Suitable municipalities for biomass energy use in Colombia based on a multicriteria analysis from a sustainable development perspective.

Using renewable energies is a global strategy to mitigate the acceleration of global warming generated by industrial processes and is a sustainable way to diversify the energy matrix in all countries. Biomass is a renewable energy source that produces biofuels and generates electricity and heat. The primary purpose of this work is to identify the municipalities in Colombia where agricultural, livestock, and urban residual biomass could be suitable for energy generation in a sustainable and renewable way. To that end, we carried out a Geostatistical Multi-Criteria Decision Methodology using Analytical Hierarchy Processes such as Rank-Sum and Weighted Linear Combination, as well as considering a set of sustainable development indicators applied to official Colombian data. Two scenarios are considered for comparison purposes. The first one is according to expert criteria, and the second one considers The Sustainable Development Goals proposed by the United Nations. Under both proposed scenarios, 127 municipalities were found to be suitable for agricultural-urban residual biomass and 162 for livestock-urban residual biomass for energy generation. One of the main limitations for the use of urban biomass is that municipalities need to have sufficient production potential to fulfill their own energy needs. An additional comparison with previous works to evaluate the performance of the Multi-Criteria Decision Methodologies MCDM is also proposed.

Nutritional Value and Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activity of Wild Macrofungi.

Macrofungi are among the most promising sources of biologically active natural products with nutritional qualities and therapeutic values. In this work, the nutritional value of nine species of wild macrofungi from Ibague-Tolima (Colombia) was evaluated. In addition the antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of an ethanol:water (70:30) extract of wild basidiomata were evaluated. The wild mushrooms' nutritional potential showed that the genus Pleurotus and Lentinus have the best protein percentages, with 18.4% and 18.5%. The nine extracts evaluated managed to stabilize the two radicals evaluated; however, lower IC50 was found for Phellinus gilvus and Ganoderma australe extracts. The results showed that Trametes coccinea, Pleurotus floridanus and Ganoderma australe extracts were the most effective as antimicrobials, with high inhibition percentages against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Antifungal activity results against Rhizopus oryzae, Penicillium sp. and Aspergillus niger showed that the nine extracts were effective at the concentrations tested. Considering cell viability against isolated leukocytes, seven of the nine extracts showed percentages higher than 50% of cell viability. This research describes the nutritional value of nine wild macrofungi in Colombia and their potential for antimicrobial, cytotoxic and antioxidant activity.

Diversity and distribution of macrofungi (Ascomycota and Basidiomycota) in Tolima, a Department of the Colombian Andes: an annotated checklist.

Background: Macrofungi are classified in the phylum Ascomycota and Basidiomycota and they are very important from an ecological and economic point of view. Most studies of fungi in Colombia have been carried out mainly in the Andean Region, especially in the Departments of Antioquia, Valle del Cauca and Cundinamarca. However, other Departments in the Andean Region, like Tolima, located in the Cordillera Central, are well documented for plants (4,797 species) and animals (2,983 species), but very poorly documented in terms of knowledge of fungal diversity. New information: This study provides a compiled and annotated checklist of all known macrofungi in the Department of Tolima, based on published literature and on the identification of new specimens collected from five localities of the Department. All records were updated taxonomically and we include detailed information on the localities in which they are distributed in the Department. The list includes 164 taxa distributed in 15 orders (Agaricales, Polyporales, Russulales, Boletales, Hymenochaetales, Xylariales, Auriculariales, Thelephorales, Cantharellales, Hypocreales, Pezizales, Gloeophyllales, Phallales, Tremellales, Dacrymycetales) and eighteen records in a doubtful taxa section. We present 26 new reports, 19 for Tolima and nine for Colombia. We also provide genetic and phylogenetic evidence of the occurrence of Gloeoporustelephoroides and Podoscyphavenustula in Colombia. This checklist provides the basis for future studies on species diversity and taxonomy in Tolima, by identifying the least studied taxa and ecosystems and conservation priorities.

