Probiotic Yogurt Supplemented with Lactococcus lactis R7 and Red Guava Extract: Bioaccessibility of Phenolic Compounds and Influence in Antioxidant Activity and Action of Alpha-amylase and Alpha-glucosidase Enzymes

The industry has increasingly explored the development of foods with functional properties, where supplementation with probiotics and bioactive compounds has gained prominence. In this context, the study aimed to evaluate the influence of in vitro biological digestion on the content of phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities of probiotic yogurt supplemented with the lactic acid bacteria Lactococcus lactis R7 and red guava extract (Psidium cattleianum). A yogurt containing L. lactis R7 (0.1%) and red guava extract (4%) was characterized for the content of phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and potential for inhibition of digestive enzymes after a simulated in vitro digestion process. After digestion, the caffeic and hydroxybenzoic acids remained, and sinapic acid only in the last digestive phase. Antioxidant activity decreased during digestion by 28.93, 53.60, and 27.97% for DPPH, nitric oxide and hydroxyl radicals, respectively, and the inhibition of the α-amylase enzyme decreased only 4.01% after the digestion process. α-glucosidase was more efficient in intestinal digestion, demonstrating an increase of almost 50% in probiotic yogurt with red guava extract before digestion. Possibly, the phenolics change their conformation during digestion, generating new compounds, reducing antioxidant activity, and increasing the inhibitory activity of α-glucosidase digestive enzymes. It was concluded that the probiotic yogurt formulation supplemented with red guava extract could interfere with the concentration of phenolic compounds and the formation of new compounds, suggesting a positive and effective inhibition of the digestive enzymes, even after the digestive process.

Effect of Probiotic Supplementation on Gut Microbiota and Sport Performance in Athletes and Physically Active Individuals: A Systematic Review

The present systematic review aimed to evaluate the effect of probiotic supplementation on gut microbiota and sport performance in athletes and physically active individuals. This review followed the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (P RISMA). The search had no time limits and included the following databases: MEDLINE, LILACS, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and SP ORT Discus. The risk of bias was assessed through the updated version of the Cochrane tool for assessing the risk of bias in randomized trials (RoB 2). Nine randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included, accounting for 216 participants. Of these, seven studies found positive results on sport performance. Additionally, some studies showed significant decrease in biochemical parameters linked to inflammation. It was also observed direct results in the microbiota composition of the participants, such as an increase in the abundance of probiotics and a decrease in certain pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, the use of probiotics showed improvement in inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress, which indirectly may contribute to the improvement of sport performance. However, the majority of the studies presented a high risk of bias, which impair the reproducibility of the results. While the field of probiotic supplementation and sport performance is emerging, the promising results from this systematic review suggest that further investigation through larger and more robust randomized clinical trials can provide valuable insights for athletes and their performance.

Genetic polymorphisms in the angiotensin converting enzyme, actinin 3 and paraoxonase 1 genes in women with diabetes and hypertension

Objective

To study associations between polymorphisms in the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE I/D), actinin 3 (ACTN3 R577X) and paraoxonase 1 (PON1 T(-107)C) genes and chronic diseases (diabetes and hypertension) in women.

Materials and methods

Genomic DNA was extracted from saliva samples of 78 women between 18 and 59 years old used for genetic polymorphism screening. Biochemical data were collected from the medical records in Basic Health Units from Southern Brazil. Questionnaires about food consumption, physical activity level and socioeconomic status were applied.

Results

The XX genotype of ACTN3 was associated with low HDL levels and high triglycerides, total cholesterol and glucose levels. Additionally, high triglycerides and LDL levels were observed in carriers of the TT genotype of PON1, and lower total cholesterol levels were associated to the CC genotype. As expected, women with diabetes/hypertense had increased body weight, BMI (p = 0.02), waist circumference (p = 0.01), body fat percentage, blood pressure (p = 0.02), cholesterol, triglycerides (p = 0.02), and blood glucose (p = 0.01), when compared to the control group.

Conclusion

Both ACTN3 R577X and PON1 T(-107)C polymorphisms are associated with nutritional status and blood glucose and lipid levels in women with diabetes/hypertense. These results contribute to genetic knowledge about predisposition to obesity-related diseases.

