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Fermentation, Volume 7, Issue 1 (March 2021) – 43 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Due to the increase of hemp-related markets and its high carbohydrate content, biological utilization of industrial hemp into bioethanol and other biochemicals has been highlighted in recent studies. The current understanding of industrial hemp properties and challenges and future perspectives of its biological approaches are reviewed and discussed in this study. View this paper
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14 pages, 1971 KiB  
Article
Unravelling the Impact of Grape Washing, SO2, and Multi-Starter Inoculation in Lab-Scale Vinification Trials of Withered Black Grapes
by Ilaria Checchia, Renato L. Binati, Eleonora Troiano, Maurizio Ugliano, Giovanna E. Felis and Sandra Torriani
Fermentation 2021, 7(1), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation7010043 - 23 Mar 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2857
Abstract
Wine quality is strongly affected by chemical composition and microbial population of grape must, which, in turn, are influenced by several post-harvest treatments, including grape withering. Different strategies have been suggested to manage the fermenting must microbiota, as it plays a central role [...] Read more.
Wine quality is strongly affected by chemical composition and microbial population of grape must, which, in turn, are influenced by several post-harvest treatments, including grape withering. Different strategies have been suggested to manage the fermenting must microbiota, as it plays a central role in the outcomes of both spontaneous and guided fermentations. This study aimed at evaluating the impact of grape washing, SO2 addition, and selected starter culture inoculation on population dynamics, fermentation kinetics, and main oenological parameters in lab-scale trials, focusing on withered grapes usually used for Amarone production. Although grape washing treatment was effective in removing heavy metals and undesirable microorganisms from grape berry surface, inoculation of multi-starter cultures impacted more fermentation rates. Further, both grape washing and starter inoculation procedures had a remarkable impact on wine chemical characteristics, while 30 mg/L SO2 addition did not significantly affect the fermentation process. In summary, the best strategy in terms of limiting off-flavors and potentially reducing the need for SO2 addition in wine from withered grapes was the use of yeast starters, particularly mixed cultures composed by selected strains of Metschnikowia spp. and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Application of a washing step before winemaking showed a potential to improve organoleptic characteristics of wine. Full article
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19 pages, 2988 KiB  
Article
Towards a Starter Culture for Cocoa Fermentation by the Selection of Acetic Acid Bacteria
by Lucie Farrera, Alexandre Colas de la Noue, Caroline Strub, Benjamin Guibert, Christelle Kouame, Joël Grabulos, Didier Montet and Corinne Teyssier
Fermentation 2021, 7(1), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation7010042 - 20 Mar 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3674
Abstract
Acetic acid bacteria are involved in many food and beverage fermentation processes. They play an important role in cocoa bean fermentation through their acetic acid production. They initiate the development of some of the flavor precursors that are necessary for the organoleptic quality [...] Read more.
Acetic acid bacteria are involved in many food and beverage fermentation processes. They play an important role in cocoa bean fermentation through their acetic acid production. They initiate the development of some of the flavor precursors that are necessary for the organoleptic quality of cocoa, and for the beans’ color. The development of starter cultures with local strains would enable the preservation of the microbial biodiversity of each country in cocoa-producing areas, and would also control the fermentation. This approach could avoid the standardization of cocoa bean fermentation in the producing countries. One hundred and thirty acetic acid bacteria were isolated from three different cocoa-producing countries, and were identified based on their 16S rRNA gene sequence. The predominate strains were grown in a cocoa pulp simulation medium (CPSM-AAB) in order to compare their physiological traits regarding their specific growth rate, ethanol and lactic acid consumption, acetic acid production, and relative preferences of carbon sources. Finally, the intraspecific diversity of the strains was then assessed through the analysis of their genomic polymorphism by (GTG)5-PCR fingerprinting. Our results showed that Acetobacter pasteurianus was the most recovered species in all of the origins, with 86 isolates out of 130 cultures. A great similarity was observed between the strains according to their physiological characterization and genomic polymorphisms. However, the multi-parametric clustering results in the different groups highlighted some differences in their basic metabolism, such as their efficiency in converting carbon substrates to acetate, and their relative affinity to lactic acid and ethanol. The A. pasteurianus strains showed different behaviors regarding their ability to oxidize ethanol and lactic acid into acetic acid, and in their relative preference for each substrate. The impact of these behaviors on the cocoa quality should be investigated, and should be considered as a criterion for the selection of acetic acid bacteria starters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safety and Microbiological Quality 2.0)
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16 pages, 1674 KiB  
Article
Lactate Metabolism and Microbiome Composition Are Affected by Nitrogen Gas Supply in Continuous Lactate-Based Chain Elongation
by Carlos A. Contreras-Dávila, Arielle Ali, Cees J. N. Buisman and David P. B. T. B. Strik
Fermentation 2021, 7(1), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation7010041 - 20 Mar 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3072
Abstract
Chain elongation reactor microbiomes produce valuable medium-chain carboxylates (MCC) from non-sterile residual substrates where lactate is a relevant intermediate. Gas supply has been shown to impact chain elongation performance. In the present study, the effect of nitrogen gas (N2) supply on [...] Read more.
Chain elongation reactor microbiomes produce valuable medium-chain carboxylates (MCC) from non-sterile residual substrates where lactate is a relevant intermediate. Gas supply has been shown to impact chain elongation performance. In the present study, the effect of nitrogen gas (N2) supply on lactate metabolism, conversion rates, biomass growth, and microbiome composition was evaluated in a lactate-fed upflow anaerobic reactor with continuous or intermittent N2 gas supply. Successful MCC production was achieved with continuous N2 gas supply at low superficial gas velocities (SGV) of 0.22 m∙h−1. Supplying N2 at high SGV (>2 m∙h−1) either continuously (2.2 m∙h−1) or intermittently (3.6 m∙h−1) disrupted chain elongation, resulting in production of short-chain carboxylates (SCC), i.e., acetate, propionate, and n-butyrate. Caproiciproducens-dominated chain-elongating microbiomes enriched at low SGV were washed out at high SGV where Clostridium tyrobutyricum-dominated microbiomes thrived, by displaying higher lactate consumption rates. Suspended growth seemed to be dominant regardless of SGV and gas supply regime applied with no measurable sludge bed formed. The highest MCC production from lactate of 10 g COD∙L−1∙d−1 with electron selectivities of 72 ± 5%was obtained without N2 gas supply at a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 1 day. The addition of 5 g∙L−1 of propionate did not inhibit chain elongation, but rather boosted lactate conversion rates towards MCC with n-heptylate reaching 1.8 g COD∙L−1∙d−1. N2 gas supply can be used for mixing purposes and to steer lactate metabolism to MCC or SCC production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fermentations as the Key Process for Bioplastic and Bioeconomy)
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11 pages, 1354 KiB  
Article
Screening and Molecular Identification of Novel Pectinolytic Bacteria from Forest Soil
by Sarita Shrestha, Janak Raj Khatiwada, Xiaodong Zhang, Chonlong Chio, Aristide Laurel Mokale Kognou, Feifei Chen, Sihai Han, Xuatong Chen and Wensheng Qin
Fermentation 2021, 7(1), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation7010040 - 15 Mar 2021
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4350
Abstract
Pectinases are a group of enzymes with broad application, including in plant fiber processing, pectic wastewater treatment, paper pulping, fruit juice extraction, and clarification. With an increasing industrial demand for these enzymes, it is useful to isolate organisms that produce large amounts of [...] Read more.
