Utilization of Agave durangensis leaves by Bacillus cereus 4N for polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) biosynthesis.

Lignocellulosic wastes may provide a means to economize polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) production. This study has proposed the use of Agave durangensis leaves obtained from the artisanal mezcal industry as a novel substrate for this aim. Results revealed an increase in PHB biosynthesis (0.32 g/L) and improvement in %PHB (16.79-19.51%) by Bacillus cereus 4N when A. durangensis leaves used as carbon source were physically pre-treated by ultrasound for 30 min (ADL + US30') and thermally pre-treated (ADL + Q). Chemical analyses and SEM studies revealed compositional and morphological changes when A. durangensis leaves were physically pre-treated. Also, elemental analysis of growth media showed that carbon/nitrogen ratios of 14-21, and low nitrogen, hydrogen, and protein content were well-suited for PHB biosynthesis. Confocal microscopy revealed morphological changes in the bacterial cell and carbonosome structure under the influence of different substrates. Finally, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses showed that homopolymeric PHB with a high thermal-resistance (271.94-272.89 °C) was produced. Therefore, the present study demonstrates the potential use of physically pre-treated A. durangensis leaves to produce PHB. These results promote the development of a circular economy in Mexico, where lignocellulosic wastes can be employed to produce value-added biotechnological products.

Effect of sourdough on quality and acceptability of wheat flour tortillas.

As an alternative on the search for functional food products, this study evaluated the use of sourdough in the preparation of wheat flour tortillas. The sourdough was elaborated with Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis and the wheat flour tortillas were prepared with different concentrations of mother sponge (5%, 15%, and 25%) and fermentation times (1 and 3 h) at room temperature (25 ± 2 °C). Quality (diameter, height, color, pH, stretchability scores, and Kramer shear cell results) of wheat tortillas was evaluated after 24 h of preparation. The mother sponge concentration and fermentation time affected some quality parameters and acceptability properties (taste, aroma, color, opacity, and rollability). In addition, the sourdough tortillas had higher stretchability values than control tortillas. Since most of the prepared sourdough tortillas had acceptability values similar to those of tortilla controls, the introduction of sourdough is a viable means to incorporate additional nutritional and nutraceutical value into wheat tortillas.