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Mycotic bioremediation of effluents from industrial jeans laundries is a necessary biotechnological treatment to prevent contamination of water bodies. In phase I, the discoloration of Indigo Carmine Dye (ICD) and Textile Effluent (TE) by seven species of Agaricomycetes from the brazilian tropical dry forest (Caatinga) was evaluated. First, nutritional stress was caused by Nitrogen Limitation (NL) at three experimental times, T1 (1 day). T2 (4 days) and T3 (7 days). In phase II, microorganisms were cultivated in the initial growth times Gi1 (10 days) and Gi2 (25 days), Without Addition of Nutrients (WAN) and stress was induced by NL (T1). Subsequently, ICD and TE discoloration tests continued for 28 days. In the ecotoxic analysis, the biotreated samples in phase II were tested on nauplii of Artemia HIGH 5 without the addition of food. In phase I, the percentages of ICD and TE discoloration were greater than 55% using fungi F1, F2, F5 and F6 for 10 days without sterility. In phase II, the best percentages of discoloration were found for TE in Gi1 and for ICD in Gi2, with F1 and F5 (identified by molecular biology). The results showed that Gi1 (WAN) increased the biodegradation of TE and Gi2 (WAN) favored the biodegradation of ICD, in T1 (NL) without sterility. The best enzymatic activity of laccase and lignin peroxidase was presented in F5. The enzyme extracts had a Michaelis-Menten kinetic behavior. All samples of TE bioremediated in phase II no showed toxicity on Artemia sp. in 48 hours of experimentation. La biorremediación micótica de efluentes de lavado industrial de jeans es un tratamiento biotecnológico necesario para evitar la contaminación de cuerpos de agua. En la fase I, se evaluó la decoloración del Colorante Índigo Carmín (CIC) y del Efluente Textil (ET) por siente especies de Agaricomycetes del bosque tropical seco brasileño (Caatinga). Primero se provocó el estrés nutricional por Limitación de Nitrógeno (LN) en tres tiempos experimentales, T1 (1 día), T2 (4 días) y T3 (7 días). En la fase II, los microorganismos se cultivaron en los tiempos de crecimiento inicial, Ci1 (10 días) y Ci2 (25 días), Sin Adición de Nutrientes (SAN) y se indujo estrés por LN. Posteriormente las pruebas de decoloración de CIC y ET continuaron durante 28 días. En el análisis ecotóxico, las muestras biotratadas en la fase II se probaron en nauplios de Artemia HIGH 5 sin adición de alimento. En la fase I, los porcentajes de decoloración de CIC y ET fueron superiores al 55% utilizando los hongos F1, F2, F5 y F6 durante 10 días sin esterilidad. En la fase II, los mejores porcentajes de decoloración se encontraron para ET en Ci1 y para CIC en Ci2, con F1 y F5 (identificados por biología molecular). Los resultados mostraron que Ci1 (SAN) aumentó la biodegradación de ET y Ci2 (SAN) favoreció la biodegradación de CIC, en T1 (LN) sin esterilidad. La mejor actividad enzimática de lacasa y lignina peroxidasa se presentó en F5. Los extractos enzimáticos presentaron un comportamiento cinético de Michaelis-Menten. Todas las muestras de ET biorremediadas en la fase II, no mostraron toxicidad sobre Artemia sp. en 48 horas de experimentación. A biorremediação micótica de efluentes de lavanderias industriais de jeans é um tratamento biotecnológico necessário para evitar a contaminação de corpos de água. Na fase I, avaliou-se a descoloração do Corante Índigo Carmim (CIC) e do Efluente Têxtil (ET) por sete espécies de Agaricomycetes da floresta seca tropical brasileira (Caatinga). Primeiro, provocou-se o estresse nutricional por Limitação de Nitrogênio (LN) em três tempos experimentais, T1 (1 dia), T2 (4 dias) e T3 (7 dias). Na fase II, os microrganismos foram cultivados nos tempos de crescimento inicial, Ci1 (10 dias) e Ci2 (25 dias), Sem Adição de Nutrientes (SAN) e induz-se o estresse por LN. Posteriormente, os testes de descoloração de CIC e ET continuaram por 28 dias. Na análise ecotóxica, as amostras biotratadas na fase II foram testadas em náuplios de Artemia HIGH 5 sem adição de alimento. Na fase I, as porcentagens de descoloração no CIC e ET foram maiores que 55% utilizando os fungos F1, F2, F5 e F6 por 10 dias sem esterilidade. Na fase II, as melhores porcentagens de descoloração foram encontradas para ET em Ci1, e para CIC em Ci2, com F1 e F5 (identificados por biologia molecular). Os resultados mostraram Ci1 (SAN) aumentou a biodegradação do ET e Ci2 (SAN) favoreceu a biodegradação do CIC, em T1 (LN) sem esterilidade. A melhor atividade enzimática de lacase e lignina peroxidase apresentou-se em F5. Os extratos enzimáticos apresentaram comportamento cinético de Michaelis-Menten. Todas as amostras de ET biorremediadas na fase II, não mostraram toxicidade sobre Artemia sp. em 48 horas de experimentação.

