Trichoderma reesei is a fungus that has been widely explored for its potential as cellulolytic enzyme producer and has diverse industrial applications. However, obtaining the enzymes is still considered a costly and, sometimes, inefficient process. This study aimed to produce endoglucanases by cultivating T. reesei (CCT-2768) in solid state fermentation, using cashew apple bagasse (CAB), sugarcane bagasse (SCB) and green coconut fiber (GCF) residues as substrates. The influence of moisture and pH on enzyme production was evaluated using a factorial design. T. reesei showed viability for producing endoglucanases in all of the three lignocellulosic residues tested, with maximum activity (2.29 ± 0.01 U/g) observed when cultivated in the SCB substrate and using moisture of 60% and pH 5.5. Thus, use of lignocellulosic residues proves to be a viable alternative for producing endoglucanases by cultivation of Trichoderma reesei, which contributes to the recycling of waste and the reduction of environmental impacts.

Agro-industrial byproducts possess biotechnological potential due to the presence of bioactive compounds. These have positive metabolic effects, such as the reduction of the risk of chronic diseases, inflammation, among others. The cashew apple is one of these byproducts and stands out for its levels of phenolic compounds, flavonoids and ascorbic acid, which provide high antioxidant capacity, in addition to being an excellent source of pectin, a dietary fiber that stimulates the growth of bifidobacteria. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioactive characteristics and the in vitro prebiotic effect of processed cashew apple when subjected to Bifidobacterium lactis. Anaerobic fermentation was carried out in a shaker at 100 rpm, 37 °C for 24 hours, using processed cashew apple as the substrate, which was enriched with a nutrient solution containing mineral salts. The growth was estimated in colony-forming units (CFU/mL), during strategic intervals of fermentation times on selective bifidobacteria agar medium, and the medium's pH was monitored. The prebiotic fructooligosaccharide (FOS) was used as a control. The cashew apple showed bioactive properties, with ascorbic acid values of 4.58 ± 0.00 mg/100 g, total phenolic compounds of 366.85 ± 3.43 mg GAE/100 g, flavonoids of 85.03 ± 4.15 mg CE/100 g and antioxidant capacity of 17.78 ± 0.20 µM TEAC/g. Plate counts showed small white colonies and complete regular edges. The growth of bifidobacteria in FOS was 10 Log CFU/mL -1 after 24 hours of fermentation, while in the cashew apple the growth was 8.8 Log CFU mL -1 after 12 hours of fermentation, with a reduction in pH medium (pH 5.08) that left it slightly more acidic than the standard (pH 5.98). Thus, it can be inferred that the cashew apple presents important functional properties, with possible benefits to human health.

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The functional properties of biofilms can vary according to the biopolymer used as the raw material; thus, in the search for alternative sources for preparation of biodegradable films, fruits and vegetables have been used to extract compounds of interest with applications in the food industry. The objective of this work was to obtain and characterize bioactive films based on pectin extracted from the epicarps (skin) of the fruit. The genipap (Genipa americana), red pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) and star fruit (Averrhoa carambola) were collected, washed, pulped and dried at 50 °C for 24 h, and their epicarps were ground and subjected to pectin extraction using the casting method. The films were characterized as to their visual appearance, moisture, pH, water solubility and antioxidant activity. The pectin-based films of G. americana and H. polyrhizus showed a yellowish color, while A. carambola was dark brown. The highest pectin yield (29%) and moisture content (13.9%) were obtained from the H. polyrhizus film, while A. carambola showed the highest solubility in water (98.6%) and had the highest pH (3.9). Additionally, the film based on A. carambola showed greater antioxidant potential against ABTS (30.5%) and DPPH (34%), as well as greater reducing power (0.262 absorbance at 750 nm) and content of total phenolic compounds (553 mg GAE/100 g), whereas H. polyrhizus had a higher percentage of chelating ability (27%). The physicochemical characteristics and bioactive properties exhibited make the film formulation a viable alternative for the food industry.