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The treatment of wastewater of domestic sources is composed by a series of procedures for the removal of pollutants, and involves the use of chemicals, for example for the coagulation-flocculation process, and not often, the use of chemical products is advantageous. This investigation aimed in evaluate the effect of different dosages of the flocculant hydrocolloid extracted from a high Andean algae (Nostoc Sphaericum) in the treatment of artificial wastewater in different pH. The hydrocolloid was extracted by atomization and the functional groups were identified by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and the zero point charge (ZPC), ζ potential, and particle size were also determined. On the other hand, tests were carried out to simulate the coagulation-flocculation process applying doses of the hydrocolloid coagulant Nostoc Sphaericum/Aluminum Sulfate (HN/SA). The percentage of pollutants removal from wastewater was calculated by the variation of physical and chemical parameters before and after treatment with hydrocolloid. We used a 22 factorial design and assessed its effects using a statistical analysis ANOVA with a significant level of 5 %. The results showed that HN exhibited functional groups characteristic of polysaccharides, ZPC of 7.67, and ζ potential of higher stability in an alkaline medium. In the acid medium, we observed that turbidity was removed in 51.47 %, color 73.96 %, COD 95.41 %, TOC 46.67 %, while TDS reduced in 20.45 %, the BOD5 was 22.73 % and TSS 65.98 % in alkaline medium. The correlation analysis highlights that the organic matter in the artificial wastewater exerted a substantial influence on the flocculant capacity of the hydrocolloid, especially given the high biodegradability of the artificial wastewater. This leads to the conclusion that HN is efficient in removing contaminants from artificial wastewater, with pH identified as the most influential variable.

Germination is an effective strategy to improve the nutritional and functional quality of Andean grains such as quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.); it helps reduce anti-nutritional components and enhance the digestibility and sensory aspects of the germinated. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of germination (0, 24, 48, and 72 h) on the physicochemical properties, content of bioactive compounds, and antioxidant capacity of three varieties of quinoa: white, red, and black high Andean from Peru. Color, nutritional composition, mineral content, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity were analyzed. Additionally, infrared spectra were obtained to elucidate structural changes during germination. The results showed color variations and significant increases (p < 0.05) in proteins, fiber, minerals, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity after 72 h of germination, attributed to the activation of enzymatic pathways. In contrast, the infrared spectra showed a decrease in the intensity of functional groups –CH–, –CH2–, C–OH, –OH, and C–N. Correlation analysis showed that flavonoids mainly contributed to antioxidant activity (r = 0.612). Germination represents a promising alternative to develop functional ingredients from germinated quinoa flour with improved nutritional and functional attributes.

In reducing heavy metals from water for direct or indirect consumption, various synthetic materials have been used; there is a tendency to use natural, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly materials. The aim was to elaborate copolymers with native potato starch and cactus mucilage and evaluate water's multimetal removal capacity. The copolymer was characterized, and the kinetics and adsorption isotherms were evaluated. The copolymers presented high solubility for nopal mucilage levels of 5% w/w, with particle size in aqueous solution less than 422.83 nm, zero charge point around pH 5.5, and potential ζ between −16.72 and −29.80 mV; FTIR analysis showed the predominance of anionic groups with chelating capacity. Multimetal adsorption was from 102.20 to 151.43 mg/g, with affinity in the order Pb > As > Al > Hg > Cr, being higher at pH 6 (p-value0.994, X20.863, whose parameters are related to the ionic radius of the metals, with favorable adsorption and a heterogeneous surface of the copolymer. The mean adsorption energy was found between 0.05 and 0.23 kJ/mol. The use of native potato starch and cactus mucilage allows the formulation of copolymers with high multimetal adsorption potential in aqueous systems.

Nanoencapsulation of native potato bioactive compounds by spray-drying improves their stability and bioavailability. The joint effect of the inlet temperature and the ratio of the encapsulant (quinoa starch/gum arabic) on the properties of the nanocapsules is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the best conditions for the nanoencapsulation of these compounds. The effects of two inlet temperatures (96 and 116 °C) and two ratios of the encapsulant (15 and 25% w/v) were evaluated using a factorial design during the spray-drying of native potato phenolic extracts. During the study, measurements of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, anthocyanins, antioxidant capacity, and various physical and structural properties were carried out. Higher inlet temperatures increased bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity. However, a higher concentration of the encapsulant caused the dilution of polyphenols and anthocyanins. Instrumental analyses confirmed the effective encapsulation of the nuclei in the wall materials. Both factors, inlet temperature, and the encapsulant ratio, reduced the nanocapsules’ humidity and water activity. Finally, the ideal conditions for the nanoencapsulation of native potato bioactive compounds were determined to be an inlet temperature of 116 °C and an encapsulant ratio of 15% w/v. The nanocapsules obtained show potential for application in the food industry.

