Sugar Tech最新文献

Dextranase (endo 1 → 6-α-glucan hydrolase; EC 3.2.1.11) enzyme is applied in sugarcane factories to hydrolyze dextran (α-1 → 6-D-glucan) into smaller, more manageable molecules which can improve crystallization rates, reduce crystal elongation problems, and prevent dextran penalties in the raw sugar. The efficiency of the factory application of dextranase depends on the pH, Brix, temperature, retention time, agitation, type, activity and dose of the applied dextranase, and the enzyme/substrate ratio. Reported optimum conditions for the factory application of concentrated dextranase are: Brix < 25%, temperature 50 °C, pre-limed juice pH 5.90, 1:10 working solution of concentrated dextranase up to 5 mg/mL dosage, retention time 10 min, and 39 rpm agitation. Because (i) some factories have < 10 min juice retention time available and (ii) the relatively high cost of adding dextranase, this small study was undertaken to evaluate and predict dextran hydrolysis in sugarcane juice (3950 mg/kg Haze dextran content) following the optimum conditions with ≤ 5 mg/mL of concentrated dextranase (92,330 DU/mL) and retention times ≤ 5 min. For dextranase concentrations of 4 to 80 mg/L, most of the dextran hydrolysis occurred in the first 1 min after which there were diminishing techno-economic returns with an increase in retention time and dextranase concentration. Reactions of ≤ 5 mg/L dextranase in the juice for 1, 2, 3, and 4 min of reaction time were fitted with either linear or polynomial curves and the equations used to calculate the percent hydrolysis of dextran for low dextranase concentrations from 0.5 to 5 mg/mL for 1 to 4 min. At a very low dose of 0.5 mg/L dextranase, little dextran hydrolysis was gained from 1 to 4 min reaction time, i.e., 3.1 to 6.7%. Approximately 18–19% hydrolysis of dextran was gained by adding 1.5 mg/L for 4 min or 2 mg/L for 3 min. Approximately 25% hydrolysis of dextran was gained by adding 2 mg/L enzyme for 4 min or 3 mg/L for 3 min. Adding 4 mg/L or 5 mg/L caused hydrolysis of up to ~ 44 and 51%, respectively, after 4 min.

Sugarcane orange rust, caused by Puccinia kuehnii, was first described in Java/Indonesia at the end of the nineteenth century. The disease was confined to Asia and Oceania before appearing in the Western Hemisphere at the beginning of the twenty-first century. In the Western Hemisphere, orange rust was first observed in Florida in 2007 and subsequently also diagnosed in Africa (Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire). Although symptoms of the disease were observed in Gabon as early as 2006, the formal molecular identification of the pathogen was never performed. In this study, leaf samples were collected in Gabon in 2022 from four sugarcane varieties displaying typical symptoms of orange rust. The microscopic characteristics of the foliar lesions (uredinia or pustules) and fungal spores taken from these lesions corresponded to the description of P. kuehnii in the literature. DNA was amplified from urediniospores by multiple displacement amplification and used in a PCR assay with primer pair Pk1F/R specific for P. kuehnii. All 12 tested spore samples (three per sugarcane variety) yielded the expected ~ 500 bp DNA fragment and forward sequenced amplicons matched with P. kuehnii in the GenBank database. DNA amplicons from two varieties (FR94129 and Q203) were cloned and sequenced in both directions. The 524–526 nucleotide sequences of eight clones matched at 99.6–100% with sequences of P. kuehnii in the GenBank database. This is the first report of occurrence of P. kuehnii in Gabon based on microscopy and molecular data.