Comparison of biological activities of Tityus pachyurus venom from two Colombian regions.

BACKGROUND: In the present study, we have tested whether specimens of the medically relevant scorpion Tityus pachyurus, collected from two climatically and ecologically different regions, differ in the biological activities of the venom. METHODS: Scorpions were collected in Tolima and Huila, Colombia. Chemical profiles of the crude venom were obtained from 80 scorpions for each region, using SDS-PAGE and RP-HPLC. Assays for phospholipase A2, direct and indirect hemolytic, proteolytic, neuromuscular, antibacterial, and insecticidal activities were carried out. RESULTS: The electrophoretic profiles of venom from the two regions showed similar bands of 6-14 kDa, 36-45 kDa, 65 kDa and 97 kDa. However, bands between 36 kDa and 65 kDa were observed with more intensity in venoms from Tolima, and a 95 kDa band occurred only in venoms from Huila. The chromatographic profile of the venoms showed differences in the intensity of some peaks, which could be associated with changes in the abundance of some components between both populations. Phospholipase A2 and hemolytic activities were not observable, whereas both venoms showed proteolytic activity towards casein. Insecticidal activity of the venoms from both regions showed significant variation in potency, the bactericidal activity was variable and low for both venoms. Moreover, no differences were observed in the neuromuscular activity assay. CONCLUSION: Our results reveal some variation in the activity of the venom between both populations, which could be explained by the ecological adaptations like differences in feeding, altitude and/or diverse predator exposure. However more in-depth studies are necessary to determine the drivers behind the differences in venom composition and activities.

Enzymatic Extraction and Characterization of Pectin from Cocoa Pod Husks (Theobroma cacao L.) Using Celluclast® 1.5 L.

Cocoa pod husks are a waste generated during the processing of cocoa beans. We aimed to explore the enzymatic extraction of pectin using cellulases. The extraction process was optimized using a central composite design (CCD) and analyzed by response surface methodology (RSM). The parameters optimized were feedstock concentration (%), enzyme dosage (µL/g), and time (h). Three dependent variables were studied: pectin yield (g/100 g dry husk) (R2 = 97.02), galacturonic acid content (g/100 g pectin) (R2 = 96.90), and galacturonic acid yield (g/100 g feedstock) (R2 = 95.35). The optimal parameters were 6.0% feedstock concentration, 40 µL g-1 of enzyme, and 18.54 h, conditions that produced experimentally a pectin yield of 10.20 g/100 g feedstock, 52.06 g galacturonic acid/100 g pectin, and a yield 5.31 g galacturonic acid/100 g feedstock. Using the chemical extraction method, a yield of 8.08 g pectin/100 g feedstock and a galacturonic acid content of 60.97 g/100 g pectin were obtained. Using assisted sonication, a pectin yield of 8.28 g/100 g feedstock and a galacturonic acid content of 42.77 g/100 g pectin were obtained. Enzymatically optimized pectin has rheological and physicochemical features typical of this biomaterial, which provides an interesting alternative for the valorization of cocoa husks.

Comparison of biological activities of Tityus pachyurus venom from two Colombian regions

Abstract Background: In the present study, we have tested whether specimens of the medically relevant scorpion Tityus pachyurus, collected from two climatically and ecologically different regions, differ in the biological activities of the venom. Methods: Scorpions were collected in Tolima and Huila, Colombia. Chemical profiles of the crude venom were obtained from 80 scorpions for each region, using SDS-PAGE and RP-HPLC. Assays for phospholipase A2, direct and indirect hemolytic, proteolytic, neuromuscular, antibacterial, and insecticidal activities were carried out. Results: The electrophoretic profiles of venom from the two regions showed similar bands of 6-14 kDa, 36-45 kDa, 65 kDa and 97 kDa. However, bands between 36 kDa and 65 kDa were observed with more intensity in venoms from Tolima, and a 95 kDa band occurred only in venoms from Huila. The chromatographic profile of the venoms showed differences in the intensity of some peaks, which could be associated with changes in the abundance of some components between both populations. Phospholipase A2 and hemolytic activities were not observable, whereas both venoms showed proteolytic activity towards casein. Insecticidal activity of the venoms from both regions showed significant variation in potency, the bactericidal activity was variable and low for both venoms. Moreover, no differences were observed in the neuromuscular activity assay. Conclusion: Our results reveal some variation in the activity of the venom between both populations, which could be explained by the ecological adaptations like differences in feeding, altitude and/or diverse predator exposure. However more in-depth studies are necessary to determine the drivers behind the differences in venom composition and activities.