Development of a microencapsulated probiotic delivery system with whey, xanthan, and pectin

Pediococcus pentosaceus is a lactic acid bacterium that has probiotic potential proven by studies. However, its viability can be affected by adverse conditions such as storage, heat stress, and even gastrointestinal passage. Thus, the aim of the present study was to microencapsulate and characterize microcapsules obtained by spray drying and produced only with whey powder (W) or whey powder combined with pectin (WP) or xanthan (WX) in the protection of P. pentosaceus P107. In the storage test at temperatures of - 20 °C and 4 °C, the most viable microcapsule was WP (whey powder and pectin), although WX (whey powder and xanthan) presented better stability at 25 °C. In addition, WX did not show stability to ensure probiotic potential (< 6 Log CFU mL-1) for 110 days and the microcapsule W (whey powder) maintained probiotic viability at the three temperatures (- 20 °C, 4 °C, and 25 °C) for 180 days. In the exposition to simulated gastrointestinal juice, the WX microcapsule showed the best results in all tested conditions, presenting high cellular viability. For the thermal resistance test, WP microcapsule was shown to be efficient in the protection of P. pentosaceus P107 cells. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results showed that there was no chemical interaction between microcapsules of whey powder combined with xanthan or pectin. The three microcapsules produced were able to protect the cell viability of the microorganism, as well as the drying parameters were adequate for the microcapsules produced in this study.

Green tea and kombucha characterization: Phenolic composition, antioxidant capacity and enzymatic inhibition potential

The present study aimed to carry out the physical-chemical, antioxidant, and enzymatic characterization of green tea and kombucha. It was observed that kombucha had lower pH, higher acidity, and solids content compared to green tea. As for the concentration of total phenolic compounds by the Folin Ciocalteu method, there was no significant difference between the beverages. In the antioxidant analysis by the DPPH assay, it was observed that both green tea and kombucha presented significant antioxidant capacity. In the TBARS analysis with the pH of the beverages neutralized, both showed a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation; however, kombucha exhibited pro-oxidant activity when evaluated in its natural form by this method. The beverages also showed significant inhibitory activity of the α-glucosidase enzyme, however, green tea presented superior inhibitory potential.

Gelatin-Based Hydrogels: Potential Biomaterials for Remediation

Hydrogels have become one of the potential polymers used with great performance for many issues and can be promoted as biomaterials with highly innovative characteristics and different uses. Gelatin is obtained from collagen, a co-product of the meat industry. Thus, converting wastes such as cartilage, bones, and skins into gelatin would give them added value. Furthermore, biodegradability, non-toxicity, and easy cross-linking with other substances can promote polymers with high performance and low cost for many applications, turning them into sustainable products with high acceptance in society. Gelatin-based hydrogels have been shown to be useful for different applications with important and innovative characteristics. For instance, these hydrogels have been used for biomedical applications such as bone reconstruction or drug delivery. Furthermore, they have also shown substantial performance and important characteristics for remediation for removing pollutants from water, watercourse, and effluents. After its uses, gelatin-based hydrogels can easily biodegrade and, thus, can be sustainably used in the environment. In this study, gelatin was shown to be a potential polymer for hydrogel synthesis with highly renewable and sustainable characteristics and multiple uses.

Consumo e custo energético do processo de produção de quitina para remoção de azul de metileno

A quitina vem sendo obtida de resíduos de camarão para aplicação na área ambiental. No entanto, torna-se difícil estimar o consumo e custo energético do processo de produção da quitina devido à variedade de metodologias empregadas para tal finalidade. Neste sentido, este estudo selecionou duas das metodologias mais citadas, e as utilizou como referência para a obtenção de quitina através de quatro tratamentos. Nos quais realizou-se alterações nos equipamentos utilizados, e fez-se quantificações do consumo e custo energético por equipamento e processo. As quitinas obtidas foram quantificadas com relação ao rendimento do processo, e testadas como material adsorvente de corante sintético. O tratamento (T4) em que a quitina foi obtida a temperatura ambiente, com uso do Jar Test e apenas duas etapas de secagem do material merece destaque como um possível processo de obtenção de quitina. Este possibilitou um rendimento maior que 20%, e um percentual de remoção de contaminantes em torno de 60%, ao mesmo tempo que possui o menor consumo, em torno de 25 kWh, e custo energético, aproximadamente R$ 14,2, para obtenção de uma quitina com a qualidade exigida para a aplicação como descontaminante de águas, e potencial utilização na produção de quitosana, um adsorvente muito mais eficiente para a adsorção.

New low-cost biofilters for SARS-CoV-2 using Hymenachne grumosa as a precursor

The ongoing global spread of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 2019 disease) is causing an unprecedented repercussion on human health and the economy. Despite the primary mode of transmission being through air droplets and contact, the transmission via wastewater is a critical concern. There is a lack of techniques able to provide complete disinfection, along with the uncertainty related to the behavior of SARS-CoV-2 in the natural environment and risks of contamination. This fact makes urgent the research towards new alternatives for virus removal from water and wastewater. Thus, this research aimed to characterize new lost-cost adsorbents for SARS-CoV-2 using Hymenachne grumosa as a precursor and verify its potential for removing SARS-CoV-2 from the solution. The aquatic macrophyte H. grumosa had in natura and activated carbon produced with H. grumosa and zinc chloride (ZnCl_2,1:1) impregnation and carbonization (700 °C, 1 h) were incubated for 24 h with inactivated SARS-CoV-2 viral suspension, and then the ribonucleic acid (RNA) was extracted and viral load quantified through reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) technique. The results demonstrated the great adsorption potential, achieving removal of 98.44% by H. grumosa "in natura", and 99.61% by H. grumosa with carbon activation, being similar to commercial activated carbon (99.67%). Thus, this study highlights the possibility of low-cost biofilters to be used for SARS-CoV-2 removal, as an excellent alternative for wastewater treatment or watercourses decontamination.

