Biotechnological production of carotenoids by yeasts: an overview

Nowadays, carotenoids are valuable molecules in different industries such as chemical, pharmaceutical, poultry, food and cosmetics. These pigments not only can act as vitamin A precursors, but also they have coloring and antioxidant properties, which have attracted the attention of the industries and researchers. The carotenoid production through chemical synthesis or extraction from plants is limited by low yields that results in high production costs. This leads to research of microbial production of carotenoids, as an alternative that has shown better yields than other aforementioned. In addition, the microbial production of carotenoids could be a better option about costs, looking for alternatives like the use of low-cost substrates as agro-industrials wastes. Yeasts have demonstrated to be carotenoid producer showing an important growing capacity in several agro-industrial wastes producing high levels of carotenoids. Agro-industrial wastes provide carbon and nitrogen source necessary, and others elements to carry out the microbial metabolism diminishing the production costs and avoiding pollution from these agro-industrial wastes to the environmental. Herein, we discuss the general and applied concepts regarding yeasts carotenoid production and the factors influencing carotenogenesis using agro-industrial wastes as low-cost substrates

Perstraction of intracellular pigments through submerged fermentation of Talaromyces spp. in a surfactant rich media: a novel approach for enhanced pigment recovery

A high percentage of the pigments produced by Talaromyces spp. remains inside the cell, which could lead to a high product concentration inhibition. To overcome this issue an extractive fermentation process, perstraction, was suggested, which involves the extraction of the intracellular products out of the cell by using a two-phase system during the fermentation. The present work studied the effect of various surfactants on secretion of intracellular pigments produced by Talaromyces spp. in submerged fermentation. Surfactants used were: non-ionic surfactants (Tween 80, Span 20 and Triton X-100) and a polyethylene glycerol polymer 8000, at different concentrations (5, 20, 35 g/L). The highest extracellular pigment yield (16 OD500nm) was reached using Triton X-100 (35 g/L), which was 44% higher than the control (no surfactant added). The effect of addition time of the selected surfactant was further studied. The highest extracellular pigment concentration (22 OD500nm) was achieved when the surfactant was added at 120 h of fermentation. Kinetics of extracellular and intracellular pigments were examined. Total pigment at the end of the fermentation using Triton X-100 was 27.7% higher than the control, confirming that the use of surfactants partially alleviated the product inhibition during the pigment production cultur

Selection of best conditions of inoculum preparation for optimum performance of the pigment production process by Talaromyces spp. using the Taguchi method

Process optimisation techniques increasingly need to be used early on in research and development of processes for new ingredients. There are different approaches and this article illustrates the main issues at stake with a method that is an industry best practice, the Taguchi method, suggesting a procedure to assess the potential impact of its drawbacks. The Taguchi method has been widely used in various industrial sectors because it minimises the experimental requirements to define an optimum region of operation, which is particularly relevant when minimising variability is a target. However, it also has drawbacks, especially the intricate confoundings generated by the experimental designs used. This work reports a process optimisation of the synthesis of red pigments by a fungal strain, Talaromyces spp. using the Taguchi methodology and proposes an approach to assess from validation trials whether the conclusions can be accepted with confidence. The work focused on optimising the inoculum characteristics, and the studied factors were spore age and concentration, agitation speed and incubation time. It was concluded that spore age was the most important factor for both responses, with optimum results at 5 days old, with the best other conditions being spores concentration, 100,000 (spores/mL); agitation, 200 rpm; and incubation time, 84 h. The interactive effects can be considered negligible and therefore this is an example where a simple experimental design approach was successful in speedily indicating conditions able to increase pigment production by 63% compared to an average choice of settings

Un caso de envenenamiento por mordedura de una serpiente falsa cabeza de lanza, Leptodeira annulata (Linnaeus, 1758), en el departamento de La Guajira, Colombia

Envenomations by colubrid snakes in Colombia are poorly known, consequently, the clinical relevance of these species in snakebite accidents has been historically underestimated. Herein, we report the first case of envenomation by opisthoglyphous snakes in Colombia occurred under fieldwork conditions at the municipality of Distracción, in the department of La Guajira. A female biologist was bitten on the index finger knuckle of her right hand when she tried to handle a false fer-de-lance snake (Leptodeira annulata). Ten minutes after the snakebite, the patient started to have symptoms of mild local envenomation such as edema, itching, and pain in the wound. After 40 minutes, the edema reached its maximum extension covering the dorsal surface of the right hand and causing complete loss of mobility. The clinical treatment focused on pain and swelling control. No laboratory tests were performed. The patient showed good progress with the total regression of the edema 120 hours after the snake-bite accident and complete recovery of the movement of the limb in one week. Venomous bites of “non-venomous snakes” (opisthoglyphous colubrid snakes) must be considered as a significant public health problem because patients lose their work capability during hours or even days and they are forced to seek medical assistance to treat the envenomation manifestations.Los envenenamientos por colúbridos en Colombia son poco conocidos, por lo que la relevancia clínica de estas especies de serpientes en los accidentes ofídicos ha sido históricamente subestimada. Se presenta el primer caso de envenenamiento por una serpiente opistoglifa en Colombia, ocurrido bajo condiciones de trabajo de campo en el municipio de Distracción, departamento de La Guajira.Una bióloga fue mordida en el nudillo del dedo índice de la mano derecha cuando trató de manipular una falsa cabeza de lanza o falsa mapanare (Leptodeira annulata). Diez minutos después de la mordedura de la serpiente, la paciente presentó síntomas de envenenamiento local leve, como edema, picazón y dolor en la herida. Después de 40 minutos, el edema alcanzó su extensión máxima, cubriendo la superficie dorsal de la mano derecha y causando la pérdida completa de la movilidad. El tratamiento clínico se centró en el control del dolor y la inflamación. No se hicieron pruebas de laboratorio. La paciente tuvo una buena evolución, con la regresión total del edema 120 horas después del accidente ofídico y la normalización de los movimientos de la extremidad a la semana.Las mordeduras venenosas de serpientes “no venenosas” (serpientes colúbridas opistoglifas) deben considerarse un problema de salud pública importante, ya que los pacientes pierden la capacidad de trabajo durante horas o días y se ven obligados a buscar asistencia médica para contrarrestar las manifestaciones locales de envenenamiento

