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The study investigated the efficacy of Campomanesia xanthocarpa infusions on human melanoma cells (SK-MEL-28). The phytochemical profile revealed 18 phenolic compounds in the leaf infusion and 9 in the fruit infusion. After 24 h of treatment, the infusions demonstrated antineoplastic effects, reducing cell viability at all tested concentrations for the leaf infusion. For the fruit infusion, a significant reduction in cell viability was observed specifically at the 800 μg/mL concentration. Fluorescence microscopy and mitochondrial membrane potential results indicated that the leaf infusion was more effective in reducing cell viability and mitochondrial function in SK-MEL-28 cells, possibly due to its greater variety of phenolic compounds compared to the fruit infusion. The leaf infusion also induced higher production of intracellular reactive oxygen species compared to the fruit infusion. Protein sulfhydryl levels were reduced for the leaf infusion. Epigallocatechin gallate, Isoquercitrin, Rutin, Kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, Chlorogenic acid, and Ellagic acid were identified as the main compounds with activity against SK-MEL-28 cells. Molecular docking analysis underscored factors such as affinity, cavity size, binding mode, and contact residues with specific compounds chosen for their favorable properties in targeting BRAF, CDK4, CDK6, MEK1, and MEK2. The variability in binding affinities may directly influence the compounds' ability to inhibit different signaling pathways related to cancer cell growth and proliferation. The results suggest that phenolic compounds from C. xanthocarpa extracts have therapeutic potential and could contribute to melanoma therapies., Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40203-024-00286-1., Competing Interests: Competing interestsThe authors declare no competing interests., (© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2024. Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.)

Background: This study evaluated for the first time the potential of orange passion fruit as a base for alcoholic and acetic fermentations, with a view to assessing its profile of organic acids and polyphenols, in vitro digestion, and biological activities., Results: In terms of aliphatic organic acids, malic acid was the majority in the wine (3.19 g L -1 ), while in the vinegar, it was acetic acid (46.84 g L -1 ). 3,4-Dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,4-DHB) was the major phenolic compound in the wine and vinegar samples (3443.93 and 2980.00 μg L -1 , respectively). After the in vitro gastrointestinal simulation stage, the wine showed high bioaccessibility for the compounds sinipaldehyde (82.97%) and 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,4-DHBA, 81.27%), while the vinegar exhibited high bioaccessibility for sinipaldehyde (89.39%). Through multivariate analysis, it was observed that 3,4-DHB was highly concentrated in the different digested fractions obtained from the wine. In contrast, in the vinegar, the stability of isorahmenetin and Quercetin 3-o-rhamnoside was observed during the in vitro digestion simulation. Lastly, the vinegar stood out for its inhibition rates of α-amylase (23.93%), α-glucoside (18.34%), and angiotensin-converting enzyme (10.92%). In addition, the vinegar had an inhibitory effect on the pathogenic microorganisms Salmonella enteritidis, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes., Conclusion: Orange passion fruit has proved to be a promising raw material for the development of fermented beverages. Therefore, this study provides an unprecedented perspective on the use and valorization of orange passion fruit, contributing significantly to the advancement of knowledge about fermented products and the associated nutritional and functional possibilities. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.)

Background: Pellicular macerations in the vinification of white wines involve the contact of grape skins and seeds with the must before, during or after alcoholic fermentation. Pre-fermentative pellicular maceration aims to enrich the must with volatile compounds and aroma precursors. Fermentative maceration occurs during alcoholic fermentation, whereas post-fermentative maceration is carried out after this process, associated with orange, amber or skin-contact wines, which have experienced a growing global demand in recent years. In this context, this research aimed to conduct a bibliometric review on pellicular macerations in white wines using two search strategies on the specific platform for the period from 2010 to 2023. Additionally, we sought to identify research trends in this segment of the wine industry through a comprehensive literature review of the retrieved documents., Results: The results emphasized more studies on pre-fermentative pellicular maceration than on long-duration macerations during and after alcoholic fermentation. Alternative maceration techniques, such as grape freezing, were also observed as study subjects, including their effects on final wines. The research identified a wide variety of grapes explored in studies related to pellicular macerations of the Vitis vinifera L. species, with approximately 50 distinct nomenclatures identified. Regarding pre-fermentative macerations, the contact time varied from 2 to 60 h, with the temperature range 1-20 °C., Conclusion: The specific search for extended skin contact white wines revealed a limited number of available documents, indicating that studies related to this product style are promising and necessary, given the growing commercial relevance of this product profile. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.)