Composting of fish waste and its phytotoxicity effects

This work aimed to evaluate the composting of the mixture of residues from fish filleting, using sawdust as a structuring material as an alternative for stabilization, through physical-chemical analysis and phytotoxicity. The experiment was carried out in a composter 1.10 m long, 1.50 m wide, and 1.20 m high and presenting 2.50 m in total height, which received the mixture of fish filleting wastes and sawdust in a5:3 ratio, respectively. The results demonstrated that composting in cells is an efficient alternative for the decomposition of the mixture of fish filleting and sawdust residues. The rapid decomposition of fish waste and the low C/N ratio harms the development of thermophilic microorganisms during the composting of the mixture of fish filleting and sawdust residues. The compaction of the sawdust layers and the absence of stirring in the composting method in cells collaborate for the compost to need a time greater than 60 days to be recommended as simple organic fertilizer. The biomass stirring is necessary so that sawdust can be considered a good structuring agent. The phytotoxicity test should be taken into account by the Normative Instruction n° 25/2009 as an indicator of compost maturity.

Combination of ACTN3 R577X and ACE I/D polymorphisms as a tool for prediction of obesity risk in children

The genetic influence in obesity prevalence is well described, but the role of genetic markers related to athletic strength/ endurance performance remains controversial. We investigated associations between obesity and the genetic polymorphisms alpha-actinin-3 (ACTN3) R577X and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) I/D in schoolchildren aged 4-13 years from Southern Brazil. We collected sociodemographic data from parents through a questionnaire and conducted an anthropometric assessment. DNA was extracted from buccal cells and genotyping was performed by PCR. We found that 1.9% of the individuals were classified as low weight-for-age, 57.6% as normal weight and 40.5% as overweight/ obesity. Regarding allelic distribution, we found that 52.5% of individuals were DD, 30.8% ID, and 16.7% II for ACE; and 38.8% of individuals were RR, 40.2% RX and 21.0% XX for ACTN3. When both polymorphisms were combined, we observed a clear association between the composed genetic profile of these alleles and severe obesity in schoolchildren. Our data suggest that the combined analysis of ACTN3 R577X and ACE I/D polymorphisms may serve as a predictor for the risk of severe obesity in children. These data can contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between these polymorphisms and the body weight development of school-age children.

Evaluation of Enydra anagallis remediation at a contaminated watercourse in south Brazil

The aim of this study was to investigate the phytoremediation potential promoted by Enydra anagallis at anthropogenic polluted area - Santa Bárbara Stream, south Brazil. The watercourse was selected considering it is the main source of water to Pelotas city and the presence of high levels of nutrients and toxic metals. The phytoremediation indexes as bioconcentration factor (BCF), translocation factor (TF), and plant effective number (PEN) were estimated. The results highlighted the possibility of application of E. anagallis in phytoextraction of Ca, K, Mg and P, showing the ability of maintaining high levels of elements in aerial parts of the plant. It was also detected the rhizofiltration mechanism (BCF > 1.0 and TF < 1.0), with possible application for the removal of aluminum, arsenic, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, sodium, nickel, lead, sulfur, vanadium and zinc. Regarding the Plant Effective Number (PEN), it can be highlighted the values found for Al (55 plants), P (38 plants) and S (56 plants), being the number of plants needed for removal of 1 g. Thus, E. anagallis showed natural potential for removing contaminants from the aquatic environment and along with further studies, it could be a good recovery alternative for other contaminated watercourses.

Bioprospection of indigenous flora grown in copper mining tailing area for phytoremediation of metals

The study evaluated plants with phytoremediation potential that occur spontaneously in an area of copper mining tailings in Southern of Brazil. Eleven plant species were investigated for heavy metal concentrations in its biomass. All species showed copper concentrations greater than 100 mg kg^-1, and seven species highlighted for copper concentrations between 321 and 586 mg kg^-1 and these species showed Cr concentrations between 25 and 440 mg kg^-1. The species S. viarum Dunal and B. trimera Less were highlighted showing the highest concentrations of Cr (586 mg kg^-1) and Cu (440 mg kg^-1), respectively. Seven species showed Pb phytoextraction potential and four species showed Cu phytostabilization potential. It was concluded that the investigated species are adapted to low nutritional conditions and showed tolerance to heavy metals, mainly Cu, Pb and Cr in its biomass.

