Vine Trimming Shoots as Substrate for Ferulic Acid Esterases Production

Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12010-016-2251-0

Ferulic acid esterases (FAE) possess a large variety of biotechnological applications mainly based on their ability to release ferulic acid from lignocellulosic matrixes. The use of vine trimming shoots (VTS), an agricultural waste, as substrate for the generation of this kind of esterases represents an attractive alternative to change the consideration of VTS from residue to resource. Furthermore, xylanase, cellobiase, and cellulase activities were quantified. Six microorganisms were screened for FAE production by solid-state fermentation, and the effects of the additional supplementation and substrate size were also tested. Finally, the process was scaled-up to a horizontal bioreactor where the influence of aeration in enzymatic activities was evaluated. Thus, the optimal FAE activity (0.44 U/g dry VTS) was attained by Aspergillus terreus CECT 2808, in non-additional supplementation media, using the larger particles size of substrate (≤ 5 mm) and at a flow rate of 0.7 L/min.

Production and characterization of a novel distilled alcoholic beverage produced from blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.)

Fruits, 2016, vol. 71(4), 215-220

http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/fruits/2016013

The cultivation of underutilized berries and the process production of high-value-added products, such as fruit-based spirits, could have a beneficial effect on the economy of disadvantaged rural mountain areas of Spain. However, production of a distilled alcoholic beverage from the blueberry has not been reported before. The pulp of blueberries var. Bluecrop was fermented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae IFI83, distilled by using a steam drag distillation system and the volatile compounds were determined by gas chromatography. In the distillate obtained, the mean concentrations of ethanol (45.3 mL 100 mL-1 distillate), volatile substances (317.1 g hL-1 absolute alcohol) and methanol (261.0 g hL-1 absolute alcohol) were in accordance with the specifications that the European Council (Regulation 110/2008) fixed for these compounds. In addition, the ratios [3-methyl-1-butanol/2-methyl-1-propanol] and [2-methyl-1-propanol/1-propanol] were 2.60 and 1.34, respectively, indicating that the distilled alcoholic beverage has a good organoleptic quality. The results suggest that blueberry can be successfully used for the production of a novel spirit with a good sensory quality that is safe for the consumers.

Production et caractérisation d’une nouvelle boisson alcoolisée distillée produite à partir de grande myrtille (Vaccinium corymbosum L.)

Fruits, 2016, vol. 71(4), 215-220

http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/fruits/2016013

La culture d’espèces de baies sous-utilisées et leur transformation en produits à haute valeur ajoutée, tels que les spiritueux à base de fruits, pourraient avoir un effet bénéfique sur l’économie des régions rurales et défavorisées des montagnes d’Espagne. La production d’une boisson alcoolisée distillée à partir de grandes myrtilles ou bleuets n’a pourtant jamais été signalée auparavant. La pâte de bleuet var. Bluecrop fermentée avec Saccharomyces cerevisiae IFI83, a été distillée en utilisant un système de distillation par train de vapeur d’eau; les composés volatils ont été déterminés par chromatographie en phase gazeuse. Dans le distillat obtenu, les concentrations moyennes d’éthanol (45,3 mL 100 mL-1 distillat), de substances volatiles (317,1 g hL-1 alcool absolu, aa) et de méthanol (261,0 g hL-1 aa) étaient conformes aux spécifications que le Conseil européen (règlement 110/2008) fixe pour ces composés. De plus, les rapports [3-méthyl-1-butanol/2-méthyl-1-propanol] et [2-méthyl-1-propanol/1-propanol] ont été de 2,60 et 1,34, respectivement, indiquant que la boisson alcoolisée distillée a une bonne qualité organoleptique. Les résultats suggèrent que la grande myrtille peut être utilisée avec succès pour la production d’un nouveau spiritueux de bonne qualité organoleptique et sanitaire pour les consommateurs.