Cleverson Busso

Essential oils have been used as a natural alternative in the prevention and treatment of diseases that affect human health. The aim of this work was to determine the chemical composition and antibacterial activity of the essential oils of Lavandula angustifolia, Pogostemon cablin, Rosmarinus officinalis, Thymus vulgaris, Hedyosmun brasiliense, Psidium guajava, Baccharis dracunculifolia and Schinus terebinthifolius against bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enteritidis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The essential oils were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The antibacterial activity was determined by microdilution in broth, showing minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The chemical composition of the evaluated oils was based on monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. The essential oil of Thymus vulgaris was highlighted with MIC of 0.195 and MBC of 1.56 µl/ml against S. aureus, 0.195 and 50 µl/ml for S. enteritidis; 0.390 µl/ml and 0.780 µl/ml for E. coli and 0.780 and 12.5 µl/ml against P. aeruginosa, respectively. The variability of specific components of the essential oils is very interesting and of economic importance, due to the therapeutic and aromatizing potential of these oils. The oils of L. angustifólia, T. vulgaris, R. officinalis, B. dracunculifolia, P. guajava and S. terebinthifolius showed activity in vitro against S. aureus, E. coli, S. enteritidis and stronger for P. aeruginosa. The oil of Thymus vulgaris presented the best results when its antibacterial activities were evaluated. The evaluated oils had an inhibitory effect on the microorganisms studied and the gram-positive bacteria were more sensitive to the effects of the essential oils when compared to the gram-negative bacteria. The essential oils evaluated in this study represent an important alternative for controlling bacterial infections.

Background/Objectives: We report the antifungal potential of transition metal-free borophosphate glass-loaded hydrogels (BGHs) with different phosphorus/boron molar ratios (P/B = 2, 1, and 0.5) against Candida species. Candida yeasts pose a significant health risk as they can cause infections, systemic diseases, and even potentially fatal complications in immunocompromised individuals. Methods: The antifungal activity of BGH was evaluated against Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida krusei, and Candida glabrata using kinetic growth analysis, the agar well diffusion method, the minimum inhibitory concentration, the minimum fungicidal concentration, and scanning electron microscopy. Results: All BGH formulations effectively inhibited yeast growth at various concentrations, with results comparable to commercial miconazole gel (CMG). Hydrogels with P/B ratios of 0.5 and 1 produced larger inhibition zones than CMG, except against C. glabrata. However, BGHs with a P/B ratio of 0.5 at 3% and 5% (w/w) demonstrated relevant antifungal activity, especially against C. albicans and C. tropicalis. Conclusions: These findings highlight the promising antifungal potential of borophosphate glass-based hydrogels, particularly those with high boron content. Their efficacy against multiple Candida species suggests they could serve as an alternative to conventional antifungal agents.

Objetivo: O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar diferentes protocolos de extração de DNA em amostras de café, tanto verde quanto torrado, visando estabelecer um método capaz de garantir maior eficiência nas reações de qPCR utilizadas para genotipagem de espécies de café com elevado grau de degradação do DNA genômico, uma vez que o processo de torra compromete a pureza do DNA isolado e reduz significativamente a quantidade disponível para extração. Métodos: Foram analisadas amostras de café torrado, classificadas como escuro na escala de 35 Agtron, e de café verde provenientes de seis estados. Essas amostras foram submetidas à extração de DNA utilizando cinco protocolos de kits comerciais e seis protocolos desenvolvidos in house. Em seguida, foram conduzidas reações de amplificação para avaliar tanto a pureza do DNA obtido quanto a eficiência dos diferentes protocolos testados. Resultados: Os protocolos correspondentes aos métodos (E) e (K) demonstraram os resultados mais satisfatórios, tanto em relação à pureza do DNA obtido quanto à eficiência das reações de amplificação. Conclusão: O protocolo in house do método (K), desenvolvido neste estudo, gerou DNA com qualidade adequada para análises de qPCR, permitindo a genotipagem das espécies de C. arabica e C. canephora por meio de discriminação alélica, após a aplicação da técnica de pré-amplificação.

Geographical indications (GIs) are crucial for protecting the unique characteristics of products originating from specific places. They preserve the reputation and quality of traditional items, promote cultural heritage, and inform consumers about product origins and quality. Obtaining GI seals can be challenging as it requires reconciling traditional production methods with modern standards. However, the seal brings small producers and traditional products to the forefront, benefiting less-favored regions. GIs ensure consumers purchase products with known quality and reputation while allowing producers to differentiate and command premium prices. Moreover, GIs support regional development by adding value, attracting tourists, and boosting the local economy. Recognizing the value of traditional products and production methods, GIs preserve cultural heritage and encourage sustainable development. Thus, the aim of this review is to highlight the importance of GIs in regional development and traditional product appreciation from the example of the five cheeses with the protected GI seal existing in Brazil.