Potential of Solanum viarum Dunal in use for phytoremediation of heavy metals to mining areas, southern Brazil

Mining tailing areas may contain metal minerals such as Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, and Cd at high concentrations and low nutrients for the growth of plants. This kind of conditions of the area, as well as lack of tailing structure, may limit the development of plants on these areas. Thus, the present study determined the metal, macronutrient, and micronutrient concentrations in the tissues of the roots and shoots of the Solanum viarum Dunal species as well as it evaluated the potential use of the plant for phytoremediation of mining tailing areas contaminated with heavy metals. The macronutrients, micronutrients, and heavy metals in the roots and shoots were determined by the digestion method with nitric and perchloric acid (HNO₃-HClO₄) and quantified by the ICP-OES. In S. viarum, the average concentrations of the metals presented in the dry biomass varied between the shoots and roots, being higher in the roots for metals such as Cu (229 mg kg^-1), Zn (232 mg kg^-1), Mn (251 mg kg^-1), Cr (382 mg kg^-1), Ni (178 mg kg^-1), Pb (33 mg kg^-1), and Ba (1123 mg kg^-1). S. viarum indicates the possibility of a potential application in phytoremediation and treatment of areas contaminated with heavy metals.

Phytoremediation of heavy metals and nutrients by the Sagittaria montevidensis into an anthropogenic contaminated site at Southern of Brazil

The evaluation of plants occurring naturally at contaminated environments are essential for applying this species in remediation techniques. In this context, the Sagittaria montevidensis with potential for phytoremediation was studied at an anthropogenic polluted stream in southern Brazil. The nutrients and heavy metal content were determined in the phytomass. The phytoremediation indexes were evaluated such as bioconcentration factor (BCF), translocation factor (TF), plant effective number (PEN), and potential phytoremoval (mg m^-2). The S. montevidensis was then detected as presenting natural phytoextraction ability for potassium and calcium elements and also demonstrated rhizofiltration potential for phosphorus, manganese, aluminum, vanadium, sulfur, iron, arsenic, copper, magnesium, zinc, sodium, lead, cadmium, nickel, chromium, considering its ability of bioaccumulating these contaminants and retain high levels in the roots. The highest potential for bioremoval (mg m^-2) of the S. montevidensis was detected for potassium and calcium (recommending thus the use for phytoextraction) and for aluminum, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, sulfur, and sodium, along with heavy metals (recommended for rhizofiltration). The S. montevidensis decontamination ability, along with its biomass production and its adaptability represents a great advance in order to the recovery of this degraded area and possible application in other contaminated watercourses in Brazil.

Paraoxonase 1 serum activity in women: the effects of menopause, the C(-107)T polymorphism and food intake

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to investigate changes in serum paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity in women at the pre and postmenopausal stages and its association with the PON1 C(-107)T polymorphism and food intake profile.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study with female patients aged between 35 and 59 years old was conducted. Women were divided into two groups: premenopausal (n = 40) and postmenopausal (n = 36). Women enrolled in the study had serum PON1, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, glucose and HbA1c, as well as the BMI measured. Additionally, women were genotyped for the PON1 T(-107)C polymorphism and the food intake profile was obtained through interview.

RESULTS

Glucose (p = 0.03), HbA1c (p = 0.002) and total cholesterol (p = 0.002)concentrations were higher in post than premenopausal women, however PON1 activity was not different (p > 0.05). Carriers of the C allele had higher PON1 activity (CC: 88.9 ± 6.5 U/mL and CT: 79.9 ± 4.7 U/mL) than women of the TT genotype (66.6 ± 5.9 U/mL) (p < 0.05). However, the model predicting PON1 activity was slightly better when genotype, total fat and cholesterol content in the diet were all included.

CONCLUSION

In sum, we observed that the PON1 C(-107)T genotype was the major regulator of PON1 activity, and menopause had no effect on PON1 activity. The lipid and glycemic profile were altered in postmenopausal women.