Pectinases are a group of enzymes with broad application, including in plant fiber processing, pectic wastewater treatment, paper pulping, fruit juice extraction, and clarification. With an increasing industrial demand for these enzymes, it is useful to isolate organisms that produce large amounts of pectinase and possess wide ranges of stability factors like temperature and pH. In this study, 17 out of 29 bacteria (58.62%) from forest soil samples were pectinolytic. However, only four bacteria (S-5, S-10, S-14, and S-17) showed high pectin hydrolysis zones (ranging from 0.2 cm to 1.7 cm). These four bacteria were identified based on colony morphology, microscopic characterization, biochemical characteristics, and 16S rDNA sequencing. They were designated as Streptomyces sp. (S-5, S-14), Cellulomonas sp. (S-10), and Bacillus sp. (S-17). Interestingly, bacteria showed cellulase and xylanase activity in addition to pectinase. The quantitative assay for pectinase activity of the four isolates provided proof that they are pectinase producers and can be considered potential candidates for industrial uses. The crude enzyme extracts of these bacteria are applicable in oil and juice extraction from sesame seeds and apples, respectively. Full article
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18 pages, 2637 KiB  
Article
Cordyceps cicadae NTTU 868 Mycelium with The Addition of Bioavailable Forms of Magnesium from Deep Ocean Water Prevents the Aβ40 and Streptozotocin-Induced Memory Deficit via Suppressing Alzheimer’s Disease Risk Factors and Increasing Magnesium Uptake of Brain
by Yan-Zhong Wu and Chun-Lin Lee
Fermentation 2021, 7(1), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation7010039 - 14 Mar 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3872
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease characterized by continuous accumulation of β-amyloid (Aβ) in the brain. Deep ocean water (DOW) with rich inorganic salts and minerals was proven to promote fungi growth and metabolism. Cordyceps cicada, a functional food fungus, [...] Read more.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease characterized by continuous accumulation of β-amyloid (Aβ) in the brain. Deep ocean water (DOW) with rich inorganic salts and minerals was proven to promote fungi growth and metabolism. Cordyceps cicada, a functional food fungus, can produce higher anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds including adenosine, polysaccharide, and N(6)-(2-Hydroxyethyl) adenosine (HEA). This study used DOW as the culture water of C. cicadae NTTU 868 for producing DOW-cultured C. cicadae (DCC), and further investigated the effects and mechanisms on improving the memory deficit and repressing risk factors expressions in Aβ40 and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced Alzheimer’s disease rats model. In the results, DCC including mycelium and filtrate had adenosine, HEA, polysaccharide, and intracellular Mg2+ after fermentation with DOW. DCC had more effect on the improvement of memory deficit because it suppressed Aβ40 and streptozotocin (STZ) infusion caused BACE, pro-inflammatory factors expressions, and Aβ40 accumulation by increasing sRAGE expression in the brain. Furthermore, DCC enhanced the MAGT1 expression due to high organic magnesium, which can reverse Aβ40-induced cortex magnesium deficiency and further repress Aβ40 accumulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fermented Foods and Microbes Related to Health)
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18 pages, 665 KiB  
Review
Very High Gravity Bioethanol Revisited: Main Challenges and Advances
by Daniel Gomes, Mariana Cruz, Miriam de Resende, Eloízio Ribeiro, José Teixeira and Lucília Domingues
Fermentation 2021, 7(1), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation7010038 - 13 Mar 2021
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4301
Abstract
Over the last decades, the constant growth of the world-wide industry has been leading to more and more concerns with its direct impact on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Resulting from that, rising efforts have been dedicated to a global transition from an oil-based [...] Read more.
Over the last decades, the constant growth of the world-wide industry has been leading to more and more concerns with its direct impact on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Resulting from that, rising efforts have been dedicated to a global transition from an oil-based industry to cleaner biotechnological processes. A specific example refers to the production of bioethanol to substitute the traditional transportation fuels. Bioethanol has been produced for decades now, mainly from energy crops, but more recently, also from lignocellulosic materials. Aiming to improve process economics, the fermentation of very high gravity (VHG) mediums has for long received considerable attention. Nowadays, with the growth of multi-waste valorization frameworks, VHG fermentation could be crucial for bioeconomy development. However, numerous obstacles remain. This work initially presents the main aspects of a VHG process, giving then special emphasis to some of the most important factors that traditionally affect the fermentation organism, such as nutrients depletion, osmotic stress, and ethanol toxicity. Afterwards, some factors that could possibly enable critical improvements in the future on VHG technologies are discussed. Special attention was given to the potential of the development of new fermentation organisms, nutritionally complete culture media, but also on alternative process conditions and configurations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biofuel Fermentation from Renewable Biomass)
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21 pages, 2859 KiB  
Article
Production of Renewable Lipids by the Diatom Amphora copulata
by Natanamurugaraj Govindan, Gaanty Pragas Maniam, Mohd Hasbi Ab. Rahim, Ahmad Ziad Sulaiman, Azilah Ajit, Tawan Chatsungnoen and Yusuf Chisti
Fermentation 2021, 7(1), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation7010037 - 11 Mar 2021
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3349
Abstract
The asymmetric biraphid pennate diatom Amphora copulata, isolated from tropical coastal waters (South China Sea, Malaysia), was cultured for renewable production of lipids (oils) in a medium comprised of inorganic nutrients dissolved in dilute palm oil mill effluent (POME). Optimal levels of [...] Read more.
