Acetic acid bacteria (AAB) are versatile organisms that catalyze the conversion of a wide range of carbon sources into biomolecules of great industrial interest. In this study, we exploited the ability of Gluconobacter spp. to synthesize levans. Among the isolated strains, Gluconobacter cerinus UELBM11 produced approximately 14.0 g L−1 of levan under non-optimized conditions. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses confirmed that levan obtained from G. cerinus UELBM11 consisted of a β-(2→6)-D-fructose backbone with some β-(2→1) ramifications. The average molecular weight (Mw) of the purified levan was 8.78 × 105 Da. Thermogravimetric/differential thermogravimetric (TGA/DTG) analysis indicated high thermal stability, with the maximum decomposition rate observed at 227.44 °C. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a microporous morphology, and the antioxidant activity assays demonstrated that levan had a high scavenging capacity of 2,2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and hydroxyl radicals. Therefore, it has been demonstrated the levan produced by G. cerinus UELBM11 is a promising natural antioxidant and, owing to its microporosity and excellent thermal properties and stability, is a potential candidate as an additive in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food products. AAB (AAB interest study spp levans strains UELBM UELBM1 140 14 0 14. L1 L 1 L− nonoptimized non optimized conditions chromatographymass chromatography mass GCMS, GCMS GC MS , (GC-MS) FTIR, FTIR (FTIR) NMR (NMR G β2→6Dfructose β26Dfructose βDfructose β 2→6 D fructose 2 6 β2→1 β21 2→1 β-(2→1 ramifications Mw (Mw 878 8 78 8.7 10 Da Thermogravimetricdifferential Thermogravimetric differential TGA/DTG TGADTG TGA DTG (TGA/DTG stability 22744 227 44 227.4 C °C SEM (SEM morphology 2,2azinobis 22azinobis azinobis 2,2 azino bis 3ethylbenzothiazoline6sulfonic ethylbenzothiazolinesulfonic 3 ethylbenzothiazoline sulfonic ABTS (ABTS radicals Therefore cosmetics pharmaceuticals products (GC-MS (FTIR β2 6Dfructose Dfructose 26 2→ β2→ 21 β-(2→ 87 7 8. 2274 22 4 227. 2azinobis 2, β-(2 β-( β-

Abstract This study aimed to verify the need for minerals and vitamins to increase the production of cell mass by acetic acid bacteria (AAB) isolated from the vinegar industry (086/06) and standard strain (Acetobacter aceti CCT 2565). Five minerals (Mo, B, Zn, Fe, and Mn) and eight vitamins (p-aminobenzoic acid, thiamine, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, biotin, cyanocobalamin, and inositol) were tested in a fractional factorial design. To prepare the inoculum, different compositions of MYP (mannitol, yeast, and peptone) medium were tested. The most adequate medium was mannitol 25 g/L, yeast extract 0.625 g/L, and peptone 0.375 g/L. Through contour curves, it was determined that strain 086/06 needed supplementation with minerals Mo, B and Mn and vitamins p-aminobenzoic acid, pyridoxine and cyanocobalamin. Standard strain CCT 2565 needed supplementation of all minerals and vitamins studied, except inositol. The lower requirement of micronutrients for high cell multiplication of the 086/06 strain may be related to the adaptation of strain 086/06 to industrial production conditions.

RESUMO A produção de cogumelos vem crescendo no Brasil, devido à versatilidade culinária desse alimento e alto valor nutricional. Ainda são escassos estudos que associam os aspectos de sua qualidade com o perfil e preferência dos seus consumidores. Assim, nesse trabalho foi comparada a firmeza e composição bioquímica de Shimeji e Shitake, e verificado o perfil e a preferência dos consumidores para compra. Os cogumelos foram caraterizados pela firmeza, teores de proteínas, lipídios, compostos fenólicos totais, flavonoides totais e atividade antioxidade, além da realização de pesquisa de opinião com 308 consumidores de cogumelos. Os dois cogumelos contêm alto teor de proteínas e baixo de lipídios, além de concentrações expressivas de compostos bioativos e de atividade antioxidante, desejáveis aos consumidores exigentes em alimentos funcionais. O Shitake é aproximadamente 4 vezes mais firme quer o Shimeji e os maiores teores para todos os atributos bioquímicos analisados não diferiram entre os dois cogumelos, exceto para o teor de proteínas. A pesquisa de opinião indicou que mulheres jovens e adultas consomem mais cogumelos que os homens. A maioria deles adquire os cogumelos em supermercados, e são pessoas com escolaridade, majoritariamente, de nível superior. Não foi constatada significativa maior preferência dos consumidores por um dos dois cogumelos analisados, mas a maioria dos participantes relataram que na compra priorizam cogumelos com aroma e sabor característicos, textura macia e suculenta, e que permita rapidez no preparo de refeições.

