Magdalena Galindo-Guzmán

When exposing ourselves to the sun, it is essential to take precautions to protect our skin and take advantage of the benefits of UV radiation safely. Some of the preventive measures to protect the skin from the sun's rays is the use of sunscreen. In order to contribute to the generation of technologies, a pilot proposal was made using a sunscreen based on (Euphorbia Antisyphilitica Zucc.) and Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis Mil) is made in an organic way free of chemicals, which provides protection against sun rays and at the same time has components that help moisturize, stimulate collagen in the skin, soften and provide vitamins and minerals that stimulate the production of new cells and expel bacteria as an agent to prevent sunburn and skin rashes or other damage to the skin. fur. As well as the preliminary carrying out of a market study with conclusive results. A report given by the government of Mexico states that permanent exposure to rays causes damage to the skin that ranges from the appearance of deep wrinkles and spots to cancer, the latter being among the 10 most common malignant neoplasms among the population. Mexican, warned the head of the Dermatology Service of the General Hospital of Mexico “Dr. Eduardo Liceaga”, Ivonne Arellano Mendoza.

One of the main challenges in aquaculture is the accumulation of nitrogenous compounds derived from fish excreta, which can negatively affect water quality and increase production costs associated with effluent management. In this context, aquaponics has emerged as an alternative production system that integrates fish and vegetable cultivation, allowing the nutrients generated within the system to be reutilized through plant assimilation. The present study was conducted at the experimental greenhouse facilities of the Polytechnic University of the Laguna Region, with the objective of evaluating the dynamics of nitrate concentration and its relationship with the morphological development of lettuce (height) and tilapia mojarra (length) produced in an aquaponic system during the period from August to December 2021. Weekly measurements of nitrate concentration in the system water were performed, along with assessments of fish and plant growth based on representative samples. The results showed a progressive increase in both tilapia length and lettuce height throughout the study period, accompanied by fluctuations in nitrate concentration over time. The observed trends suggest that nitrate assimilation by plants contributed to maintaining water quality within ranges suitable for the development of both biological components of the system. Overall, the findings indicate that aquaponics can promote more efficient management of nutrients and water resources, positioning it as a production alternative with potential for integrated food production in water-limited environments. However, further studies are needed to deepen the understanding of nitrogen compound dynamics under conditions of higher biological load and extended production cycles.

Hydroponic green fodder (HGF) represents an alternative for plant feed production under intensive management systems with efficient resource use. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of fertilization type and evaluation time on the growth and yield of maize HGF. The experiment was conducted under a 3 × 5 factorial design, including three fertilization treatments (absolute control, organic fertilization, and commercial fertilization) and five evaluation times. Variables related to root development, stem growth, fresh weight, and dry matter content were analyzed. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and mean comparison using Tukey’s test (p < 0.05). The results showed significant differences among fertilization treatments and evaluation times, highlighting organic fertilization for higher total fresh weight and commercial fertilization for higher dry matter content. Overall, the findings confirm the influence of nutrient management and harvest timing on the productivity of maize hydroponic green fodder.

Post-harvest losses of ‘Cruiser’ cantaloupe reach ~15% in arid regions of Mexico, representing substantial wasted water and embedded greenhouse-gas emissions. This study presents an open-access, low-temperature maceration protocol for converting cosmetically rejected fruit into a carotenoid-rich spirit at rural scale. A 5-day maceration at 20 °C (15% pulp, 20% v/v ethanol) preserved color, β-carotene, and antioxidant capacity over 90 days of storage. Shelf-life predictions beyond this period are model-based and require long-term validation. Trained assessors characterized the beverage with a favorable aromatic profile driven by fruity esters and floral terpenes. Life-cycle results indicated lower cradle-to-gate impacts than reference mango spirits, and composting of pomace generated a mature soil amendment. A simplified techno-economic scenario suggests potential for rural processing but excludes taxation, licensing, and regulatory compliance; thus, economic feasibility cannot yet be confirmed. Overall, this study provides a proof-of-concept pathway for valorizing cantaloupe waste through low-temperature maceration and identifies critical analytical, regulatory, and economic aspects needed for future scale-up.

Post-harvest rejection of ‘Cruiser’ cantaloupe reaches 15% in arid Mexico, wasting approximately 1.1 m³ virtual water and 0.48 t CO₂-eq per discarded ton. We provide the first open-access protocol for converting this stream into a premium, carotenoid-rich spirit using low-cost, rural-scale equipment. A 5-day, 20 °C maceration at 15% pulp and 20% v/v ethanol retained 68 % β-carotene for more than 12 months without preservatives, achieved consumer liking of 7.8/9, and delivered 1.5-fold higher antioxidant capacity than published mango or passion-fruit liqueurs. Life-cycle impacts were 25% lower than mango spirit; pomace composting improved soil water-holding capacity by 18%. A 100 L d⁻¹ micro-enterprise pays back in 24 months at USD 2.90 L⁻¹ production cost and adds eight-fold value to rejected fruit. The process offers craft distilleries a scalable, circular-economy route to up-cycle melon losses into a clean-label alcoholic beverage.