Comparison of biological activities of Tityus pachyurus venom from two Colombian regions

Background: In the present study, we have tested whether specimens of the medically relevant scorpion Tityus pachyurus, collected from two climatically and ecologically different regions, differ in the biological activities of the venom. Methods: Scorpions were collected in Tolima and Huila, Colombia. Chemical profiles of the crude venom were obtained from 80 scorpions for each region, using SDS-PAGE and RP-HPLC. Assays for phospholipase A2, direct and indirect hemolytic, proteolytic, neuromuscular, antibacterial, and insecticidal activities were carried out. Results: The electrophoretic profiles of venom from the two regions showed similar bands of 6-14 kDa, 36-45 kDa, 65 kDa and 97 kDa. However, bands between 36 kDa and 65 kDa were observed with more intensity in venoms from Tolima, and a 95 kDa band occurred only in venoms from Huila. The chromatographic profile of the venoms showed differences in the intensity of some peaks, which could be associated with changes in the abundance of some components between both populations. Phospholipase A2 and hemolytic activities were not observable, whereas both venoms showed proteolytic activity towards casein. Insecticidal activity of the venoms from both regions showed significant variation in potency, the bactericidal activity was variable and low for both venoms. Moreover, no differences were observed in the neuromuscular activity assay. Conclusion: Our results reveal some variation in the activity of the venom between both populations, which could be explained by the ecological adaptations like differences in feeding, altitude and/or diverse predator exposure. However more in-depth studies are necessary to determine the drivers behind the differences in venom composition and activities.(AU)

Oligosaccharides: Defense Inducers, Their Recognition in Plants, Commercial Uses and Perspectives.

Plants have innate immune systems or defense mechanisms that respond to the attack of pathogenic microorganisms. Unlike mammals, they lack mobile defense cells, so defense processes depend on autonomous cellular events with a broad repertoire of recognition to detect pathogens, which compensates for the lack of an adaptive immune system. These defense mechanisms remain inactive or latent until they are activated after exposure or contact with inducing agents, or after the application of the inductor; they remain inactive only until they are affected by a pathogen or challenged by an elicitor from the same. Resistance induction represents a focus of interest, as it promotes the activation of plant defense mechanisms, reducing the use of chemical synthesis pesticides, an alternative that has even led to the generation of new commercial products with high efficiency, stability and lower environmental impact, which increase productivity by reducing not only losses but also increasing plant growth. Considering the above, the objective of this review is to address the issue of resistance induction with a focus on the potential of the use of oligosaccharides in agriculture, how they are recognized by plants, how they can be used for commercial products and perspectives.

Rice-Associated Rhizobacteria as a Source of Secondary Metabolites against Burkholderia glumae.