New control alternatives to chemical insecticides, such as botanical essential oils, are important to reduce the population of mosquito vectors. In addition, the use of these oils as insecticides should be safe for mammals. The objective of this study was therefore to evaluate the insecticidal activity of a blend of essential oils from the leaves of Croton argyrophyllus Kunth. and Croton tetradenius Baill. on Aedes aegypti Linnaeus, 1762, as well as to evaluate its acute toxicity in Mus musculus Linnaeus, 1758, and to analyze the chemical composition of this blend. The blend was prepared from a combination of these essential oils in the proportion of 1:1 (m/m). Larvae and adults of Ae. aegypti were used for insecticidal evaluation. In the acute toxicity analysis, the essential oil blend was administered intraperitoneally and orally to M. musculus. Gas chromatography together with mass spectrometry was used for chemical evaluation. The blend presented insecticidal properties, with an additive effect on larvicidal activity (LC50=0.16 mg mL-1) and a synergistic effect on adulticidal activity (LC50=0.75 mg mL-1). When administered intraperitoneally to mice, the blend displayed intermediate acute toxicity (LD50=500 mg kg-1), and no toxicity was observed after oral administration (LD50=2500 mg kg-1). Camphor (15.9%), isopinocampheol (12.1%), and (E)-caryophyllene (9.5%) were the main components of this blend. Thus, the blend of essential oils of C. argyrophyllus and C. tetradenius has insecticidal properties against Ae. aegypti and is also safe for mammals, relevant characteristics for the formulation of botanical insecticides.

The leaves of P. edulis were subjected to physicochemical analysis, such as ion content, extractives, and structural molecules. The hexanic, ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts were submitted to phytochemical analyzes by GC-MS, HPLC-MS, and spectrophotometry. In addition, antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS and TAA methods) potential, antimicrobial (MIC method) action, cytotoxicity and immunostimulant activity (flow cytometry analysis) were performed. The extracts showed a moderate antioxidant capacity and revealed the presence of several metabolites, mainly phenols, such as caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid and luteolin. The ethyl acetate and ethanolic extracts showed antifungal activity. In addition, the extracts did not affect splenocytes viability at 12.5 μg/mL and promoted the production of IL-6, IL-10, IL-17 and TNF-α cytokines. P. edulis extracts showed antifungal and antioxidant activity and were able to induce immunostimulatory action in splenocyte cultures in vitro.

Em todo o mundo são produzidos, diariamente, muitos resíduos agroindustriais provenientes de diferentes tipos de processos industriais. Ressaltando aqueles realizados por indústrias de polpas e sucos que descartam a maior parte do peso total das frutas (cascas e sementes). Esses resíduos contêm grandes quantidades de nutrientes, como açúcares, minerais e proteínas, que podem ser biotransformados em moléculas de interesse tecnológico através da aplicação de processos biotecnológicos. Dentre eles, os processos fermentativos com fungos filamentosos vêm como alternativa promissora, pois esses microrganismos são relatados como grandes produtores de metabólitos secundários com aplicação médica e farmacêutica. Como, por exemplo, os biocorantes que são substâncias que proporcionam cor e podem agregar atividade biológica aos produtos, como ação antioxidante e antimicrobiana. O presente trabalho trata-se de uma revisão narrativa sobre o potencial uso de diferentes tipos de resíduos agroindustriais como substratos nutritivos para crescimento fúngico e a produção industrial de seus metabólitos bioativos.

A cerveja é uma bebida constituída por água, malte, lúpulo e leveduras. A levedura é o principal agente transformador, convertendo os açúcares em etanol, CO2 e uma série de compostos conferindo sabor e aroma. Destaca-se as leveduras Saccharomyces como as mais utilizadas pela indústria. Com o crescente número de consumidores de cervejas e a grande diversidade de sabores, o número de cervejarias também vêm aumentando. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar o potencial biotecnológico de leveduras não-Saccharomyces mantidas em coleção. Avaliou-se a potencialidade biotecnológica para serem utilizadas na indústria. Realizou-se a diferenciação bioquímica das cepas em ALE e LAGER, a tolerância a etanol e o potencial de floculação das leveduras. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que as leveduras apresentaram um potencial para serem aplicadas em processos fermentativos. Todas as leveduras utilizadas nos testes de diferenciação bioquímica apresentaram resultados que permitem classificá-las como leveduras do tipo LAGER. No teste de floculação todas as leveduras se mostraram como leveduras com característica industrial segundo o critério de classificação da American Society of Brewing Chemistry. Na avaliação de tolerância ao etanol nas concentrações de 10%, 15% e 20% apenas a levedura usada no controle demonstrou tolerância ao etanol 15%, a levedura Saccharomyces cerevisiae obtida na coleção de cultura demonstrou tolerância ao etanol 10%, e as demais não apresentaram tolerância ao etanol nas concentrações utilizadas. O estudo apresentou resultados promissores sugerindo que as leveduras podem ser utilizadas em processos fermentativos, sendo necessária a realização de maiores investigações para certificar o real potencial destas leveduras.