The asymmetric biraphid pennate diatom Amphora copulata, isolated from tropical coastal waters (South China Sea, Malaysia), was cultured for renewable production of lipids (oils) in a medium comprised of inorganic nutrients dissolved in dilute palm oil mill effluent (POME). Optimal levels of nitrate, phosphate, and silicate were identified for maximizing the biomass concentration in batch cultures conducted at 25 ± 2 °C under an irradiance of 130 µmol m−2 s−1 with a 16 h/8 h light-dark cycle. The maximum lipid content in the biomass harvested after 15-days was 39.5 ± 4.5% by dry weight in a POME-based medium with optimal levels of nitrate, phosphate, and silicate. Under the optimized conditions the maximum dry mass concentration of the diatom was 660 mg L−1 on day 12, declining to ~650 mg L−1 on day 15. For the 15-day batch operation, the final average productivities of the biomass and the lipids were 43.3 ± 4.5 mg L−1 d−1 and 17.1 ± 0.3 mg L−1 d−1, respectively. The fatty acids in the diatom lipids were found to be (%, w/w of total lipids): palmitoleic acid (39.8%), palmitic acid (31.9%), myristic acid (6.8%), oleic acid (4.7%), stearic acid (4.5%), arachidonic acid (3.9%), eicosapentaenoic acid (3.6%), linoleic acid (2.5%), tetracosanoic acid (1.7%), and linolenic acid (0.6%). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biofuel Fermentation from Renewable Biomass)
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17 pages, 1165 KiB  
Review
Mechanical Cell Disruption Technologies for the Extraction of Dyes and Pigments from Microorganisms: A Review
by Georgio Nemer, Nicolas Louka, Eugène Vorobiev, Dominique Salameh, Jean-Marc Nicaud, Richard G. Maroun and Mohamed Koubaa
Fermentation 2021, 7(1), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation7010036 - 09 Mar 2021
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 8776
Abstract
The production of pigments using single cell microorganisms is gaining traction as a sustainable alternative to conventional syntheses, which rely, in no negligible proportions, on petrochemicals. In addition to depending on petroleum, these syntheses involved the use of toxic organic solvents, which may [...] Read more.
The production of pigments using single cell microorganisms is gaining traction as a sustainable alternative to conventional syntheses, which rely, in no negligible proportions, on petrochemicals. In addition to depending on petroleum, these syntheses involved the use of toxic organic solvents, which may be inadequately disposed of across a range of industries, thus compounding the deleterious effects of fossil fuel exploitation. Literature suggests that notable research efforts in the area of sustainable pigment production using single cell microorganisms are focused on the production of pigments coveted for their interesting qualities, which transcend their mere capacity to dye various fabrics both natural and synthetic. As interest in sustainable pigment biosynthesis grows, the need to devise effective and efficient cell disruption processes becomes more pressing given that the viability of pigment biosynthesis is not only dependent on microorganisms’ yield in terms of production, but also on researchers’ ability to recover them. This review chiefly reports findings as to mechanical cell disruption methods, used individually or in various combinations, and their aptitude to recover biosynthetic pigments. Full article
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12 pages, 1171 KiB  
Article
Monitoring Commercial Starter Culture Development in Presence of Red Grape Pomace Powder to Produce Polyphenol-Enriched Fresh Ovine Cheeses at Industrial Scale Level
by Pietro Barbaccia, Gabriele Busetta, Michele Matraxia, Anna Maria Sutera, Valentina Craparo, Giancarlo Moschetti, Nicola Francesca, Luca Settanni and Raimondo Gaglio
Fermentation 2021, 7(1), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation7010035 - 09 Mar 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2634
Abstract
Red grape Nero d’Avola cultivar grape pomace powder (GPP) was applied during fresh ovine cheese production in order to increase polyphenol content. Before cheeses were produced, the bacteria of a freeze-dried commercial starter culture were isolated and tested in vitro against GPP. Two [...] Read more.
Red grape Nero d’Avola cultivar grape pomace powder (GPP) was applied during fresh ovine cheese production in order to increase polyphenol content. Before cheeses were produced, the bacteria of a freeze-dried commercial starter culture were isolated and tested in vitro against GPP. Two dominant strains, both resistant to GPP, were identified. Thestarter culture was inoculated in pasteurized ewe’s milk and the curd was divided into two bulks, one added with 1% (w/w) GPP and another one GPP-free. GPP did not influence the starter culture development, since lactic acid bacteria (LAB) counts were 109 CFU/g in both cheeses at 30 d. To exclude the interference of indigenous LAB, the pasteurized milk was analyzed, and several colonies of presumptive LAB were isolated, purified and typed. Four strains were allotted into Enterococcus and Lacticaseibacillus genera. The direct comparison of the polymorphic profiles of cheese bacteria evidenced the dominance of the starter culture over milk LAB. The addition of GPP increased cheese total phenolic compounds by 0.42 g GAE/kg. Sensory evaluation indicated that GPP-enriched cheese was well appreciated by the judges, providing evidence that GPP is a suitable substrate to increase the availability of total phenolic content in fresh ovine cheese. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Aspect on Wine Fermentation)
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13 pages, 3937 KiB  
Article
Predicting Alcohol Concentration during Beer Fermentation Using Ultrasonic Measurements and Machine Learning
by Alexander Bowler, Josep Escrig, Michael Pound and Nicholas Watson
Fermentation 2021, 7(1), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation7010034 - 04 Mar 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4385
Abstract
Beer fermentation is typically monitored by periodic sampling and off-line analysis. In-line sensors would remove the need for time-consuming manual operation and provide real-time evaluation of the fermenting media. This work uses a low-cost ultrasonic sensor combined with machine learning to predict the [...] Read more.
Beer fermentation is typically monitored by periodic sampling and off-line analysis. In-line sensors would remove the need for time-consuming manual operation and provide real-time evaluation of the fermenting media. This work uses a low-cost ultrasonic sensor combined with machine learning to predict the alcohol concentration during beer fermentation. The highest accuracy model (R2 = 0.952, mean absolute error (MAE) = 0.265, mean squared error (MSE) = 0.136) used a transmission-based ultrasonic sensing technique along with the measured temperature. However, the second most accurate model (R2 = 0.948, MAE = 0.283, MSE = 0.146) used a reflection-based technique without the temperature. Both the reflection-based technique and the omission of the temperature data are novel to this research and demonstrate the potential for a non-invasive sensor to monitor beer fermentation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Implementation of Digital Technologies on Beverage Fermentation)
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16 pages, 2741 KiB  
Article
Exopolysaccharides Production by Cultivating a Bacterial Isolate from the Hypersaline Environment of Salar de Uyuni (Bolivia) in Pretreatment Liquids of Steam-Exploded Quinoa Stalks and Enzymatic Hydrolysates of Curupaú Sawdust
by Diego Chambi, Luis Romero-Soto, Roxana Villca, Felipe Orozco-Gutiérrez, José Vega-Baudrit, Jorge Quillaguamán, Rajni Hatti-Kaul, Carlos Martín and Cristhian Carrasco
Fermentation 2021, 7(1), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation7010033 - 28 Feb 2021
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3594
Abstract
The halotolerant bacterial strain BU-4, isolated from a hypersaline environment, was identified as an exopolysaccharide (EPS) producer. Pretreatment liquids of steam-exploded quinoa stalks and enzymatic hydrolysates of Curupaú sawdust were evaluated as carbon sources for EPS production with the BU-4 strain, and the [...] Read more.
