts cultures were being reported for the first time.
TL;DR: The establishment of mycorrhiza prior to the nematode infection contributed for the reduction of symptoms severity and reproduction of M. incognita in disinfested soil.
Abstract: The effects of inoculation of sweet passion fruit plants with the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus Scutellospora heterogama on the symptoms produced by Meloidogyne incognita race 1 and its reproduction were evaluated in two greenhouse experiments. In the 1st, the M. incognita (5000 eggs/plant) and S. heterogama (200 spores/plant) inoculations were simultaneous; in the 2nd, the nematodes were inoculated 120 days after the fungal inoculation. In both the experiments, 220 days after AM fungal inoculation, plant growth was stimulated by the fungus. In disinfested soil, control seedlings (without S. heterogama) were intolerant to parasitism of M. incognita, while the growth of mycorrhized seedlings was not affected. Sporulation of S. heterogama was negatively affected by the nematodes that did not impair the colonization. M. incognita did not affect mycorrhizal seedling growth. The establishment of mycorrhiza prior to the nematode infection contributed for the reduction of symptoms severity and reproduction of M. incognita in disinfested soil.
TL;DR: Four isolates of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum were tested for pathogenicity in IPA-10 variety bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), and all were pathogenic.
Abstract: Four isolates of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum were tested for pathogenicity in IPA-10 variety bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), and all were pathogenic. Biological control in vitro was evaluated using eight isolates of Trichoderma spp. and, one of Ulocladium atrum. Chemical control in vitro with fungicides Thiophanate methyl, Iprodione and Carbendazim was also tested. Except U. atrum, all Trichoderma isolates showed antagonistic potential against S. sclerotiorum, where isolate 3601 presented the best performance. Thiophanate methyl chemical control was the most efficient. This fungicide and isolate 3601were compared in vivo in greenhouse. There was statistical difference between the treatments, and the application of fungicide and antagonist before the pathogen was the most efficient approach, reducing the percentage of pathogenicity to 32.94% and 37.04%, respectively.
TL;DR: In this article, the wastewater of the processing of cassava's flour (manipueira) was submitted to the anaerobic treatment in two phases: acidogenic and methanogenic.
Abstract: The wastewater of the processing of cassava's flour (manipueira) was submitted to the anaerobic treatment in two phases: acidogenic and methanogenic. In the acidogenic phase, the wastewater was stabilized with NaOH (ASH) and with limestone (ASL). After that, both stabilized effluents were treated by a methanogenic reactor. Then, the effluent of the methanogenic reactor was used as fertilizer on maize in the initial growth stage (30 days), cultivated in pots in a greenhouse. The treatments were T1: control without urea addition (only N from soil); T2: NPK (2.2 g of urea with 45% of N); T3: ASH (84 mL.kgsoil-1); T4: ASL (102 mL.kgsoil-1); T5: double dose ASH (168 mL.kgsoil-1) and T6: double dose ASL (204 mL.kgsoil-1). Each treatment was composed by 4 plants/pot in five repetitions. It was observed that all the treatments with stabilized wastewater had favorable effect to the soil pH (> than 7.5) and basis saturation (V%) in the soil around to 90%. The performances of nitrogen absorption by the maize plants were 64, 54, 80 and 78% for T3, T4, T5 and T6, respectively.
TL;DR: Histological studies revealed that the callogenesis initiated in palisade parenchyma cells and that the adventitious buds were formed from the calluses, indicating indirect organogenesis, and regenerating plants of E. camaldulensis from the cotyledonary explants.
Abstract: The present work aimed at regenerating plants of Eucalyptus camaldulensis from the cotyledonary explants and describing the anatomy of the tissues during callogenesis and organogenesis processes, in order to determine the origin of the buds. The cotyledonary leaves of E. camaldulensis were cultured in Murashige and Skoog (MS), WPM and JADS media supplemented with 2.7 µM NAA and 4.44 µM BAP. The best results for bud regeneration were obtained on MS and WPM media (57.5 and 55% of calluses formed buds, respectively). Shoot elongation and rooting (80%) were obtained on MS/2 medium (with half-strength salt concentration) with 0.2% activated charcoal. Acclimatization was performed in the growth chamber for 48 h and then the plants were transferred to a soil:vermiculite mixture and cultured in a greenhouse. Histological studies revealed that the callogenesis initiated in palisade parenchyma cells and that the adventitious buds were formed from the calluses, indicating indirect organogenesis. Key words: Adventitious buds; Callogenesis; Organogenesis; Tissue culture; Anatomical study
TL;DR: This review describes the action of oxidative stress in the cells aging process, emphasizing the factors such as cellular oxidative damage, its consequences and the main protective measures taken to prevent or delay this process.