ABSTRACT Mushroom production has been growing in Brazil due to the culinary versatility of this food and its high nutritional value. However, few studies associating the aspects of its quality with the profile and preference of its consumers can be found in literature. Thus, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the firmness and biochemical composition of Shimeji and Shitake, as well as, the consumers’ profile and preference for purchasing these mushrooms. The mushrooms were characterized by firmness, protein and lipid content, total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids and antioxidation activity. In addition we carried out a survey on opinion of 308 mushroom consumers. The two mushrooms contain high protein content and low lipid content, and also expressive concentrations of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity, suitable for these demanding functional food consumers. Shitake is approximately 4 times firmer than Shimeji and the highest levels for all analyzed biochemical attributes did not differ between the two studied mushrooms, except for protein content. The opinion survey indicated that young and adult women consume more mushrooms than men. Most of them buy mushrooms in supermarkets, and they are mostly higher educated people. No significant higher consumer preference for one of the two mushrooms analyzed was verified; however, most participants reported that they prioritize mushrooms which have characteristic aroma and flavor, smooth and juicy texture, being a convenient ingredient for a quick-cooking meal.

RESUMO O quiabo é vegetal consumido em vários países e é importante fonte de nutrientes para a alimentação humana. Para promover a produção e o consumo de quiabo, é essencial o desenvolvimento de novos genótipos com altos níveis nutricionais, além de características agronômicas desejáveis. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar nove genótipos de quiabo por características agronômicas e bioquímicas. Os acessos UEL2, UEL3, UEL5, UEL6, UEL7, UEL9, UEL10, UEL13 e UEL15 foram cultivados em condições de campo e avaliados em relação à produtividade, peso do fruto, diâmetro do fruto, número de frutos por planta e altura da planta. As análises bioquímicas incluíram composição mineral, teor de proteína bruta, teor de vitamina C, teor total de flavonoides e fenólicos e atividade antioxidante. O genótipo UEL7 destacou-se pelos altos níveis de características bioquímicas, como conteúdo de alguns minerais, vitamina C e atividade antioxidante. Por outro lado, o UEL3 apresentou baixo desempenho para características bioquímicas, mas destacou-se por características agronômicas, como produtividade e número de frutos por planta. Portanto, as raças UEL7 e UEL3 podem ser introduzidas em programas de melhoramento focados na alimentação humana e no desempenho agronômico, além de contribuir para a conservação de germoplasma de quiabo.

ABSTRACT Okra is consumed in several countries and is an important source of nutrients for human food. To promote okra production and consumption is essential the development of new cultivars with high nutritional levels, besides desirable agronomic traits. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate nine okra landraces by agronomic and biochemical traits. The accessions UEL2, UEL3, UEL5, UEL6, UEL7, UEL9, UEL10, UEL13 and UEL15 were grown in open field condition and evaluated in relation to fruit yield, fruit weight, fruit diameter, number of fruits per plant and plant height. The biochemical analysis included mineral composition, crude protein content, vitamin C content, total flavonoid and phenolic content and antioxidant activity. The UEL7 accession stood out for the high levels for biochemical traits such as content of some minerals, vitamin C and antioxidant activity. On the other hand, UEL3 accession had a low performance for biochemical traits, but stood out for agronomic traits such as fruit yield and number of fruits per plant. Hence, the UEL7 and UEL3 landraces may be introduced in breeding programs focused on human food and agronomic performance, beyond to contribute for okra germplasm conservation.

RESUMO: Objetivou-se produzir vinagre, a partir da polpa de mangaba por fermentação alcoólica semi-sólida com ação enzimática através da pectinase, investigar a composição química e avaliação sensorial do produto final. O vinagre foi avaliado através da acidez volátil, extrato seco reduzido, cinzas, teor alcoólico, sulfatos, pH, compostos fenólicos totais, carotenoides totais, parâmetros de cor, rendimento, produtividade e análise sensorial. Os dados foram submetidos a estatística descritiva com média e desvio padrão. Foi aplicado a análise de componentes principais (ACP) para todas as variáveis, exceto para análise de carotenoides totais. Também foi realizada a caracterização físico-química da polpa e fermentado alcoólico. Os principais resultados mostraram que, no vinagre, extrato seco reduzido, acidez volátil, pH e cinzas foram, respectivamente, 44,3±1,5 (g/L), 4,4±0,1 (% m/v), 3,1±0,0, 3,0±0,41 (g/L). Os compostos fenólicos totais e carotenoides totais apresentaram valores de 19,2±8,20 (mg/100 g) e 2,6±0,6 (mg/100 g), respectivamente. O rendimento de conversão de etanol a ácido acético foi de 90%. ACP foi aplicada nas variáveis físico-químicas do vinagre no qual os parâmetros de cor, pH e acidez volátil apresentaram forte influência no produto e, para os atributos da análise sensorial, cor e aroma apresentaram uma forte correlação positiva entre si. O produto final atendeu a todos os quesitos legais, demonstrando ser possível a produção de vinagre de mangaba com potencial antioxidante. Na avaliação sensorial teve boa aceitação pelos provadores, valorizando o uso deste fruto do Cerrado.

