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This study explores the purification, characterization, and application of laccases from Trametes hirsuta CS5 for degrading synthetic dyes as models of emerging contaminants. Purification involved ion exchange chromatography, molecular exclusion, and chromatofocusing, identifying th ree laccase isoforms: ThIa, ThIb, and ThII. Characterization included determining pH and temperature stability, kinetic parameters (Km, Kcat), and inhibition constants (Ki) for inhibitors like NaN3, SDS, TGA, EDTA, and DMSO, using 2,6-DMP and guaiacol as substrates. ThII exhibited the highest catalytic efficiency, with the lowest Km and highest Kcat. Optimal activity was observed at pH 3.5 and 55 °C. Decolorization tests with nine dyes showed that ThII and ThIa were particularly effective against Acid Red 44, Orange II, Indigo Blue, Brilliant Blue R, and Remazol Brilliant Blue R. ThIb displayed higher activity towards Crystal Violet and Acid Green 27. Among substrates, guaiacol showed the highest Kcat, while 2,6-DMP was preferred overall. Inhibitor studies revealed NaN3 as the most potent inhibitor. These results demonstrate the significant potential of T. hirsuta CS5 laccases, especially ThIa and ThII, as biocatalysts for degrading synthetic dyes and other xenobiotics. Their efficiency and stability under acidic and moderate temperature conditions position them as promising tools for sustainable wastewater treatment and environmental remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrolepiota sp. CS185 is a basidiomycete with high potential as a biocontrol agent against various phytopathogenic fungi. Regardless of its pronounced potential as a post-harvest fungi biocontrol agent, its activity in tomato seedlings infected with Alternaria alternata has not been well studied. Thus, the present work aimed to evaluate the cultures and supernatants' antagonistic activity against fig fruits' post-harvest fungi and antifungal activity production kinetics. The culture antagonistic characteristics were assessed through multiple confrontations, the supernatant concentration effect, and the kinetics of antagonistic action. The multiple confrontations showed differences (p ≤ 0.05) among phytopathogens and over time, with Colletotrichum sp. 2 being the most susceptible. Based on the 9-day incubation profile, the treatment fractions supplemented with a 50% concentration of Macrolepiota sp. CS185 supernatants showed a higher inhibition percentage (%In). Except for Alternaria alternata 1 and 2, the rest of the isolates showed a similar decrease in antagonistic activity up to a certain extent over time. Among all tested strains, Colletotrichum sp. 2 was found with a higher susceptibility. Regarding the production kinetics of antagonistic activity, a triple interaction was observed between the phytopathogen, the age of the Macrolepiota sp. CS 185 culture, and incubation time. In addition, changes in the mycelium growth rate (p ≤ 0.05) along with the higher activity in the supernatants of 20 and 30 days were observed and suggested the production of multiple bioactive metabolites. These results indicate that Macrolepiota sp. CS185 produces antifungal metabolites at different times and could be a suitable candidate to control fig fruits' post-harvest fungi issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweet sorghum bagasse (SSB) provides a raw material rich in polysaccharides that can be converted into biofuel and other high-value-added bioproducts under the biorefinery concept. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hydrothermal pretreatment on the availability of SSB fermentable sugars for bioethanol production, considering the energy balance of the process. For this, the biomass was subjected to one process, pre-saccharification simultaneous and fermentation (PSSF). Previously, the temperature, time, and particle size effect were determined, as well as the enzymatic load for the more significant release of monomeric sugars. It was observed that the increase in the pretreatment severity, defined by the severity factor [log(Ro)], resulted in a more significant release of sugar and energy consumption. In the PSSF, bioethanol production was 22.17 g/L, with a total energy consumption of 2.46 MJ/g of processed biomass, of which 79.14% was by concept of electricity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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High intensity physical activity can provoke muscle damage and consequently affect athletes' performance. The aim of this study was to determine if antioxidants contained in blackberry can stimulate athletes' processes of recovery from muscle damage, using Creatine Kinase (CK) quantification and urea values after a week of competition as indicators. Participants were divided into an experimental (EG) and a placebo group (CG). In both groups, CK and urea in plasma were measured before, during and after competition. Significant differences were observed in EG at pre and post phases, compared to the basal (p < 0.05). Further, significant differences were found in the pre-post analysis of EG (p < 0.05), as well as after 48h and 72h compared with post-test (p < 0.05). Significant differences were also found for CG (p < 0.05) at 48h and 72h compared to post-test. As regard to urea concentration, differences were shown at post-test, after 24h, and after 48h compared to pre-test (p < 0.05). CG showed no significant differences at any stage of the research. These results suggest that consumption of blackberries may contribute to muscle damage recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]