Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología
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Item Determinación del calor isostérico de adsorción de agua de harinas obtenidas a partir de residuos de brócoli, coliflor y col(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Alimentos, 2026-07) Salgado Rivera, Johnny Paúl; Acurio Arcos, Liliana PatriciaThe research focuses on the need for more efficient use of broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage waste. While these vegetables have nutritional and technological value, their high moisture content makes them vulnerable to spoilage. Therefore, the study proposed transforming the waste from these three cruciferous vegetables into a stable flour and evaluating its water adsorption behavior. The method involved selecting, washing, and cutting the vegetable waste, using a control sample and its counterparts with thermal pretreatments: boiling, steaming, and microwave drying, followed by convection drying at 65 Celcius degree for eight hours. The samples were then ground, stored, and analyzed by constructing adsorption isotherms at 20, 30, and 40 Celcius degree using saturated saline solutions and the static gravimetric method. The net isosteric heat was calculated using the Clausius-Clapeyron equation. The results showed that drying reduced water activity below 0.60, improving microbiological stability. Isotherms exhibited Type III behavior, and equilibrium moisture content increased with water activity. Furthermore, isosteric heat was highest at low moisture content and decreased with increasing moisture. Therefore, this type of flour is a viable alternative for utilizing cruciferous waste, provided that storage conditions are properly controlled.Item Evaluación del potencial de los residuos agrícolas de maíz (Zea mays) y caña de azúcar (Saccharum officinarum) como sustratos para el cultivo del hongo cola de pavo (Trametes versicolor)(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2026-07) Tenorio Quishpe, Martha Beatriz; Arancibia Soria, Mirari YosuneAgricultural residues from maize (Zea mays) and sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) represent an abundant and underutilized lignocellulosic biomass in Ecuador, whose valorization through the cultivation of medicinal fungi constitutes a high-impact biotechnological alternative. Using a design with two factors: type of agricultural residue (maize and sugarcane) and proportion of structural material (25, 50 and 75 percent), six treatments (T1-T6) were generated with three replicates each, employing Trametes versicolor as the model organism, a basidiomycete capable of degrading lignin through an extracellular enzymatic system that includes laccase, manganese peroxidase (MnP) and lignin peroxidase (LiP); substrates were prepared by chopping, hydration to 85% moisture, pH adjustment between 4.5 and 6.5, and sterilization at 121 degrees Celsius for 90 minutes, before being inoculated with T. versicolor mycelium; response variables were mycelial colonization rate and percentage, analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD test (p less than 0.05). Results showed that both the type of agricultural residue and the proportion of structural material significantly influenced mycelial colonization of T. versicolor, with maize-based substrates containing a higher proportion of sawdust proving most suitable for fungal development under the evaluated conditions; these findings lay the groundwork for the development of sustainable production protocols for T. versicolor from local agroindustrial byproducts, with potential application in environmental biotechnology.Item Análisis cinético de la producción de ácido glucónico empleando residuos de cáscara de piña(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2026-07) Solis Castro, Krystel Patricia; García Pazmiño, María EugeniaThe generation of agro-industrial residues derived from pineapple processing represents an environmental concern due to the large amount of discarded biomass. However, these residues contain fermentable sugars that can be utilized in biotechnological processes. The aim of this research was to analyze the kinetic behavior of gluconic acid production using pineapple peel as substrate. For this purpose, bacteria compatible with Gluconobacter oxydans were isolated from kombucha through cultivation on GYC medium supplemented with calcium carbonate, selecting those with acidifying capacity. Preliminary identification included Gram staining and biochemical tests. Subsequently, fermentations were carried out using pineapple peel extract as a carbon source. Microbial growth was evaluated by optical density, while gluconic acid production was determined by spectrophotometry at Five hundred forty nm using a colorimetric method based on hydroxylamine and ferric chloride. The results demonstrated the ability of the isolated strains to grow on the substrate and produce gluconic acid during fermentation. It was concluded that pineapple peel constitutes a viable raw material for the biotechnological production of gluconic acid and a sustainable alternative for the valorization of agro-industrial residues.Item Diseño de la variante mutante S188D de la enzima PETasa de Ideonella sakaiensis(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2026-07) Robalino Sánchez, Génesis Aurora; García Solís, Mario DanielPolyethylene terephthalate PET accumulates in ecosystems at rates that conventional recycling methods cannot compensate for. The PETase from Ideonella sakaiensis, IsPETase, degrades PET, but its thermostability below 40 degrees Celsius limits its use in industrial applications. The structural comparison with the thermophilic cutinase LCC, whose D193 residue participates in salt bridge networks that sustain activity up to 70 degrees Celsius, motivated the S188D variation, which replaces the TCC codons with GAC, based on the ancestral mutant M8 architecture of IsPETase. The variant was cloned