Various diseases, including bacterial panicle blight (BPB) and sheath rot, threaten rice production. It has been established that Burkholderia glumae (B. glumae) is the causative agent of the above mentioned pathologies. In the present study, antagonistic activity, growth promotion, and the metabolite profiles of two rhizobacteria, isolated in different paddy fields, were assessed against B. glumae. Strains were identified based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, and the phylogenetic analyses showed that both strains belong to the genus Enterobacter, with high similarity to the strain Enterobacter tabaci NR146667.2 (99%). The antagonistic activity was assessed with the disc diffusion method. Active fractions were isolated through a liquid/liquid extraction with ethyl acetate (EtOAc) from the fermentation media, and their antibacterial activities were evaluated following the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. The Pikovskaya modified medium was used to test the ability of in vitro inorganic phosphorus solubilization, and BSB1 proved to be the best inorganic phosphorus solubilizer, with a solubilization index (SI) of 4.5 ± 0.2. The glass-column fractionation of the EtOAc extracted from BCB11 produced an active fraction (25.9 mg) that inhibited the growth of five B. glumae strains by 85-95%. Further, metabolomic analysis, based on GC-MS, showed 3-phenylpropanoic acid (3-PPA) to be the main compound both in this fraction (46.7%), and in the BSB1 extract (28.6%). This compound showed antibacterial activity against all five strains of B. glumae with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1000 mg/L towards all of them. The results showed that rice rhizosphere microorganisms are a source of compounds that inhibit B. glumae growth and are promising plant growth promoters (PGP).

Quantification, chemical and biological characterization of the saponosides material from Sida cordifolia L. (escobilla) / Cuantificación, caracterización química y biológica del contenido saponósido de Sida cordifolia L. (escobilla)

Introduction: Sida cordifolia L. (Malvaceae) is a weed about which not much is known in Colombia. This plant is used in folk medicine to treat oral mucosa, blennorrhea, asthma and bronchitis.In Brazil it finds application as an anti-inflammatory,while in Colombia its "baba" is used for treating hair loss, constipation and internal fever, among other ailments. Objectives: to quantify the saponoside content and evaluate its antioxidant and antifungal functionality. Methods: we prepared organic, aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts from the aerial section of the plant. The saponoside material was quantified by the DNS and p-anisaldehyde methods. The most concentrated extracts were selected for antioxidant and antifungal assays. Results: it was found that Sida cordifolia, collected in Ibague-Colombia, is a good source of saponins with diverse chemical structures, mainly of steroidal nature, some of which may be hecogenin, diosgenin or a homologue. Conclusions: these factors may contribute, at least in part, to the antioxidant and antifungal functionality of Sida cordifolia L., but this capacity may be modified if these saponins act independently or together with some other metabolites of the plant such as tannins, flavonoids steroids, and alkaloids among others.

Introducción: Sida cordifolia L. (Malvaceae) es una hierba de la cual se tiene un conocimiento limitado en Colombia. Se utiliza en la medicina popular para el tratamiento de la mucosa oral, la blenorragia, el asma y la bronquitis. En Brasil encuentra aplicación como antiinflamatorio, mientras que en Colombia su "baba" se utiliza para tratar la pérdida del cabello, el estreñimiento, y la fiebre interna, entre otros padecimientos. Objetivos: cuantificar el contenido saponósido y evaluar sus propiedades antioxidantes y funcionalidad antifúngica. Métodos: se prepararon extractos orgánicos, acuosos e hidroalcohólicos de la parte aérea de la planta. El material de saponósidos se cuantificó por los métodos del DNS (dinitrosalicylic acid reagent) y de p-anisaldehído. Los extractos más concentrados se seleccionaron para los ensayos antioxidante y antifúngico. Resultados: estos mostraron que Sida cordifolia, colectada en Ibague-Colombia, es una buena fuente de saponinas con diversas estructuras químicas, principalmente de naturaleza esteroidal, algunas de las cuales pueden ser hecogenina, diosgenina o un homólogo. Conclusiones: estos factores pueden contribuir, al menos en parte, en la funcionalidad antioxidante y antifúngica de Sida cordifolia L., pero su capacidad se puede modificar si esas saponinas actúan de forma independiente o en conjunto con otros metabolitos de la planta, como taninos, esteroides flavonoides, alcaloides, entre otros.