Apesar de ser parte da microbiota humana normal, Staphylococcus aureus é um dos principais microrganismos patogênicos para o homem, causando desde infecções simples à potencialmente fatais. S. aureus é capaz de desenvolver fatores de resistência aos antimicrobianos, sendo motivo constante de preocupação e um grave problema de saúde pública. Este estudo analisou a prevalência de S. aureus em hospitais do Brasil, bem como seus perfis de resistência aos antimicrobianos, contribuindo para atualização dos profissionais de saúde. Para isso, foi realizada uma revisão integrativa de literatura nas bases de dados PubMed, SciELO, Science Direct e Google Acadêmico, no período entre 2011 e 2021, com as seguintes palavras-chave: Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, infecção, hospitais do Brasil e resistência, nos idiomas inglês, espanhol e português. Inicialmente foram selecionados 85 artigos, dos quais 35 foram utilizados para construção das tabelas de síntese. A prevalência de S. aureus em amostras de pacientes, profissionais de saúde e superfícies hospitalares, associada aos altos índices de resistência à oxacilina, foi observada na maioria dos artigos analisados. Deste modo, é necessária uma vigilância contínua de S. aureus, bem como alertar os profissionais para a possibilidade de serem portadores desta bactéria, ressaltando a importância da adesão às medidas de prevenção e de controle epidemiológico desse microrganismo.

We investigated the influence of corn steep liquor (CSL) and cassava waste water (CWW) as carbon and nitrogen sources on the morphology and production of biomass and chitosan by Mucor subtilissimus UCP 1262 and Lichtheimia hyalospora UCP 1266. The highest biomass yields of 4.832 g/L (M. subtilissimus UCP 1262) and 6.345 g/L (L. hyalospora UCP 1266) were produced in assay 2 (6% CSL and 4% CWW), factorial design 22, and also favored higher chitosan production (32.471 mg/g) for M. subtilissimus. The highest chitosan production (44.91 mg/g) by L. hyalospora (UCP 1266) was obtained at the central point (4% of CWW and 6% of CSL). The statistical analysis, the higher concentration of CSL, and lower concentration of CWW significantly contributed to the growth of the strains. The FTIR bands confirmed the deacetylation degree of 80.29% and 83.61% of the chitosan produced by M. subtilissimus (UCP 1262) and L. hyalospora (UCP 1266), respectively. M. subtilissimus (UCP 1262) showed dimorphism in assay 4&ndash, 6% CSL and 8% CWW and central point. L. hyalospora (UCP 1266) was optimized using a central composite rotational design, and the highest yield of chitosan (63.18 mg/g) was obtained in medium containing 8.82% CSL and 7% CWW. The experimental data suggest that the use of CSL and CWW is a promising association to chitosan production.

A catação do marisco-pedra Anomalocardia flexuosa L. é essencial para as comunidades tradicionais, que vivem em regiões litorâneas e dependem dessa atividade. O estudo objetivou investigar a microbiota endógena de A. flexuosa associada à morfometria da concha. Foram realizadas coletas no estuário do Rio Paraíba do Norte, nos meses de setembro e outubro de 2017, em quatro croas, com níveis diferentes de poluição. Os mariscos foram coletados manualmente e a água do rio foi coletada com o auxílio de garrafa plástica. A morfometria do marisco-pedra foi feita com o auxílio de paquímetro e a inoculação para o crescimento dos micro-organismos utilizou os meios de cultivo: Ágar Sabouraud (SAB) e Malte, para fungos, e Agar Tryptic soy (TSA) e Mueller Hinton (MH), para bactérias. Foram encontradas conchas com tamanho variando entre 14,14 mm e 21,5 mm e 33 morfotipos da microbiota endógena, sendo 14 de bactérias e 19 de fungos. Os indivíduos da croa Cidade, por estarem mais próximas da zona urbana, recebem maior carga de poluição, refletindo no tamanho médio das conchas das populações de A. flexuosa. As croas mais conservadas e distantes do centro urbano (Portinho, Marisco e Lombo da Vara) mostraram uma maior riqueza de bactérias endógenas, enquanto os fungos não apresentaram diferença estatística significativa associadas ao tamanho médio maior da concha. Medidas mitigatórias são necessárias para o melhor rendimento da atividade de catação de marisco, tendo como pressuposto a minimização da poluição hídrica, advinda dos centros urbanos e o manejo adequado da mariscagem.

Lippia alba is an aromatic shrub known to produce a diversity of essential oils, which can be classified into chemotypes. This study reports on the insecticidal activity of essential oil from L. alba leaves collected at Caatinga and its major compound against termite Nasutitermes corniger and maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais. The chromatographic analysis revealed the presence of 19 compounds, with 1,8-cineole being the most common (70.01%). When ingested, the oil promoted the mortality of N. corniger (LC50: 18.25 and 8.4 nL/g for workers and soldiers, respectively). The compound 1,8-cineole was also termiticidal for workers (LC50: 13.7 nL/g). The oil inhibited the activity of N. corniger exoglucanase, xylanase, and proteases. Toxicity by ingestion to S. zeamais was detected for the oil (LC50: 0.297 μL/g) but not for 1,8-cineole; however, both the oil and 1,8-cineole showed anti-nutritional effects. Fumigant effects of the oil and 1,8-cineole against S. zeamais (LC50 of 78.0 and 13.64 μL/L in air, respectively) were detected. This is the first record of a chemotype VI oil from L. alba collected at Caatinga and the first report of the insecticidal activity of a chemotype VI oil. Our study demonstrates that essential oil from L. alba and 1,8 cineole have the potential for the development of natural insecticides.