Abstract: Various theories try to explain the biological aging by changing the functions and structure of organic systems and cells. During lifetime, free radicals in the oxidative stress lead to lipid peroxidation of cellular membranes, homeostasis imbalance, chemical residues formation, gene mutations in DNA, dysfunction of certain organelles, and the arise of diseases due to cell death and/or injury. This review describes the action of oxidative stress in the cells aging process, emphasizing the factors such as cellular oxidative damage, its consequences and the main protective measures taken to prevent or delay this process. Tests with antioxidants: vitamins A, E and C, flavonoids, carotenoids and minerals, the practice of caloric restriction and physical exercise, seeking the beneficial effects on human health, increasing longevity, reducing the level of oxidative stress, slowing the cellular senescence and origin of certain diseases, are discussed.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors studied the effect of moisture content and inoculum on the growth and conidia production by Beauveria bassiana on wheat bran (WB) media and showed that the highest growth rate of B. bassiana 885.2 on WB media was obtained at w = 1.0, with no detected growth at a w < 0.97.
Abstract: The aim of the present work was to study the effect of moisture content and inoculum on the growth and conidia production by Beauveria bassiana on wheat bran (WB).The highest growth rate of B. bassiana 885.2 on WB media was obtained at a w =1.0, with no detected growth at a w < 0.97. Solid-state fermentation (SSF) using WB (66% moisture; a w =1.0) achieved a maximal yield of 1.18x10 10 conidia per gram of dry substrate (gds). This yield decreased one order of magnitude with higher moisture contents or the addition of sugarcane bagasse (SCB) as a texturiser. In SSF using WB (66% humidity),the time to obtain a yield of 1x10 10 conidia/gds, referred to as t 10 , could be predicted using a model considering common inoculum levels and maximal yields. For instance, t 10 was 285 h with an inoculum of 1x10 6 conidia/gds; however, t 10 was reduced to 232 h and 148 for inocula of 7x10 6 and 5x10 7 conidia/gds, respectively. The estimation of t 10 values allowed both comparison between the cultures and prediction of harvesting times in production processes. Values for hydrophobicity were within 90 and 92%, whereas viability averages were around 70% for all the cultures Key words
TL;DR: A composicao quimica e a atividade antimicrobiana da Cladia aggregata (Sw.) Nyl foram avaliadas e o acido barbatico foi espectroscopicamente analisado e testado, bem como o extrato orgânico.
Abstract: A composicao quimica e a atividade antimicrobiana da Cladia aggregata (Sw.) Nyl. foram avaliadas. O acido barbatico, um depsideo obtido da C. aggregata, foi espectroscopicamente analisado e testado, bem como o extrato orgânico. o extrato e a substância purificada foram testadas contra 4 linhagens de Staphylococcus aureus multi resistentes. A estrutura do acido barbatico foi confirmada atraves de ensaios de CCD, CLAE, IV, RMN (1H;13C), UV e analise elementar (r). O biocromatograma mostrou a acao deste composto junto com outras substâncias contidas no extrato orgânico, sugerindo a acao sinergica, a CMI do acido barbatico mostrou o mesmo nivel de inibicao de outras substâncias liquenicas.
TL;DR: The success of P. guajava in invading environments could be partially due to allelopathy, and further studies using other plant parts and field experiments should be conducted to suggest the allelopathic potential of the species.
Abstract: The allelopathic activity of the leaf aqueous extract of guava (Psidium guajava L.) on seed germination and root growth in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) was studied in an experiment consisting of four replicates with 10 seeds each and extract concentrations of 5, 10, and 20%. Guava allelopathic activity occurred during the germination and growth of lettuce roots at 20% extract concentration, as shown by ANOVA. This result suggested the allelopathic potential of the species. Therefore, the success of P. guajava in invading environments could be partially due to allelopathy. Further studies using other plant parts and field experiments should be conducted.