Actividad insecticida de una emulsión aceite/agua del aceite esencial de Eucalyptus tereticornis / Insecticide activity of oil/water emulsion of Eucalyptus tereticornis essential oil

Introducción: el aceite esencial extraído de especies del género Eucalyptus, entre estas Eucalyptus tereticornis, ofrece un importante potencial para el control de hongos patógenos e insectos plaga y de importancia médica. Objetivo: evaluar la actividad anti-insecto (aguda, crónica y repelente) de una emulsión aceite/agua del aceite esencial de Eucalyptus tereticornis, en función de su composición química y fraccionamiento. Métodos: se prepararon emulsiones aceite/agua con aceite esencial previamente extraído, separado y caracterizado, y 2 de sus fracciones (A y B). Se evaluó su actividad anti-insecto mediante bioensayos con Drosophila melanogaster. Se determinó la fitotoxicidad foliar sobre plántulas de Phaseolus vulgaris. Resultados: el aceite completo mostró considerable actividad repelente e insecticida aguda que guarda relación con su composición química. La actividad insecticida aguda de las fracciones disminuyó de manera notable con respecto a la mostrada por el aceite completo, sin embargo, no se observaron efectos significativos sobre la actividad repelente. En ningún caso se presentó fitotoxicidad foliar sobre frijol. Conclusión: el aceite esencial de esta especie de eucalipto posee actividad anti-insecto considerable y podría formularse directamente como insecticida para el control de insectos de interés agrícola y médico.

Introduction: the essential oil extracted from Eucalyptus species, including Eucalyptus tereticornis, offers significant potential for control of fungal pathogens and insect pests and medical importance. Objectives: to evaluate the anti-insect activity (acute, chronic and repellent) of an oil/water emulsion of Eucalyptus tereticornis essential oil in terms of their chemical composition. Methods: oil/water emulsion was prepared with essential oil previously extracted, separated and characterized, and two of its fractions (A and B). Their anti-insect activity was evaluated through bioassays on Drosophila melanogaster. Foliar phytotoxicity was evaluated on seedlings of Phaseolus vulgaris. Results: the complete oil showed considerable acute repellent and insecticide activity related to its chemical composition. The acute insecticidal activity of the fractions decreased significantly if compare with that of the whole oil , but neither significant effects on the repellent activity nor phytotoxicity on the bean leaves were observed. Conclusions: the essential oil of this eucalyptus species has considerable anti-insect properties and could be formulated as an insecticide for the control of insects of agricultural and medical significance.

Fungicidal activity of Eucalyptus tereticornis essential oil on the pathogenic fungus Fusarium oxysporum / Actividad antimicótica del aceite esencial a partir de Eucalyptus tereticornis sobre el hongo patógeno Fusarium oxysporum

The objective of present paper was to determine the antifungal activity of the Eucalyptus tereticornis (Myrtaceae) essential oil and two fractions on the Fusarium oxysporum mushroom, a pathogen with clinical and agricultural significance. The total citronelal (44.8 percent) and geraniol (9.78 percent) essential oil had a fungicidal effect at a 3 g/L concentration and a fungicidal activity at small concentrations. The A and B fractions composed most of p-mentane-3,8-diol (18.95 percent) and geraniol acetate (24.34 percent), respectively were more active than the total extract. The observations at microscopic level showed damages and changes in hyphae and chlamydospores, as well as a decrease in the number of conidia. The observed fungicidal activity and the morphologic damages were dependent on the concentration.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la actividad antifúngica del aceite esencial de Eucalyptus tereticornis (Myrtaceae) y 2 fracciones sobre el hongo Fusarium oxysporum, patógeno de importancia tanto clínica como agrícola. El aceite esencial total, compuesto principalmente por citronelal (44,8 por ciento), citronelol (9,78 por ciento) presentó un efecto fungicida a una concentración de 3 g/L y actividad fungistática a concentraciones menores. La fracciones A y B compuestas en su mayoría por p-mentano-3,8-diol (18,95 por ciento) y acetato de citronelol (24,34 por ciento) respectivamente fueron más activas que el extracto total. Las observaciones a nivel microscópico mostraron daños y cambios en hifas y clamidosporas, así como disminución en el número de conidias. La actividad fungistática observada y los daños morfológicos fueron dependientes de la concentración.