into the pET-30a(+) vector and expressed in E. coli Rosetta (DE3) under induction with IPTG 0.1 mM at 20 degrees Celsius. Purification by IMAC Ni NTA affinity chromatography produced 5,662 g of soluble protein, with fractions four and five showing the highest active protein concentration, 2,49 mg per mL, and the presence of the protein between the 26 to 34 kDa band was confirmed by SDS PAGE. The degradation assay showed that the activity of 1.5 mg of enzyme per g of micronized post consumer PET, without prior amorphization, at 50 degrees Celsius for 72 hours, reduced PET by an unspecified percentage compared with the control sample. This performance is acceptable, but it does not show significance compared with ancestral mutant variants. Therefore, it is necessary to integrate S188D with other cumulative mutations that strengthen the functional stability of IsPETase and consolidate it as a viable strategy for plastic biodegradation at an industrial scale.Item Análisis de la capacidad antifúngica de polifenoles microencapsulados obtenidos a partir de orujo uva (Vitis vinífera l.) frente a Botrytis spp.. y Fusarium spp.(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2026-07) Pilatasig Tibán, Myriam Rocío; López Hernández, Orestes DaríoThe generation of wine-related waste, such as grape pomace (Vitis vinifera L.), presents an environmental problem due to its high organic load and limited industrial valorization. Furthermore, the control of plant pathogens like Botrytis spp. and Fusarium spp. relies on synthetic fungicides, and their prolonged use has led to fungal resistance and adverse environmental effects. In this context, this project seeks to add value to grape pomace through the application of biotechnology, by utilizing bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, which possess antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, among others. Polyphenols were obtained using a solid-liquid extraction method with different concentrations of ethanol and water, and the total phenolic content was quantified using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Ethanol at 96 percent showed the highest extraction efficiency. In microencapsulation, maltodextrin showed better performance and efficiency results compared to the maltodextrin-gum arabic combination. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of functional groups characteristic of phenolic compounds and interactions between the extract and the encapsulating matrix. In vitro antifungal evaluation revealed the inhibitory activity of microencapsulated grape pomace polyphenols against Botrytis spp., with increasing halos observed as the polyphenol concentration increased, while Fusarium spp. showed no sensitivity under the tested conditions. In conclusion, microencapsulated grape pomace polyphenols represent a promising alternative for the biological control of Botrytis spp. This study could contribute to the development of environmentally friendly biofungicides and the biotechnological valorization of agro-industrial waste.Item Diseño de la variante mutante N233K de la enzima PETasa de Ideonella sakaiensis(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2026-07) Orellana Cordova, Julio Jaker; García Solís, Mario DanielThe exponential increase in polyethylene terephthalate waste represents a severe global environmental crisis, demanding efficient biotechnological alternatives. This work evaluates the impact of the N233K point mutation on the M5 variant of the Ideonella sakaiensis PETase enzyme. This modification aims to rigidify a flexible surface loop through an intramolecular salt bridge to increase the thermal stability of the biocatalyst, offering a green and sustainable pathway aligned with the circular economy. Methodologically, the mutant gene was expressed in Escherichia coli Rosetta (DE3), yielding 2.09 grams of wet biomass in 550 milliliters of LB medium. After cell lysis by sonication, the recombinant protein was isolated using immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC-FPLC) with a gross elution volume of 15 milliliters. Subsequently, the pool was purified and desalinated by gravity size-exclusion chromatography into a final volumen of 2 milliliters. Analytical quantification was performed on a spectrophotometer applying a corrected mass-specific extinction coefficient of 1.239 liters per gram centimeter. In conclusion, the process consolidated a real net mass of 5.745 milligrams of pure enzyme, which is equivalent to an overall yield of 7.74 percent and a final volumetric productivity of 11.490 milligrams per liter of culture. Gravimetric assays at 50 degrees Celsius for 72 hours confirmed an average mass loss of 10.87 percent in the plastic films, validating that the substitution autonomously confers the necessary thermostability to catalyze the hydrolysis of real PET.Item Evaluación del contenido de fibra dietética y propiedades tecnofuncionales de la torta de coco residual para su aplicación en una premezcla para batidos(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Alimentos, 2026-07) Navarro Sánchez, Pamela Estefania; Moreno Miranda, Carlos SantiagoThe use of agro-industrial by-products helps reduce waste while obtaining useful ingredients for new food formulations. Residual coconut meals are of technological interest due to its dietary fiber content. However, its incorporation into food products requires prior conditioning and evaluation of its behavior in a reconstituted matrix. The raw material was conditioned through washing, disinfection, drying, milling, and sieving. Then, its proximate composition, total dietary fiber, physical, technofunctional, and technological properties were determined. Premixes with different levels of residual coconut meal inclusion were also formulated, and their viscosity, mixability, homogeneity, and sensory acceptability were evaluated. The coconut meal presented 4.81 percent moisture, 19.0 percent protein, 16.7 percent fat, 1.96 percent ash, and 