Assessment of the Dyeing Properties of the Pigments Produced by Talaromyces spp.

The high production yields of pigments by Talaromyces spp. and their high thermal stability have implied that industrial application interests may emerge in the food and textile industries, as they both involve subjecting the colourants to high temperatures. The present study aimed to assess the potential application of the pigments produced by Talaromyces spp. in the textile area by studying their dyeing properties. Dyeing studies were performed on wool. The dyeing process consisted of three stages: scouring, mordanting, and dyeing. Two different mordants (alum, A; ferric chloride, F) were tested at different concentrations on fabric weight (A: 5, 10, 15%; F: 10, 20, 30%). The mordanting process had a significant effect on the final colour of the dyed fabrics obtained. The values of dyeing rate constant (k), half-time of dyeing (t1/2), and sorption kinetics behaviour were evaluated and discussed. The obtained results showed that pigments produced by Talaromyces spp. could serve as a source for the natural dyeing of wool textiles

Strategies to enhance the production of photosynthetic pigments and lipids in chlorophycae species

Microalgae are a major natural source for a vast array of valuable compounds as lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, pigments among others. Despite many applications, only a few species of microalgae are cultured commercially because of poorly developed of cultivation process. Nowadays some strategies of culture have been used for enhancing biomass and value compounds yield. The most strategies applied to microalgae are classified into two groups: nutrimental and physical. The nutrimental are considered as change in media composition as nitrogen and phosphorous limitation and changes in carbon source, while physical are described as manipulation in operational conditions and external factors such as application of high-light intensities, medium salinity and electromagnetic fields. The exposition to electromagnetic field is a promising technique that can improve the pigments and biomass yield in microalgae culture. Therefore, is important to describe the advantages and applications of the overall process. The aim of this review was to describe the main culture strategies used to improve the photosynthetic and lipids content in chlorophyceae species

Microbial Carotenoid Synthesis Optimization in Goat Cheese Whey Using the Robust Taguchi Method: A Sustainable Approach to Help Tackle Vitamin A Deficiency

The work describes the carotenoid synthesis process by Rhodotorula glutinis P4M422 using an agro-industrial waste as the substrate, seeking a biorefinery platform approach for waste utilization to produce high-value molecules. A culture medium based on goat milk whey (GMW) was optimized via the Taguchi method (L9 array). Four factors (ethanol, carbon and nitrogen source, and pH) were evaluated at three levels. The carbon and nitrogen composition were the factors dominating the process performance. Optimized conditions were validated (Urea, 0.3% w/v; pH, 4.5; ethanol, 10% v/v; glucose, 6.0%), and the carotenoid production (4075 µg/L) was almost 200% higher than when using the un-optimized process (2058 µg/L). Provitamin A carotenoids torulene, β–carotene, and γ–carotene (different proportions) were produced under all conditions. The hydrolyzed goat milk whey showed promising expectations as a low-cost source for carotenoid production by Rhodotorula glutinis P4M422. The results are important for the innovative sustainable production of carotenoid-rich matrices for different purposes (nutrition, health promotion, color) and industries (foods, nutricosmetics, nutraceuticals, feeds), notably to help to combat vitamin A deficiency

Destete precoz y respuesta productiva pos destete de becerros alimentados con iniciador en el trópico: DESTETE PRECOZ EN BECERROS