Ethanolic extracts of propolis and bee honey contain substances beneficial to human health. Mixtures of wall materials were compared in spray-drying microencapsulation of ethanolic extracts of propolis and bee honey rich in bioactive compounds. Maltodextrin and tara gum were used to obtain microencapsulates A, and modified native potato starch and tara gum were used for microencapsulates B. High values of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity were obtained in microcapsules A and B, and the results obtained in terms of encapsulation efficiency, yield, hygroscopicity, solubility, moisture, Aw, bulk density, and color were typical of the spray-drying process. On the other hand, spherical and elliptical microparticles of sizes between 7.83 and 53.7 µm with light and medium stability were observed. Thermogravimetric properties were similar in both microencapsulates; total organic carbon, SEM-EDS, and FTIR analyses corroborated the encapsulation. X-ray diffractogram exhibited amorphous structures, and the release kinetics of phenolic compounds presented high values from 8.13 to 12.58 mg GAE/g between 7 and 13 h. Finally, modified potato starch is a better encapsulant than maltodextrin because it has better core protection and controlled release of the encapsulated bioactive compounds.

El índice de calidad del agua (ICA) de un cuerpo hídrico indica el grado de contaminación para un determinado uso y está relacionado con las actividades antrópicas que suscitan alrededor. El objetivo fue determinar el ICA en la microcuenca altoandina del río Chumbao, Andahuaylas, Perú. El tramo de estudio estuvo comprendido entre la cabecera de cuenca (13° 46' 42.5" S, 73° 13' 50.0" O y 4 295 m de altitud), y el último punto de muestreo (13° 35' 26.4" S, 73°27'0.8" O y 2 529 m de altitud), con pendiente media de 4 %. El ICA Dinius se evaluó considerando parámetros como nivel de oxígeno (OD y DBO5); nivel de eutrofización (NO3- y PO43-); características físicas (temperatura, turbidez, color y STD); sustancias disueltas (alcalinidad, dureza, pH, conductividad y cloruros), y parámetros microbiológicos (E. coli y coliformes totales); se muestreó en temporada de avenidas (02 puntos lénticos y 08 lóticos). Los datos se recolectaron por triplicado y se analizaron a través de un ANOVA, test Tukey y correlación de Pearson al 5 % de significancia. Se encontró que el uso predominante del agua del río es para agricultura, pastura y urbanización; el ICA está distribuido en tres categorías: Excelente (M1, M2, M3, M4 y M5), cercanos a la cabecera de la microcuenca y los puntos lénticos (lagunas de Pampahuasi y Paccoccocha); Aceptable (M6); y Excesivamente contaminado; los puntos M7 y M8 fuera de la zona urbana aguas abajo (p-value < 0.05) presentan buena correlación negativa con los parámetros de estudio. En conclusión, el agua en zonas de baja densidad poblacional es buena.

Propolis is a substance with significant anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antiviral activity, which could be used more efficiently at the nano level as an additive in the food industry. The aim was to obtain and characterize nanoencapsulated multi-floral propolis from the agro-ecological region of Apurimac, Peru. For nanoencapsulation, 5% ethanolic extracts propolis with 0.3% gum arabic and 30% maltodextrin were prepared. Then, the mixtures were dried by nano spraying at 120 °C using the smallest nebulizer. The flavonoid content was between 1.81 and 6.66 mg quercetin/g, the phenolic compounds were between 1.76 and 6.13 mg GAE/g, and a high antioxidant capacity was observed. The results of moisture, water activity, bulk density, color, hygroscopicity, solubility, yield, and encapsulation efficiency were typical of the nano spray drying process. The total organic carbon content was around 24%, heterogeneous spherical particles were observed at nanometer level (between 11.1 and 562.6 nm), with different behaviors in colloidal solution, the thermal gravimetric properties were similar in all the encapsulates, the FTIR and EDS analysis confirmed the encapsulation and the X-ray diffraction showed amorphous characteristics in the obtained material; stability and phenolic compound release studies indicated high values of 8.25–12.50 mg GAE/g between 8 and 12 h, the principal component analysis confirmed that the flora, altitude, and climate of the propolis location influenced the content of bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity, and other properties studied. The nanoencapsulate from the district of Huancaray was the one with the best results, allowing its future use as a natural ingredient in functional foods. Nevertheless, technological, sensory, and economic studies should still be carried out.

The cellulose from agroindustrial waste can be treated and converted into nanocrystals or nanofibers. It could be used to produce biodegradable and edible films, contributing to the circular economy and being environmentally friendly. This research aimed to develop an edible film elaborated with activated cellulose nanocrystals, native potato starch, and glycerin. The activated cellulose nanocrystals were obtained by basic/acid digestion and esterification with citric acid from corn husks. The starch was extracted from the native potato cultivated at 3500 m of altitude. Four film formulations were elaborated with potato starch (2.6 to 4.4%), cellulose nanocrystals (0.0 to 0.12%), and glycerin (3.0 to 4.2%), by thermoforming at 60 °C. It was observed that the cellulose nanocrystals reported an average size of 676.0 nm. The films mainly present hydroxyl, carbonyl, and carboxyl groups that stabilize the polymeric matrix. It was observed that the addition of cellulose nanocrystals in the films significantly increased (p-value < 0.05) water activity (0.409 to 0.447), whiteness index (96.92 to 97.27), and organic carbon content. In opposition to gelatinization temperature (156.7 to 150.1 °C), transparency (6.69 to 6.17), resistance to traction (22.29 to 14.33 N/mm), and solubility in acidic, basic, ethanol, and water media decreased. However, no significant differences were observed in the thermal decomposition of the films evaluated through TGA analysis. The addition of cellulose nanocrystals in the films gives it good mechanical and thermal resistance qualities, with low solubility, making it a potential food-coating material.

