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This research investigated the acidogenic fermentation (AF) of sugar cane molasses in an up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor for the production of carboxylates. The first step was to assess the optimum process temperature (25, 35 or 55 ºC) using two different granular inocula, one from a brewery company (BGS) and other from a paper plant company (PGS). These experiments determined that the most suitable temperature for carboxylates production was 25 ºC, obtaining higher bioconversions (27.3 ± 0.3% using PGS and 39.2 ± 0.2% using BGS), despite the low pH value recorded (4.0-4.2). Then, both inocula were tested in UASB reactors. As a consequence of the operational conditions (25 ºC, pH = 5.5-6, organic loading rate (OLR) = 3 gCOD·L-1·d-1 and hydraulic retention time (HRT) = 10 d), the microbial communities changed from those typical for biogas production to those specialised in the production of volatile fatty acids (VFAs). Indeed, the highest bioconversion efficiency (70.1%) was obtained with BGS, where uncultured Eubacteriaceae family microorganisms (56.0%) prevailed, enhancing the production of butyric acid (59.5 ± 2.4%w/w). Consequently, this inoculum was used to further identify the OLR threshold that should not be exceeded to attain optimal carboxylates production. OLR of 6 gCOD·L-1·d-1 resulted in a decrease in bioconversion efficiency (59.5%). The VFAs pool was dominated by butyric acid (63.0 ± 1.4%w/w at an OLR of 4.5 gCOD·L-1·d-1 and 52.8 ± 2.2%w/w at 6 gCOD·L-1·d-1). The microbial community became even more specialised, increasing the presence of Firmicutes and Actinobacteriota phyla, proving that the imposed conditions favoured the production of VFAs when operating semicontinuously fed UASB reactors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This research investigated the acidogenic fermentation (AF) of sugar cane molasses in an up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor for the production of carboxylates. The first step was to assess the optimum process temperature (25, 35 or 55 ºC) using two different granular inocula, one from a brewery company (BGS) and other from a paper plant company (PGS). These experiments determined that the most suitable temperature for carboxylates production was 25 ºC, obtaining higher bioconversions (27.3 ± 0.3% using PGS and 39.2 ± 0.2% using BGS), despite the low pH value recorded (4.0-4.2). Then, both inocula were tested in UASB reactors. As a consequence of the operational conditions (25 ºC, pH = 5.5-6, organic loading rate (OLR) = 3 gCOD·L-1·d-1 and hydraulic retention time (HRT) = 10 d), the microbial communities changed from those typical for biogas production to those specialised in the production of volatile fatty acids (VFAs). Indeed, the highest bioconversion efficiency (70.1%) was obtained with BGS, where uncultured Eubacteriaceae family microorganisms (56.0%) prevailed, enhancing the production of butyric acid (59.5 ± 2.4%w/w). Consequently, this inoculum was used to further identify the OLR threshold that should not be exceeded to attain optimal carboxylates production. OLR of 6 gCOD·L-1·d-1 resulted in a decrease in bioconversion efficiency (59.5%). The VFAs pool was dominated by butyric acid (63.0 ± 1.4%w/w at an OLR of 4.5 gCOD·L-1·d-1 and 52.8 ± 2.2%w/w at 6 gCOD·L-1·d-1). The microbial community became even more specialised, increasing the presence of Firmicutes and Actinobacteriota phyla, proving that the imposed conditions favoured the production of VFAs when operating semicontinuously fed UASB reactors.