Molecular identification and microbiological evaluation of isolates from equipments and food contact surfaces in a hospital Food and Nutrition Unit

The hygienic and sanitary control in Food and Nutrition Units (FNU) is considered a standard procedure to produce adequate meals and reduce the risk of foodborne diseases and hospital infections. This study aimed to evaluate the isolation and identification of bacteria from equipment and food contact surfaces in a hospital FNU as well as to evaluate the sanitary condition. Likewise, it was analyzed the adhesion of the microorganisms on polyethylene cutting boards. The presence of aerobic mesophilic microorganisms, yeasts, molds, coagulase-positive staphylococci, coliform and fecal coliform, and Escherichia coli were analyzed on eating tables, countertop surfaces and cutting boards used for meat or vegetable handling, and equipment such as microwaves and refrigerators. The molecular identification it was done by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The adhesion of the microorganisms (biofilm formation) on meat and vegetable cutting boards was also evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. The results showed high numbers of all microorganisms, except for E. coli , which was not observed in the samples. The molecular analysis identified species of the Enterobacteriaceae family and species of the Pseudomonadaceae family. Scanning electron microscopy analyses revealed bacterial adhesion on the cutting board surfaces. The results obtained in this study indicated that the hygienic conditions of surfaces like plastic cutting boards and equipment in this hospital FNU were inadequate. The achievement and application of standard operating procedures could positively help in the standardization of sanitary control, reducing the microbial contamination and providing a safe food to hospitalized patients.

In situ phytoremediation characterization of heavy metals promoted by Hydrocotyle ranunculoides at Santa Bárbara stream, an anthropogenic polluted site in southern of Brazil

Aquatic environments are widely affected by anthropogenic activities and efficient remediation of these areas requires detailed studies for each natural ecosystem. This research aimed to evaluate the natural phytoremediation potential of Hydrocotyle ranunculoides L., a floating aquatic macrophyte located in a polluted aquatic environment in South of the Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Nutrients such as P, K, Ca, Mg, and S and heavy metals such as Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Na, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Al, As, Co, and V content in the roots and shoots of the plants were evaluated through nitric perchloric acid digestion (HNO₃-HClO₄) methods and quantified by ICP-OES. Bioconcentration factor (BCF), translocation factor (TF), plant effective number (PEN), and potential phytoremoval (mg m^-2) were carried out. H. ranunculoides showed a substantial ability for phytoextracting P, Na, and As, since showed ability of uptake these elements from the water and translocate them to the shoots of the plants. H. ranunculoides also showed potential for application in rhizofiltration of Mg, S, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Al, and V, since exhibited high potential to uptake higher levels in the roots. The highest potential for bioremoval (mg m^-2) of the H. ranunculoides was detected for K, Ca, P (recommending thus the use for phytoextraction), Fe, and Al (highly recommended for rhizofiltration). Therefore, this species under study showed high potential for in situ phytoremediation at Santa Bárbara stream, and as a widespread species, it might be tested for phytoremediation in other sites.

Bioaccumulation and distribution of selenium in Enterococcus durans

Selenium is an essential nutrient for all living organisms. Under appropriate conditions lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are capable for accumulating large amounts of trace elements, such as selenium, and incorporating them into organic compounds. In this study, the capacity of selenium bioaccumulation by Enterococcus durans LAB18s was evaluated. The distribution of organic selenium in selenium-enriched E. durans LAB18s biomass was analyzed, and the highest percentage of organic selenium was found in the fraction of total protein, followed by the fractions of polysaccharides and nucleic acids. When the protein fraction was obtained by different extractions (water, NaCl, ethanol and NaOH) it was demonstrated that alkali-soluble protein showed the higher Selenium content. Analysis of protein fractions by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) revealed that selenium was present in the proteins ranging from 23 to 100kDa. The cells were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM); scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM/EDS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). SEM, TEM and SEM/EDS showed the morphology, the selenium particles bioaccumulated into and on the cells and the amounts of selenium present into the cells, respectively. Thus, the isolate E. durans LAB18s can be a promising probiotic to be used as selenium-enriched biomass in feed trials.

The ACTN3 R577X polymorphism affects the lipid profile and the prognosis of nutritional intervention in HIV-positive patients

The hypothesis of the present study is that the polymorphisms in the APOC3, CEPT, ACE, and ACTN3 genes can affect the outcome of nutritional intervention and the plasma lipid profile of HIV+ patients. To test the hypothesis, genetic material was collected from buccal cells, and serum was collected for biochemical analysis. Sixty-five patients were analyzed. The incorporation of protease inhibitor (PI) was more frequent in women (77% vs 33% in men). Nutritional intervention improved anthropometric parameters independent of the genotype. Patients with the RR genotype for the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism had lower glycemia (RR = 95.4 ± 6.5 mg/dL, RX = 102.6 ± 10.6 mg/dL, XX = 110.1 ± 16.3 mg/dL; P = .03) and a greater reduction in low-density lipoproteins (LDL) after intervention (LDL: RR = -23.7 ± 15.8 mg/dL, RX = 1.32 ± 5.13 mg/dL, XX = 30.21 ± 24.4 mg/dL; P = .01). Patients using PI had a negative response to dietary intervention regarding the levels of high-density lipoprotein (-2.4 ± 1.70 with PI, 2.56 ± 1.60 mg/dL without PI; P = .02), very low density lipoprotein (0.84 ± 2.73 with IP, -5.46 ± 3.37 mg/dL without PI; P = .03), and triglycerides (1.79 ± 13.22 with PI, -34.00 ± 17.67 mg/dL without PI; P = .052). This response was also independent of the genotype (P > 0.05) and suggested the need for oral lipid-lowering drugs in all HIV+ patients using PI. Our results indicate that the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism is a good predictor of both the lipid profile and the prognosis of nutritional intervention in reducing LDL in HIV+ patients.

Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Enterococcus species isolated from meat and dairy products

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have an important role in a great variety of fermented foods. In addition to their contribution to sensory characteristics, they enhance food preservation and can be used as probiotics. In this study, the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of culture supernatants and cell free extracts of 16 LAB isolated from meat and dairy products were investigated. The bacterial were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing. GenBank BLAST analysis revealed that all the isolates belong to Enterococcus faecium species. Antimicrobial activity against the indicator microorganism (Listeria monocytogenes) was observed at 11 culture supernatants and 4 cell free extracts. The sensibility of culture supernatant was evaluated by proteinase K and trypsin and it was observed that activity of antimicrobial substance was completely lost after the treatment. All of the isolates showed antioxidant activity as determined by the Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) method with both types of extracts. When the antioxidant capacity was investigated using ABTS•+ method (2,2 azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) and DPPH method (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) it was observed that only culture supernatants showed antioxidant capacity. These bacteria could particularly help to reduce or inhibit pathogenic microorganisms as well as oxidative spoilage in foods and feed.

Evaluation of two Brazilian indigenous plants for phytostabilization and phytoremediation of copper-contaminated soils

Abstract Indigenous plants have been grown naturally and vigorously in copper contaminated soils. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the phytoremediation ability of two indigenous plants naturally grown in two vineyard soils copper contaminated, and in a copper mining waste. However, it was evaluated the macro and micronutrient uptake and the potential of phytoremediation. So, a greenhouse study was carried out with Bidens pilosa and Plantago lanceolata in samples of vineyard soils (Inceptisol and Mollisol) copper contaminated, and in a copper mining waste. Plant growth, macro and micronutrient up take, tolerance index (TI), translocation factor (TF), metal extraction ratio (MER), bioaccumulation factor (BCF), plant effective number of the shoots (PENs), and plant effective number of the total plant (PENt) were analyzed. Both plants grown in vineyard soils showed high phytomass production and TI. P. lanceolata plants cultivated in the Inceptisol showed the highest copper concentrations in the shoots (142 mg kg–1), roots (964 mg kg–1) and entire plants (1,106 mg kg–1). High levels of copper were phytoaccumulated from the Inceptisol by B. pilosa and P. lanceolata with 3,500 and 2,200 g ha–1 respectively. Both B. pilosa and P. lanceolata plants showed characteristics of high copper hyperaccumulator. Results showed that both species play an important role in the natural copper phytoaccumulation in both vineyard soils contaminated with copper, being important to its phytoremediation.

Production of selenium-enriched biomass by Enterococcus durans

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for several organisms, and there is an increased interest about adequate sources for dietary selenium supplementation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the selenium bioaccumulation capacity of an Enterococcus strain. The isolate LAB18s was identified as Enterococcus durans by the VITEK® 2 system and analysis of both 16S rDNA gene sequence (JX503528) and the 16S-23S rDNA intergenic spacer (ITS). After 24-h incubation, E. durans LAB18s bioaccumulated elevated Se(IV) concentrations, reaching 2.60 and 176.97 mg/g in media containing initial amounts of 15 and 240 mg/l sodium selenite, respectively. The isolate grew optimally and had high selenium bioaccumulation at initial pH of 7.0 and 30 °C. Time course studies showed that E. durans LAB18s displayed the highest bioaccumulation of Se(IV) after 6 h of incubation. Analyses from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated the presence of filaments connecting the cells of E. durans LAB18s cultivated in the presence of sodium selenite. It was demonstrated that a considerable amount of Se(IV) was absorbed by E. durans LAB18s. Therefore, this strain may represent an alternative source of organic dietary selenium.

Biosorption and bioreduction of copper from different copper compounds in aqueous solution

High copper concentration is toxic for living organisms including humans. Biosorption is a bioremediation technique that can remove copper and other pollutants from aqueous medium and soils, consequently cleaning the environment. The aim of this study was, therefore, to investigate the influence of different copper compounds (Cu(II) as CuCl2; Cu(II) as CuSO4; and Cu(I) as CuCl) on copper bioreduction and biosorption using four copper-resistant bacteria isolated from the rhizosphere of two plants (Avena sativa and Plantago lanceolata) in aqueous matrix. Copper resistance profile, bioreduction, and biosorption after 48 h of incubation were evaluated. The isolates displayed high copper resistance. However, isolate A1 did not grow very well in the CuCl2 and isolate T5 was less resistant to copper in aqueous solutions amended with CuCl (Cu(I)). The best copper source for copper bioreduction and biosorption was CuSO4 and the isolates removed as much as ten times more copper than in aqueous solutions amended with the other copper compounds. Moreover, Cu(I) did not succumb to biosorption, although the microbes were resistant to aqueous solutions of CuCl. In summary, Cu(II) from CuSO4 was furthermost susceptible to bioreduction and biosorption for all isolates. This is an indication that copper contamination of the environment from the use of CuSO4 as an agrochemical is amenable to bioremediation.