The halotolerant bacterial strain BU-4, isolated from a hypersaline environment, was identified as an exopolysaccharide (EPS) producer. Pretreatment liquids of steam-exploded quinoa stalks and enzymatic hydrolysates of Curupaú sawdust were evaluated as carbon sources for EPS production with the BU-4 strain, and the produced EPS was characterized using FTIR, TGA, and SEM. Cultivation was performed at 30 °C for 48 h, and the cells were separated from the culture broth by centrifugation. EPS was isolated from the cell pellets by ethanol precipitation, and purified by trichloroacetic acid treatment, followed by centrifugation, dialysis, and freeze-drying. EPS production from quinoa stalks- and Curupaú sawdust-based substrates was 2.73 and 0.89 g L−1, respectively, while 2.34 g L−1 was produced when cultivation was performed on glucose. FTIR analysis of the EPS revealed signals typical for polysaccharides, as well as ester carbonyl groups and sulfate groups. High thermal stability, water retention capacity and gel-forming ability were inferred from SEM and TGA. The capability of the halotolerant isolate for producing EPS from pretreatment liquids and hydrolysates was demonstrated, and characterization of the EPS revealed their broad application potential. The study shows a way for producing value-added products from waste materials using a bacterium from a unique Bolivian ecosystem. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Wastes: Feedstock for Value-Added Products: 2nd Edition)
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3 pages, 180 KiB  
Editorial
Editorial: Lactic Acid Fermentation and the Colours of Biotechnology 2.0
by Vittorio Capozzi and Francesco Grieco
Fermentation 2021, 7(1), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation7010032 - 26 Feb 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1849
Abstract
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) belong to an assorted cluster of bacteria that are protagonists of fermentative processes and bio-based solutions of interest in the different fields of biotechnological sciences, from the agri-food sector (green) up to the industrial (white), throughout the pharmaceutical (red) [...] Read more.
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) belong to an assorted cluster of bacteria that are protagonists of fermentative processes and bio-based solutions of interest in the different fields of biotechnological sciences, from the agri-food sector (green) up to the industrial (white), throughout the pharmaceutical (red) [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lactic Acid Fermentation and the Colours of Biotechnology 2.0)
18 pages, 3596 KiB  
Article
Application of Autochthonous Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae XG3 in Treixadura Wines from D.O. Ribeiro (NW Spain): Effect on Wine Aroma
by Pilar Blanco, María Vázquez-Alén, Teresa Garde-Cerdán and Mar Vilanova
Fermentation 2021, 7(1), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation7010031 - 25 Feb 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2484
Abstract
Yeast plays an essential role in winemaking. Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains involved in fermentation determine the chemical and sensory characteristics of wines. S. cerevisiae XG3, isolated in Galicia (NW Spain), has desirable oenological potential, which has been proved at a pilot scale to produce [...] Read more.
Yeast plays an essential role in winemaking. Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains involved in fermentation determine the chemical and sensory characteristics of wines. S. cerevisiae XG3, isolated in Galicia (NW Spain), has desirable oenological potential, which has been proved at a pilot scale to produce quality wines. This study applies XG3 as active dry yeast at an industrial scale for Treixadura wine elaboration, and compares it with commercial yeast and spontaneous fermentation within three wineries included in Denomination of Origin Ribeiro over two vintages. Fermentations are monitored using conventional methods, and microbiological implantation controls are carried out by mtDNA-RFLPs analysis. Wine basic chemical parameters are determined using OIV official methodology, and volatile aroma compounds are determined by GC-MS. Finally, wine sensory analysis is also performed. S. cerevisiae XG3 shows an acceptable implantation ability—as compared to commercial control strains. The wines from XG3 have a higher total acidity and lower alcohol content. Their volatile composition differs from control wines, since XG3 produces significantly higher concentrations of acetates, volatile acids, esters and volatile phenols, depending on the vintage and winery. However, lower differences are perceived at the sensory level, where fruity and floral descriptors are perceived by the panellists in XG3 wines. Therefore, XG3 constitutes an alternative to differentiate Treixadura wines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Yeast Biotechnology 4.0)
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13 pages, 925 KiB  
Article
Effects of Energy Cane (Saccharum spp.) Juice on Corn Ethanol (Zea mays) Fermentation Efficiency: Integration towards a More Sustainable Production
by Pietro Sica, Laysa Maciel Lewandowski Meira Prado, Pedro Granja, Elias Miguel de Carvalho, Eduardo de Castro Mattos, Rubens Perez Calegari, Manuella Silverio, Bianca Chaves Martins and Antonio Sampaio Baptista
Fermentation 2021, 7(1), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation7010030 - 22 Feb 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2924
Abstract
Despite being considered renewable, corn (Zea mays) ethanol still generates much debate over the use of fossil fuels in its production and is considered less sustainable than sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) ethanol. In Brazil, corn ethanol is starting to be produced [...] Read more.
Despite being considered renewable, corn (Zea mays) ethanol still generates much debate over the use of fossil fuels in its production and is considered less sustainable than sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) ethanol. In Brazil, corn ethanol is starting to be produced in the Center-West and is expected to increase with the RenovaBio, a promising policy for biofuels adoption. In this context, energy cane (Saccharum spp.) is a biomass crop with high yields that can provide bagasse to supply the energy demand of the corn ethanol industry and provide juice with about 10% sugar content. However, the effects of introducing its juice in the production process are unknown. For these reasons, the objective of this study was to assess the effects of adding energy cane juice in corn ethanol production. Energy cane juice brings several advantages: (i) It provides sugars that can reduce by almost 50% the amount of corn and enzymes used, (ii) reduces the amount of water needed for ethanol production, and (iii) increases significantly the fermentation efficiency from 86.4% to 90.8% by providing minerals that support yeast growth. Therefore, energy cane can be integrated into the corn ethanol production process, making the fermentation more efficient and the production systems more sustainable. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biofuel Fermentation from Renewable Biomass)
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3 pages, 178 KiB  
Editorial
Innovations in Sourdough Bread Making
by Stavros Plessas
Fermentation 2021, 7(1), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation7010029 - 20 Feb 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5107
Abstract
The application of sourdough is considered to be a key tool for the production of high-quality bread. Several advantages have been presented through the application of sourdough in bread making, such as increased shelf life, improved aromatic profiles and sensory characteristics, increased nutritional [...] Read more.