Cancer cases have increased worldwide. Cutaneous melanoma (CM), a highly metastatic skin cancer, largely contributes to global statistical cancer death data. Research has shown that rosmarinic acid (RA) is a promising phenolic compound with antineoplastic properties. Thus, we investigated the effects of RA on apoptosis-inducing in melanoma cells, purinergic signaling modulation, and cytokine levels. We treated SK-MEL-28 cells for 24 h with different concentrations of RA and assessed the apoptosis, CD39, CD73, and A2A expression, and cytokine levels. We found RA-induced apoptosis in melanoma cells. Regarding the purinergic system, we verified that RA downregulated the expression of CD73 and A2A, specially at high concentrations of treatment. Additionally, RA increased IL-6, IL-4, IL-10, IFN-γ, and TNF-α levels. Our in vitro results confirm RA's potential to be used to induce melanoma cell apoptosis, having CD73 and A2A as targets when reversion of immune suppression is desired. Further studies in animal models and clinical trials focusing on RA's modulation of purinergic signaling in melanoma are required., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

The aim of this study was to use the malt bagasse by-product for developing high-dietary fibers cereal bars. Three formulations were tested and contained 0% (control), 19% and 24% of malt bagasse. The bars with malt bagasse were rich in dietary fiber and protein, with 6.06 and 26.35 g/100 g, respectively for samples with 19% of bagasse, and 8.43 and 26.22 g/100 g, respectively, for bars with 24% of this by-product. The total phenol content (TPC) of the bars with 19 and 24% of bagasse, was 100.37 and 192.13 mg GAE/100 g of sample, and the EC 50 was 21.58 and 14.78 mg/mL (DPPH assay), respectively. The incorporation of this by-product into the formulations enhanced their TPC and antioxidant capacity. These samples had a high sensory acceptance. The formulation with the lowest malt bagasse concentration showed high global acceptance (56%) and purchase intention. The sensory attributes that pleased the tasters the most, rated as "liked moderately," were the color and odor of both bars. Cereal bars showed an improved nutritional composition and antioxidant capacity after malt bagasse addition, and the formulation with 19% should be the best choice among the tested formulations, when considering the set of nutritional and sensory aspects. The malt bagasse was successfully valorized as an ingredient in a functional food, whilst contributing to the environment., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestThere is no conflict of interest., (© Association of Food Scientists & Technologists (India) 2023. Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.)

Some evidence has indicated that monkeypox can induce a cytokine storm. Purinergic signaling is a cell pathway related to the cytokine storm. However, the precise mechanisms that lead to cytokine storms in monkeypox infections and the possible involvement of purinergic signaling in the immune response to this virus remain unknown. In this review article, we aimed to highlight a body of scientific evidence that consolidates the role of the cytokine storm in monkeypox infection and proposes a new hypothesis regarding the roles of purinergic signaling in this immune-mediated mechanism. We further suggested some purinergic signaling modulators to mitigate the deleterious and aggravating effects of immune dysregulation in human monkeypox virus infection by inhibiting P2X3, P2X7, P2Y2, and P2Y12, reducing inflammation, and activating A1 and A2A receptors to promote an anti-inflammatory response., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The Eugenia pyriformis Cambess (uvaia) is a well-known source of bioactive compounds. This study investigated the efficiency of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) and Enzyme-Assisted Extraction (EAE) in obtaining uvaia leaf extracts with high antioxidant and antibacterial activity. In a first step, different variables of the leaves were employed to define the best conditions for obtaining the extract with the highest total phenolic content. In a second step, the optimised extracts were characterised. In total, twenty-four phenolic compounds were identified through LC-ESI-MS/MS. The EAE in optimised conditions showed a higher amount of total phenolic compounds and antioxidant potential. It was possible to note an analogous potential of antibacterial activity of the extracts, which showed action mainly against Gram-positive bacteria. These findings suggest that the aqueous extracts of uvaia leaves are feasible, economic, and sustainable alternatives for adding value to uvaia leaves, which are an agricultural residue that is generally underutilised.