TL;DR: The results showed good nutritional quality of sausages utilizing MF of Nile tilapia filleting waste and according to the sensory evaluation, the maximum level of inclusion should not exceed 60%.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of minced fish (MF) (0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100%), obtained from Nile tilapia filleting waste, in sausage and determine their physicochemical, nutritional and sensory properties. The sausages showed a decrease in protein and increase in fat content with increasing inclusion of MF. The nutritional quality of the products was high, with digestibility over 85%. The parameters of texture instrumental and yellow color (b*) decreased with the increasing inclusion of MF. The sensory evaluation of the color showed that the maximum level of inclusion of MF was not well accepted by the panelists. The sausage with the best acceptance for the flavor attribute was those with 60% of MF. The results showed good nutritional quality of sausages utilizing MF of Nile tilapia filleting waste and according to the sensory evaluation, the maximum level of inclusion should not exceed 60%. Key words: Oreochromis niloticus , sausage, nutritional quality, minced fish, sensory acceptance, texture
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the effect of the main variables, i.e., incubation period (60 h), moisture holding capacity (60%), and temperature (500C), on enzyme production by applying a full factorial Central Composite Design.
Abstract: Production of α- amylase under solid state fermentation by Streptomyces erumpens MTCC 7317 was investigated using cassava fibrous residue, one of the major solid waste released during extraction of starch from cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz). Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to evaluate the effect of the main variables, i.e., incubation period (60 h), moisture holding capacity (60%) and temperature (500C) on enzyme production by applying a full factorial Central Composite Design. Varying the inoculum concentration (5-25%) of S. erumpens showed that 15% inoculum (v/w, 2.5 x 106 CFU/ml) was the optimum for α- amylase production. Among the different nitrogen sources supplemented, beef extract was most suitable for enzyme production. The application of S. erumpens enzyme in liquefaction of soluble starch and cassava starch was studied. The maximum hydrolysis of soluble starch (85%) and cassava starch (70%) was obtained with the application of 5 ml crude enzyme (17185 units) after 5 h of incubation.
TL;DR: Os resultados obtidos sugerem that os locos microssatelites aliados as informacoes de genealogia proporcionam melhor analise da diversidade genetica de cultivares de soja.
Abstract: In this study, simple sequence repeats (SSR) loci and pedigree data were used to investigate the genetic relationship in a group of 168 Brazilian soybean cultivars. Eighteen SSR loci produced an average of 5.06 alleles and a mean gene diversity of 0.58 for the cultivars studied. Genetic distance (GD) was determined using the modified Roger's Wright distance, and a final dendrogram was in agreement with the cultivar pedigree. A distance matrix based on the coefficient of parentage scores was also generated for the cultivars, which ranged from 0 to 1, with a mean of 0.18, whereas SSR-based genetic similarity (1- GD) ranged from 0.01 to 0.90, with a mean of 0.25. Mantel's Z test showed that the similarity matrices generated from both the data sets were low, but significantly correlated (r = 0.31, p<0.001). The results showed that SSR data and pedigree analyses could help to quantify more accurately the degree of relationship among the soybean cultivars.
TL;DR: The physicochemical characteristics of quinoa and flaxseed bread were compared in this article, and the quinoa bread was well accepted by the consumers, who expressed high interest in buying it.
Abstract: The objective of this work was to compare the physicochemical characteristics of quinoa and flaxseed bread. Sensory acceptance, color and texture were also appraised. They showed appropriate balances between their content of polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids and low levels of trans fatty acids. Flaxseed bread had larger amounts of mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-6 and omega-3, as well as a more balanced omega-6/omega-3 ratio. Quinoa bread, on the other hand, had the advantage of presenting smaller contents of saturated fatty acids. With regard to color and texture, quinoa bread had similar characteristics to the flaxseed bread. The quinoa bread was well accepted by the consumers, who expressed high interest in buying it.
TL;DR: In this paper, the physiology of B. subtilis R14 was investigated in minimal medium under excess-oxygen and oxygen-limited conditions, and it was shown that a short transition phase between the exponential growth and sporulation could be attained by formulating a medium with a well-balanced C/N ratio.
Abstract: The physiology of B. subtilis R14 was investigated in minimal medium under excess-oxygen and oxygen-limited conditions. Growth and efficient sporulation could be achieved in excess-oxygen culture on medium with readily metabolizable carbon and nitrogen sources, which allowed high growth rate and high biomass yield. A short transition phase between the exponential growth and sporulation could be attained by formulating a medium with a well-balanced C/N ratio. Under oxygen-limitation, but in the presence of essential nutrients (i.e. excess-nutrient cultivation), B. subtilis R14 produced bioactive compounds, which showed activity against several phytopathogenic bacteria. Under anaerobic condition, the organism did not grow neither through fermentation nor anaerobic respiration. However, addition of pyruvate to the medium allowed its growth through fermentation and anaerobic respiration. The knowledge acquired in this work could be relevant both for the design of a production process as well as for the formulation of an effective commercial biocontrol product.