In the present study, anaerobic fermentation with Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-3 was evaluated as an alternative for the use of waste from the non-centrifugal cane sugar agroindustry, sugarcane scum (SCS) and molding washing water (MWW), for its valorization through the production of biomass rich in protein (PB) and lactic acid (LA). Fermentation tests of solutions of 50, 100 and 150 g SCS L⁻¹ were carried out. The highest percentage of carbohydrates consumed (CC) and biomass yield were observed in the fermentation of the 100 g SCS L⁻¹ solution, with 95.28% CC and a biomass yield of 0.53 g PB g CC⁻¹. The highest LA production was detected in the test with the 150 g SCS L⁻¹ solution, with a maximum production of 9.56 g LA L⁻¹. The kinetic parameters of substrate consumption were obtained with the Gompertz model of four parameters, where the solutions of 50 and 100 g SCS L⁻¹ presented the highest values, 0.9408 and 1.1070 g L⁻¹, respectively. The above results were supplemented with an economic analysis for the production of LA, which showed that there are acceptable values for economic yield (0.67 and 0.68 $ of LA $ of nutrient⁻¹) during the fermentation of these same solutions. In this way, it is demonstrated that the anaerobic fermentation process is a viable alternative for the utilization of waste generated in the non-centrifugal cane sugar agroindustry, allowing its valorization through the production of PB and LA.

Colorants in molasses wastewater, such as melanoidins and phenols pigment, are rarely degraded through conventional biological processes. Decolorization is the focus of molasses wastewater treatment. Unfortunately, enzymatic decolorization is severely restricted by extreme conditions. In the present study, screened thermo-acidophilic laccase and glucose oxidase were immobilized on a cheap-modified bagasse cellulose carrier. The immobilized dual thermo-acidophilic enzymes exhibited a decolorization yield of 96.81% on untreated molasses wastewater at 80 °C (pH 4.5), which was higher than all other yields reported. The immobilized enzymes eliminated 60.24% of colorants for 7 days when 10% of fresh untreated molasses wastewater was added each day. Glucose oxidase was the most critical enzyme in decolorization, reducing sugar apparently influenced decolorization. The generated hydrogen peroxide oxidized melanoidins and other pigments, leading to decolorization. Accordingly, this study provided new insight into in decolorization of molasses wastewater under extreme conditions and analyzed the underlying mechanism.

We have investigated CRISPR/Cas9 mediated editing of als genes in sugarcane. To achieve this, two strategies were followed using editing vectors encoding the Cas9 enzyme, one of three specific sgRNAs targeting segments of the sugarcane als gene and three specific ssDNA templates. First, we approached editing the target site through expressing stably integrated editing vectors after biolistic co-delivery into sugarcane calli alongside the specific ssDNA template and an nptII marker for tissue culture selection. Second, we have sought to edit the target site by transiently expressing the editing components CRISPR/Cas9 and sgRNA with an ssDNA template into sugarcane calli. Transgene integration was confirmed using PCR, and target edition was assessed using PCR/RE and sequencing. Stable integration of the pEG_G1 vector was confirmed in four geneticin-selected, independently transformed calli, while the pEG_G2 vector was inserted into one transformed callus. nptII was inserted in all transformants. Sequencing PCR fragments, including the editing site from three transformed calli, reveals distinct 16–19 base deletions of the target fragment including the PAM site required for dsDNA breakage, but not the desired modification of the target codon. Transient-expression experiments resulted in 74 independent putatively transformed calli selected on bispyribac, but the expected mutations were not observed. We have demonstrated that DNA editing occurs in sugarcane after stable integration of editing vectors including Cas9 and sgRNA genes. Editing resulted in base deletions near the target site. Further experiments are required to understand the conditions leading to the editing of the targeted mutation.

This study delves into the sustainable use of bagasse ash (BA) in conjunction with a liquid alkaline activator (LAA) for pavement subgrade construction. The selection of BA is based on its robust chemical composition, including SiO₂, Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, and CaO. These chemical compounds and the LAA enhance the properties of black cotton soil (BCS), specifically its California bearing ratio (CBR) and swelling characteristics, such as expansion ratio (ER). The strength and swelling attributes of the BCS were assessed at 7, 14, and 28 days of curing time. BA and LAA were applied to treat the BCS for use as a pavement subgrade construction material. The effectiveness of BA was gauged by examining the soaked CBR and ER of the modified BCS. The CBR value of the specimen exhibits an increase with up to 20% BA content and prolonged curing time. The microstructural analysis of both natural BCS and BCS treated with BA and LAA was conducted using field emission scanning electron microscopy. The CBR values of the natural BCS and treated BCS are used to determine the thickness of the pavement. The designed pavement thickness also prompted calculations for the initial construction cost and carbon dioxide equivalent (CO_2e).