Bioactive peptides consist of small protein fragments, which are inactive in their original conformation, and they become active when released from these through enzymatic hydrolysis or fermentation processes. The bioactivity of such peptides has been extensively reported in the literature as contributors to organic homeostasis processes, as well as in immunomodulation, organism defense against oxidative processes, among others. In this study, reports of the activity of BPs isolated from milk with the potential glycemic control, antihypertensive activity, and inhibitors of uric acid formation were compiled. A systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis were conducted, using the PICO strategy for the research. The temporal analysis of publications revealed a growing interest in the investigation of bioactive peptides with potential antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities, using dairy sources as products for their extraction. The literature analysis also revealed an increase in research involving non-bovine dairy products for bioactive peptide extraction. The collaboration network among authors exhibited weaknesses in scientific cooperation. Regarding the analysis of keywords, the usage of terms such as "bioactive peptides", "antioxidant", "antihypertensive", and "diabetes" was evident, constituting the main research clusters. Peptides with low molecular weight, typically < 10 kDa, of hydrophobic nature with aliphatic and aromatic chains, have significant implications in molecular interactions for the required activities. Although there is a growing interest in the industry regarding the utilization of bioactive peptides as potential drugs, there is a need to address gaps related to elucidating their interactions with cellular targets and their use in human therapy., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Austria, part of Springer Nature.)

In this study, phytochemical profiling, cytotoxic potential, antitumoral activity, and α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition capacity of extracts of seed and pulp of Eugenia uniflora L. fruits were investigated. The extracts were obtained using a cellulase complex and the phenolic compounds were quantified. The cytotoxic potential and antitumoral activity were evaluated using peripheral blood mononuclear cells and melanoma-type tumor cells, respectively. The α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition capacity was determined. For all extracts, the compounds identified and quantified were salicylic acid, protocatechuic acid, gallic acid and, myricitrin. For extract of pulp, ellagic and p-coumaric acids were also identified and quantified. The extracts do not show cytotoxicity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Extract of seed was able to decrease cell viability in melanoma-type tumor cells within 24 h of exposure. The concentration 5 µg mL -1 of extracts inhibited 7.73% of α-amylase and 15.34% of α-glucosidase. The Pitanga extracts presents substances with biological activities.

In this study, the kinetic mechanism of adsorption and desorption, as well as the equilibrium isotherms, of four metallic ions (Cd 2+ , Cu 2+ , Ni 2+ , and Zn 2+ ) mono and multicomponent were investigated. The biosorbent used was produced from Jerivá (Syagrus romanzoffiana-commonly known as queen palm) coconut. A kinetic model that considers macropore diffusion as a control step was solved. The finite volume method was used in the discretization of the equations, and the algorithm was implemented in the Fortran programming language. The equilibrium time for monocomponent adsorption was 5 min; for the multicomponent tests, equilibrium occurred instantly (less than 2 min of adsorption). The pseudo-second-order model presented the lowest mean of the sum of normalized errors (SNE) and represented the experimental data of mono and multicomponent adsorption and desorption. Single and multicomponent Langmuir model represented the adsorption isotherms. The maximum capacity of adsorption of metallic ions, both mono and multicomponent, was higher for copper, and the multicomponent adsorption proved to be antagonistic; the presence of co-ions in the solution reduced the removal of metals due to competition between these contaminants. The capture preference order was justified by the physicochemical properties of the ions, such as electron incompatibility and electronegativity. All these situations justified the maximum adsorption of Cu 2+ , followed by Zn 2+ , Cd 2+ , and Ni 2+ in the mixture., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