The application of sourdough is considered to be a key tool for the production of high-quality bread. Several advantages have been presented through the application of sourdough in bread making, such as increased shelf life, improved aromatic profiles and sensory characteristics, increased nutritional value, and health benefits. Technological benefits have also been recorded, such as the successful application of sourdough in gluten-free breads. Likewise, an upsurge of interest in sourdough applications in bread making as well as in other foodstuffs (pasta) has been witnessed in recent years. Many factors are considered important for sourdough preparations; however, the proper selection of the starter cultures is considered the most central. This Special Issue of Fermentation aims to disseminate recent innovative research regarding sourdough bread making, as well as authoritative reviews that compile information from previously published material. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Sourdough Bread Making)
17 pages, 8029 KiB  
Article
Efficient Co-Utilization of Biomass-Derived Mixed Sugars for Lactic Acid Production by Bacillus coagulans Azu-10
by Mohamed Ali Abdel-Rahman, Saad El-Din Hassan, Hassan M.A. Alrefaey and Tamer Elsakhawy
Fermentation 2021, 7(1), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation7010028 - 18 Feb 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3526
Abstract
Lignocellulosic and algal biomass are promising substrates for lactic acid (LA) production. However, lack of xylose utilization and/or sequential utilization of mixed-sugars (carbon catabolite repression, CCR) from biomass hydrolysates by most microorganisms limits achievable titers, yields, and productivities for economical industry-scale production. This [...] Read more.
Lignocellulosic and algal biomass are promising substrates for lactic acid (LA) production. However, lack of xylose utilization and/or sequential utilization of mixed-sugars (carbon catabolite repression, CCR) from biomass hydrolysates by most microorganisms limits achievable titers, yields, and productivities for economical industry-scale production. This study aimed to design lignocellulose-derived substrates for efficient LA production by a thermophilic, xylose-utilizing, and inhibitor-resistant Bacillus coagulans Azu-10. This strain produced 102.2 g/L of LA from 104 g/L xylose at a yield of 1.0 g/g and productivity of 3.18 g/L/h. The CCR effect and LA production were investigated using different mixtures of glucose (G), cellobiose (C), and/or xylose (X). Strain Azu-10 has efficiently co-utilized GX and CX mixture without CCR; however, total substrate concentration (>75 g/L) was the only limiting factor. The strain completely consumed GX and CX mixture and homoferemnatively produced LA up to 76.9 g/L. On the other hand, fermentation with GC mixture exhibited obvious CCR where both glucose concentration (>25 g/L) and total sugar concentration (>50 g/L) were the limiting factors. A maximum LA production of 50.3 g/L was produced from GC mixture with a yield of 0.93 g/g and productivity of 2.09 g/L/h. Batch fermentation of GCX mixture achieved a maximum LA concentration of 62.7 g/L at LA yield of 0.962 g/g and productivity of 1.3 g/L/h. Fermentation of GX and CX mixture was the best biomass for LA production. Fed-batch fermentation with GX mixture achieved LA production of 83.6 g/L at a yield of 0.895 g/g and productivity of 1.39 g/L/h. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Microbial Metabolism, Physiology & Genetics)
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19 pages, 9050 KiB  
Article
Clustering in Wineinformatics with Attribute Selection to Increase Uniqueness of Clusters
by Jared McCune, Alex Riley and Bernard Chen
Fermentation 2021, 7(1), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation7010027 - 18 Feb 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2442
Abstract
Wineinformatics is a new data science research area that focuses on large amounts of wine-related data. Most of the current Wineinformatics researches are focused on supervised learning to predict the wine quality, price, region and weather. In this research, unsupervised learning using K-means [...] Read more.
Wineinformatics is a new data science research area that focuses on large amounts of wine-related data. Most of the current Wineinformatics researches are focused on supervised learning to predict the wine quality, price, region and weather. In this research, unsupervised learning using K-means clustering with optimal K search and filtration process is studied on a Bordeaux-region specific dataset to form clusters and find representative wines in each cluster. 14,349 wines representing the 21st century Bordeaux dataset are clustered into 43 and 13 clusters with detailed analysis on the number of wines, dominant wine characteristics, average wine grades, and representative wines in each cluster. Similar research results are also generated and presented on 435 elite wines (wines that scored 95 points and above on a 100 points scale). The information generated from this research can be beneficial to wine vendors to make a selection given the limited number of wines they can realistically offer, to connoisseurs to study wines in a target region/vintage/price with a representative short list, and to wine consumers to get recommendations. Many possible researches can adopt the same process to analyze and find representative wines in different wine making regions/countries, vintages, or pivot points. This paper opens up a new door for Wineinformatics in unsupervised learning researches. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Control of Wine Fermentation)
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13 pages, 1434 KiB  
Article
In Situ Product Recovery of Bio-Based Industrial Platform Chemicals: A Guideline to Solvent Selection
by Pieter De Brabander, Evelien Uitterhaegen, Ellen Verhoeven, Cedric Vander Cruyssen, Karel De Winter and Wim Soetaert
Fermentation 2021, 7(1), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation7010026 - 17 Feb 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4194
Abstract
In situ product recovery (ISPR), in the form of an extractive fermentation process, can increase productivity and product titers in the sustainable production of platform chemicals. To establish a guideline for the development of industrially relevant production processes for such bio-based compounds, a [...] Read more.
In situ product recovery (ISPR), in the form of an extractive fermentation process, can increase productivity and product titers in the sustainable production of platform chemicals. To establish a guideline for the development of industrially relevant production processes for such bio-based compounds, a wide screening was performed, mapping the potential of an extensive range of solvents and solvent mixtures. Besides solvent biocompatibility with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, distribution coefficients of three organic acids (protocatechuic acid, adipic acid and para-aminobenzoic acid) and four fragrance compounds (2-phenylethanol, geraniol, trans-cinnamaldehyde and β-ionone) were determined. While for highly hydrophobic fragrance compounds, multiple pure solvents were identified that were able to extract more than 98%, reactive extraction mixtures were proven effective for more challenging compounds including organic acids and hydrophilic alcohols. For example, a reactive mixture consisting of 12.5% of the extractant CYTOP 503 in canola oil was found to be biocompatible and showed superior extraction efficiency for the challenging compounds as compared to any biocompatible single solvent. This mapping of biocompatible solvents and solvent mixtures for the extraction of various classes of industrial platform chemicals can be a tremendous step forward in the development of extractive fermentations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Industrial Fermentation)
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17 pages, 2197 KiB  
Article
Ethanol Production from Olive Stones through Liquid Hot Water Pre-Treatment, Enzymatic Hydrolysis and Fermentation. Influence of Enzyme Loading, and Pre-Treatment Temperature and Time
by Manuel Cuevas, Juan F. García Martín, Vicente Bravo and Sebastián Sánchez
Fermentation 2021, 7(1), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation7010025 - 17 Feb 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3131
Abstract
Olive table industry, olive mills and olive pomace oil extraction industries annually generate huge amounts of olive stones. One of their potential applications is the production of bioethanol by fractionation of their lignocellulose constituents and subsequent fermentation of the released sugars using yeasts. [...] Read more.