The present investigation aimed at large-scale genome wide identification and characterization of glutathione S-transferases (GST) gene family in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris). A total of 35 GST genes were identified in sugar beet that were divided into 10 classes of which tau (19) and phi (4) were the most abundant. Sub-cellular localization analysis revealed that most of the identified beet GST proteins were localized in the cytoplasm. Gene duplication analysis revealed that purifying type selection and tandem duplication were majorly responsible for expansion of the gene family. Multiple sequence alignment showed that serine and cysteine catalytic residues were highly conserved in beet GSTs. The present study identified 26 cis-acting regulatory elements which were responsible for responses against different types of stresses and plant development. The evolutionary relationship of beet GST proteins showed that the tau and phi class GSTs were closely associated with those of other plants. This comprehensive study of GST gene family in sugar beet provides firm base for functional analysis of beet GST genes at molecular level along with potential applications in genetic improvement of the crop.

Thailand's sugarcane industry plays a key role in the nation's economy and agricultural sector, facing significant challenges including climate change, market fluctuations, and environmental concerns. To overcome these challenges, the industry is innovating through the development of drought-resistant sugarcane varieties and the adoption of precision agriculture techniques, aimed at enhancing yield and sustainability. Additionally, the sector is diversifying its output by venturing into the production of biofuels, bioplastics, and other bio-based materials, as well as high-value-added products for cosmetic and medical purposes. This strategic diversification is designed to reduce reliance on traditional sugar exports and foster new economic opportunities. Furthermore, the implementation of the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) model policy is transforming the industry. This model facilitates the conversion of sugarcane into various valuable by-products, promoting resource efficiency and waste reduction. Emphasizing environmental stewardship, economic viability, and social responsibility, the BCG model ensures that the sugarcane industry remains a key to sustainable success of Thailand’s sustainable development strategy.

Sugarcane (Saccharum species hybrid) is a vital cash crop, and the sugar industry plays a crucial role in many economies worldwide. Effective supply chain management is crucial to ensure the smooth flow of sugarcane from farms to sugar mills and ultimately to consumers. This review paper explores key challenges of sugarcane supply chain management in the field of seasonal variability, quality control, procurement and pricing, logistics and transportation, sustainability and environmental concerns, supply chain coordination, and price fluctuations faced by the sugarcane supply chain management, highlighting the complexities and obstacles that impact its efficiency and sustainability. The analysis encompasses comprehensive understanding of the issues related to procurement, transportation, processing, and distribution within the sugarcane supply chain management. Additionally, potential solutions and strategic interventions to address these challenges are described to improve and enhance the performance, efficiency, sustainability, profitability, and overall sugarcane supply chain management.

The green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and their applications have gathered great attention as these nanoparticles can be used effectively in targeting microorganisms due to their antimicrobial properties. In this study, the reducing and capping potential of polyphenols extracted from energy cane bagasse was investigated in the green synthesis of AgNPs without the external addition of reducing agents. The reddish color formation and peak appearance at 430 nm were indications of the successful synthesis of the AgNPs. The synthesized nanoparticles and reducing biomolecules were further characterized by microscopy (SEM, TEM) and spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR, EDS, XRD) techniques indicating nanoparticles of spherical shape, with particle sizes averaging ~ 15 nm and surface charge of −24.8 mV. The antimicrobial activity of the synthesized nanoparticles was evaluated against several microbial species, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19115, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 12600, Salmonella enterica ATCC 13312, Pseudomonas syringae ATCC BAA 871, Escherichia coli ATCC 35218, and two strains isolated from sugarcane crusher juice, Leuconostoc mesenteroides (A17) and Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides (A25). The synthesized nanoparticles showed biocidal activity against the bacteria which was further confirmed by microscopy techniques. The cell and nanoparticles are interacting with the cell surface of microorganisms, penetrating the cell, and causing the disruption of intracellular organelles. These nanoparticles also prevented the growth of microbial biofilms. A biofilm is a complex and functional community of microbes encased in a primarily polysaccharide matrix, which acts as a barrier to protect microbes against most antimicrobials.