This study aimed to determine whether the addition of a microencapsulated herbal blend (MHB) based on thymol, carvacrol, and cinnamaldehyde in dairy sheep feed would improve production efficiency, milk quality, and animal health. Thirty lactating Lacaune ewes were divided into three groups: Control (T0), 150 mg blend/kg of feed (T150), and 250 mg blend/kg of feed (T250). Milk was measured before the beginning of the experiment (d 0), at the end of the adaptation period (d 15), and during the experiment (d 20). In milk samples, was measured the composition, somatic cell count (SCC), reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipoperoxidation (LPO), and total antioxidant capacity. The MHB improved the milk production (only T150 vs. T0 sheep on d 20), productive efficiency and feed efficiency, and reduced the milk SCC (only T250 vs. T0 sheep, on d 20), ROS and tended to reduce the milk levels of LPO (only T250 vs. T0 sheep on d 20). Also, MHB reduced the blood levels of neutrophils and ROS (only T250 vs. T0 sheep on d 20) and increased total protein and globulin levels. Thus, a microencapsulated blend of thymol, carvacrol, and cinnamaldehyde improved the productive performance and milk quality of sheep.

In this study, phytochemical profiling, and antidiabetic, antitumoral and cytotoxic potential of aqueous extracts of leaves of red variety of Psidium cattleianum Afzel. ex Sabine were investigated. The extracts were obtained using a cellulase complex. The total phenolic compounds (TPC) were determined, and the individual phenolic compounds were quantified by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. For the TPC, the amounts varied from 85.91 to 106.33 mg EAG g -1 . Eighteen compounds have been identified. The compounds with the highest concentrations were gallic acid, quercetin and protocatechuic acid. Antidiabetic activity was obtained through α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition tests. The extract inhibited 17.94% of α-amylase activity and 73.34% of α-glucosidase activity. The antitumoral activity in cells of cutaneous melanoma (SK-MEL-28) and the cytotoxic activity was determined in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). The cellular migration was determined for cells SK-MEL-28. Antitumoral effects on cells SK-MEL-28 were observed and the absence of cytotoxicity on the PBMCs.

This work aimed to produce collagens and hydrolysates with antimicrobial and antioxidant activity from sheep slaughter by-products. The by-products (sheep and lamb) were treated and extracted. The collagens were hydrolyzed with the enzyme Alcalase ® . The spectra of collagens and hydrolysates were similar (amide bands I, II, III, A, B). The bands presented by the collagens (α 1 , α 2 , β) were characteristic of type I collagen. The hydrolysates showed molecular weight peptides equal to/lower than 15 kDa. Collagens had a denaturation temperature of 39.32 (lamb) and 36.38 °C (sheep), whereas the hydrolysates did not undergo thermal transition. Hydrolysates showed lower values of antioxidant activity (AA) than the collagens. The collagens from lamb and from sheep displayed an AA of 13.4% (concentration of 0.0002%) and 13.1% (concentration of 0.0005%), respectively. At the concentration of 0.0020%, the lamb hydrolysates displayed an AA of 10.2%, whereas the sheep hydrolysates had an AA of only 1.98%. Collagen also showed higher antimicrobial activity compared to hydrolysates, requiring a lower concentration to inhibit the microorganisms tested. Sheep slaughter by-products proved to be a viable source for obtaining protein hydrolysates and collagens with antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, which can be applied in the development of nutraceuticals beneficial to human health.