Context: Buchenavia tetraphylla (Aubl.) RA Howard (Combretaceae: Combretoideae) is an ethnomedicinal plant with reported antifungal action. Objective: This study evaluates the antimicrobial activity of B. tetraphylla leaf extracts against clinical isolates of Candida albicans. The morphological alterations, combinatory effects with fluconazole and the cytotoxicity of the active extract were analyzed. Materials and methods: Extracts were obtained using different solvents (hexane: BTHE; chloroform: BTCE; ethyl acetate: BTEE; and methanol: BTME). Antimicrobial activity was determined by the broth microdilution method using nine strains of C. albicans isolated from vaginal secretions and one standard strain (UFPEDA 1007). Results: All extracts showed anti-C. albicans activity, including against the azole-resistant strains. The MIC values ranged from 156 to 2500 μg/mL for the BTHE; 156 to 1250 μg/mL for the BTCE; 625 to 1250 μg/mL for the BTME and 625 μg/mL to 2500 μg/mL for the BTEE. BTME showed the best anti-C. albicans activity. This extract demonstrated additive/synergistic interactions with fluconazole. Scanning electron microscopy analysis suggested that the BTME interferes with the cell division and development of C. albicans. BTME showed IC50 values of 981 and 3935 μg/mL, against J774 macrophages and human erythrocytes, respectively. This extract also enhanced the production of nitric oxide by J774 macrophages. Discussion and conclusion: Buchenavia tetraphylla methanolic extract (BTME) is a great source of antimicrobial compounds that are able to enhance the action of fluconazole against different C. albicans strains; this action seems related to inhibition of cell division.

This work aimed to study the biodegradation of marine fuel MF-380 by selected microbial consortium and to determine the most favorable conditions for this process. Initially, strains isolated from seawater of the port of Suape – PE were subjected to a test to assess the occurrence of microbial interactions and then microbial consortia were mounted and the most promising consortium was selected by redox indicators. The strains of the selected consortium were acclimated to increasing levels of marine fuel MF-380 (1%, 2% and 3%, v v−1) and NaCl (1%, 2% and 3%, w v−1). Subsequently, it was applied a full factorial 23 experimental design to investigate the influence of variables (temperature, pH, C: N ratio) in the biodegradation process and finally an experiment in a bioreactor employing the best conditions found in the experimental design. Consortium named C5 was the most promising and reached as best result a total hydrocarbon biodegradation of 93.5% in the experimental design and reached levels of degradation optimized on trial in the bioreactor for the constituents of the marine fuel MF-380. Therefore, the consortium C5 is capable of degrading marine fuel MF-380 and can be used as a bioremediation agent of environments polluted by this fuel.

This work aimed to select a microbial consortium enriched with isolated microorganisms of mangrove sediment as to its capacity to recover sediment contaminated by lubricating oil. The promising microorganisms were selected using the colorimetric dichlorophenol indophenol technique (DCPIP) using lubricating oil as the carbon source, to evaluate the emulsifying and enzymatic activity of the microorganisms. The antagonism test was also used for further evaluation of the consortia. The fractional factorial experimental design methodology (2n) was used to establish the process conditions for the subsequent accomplishment of the degradation kinetics of the lubricating oil by the selected microorganisms and consortium. Eight bacteria and three fungi were evaluated, of which five were selected with a 36 h turn of the DCPIP indicator. Eleven microorganisms produce emulsifying substances and five produce enzymes. The results showed that the best consortium was B5F2F4, with a degradation rate of 95% of the phenol at 70 rpm in 250 μL of the oil. The kinetics of oil degradation showed a phenol degradation rate of 65% after 24 days of treatment. The microorganisms are suitable for the degradation of phenol, the main constituent of the oil, and can be used as a recovery model for environments contaminated with hydrocarbons.

Cultures were selected to form a consortium, and were submitted to essays in flasks according to a complete factorial design 2³ in order to determine temperature, inoculum concentration and C:N ratio conditions more favorable to biodegradation, which were used later in the experiment conducted in a bioreactor. The micro-organisms with the greatest potentiality to degrade diesel oil, without developing antagonistic activity, were identified as Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Serratia marcescens, Rhodotorula aurantiaca and Candida ernobii , which formed a mixed microbial consortium, consisting of bacteria and yeasts. The C:N ratio and temperature were the factors that displayed significant effect on the bioprocess. The increased C:N ratio and the amount of inoculum yielded a positive effect while the increase of the temperature caused a negative effect on biodegradation. In the seven-day trial in a bioreactor was verified an increase of biomass, decrease in surface tension, reduction of all n-alkanes belonging to the range of C9 to C21 and decreased toxicity for vegetable seeds. The tested mixed microbial consortium present high ability to degrade diesel oil constituents and the maintenance of appropriate conditions leads to transformation of this oily source into less toxic compounds.

This article describes an efficient and facile synthesis of 11 2,4,6-trisubstituted 5-cyanopyrimidines starting from meta- and para-substituted 2-cyanocinnamonitriles and arylamidines. The synthesized heterocycles, 3a–k, were characterized by infrared (IR), 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectral data. The probable mechanism of formation of the title compounds employing 2-cyanocinnamonitriles and arylamidines in the presence of a base was clarified. A preliminary screening of the antibacterial tests clearly showed that 4 out of 11 pyrimidines, 3a, 3e, 3f, and 3k, were effective against bacteria Staphyloccus aureus, Bacillus subtillis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Further, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against the bacteria has been determined.