Ferropenic anemy is the leading iron deficiency disease in the world. The aim was to encapsulate erythrocytes extracted from the blood of Cavia porcellus, in matrices of tara gum and native potato starch. For microencapsulation, solutions were prepared with 20% erythrocytes; and encapsulants at 5, 10, and 20%. The mixtures were spray-dried at 120 and 140 °C. The iron content in the erythrocytes was 3.30 mg/g and between 2.32 and 2.05 mg/g for the encapsulates (p < 0.05). The yield of the treatments varied between 47.84 and 58.73%. The moisture, water activity, and bulk density were influenced by the temperature and proportion of encapsulants. The total organic carbon in the atomized samples was around 14%. The particles had diverse reddish tonalities, which were heterogeneous in their form and size; openings on their surface were also observed by SEM. The particle size was at the nanometer level, and the zeta potential (ζ) indicated a tendency to agglomerate and precipitation the solutions. The presence of iron was observed on the surface of the atomized by SEM-EDX, and FTIR confirmed the encapsulation due to the presence of the chemical groups OH, C-O, C-H, and N-H in the atomized. On the other hand, high percentages of iron release in vitro were obtained between 88.45 and 94.71%. The treatment with the lowest proportion of encapsulants performed at 140 °C obtained the best results and could potentially be used to fortify different functional foods.

The search for new natural sources of hydrocolloids with stabilizing, thickening, and good binding capacity, from raw materials that are environmentally friendly and that contribute to the circular economy is a challenge for the food industry. The aim of the study was the preliminary characterization of a spray-dried hydrocolloid from high Andean algae Nostoc sphaericum. Four ecotypes of algae from Peruvian high Andean lagoons located above 4000 m were considered. The samples were collected in the period March–April 2021 and were subjected to a spray drying process in an aqueous medium. The characterization showed that the dehydrated nostoc ecotypes presented high protein and carbohydrate content, making it a potential material for direct use as a functional food for humans. The spray-dried product presented good stability for its use as a hydrocolloid, with zeta potential values (ζ), around 30 mV, evidencing the presence of -CO-, -OH, -COO-, and -CH groups, characteristic of polysaccharides, representing 40% of total organic carbon on average, giving it low water activity values and particle size at the nanometric level. Major minerals such as Ca (>277 mg/100 g), Mg (>19.7 mg/100 g), and Fe (>7.7 mg/100 g) were reported. Spray-dried nostoc is a hydrocolloid material with high potential for the food industry, with good nutritional content and techno-functional behavior.

The objective was optimize the flocculating capacity of three varities of cacti Echinopsis pachanoi (San Pedro), Neoraimondia arequipenses (Ulluquite) and Opuntia ficus (Tuna) in the artificial wastewater treatment. They were applied 1%, 2% and 3% coagulant doses of the three varieties of cactaceae extracted with 96% ethanol. It was evaluated the flocculating activity (FA) and removal percentage (%R); a significant increase was observed (p-value < 0.05) with the increase in the coagulant dose. The optimization was carried out considering as objective function the %R which were subjected to FA, pH, hardness, alkalinity and BOD5 of water treatment. Which were reported values of 99.09 %R for San Pedro variety, 92.42 %R for Ulluquite variety and 98.98 %R for tuna variety, for doses of 0.207%, 0.246% and 0.754% of coagulant respectively.

Adsorption isotherms provide insight into the thermodynamic properties governed by food storage conditions. Adsorption isotherms of purple corn of the Canteño variety were evaluated at 18, 25, and 30 °C, for the equilibrium relative humidity (ERH) range between 0.065 and 0.95. The equilibrium moisture (Xe) was determined by the continuous weight-change method. Seven mathematical models of isotherms were modeled, using the coefficient of determination R2, mean absolute error (MAE), and estimated standard error (ESE) as the convergence criterion. Thermodynamic parameters such as isosteric heat (qst), Gibbs Free Energy (ΔG), differential entropy (ΔS), activation energy (Ea), and compliance with the isokinetic law were evaluated. It was observed that the adsorption isotherms presented cross-linking around 75% ERH and 17% Xe, suggesting adequate storage conditions at these values. The GAB and Halsey models reported better fit (R2 > 97%, MAE < 10%, ESE < 0.014 and random residual dispersion). The reduction of Xe from 17 to 7%, increases qst, from 7.7022 to 0.0165 kJ/g, while ΔG decreases considerably with the increase in Xe, presenting non-spontaneous endergonic behavior, and linear relationship with ΔS, evidencing compliance with the isokinetic theory, governed by qst. Ea showed that more energy is required to remove water molecules from the upper layers bound to the monolayer, evaluated using CGAB. The models predicted the storage conditions, and the thermodynamic parameters show the structural stability of the purple corn grains of the Canteño variety during storage.