The use of brewer`s yeast to replace textured soy protein (TSP) in burgers was investigated. Three formulations were made, corresponding to a control formulation with 4% TSP, a formulation containing 4% yeast cells in their natural state, and a formulation made with 4% mechanically ruptured yeast cells, which were characterized for the chemical, technological, and sensory properties. Significant differences were observed for pH and instrumental color between the formulations, with no changes in the visual color evaluation by the untrained assessors. The addition of yeast cells resulted in a higher cooking yield and lower reduction in diameter, contributing to maintaining the shape and juiciness of burgers, which is a positive aspect from the technological point of view. The TSP-based formulation presented higher overall appearance and flavor scores when compared with the other formulations, with no significant differences for the other sensory attributes. The results showed that debittering of yeast-cell biomass is required to remove hop resins and tannins before using in burgers, aimed to improve the product`s acceptance and the purchase intent. The debittered yeast cell biomass can be used in burger formulations with great potential to replace TSP, as an alternative to obtain a free allergen meat product., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestThe authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (© Association of Food Scientists & Technologists (India) 2021.)

We determined whether the dietary supplementation with a commercial product (vegetable biocholine - VB) for Lacaune ewes at peak lactation would improve animal health and production as well as milk quality. We also determined the effects of VB as a feed additive. We used thirty Lacaune ewes at 30 days of lactation, allocated into three groups: T0 (control, without VB), T5 (5 g of VB/animal/day) and T10 (10 g of VB/animal/day). T10 sheep had greater milk yield during the experimental period. T10 ewes had also a significantly lower feed conversion ratio than the other groups. Total solids concentration of milk was higher in T10 than in the other groups on day 20. The somatic cell count in milk was lower in ewes that consumed VB in the highest dose (T10) than in the T0 and T5 in days 15 and 20. Lower levels of lipoperoxidation (LPO) and of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were observed in milk from ewes fed with the VB supplemented diet on day 20, associated with increased levels of total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase activity in milk. In serum, we found that T5 and T10 animals had significantly higher levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants (non-protein thiols) associated with reduced LPO and ROS content. Higher levels of globulins were observed in T10 than in T0 sheep on day 20. These data suggest that VB dietary supplementation stimulates antioxidant responses and increases the concentration of globulins in a manner beneficial to sheep health. Milk production, feed conversion rate, and milk SCC were also improved., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2021 Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the supplementation with açaí flour in the feed of laying hens at the end of the production cycle has beneficial effects on the health and performance of the birds and on the quality of the eggs. Groups received basal diets supplemented with 0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0% açaí lump flour. We observed better productivity linked to oviposition and egg mass in a dose-dependent manner. We also observed higher shell resistance in stored eggs and higher % albumen and peel in fresh eggs. Lower levels of lipoperoxidation were observed in fresh eggs (2.0%). In stored eggs, lipoperoxidation levels were lower in all supplemented groups. The antioxidant capacity levels in fresh or stored eggs was higher (2.0%). We also observed a higher content of monounsaturated fatty acids in the supplemented groups, whereas saturated fatty acids were lower in the egg yolks. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Based on a regression analysis, we verified that 1.47% of açaí flour is ideal in terms of productive efficiency. Dietary supplementation with açaí flour improved performance, egg quality, and had positive effects on the health of hens. Supplementation with açaí flour increased egg shelf life, reducing lipid peroxidation, biochemical reaction responsible for egg putrefaction., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

