Fucus vesiculosus et Ascophyllum nodosum sont des algues brunes comestibles et abondantes au Québec. Cependant, elles ont été négligées en raison de leur valeur potentielle inconnue et de la période de récolte limitée. Afin de valider leur utilité, la composition chimique de ces algues et l’activité inhibitrice des enzymes digestives de l'amidon par les fucoïdanes extraits de ces deux espèces d'algues ont été étudiés en fonction de la saison. Les composants principaux des algues sont dans l’ordre: les polysaccharides> minéraux> protéines> fucoïdane> lipides> > composés phénoliques, et leur quantité est très variable selon la période de récolte. F. vesiculosus contenait une plus grande quantité de protéines et de minéraux, alors que A. nodosum avait relativement plus de polysaccharides. Par conséquent, F. vesiculosus serait plus avantageux comme source d’éléments nutritifs. L’algue A. nodosum récoltée en Juillet a permis d’obtenir le fucoïdane ayant la pureté la plus élevée et le meilleur rendement. Les fucoïdanes extraits des deux espèces d’algues ont inhibé l’activité de l’α-glucosidase alors que seul celui extrait d’A. nodosum a pu, de plus, inhiber l’α-amylase. Le fucoïdane d’A. nodosum était un inhibiteur plus puissant que le fucoïdane de F. vesiculosus pour l’α-glucosidase avec des IC50 variant de 0,013 ~ 0,047 mg/ml, tout comme pour l’α-amylase avec des IC50 de 0,12 ~ 4,62 mg/mL selon le mois. Pour comprendre les facteurs clés expliquant les différences d’inhibition d’α-amylase entre les fucoïdane d’A. nodosum et F. vesiculosus, certaines caractéristiques structurales ont été analysées et comparées à du galactofucoidane qui a servi de contrôle. A partir des résultats obtenus, il est confirmé que la masse moléculaire plus faible (637 kDa) du fucoïdane d’A. nodosum et la présence de sulfates sont liées à son activité inhibitrice. Nous avons émis l’hypothèse que les faibles masses moléculaires permettent d’exposer facilement les groupements sulfate qui peuvent agir sur l’α-amylase par interaction électrostatique, et donc d'inhiber son activité. En conclusion, les algues brunes du Québec présentent un potentiel d’utilisation important pour leur valeur nutritionnelle et leurs composés bioactifs. Le fucoïdane a montré une activité d'inhibition des enzymes digestives de l'amidon (α-amylase et α-glucosidase) et cette activité est différente selon les espèces d'algues et la période de récolte. Une meilleure compréhension du mécanisme inhibiteur par le fucoïdane peut être utile afin de développer un ingrédient fonctionnel permettant de prévenir le diabète de Type-2. / Fucus vesiculosus and Ascophyllum nodosum are edible brown seaweed and abundantly available in Quebec. However, they have been neglected because of their unknown value and technical limitation in harvest. In order to validate their usefulness, chemical composition in seaweeds and starch digestive enzyme inhibition activity by fucoidan extracted from two seaweed species were investigated with different seasons. The major components in both seaweeds were in order: polysaccharide > minerals > protein > fucoidan > lipid > phenol, and their quantity was quite variable depending on harvesting timing. F. vesiculosus contained larger amount of proteins and minerals, while A. nodosum had relatively more polysaccharides. Therefore, F. vesiculosus are advantageous as a nutritional source. Especially, from A. nodosum harvested in July, a fucoidan having higher purity and better yield was obtained. Fucoidans from two seaweeds species inhibited α-glucosidase activity while, only fucoidan from A. nodosum could inhibit α-amylase activity. A. nodosum fucoidan was a more potent inhibitor than F. vesiculosus fucoidan for α-glucosidase with IC50 of 0.013 ~ 0.047 mg/mL, and for α-amylase with IC50 of 0.12 ~ 4.62 mg/mL depending on harvest month. To understand the key factors explaining the difference in α-amylase inhibition between A. nodosum fucoidan and F. vesiculosus fucoidan, structural characteristic was analyzed and compared with galactofucoidan as a control. From the obtained results, it is confirmed that smaller molecular weight (637 kDa) of A. nodosum fucoidan and the presence of sulfates are related to its inhibitory activity. It is proposed that small molecular weight permits to expose easily sulfate groups for interaction with α-amylase throughout electrostatic interactions, and therefore inhibiting its activity. In conclusion, brown seaweeds in Quebec have a considerable importance for nutrition and bioactive products. Fucoidan shows the inhibition activity for starch digestive enzymes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) and its activity is different depending on seaweed species and harvesting period. Further understanding of the inhibitory mechanism by fucoidan can be useful to develop a functional ingredient to help preventing for Type-2 diabetes.