Olive table industry, olive mills and olive pomace oil extraction industries annually generate huge amounts of olive stones. One of their potential applications is the production of bioethanol by fractionation of their lignocellulose constituents and subsequent fermentation of the released sugars using yeasts. In this work, we studied the influence of temperature (175–225 °C) and residence time (0–5 min) in the liquid hot-water pre-treatment of olive stones as well as the initial enzyme loading (different mixtures of cellulases, hemicellulases and β–glucosidases) in the later enzymatic hydrolysis on the release of fermentable sugars. The Chrastil’s model was applied to the d-glucose data to relate the severity of pre-treatment to enzyme diffusion through the pre-treated cellulose. Finally, the hydrolysate obtained under the most suitable conditions (225 °C and 0 min for pre-treatment; 24 CE initial enzyme concentration) was fermented into ethanol using the yeast Pachysolen tannophilus ATCC 32691. Considering the overall process, 6.4 dm3 ethanol per 100 kg olive stones were produced. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Wastes: Feedstock for Value-Added Products: 2nd Edition)
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17 pages, 767 KiB  
Review
Biodiversity of Oenological Lactic Acid Bacteria: Species- and Strain-Dependent Plus/Minus Effects on Wine Quality and Safety
by Vittorio Capozzi, Maria Tufariello, Nicola De Simone, Mariagiovanna Fragasso and Francesco Grieco
Fermentation 2021, 7(1), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation7010024 - 17 Feb 2021
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 5524
Abstract
Winemaking depends on several elaborate biochemical processes that see as protagonist either yeasts or lactic acid bacteria (LAB) of oenological interest. In particular, LAB have a fundamental role in determining the quality chemical and aromatic properties of wine. They are essential not only [...] Read more.
Winemaking depends on several elaborate biochemical processes that see as protagonist either yeasts or lactic acid bacteria (LAB) of oenological interest. In particular, LAB have a fundamental role in determining the quality chemical and aromatic properties of wine. They are essential not only for malic acid conversion, but also for producing several desired by-products due to their important enzymatic activities that can release volatile aromatic compounds during malolactic fermentation (e.g., esters, carbonyl compounds, thiols, monoterpenes). In addition, LAB in oenology can act as bioprotectors and reduce the content of undesired compounds. On the other hand, LAB can affect wine consumers’ health, as they can produce harmful compounds such as biogenic amines and ethyl carbamate under certain conditions during fermentation. Several of these positive and negative properties are species- and strain-dependent characteristics. This review focuses on these aspects, summarising the current state of knowledge on LAB’s oenological diversity, and highlighting their influence on the final product’s quality and safety. All our reported information is of high interest in searching new candidate strains to design starter cultures, microbial resources for traditional/typical products, and green solutions in winemaking. Due to the continuous interest in LAB as oenological bioresources, we also underline the importance of inoculation timing. The considerable variability among LAB species/strains associated with spontaneous consortia and the continuous advances in the characterisation of new species/strains of interest for applications in the wine sector suggest that the exploitation of biodiversity belonging to this heterogeneous group of bacteria is still rising. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lactic Acid Fermentation and the Colours of Biotechnology 2.0)
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9 pages, 1144 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Fermented Kefir as Functional Feed Additive in Post-Weaned Pigs
by Woosik Choi, Dang Bao Son, Jeongpyo Hong, Dabeen Jeong, Hee-Chang Kim, Hanki Lee and Joo-Won Suh
Fermentation 2021, 7(1), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation7010023 - 16 Feb 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2527
Abstract
The control of the immune system of pigs after weaning is important in pig farming because productivity depends on the survival of the post-weaned pigs. Previously, antibiotics would have been administered in the case of infectious diseases to increase the survival rate of [...] Read more.
The control of the immune system of pigs after weaning is important in pig farming because productivity depends on the survival of the post-weaned pigs. Previously, antibiotics would have been administered in the case of infectious diseases to increase the survival rate of post-weaned pigs, but now, the use of antibiotics is strictly restricted in order to prevent other problems such as the occurrence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. In this study, the effect of fermented kefir as a functional feed additive as a replacement to antibiotics was evaluated in terms of the microbial profile in fecal samples, immunological factors in the blood of pigs, growth performance measured as average daily gain (ADG) and the feed conversion rate (FCR) of post-weaned pigs. In the kefir-treated group, the number of lactic acid bacteria and Bacillus spp. in the fecal samples of the pigs increased with the kefir treatments. Interestingly, the number of coliform groups as opportunistic pathogens was reduced in the fecal samples of pigs treated with kefir. We found out that treatment with kefir enhanced the innate immunity of post-weaned pigs though the reduction of IL-6 as a proinflammatory cytokine and an increase in IgG as an immunoglobulin, enhancing immunological defense against pathogens. Finally, after treatment with kefir, we observed that the ADG of post-weaned pigs increased to 135.6% but FCR decreased to 92.2%. Therefore, this study shows that fermented kefir can be used as a functional feed additive and an antibiotic alternative in order to improve both the innate immune system and growth performance of post-weaned pigs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fermented Foods and Microbes Related to Health)
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9 pages, 1401 KiB  
Article
β-Glucosidase Activity of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum UNQLp 11 in Different Malolactic Fermentations Conditions: Effect of pH and Ethanol Content
by Natalia S. Brizuela, Marina Arnez-Arancibia, Liliana Semorile, María Ángeles Pozo-Bayón, Bárbara M. Bravo-Ferrada and E. Elizabeth Tymczyszyn
Fermentation 2021, 7(1), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation7010022 - 14 Feb 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3456
Abstract
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain UNQLp 11 is a lactic acid bacterium with the potential to carry out malolactic fermentation (MLF) in red wines. Recently, the complete genome of UNQLp 11 was sequenced and this strain possesses four loci of the enzyme β-glucosidase. In order [...] Read more.
