Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología
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Item Formulación de un gel a base de extracto de polifenoles obtenidos de la cáscara de Theobroma cacao L. con actividad antioxidante(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2026-07) Tuitise Varas, Dallyana Shirley; Fernández Rivero, DanaeThe husk of the Theobroma cacao L. pod is an agro-industrial residue containing phenolic compounds, which possess antioxidant activity and can be used in the development of products for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors. Its use also contributes to the valorization of agricultural byproducts and the reduction of environmental impact. The extraction of phenolic compounds was carried out using an ultrasonic bath with a 2 cubed factorial design, where ethanol concentrations of 50 and 70 percent, solid-liquid ratios of 1:20 and 1:6, and temperatures of 30 and 40 degrees Celsius were evaluated. Subsequently, the selected extract was concentrated and incorporated into topical gel formulations at 3, 5, and 7 percent, corresponding to formulations A, B, and C. The results showed that the highest polyphenol recovery was obtained with 70 percent ethanol, a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1, at 20 and 30 degrees Celsius, reaching 19.03 mg of gallic acid per gram of dry sample. The extract exhibited antioxidant inhibition of 71.28 percent and an antioxidant capacity of 407,596 micromoles of Trolox per liter. All formulations met physicochemical criteria, and formulation A was selected as the most optimal, as it showed no significant differences compared to formulation B, achieving 54.028 percent inhibition and 305,759 micromoles of Trolox per liter. These results demonstrate the potential of cocoa husk as a source of bioactive compounds.Item Evaluación de compuestos bioactivos a partir de microorganismos endófitos para el control de enfermedades por hongos fitopatógenos(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2026-07) Quisnia Aldas, Angeles Monserrath; Garcés Moncayo, María DanielaThe present research addresses the problem of diseases caused by phytopathogenic fungi, which are responsible for significant losses in agricultural production and impacts on food security, generating growing interest in the development of sustainable biological strategies. Bioactive compounds produced by endophytic microorganisms isolated from medicinal plants from the Ecuadorian Amazon represent an alternative for the control of agriculturally relevant pathogens. A microbial bank of 104 endophytes was isolated and characterized, including 43 bacteria and 61 fungi. Among these, the isolates BEC-024 (Bacillus subtilis) and BEC-012 (Bacillus velezensis) showed the highest antagonistic potential against Alternaria spp., Botrytis spp., Fusarium spp., and Phoma spp., with larger inhibition halos and a broad spectrum of action. Metabolic expression under optimized conditions enabled the production of bioactive metabolites with high inhibitory activity, particularly in formula F3, composed of broad bean flour and glucose, which promoted mycelial inhibition against all evaluated pathogens. Subsequently, the compounds were concentrated and microencapsulated by spray drying using maltodextrin, obtaining an improved product. These findings demonstrate that the selected endophytes constitute an effective source of bioactive metabolites, whose microencapsulation enhances their stability and antifungal effect. The results suggest the application of these compounds as a biological alternative for the protection of agricultural crops, promoting sustainable, safe, and low-environmental-impact strategies against phytopathogenic fungi, thereby contributing to food security and the development of more responsible agricultural practices.Item Desarrollo de una tisana a partir de hojas de naranja (Citrus sinensis), y de limón (Citrus limon), y pulpa deshidratada de maracuyá (Passiflora edulis)(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Alimentos, 2026-07) Morejón Gonzalez, Abraham Paul; Ortiz Escobar, Jacqueline de las MercedesThe present research project aimed to develop an-herbal infusion based on orange leaves (Citrus sinensis), lemon leaves (Citrus limon), and dehydrated passion fruit pulp (Passiflora edulis), in order to harness their bioactive compounds and antioxidant properties. The raw materials underwent a dehydration process under specific time and temperature conditions. Subsequently, three formulations were prepared and sensory evaluated by 30 panelists using a hedonic scale, considering attributes such as color, aroma, flavor, and overall acceptability. Based on the acceptability index, the formulation containing 30 percent orange leaves, 50 percent lemon leaves, and 20 percent dehydrated passion fruit pulp achieved the highest level of acceptance, with a score of 70.8 percent. The selected formulation was subjected to the analyses established by the applicable Ecuadorian standards for dehydrated plant products and herbal infusions. Proximate analysis revealed a moisture content of 9.06 percent and hydrochloric acid-insoluble ash content of 3.09 percent, both within the limits established by current regulations. A total polyphenol content of 2.39 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram of sample was also determined, in addition to an acidic pH suitable for ensuring the microbiological stability of the product. It was concluded that the developed herbal infusion exhibited adequate sensory quality and physicochemical stability, thereby constituting an innovative alternative for the utilization of plant-based raw materials with antioxidant potential and agro-industrial applications.Item Evaluación de la expresión génica de Hylocereus megalanthus (Pitahaya Amarilla) bajo condiciones de estrés por