Effects of stimulation of copper bioleaching on microbial community in vineyard soil and copper mining waste

Long-term copper application in vineyards and copper mining activities cause heavy metal pollution sites. Such sites need remediation to protect soil and water quality. Bioremediation of contaminated areas through bioleaching can help to remove copper ions from the contaminated soils. Thus, the aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of different treatments for copper bioleaching in two diverse copper-contaminated soils (a 40-year-old vineyard and a copper mining waste) and to evaluate the effect on microbial community by applying denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of 16S ribosomal DNA amplicons and DNA sequence analysis. Several treatments with HCl, H(2)SO(4), and FeSO(4) were evaluated by stimulation of bioleaching of copper in the soils. Treatments and extractions using FeSO(4) and H(2)SO(4) mixture at 30°C displayed more copper leaching than extractions with deionized water at room temperature. Treatment with H(2)SO(4) supported bioleaching of as much as 120 mg kg(-1) of copper from vineyard soil after 115 days of incubation. DGGE analysis of the treatments revealed that some treatments caused greater diversity of microorganisms in the vineyard soil compared to the copper mining waste. Nucleotide Blast of PCR-amplified fragments of 16S rRNA gene bands from DGGE indicated the presence of Rhodobacter sp., Silicibacter sp., Bacillus sp., Paracoccus sp., Pediococcus sp., a Myxococcales, Clostridium sp., Thiomonas sp., a firmicute, Caulobacter vibrioides, Serratia sp., and an actinomycetales in vineyard soil. Contrarily, Sphingomonas was the predominant genus in copper mining waste in most treatments. Paracoccus sp. and Enterobacter sp. were also identified from DGGE bands of the copper mining waste. Paracoccus species is involved in the copper bioleaching by sulfur oxidation system, liberating the copper bounded in the soils and hence promoting copper bioremediation. Results indicate that stimulation of bioleaching with a combination of FeSO(4) and H(2)SO(4) promoted bioleaching in the soils and can be employed ex situ to remediate copper-impacted soils.

Characterization of copper-resistant rhizosphere bacteria from Avena sativa and Plantago lanceolata for copper bioreduction and biosorption

Copper is a toxic heavy metal widely used to microbial control especially in agriculture. Consequently, high concentrations of copper residues remain in soils selecting copper-resistant organisms. In vineyards, copper is routinely used for fungi control. This work was undertaken to study copper resistance by rhizosphere microorganisms from two plants (Avena sativa L. and Plantago lanceolata L.) common in vineyard soils. Eleven rhizosphere microorganisms were isolated, and four displayed high resistance to copper. The isolates were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis as Pseudomonas putida (A1), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (A2) and Acinetobacter sp. (A6), isolated from Avena sativa rhizosphere, and Acinetobacter sp. (T5), isolated from Plantago lanceolata rhizosphere. The isolates displayed high copper resistance in the temperature range from 25°C to 35°C and pH in the range from 5.0 to 9.0. Pseudomonas putida A1 resisted as much as 1,000 mg L(-1) of copper. The isolates showed similar behavior on copper removal from liquid medium, with a bioremoval rate of 30% at 500 mg L(-1) after 24 h of growth. Speciation of copper revealed high copper biotransformation, reducing Cu(II) to Cu(I), capacity. Results indicate that our isolates are potential agents for copper bioremoval and bacterial stimulation of copper biosorption by Avena sativa and Plantago lanceolata.

Potential phytoextraction and phytostabilization of perennial peanut on copper-contaminated vineyard soils and copper mining waste

This study sought to evaluate the potential of perennial peanut (Arachis pintoi) for copper phytoremediation in vineyard soils (Inceptisol and Mollisol) contaminated with copper and copper mining waste. Our results showed high phytomass production of perennial peanut in both vineyard soils. Macronutrient uptakes were not negatively affected by perennial peanut cultivated in all contaminated soils. Plants cultivated in Mollisol showed high copper concentrations in the roots and shoots of 475 and 52 mg kg(-1), respectively. Perennial peanut plants showed low translocation factor values for Cu, although these plants showed high bioaccumulation factor (BCF) for both vineyard soils, Inceptisol and Mollisol, with BCF values of 3.83 and 3.24, respectively, being characterized as a copper hyperaccumulator plant in these soils. Copper phytoextraction from Inceptisol soil was the highest for both roots and entire plant biomass, with more than 800 mg kg(-1) of copper in whole plant. The highest potential copper phytoextraction by perennial peanut was in Inceptisol soil with copper removal of 2,500 g ha(-1). Also, perennial peanut showed high potential for copper phytoremoval in copper mining waste and Mollisol with 1,700 and 1,500 g of copper per hectare, respectively. In addition, perennial peanuts characterized high potential for phytoextraction and phytostabilization of copper in vineyard soils and copper mining waste.