Background: Water scarcity and food insecurity in arid regions such as the Comarca Lagunera demand sustainable production models. Aquaponics, integrating fish and plants in a closed-loop system, emerges as a viable alternative to optimize resources and strengthen food self-sufficiency in rural areas. Objective: To evaluate the productive performance, water efficiency, and technical and economic feasibility of a low-cost aquaponic system combining tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa) under semi-arid conditions. Methods: Three production systems were compared under semi-controlled conditions for 18 weeks: aquaponics (fish and plants), aquaculture (fish only), and hydroponics (plants only). Growth performance, water consumption, nutrient recycling, and operating costs were analyzed. Results: The aquaponic system increased final tilapia weight by 22.3%, lettuce root development by 28%, and reduced water use by 30% compared to hydroponics, while achieving 89.3% nitrate absorption and 38.5% lower operating costs. Implications: The results demonstrate that aquaponics can improve water-use efficiency, reduce the use of fertilizers and plastics, and promote circular economy models applicable in rural communities with limited resources. Conclusions: Aquaponics is a technically and economically feasible alternative for semi-arid regions, integrating water efficiency, nutrient recycling, and sustainable food production, contributing to food security and local resilience.

Background: Chili peppers in Mexico are one of the most important crops from the cultural, agronomic, nutritional and economic points of view. Objective: To evaluate the effects of biofertilization on agronomic and quality variables of jalapeño peppers. Methodology: During the spring-summer 2023 cycle in the experimental field of the Polytechnic University of the Laguna Region, the following treatments were applied in a genotype of hybrid jalapeño pepper Orizaba F1 in the open field: T1: Chemical fertilization (160-80-00), T2: Phytohormones Cytokinins (3000 ppm), gibberellins (35 ppm), auxins (35 ppm) at a dose of 1 L/ha, T3: Growth-promoting bacteria (PCBs) (Bacillus subtillis: 1x1010 CFU, Azospirillum brasilense, Azotobacter vinelandii, Pseudomonas fluorescens: 1x108 CFU), T4: Growth-promoting bacteria (PCBs) (Bacillus subtillis: 1x1010 CFU, Azospirillum brasilense, Azotobacter vinelandii, Pseudomonas fluorescens: 1x108 CFU) + Chemical fertilization (80-40-00), T5: chemical fertilization (80-40-00). Results: Significant differences were detected in the variables diameter and length of fruits, so that the application of bacteria plus chemical fertilization (T4) was statistically higher with 32.10 and 79.67 cm respectively. The application of T3 showed capacity to increase flavonoids and vitamin C with a mean of 935.20 mgEAG 100 g-1 and 123.20 mg 100 g-1. In capsaicin content, T3 showed potential for the increase of this compound with 250.40 mg mL-1. Implications: The study shows some results that can be used as a possible solution for the reduction of some chemical fertilizers in the cultivation of jalapeño peppers through the application of beneficial microorganisms. Conclusion: PCBs improve the growth and quality of jalapeño pepper fruits by increasing the content of flavonoids, vitamin C, capsaicin as well as the diameter and length of fruits, which may be associated with a biostimulant effect on the crop.

Objective: To characterize and determine the consumption preferences for goat products in different regions of Mexico. Design/methodology/approach: An exploratory study was carried out through a survey addressed to 300 consumers. The sample was obtained through convenience sampling. The semi-structured questionnaire was divided into the following sections: sociodemographic information, willingness to consume, type of derivative products known, and frequency of consumption. The Kruskal-Wallis test was applied to determine significant variables. Results: It was found that milk, cheese, and meat are the most relevant foods for goat consumption. These products are ideal for expanding the diversification of consumption in Mexican regions. Limitations on study/implications: To deepen the analysis of the sociodemographic and consumption characteristics, it is necessary to consider a greater number of variables. Findings/conclusions: Knowing the products that are consumed most frequently allows more effective and efficient strategies to be generated and, in turn, opens the pattern for consumption diversification.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles have gained attention in the last decades due to their versatile applications; in agriculture, they have been used for their multiple benefits. In this study, the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles, obtained via chemical and biological synthesis and of 70–80 nm in size, on the germination and seedling growth of Capsicum annuum and Solanum lycopersicum seed were determined. The physiological parameters, photosynthetic pigments, the content of total phenols, total flavonoids, as well as the antioxidant capacity of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and the enzymatic activity of catalase, peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase were evaluated. The results indicated that treatment with zinc oxide nanoparticles obtained via green synthesis improved seed germination rate, while chemically synthesized nanoparticles at higher concentrations decreased germination percentage. In general, the parameters of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants in treated plants showed significant differences with respect to the control. However, the treatments with the bionanoparticles resulted in more beneficial parameters. Zinc oxide nanoparticles obtained via green synthesis are more effective in generating bioactive compounds and activating the enzyme defense system due to being more biocompatible.

Biofortification is the process of developing a crop with bioavailable micronutrients in its edible parts. This has been done using nanofertilizers, since they can be used to feed plants in a gradual and controlled manner. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of foliar application of ZnO NPs in different concentrations on the commercial and phytochemical quality of the basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) crop, as it is one of the most important aromatic plants used for chemical and pharmacological properties. Four concentrations of ZnO NPs (5, 10, 15 and 20 mg L^-1) and a control treatment under a completely randomized design, were evaluated. The results show statistical differences in morphological parameters (leaf and stem fresh weight, height, number of leaves, leaf area and dry weight) with a slight tendency to increase on the treated basil plants mainly at concentration of 20 mg L^-1. The highest chlorophyll content (5.54 µg g^-1 FW) was obtained for the control treatment, whereas the lowest one (4.14 µg g^-1 FW) was observed for the 20 mg L^-1 treatment. However, carotenoid content in the leaves was markedly higher than the control, the control had the concentration of 0.84 µg g^-1 FW, while the treatment with 20 mg L^-1 ZnO NPs registered a value of 1.08 µg g^-1 FW. The highest total phenolic, flavonoid, antioxidant capacity and vitamin C content was obtained for 20 mg L^-1 ZnO NPs. Finally, basil plants treated with ZnO NPs could stimulate enzymatic activity, as demonstrated in this study. Detailed studies are suggested to understand the mechanism of action of nanoscale materials.