Metil Jasmonato (MeJa)(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2026-07) Torres Merino, Joselyn Micaela; Lalaleo Córdova, Liliana PaulinaYellow pitaya (Hylocereus megalanthus) is a crop of increasing agricultural and commercial importance; however, the molecular information available on its defense mechanisms under stress conditions remains limited. This study evaluated the gene expression response of Hylocereus megalanthus using methyl jasmonate as an elicitor to simulate stress signals that the plant may experience in its environment in response to biotic factors. In vitro plants were treated with methyl jasmonate at a concentration of five hundred micromolar and analyzed at different exposure times (0, 4, 24, 48, 72) hours. The experimental approach included RNA extraction using TRI Reagent, complementary DNA (cDNA) synthesis, in silico identification of candidate genes associated with plant defense, preliminary primer validation through conventional PCR and electrophoresis, and relative expression analysis by RT qPCR using PowerUp SYBR Green Master Mix. During the treatment period, the plants did not show visible morphological alterations, which allowed the recovery of viable plant material for molecular analysis. RNA extraction and complementary DNA synthesis produced sufficient concentration for subsequent analyses, although variations among samples were observed. During preliminary validation, the reference genes Actin and EF1 alpha showed visible amplification, as did the candidate genes MYB, NAC, and APE. Subsequently, normalization with Actin allowed a clearer interpretation of relative expression, with MYB and APE showing the most consistent responses to the treatment. These findings provide useful information for understanding molecular defense responses in yellow pitaya and suggest MYB and APE as genes of interest for future biotechnological studies.Item Evaluación de la expresión génica de Hylocereus megalanthus (Pitahaya Amarilla) bajo condiciones de estrés por Metil Jasmonato (MeJa)(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2026-07) Mera Estrella, Marcos Nicolas; Lalaleo Córdova, Liliana PaulinaYellow pitaya (Hylocereus megalanthus) is a crop of increasing agricultural and commercial importance; however, the molecular information available on its defense mechanisms under stress conditions remains limited. This study evaluated the gene expression response of Hylocereus megalanthus using methyl jasmonate as an elicitor to simulate stress signals that the plant may experience in its environment in response to biotic factors. In vitro plants were treated with methyl jasmonate at a concentration of five hundred micromolar and analyzed at different exposure times (0, 4, 24, 48, 72) hours. The experimental approach included RNA extraction using TRI Reagent, complementary DNA (cDNA) synthesis, in silico identification of candidate genes associated with plant defense, preliminary primer validation through conventional PCR and electrophoresis, and relative expression analysis by RT qPCR using PowerUp SYBR Green Master Mix. During the treatment period, the plants did not show visible morphological alterations, which allowed the recovery of viable plant material for molecular analysis. RNA extraction and complementary DNA synthesis produced sufficient concentration for subsequent analyses, although variations among samples were observed. During preliminary validation, the reference genes Actin and EF1 alpha showed visible amplification, as did the candidate genes MYB, NAC, and APE. Subsequently, normalization with Actin allowed a clearer interpretation of relative expression, with MYB and APE showing the most consistent responses to the treatment. These findings provide useful information for understanding molecular defense responses in yellow pitaya and suggest MYB and APE as genes of interest for future biotechnological studies.Item Obtención de extractos a partir de harina de chonta (Bactris gasipaes) mediante propano-butano subcrítico y soxhlet. Articulado al Proyecto de Investigación aprobado mediante la resolución N° UTA-CONIN-2025-0146-R(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2026-07) Mena Guzmán, Francisco Javier; Galarza Galarza, Cristian FernandoPeach palm (Bactris gasipaes) is a fruit of great nutritional importance due to its content of bioactive compounds, including carotenoids, fatty acids, and phenolic compounds, which are associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Currently, there is growing interest in the search for natural sources of functional compounds and in the development of sustainable extraction technologies that enable the utilization of plant resources with potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The aim of this study was to obtain extracts derived from peach palm flour using Soxhlet and subcritical propane–butane extraction methods, compare their chemical profiles, and evaluate their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities. Extraction yield was determined gravimetrically, the extracts were characterized by thin-layer chromatography (TLC), antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH assay, and anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated through the inhibition of albumin denaturation. The results showed that the Soxhlet method achieved a higher extraction yield than the subcritical propane–butane method, as well as differences in the chemical profiles of the extracts obtained. On the other hand, subcritical propane–butane extraction exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity, reaching DPPH radical inhibition values of up to 77.20%, whereas extracts obtained by Soxhlet extraction showed the greatest anti-inflammatory activity, with protein denaturation inhibition values of up to 96.00%. It was concluded that peach palm flour represents a promising source of bioactive compounds and that both extraction methods constitute viable alternatives for obtaining value-added functional ingredients.