Almost all oleaginous microorganisms are available for biodiesel production, and for the mechanism of oil accumulation, which is what makes a microbial approach economically competitive. This study investigated the potential that the yeast Candida lipolytica UCP0988, in an anamorphous state, has to produce simultaneously a bioemulsifier and to accumulate lipids using inexpensive and alternative substrates. Cultivation was carried out using waste soybean oil and corn steep liquor in accordance with 22 experimental designs with 1% inoculums (107 cells/mL). The bioemulsifier was produced in the cell-free metabolic liquid in the late exponential phase (96 h), at Assay 4 (corn steep liquor 5% and waste soybean oil 8%), with 6.704 UEA, IE24 of 96.66%, and showed an anionic profile. The emulsion formed consisted of compact small and stable droplets (size 0.2–5 µm), stable at all temperatures, at pH 2 and 4, and 2% salinity, and showed an ability to remove 93.74% of diesel oil from sand. The displacement oil (ODA) showed 45.34 cm2 of dispersion (central point of the factorial design). The biomass obtained from Assay 4 was able to accumulate lipids of 0.425 g/g biomass (corresponding to 42.5%), which consisted of Palmitic acid (28.4%), Stearic acid (7.7%), Oleic acid (42.8%), Linoleic acid (19.0%), and γ-Linolenic acid (2.1%). The results showed the ability of C. lipopytica to produce both bioemulsifier and biodiesel using the metabolic conversion of waste soybean oil and corn steep liquor, which are economic renewable sources.

Filamentous fungi in drinking water distribution systems are known to (a) block water pipes; (b) cause organoleptic biodeterioration; (c) act as pathogens or allergens and (d) cause mycotoxin contamination. Yeasts might also cause problems. This study describes the occurrence of several fungal species in a water distribution system supplied by groundwater in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. Water samples were collected from four sampling sites from which fungi were recovered by membrane filtration. The numbers in all sampling sites ranged from 5 to 207 colony forming units (CFU)/100 mL with a mean value of 53 CFU/100 mL. In total, 859 isolates were identified morphologically, with Aspergillus and Penicillium the most representative genera (37% and 25% respectively), followed by Trichoderma and Fusarium (9% each), Curvularia (5%) and finally the species Pestalotiopsis karstenii (2%). Ramichloridium and Leptodontium were isolated and are black yeasts, a group that include emergent pathogens. The drinking water system in Recife may play a role in fungal dissemination, including opportunistic pathogens., The authors acknowledge the collaboration of the Environmental Sanitation Laboratory CTG, especially Mario Kato who provided TOC analysis. The authors thank Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior-Capes in Brazil for the financial support.

This article describes an efficient and facile synthesis of 11 2,4,6-trisubstituted 5-cyanopyrimidines starting from meta- and para-substituted 2-cyanocinnamonitriles and arylamidines. The synthesized heterocycles, 3a–k, were characterized by infrared (IR), 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectral data. The probable mechanism of formation of the title compounds employing 2-cyanocinnamonitriles and arylamidines in the presence of a base was clarified. A preliminary screening of the antibacterial tests clearly showed that 4 out of 11 pyrimidines, 3a, 3e, 3f, and 3k, were effective against bacteria Staphyloccus aureus, Bacillus subtillis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Further, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against the bacteria has been determined.

Essential oils and aqueous extracts were obtained by hydrodistillation of flowers of red and pink variants of Alpinia purpurata (Zingiberaceae), a widely cultivated tropical ornamental plant. GC/MS analyses revealed the presence of 42 essential oil components with α-pinene, β-pinene and β-caryophyllene being the major constituents. Oils from the red and pink variants presented potent larvicidal activities against 4th instar Aedes aegypti with LC50 values of 80.7 and 71.5 ppm, respectively. Aqueous extracts of the two variants were also active against the dengue mosquito larvae (LC50 values of 18.3 and 12.6%, respectively). Oils and aqueous extracts of both variants showed significant oviposition deterrent effects at concentrations of 100 ppm and 20%, respectively. Oil from the red cultivar inhibited significantly the growth of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The study demonstrates that products with valuable biological activities can be produced from flowers of A. purpurata that are not of commercial quality.

Ethanol production by Saccharomyces cerevisiae UFPEDA1238 was performed in simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of delignified sugarcane bagasse. Temperature (32 °C, 37 °C), agitation (80; 100 rpm), enzymatic load (20 FPU/g cellulose and 10%, v/v β-glucosidase or 10 FPU/g cellulose and 5% β-glucosidase) and composition of culture medium were evaluated. Ethanol concentration, enzymatic convertibility of cellulose and volumetric productivity were higher than 25 g/L, 72% and 0.70 g/L h, respectively, after 30 h, when the culture medium 1 and 20 FPU/g cellulose/10%, v/v β-glucosidase or the culture medium 2 and 10 FPU/g cellulose/5% β-glucosidase were used in SSF at 37 °C and 80 rpm. In the SSF with culture medium 2 (supplemented with ammonium, phosphate, potassium and magnesium), 150 L ethanol/t bagasse was achieved, with minimum enzyme loading (10 FPU/g cellulose and 5%, v/v β-glucosidase) for 8%, w/v of solids, which is often an important requirement to provide cost-efficient second generation ethanol processes.