Soil stabilization using Portland cement is a widely adopted technique. Previous research has demonstrated that molasses, which contains sugars, enhances the reaction between cement and aggregates. This study investigates the impact of adding molasses to soil stabilized with Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) on geotechnical properties. Expansive clay soil samples from Taru Jabba, District Nowshera, Pakistan, were treated with various combinations of molasses and cement. The concentrations of each stabilizer were varied at 0%, 4%, 8%, and 12% by dry weight of the soil. Additionally, the soil was treated with constant molasses contents of 4%, 8%, and 12%, while varying the cement content at 4%, 8%, and 12% by dry weight. Geotechnical tests, including Proctor compaction, Atterberg limits, Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS), California Bearing Ratio (CBR), and swelling potential, were conducted to assess the effects of the stabilizers. The results indicated that the addition of molasses improved soil strength, mitigated shrinkage cracks, and reduced brittleness. Specifically, the CBR value increased from 3.2% in the native soil to 12.3% with 12% molasses and 12% cement. The Plasticity Index (PI) decreased from 14.23% to 8.12%, and the CBR swell value reduced from 9.66% to 3.82%. Furthermore, the UCS of the stabilized soil increased by 64.7% compared to the untreated soil after a 7 day curing period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of citric acid, a vital agricultural commodity utilized across various industries such as food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, detergents, and cosmetics, predominantly relies on microbial fermentation, with Aspergillus niger accounting for approximately 90% of global production. In this study, we aimed to optimize the key factors influencing citric acid production, with a focus on strains, fermentation techniques, and carbon sources, particularly sugarcane molasses. A. niger, sourced from the Botany department/Biotechnology laboratories at Govt. College of Science, Lahore, was employed for citric acid production. The process involved inoculum preparation through spore collection from 3 to 5 days of cultured PDA slants. The fermentation medium, comprising cane molasses with a 15% sugar concentration, was meticulously prepared and optimized for various factors, including magnesium sulfate, potassium ferrocyanide, time of addition of potassium ferrocyanide, ammonium oxalate, and calcium chloride. Our optimization results shed light on the significant impact of different factors on citric acid production. For instance, the addition of 0.4 g/L magnesium sulfate led to a maximum yield of 75%, while 2 g/L potassium ferrocyanide, added at 24 h, achieved a yield of 78%. Remarkably, ammonium oxalate, at a concentration of 10 g/L, resulted in a notable 77% yield. Conversely, the addition of calcium chloride exhibited negligible effects on citric acid production, with the control group yielding more at 78%. Our study underscores the potential for optimizing factors to enhance citric acid production by A. niger in submerged fermentation. These findings highlight the pivotal role of magnesium sulfate, potassium ferrocyanide, and ammonium oxalate in augmenting citric acid yields while emphasizing the minimal impact of calcium chloride. Ultimately, these insights contribute to advancing our understanding of microbial citric acid biosynthesis, providing valuable implications for industrial applications and future research endeavors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil stabilization using Portland cement is a widely adopted technique. Previous research has demonstrated that molasses, which contains sugars, enhances the reaction between cement and aggregates. This study investigates the impact of adding molasses to soil stabilized with Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) on geotechnical properties. Expansive clay soil samples from Taru Jabba, District Nowshera, Pakistan, were treated with various combinations of molasses and cement. The concentrations of each stabilizer were varied at 0%, 4%, 8%, and 12% by dry weight of the soil. Additionally, the soil was treated with constant molasses contents of 4%, 8%, and 12%, while varying the cement content at 4%, 8%, and 12% by dry weight. Geotechnical tests, including Proctor compaction, Atterberg limits, Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS), California Bearing Ratio (CBR), and swelling potential, were conducted to assess the effects of the stabilizers. The results indicated that the addition of molasses improved soil strength, mitigated shrinkage cracks, and reduced brittleness. Specifically, the CBR value increased from 3.2% in the native soil to 12.3% with 12% molasses and 12% cement. The Plasticity Index (PI) decreased from 14.23% to 8.12%, and the CBR swell value reduced from 9.66% to 3.82%. Furthermore, the UCS of the stabilized soil increased by 64.7% compared to the untreated soil after a 7 day curing period.