44.3 percent total dietary fiber. In addition, it showed a water retention capacity of 7.05 grams per gram, swelling capacity of 5.97 milliliters per gram, solubility of 31.61 percent, and apparent viscosity of 51.27 millipascal-seconds. In the sensory evaluation, no significant differences were found among the formulations; nevertheless, formulation F2 presented a favorable trend in some of the evaluated attributes. It is concluded that conditioned residual coconut meal can be used as a functional ingredient in premixes for smoothies.Item Evaluación del potencial biotecnológico de la cáscara de plátano verde (Musa spp.) como sustrato alternativo para el cultivo de hongos comestibles y medicinales melena de león (Hericium erinaceus) y cola de pavo (Trametes versicolor)(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2026-07) Mayorga Salazar, Jonathan Mateo; Arancibia Soria, Mirari YosuneThe utilization of agro-industrial waste has become a necessity due to the environmental impact of its accumulation and improper disposal. Among these materials, green banana peel (Musa spp.) stands out for its lignocellulosic compound content, which could be used as raw material in various biotechnological processes. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate its potential as an alternative substrate for cultivating the fungi Hericium erinaceus (lion's mane) and Trametes versicolor (turkey tail). To this end, substrates were formulated with different proportions of green banana peel and sawdust. These substrates were characterized, conditioned, and subsequently inoculated with mycelium of both species. Throughout the experiment, fungal growth was monitored by evaluating the rate and percentage of colonization, as well as the adaptability of each fungus to the different formulations studied. The results obtained demonstrated that green banana peel can be used as a substrate component for the growth of both species, although differences in colonization behavior were observed depending on the proportion used and the species evaluated. These responses were related to the characteristics of each fungus and the composition of the lignocellulosic material used. In general, the treatments evaluated confirmed that this agro-industrial waste has favorable characteristics for use in fungal cultivation processes.Item Evaluación de la capacidad antioxidante de polifenoles microencapsulados procedentes de los residuos de guanábana (Annona muricata)(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2026-07) Masaquiza Muyulema, Susana Pamela; López Hernández, Orestes DaríoThe increasing generation of agro-industrial waste and its inadequate management represent a growing environmental concern due to the accumulation of by-products with potential value that are often discarded. Among these residues, soursop (Annona muricata) peel stands out as a source of phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties. Therefore, the aim of this study was to recover polyphenols from soursop peel by optimizing extraction conditions and evaluating the retention of bioactive compounds through spray-drying microencapsulation. Conventional extraction was performed using different ethanol concentrations (30, 50, 70, and 96 percent). Total polyphenol content was quantified using the Folin–Ciocalteu assay. Subsequently, extraction conditions were optimized through a two-factor, three-level factorial experimental design, considering solid-to-liquid ratios (1:15, 1:20, and 1:25) and extraction times (30, 45, and 60 min). Statistical analysis confirmed that both variables significantly influenced the extraction process, yielding a maximum polyphenol content of 30.75 mg GAE per gram under optimal conditions of a 1:25 solid-to-liquid ratio and an extraction time of 48.38 min. The extracts were microencapsulated using maltodextrin, achieving an encapsulation efficiency of 99.04 percent. FTIR characterization confirmed the preservation of functional groups associated with phenolic compounds within the encapsulating matrix. The findings demonstrated that soursop peel is a sustainable source of polyphenols and that spray drying is an effective strategy for preserving these bioactive compounds, supporting their potential application in the development of functional ingredients.Item Evaluación del efecto del ácido tereftálico en la producción de celulosa bacteriana por Komagataeibacter xylinus DSM2004(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Alimentos, 2026-07) Herrera Bermudes, Erick Ricardo; Cerda Mejía, Liliana AlexandraThe industrial-scale production of bacterial cellulose (BC) faces limitations associated with low yields and the high costs of conventional substrates, which justify the exploration of alternative additives such as terephthalic acid (TPA), derived from PET recycling. This study evaluated the effect of TPA supplementation on BC production using the strain Komagataeibacter xylinus DSM2004. The study analyzed the interaction of three critical factors: pH, TPA concentration, and cultivation type. The results indicated that the optimal condition was pH 6.5 with 1 percent TPA under static cultivation, achieving a yield of 4.62 g per L. Supplementation with 1 percent TPA enhanced yield compared to the conventional medium; however, increasing the concentration to 2 percent resulted in an inhibitory effect, particularly under agitated conditions, where glucose consumption ceased prematurely. FTIR characterization showed that TPA did not produce detectable alterations in the functional group’s characteristic of bacterial cellulose. Mechanical analysis revealed that the presence of the monomer influenced the flexibility and stiffness of the material, suggesting a possible plasticizing effect. Overall, the results suggest that the valorization of TPA derived from PET recycling may constitute a technically viable strategy for the production of advanced biomaterials, integrating circular economy principles into biotechnology.