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain UNQLp 11 is a lactic acid bacterium with the potential to carry out malolactic fermentation (MLF) in red wines. Recently, the complete genome of UNQLp 11 was sequenced and this strain possesses four loci of the enzyme β-glucosidase. In order to demonstrate that these glucosidase enzymes could be functional under harsh wine conditions, we evaluated the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (p-NPG) in synthetic wine with different ethanol contents (0%, 12%, and 14% v/v) and at different pH values (3.2, 3.5, and 3.8). Then, the hydrolysis of precursor n-octyl β-D-glucopyranoside was analyzed in sterile Pinot Noir wine (containing 14.5% v/v of ethanol, at different pH values) by headspace sorptive extraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HSSE-GC/MS). The hydrolysis of p-NPG showed that β-glucosidase activity is very susceptible to low pH but induced in the presence of high ethanol content. Furthermore, UNQLp 11 was able to release the glycosilated precursor n-octyl, during MLF to a greater extent than a commercial enzyme. In conclusion, UNQLp 11 could improve the aromatic profile of the wine by the release of volatile precursors during MLF. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Wastes: Feedstock for Value-Added Products: 2nd Edition)
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21 pages, 1406 KiB  
Review
Processes, Challenges and Optimisation of Rum Production from Molasses—A Contemporary Review
by Tinashe Mangwanda, Joel B. Johnson, Janice S. Mani, Steve Jackson, Shaneel Chandra, Tyryn McKeown, Simon White and Mani Naiker
Fermentation 2021, 7(1), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation7010021 - 08 Feb 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 16401
Abstract
The rum industry is currently worth USD 16 billion, with production concentrated in tropical countries of the Caribbean and Asia-Pacific regions. The primary feedstock for rum production is sugar cane molasses, a by-product of sugar refineries. The main variables known to affect rum [...] Read more.
The rum industry is currently worth USD 16 billion, with production concentrated in tropical countries of the Caribbean and Asia-Pacific regions. The primary feedstock for rum production is sugar cane molasses, a by-product of sugar refineries. The main variables known to affect rum quality include the composition of the molasses, the length of fermentation, and the type of barrels and length of time used for aging the rum. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the impact of these variables on rum quality, and to highlight current challenges and opportunities in the production of rum from molasses. In order to achieve this, we review the relevant contemporary scientific literature on these topics. The major contemporary challenges in the rum production industry include minimising the effects of variability in feedstock quality, ensuring the fermentation process runs to completion, preventing microbial contamination, and the selection and maintenance of yeast strains providing optimum ethanol production. Stringent quality management practices are required to ensure consistency in the quality and organoleptic properties of the rum from batch to batch. Further research is required to fully understand the influences of many of these variables on the final quality of the rum produced. Full article
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19 pages, 686 KiB  
Review
Impact of Fermentation on Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity of Quinoa
by Francesca Melini and Valentina Melini
Fermentation 2021, 7(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation7010020 - 02 Feb 2021
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4751
Abstract
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is increasingly singled out as a healthy food with an excellent nutritional profile. Besides being suitable for gluten-free diets, it is rich in proteins of excellent quality and is a good source of minerals and vitamins, as well [...] Read more.
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is increasingly singled out as a healthy food with an excellent nutritional profile. Besides being suitable for gluten-free diets, it is rich in proteins of excellent quality and is a good source of minerals and vitamins, as well as of natural antioxidants, such as phenolic compounds. The aim of this work is to present how fermentation can affect phenolic compound content and antioxidant capacity of quinoa. It emerged that fermentation can be used to increase phenolic compound content and antioxidant capacity in both quinoa seeds and flours. The use of fermented quinoa flours allowed obtaining bread and pasta richer in phenolic compounds and with a greater antioxidant capacity. Fungi are the main starters used in quinoa seed fermentation, while Lactobacillus strains have been applied to produce sourdoughs. Quinoa has been also fermented to obtain yogurt-like beverages with a higher content in phenolic compounds and a greater antioxidant activity. Strains of Lactobacillus sp. and Bifidobacterium sp. have been used as starters. Full article
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12 pages, 14178 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Basidiomycetes Wild Strains Grown in Agro-Industrial Residues for Their Anti-Tyrosinase and Antioxidant Potential and for the Production of Biocatalysts
by Anastasia Zerva, Nikolaos Tsafantakis and Evangelos Topakas
Fermentation 2021, 7(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation7010019 - 01 Feb 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2937
Abstract
White-rot basidiomycetes are the only microorganisms with the ability to produce both hydrolytic (cellulases and hemicellulases) and oxidative (ligninolytic) enzymes for degrading cellulose/hemicellulose and lignin. In addition, they produce biologically active natural products with important application in cosmetic formulations, either as pure compounds [...] Read more.
White-rot basidiomycetes are the only microorganisms with the ability to produce both hydrolytic (cellulases and hemicellulases) and oxidative (ligninolytic) enzymes for degrading cellulose/hemicellulose and lignin. In addition, they produce biologically active natural products with important application in cosmetic formulations, either as pure compounds or as standardized extracts. In the present work, three wild strains of Basidiomycetes fungi (Pleurotus citrinopileatus, Abortiporus biennis and Ganoderma resinaceum) from Greek habitats were grown in agro-industrial residues (oil mill wastewater, and corn cob) and evaluated for their anti-tyrosinase and antioxidant activity and for the production of biotechnologically relevant enzymes. P. citrinopileatus showed the most interesting tyrosinase inhibitory activity, while A. biennis showed the highest DPPH(2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl) scavenging potential. Corn cobs were the most appropriate carbon source for maximizing the inhibitory effect of fungal biomasses on both activities, while the use of oil mill wastewater selectively increased the anti-tyrosinase potential of P. citrinopileatus culture filtrate. All strains were found to be preferential lignin degraders, similarly to most white-rot fungi. Bioinformatic analyses were performed on the proteome of the strains P. citrinopileatus and A. biennis, focusing on CAZymes with biotechnological relevance, and the results were compared with the enzyme activities of culture supernatants. Overall, all three strains showed strong production of oxidative enzymes for biomass conversion applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass Conversion: Fermentation Chemicals and Fuels)
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4 pages, 202 KiB  
Editorial
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Fermentation in 2020
by Fermentation Editorial Office
Fermentation 2021, 7(1), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation7010018 - 30 Jan 2021
Viewed by 1941
Abstract
Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that Inventions maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...] Full article
16 pages, 3432 KiB  
Article
Evaluating the Effect of Lignocellulose-Derived Microbial Inhibitors on the Growth and Lactic Acid Production by Bacillus coagulans Azu-10
by Mohamed Ali Abdel-Rahman, Saad El-Din Hassan, Amr Fouda, Ahmed A. Radwan, Mohammed G. Barghoth and Salha G. Desouky
Fermentation 2021, 7(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation7010017 - 27 Jan 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3427
Abstract
Effective lactic acid (LA) production from lignocellulosic biomass materials is challenged by several limitations related to pentose sugar utilization, inhibitory compounds, and/or fermentation conditions. In this study, a newly isolated Bacillus coagulans strain Azu-10 was obtained and showed homofermentative LA production from xylose [...] Read more.