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to produce vinegar from mangaba pulp using semi-solid alcoholic fermentation combined with the enzymatic activity of pectinase and to investigate the chemical composition and sensory characteristics of the final product. was evaluated for volatile acidity and the reduced dry extract was evaluated for ashes, alcohol content, sulfates, pH, total phenolic compounds, total carotenoids, color parameters, yield, productivity, and sensory analysis. Average and standard deviation was used for descriptive statistics. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to all variables except total carotenoid content. Physicochemical characterization of the raw and alcoholically fermented pulp was also carried out. The main results showed that, in the vinegar, the reduced dry extract, volatile acidity, pH, and ashes were 44.3±1.5 (g/L), 4.4±0.1 (% w/v), 3.1±0.0, and 3.0±0.41 (g/L), respectively. The total phenolic compound content and total carotenoid content for the mangaba vinegar were 19.2±8.20. mg/100 g and 2.6±0.6. mg/100 g, respectively. The conversion yield from ethanol to acetic acid was 90%. PCA showed that pH and volatile acidity had a strong influence on the product, and there was a strong positive correlation between color and aroma. The final product met all legal requirements, showing that it is possible to produce mangaba vinegar with antioxidant potential for consumers. In the sensory evaluation, it was favored by the tasters, demonstrating potential economic value in the Cerrado fruit.

Abstract The vinegar is a millenary food, appreciated by consumers worldwide. The rice bran is a rice-processing by-product produced in a large scale, mainly employed in feed. This study describes a method for defatted rice bran (DRB) vinegar production by submerged fermentation, with optimized aeration and stirring conditions, evaluating its physico-chemical properties and acceptance. A 22 Full Factorial Design (FFD) was applied to evaluate the aeration (0.25-1.00 VVM) and stirring (100-500 rpm) effect on the stoichiometric yield (SY), total concentration of ethanol and acetic acid yield (TCY), and acetic acid productivity (AAP). SY ranged from 26.26 to 79.97%, TCY ranged from 78.04 to 100.50%, and AAP varied from 0.056 to 0.473 g L-1 h-1. The stirring had a positive effect in the SY and TCY, while both aeration and stirring had a positive effect in the AAP (p ≤ 0.05). The FFD allowed an acetic acid increase of ≅ 750 times under aeration of 1.00 VVM and stirring of 500 rpm, which made it possible to develop an industrially compatible method for vinegar production using DRB as substrate. Furthermore, DRB presents potential for vinegar production, with functional characteristics - including antioxidant activity - and sensorially accepted.

Abstract In the last decade, bacterial cellulose (BC) has received considerable attention around the world, including in Brazil. The unique properties of BC, such as mechanical stability, tensile strength, thermostability, crystallinity, purity and biocompatibility make it a promising candidate for commercial applications in different areas. This article provides a comprehensive synthesis of commercial applications and studies related to BC around the world and shows the importance and development of Brazilian research during the last decade. In this review we present an overview of BC structure, biosynthesis and possible applications of BC mainly in the food, electronics, bioengineering, cosmetics and biomedical areas. The most significant contributions of Brazilian researchers using BC have been carried out in the biomedical area. Despite the increase in BC reserch, Brazil also needs to develop strategies to expand the use and commercialization of BC products, for which government financial support is extremely necessary.