Objective: To evaluate the effect of starter feed consumption on the post-weaning productive response of calves of the dual-purpose system. Design/methodology/approach: Ten calves with an average live weight at birth of 34.5 ± 4.8 kg were distributed in two treatments: CM = calves fed milk + Taiwan grass (Pennisetum purpureum) weaned at seven months of age; CMS = calves fed milk + Taiwan grass + starter feed, weaned at 90 days. A completely randomized design with five repetitions per treatment was used, the experimental phase was made from birth to one year of age. Starter feed intake, live weight (LW), daily weight gain, (DWG), rump height (RH), withers (W), length (L) and thoracic perimeter (TP) were evaluated in the periods of one to three months old, four to seven and eight to 12. Results: The consumption of starter feed from one to three months was 482.33 g calf-1 d-1 and from four to seven months 1895.0 g calf-1 d-1; the LW, RH, W, L and TP at seven and 12 months was greater in CMS (P <0.05), the DWG was greater in CMS (P <0.05) in the period of four to seven months. Study limitations/implications: Milk consumption was not measured, it could affect DWG in the period of one to three months. Findings/Conclusions: Starter feed consumption allowed calves to be weaned at three months of age with the highest response in LW and zoom measurements at seven and 12 months. Key words: Beef cattle, ruminal development, zoom measurements.Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto del consumo de iniciador en la respuesta productiva pos destete de becerros del sistema de doble propósito. Diseño/metodología/aproximación: 10 becerros con peso vivo promedio al nacimiento de 34.5 ± 4.8 kg fueron distribuidos en dos tratamientos: BL = becerros alimentados con leche + pasto Taiwán (Pennisetum purpureum) destetados a siete meses de edad; BLI = becerros alimentados con leche + pasto Taiwán + alimento iniciador, destetados a 90 días. Se utilizó un diseño completamente al azar con cinco repeticiones por tratamiento, la fase experimental se hizo del nacimiento al año de edad. Se evaluó consumo de iniciador, peso vivo (PV), ganancia diaria de peso, (CI), alzada a la grupa (AG), a la cruz (AC), largo (L) y perímetro torácico (PT) en los periodos de uno a tres meses de edad, de cuatro a siete y de ocho a 12. Resultados: El consumo de iniciador de uno a tres meses se promedió en 482.33 g becerro-1 d-1 y de cuatro a siete meses de 1895.0 g becerro-1 d-1; el PV, AG, AC, L y PT a siete y 12 meses fue mayor en BLI (P<0.05), la mayor GDP se observó en BLI (P<0.05) en el periodo de cuatro a siete meses. Limitaciones del estudio/implicaciones: no se midió consumo de leche, pudo afectar la GDP en el periodo de uno a tres meses. Hallazgos/conclusiones: El consumo de iniciador permitió destetar los becerros a tres meses de edad con mayor respuesta en PV y medidas zoométricas a siete y 12 meses. &nbsp

Growth and nutritional value of the silage of two cultivars of Pennisetum purpureum at different ages: Growth and nutritional value of Pennisetum

Objective: in order to evaluate the growth, the chemical composition and the quality of the silage at 45 and 60 days of cutting of the Pennisetum purpureum sp. Giant and Pennisetum purpureum cv. Taiwan. Design / methodology / approach: The study was carried out in the Germplasm Bank of the Rosario Izapa Experimental Field, in Tuxtla Chico, Chiapas, Mexico. From the chemical analysis of the silage, crude protein (CP), crude fat (CF), crude fiber (CF), ash (A), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and pH were determined. From growth, plant height, leaf length, leaf width and stem diameter. A completely randomized design was used with three repetitions per treatment using PROC GLM and the comparison of average with the Tukey procedure. Results: The CP content of both grasses decreased in the period from 45 to 60 days, from 7.18% to 5.36% respectively in the Taiwan grass, and from 7.53% to 6.05% in the Pennisetum sp. Giant, in the same period respectively. Plant height, length, leaf width, and stem diameter were greater in Taiwan grass (P<0.05) at 30, 45, and 60 days; the pH of the silage was similar between the evaluated pastures (P>0.05) at 45 and 60 days. Study limitations / implications: Assessment is required in the dry season (December-April). Findings / Conclusions: Taiwan grass had the highest growth rate in all periods; while the giant grass had greater nutritional value at 45 and 60 days of cutting.Objetive: To evaluate the growth, chemical composition and quality of the silage of 45 d and 60 d cuts of Pennisetum purpureum sp. Gigante and Pennisetum purpureum cv. Taiwan grasses. Design/methodology/approximation: The study took place at the Germplasm Bank of the Rosario Izapa Experimental Field in Tuxtla Chico, Chiapas, Mexico. Chemical analysis of the silage determined crude protein (CP), crude fat (CF), crude fiber (CF), ash (A), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and pH. Plant height, leaf length, leaf width and stem diameter were also determined. A completely randomized design was used with three repetitions per treatment as per PROC GLM and means comparison using the Tukey procedure. Results: The CP content of both grasses decreased in the 45 d to 60 d period; from 7.18 % to 5.36 % in Taiwan grass and from 7.53 % to 6.05 % in Pennisetum sp. Gigante. Plant height, length and width of leaf, and stem diameter were greater in the Taiwan variety (P<0.05) at 30 d, 45 d and 60 d; the pH of the silage was similar in both grasses evaluated (P>0.05) at 45 d and 60 d. Study limitations /implications:  A review during low water periods is required (December-April). Findings/conclusions: Taiwan grass registered a greater growth rate in all periods; while Gigante grass showed higher nutritional value at 45 and 60 days of cutting