The industrial sector plays a significant role in global economic growth. However, it also produces polluting effluents that must be treated to prevent environmental damage and ensure the quality of life for future generations is not compromised. Various physical, chemical, and biological methods have been employed to treat industrial effluents. Filamentous fungi, in particular, have garnered attention as effective bioremediation agents due to their ability to produce enzymes capable of degrading recalcitrant compounds, and adsorb different pollutant molecules. The novelty of the work reported herein lies in its comprehensive assessment of the research surrounding the use of white- and brown-rot fungi for removing phenolic compounds from industrial effluents. This study employs a systematic review coupled with scientometric analysis to provide insights into the evolution of this technology over time. It scrutinizes geographical distribution, identifies research gaps and trends, and highlights the most studied fungal species and their applications. A systematic review of 464 publications from 1945 to 2023 assessed the use of these fungi in removing phenolic compounds from industrial effluents. White-rot fungi were predominant (96.3%), notably Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Pleurotus ostreatus, Trametes versicolor, and Lentinula edodes. The cultures employing free cells (64.15%) stand out over those using immobilized cells, just like cultures with isolated fungi regarding systems with microbial consortia. Geographically, Italy, Spain, Greece, India, and Brazil emerged as the most prominent countries in publications related to this area during the evaluated period.

The industrial sector plays a crucial role in driving global economic growth by creating employ-ment opportunities, generating local income, and significantly contributing to each country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, the manufacturing industry is responsible for produc-ing a substantial amount of polluting effluents, which can harm the environment and compromise the life quality of future generations if not appropriately treated. Various methods, including physical, chemical, and biological processes, have been employed in the treatment of industrial ef-fluents. Filamentous fungi, in particular, have garnered attention as effective bioremediation agents due to their ability to produce enzymes capable of degrading recalcitrant compounds and adsorb different pollutant molecules. This study aimed to assess the collective body of research on using white and brown rot fungi to remove phenolic compounds from industrial effluents. The research employed a systematic review, incorporating scientometric analysis, with the primary goal of constructing a comprehensive overview of the evolution of this technology over time. The analysis also aimed to scrutinize its geographical distribution and identify gaps and trends within these research inquiries. Data for the study were obtained from the Web of Science (WoS) data-base using specific search terms (("white rot fung*" OR "brown rot fung*") AND (phenol* OR phenoloxidase OR "polyphenol oxidase*") AND (wastewater OR effluent* OR bioremediation)). The time frame considered ranged from 1945 to 2023, resulting in 464 publications. After refine-ment, 109 studies were selected for further analysis, focusing on using filamentous fungi in the bi-oremediation of industrial effluents. The findings revealed that white rot fungi were the most studied in industrial effluent remediation processes, accounting for 96.3% of the studies assessed, followed by brown rot fungi at 2.7%. Filamentous fungi demonstrate significant potential for treating industrial effluents due to their high capacity to degrade phenolic compounds, especially in wastewater from olive mills, paper production industries, and distilleries. Among the investi-gated species, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Pleurotus ostreatus, Trametes versicolor, and Lentinula edodes have been the most extensively researched for this application. Notably, cultures with free cells (64.15%) stood out compared to cultures with immobilized cells, and cultures with isolated fungi surpassed microbial consortia. Geographically, Italy, Spain, Greece, India, and Brazil emerged as the most prominent countries in publications related to this area during the evaluated period.

Biomolecules are molecules produced by microorganisms with important vital functions, ranging from small molecules (vitamins, amino acids and hormones) to macromolecules (enzymes, proteins and carbohydrates). Many of these substances are used in agroforestry systems with the aim of making plants resistant to abiotic adversities, controlling or inhibiting the phytopathogens action and stimulating the growth and yield of commercial crops. Mycorrhizal symbiosis is an important microorganism-plant interaction, which is able to uptake nutrients and production of different compounds that stimulate the plant growth. In addition, the bacteria produce phytohormones, which have exclusive enzymes that assist in the nitrogen-fixation process and, in some cases, accumulate metals by developing nanoparticles that are increasingly being researched for potential applications for pest control. In ecological terms, biomolecules synthesized by microorganisms are being used in the toxic compounds bioremediation present in areas of environmental recovery and in waste generated by the industry. Furthermore, this chapter also reviews the main methods in the area of molecular biology employed in the identification and characterization of microorganisms that produce biomolecules of interest. Technological advances have enabled greater knowledge about microbial dynamics and physiology providing new insights regarding biomolecules applications, mainly in the forestry area.

Fumonisins are naturally occurring mycotoxins that contaminate food for human and animal consumption. They have neurotoxic effects, but the mechanisms by which these toxins affect the nervous system are not fully known. In the present study, male Wistar rats were fed between 21 and 63 days of age with diets that contained fumonisins B₁+B₂ at 0, 1, and 4 mg/kg. The following variables were assessed: food consumption, growth, body weight gain, and blood parameters. Morphoquantitave analyses of the most metabolically active myenteric neurons were performed, detected by NADH-diaphorase activity. Nitrergic neurons were detected by NADPH-diaphorase activity. The fumonisin-containing diets did not significantly alter food consumption or the body or plasma parameters. These diets decreased the metabolic activity of jejunal myenteric neurons, reducing neuronal density of the most metabolic active neurons by 30.8% and the cell body area by 4.3%. The diets also decreased the cell body area of nitrergic neurons by 22.1%. The effects of fumonisin B₁ on the respiratory metabolism of isolated mitochondria in the brain and liver were also assessed. A decrease in oxygen consumption up to a 29% in the brain and 38% in the liver was observed in mitochondrial isolates to which 50 µM fumonisin B₁ was added. The decrease in respiratory activity that was triggered by exposure to fumonisins was related to the lower metabolic activity of myenteric neurons, which had a negative impact on neuroplasticity of the enteric nervous system.