RESUMO O kefir de água é considerado um alimento funcional com características probióticas. Pode ser melhorado com adição de açúcar mascavo orgânico e frutas nativas do Brasil, como a jabuticaba. Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos do tipo de açúcar mascavo: orgânico e convencional e da presença ou ausência de polpa de jabuticaba na fermentação de kefir de água, baseada no perfil de carboidratos, ácidos orgânicos, composição de minerais e cor. O processo fermentativo foi conduzido em duas etapas: com grãos de kefir, por 24 horas, a 25 °C e após filtragem, mantido por 24 h a 25 °C em garrafas herméticas, seguida de um período de 8h de refrigeração, e monitorado a cada 8 h. Foi realizada microscopia eletrônica de varredura dos grãos de kefir decorridas 24 h. As principais mudanças nos padrões físico-químicos ocorreram até 40h. As bebidas finais apresentaram característica ácida em decorrência da produção dos ácidos lático, acético e succínico. Os teores de açúcares totais tiveram uma redução em torno de 50%. O teor de sacarose foi reduzido e os teores de glicose e frutose aumentaram. A utilização de açúcar orgânico influenciou a composição dos minerais. As características relacionadas à cor apresentaram tendência de aumento ao longo dos tempos avaliados. Concluiu-se que é possível produzir bebidas fermentadas por grãos de kefir de água, utilizando-se como substrato açúcar mascavo orgânico ou convencional e polpa de jabuticaba, sendo alternativa para a substituição de refrigerantes, pois não tem conservantes nem corantes alimentares, apresenta menor teor de açúcares e pode ser produzido artesanalmente.

ABSTRACT Water kefir is considered to be a functional food with probiotic characteristics. It can be improved with addition of organic brown sugar and fruits native to Brazil, such as jaboticaba. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of brown sugar type: organic and conventional and the presence or absence of jaboticaba pulp in water kefir fermentation, based on the carbohydrate, organic acid, mineral composition and color profile. The fermentation process was carried out in two stages: with kefir grains, for 24 hours, at 25 °C and after filtration, maintained for 24 h at 25 °C in hermetic bottles, followed by a period of 8h refrigeration, and monitored every 8 h. Scanning electron microscopy of the kefir grains was performed after 24 h. The major changes in physicochemical patterns occurred up to 40 h. The final beverages presented acidic characteristics as a result of the production of lactic, acetic and succinic acids. The total sugar content had a reduction of around 50%. The sucrose content was reduced and the glucose and fructose increased. The use of organic sugar influenced the composition of the minerals. The characteristics related to color showed a tendency to increase over the evaluated times. It was concluded that it is possible to produce beverages fermented by water kefir grains, using organic or conventional brown sugar and jabuticaba pulp, being an alternative for the substitution of soft drinks, since it has no preservatives or food colorings, presents lower content of sugars and can be handcrafted.

Considering the limited availability of technology for the production of rice vinegar and also due to the potential consumer product market, this study aimed to use alcoholic fermented rice (rice wine (Oryza sativa L.)) for vinegar production. An alcoholic solution with 6.28% (w/v) ethanol was oxidized by a submerged fermentation process to produce vinegar. The process of acetic acid fermentation occurred at 30 ± 0.3°C in a FRINGS® Acetator (Germany) for the production of vinegar and was followed through 10 cycles. The vinegar had a total acidity of 6.85% (w/v), 0.17% alcohol (w/v), 1.26% (w/v) minerals and 1.78% (w/v) dry extract. The composition of organic acids present in rice vinegar was: cis-aconitic acid (6 mg/L), maleic acid (3 mg/L), trans-aconitic acid (3 mg/L), shikimic + succinic acid (4 mg/L), lactic acid (300 mg/L), formic acid (180 mg/L), oxalic acid (3 mg/L), fumaric acid (3 mg/L) and itaconic acid (1 mg/L).

A importância do estudo de bactérias acéticas, em especial as do gênero Gluconobacter, está baseada em suas aplicações industriais, pois estas possuem a capacidade de bioconversão de sorbitol a sorbose, viabilizando o processo de produção de vitamina C. O estudo envolveu coletas de amostras em indústrias de refrigerante, flores, frutos e mel, seguidas de purificação, identificação fenotípica e identificação molecular, com a utilização de iniciador definido a partir de consulta ao Nucleotide Sequence Database. Preservaram-se as linhagens identificadas como membros da família Acetobacteriaceae, gênero Gluconobacter. Foi isolado um total de 110 linhagens dos substratos: Pyrostegia venusta (Cipó de São João), mel, Vitis vinifera (uva), Pyrus communis (pêra), Malus sp. (maçã) e de duas amostras de refrigerantes envasados em embalagens de PET de 2 L. Deste total, 57 linhagens foram recuperadas em meio MYP (manitol, extrato de levedura, peptona), 12 em meio YGM (glicose, manitol, extrato de levedura, etanol, ácido acético), 41 em meio de enriquecimento e, posteriormente, em meio GYC (glicose, extrato de levedura e carbonato de cálcio). Obtiveram-se 68 linhagens identificadas como bastonetes Gram negativos. Destas, 31 foram caracterizadas bioquimicamente como pertencentes à família Acetobacteriaceae por serem catalase positivas, oxidase negativas e produtoras de ácido a partir de glicose. A caracterização dessas linhagens foi complementada com os testes bioquímicos: liquefação da gelatina, redução de nitrato, formação de indol e H2S e oxidação de etanol a ácido acético. Métodos moleculares foram aplicados para identificação do gênero Gluconobacter. Finalmente, oito linhagens foram caracterizadas como pertencentes ao gênero Gluconobacter. As linhagens encontram-se depositadas em coleção de cultura do laboratório de Microbiologia do Departamento de Biologia da UNESP, campus de Assis, estocadas em extrato de malte 20 a -196 ºC.

