The main objective of this work was to optimize the process of fractionation of the bagasse of Agave angustifolia Haw, applying organosolv assisted with microwaves. The DCC was used to evaluate the effect of independent variables such as ethanol concentration (40, 50, and 60%) and reaction time (1, 1.5, and 2 h) on yield, cellulose and lignin percentages. Lignocellulosic fractions (F1 and F2) were obtained by means of organosolv assisted with microwave in an open system (atmospheric pressure) and a closed system (controlled pressure). The lignocellulosic fractions were microstructurally characterized. The highest extraction yields (70.39%) were reached in the open system at 50% ethanol for 1.5 h. The highest percentages of LK (5.05%) were obtained in the closed system at 60% ethanol for 2 h. The SEM photomicrograph showed that the microstructure of F1 was retained even after treatment with 60% ethanol for 2 h, and the exposure of the fibrillar part was observed obtaining the disposition of pectin.

No abstract

No abstract

Caracterización morfométrica de estructuras florales de Tagetes erecta L. y Tagetes patula L. (Asteraceae) utilizando análisis digital de imágenes y dimensión fractal RESUMENLas flores Tagetes erecta L. y Tagetes patula L. tienen usos ornamentales en México, y también algunas industrias las utilizan en la coloración de carne. El género Tagetes presenta especies y variedades con diferentes colores y tonalidades en sus flores. Por lo que, una forma de distinción rápida y objetiva de estas variedades sería útil para la industria. En este trabajo se desarrolló un método para distinguir y caracterizar la diversidad en dos variedades de T. erecta y T. patula a través de la caracterización de las estructuras florales, utilizando técnicas de análisis digital de imágenes y análisis fractal. Para esto, se capturaron imágenes de lígulas y capítulos florales, que posteriormente fueron binarizadas para obtener imágenes de objetos separados (lígulas y capítulos florales). El análisis de estas imágenes se realizó determinando diferentes parámetros morfométricos, tales como perímetro, área proyectada, longitud máxima, factor de forma y compacidad. Adicionalmente, se determinó la dimensión fractal de contorno, de perímetro y de área. Los resultados mostraron que la dimensión fractal y el factor de forma son los parámetros que detectan con mayor sensibilidad las diferencias entre lígulas y entre capítulos florales, por lo que se proponen como parámetro adecuados para caracterizar estructuras florales. Palabras clave:Tagetes erecta, T. patula, estructuras florales, análisis digital de imágenes, análisis fractal. ABSTRACTTagetes erecta L. and Tagetes patula L. flowers have ornamental uses in Mexico, but also some industries used in the coloring of meat. The genus Tagetes presents species and varieties with different colors and shades in their flowers. Therefore a rapid and objective form of distinction of these varieties would be useful for the industry. In this research was developed a method to distinguish and characterize the diversity in two varieties of the T. erecta and T. patula through the characterization of the floral structures, using techniques of digital image analysis and fractal analysis. Images of ligules and flower heads were captured and binarized to produce images of separate objects (ligules and flower heads). The analysis of these images was performed by determining different morphometric parameters such as perimeter, projected area, maximum length, shape factor and compactness. Additionally, the boundary fractal dimension, perimeter fractal dimension and area fractal dimension were determined. The results showed that the fractal dimension and form factor were the parameters in petals and flower head with higher sensitivity to detect differences between and among varieties and so are proposed as suitable parameter to characterize floral structures.

Sustainable processing from native vegetation such as agave, nopal and aloe, is mainly centered on the components of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose, defined generally as lignocellulosic. Cytotoxicity of lignocellulosic biopolymer membranes (LBMs) of mucilages of Opuntia ficus-indica, Aloe barbadensis Miller, fructans, and residual Agave tequilana Weber fibers at different concentrations (30, 50 and 70%), was evaluated in contact with human fibroblast cells (ATCC® PCS-201-010), cultured in vitro. Long and short LMBs were formed from the fibrous material. The interaction showed mild cytotoxicity according to ISO 10993-5: 2009. Cytotoxic activity demonstrated in the presence of fibroblasts implied a maximum cytotoxicity of close to 46% and a minimum of 7% in LBMs. UV light absorption results of the large fiber LMBs showed the highest prevention of passage of light, having a protective effect mechanism of delaying the response of hypersensitivity as a result of exposure to UV radiation. The morphology and structure were characterized using SEM, FT-IR, and image texture analysis. According to the LBMs reactivity measured, the feasible uses of these membranes can be suggested as materials for biomedical applications over a short period of time, with feasibility as a support to provide some beneficial solutions.