[Display omitted] • Indirect fungal leaching was used to treat the spent lithium-ion coin cells. • Sucrose and molasses were used as different carbon sources. • Bioleaching of metals was better at a pulp density of 30 g/L, 40 °C, and 4 days. • 100% Li and 87% Mn were leached in spent molasses medium. Metals recovery from spent lithium coin cells (SCCs) is enjoying great attention due to environmental problems and metal-rich contents such as Mn and Li. Fungi can generate many organic acids, and metals can be dissolved, but sucrose is not an economical medium. The main objective of this study is to find a suitable carbon substrate in place of sucrose for fungal bioleaching. We have developed an environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and green method for recycling and detoxifying Mn and Li from SCCs using the spent culture medium from Penicillium citrinum cultivation. Sugar cane molasses and sucrose were selected as carbon sources. Based on the extracted fungal metabolites, the effects of pulp density, temperature, and leaching time were assessed on metal dissolution. The most suitable conditions were 30 g/L of pulp density, a temperature of 40 °C, and 4 days of leaching time in spent molasses medium, which led to a high extraction of 87% Mn and 100% Li. Based on EDX-mapping analyses, it was found that the initial concentration of ∑ (Mn + C) in the SCCs powder was almost 100% while reaching nearly 6.4% after bioleaching. After bioleaching, an analysis of residual powder confirmed that metal dissolution from SCCs was effective owing to fungal metabolites. The economic study showed that the bioleaching method is more valuable for the dissolution of metals than the chemical method; In addition to improving bioleaching efficiency, molasses carbon sources can be used for industrial purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was carried out to determine the effect of corn stover silage with three non-protein nitrogen sources plus two carbohydrate sources on its mineral content. Nitrogen sources (NS) were agricultural urea (AU), dehydrated poultry litter (PL) and swine manure fresh (SM); and those of carbohydrates (CS) sugar cane molasses (SCM) and bakery by-products (BBP). After 30 d of fermentation, the microsilages were opened and the concentration of Ca, P, Na, K, Mg, Co, Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn were measured. The results were subjected to analysis with a completely randomized design with a 3×2 factorial arrangement of treatments and under a mixed effects model. There were (P<0.01) NS×CS interactions on the mineral content of all silages. The PL+SCM silage was higher (P<0.01) in Ca, P, Na, Mg and K. The SM silage had higher (P<0.01) Cu content, and the PO-based treatments had higher (P< 0.01) Mn content. In general, the highest mineral content was observed in silages based on PL and SM. It is concluded that corn stover silage enriched with PL with SCM can provide macro and micro minerals in ruminant feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Modern Food Science & Technology is the property of Editorial Office of Modern Food Science & Technology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Carotenoids are natural pigments that can be produced through biotechnological processes. However, the costs are relatively high and can be minimized by using lower-cost substrates as alternative nutrient sources. The fed-batch fermentation is one of the techniques used to obtain a high biomass concentration and/or maximum production. Thus, the aim of this work is to produce carotenoids in batch and fed-batch fermentation with the yeast Rhodotorula mucilaginosa CCT 7688 using agroindustrial byproducts in the culture medium. Carotenoid production was increased using experimental designs, which modified the concentration of the agroindustrial medium. In batch production the highest concentrations of total carotenoids (1248.5 μg/L) and biomass (7.9 g/L) were obtained in the medium containing 70 g/L sugar cane molasses and 3.4 g/L corn steep liquor at 25 °C and 180 rpm in 168 h, demonstrating an increase of 17 % when compared to the standard yeast malt medium (1200 μg/L). In the fed-batch production, different feeding strategies were tested with 30 g/L sugar cane molasses and 6.5 g/L corn steep liquor, reaching a total carotenoid production of 3726 μg/L and biomass concentration of 16 g/L. Therefore, the strategy of the fed-batch process resulted in an increase in the carotenoid production of approx. 400 % compared to that in the batch process (740.3 μg/L). Thus, the R. mucilaginosa strain has the potential to produce carotenoids in agroindustrial medium.

Aim: Sugar cane molasses is a rich source of various natural nutrients. The light molasses is concentrated to dark molasses which is rich in antioxidants and iron. To analyze the compounds present it nuclear magnetic resonance imaging is performed. Methodology and Result: Preparation of blackstrap molasses was done, from that the antioxidants was extracted through sonicaton, filtered and purified by column chromatography. Antioxidant assay and iron determination for the molasses and the compounds present in molasses was identified by NMR spectroscopy. Following the conversion of molasses, the wheat bread is made using different percentage of molasses. Conclusion: Significance and impact of study: End product is performed and the result showed that the end product is rich in iron. Molasses act as alternative sweetener, it has antioxidants which are used to destroy the free radicals and also have high ion content. To provide the ion rich product to reduce the effect of iron deficiency diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study is an attempt to contribute for efficient and cost-effective substrates for xanthan gum production. In this context, the sugar cane molasses wastes can be used as a cheap substrate for xanthan gum production. Xanthan biopolymer production by a novel Xanthomonas campestris strain IBRC-M 10644 was optimized with statistical approaches. Based on the results of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with Central Composite Design (CCD) technique, a second-order polynomial model was developed and evaluated the effects of variables on the maximum xanthan production. Agitation rate (X1: 200-500 rpm), sugar cane molasses concentration (X2: 30-90 g/L) and operation temperature (X3: 25-35 °C) were the factors investigated. The optimal conditions for maximum yield of xanthan production were derived from agitation rate 500 rpm, carbon source concentration 65 g/L and operation temperature 30°C. Under these conditions, xanthan and biomass production were found to be 16.03 g/L and 1.37 g/L, respectively. Our results signify that the sugar cane molasses can be used as a cheap substrate for xanthan biopolymer production.