RESUMO Cerca de 34 fungos filamentosos foram isolados de local impactado por petroderivados em Suape-Pernambuco e Pedra Branca-Bahia, sendo investigados quanto à produção de enzimas do sistema lignolítico, utilizando óleo diesel como substrato. Uma seleção dos fungos produtores de polifenoloxidases foi realizada, utilizando o meio malte Agar adicionado de ácido galico (0,5%). Os fungos selecionados foram transferidos para frascos contendo solução de manachini e óleo diesel (1%), incubados a 30ºC por 72 horas, sendo analisado: produção de biomassa, pH e as enzimas lignolíticas, lacase, lignina peroxidase e manganês peroxidase, através da oxidação de ABTS, álcool veratrílico e vermelho fenol, respectivamente. Os resultados obtidos evidenciaram que apenas, 12 fungos foram capazes de produzir polifenoloxidases. Dos fungos selecionados crescidos em diesel a maior produção de biomassa foi observada para a amostra F9 (10,21g/L + 0.2), com um pH que variou de 6,0 a 6,8. Observou-se a produção das três enzimas em todas as amostras testadas, contudo, a maior produção de lacase (290U/L-1), lignina peroxidase (144 U/L-1) e manganês peroxidase (60 U/L-1), respectivamente, ocorreram com as amostras F33 e F25. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que o potencial biotecnológico de fungos está relacionado aos locais impactados por petroderivados, os quais favorecem ao isolamento de microrganismos com habilidade de produção das enzimas do sistema lignolítico.

RESUMO Cerca de 34 fungos filamentosos foram isolados de local impactado por petroderivados em Suape-Pernambuco e Pedra Branca-Bahia, sendo investigados quanto à produção de enzimas do sistema lignolítico, utilizando óleo diesel como substrato. Uma seleção dos fungos produtores de polifenoloxidases foi realizada, utilizando o meio malte Agar adicionado de ácido galico (0,5%). Os fungos selecionados foram transferidos para frascos contendo solução de manachini e óleo diesel (1%), incubados a 30ºC por 72 horas, sendo analisado: produção de biomassa, pH e as enzimas lignolíticas, lacase, lignina peroxidase e manganês peroxidase, através da oxidação de ABTS, álcool veratrílico e vermelho fenol, respectivamente. Os resultados obtidos evidenciaram que apenas, 12 fungos foram capazes de produzir polifenoloxidases. Dos fungos selecionados crescidos em diesel a maior produção de biomassa foi observada para a amostra F9 (10,21g/L + 0.2), com um pH que variou de 6,0 a 6,8. Observou-se a produção das três enzimas em todas as amostras testadas, contudo, a maior produção de lacase (290U/L-1), lignina peroxidase (144 U/L-1) e manganês peroxidase (60 U/L-1), respectivamente, ocorreram com as amostras F33 e F25. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que o potencial biotecnológico de fungos está relacionado aos locais impactados por petroderivados, os quais favorecem ao isolamento de microrganismos com habilidade de produção das enzimas do sistema lignolítico.

The presence of filamentous fungi in drinking water has become an area worthy of investigation with various studies now being published. The problems associated with fungi include blockage of water pipes, organoleptic deterioration, pathogenic fungi and mycotoxins. Fungal biofilm formation is a less developed field of study. This paper updates the topic and introduces novel methods on fungal biofilm analysis, particularly from work based in Brazil. Further recommendations for standard methodology are provided., The authors acknowledge Brazilian Companhia Pernambucana de Saneamento (COMPESA) to support and make possible the work performed by H. M. B. Oliveira. V. M. de Siqueira is supported by the grant SFRH/BD/43719/2008 from Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia (FCT), Portugal.

Fungal strains isolated from impacted sites by oil were investigated for the production of lignolitic enzymes using diesel oil as substrate. The production of polyphenoloxydase was detected using gallic acid (0.5%). The selected fungi were inoculated in Manachini solution added with diesel (1%), incubated at 300C for 72 hours, to evaluate biomass production, pH and of laccase-Lac, lignin-LiP and manganese peroxidase-MnP by ABTS oxidation, veratryl alcohol and red phenol, respectively. The biomass production ranged from 10.21 g/L to 1 g/L, and pH between 6.0 to 6.8. The higher production of LiP was observed by the strain F25 (144 U/L). The highest MnP activity was observed for the strains F4, F11 and F25 (corresponding to 56U/L, 51U/L and 60U/L, respectively), and the highest activity of LAC was to F33 and F4, respectively (290U/L and 210U/L). The selected strains showed to be indicative for the optimization lignolitics enzymes process and subsequent biotechnological applications.

The aim of this work was to isolate a lectin from Myracrodruon urundeuva heartwood and to evaluate its antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi that attack plants, including woods. The lectin was isolated from heartwood through affinity chromatography on a chitin column monitored by hemagglutination assay. The lectin inhibited Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and was more effective than antifungal Cercobin in growth inhibition of phytopathogenic fungi. The detected antimicrobial activity reveals the possible role of the lectin in the resistance of M. urundeuva heartwood against deteriorative biological agents. The M. urundeuva lectin is the first bioactive peptide found in heartwood, probably stored as a chemical protection against biodegradation.