In order to develop an environmentally friendly seaweed extract treatment which will benefit both pre- and post-harvest qualities of vegetables, the effects of pre-harvest application of the brown algae Ascophyllum nodosum extracts on the nutritional quality and post-harvest storability of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) was investigated. Plants treated with A. nodosum extracts accumulated higher concentrations of iron, potassium, total soluble protein, and total phenolics as compared to untreated controls. 1H NMR and LC-MS analysis revealed a roughly 50% enhanced accumulation of the 9 flavonoids identified, which is partially confirmed by the elevated chalcone isomerase activity. A. nodosum extract treatment caused an increase in transcription of the genes related to plant growth, osmolyte accumulation, and antioxidative activities. Post-harvest analysis revealed that A. nodosum extract treatment caused an enhanced storability of spinach leaves in terms of visual quality, weight loss, and senescence. Lipid peroxidation and ascorbate content were correlated with visual quality during storage. Animal experiments using the Caenorhabditis elegans nematode model revealed that spinach extracts prolonged the life span of C. elegans, and A. nodosum extract-enhanced polyphenols exerted improved beneficial effects in C. elegans against oxidative and heat stresses. Taken together, the results suggest that A. nodosum extracts enhance both pre- and post-harvest quality of spinach through stimulation of flavonoid pathways, thus leading to accumulation of flavonoids and promotion of anti-radical capacity in spinach leaves, which may protect the plant tissue against reactive oxygen species and subsequent decay. Furthermore, the increased flavonoid content in spinach exerted beneficial effects in C. elegans against oxidative and heat stresses via different mechanisms.

The effect of Ascophyllum nodosum extracts on the nodulation and growth of alfalfa was investigated. Plant growth assay revealed that alfalfa treated with 2 g L-1 ANE exhibited a significant increase in leaf area. Under salt stress, alfalfa treated with 0.5 g L-1 ANE exhibited a significant increase in total length compared to controls. A root hair deformation assay indicated that ANE 0.5 g L-1 stimulated the synthesis of Nod factors secreted by rhizobia thus accelerate root hair deformation of alfalfa. Similarly, ANE 0.5 g L-1 caused an increase in nodC gene expression suggesting that ANE may act similarly to flavonoids in the rhizobium-legume symbiosis. Under field conditions, ANE increased the total number of functional nodules, total root length and total leaf area. Taken together, the results suggest that ANE may contain compound(s) that promote specific metabolic pathway both in alfalfa and bacterium thus enhance the symbiotic relationship.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:25:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2013-01-15Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T18:26:25Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 almeida_mgj_me_arafcf_parcial.pdf: 82683 bytes, checksum: 49424d5182616aaa8e926f756efd65e1 (MD5) Bitstreams deleted on 2015-02-09T14:35:42Z: almeida_mgj_me_arafcf_parcial.pdf,Bitstream added on 2015-02-09T14:36:22Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 000710077.pdf: 903439 bytes, checksum: 7ad6ad625787ddd4aff6f1d6cad4169e (MD5) Bitstreams deleted on 2015-02-09T17:15:05Z: 000710077.pdf,Bitstream added on 2015-02-09T17:15:41Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 000710077.pdf: 903439 bytes, checksum: 7ad6ad625787ddd4aff6f1d6cad4169e (MD5) / A tendência atual na indústria cosmética é o desenvolvimento de produtos multifuncionais, ou seja, aqueles com capacidade de apresentar diferentes funções, possibilitando diferentes resultados para o consumidor. Seguindo esta tendência, ativos naturais são alternativas interessantes como substitutos a um único composto ativo, uma vez que são matrizes complexas e apresentam diversos componentes que podem possuir diferentes mecanismos de ação e, assim, conferir ao produto mais de uma função. Por este motivo, nos últimos anos o uso de extratos naturais tem crescido muito nesta área. Com o aumento da aplicação de extratos naturais em produtos cosméticos, há também a necessidade de estudos que comprovem sua eficácia e segurança. Uma das principais funções buscadas em produtos cosméticos é a ação antienvelhecimento, ou seja, a capacidade dos produtos em atuar neutralizando radicais livres. Neste contexto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficácia e segurança do extrato de Ascophyllum nodosum, além de desenvolver um sistema emulsionado para sua incorporação e verificar a eficácia deste sistema. Os resultados de citotoxicidade mostraram que este extrato pode ser utilizado com segurança na concentração proposta (1,2% m/m). Além disso, foi avaliado, por metodologias in vitro, o potencial antioxidante e o potencial de inibir a atividade da tirosinase, sendo verificado que o extrato de A. nodosum apresenta a capacidade de atuar neutralizando radicais livres e inibindo a atividade enzimática da tirosinase no processo de melanogênese. Apesar de serem necessários estudos complementares para garantir a eficácia, o fitocosmético desenvolvido com o extrato aquoso de A. nodosum apresenta enorme potencial de aplicação podendo resultar em preparações cosméticas multifuncionais / The current trend in the cosmetic industry is the development of multifunctional products, or, those with the ability to have different functions, facilitating the results to the consumer. Following this trend, natural actives are interesting alternatives as substitutes for a single active compound, since they are complex matrices and present various components that may have different mechanisms of action and thereby give the product more than one function. For this reason, in recent years the use of natural extracts has grown a lot in this area. With the increased use of natural extracts in cosmetic products, there is also a need for studies to prove its effectiveness and safety. A major function is sought in cosmetic anti-aging action, for instance, the ability of the products act by neutralizing free radicals. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the extract of Ascophyllum nodosum, and develop a system for incorporation emulsified and verify the effectiveness of this system. The results of cytotoxicity have shown that this extract can be safely used in the proposed concentration (1.2% w/w). Furthermore, it was evaluated by in vitro methods, the antioxidant potential and the potential to inhibit the activity of tyrosinase, and found that the extract of A. nodosum has the ability to act by neutralizing free radicals and inhibiting the enzymatic activity of tyrosinase in the process of melanogenesis. Although additional studies are needed to ensure effectiveness, phytocosmetic developed with aqueous extract of A. nodosum has enormous potential application may result in multifunctional cosmetic preparations

Submitted by Renata Bruna dos Santos Coscolin null (rbscoscolin@fca.unesp.br) on 2017-01-16T22:27:20Z No. of bitstreams: 1 definitivo tese 8_VF_Completa.pdf: 3379003 bytes, checksum: 659bf515460d03427a658914feaa471a (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by LUIZA DE MENEZES ROMANETTO (luizamenezes@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2017-01-19T18:33:58Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 coscolim_rbs_dr_bot.pdf: 3379003 bytes, checksum: 659bf515460d03427a658914feaa471a (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-01-19T18:33:58Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 coscolim_rbs_dr_bot.pdf: 3379003 bytes, checksum: 659bf515460d03427a658914feaa471a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-11-17 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / O amendoim é uma cultura de interesse econômico para o estado de São Paulo, principalmente para renovação de canaviais e pastagens na região oeste do estado. Nesta região, os crescentes custos de produção do amendoim acompanhados por baixo rendimento por área devido à suscetibilidade às variações climáticas são influências negativas e contribuem para desestimular a produção dessa cultura. Nesse âmbito, a associação com fungos micorrízicos arbusculares (FMAs) e suplementação com bioestimulante a base de extrato solúvel de algas (Ascophyllum nodosum) (ESA) podem promover melhorias no crescimento e desenvolvimento da planta, além de atenuarem os efeitos negativos provocados pela deficiência hídrica. As plantas foram cultivadas em estufa agrícola, com monitoramento das relações hídricas além do estudo de trocas gasosas, análise de crescimento, análises microbiológicas e de produção, bem como das respostas metabólicas das plantas em função dos tratamentos. A presente pesquisa valida os benefícios para a cultura do amendoim quando em associação com os FMAs e / ou com a suplementação com o ESA, pois além de incrementarem o crescimento e taxa de assimilação líquida de carbono nas plantas em condições hidratadas, mantiveram o status hídrico das plantas e proveram também