Effective lactic acid (LA) production from lignocellulosic biomass materials is challenged by several limitations related to pentose sugar utilization, inhibitory compounds, and/or fermentation conditions. In this study, a newly isolated Bacillus coagulans strain Azu-10 was obtained and showed homofermentative LA production from xylose with optimal fermentation conditions at 50 °C and pH 7.0. Growth of strain Azu-10 and LA-fermentation efficiency were evaluated in the presence of various lignocellulose-derived inhibitors (furans, carboxylic acids, and phenols) at different concentrations. Furanic lignocellulosic-derived inhibitors were completely detoxified. The strain has exhibited high biomass, complete xylose consumption, and high LA production in the presence of 1.0–4.0 g/L furfural and 1.0–5.0 g/L of hydroxymethyl furfural, separately. Moreover, strain Azu-10 exhibited high LA production in the presence of 5.0–15.0 g/L acetic acid, 5.0 g/L of formic acid, and up to 7.0 g/L of levulinic acid, separately. Besides, for phenolic compounds, p-coumaric acid was most toxic at 1.0 g/L, while syringaldehyde or p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, and vanillin at 1.0 g/L did not inhibit LA fermentation. The present study provides an interesting potential candidate for the thermophilic LA fermentation from lignocellulose-derived substrates at the industrial biorefinery level. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Microbial Metabolism, Physiology & Genetics)
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16 pages, 1754 KiB  
Article
Upcycling of Whey Permeate through Yeast- and Mold-Driven Fermentations under Anoxic and Oxic Conditions
by Justin Fisk Marcus, Timothy A. DeMarsh and Samuel David Alcaine
Fermentation 2021, 7(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation7010016 - 26 Jan 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4191
Abstract
Dairy manufacturing generates whey by-products, many of them considered waste; others, such as whey permeate, a powder high in lactose and minerals from deproteinated whey, have unrealized potential. This study identified yeast species capable of utilizing lactose from whey permeate to produce ethanol [...] Read more.
Dairy manufacturing generates whey by-products, many of them considered waste; others, such as whey permeate, a powder high in lactose and minerals from deproteinated whey, have unrealized potential. This study identified yeast species capable of utilizing lactose from whey permeate to produce ethanol or organic acids, and identified fungal species that reduced the acidity of whey by-products. Reconstituted whey permeate was fermented anaerobically or aerobically for 34 days, using species from Cornell University’s Food Safety Lab, Alcaine Research Group, and Omega Labs. Yeast species: Kluyveromyces marxianus, Kluyveromyces lactis, Dekkera anomala, Brettanomyces claussenii, Brettanomyces bruxellensis; mold species: Mucor genevensis and Aureobasidium pullulans. Density, pH, cell concentrations, organic acids, ethanol, and sugar profiles were monitored. Under anoxic conditions, K. marxianus exhibited the greatest lactose utilization and ethanol production (day 20: lactose non-detectable; 4.52% ± 0.02 ethanol). Under oxic conditions, D. anomala produced the most acetic acid (day 34: 9.18 ± 3.38 g/L), and A. pullulans utilized the most lactic acid, increasing the fermentate’s pH (day 34: 0.26 ± 0.21 g/L, pH: 7.91 ± 0.51). This study demonstrates that fermentation of whey could produce value-added alcoholic or organic acid beverages, or increase the pH of acidic by-products, yielding new products and increasing sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass Conversion: Fermentation Chemicals and Fuels)
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23 pages, 9829 KiB  
Article
Microbial and Chemical Analysis of Non-Saccharomyces Yeasts from Chambourcin Hybrid Grapes for Potential Use in Winemaking
by Chun Tang Feng, Xue Du and Josephine Wee
Fermentation 2021, 7(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation7010015 - 21 Jan 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5190
Abstract
Native microorganisms present on grapes can influence final wine quality. Chambourcin is the most abundant hybrid grape grown in Pennsylvania and is more resistant to cold temperatures and fungal diseases compared to Vitis vinifera. Here, non-Saccharomyces yeasts were isolated from spontaneously [...] Read more.
Native microorganisms present on grapes can influence final wine quality. Chambourcin is the most abundant hybrid grape grown in Pennsylvania and is more resistant to cold temperatures and fungal diseases compared to Vitis vinifera. Here, non-Saccharomyces yeasts were isolated from spontaneously fermenting Chambourcin must from three regional vineyards. Using cultured-based methods and ITS sequencing, Hanseniaspora and Pichia spp. were the most dominant genus out of 29 fungal species identified. Five strains of Hanseniaspora uvarum, H. opuntiae, Pichia kluyveri, P. kudriavzevii, and Aureobasidium pullulans were characterized for the ability to tolerate sulfite and ethanol. Hanseniaspora opuntiae PSWCC64 and P. kudriavzevii PSWCC102 can tolerate 8–10% ethanol and were able to utilize 60–80% sugars during fermentation. Laboratory scale fermentations of candidate strain into sterile Chambourcin juice allowed for analyzing compounds associated with wine flavor. Nine nonvolatile compounds were conserved in inoculated fermentations. In contrast, Hanseniaspora strains PSWCC64 and PSWCC70 were positively correlated with 2-heptanol and ionone associated to fruity and floral odor and P. kudriazevii PSWCC102 was positively correlated with a group of esters and acetals associated to fruity and herbaceous aroma. Microbial and chemical characterization of non-Saccharomyces yeasts presents an exciting approach to enhance flavor complexity and regionality of hybrid wines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enological Repercussions of Non-Saccharomyces Species 3.0)
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21 pages, 3757 KiB  
Article
Preservation of Human Gut Microbiota Inoculums for In Vitro Fermentations Studies
by Nelson Mota de Carvalho, Diana Luazi Oliveira, Mayra Anton Dib Saleh, Manuela Pintado and Ana Raquel Madureira
Fermentation 2021, 7(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation7010014 - 19 Jan 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5936
Abstract
The use of fecal inoculums for in vitro fermentation models requires a viable gut microbiota, capable of fermenting the unabsorbed nutrients. Fresh samples from human donors are used; however, the availability of fresh fecal inoculum and its inherent variability is often a problem. [...] Read more.
The use of fecal inoculums for in vitro fermentation models requires a viable gut microbiota, capable of fermenting the unabsorbed nutrients. Fresh samples from human donors are used; however, the availability of fresh fecal inoculum and its inherent variability is often a problem. This study aimed to optimize a method of preserving pooled human fecal samples for in vitro fermentation studies. Different conditions and times of storage at −20 °C were tested. In vitro fermentation experiments were carried out for both fresh and frozen inoculums, and the metabolic profile compared. In comparison with the fresh, the inoculum frozen in a PBS and 30% glycerol solution, had a significantly lower (p < 0.05) bacterial count (<1 log CFU/mL). However, no significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between the metabolic profiles after 48 h. Hence, a PBS and 30% glycerol solution can be used to maintain the gut microbiota viability during storage at −20 °C for at least 3 months, without interfering with the normal course of colonic fermentation. Full article
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