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 de la producción de luteína en el cultivo de Chlorella vulgaris bajo condiciones de laboratorio(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Biotecnología, 2026-07) Lascano Chango, Darwin Alexander; Fernández Rivero, DanaeCurrently, interest in microalgae has increased due to their potential as a source of bioactive compounds that can be applied in functional foods and nutraceutical supplements. Research on pigments produced by these microorganisms is highly relevant. For example, lutein has antioxidant properties that are beneficial for eye health, and its importance in biotechnology has generated interest in its production under controlled conditions. In the present study, experimental cultures of Chlorella vulgaris grew in standard BBM medium and in medium with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium concentrations reduced by fifty percent, under low and high light intensities: two thousand six hundred thirty-eight lux and five thousand two hundred sixteen lux, respectively. Cell density was monitored for twenty-two days to determine the best treatment, with the aim of adding two promoters under that condition for lutein production: sodium acetate and acetic acid. This carotenoid was quantified using spectrophotometric methods with ninety-six-well microplates. The results showed that cultures grown in standard medium under high light intensity reached the highest cell densities and showed a prolonged exponential phase. Lutein production was higher in treatments with an organic carbon source, although cultures without promoters also presented detectable amounts of lutein. The combination of a balanced medium and controlled light conditions proved to be efficient for maximizing biomass and the content of bioactive pigments.Item Evaluación de la capacidad antioxidante del extracto de la papa (Solanum tuberosum L) clon 12-4-35 microencapsulado mediante secado por aspersión y su potencial como ingrediente bioactivo(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Alimentos, 2026-07) Molina Osorio, Diana Carolina; Vargas López, José HomeroThe loss of biodiversity and the underutilization of native crops in favor of commercial potatoes are undervalued, despite the nutritional value of potatoes with purple or red flesh, thereby limiting the development of natural alternatives with antioxidant capacity. In this context, the potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) clone 12-4-35, characterized by its pigmented skin and flesh, represents a potential alternative due to its anthocyanin and polyphenol content. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of the extract from potato clone 12-4-35. To achieve this, the extraction of bioactive compounds was optimized using a factorial design, evaluating different sample-to-solvent ratios and extraction times. The highest-yield conditions corresponded to a 1:20 ratio for 60 minutes, yielding an anthocyanin concentration of 90,16 milligram of cyanidin-3-glucoside per one hundred grams and a polyphenol concentration of 697,55 milligram of gallic acid equivalent per one hundred grams. Subsequently, the extract was microencapsulated via spray drying using maltodextrin as the microencapsulating agent, achieving a microencapsulation efficiency of 67,17 percent. Furthermore, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed characteristic bands associated with anthocyanin structures. Finally, the antioxidant capacity of the microencapsulated powder was determined using the DPPH technique, obtaining a value of 9,91 micromole of Trolox equivalent per gram. This research contributes scientific information to the field of microencapsulation of bioactive compounds, which are of great interest to the food industry.Item Evaluación de la capacidad antioxidante del extracto de oca (Oxalis tuberosa Mol.) microencapsulado mediante secado por aspersión y su potencial como ingrediente funcional(Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Facultad de Ciencia e Ingeniería en Alimentos y Biotecnología. Carrera de Alimentos, 2026-07) Criollo Muzo, Johanna Alexandra; Vargas López, José HomeroCurrently, there is a growing interest in the development of functional ingredients of natural origin due to the demand for foods with antioxidant properties and health benefits. However, the bioactive compounds present in plant-based raw materials are sensitive to environmental factors, which limits their application in the food industry. Therefore, in this study, the antioxidant capacity of microencapsulated oca (Oxalis Tuberosa Mol.) extract was evaluated using spray drying. A factorial design was employed, considering the solid-to-solvent ratio and extraction time as factors. The total polyphenol content was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, and the antioxidant capacity was assessed using the DPPH assay. The results showed that the solid-to-solvent ratio was the factor with the greatest significant influence on polyphenol recovery. The optimal extraction conditions were obtained with a 1:25 ratio and a 45-minute extraction time using 50% ethanol as the hydroalcoholic solvent. Under these parameters, a total polyphenol content of 13,206 milligrams of gallic acid equivalents per gram of sample was achieved. The microencapsulation efficiency was 63.42 percent, while the spray-drying process yield reached 85.43 percent. Furthermore, the microencapsulated extract exhibited an antioxidant capacity of 10.90 micromoles of Trolox equivalents per gram of sample, demonstrating the technological viability of microencapsulation for its incorporation into food formulations with antioxidant properties.