Copyright of Food Technology & Biotechnology is the property of Food Technology & Biotechnology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In the past fifty years, agriculture, and particularly livestock production, has become more resource-intensive, with negative implications regarding world environmental status. Currently, the circular economy 3R principles (to reduce, reuse and recycle materials) can offer many opportunities for the agri-food industry to become more resource-efficient. The closed-loop agri-food supply chain has the great potential of reducing environmental and economic costs, which result from food waste disposal. To meet these principles, the use of crop byproducts, such as molasses, in animal nutrition improves the nutritive value of coarse and poorly desired feedstuff, which could present a real opportunity. The aims of this study were to summarize the possible applications of molasses for animal nutrition, to improve hay and silage quality for beef and dairy cattle, to enhance industrial byproduct values using liquid feed in swine production, and to improve extensive livestock production with feed blocks. The study focused on both feed characteristics, based on molasses, and on ruminal fermentation of its carbohydrates; the techniques of the production, conservation and administration of molasses to animals have been widely described as being capable of positively influencing animal performance, milk and meat quality.

The use of Torula yeast from sugar cane molasses in the diet of White Leghorn replacement chicks L-33 was eva-luated. Two hundred 15-20 week-old chicks were used in a completely randomized design, comprising 4 treatments (10 birds per cage). Torula rations were 0, 3, 6, and 9 g/animal/day in growing diets (105-112 days), and prelaying diets (113-140 days, or at the end of the experiment), with 4 repetitions each. The results showed that at 0; 6 and 9 g/animal/day of Torula yeast, the productive behavior of the chicks was affected. Adding 3 g/animal/day of Torula yeast in the diet of White Leghorn L-33 replacement at the end of the growing stage, led to a higher productive behavior than in the rest of the treatments, similar indicators to their contemporary. Accordingly, identifying chicks with low weight, small size, and poor shape was made easier, and they could be returned to the production areas.

Graphical abstract Highlights • The SFE was carried out for the extraction of AAs for SGB and SGC molasses. • The effects of pressure, temperature and time were evaluated to optimize the extraction. • Extraction recovery of SGB molasses were higher than the ERs of SGC molasses. Abstract In this work supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) was used to extract free amino acids (AAs) from sugar beet (SGB) and sugar cane (SGC) molasses. The effect of different variables such as, pressure (150–350 bar), temperature (40–60 °C) and extraction time (10–90 min) was evaluated to optimize the extraction using response surface methodology (RSM).The results of SGB and SGC molasses extraction showed that the optimal condition were 184 and 316 bar; 43 and 50 °C and 76 and 76 min, respectively. Under the optimum condition, the extraction recoveries of AAs for SGB and SGC molasses were 42% and 31% for aspartic acid, 63% and 37%, for glutamic acid, 46% and 48% for alanine and 31% and 20% for lysine sequentially. This study indicated that SFE might be employed to extract of AAs from SGB and SGC molasses with acceptable selectivity and extraction efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugar cane molasses (SCM) is an easily available and a cheaper source of energy for livestock. Aim of this experiment was to evaluate the inclusion level of SCM in concentrate diet during post weaning period and its effect on feed intake, growth performance, structural measurements, feed efficiency (FE) and cost per unit gain in Nili Ravi female buffalo calves. A total of n=18, 90 ± 3 days old, weaned Nili Ravi buffalo female calves weighing 69 ± 3.57 kg were randomly assigned to one of the three concentrate treatments (n=6 calves/treatment): 1) low molasses (LM) containing 4% SCM, 2) medium molasses (MM) containing 12% SCM, 3) and high molasses (HM) containing 20% SCM on DM basis. Calves were given an adaptability period of 14 days and then shifted to treatment diets with a forage to concentrate ratio of 40:60 on DM basis. Duration of data collection was 98 days. Diets were iso-nitrogenous, iso-caloric and fed at 3% of weekly BW and orts were collected daily. Animals were weighed at the start and then on bi-weekly basis. Whereas, body measurement: wither height (WH), heart girth (HG) and hip