A atividade antimicrobiana de extratos brutos de Ramalina sorediosa foi detectada pelo método de difusão em disco de papel. Dois metabólitos liquênicos de natureza fenólica foram identificados por meio de técnicas biocromatográficas. Uma dessas substâncias foi identificada por meio de cromatografia em camada delgada como sendo o ácido úsnico. A segunda substância, que se encontra presente em maior concentração em relação aos demais constituintes nos extratos, trata-se do ácido homossequicáico. As análises em cromatografia em camada delgada (CCD) e cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE) revelaram ainda a presença do ácido salazínico. Os dados obtidos tornam possível atribuir a atividade antibiótica observada nesta espécie a uma provável associação sinérgica destas substâncias.

Among the isolates from soil of grassland in Roraima State, Brazil, a new species ofNeosartorya, N. takakii is described and illustrated.Neosartorya takakii differs from the other known species of the genus in having lenticular ascospores with two distinct equatorial crests and with roughly circularly arranged projections on the convex walls. A comparative SEM view of ascospores from six relatedNeosartorya species is also provided.

A utilização de metabólitos secundários obtidos de líquens, na indústria farmacêutica, de cosmético, têxtil e de alimentos deve ser criteriosa, visto que a extração e isolamento desses metabólitos requerem uma grande quantidade de biomassa dificilmente renovável, devido ao crescimento lento do líquen. Atualmente, é possível obter substâncias liquênicas tanto por cultivo de tecidos, como por imobilizações celulares e enzimáticas, a partir do talo in natura, utilizando pequena quantidade de material liquênico. Portanto, este trabalho objetiva investigar a produção de compostos fenólicos a partir de células imobilizadas de Parmotrema andinum (Müll. Arg.) Hale utilizando acetato de sódio como precursor da biossíntese dos fenóis. Ensaios de atividade antimicrobiana com extratos orgânicos do talo in natura, eluatos celulares e do ácido lecanórico isolado de P. andinum Hale demonstraram ação contra bactérias Gram-positivas. Através de testes biocromatográficos foi possível associar a atividade antibacteriana ao ácido lecanórico e uma substância não identificada presente na espécie. As substâncias produzidas através de imobilização celular não exibiram ação inibitória frente os microrganismos testados. Hale and evaluation of antimicrobial activity). Secondary metabolites obtained from lichens should be carefully used by the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, textile and food industries because the extraction and isolation of these metabolites requires large amounts of biomass, which is not renewable due to how slow lichens grow. Nowadays, it is possible to obtain these substances either by tissue culture or cell and enzymatic immobilizations, from an in natura thallus, using a small amount of lichenous material. Therefore, this work aimed to investigate the production of phenolic compounds from Parmotrema andinum (Müll. Arg.) Hale immobilized cells, using sodium acetate as a precursor in the biosynthesis of phenols. Testing of antimicrobial activity with organic extracts of the in natura thallus, cell eluate and lecanoric acid isolated from P. andinum Hale showed antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Through biochromatographic assays, it was possible to associate the antibacterial activity to the lecanoric acid and to another unidentified substance. The substances produced by cell immobilization did not exhibit any inhibitory action against tested microorganisms.

Utilizando-se o teste de difusão em meio sólido, detectou-se atividade antibacteriana em extratos de Physarella oblonga (Physaraceae) obtidos a partir de imobilização plasmodial e do plasmódio in natura. Os extratos foram ativos contra Staphylococcus aureus (halos=14 mmf) e Mycobacterium smegmatis (halos=12 mmf e 13 mmf). Menor inibição foi observada frente a Bacillus subtilis (halos=10 mmf e 9 mmf) e Pseudomonas aeruginosa (halos=10 mmf e 8 mmf). Escherichia coli apresentou resistência a todos os extratos testados. O cromatograma evidenciou semelhanças na composição química dos extratos, justificando as similaridades no potencial inibitório de ambos, sendo as substâncias com Rf 0,91 e 0,82, presentes em ambas as amostras, os prováveis inibidores do crescimento bacteriano. Diffusion solid medium test was used to detect antibacterial activity in Physarella oblonga (Physaraceae) extracts obtained from plasmodial immobilization and in natura plasmodium. The extracts presented activity against Staphylococcus aureus (halos=14 mmf) and Mycobacterium smegmatis (halos=12 mmf e 13 mmf). Slower inhibition was obtained against Bacillus subtilis (halos=10 mmf e 9 mmf) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (halos=10 mmf e 8 mmf). Escherichia coli presented resistence to all tested extracts. The chromatogram revealed likeness in the chemical composition of the extracts, explaining similarities in inhibitory potential. The substances with Rf 0,91 and 0,82, present in both extracts, could be inhibitor agents of bacterial growth.