The objective of this study was to evaluate yeast ( Saccharomyces cerevisiae ) from beer fermentation in its natural form (NY) and subjected to different processes of cellular ruptured [mechanical method using ultrasound (MRY) and modified autolysis using NaCl and ethanol (MAY)] regarding functional and digestibility properties, comparing them with textured soy protein (TSP). Ultrasound treatment resulted in 42% disruption efficiency and the micrographs obtained from scanning electron microscopy analysis showed important morphological modifications due to processes of cellular ruptured action. MRY cells presented more pronounced damage than LN, which suggests the rupture of the cell wall and exit of the internal material to the medium. NY, MRY, MAY, and TSP presented a very close composition concerning the protein content, ranging from 39.32 to 43.80% and moisture of 0.07-0.14%. In vitro digestibility of brewing yeast samples equated the digestibility of TSP (higher than 94%). Cellular disruption with ultrasound (MRY) caused an increase in foaming ability, stability and also oil retention capacity (8.82 mL of oil/g of protein). Modified autolysis (MAY) resulted in higher water holding capacity (14.50 g of water/g of protein) and index of water solubility (greater than 64%) with a decrease in their emulsifying properties. The highest water absorption capacity was presented by the TSP and NY. Therefore, in its different forms, yeast can be applied as a functional and technological ingredient in the food industry, with significant technological capabilities and potential applications.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of grape residue flour (GRF) on antioxidant activities, biochemistry variables, components of the immune system and milk production and quality of Lacaune sheep in heat stress. Twenty-seven multiparous lactating sheep [50 ± 1.8 days (d) milking] were stratified by initial body weight, age, date of lambing and milk production and assigned randomly to 1 of 3 treatments (9 sheep/treatment): no GRF supplementation (control group) or supplementation at 1% (10 g/kg GRF) or 2% (20 g/kg GRF) of GRF (bark and seed) in the concentrate (grains and minerals mixture). Each ewe received 0.8 kg/d of concentrate, 3.6 kg/d of corn silage, and 0.25 kg/d of Cynodon spp hay. Milk production along with blood and milk samples were collected on d 1, 10 and 15. The 2% GRF sheep had increased serum concentrations of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity on d 15 compared to control sheep. Over time (d 10 to 15), lipid peroxidation was reduced in 2% GRF sheep. Total serum antioxidant capacity was greater in 2% GRF sheep compared to control sheep on d 10 and 15. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity in milk samples were greater in 2% GRF sheep compared to control sheep. Supplementation with GRF did not affect milk production but GRF sheep were more efficient compared to control sheep. Protein and lactose concentrations were similar between treatments, but total solids and fat concentrations were greater in 2% GRF sheep compared to control sheep on d 15. Somatic cell count was reduced in GRF sheep compared to control sheep. In summary, supplementation with 2% GRF in dairy sheep in heat stress resulted in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses, which improved milk quality and reduced somatic cell count and lipid peroxidation., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of adding different starches (native and modified) on the physicochemical, sensory, structural and microbiological characteristics of low-fat chicken mortadella. Two formulations containing native cassava and regular corn starch, coded CASS (5.0 % of cassava starch) and CORN (5.0 % of regular corn starch), and one formulation produced with physically treated starch coded as MOD1 (2.5 % of Novation 2300) and chemically modified starch coded as MOD2 (2.5 % of Thermtex) were studied. The following tests were performed: physicochemical characterization (moisture, ash, protein, starch and lipid contents, and water activity); cooling, freezing and reheating losses; texture (texture profile test); color coordinates (L*, a*, b*, C and h); microbiological evaluation; sensory evaluation (multiple comparison and preference test); and histological evaluation (light microscopy). There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) for ash, protein, cooling loss, cohesiveness or in the preference test for the tested samples. The other evaluated parameters showed significant differences (p < 0.05). Histological study allowed for a qualitative evaluation between the physical properties of the food and its microscopic structure. The best results were obtained for formulation MOD2 (2.5 % Thermtex). The addition of modified starch resulted in a better performance than the native starch in relation to the evaluated technological parameters, mainly in relation to reheating losses, which demonstrated the good interaction between the modified starch in the structure of the product and the possibility of the application of this type of starch in other types of functional meat products.

Current studies about lipase production by solid-state fermentation involve the use of agro-industrial residues towards developing cost-effective systems directed to large-scale commercialization of enzyme-catalyzed processes. In this work, lipase production and partial characterization of the crude enzymatic extracts obtained by Penicillium verrucosum using soybean bran as substrate was investigated. Different inductors were evaluated and the results showed that there is no influence of this variable on the lipase production, while temperature and initial moisture were the main factors that affected enzyme production. The optimized cultivation temperature (27.5 degrees C) and initial moisture of substrate (55%) were determined using the response surface methodology. Kinetics of lipase production was followed at the optimized growth conditions. Optimum lipase yield was 40 U/g of dry bran. The crude enzymatic extract showed optimal activity in the range from 30 to 45 degrees C and in pH 7.0.