Bioreduction of Cu(II) by cell-free copper reductase from a copper resistant Pseudomonas sp. NA

Environmental copper contamination is a serious human health problem. Copper reductase is produced by microorganisms to facilitate copper uptake by ATPases into the cells increasing copper biosorption. This study assessed the reduction of Cu(II) by cell-free extracts of a highly copper-resistant bacterium, Pseudomonas sp. strain NA, isolated from vineyard soil contaminated with copper. Both intact cells and cell-free extract of Pseudomonas sp. strain NA displayed substantial reduction of Cu(II). Intact cells reduced more then 80 mg L(-1) of Cu(II) from medium amended with 200 mg L(-1) of copper after 24 h of incubation. Cell-free extract of the isolate reduced more than 65% of the Cu(II) at initial copper concentration of 200 mg L(-1) after 24 h. Soluble protein production was high at 72 h of incubation at 100 mg L(-1) of copper, with more then 60 μg L(-1) of total soluble protein in cell-free extract recorded. Cu(II) reduction by isolate NA was increased when copper concentration increased for both intact cells and cell-free extract. Results indicate that Pseudomonas sp. strain NA produces copper reductase enzyme as the key mechanism of copper biotransformation.

Evaluation of copper resistant bacteria from vineyard soils and mining waste for copper biosorption

Vineyard soils are frequently polluted with high concentrations of copper due application of copper sulfate in order to control fungal diseases. Bioremediation is an efficient process for the treatment of contaminated sites. Efficient copper sorption bacteria can be used for bioremoval of copper from contaminated sites. In this study, a total of 106 copper resistant bacteria were examined for resistance to copper toxicity and biosorption of copper. Eighty isolates (45 from vineyard Mollisol, 35 from Inceptisol) were obtained from EMBRAPA (Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária) experimental station, Bento Gonçalves, RS, Brazil (29°09′53.92″S and 51°31′39.40″W) and 26 were obtained from copper mining waste from Caçapava do Sul, RS, Brazil (30°29′43.48″S and 53′32′37.87W). Based on resistance to copper toxicity and biosorption, 15 isolates were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Maximal copper resistance and biosorption at high copper concentration were observed with isolate N2 which removed 80 mg L⁻¹ in 24 h. Contrarily isolate N11 (Bacillus pumilus) displayed the highest specific copper biosorption (121.82 mg/L/OD unit in 24 h). GenBank MEGABLAST analysis revealed that isolate N2 is 99% similar to Staphylococcus pasteuri. Results indicate that several of our isolates have potential use for bioremediation treatment of vineyards soils and mining waste contaminated with high copper concentration.

Characterization of copper bioreduction and biosorption by a highly copper resistant bacterium isolated from copper-contaminated vineyard soil

Copper is an essential but toxic heavy metal that negatively impacts living systems at high concentration. This study presents factors affecting copper bioremoval (bioreduction and biosorption) by a highly copper resistant monoculture of Pseudomonas sp. NA and copper bioremoval from soil. Seven bacteria resistant to high concentration of Cu(II) were isolated from enrichment cultures of vineyard soils and mining wastes. Culture parameters influencing copper bioreduction and biosorption by one monoculture isolate were studied. The isolate was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis as a Pseudomonas sp. NA (98% similarity to Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas plecoglossicida and other Pseudomonas sp.). The optimal temperature for growth was 30 degrees C and bioremoval of Cu(II) was maximal at 35 degrees C. Considerable growth of the isolate was observed between pH 5.0 and 8.0 with the highest growth and biosorption recorded at pH 6.0. Maximal bioreduction was observed at pH 5.0. Cu(II) bioremoval was directly proportional to Cu(II) concentration in media. Pseudomonas sp. NA removed more than 110mg L(-1) Cu(II) in water within 24h through bioreduction and biosorption at initial concentration of 300mg L(-1). In cultures amended with 100mg L(-1), 20.7mg L(-1) of Cu(II) was biologically reduced and more than 23mg L(-1) of Cu(II) was biologically removed in 12h. The isolate strongly promoted copper bioleaching in soil. Results indicate that Pseudomonas sp. NA has good potential as an agent for removing copper from water and soil.