width (HW) were measured at start and afterwards on fortnightly basis. The results revealed that increasing level of SCM had no influence (P > 0.05) on ADG, WH, HG and HW. Similarly, average daily DMI was not affected (P > 0.05) by increasing the level of SCM in the diet. However, feed efficiency and the cost per unit gain was lower (P < 0.05) in the HM compared to the calves fed on the LM and MM based diets. In conclusion, similar growth performance, improved feed efficiency and low cost per unit gain suggest that SCM can be included up to 20% in the concentrate feed of weaned buffalo female calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transglutaminase is an enzyme that catalyses an acyl transfer reaction between γ-carboxamide groups of glutaminyl residues and lysine residues in proteins. Due to this property, this enzyme is used for enhancing textural properties of protein-rich food. The transglutaminase used as food additive is obtained by microorganisms, mainly by Streptoverticillium ladakanum. On the other hand, sugar cane molasses is a viscous liquid rich in noncrystallized carbohydrates (saccharose, glucose and fructose). In this work, the feasibility of using sugar cane molasses as a carbon source for the production of microbial transglutaminase by Streptoverticillium ladakanum NRRL 3191 has been studied. Carbon sources including sugar cane molasses (60 g of total sugars per L), glycerol (60 g/L) and their mixture in a ratio of 1:1 (30 g/L of each) were evaluated. Time course of microbial growth, transglutaminase activity and carbon source consumption were determined every 24 h during 120 h of fermentations at three agitation speeds (200, 300 or 400 rpm). The results showed that with the increase in agitation speed, the biomass concentration increased up to 8.39 g/L in the medium containing sugar cane molasses alone or the mixture of molasses and glycerol. The highest transglutaminase activity was obtained at 400 rpm in the medium containing a mixture of molasses and glycerol, reaching 0.460 U/mL, while in the medium containing sugar cane molasses alone, the activity was 0.240 U/mL, and using glycerol alone it was 0.250 U/mL. These results show that sugar cane molasses is a suitable medium for transglutaminase production when it is combined with glycerol.

De 1983 a 1988 foram conduzidos, na região de Dourados, MS, seis experimentos e três campos-piloto, objetivando controlar a lagarta Anticarsia gemmatalis Hübner, 1818, com aplicações aérea e terrestre de seu vírus de poliedrose nuclear (VPN Ag). Cem lagartas equivalentes (LE) de VPN Ag associadas a óleo de soja, melaço de cana-de-açúcar e água, foram aplicadas com avião agrícola equipado com Micronair. Os preparados oleosos (5,5 e 5 L ha-1) e com melaço (10 L ha-1) controlaram 75-89% e 79-96% das lagartas, respectivamente. A suspensão aquosa de 3 L ha-1 foi ineficaz, porém as de 15, 20 e 25 L ha-1 controlaram de 81% a 90% das lagartas. Cinqüenta LE, aplicadas com avião agrícola (3 L ha-1) ou atomizador (15 L ha-1), foram ineficientes. Aplicações da mesma dose com pulverizador de barra (134 e 150 L ha-1) proporcionaram controle de 87% e 90%, respectivamente, e com avião (15, 20 e 25 L ha-1), entre 93% e 98%. Aplicações aéreas de 50 LE com óleo de soja (5 L ha-1) ou melaço (10 L ha-1) foram eficientes (86-88% e 99%, respectivamente). Aplicações aéreas de suspensões aquosas e formulado oleoso, em campos-piloto, confirmaram os resultados experimentais.From 1983 to 1988 six experiments and three pilot fields were carried out at Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil, aimed at controlling Anticarsia gemmatalis Hübner, 1818 (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae through air and land applications of its nuclear polyhedrosis virus (Ag NPV). One hundred larval equivalents (LE) of NPV were applied, with soybean oil, sugar cane molasses and water, with an Ipanema spraying plane equipped with Micronair nozzles. The oil (5.5 and 5 L ha-1) and molasses (10 L ha-1) preparations yielded 75-89% and 79-96% control, respectively. The use of aqueous formulation (3 L ha-1) didn't provide good control, but 15, 20 and 25 L ha-1 were effective (81-90%). Fifty LE applied by plane at 3 L ha-1 or by a tractor propelled atomizer (15 L ha-1) was inefficient. Fifty LE applied with a bar sprayer (134 and 150 L ha-1) provided 87-90% control. When applied by plane (15, 20 and 25 L ha-1) the control was 93-98%. Air applications of 50 LE using soybean oil (5 L ha-1) and sugar cane molasses (10 L ha-1) were efficient, providing 86-88% and 99% control, respectively. The results obtained from the pilot fields were similar to the ones obtained with the experiments.

