Bruno Nicolau Paulino

Current status in biotechnological production and applications of glycolipid biosurfactants

Biosurfactants are natural compounds with surface activity and emulsifying properties produced by several types of microorganisms and have been considered an interesting alternative to synthetic surfactants. Glycolipids are promising biosurfactants, due to low toxicity, biodegradability, and chemical stability in different conditions and also because they have many biological activities, allowing wide applications in different fields. In this review, we addressed general information about families of glycolipids, rhamnolipids, sophorolipids, mannosylerythritol lipids, and trehalose lipids, describing their chemical and surface characteristics, recent studies using alternative substrates, and new strategies to improve of production, beyond their specificities. We focus in providing recent developments and trends in biotechnological process and medical and industrial applications.

Biotransformation of α- and β-pinene into flavor compounds

Products that bear the label “natural” have gained more attention in the marketplace. In this approach, the production of aroma compounds through biotransformation or bioconversion has been receiving more incentives in economic and research fields. Among the substrates used in these processes, terpenes can be highlighted for their versatility and low cost; some examples are limonene, α-pinene, and β-pinene. This work focused on the biotransformation of the two bicyclic monoterpenes, α-pinene and β-pinene; the use of different biocatalysts; the products obtained; and the conditions employed in the process.

Fusarium species-a promising tool box for industrial biotechnology

Global demand for biotechnological products has increased steadily over the years. Thus, need for optimized processes and reduced costs appear as a key factor in the success of this market. A process tool of high importance is the direct or indirect use of enzymes to catalyze the generation of various substances. Also, obtaining aromas and pigments from natural sources has becoming priority in cosmetic and food industries in order to supply the demand from consumers to substitute synthetic compounds, especially when by-products can be used as starting material for this purpose. Species from Fusarium genera are recognized as promising sources of several enzymes for industrial application as well as biocatalysts in the production of aromas, pigments and second generation biofuels, among others. In addition, secondary metabolites from these strains can present important biological activities for medical field. In this approach, this review brings focus on the use of Fusarium sp. strains in biotechnological production of compounds of industrial interest, showing the most recent researches in this area, results obtained and the best process conditions for each case.

Biotechnological production of value-added compounds by ustilaginomycetous yeasts

The use of yeasts in bioprocesses can be considered one of the most relevant strategies in industrial biotechnology, and their potential is recognized due to the ability of these microorganisms for production of diverse value-added compounds. Yeasts from Ustilaginaceae family have been highlighted in the last years as a promising source of industrial interesting compounds, including enzymes, sugars, lipids, organic acids, and biosurfactants. These compounds may exhibit various applications in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food, medical, and environmental fields, increasing the scientific attention in the study of ustilaginomycetous for biotechnological purposes. In this mini-review, we provide a comprehensive overview about the biotechnological use of yeasts from Ustilaginaceae family to produce value-added compounds, focusing in recent trends, characteristics of processes currently developed, new opportunities, and potential applications.

Produção biotecnológica de biossurfactante por linhagens de Pseudozyma sp.

Resumo A capacidade de produção de biossurfactantes foi avaliada em um estudo de screening de 30 linhagens de leveduras do gênero Pseudozyma sp. através da medida de tensão superficial do extrato livre de células após o processo fermentativo. Desse total, 2 linhagens de leveduras da espécie Pseudozyma aphidis apresentaram potencial para a produção de biossurfactantes utilizando glicose como fonte de carbono.