Enzymes and Microorganisms in Food Bioprocessing—Waste Recovery, Applications and Advances

A special issue of Processes (ISSN 2227-9717). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Process Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 November 2024 | Viewed by 1132

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Center for Agricultural, Department of Food Engineering, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, CE, Brazil
Interests: biocatalysis; bioremediation; biotechnology; sustainable bioprocess engineering; food engineering
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the utilization of enzymes and microorganisms for food bioprocessing and for managing the waste produced by industries, aiming to establish more sustainable and clean processes. The application of biotechnological tools, such as enzymatic catalysis or microbial fermentation, can offer several benefits, including using mild process conditions and generating less polluting waste. In the context of food processing technology, the use of enzymes and microorganisms can enhance the sensorial and nutritional properties of processed foods. The use of these elements provides a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional food processing methods, thus promoting waste reduction and the optimization of natural resources. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of these elements and their applications in food bioprocessing is crucial for significant advancements in the food industry.

This Special Issue of Processes aims to gather high-quality research that contributes to the exploration of "Enzymes and Microorganisms in Food Bioprocessing—Waste Recovery, Applications and Advances". The topics covered in this issue include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Innovative techniques for recovering food waste using enzymes and microorganisms.
  • The applications of enzymes and microorganisms in the production of functional and enriched foods.
  • Advances in the engineering of microorganisms to optimize food bioprocessing.
  • Sustainable approaches to food bioprocessing, aiming to reduce the environmental impacts.
  • The development of new food formulations using enzymes and microorganisms to meet current market demands.

Prof. Dr. Tiago L. Albuquerque
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • biocatalyst
  • industrial microorganisms
  • food bioprocessing
  • waste recovery
  • sustainable processes
  • biotechnological tools
  • sensorial properties
  • environmental impact
  • market demands

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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24 pages, 17371 KiB  
Article
Study on the Combined Effects of Bromelain (Ananas comosus) Enzyme Treatment and Bacteria Cultures on the Physicochemical Properties and Oxidative Stability of Horse Meat
by Duman Orynbekov, Kumarbek Amirkhanov, Zhanar Kalibekkyzy, Farida Smolnikova, Bakhytkul Assenova, Almagul Nurgazezova, Gulnur Nurymkhan, Amirzhan Kassenov, Sholpan Baytukenova and Zhanibek Yessimbekov
Processes 2024, 12(8), 1766; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12081766 - 21 Aug 2024
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Abstract
This study investigates the impact of bromelain, a plant enzyme, on the physicochemical and sensory properties of horse meat, as well as the effects of different bacterial cultures (Lactococcus lactis, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis biovar diacetylactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and [...] Read more.
This study investigates the impact of bromelain, a plant enzyme, on the physicochemical and sensory properties of horse meat, as well as the effects of different bacterial cultures (Lactococcus lactis, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis biovar diacetylactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium longum) on the inhibition of lipid oxidation and control of pH during chilled storage. Horse meat (longissimus dorsi) samples (n = 14) were treated with bromelain in two forms (powder and aqueous solution) and with three methods: immersion in enzyme solution, spreading enzyme powder on meat, and syringing enzyme solution into the meat. After fermentation, a part of the meat samples (n = 6) was treated with different bacteria compositions at a 5% weight ratio and stored at 0–2 °C for 6 days. Injecting 3–5% bromelain solutions was most effective at tenderizing the meat, reducing shear force by up to 56% after 8 h. This injection also maximized the water-holding capacity (78–81%) and minimized cooking losses (21–26%), compared to 38% for the control meat sample without treatment. Syringing with 3% bromelain yielded the highest sensory scores across the tenderness, flavor, and overall palatability parameters. The combination of L. acidophilus, Lc. lactis, and B. longum at a ratio of 1.5:1.5:2 was highly effective in reducing oxidative spoilage and optimizing pH levels, thereby ensuring extended meat storability. This study demonstrates that bromelain treatment is an effective method for improving the tenderness, WHC, and sensory properties of horse meat. The LAB combination showed efficient acid formation, crucial for enhancing meat preservation. Full article
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Review

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28 pages, 4255 KiB  
Review
Bacterial Cellulose in Food Packaging: A Bibliometric Analysis and Review of Sustainable Innovations and Prospects
by Aida Aguilera Infante-Neta, Alan Portal D’Almeida and Tiago Lima de Albuquerque
Processes 2024, 12(9), 1975; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12091975 - 13 Sep 2024
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Abstract
The scientific community has explored new packaging materials owing to environmental challenges and pollution from plastic waste. Bacterial cellulose (BC), produced by bacteria like Gluconacetobacter xylinus, shows high potential for food preservation owing to its exceptional mechanical strength, high crystallinity, and effective [...] Read more.
The scientific community has explored new packaging materials owing to environmental challenges and pollution from plastic waste. Bacterial cellulose (BC), produced by bacteria like Gluconacetobacter xylinus, shows high potential for food preservation owing to its exceptional mechanical strength, high crystallinity, and effective barrier properties against gases and moisture, making it a promising alternative to conventional plastics. This review highlights recent advances in BC production, particularly agro-industrial residues, which reduce costs and enhance environmental sustainability. Incorporating antimicrobial agents into BC matrices has also led to active packaging solutions that extend food shelf-life and improve safety. A bibliometric analysis reveals a significant increase in research on BC over the last decade, reflecting growing global interest. Key research themes include the development of BC-based composites and the exploration of their antimicrobial properties. Critical areas for future research include improving BC production’s scalability and economic viability and the integration of BC with other biopolymers. These developments emphasize BC’s potential as a sustainable packaging material and its role in the circular economy through waste valorization. Full article
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