Abstract The use of the sugar cane molasses (residual product), as a substitute of the sucrose such as carbon source, for the preparation of sepiolite-graphenelike carbon hybrid nanostructured material, is evaluated for the first time. The synthesised composite presents the higher electronic conductivity reported up to this moment (from 77 to 303 K) in correspondence with its disordered graphenelike carbon component showed by Raman study. Both carbon and sepiolite components in fibrous solids are indistinguishable from scanning electron micrograph and consist of cohesive aggregates, coherently with its high electronic conductivity. This result opens a window for the application of this conducting material at very low temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial neural network (ANN) was successfully applied to model fermentation parameters for biosurfactant production by Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633 using sugar cane molasses. Cell growth and biosurfactant production were monitored along the surface activity of the cell-free broth. Response surface methodology (RSM) as a formal statistical model building system was used for the ANN development. The network predicted biosurfactant concentration was 0.381 g/l which showed almost no differences with the relevant experimental value which obtained according to the RSM arrangement. Furthermore, the ANN surface tension reduction was 30.48 mN/m, which was within 3.24% of the experimental value. Comparisons between RSM and the ANN showed preference of using ANN as complementary to RSM and not as a replacement to it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethanol is a potential energy source and its production from renewable biomass has gained lot of popularity. There has been worldwide research to produce ethanol from regional inexpensive substrates. The present study deals with the optimization of process parameters (viz. temperature, pH, initial total reducing sugar (TRS) concentration in sugar cane molasses and fermentation time) for ethanol production from sugar cane molasses by Zymomonas mobilis using Box-Behnken experimental design and genetic algorithm (GA). An empirical model was developed through response surface methodology to analyze the effects of the process parameters on ethanol production. The data obtained after performing the experiments based on statistical design was utilized for regression analysis and analysis of variance studies. The regression equation obtained after regression analysis was used as a fitness function for the genetic algorithm. The GA optimization technique predicted a maximum ethanol yield of 59.59 g/L at temperature 31 °C, pH 5.13, initial TRS concentration 216 g/L and fermentation time 44 h. The maximum experimental ethanol yield obtained after applying GA was 58.4 g/L, which was in close agreement with the predicted value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Batch production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) under aerobic conditions by an open mixed culture enriched in glycogen accumulating organisms (GAOs) with fermented sugar cane molasses as substrate was studied. The produced polymers contained five types of monomers, namely 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB), 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV), 3-hydroxy-2-methylbutyrate (3H2MB), 3-hydroxy-2-methylvalerate (3H2MV) and the medium chain length monomer 3-hydroxyhexanoate (3HHx). With fermented molasses as substrate, PHA was produced under concurrent consumption of stored glycogen with yields of 0.47–0.66C-mol PHA per C-mol of total carbon substrate and with rates up to 0.65C-mol/C-molXh. In order to investigate the role of glycogen during aerobic PHA accumulation in GAOs, synthetic single volatile fatty acids (VFAs) were used as substrates and it was found that the fate of glycogen was dependent on the type of VFA being consumed. Aerobic PHA accumulation occurred under concurrent glycogen consumption with acetate as substrate and under minor concurrent glycogen production with propionate as substrate. With butyrate and valerate as substrates, PHA accumulation occurred with the glycogen pool unaffected. The composition of the PHA was dependent on the VFA composition of the fermented molasses and was 56–70mol-% 3HB, 13–43mol-% 3HV, 1–23mol-% 3HHx and 0–2mol-% 3H2MB and 3H2MV. The high polymer yields and production rates suggest that enrichment of GAOs can be a fruitful strategy for mixed culture production of PHA from waste substrates. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

During the mid 1990s a potentially serious, chronic syndrome was reported in well-managed beef and dairy herds from unrelated parts of South Africa. Farmers reported that it manifested as various combinations of decreased production, decreased weaning masses, apparent immune breakdown in previously immunocompetent animals, increased reproductive disorders, various mineral imbalances in non-deficient areas and goitre, noticeable as enlarged thyroid glands. The farmers associated this syndrome with certain batches of sugar cane molasses and molasses-based products. The syndrome was reminiscent of an "endocrine disruptive syndrome". The objective of this study was to evaluate the suspected endocrine disruptive effect of molasses included in cattle feed. Using existing in vitro assays, four batches of molasses syrup were screened for possible inclusion in a calf feeding trial. Two batches were selected for the trial. Thirty-two, 4- to 6-week-old, weaned Holstein bull calves were included in the single phase, three treatment, parallel