Mycospotulone [2], a novel fungal metabolite, was isolated from the organic extract of Coniothyrium sporulosum culture fluids. Its purification was achieved by centrifugal tlc on Si gel and its structure was deduced from spectral evidence to be (2-hydroxy-6-methylcyclohex-4-en-3-one)-spiro-(4'-methylen-5'-oxobutanolide)

Mabel H. Vance-Harrop; B. Barros Neto; N. B. Gusmao;M. C. Ferreira; G. M. CamposTakaki 1 Doutorado em Biologia de Fungos, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50670-420 Recife-Pernambuco, Brazil; 1 LANAGRO-PE, Ministerio da Agricultura, Pecuaria e do Abastecimento. 2 Departamento de Quimica Fundamental, 3 Departamento de Antibioticos, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50670-420 Recife-Pernambuco, Brazil; 4 Mestrado em Desenvolvimento de Processos Ambientais-UNICAP; 5 Nucleo de Pesquisas em Ciencias Ambientais, Universidade Catolica de Pernambuco, 50050-590 RecifePernambuco, Brazil

Objetivando comparar a atividade antimicrobiana de extratos brutos de Cladonia substellata, proveniente dos Estados de Minas Gerais e Pará, Brasil, utilizou-se o método de difusão em meio sólido. Extratos etéreo, clorofórmico e acetônico foram testados contra patógenos humanos e fitopatógenos na concentração de 1,0 mg/mL, 0,1 mg/mL e 0,01 mg/mL. Os extratos foram submetidos à cromatografia em camada delgada, e o princípio ativo atribuído através de biocromatografia. Os resultados demonstraram que as sete espécies de fungos testadas foram resistentes aos extratos de C. substellata procedente do Pará, porém, quatro destas espécies mostraram-se sensíveis aos extratos etéreo e clorofórmico da amostra de Minas Gerais. Todos os extratos foram ativos contra as mesmas espécies de bactérias, entretanto os extratos da amostra procedente de Minas Gerais demonstraram melhor atividade. Das bactérias inibidas, Staphylococcus aureus mostrou-se a menos sensível, ao contrário das fitopatógenas que apresentaram grande sensibilidade. Os testes cromatográficos revelaram a presença de ácido úsnico em todos os extratos, porém, em maior quantidade na amostra do Pará. O biocromatograma revelou este ácido como princípio ativo da espécie, além de sua ação sinérgica com o ácido norestíctico, na amostra de Minas Gerais, justificando sua maior atividade. This work purposed to make a comparison between antimicrobial activity of crude extracts from Cladonia substellata, collected at Minas Gerais and Pará States, Brazil, using the diffusion solid medium methods. Ether, chloroform, and acetone extracts, at 1 mg/mL, 0.1 mg/mL, and 0.01 mg/mL, were tested against human pathogens and phytopathogens. The extracts were submitted to thin layer chromatography and their active principles attributed by biochromatography. The results demonstrated that the seven fungi species tested were no sensitive to extracts from C. substellata from Pará. On the other hand, four of these microorganisms were inhibited by C. substellata extracts from Minas Gerais. All extracts were active to the same bacteria species, but samples from Minas Gerais showed the highest activity. Among the inhibited bacteria Staphylococcus aureus was the less sensitive, with an opposite behavior to phytopathogen ones, that showed the highest sensitivity. Chromatographic assays revealed the presence of usnic acid in all extracts, thus in the most content in Pará samples. The biochromatograms reveals usnic acid as active principle of the species, and a synergic action to norstictic acid found in Minas Gerais samples, what justify its highest activity.

Candida lipolytica IA 1055 produced extracellular biosurfactants with emulsification activity by fermentation using babassu oil and D-glucose as carbon sources. Natural seawater diluted at 50% supplemented with urea, ammonium sulfate, and phosphate was used as economic basal medium. The best results were achieved with the YSW-B2 medium, which contained urea, ammonium sulfate, and babassu oil and with YSW-B3 medium, which contained urea, ammonium sulfate, phosphate, and babassu oil, kept under fed batch fermentation for 60 hours with 5% of babassu oil. For the two media, the maximum specific growth rates were 0.02 h-1 and 0.04 h-1; the generation times were 34.6 h-1 and 17.3 h-1, and the emulsification activities were 0.666 and 0.158 units, respectively. The molecules of these new bioemulsifiers were contituted of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids.

The conditions for optimal production of mycosporulone (1) are given. Its cytotoxic, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities are described. The biological activities of 1 were compared with those of known antibacterial, antifungal, and antitumor agents. The compound was particularly active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus (resistant to penicillin). Compound 1 was not toxic to normal human cells (MRC(5)), although it exhibited cytotoxic activity against the human tumor cell lines MDA-MB 231 and PC(3) and the murine L-1210 leukemia cell line.

The effectiveness of some genetically engineered microorganisms in the control of plant disease pathogens is widely acknowledged. These biopesticides, so far, pose less danger to the environment. However, little attention has been paid to the potential benefit of the use of exometabolites of some microorganisms in spite of their known activity and high biodegradability. A total of 1108 fungal metabolite extracts obtained from different strains of micromycetes cultured in two different liquid media (malt extract and yeast saccharose) were tested for antifungal activity. The target organisms were Colletotrichum musae, Drechslera spicifera, Fusarium oxysporum, Geotrichum candidum, Pyricularia oryzae, Drechslera oryzae and Gerlachia oryzae . Percentage mycelial growth inhibition activities varied widely with the different taxonomic groups. Extracts from Aspergillus and Penicillium spp. consistently showed the highest activity. A greater number of micromycetes produced active extracts in a liquid yeast extract saccharose medium than in a liquid malt extract medium. Mycelial growth inhibition diameters were also greater in assays with extracts from the yeast extract saccharose medium. The results generally demonstrated fungal metabolite extracts as potential sources of agricultural chemical input.