A strategy to optimize biotechnological process design is illustrated for the production of fructose-rich syrups via enzymatic hydrolysis of agave fructo-oligosaccharides. The optimization process includes ecological studies from natural fermentations leading to the selection of a strain with capacity for inulinase synthesis, and variable optimization for the synthesis, and enzymatic hydrolysis using the response surface methodology. The results lead to the selection of Kluyveromyces marxianus , endogenous strains isolated from aguamiel (natural fermented sugary sap from agave plants), as the main strain with high capacity for enzyme synthesis with inulinase activity. Production optimization at bioreactor level revealed that operation at 30.6 degrees C, 152 rpm, 1.3 VVM of aeration, and pH 6.3 leads to maximum inulinase synthesis, whereas 31 degrees C, 50 rpm, and pH 6.2 leads to maximum hydrolysis of agave fructo-oligosaccharides. HPLC analysis of the fructose-rich syrups obtained at these optimal conditions showed an average composition of 95% of fructose and 5% of glucose and the absence of sucrose. The analysis also revealed that the syrups are free of residues and toxic compounds, an undesirable occurrence often present when traditional methods based on thermal or acid hydrolysis are applied for their obtainment. Therefore, the product may be suitable for use as additive in many applications in the food and beverage industries.

A procedure for designing starter cultures for fermentation is illustrated for prickly pear wine production. The illustration includes kinetic studies on inoculated and spontaneous fermentation, microorganism identification studies based on molecular biology tools, and microbial ecology studies, which led to the selection of strains that are capable of synthesizing alcohol and desirable volatile compounds. Results show that a mixed starter inoculum containing Pichia fermentans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae leads to a fermented product that contains 8.37% alcohol (v/v). The gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis shows the presence of 9 major volatile compounds (Isobutanol, Isopentanol, Ethyl acetate, Isoamyl acetate, Ethyl octanoate, Ethyl decanoate, Ethyl 9-decanoate, β-Phenylethyl acetate, and Phenylethyl alcohol) that have ethereal, fruity, aromatic notes that are considered to be essential for a fine wine flavor. These compounds harmonically synergize with the alcohol to produce a fermented product with a unique flavor and taste. Several assays using the mixed culture show that the process is stable, predictable, controllable, and reproducible. Moreover, the results show that a mixed culture leads to a broader range of aromatic products than that produced by a single, pure culture. Therefore, we conclude that combinations of Saccharomyces strains and non-Saccharomyces strains can be used to obtain high-quality fermented beverages from prickly pear juice.

Enzymatic treatments using noncommercial enzymes as a means to the improve the extraction of carotenoids and capsaicinoids from chili fruits are explored in this study. The results show that it is possible to obtain chili fruit powder with a higher concentration of both capsaicinoids and carotenoids than previously reported for similar processes. Furthermore, extraction yields above 96% for carotenoids and 85% for capsaicinoids as separate fractions can be achieved using a sequential and selective two-stage extraction. Evidence is presented demonstrating that the content and extraction yield depend directly on the extent of the enzymatic hydrolysis of chili cell walls, and higher yields are obtained when the sample is completely hydrolyzed. The enzymatic treatment described here is a promising alternative to current industrial practices, and it improves the extraction of carotenoids and capsaicinoids from chili fruits.

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SUMMARYOrganic matter dynamics and nutrient availability in saline agricultural soils of the State of Guanajuato might provide information for remediation strategies. 14 C labeled glucose with or without 200 mg kg -1 of NH 4 + -N soil was added to two clayey agricultural soils with different electrolytic conductivity (EC), i.e. 0.94 dS m -1 (low EC; LEC) and 6.72 dS m -1 (high EC; HEC), to investigate the effect of N availability and salt content on organic material decomposition. Inorganic N dynamics and production of CO 2 and 14 CO 2 were monitored. Approximately 60 % of the glucose-14 C added to LEC soil evolved as 14 CO 2 , but only 20 % in HEC soil after the incubation period of 21 days. After one day, < 200 mg 14 C was extractable from LEC soil, but > 500 mg 14 C from HEC soil. No N mineralization occurred in the LEC and HEC soils and glucose addition reduced the concentrations of inorganic N in unamended soil and soil amended with NH 4 + -N. The NO 2 -and NO 3 -concentrations were on average higher in LEC than in HEC soil, with exception of NO 2 -in HEC amended with NH 4 + -N. It was concluded that increases in soil EC reduced mineralization of the easily decomposable C substrate and resulted in Ndepleted soil.Index terms: dynamics of inorganic N, emission of 14 CO 2 and 12 CO 2 , saline soils. Os conhecimentos sobre a dinâmica da matéria orgânica e disponibilidade de nutrientes em solos salinos podem ser úteis para nortear a adoção de estratégias de recuperação e manejo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da condutividade elétrica (EC) e presença de N inorgânico na decomposição da matéria orgânica a dois solos salinos localizados em Guanajuato (México). Nesse sentido, glicose marcada com 14 C com ou sem amônio na dose de 200 mg kg -1 de N foi adicionada em dois tipos de solo com valores de condutividade elétrica de 0,94 dS m -1 (baixo EC; LEC) e 6,72 dS m -1 (alta EC; HEC). Amostras de solos foram incubadas durante 21 dias e, ao longo desse tempo, foram avaliadas as concentrações de N inorgânico e a produção de 12 CO 2 e 14 CO 2 . Após o período de incubação, aproximadamente 60 % da glicose marcada com 14 C adicionado ao solo LEC evoluiu como 14 CO 2 , mas somente 20 % no solo HEC a evolução de 14 CO 2 foi de apenas 20 %. Decorrido um dia de incubação, menos de 200 mg de 14 C foram extraídos do solo LEC, ao passo que no solo HEC foram extraídos mais de 500 mg de 14 C. Não ocorreu mineralização de N nos dois solos e a adição de glicose reduziu as concentrações de N inorgânico no solo controle e no solo que recebeu N-NH 4 + . As concentrações de NO 2 -e NO 3 -foram, em média, maiores no solo LEC do que no solo HEC, com exceção do teor de NO 2 -, que foi maior no HEC tratado com NH 4 + . O aumento da condutividade elétrica promoveu a redução da mineralização de substrato facilmente decomponível e a diminuição do teor de N no solo.Termos de indexação: dinâmica de nitrogênio inorgânico, emissão de 12 CO 2 e 14 CO 2 , solos salinos.