design experiment. In two of the groups of calves, two different batches of molasses were included in their rations respectively. The control group was fed a ration to which no molasses was added, but which was balanced for energy and mineral content. The mass gain of the calves was recorded over the 6-month study period. The calves were clinically examined every week and clinical pathology parameters, immune responses and endocrine effects were regularly evaluated. Even though endocrine disrupting effects were detected with the in vitro screening assays, these could not be reproduced in the calves in the experiment. The two batches of molasses utilized in the calf feeding trial did not induce major differences in any of the parameters measured, with the exception of a lower mass gain in one of the molasses-fed groups (Group 1), which tended towards significance. The results of the study indicate that the two batches of molasses had no endocrine disruptive or immunosuppressive effects in calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transglutaminase is an enzyme that catalyses an acyl transfer reaction between γ-carboxamide groups of glutaminyl residues and lysine residues in proteins. Due to this property, this enzyme is used for enhancing textural properties of protein-rich food. The transglutaminase used as food additive is obtained by microorganisms, mainly by Streptoverticillium ladakanum. On the other hand, sugar cane molasses is a viscous liquid rich in noncrystallized carbohydrates (saccharose, glucose and fructose). In this work, the feasibility of using sugar cane molasses as a carbon source for the production of microbial transglutaminase by Streptoverticillium ladakanum NRRL 3191 has been studied. Carbon sources including sugar cane molasses (60 g of total sugars per L), glycerol (60 g/L) and their mixture in a ratio of 1:1 (30 g/L of each) were evaluated. Time course of microbial growth, transglutaminase activity and carbon source consumption were determined every 24 h during 120 h of fermentations at three agitation speeds (200, 300 or 400 rpm). The results showed that with the increase in agitation speed, the biomass concentration increased up to 8.39 g/L in the medium containing sugar cane molasses alone or the mixture of molasses and glycerol. The highest transglutaminase activity was obtained at 400 rpm in the medium containing a mixture of molasses and glycerol, reaching 0.460 U/mL, while in the medium containing sugar cane molasses alone, the activity was 0.240 U/mL, and using glycerol alone it was 0.250 U/mL. These results show that sugar cane molasses is a suitable medium for transglutaminase production when it is combined with glycerol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melanoidins are natural condensation products of sugar and amino acids produced by non-enzymatic Maillard amino–carbonyl reaction taking place between the amino and carbonyl groups in organic substances. Melanoidins extensively exist in food products, drinks and wastewaters released from distilleries and fermentation industries. Melanoidins are very important from the nutritional, physiological and environmental aspects and due to their structural complexity, dark colour and offensive odor, these pose serious threat to soil and aquatic ecosystem that release of melanoidins cause increased load of recalcitrant organic material to natural water bodies. This then causes the problems, like reduction of sunlight penetration, decreased photosynthetic activity and dissolved oxygen concentration whereas on land, it causes reduction in soil alkalinity and inhibition of seed germination. Further, due to the possibility of complexation reactions of introduced melanoidins with metal ions, they could influence the biogeochemical cycle of many constituents in natural waters. This review presents an overview to dramatic progress to understand the synthesis, chemical structure and degradation pathway of melanoidins as well as microbial strategies for the degradation and decolourisation of melanoidins. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Fermentations utilizing strains of Zymomonas mobilis, in place of the traditional yeasts, have been proposed due their ethanol yields being close to theoretical. Ethanol production from sugar cane molasses was analyzed under different culture conditions using Z. mobilis in batch fermentation. The total reducing sugars (TRS) concentrations in the molasses, temperature, agitation and culture time effects were studied simultaneously through factorial design. The best conditions for ethanol production were 200gL−1 of total reducing sugars in the molasses, temperature of 30°C and static culture and time of fermentation of 48h, achieving 55.8gL−1. The pH of the medium was kept constant during the experiments, showing that molasses presents a buffering effect. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A three-stage process was developed to produce polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from sugar cane molasses. The process includes (1) molasses acidogenic fermentation, (2) selection of PHA-accumulating cultures, (3) PHA batch accumulation using the enriched sludge and fermented molasses. In the fermentation step, the effect of pH (5–7) on the organic acids profile and productivity was evaluated. At higher pH, acetic and propionic acids were the main products, while lower pH favoured the production of butyric and valeric acids. PHA accumulation using fermented molasses was evaluated with two cultures selected either with acetate or fermented molasses. The effect of organic acids distribution on polymer composition and yield was evaluated with the acetate selected culture. Storage yields varied from 0.37 to 0.50Cmmol HA/Cmmol VFA. A direct relationship between the type of organic acids used and the polymers composition was observed. Low ammonia concentration (0.1Nmmol/l) in the fermented molasses stimulated PHA storage (0.62Cmmol HA/Cmmol VFA). In addition, strategies of reactor operation to select a PHA-accumulating culture on fermented molasses were developed. The combination of low organic loading with high ammonia concentration selected a culture with a stable storage capacity and with a storage yield (0.59Cmmol HA/Cmmol VFA) similar to that of the acetate-selected culture. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Simple Summary: The aim of the authors is to make a summary of the possible applications of molasses in animal nutrition, how to improve hays and silage qualities for beef and dairy cattle; to enhance industrial byproducts values by liquid feed in swine production; and to improve with feed blocks the extensive livestock production efficiency (cows, buffaloes, sheep, goats and pigs). Focus is both on characteristics feed based on molasses and on ruminal fermentation: the techniques of production, conservation and administration to animals have been widely described as being capable of positively influencing animal performance, milk and meat quality, as well as animal welfare. In the past fifty years, agriculture, and particularly livestock production, has become more resource-intensive, with negative implications regarding world environmental status. Currently, the circular economy 3R principles (to reduce, reuse and recycle materials) can offer many opportunities for the agri-food industry to become more resource-efficient. The closed-loop agri-food supply chain has the great potential of reducing environmental and economic costs, which result from food waste disposal. To meet these principles, the use of crop byproducts, such as molasses, in animal nutrition improves the nutritive value of coarse and poorly desired feedstuff, which could present a real opportunity. The aims of this study were to summarize the possible applications of molasses for animal nutrition, to improve hay and silage quality for beef and dairy cattle, to enhance industrial byproduct values using liquid feed in swine production, and to improve extensive livestock production with feed blocks. The study focused on both feed characteristics, based on molasses, and on ruminal fermentation of its carbohydrates; the techniques of the production, conservation and administration of molasses to animals have been widely described as being capable of positively influencing animal performance, milk and meat quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Sugarcane molasses was used as substrate for M. circinelloides growth. • Cultivation on sugarcane molasses supplied satisfactory lipid content (29 wt. %). • Lipids are suitable for nutraceuticals and biofuel production. • Concentrated solutions of PUFA were produced via enzymatic hydrolysis of lipids. • High FAEE yield (>96.5 %) was obtained by direct transesterification. Sugarcane molasses (SM) a low-cost substrate was used for single-cell oil production by Mucor circinelloides. Cultivations were carried out with diluted molasses at a concentration of 40 g sugars L−1 with and without nutrients supplementation. The best performance in regard to the lipid productivity (0.66 g L−1 day−1), biomass (11.2 g L−1) and lipid content (29 wt.%) was attained in a medium containing SM supplemented with minor nutrients. The profile of fatty acid composition revealed suitable properties for biodiesel synthesis, although high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were also found, which may suggest the possibility of using the oleaginous biomass from Mucor circinelloides URM 4182 as feedstock to yield both products. Concentrated solutions of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis of the acylglycerol structures, while biodiesel was prepared by direct transesterification of the oleaginous biomass using acid heterogeneous catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to produce carotenoids with antioxidant potential from the wild yeast Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Sporidiobolus pararoseus and Pichia fermentans, isolated from the ecosystem of Escudo Sul-Rio Grandense (Brazil), cultivations were performed with: raw glycerol and corn steep liquor (M1), sugar cane molasses and corn steep liquor (M2) and Yeast Malt (YM) broth. Production of β -carotene more than 63% was obtained in all the experiments. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was analyzed by the methods DPPH, ABTS and FRAP. S. pararoseus is highlighted, showing 635 and 830 μg.L−1 of carotenoids in M1 and M2, respectively. The extracts of P. fermentans in M2 were promising in relation to the antioxidant activity, presented results not reported in the literature until the present moment. Based on these results and the importance of obtaining carotenoid compounds from alternative sources, the proposed means, as well as the yeasts used, were shown to be promising choices. The use of agroindustrials media and microorganisms isolated from the ecosystems intensify the importance of this study providing new sources of biocompounds from the biodiversity and biotechnological potential of Brazil. Image 1 - Yeasts were cultivated in agroindustrial byproducts; - Antioxidant capacity was determined in carotenogenic extracts of yeasts; - The main carotenoids of the extracts were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]