TL;DR: Dehydration and rehydration processes of Pleurotus ostreatus fruiting bodies were investigated in this article, where mushroom samples were dehydrated at 40, 50 and 60 oC, using drying air with relative humidity of 75 %.
Abstract: Dehydration and rehydration processes of Pleurotus ostreatus fruiting bodies were investigated in this work. Mushroom samples were dehydrated at 40, 50 and 60 oC, using drying air with relative humidity of 75 %. The rehydration was investigated at different temperatures of immersion water (25, 55 and 85 oC) and different immersion times (30, 75 and 120 minutes). The best rehydration occurred for the samples dried at 40 oC. The rehydration could be done in water at room temperature, during 30 minutes. Water sorption isotherms of samples were determined at 30, 40 and 50 oC. Both GAB and BET models satisfactorily represented the experimental data of moisture sorption of dried mushrooms.
TL;DR: The chitosanase production by Paenibacillus ehimensis was studied in submerged cultures and the chitOSan hydrolysis was evaluated by using these enzymes without purification.
Abstract: The chitosanase production by Paenibacillus ehimensis was studied in submerged cultures and the chitosan hydrolysis was evaluated by using these enzymes without purification. The bacterium produced inducibles enzymes after 12 h of growth in a culture medium containing 0.2% (w/v) of soluble chitosan as carbon source. The enzyme production was strongly repressed by the presence of glucose. The production started as soon as the available sugars finished in the culture medium. The maximum level of chitosanase activity was 500 U.L-1 at 36°C after 36 h incubation. The crude enzyme was optimally active at pH 6.0 and 55°C and in these conditions, the enzyme presented good stability (6 days). The enzyme without purification was used to hydrolyze the chitosan which resulted chitooligosaccharides between 20 and 30 min of reaction.
TL;DR: In this article, aplicacao da eletrolise em agua sem cloro contaminada com Escherichia coli (CCT-1457) was evaluated, and a taxa de inativacao foi aproximadamente 99% for a solucao isenta de compostos clorados.
Abstract: Agua contaminada e uma das maiores origens de doencas em seres humanos. Em todo o mundo, a cloracao e o metodo mais utilizado para promover desinfeccao em aguas de abastecimento devido ao seu efeito residual, quando adequadamente calculado. Contudo, se a agua apresentar materia orgânica, pode haver a geracao de organoclorados, os quais sao genotoxicos e carcinogenicos. Sob esta optica, investigamos o efeito bactericida da aplicacao da eletrolise em agua sem cloro contaminada com Escherichia coli (CCT-1457). O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o poder de desinfeccao e o comportamento cinetico da eletrolise realizada em reator de compartimento unico e usando eletrodos ADE (Anodo Dimensionalmente Estavel), visando ampliacao de escala. Uma suspensao contendo elevada concentracao de E. coli (106 UFC mL-1) foi submetida ao tratamento no reator em 25, 50 e 75 mA cm-2 durante 60 min, em vazoes de 200 e 50 Lh-1. A taxa de inativacao foi aproximadamente 99% para a solucao isenta de compostos clorados, com consumo de energia eletrica menor que 5,60 kWh m-3 em 200 L h-1 e 75 mA cm-2. Uma solucao de Na2SO4 0,08M eletrolisada e adicionada posteriormente ao inoculo apresentou efeito residual bactericida. A eficiencia da desinfeccao foi regida pelo tempo de contato e pela densidade de corrente aplicada, e foi realizado um estudo cinetico que permite a ampliacao de escala.
TL;DR: In this article, the influence of the cellulose fiber concentration in the composite formulation was investigated using 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 40% of fibres, and the results indicated that an increase in cellulose fibre concentration promoted a decrease in density and tensile strength of the foam samples.
Abstract: Cassava starch, dolomitic limestone and eucalypt cellulose fibres were used to prepare foam trays that could be used to pack foodstuffs. The influence of the cellulose fibre concentration in the composite formulation was investigated using 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 40% of fibres. The results indicated that an increase in cellulose fibre concentration promoted a decrease in density and tensile strength of the foam samples. The tensile strength at break for foam trays containing 5% of cellulose fibres was 3.03MPa, whilst the commercial trays of expanded polystyrene used to pack foods in supermarkets presented a tensile strength of 1.49 MPa. The elongation at break of the foam trays obtained in this work varied slightly with increase in cellulose fibre concentration, the values being about 20% lower than the elongation at break observed for commercial foam trays of expanded polystyrene. Thus, the materials developed in this work represented a possible alternative to the use of EPS foam trays for packing dry foods. The trays' properties need to be improved for their use with moist foods.