The importance of the study of acetic bacteria, on species of the Gluconobacter genus is based on its industrial application, as these possess the capacity of bioconversion of sorbitol to sorbose, enabling the process of vitamin C production. The study involved samples collected in industries of soft drinks, flowers, fruits and honey, followed by purification, phenotypic identification, molecular identification with the use of primer defined from Nucleotide Sequence Database consultation. Strains preserved were identified as members of the Acetobacteraceae family, Gluconobacter genus. 110 strains had been isolated of substrate: Pyrostegia venusta (ker-gawler), honey, Vitis vinifera (grape), Pyrus communis (pear), Malus sp. (apple) and in two samples of soft drinks. Of this total 57 strains had been recovered in manitol medium (manitol, yeast extract, peptone), 12 in YMG medium (glucose, manitol, yeast extract, ethanol, acetic acid), 41 in enrichment medium (De Ley and Swings) and later in the GYC medium (glucose, yeast extract and calcium carbonate). 68 strains were identified as Gram negative bacilli rods. Of these, 31 were characterized biochemically as belonging to the Acetobacteriaceae family as they were catalase positive, oxidase negative and producers of acid from glucose. The characterization of these strains was complemented with the biochemistry tests: gelatin liquefaction, nitrate reduction, indole and H2S production, oxidation of ethanol to acetic acid and molecular tests for genus identification. Only eight strains were characterized as pertaining to the Gluconobacter genus. The strains are maintained in collection cultures at the Microbiology Laboratory of the Biology Department at the São Paulo State University (UNESP) in Assis, stored in malt extract at -196 ºC.

Durante 1995/96 e 1996/97, foram conduzidos experimentos na Universidade Estadual de Londrina, visando: quantificar os teores de óleo e proteína em dois grupos de genótipos de soja tipo alimento; estimar as correlações fenotípicas e genotípicas existentes entre os teores de óleo, proteína e tamanho das sementes; e, identificar genótipos para consumo humano de forma direta, com elevado teor de proteína. Foram avaliados os caracteres Peso de Cem Sementes (PCS, expresso em gramas / 100 sementes), Teor de Óleo (TO), e Teor de Proteína (TP), expressos em %. Na população conduzida a campo, a característica TO variou de 12 a 20,4 %, e TP de 35,7 a 41,8 %. A população conduzida em casa de vegetação apresentou uma variação de 12,3 a 21,8 % para TO, e de 33 a 41,6 % para TP. As correlações entre TO e TP foram negativas e significativas. A relação do PCS com TO e TP mostrou-se baixa e muito afetada pelos efeitos dos anos. Devido aos seus altos teores de proteína e estabilidade para os teores de óleo e proteína, destacaram-se, dentre os tratamentos conduzidos a campo, GA23 e GA20; e, dentre os tratamentos conduzidos em casa de vegetação, PI408251, Waseda, B6F4 (L-3 less), PI423909 e Tambagura.

During 1995/96 and 1996/97, experiments were carried out at Londrina State University, aiming at quantifying the oil and protein contents in two groups of soybean genotypes; estimating the phenotypic, genotypic and environmental correlations existent among oil, protein content and seed size, and identifying genotypes for direct human consumption with high protein content. The evaluated characters were Weight of a Hundred Seeds (WHS), expressed in grams/100 seeds, Oil Content (OC) and Protein Content (PC), expressed in %. In the experiment carried out in the field, OC ranged from 12 to 20.37 % and PC from 35.66 to 41.75% while in the experiment carried out in the greenhouse OC ranged from 12.26 to 21.79 % and PC from 32.95 to 41.56 % . The correlations between oil and protein were negative and significant. The relationship among WHS with OC and PC was low and higly affected by the time effect. Due to their high protein content and stability to oil and protein contents, there were distinction among the treatments carried out in the field (GA23 and GA20), and those carried out in the greenhouse (PI408251, Waseda, B6F4 (L-3 less), PI423909 and Tambagura).