Denise Santos Ruzene

Prospecting of soybean hulls as an inducer carbon source for the cellulase production

Abstract Cellulases constitute an enzymatic complex involved in the cellulose hydrolysis β-1, 4-glycosidic linkages to release of glucose. Therefore, its application to degrade agro-industrial residues becomes relevant, since glucose is a product of industrial interest, aiming at its conversion into biocommodity production (e.g., enzymes, bioethanol and other value-added biochemicals). Thus, in natura Soybean hulls as well as fractions obtained from its alkaline, autohydrolysis and organosolv pretreatments were used as carbon sources in submerged fermentation processes to evaluate the cellulase-inducing capacity using a Penicillium sp. strain. Results showed an inductive effect on the production of 0.130 and 0.066 U/mL for CMCase and FPase, respectively, using 1% of the in natura residue. Regarding the fraction obtained from soybean hulls pretreated by autohydrolysis and organosolv, avicelase and β-Glucosidase displayed a production of 0.200 and 0.550 U/mL, respectively. Therefore, the use of pretreated Soybean hull revealed its potential as an alternative carbon source for the cellulase production, which may contribute significantly to biotechnological purposes by adding value to an agro-industrial residue.

Effect of salt stress on the activity of bromelain in pineapple plants grown In vitro

Bromelain is a collective name for proteolytic enzymes or proteases (natural proteolytic enzymatic complex) found in tissues including stems, fruit and leaves of the pineapple (Ananas comosus var. comosus) and of other plant species of the family Bromeliaceae (KUMAR, 2011). Is a bioactive agent possessing remarkable therapeutic properties such as reversible inhibition of platelet aggregation, relief from bronchitis, sinusitis and enhanced absorption of drugs, particularly of antibiotics (BHUI et al., 2009). Although Brazil is a major producer of pineapple, occupying the first position in 2010 worldwide with a production of 1.5 million tons of fruit, the salt stress, deleterious alterations observed in plants grown in saline conditions, which occur due to intoxication by ions and decline of supply of water and nutrients to the plant (LI et al., 2010), is main factor limiting growth and productivity of plants since it causes metabolic responses in plants, affecting and compromising all important processes such as photosynthesis, changes in levels and protein synthesis and activity enzymes, as well as in the synthesis of lipid metabolism and energy (PIZA et al., 2003). Thus, the objective of this research was to evaluate the influence of salt stress on the activity of bromelain in pineapple plants (Ananas comosus L. Merril) cv. Perola cultured in vitro.

Evaluation of production of xanthan gum utilizing the corn cob liquor as a carbon source in different strains of Xanthomonas campestres

Background The xanthan gum production has been growing significantly. It is estimated an annual increase by about 5 to 10%. The production needs a carbon source in fermentation media and are commonly employed as glucose or sucrose, which accounts for about 50% of the cost of production. Therefore the use of agro-industrial residues, such as corn cob for the production of xanthan gum becomes suggestive, as such residues are abundant. Waste when processed becomes a rich source of carbon, nutrients and salts. Thus this study aims to use hemicellulose fractions, derived from agro-industrial residues.

Bioremediation of distillery effluent by Pleurotus sajor-caju : evaluation of the influence of pH in vinasse derived from molasses

Background The alcohol industry is an excellent representation of the development process in Brazil, it considers the sugar cane as one of the biggest monocultures. As a result of this high production, there is the vinasse, a residue from the alcohol production after the pulp fermentation and distillation of the wine (Pulp after fermentation), ensuing from 8 to 15 liters for each liter of ethanol produced. This high colored effluent and an objectionable odor is rich in nutrients, mainly in organic matter, having a high potencial poluent when it is inaccordingly in the environment [1,2]. Lignolytic fungi can be used to the remediation of the pollutants, such as vinasse, by the action of peroxidases. So, the search is interested in reducing the contaminations caused by the direct application of the vinasse on the earth without a previous treatment. Therefore the objective is to characterize the biodegradation of the residue through the basidiomycetes Pleurotus sajor-cajuCCB 020 and consequently to produce enzymes with biotechnological potential, decoloring the vinasse and minimizing the polluter potential. After the treatment of the vinasse, it shows several goals as the fertirrigation, the water reuse for the washing proccess of the sugar cane and/or other activities related to the industrial process.