o acionamento de enzimas do complexo antioxidativo nas plantas em condições de deficiência hídrica moderada e severa. / Water is essential element for plant development and its absence or deficiency induces physiological changes with severe consequences for productivity. Peanut is a culture of economic interest to the State of São Paulo especially in the western region. In this region, the increasing of production costs in peanuts is associate by low yield due to susceptibility to climate variations, such as dry seasons. They are negative influences and do not contribute to production in that crop. In this context, the association with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and supplementation with biostimulant based on soluble algal extract (Ascophyllum nodosum) (ESA) can promote improvements in plant growth and development, as well as attenuate the negative effects caused by water deficiency. The plants grown in a greenhouse with monitoring of water relations in addition to the study of gas exchange parameters, growth analysis, microbiological analysis, production, and metabolic responses of plants in the treatments. The present study validates the benefits for peanut cultivation with fungus and/or seaweed extract supplementation. Plants under hydrated conditions had better performance in growth and carbon assimilation rate and under conditions of moderate and severe water deficiency.of, they maintained water status of the plants and also provided the activation of enzymes of the antioxidative complex. / CNPq: 141167/2014-9

Orientador: Chung Man Chin / Coorientador: Vera Lucia Borges Isaac / Banca: Marcos Antônio Correa / Banca: Helena Margarida Ribeiro / Resumo: A tendência atual na indústria cosmética é o desenvolvimento de produtos multifuncionais, ou seja, aqueles com capacidade de apresentar diferentes funções, possibilitando diferentes resultados para o consumidor. Seguindo esta tendência, ativos naturais são alternativas interessantes como substitutos a um único composto ativo, uma vez que são matrizes complexas e apresentam diversos componentes que podem possuir diferentes mecanismos de ação e, assim, conferir ao produto mais de uma função. Por este motivo, nos últimos anos o uso de extratos naturais tem crescido muito nesta área. Com o aumento da aplicação de extratos naturais em produtos cosméticos, há também a necessidade de estudos que comprovem sua eficácia e segurança. Uma das principais funções buscadas em produtos cosméticos é a ação antienvelhecimento, ou seja, a capacidade dos produtos em atuar neutralizando radicais livres. Neste contexto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficácia e segurança do extrato de Ascophyllum nodosum, além de desenvolver um sistema emulsionado para sua incorporação e verificar a eficácia deste sistema. Os resultados de citotoxicidade mostraram que este extrato pode ser utilizado com segurança na concentração proposta (1,2% m/m). Além disso, foi avaliado, por metodologias in vitro, o potencial antioxidante e o potencial de inibir a atividade da tirosinase, sendo verificado que o extrato de A. nodosum apresenta a capacidade de atuar neutralizando radicais livres e inibindo a atividade enzimática da tirosinase no processo de melanogênese. Apesar de serem necessários estudos complementares para garantir a eficácia, o fitocosmético desenvolvido com o extrato aquoso de A. nodosum apresenta enorme potencial de aplicação podendo resultar em preparações cosméticas multifuncionais / Abstract: The current trend in the cosmetic industry is the development of multifunctional products, or, those with the ability to have different functions, facilitating the results to the consumer. Following this trend, natural actives are interesting alternatives as substitutes for a single active compound, since they are complex matrices and present various components that may have different mechanisms of action and thereby give the product more than one function. For this reason, in recent years the use of natural extracts has grown a lot in this area. With the increased use of natural extracts in cosmetic products, there is also a need for studies to prove its effectiveness and safety. A major function is sought in cosmetic anti-aging action, for instance, the ability of the products act by neutralizing free radicals. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the extract of Ascophyllum nodosum, and develop a system for incorporation emulsified and verify the effectiveness of this system. The results of cytotoxicity have shown that this extract can be safely used in the proposed concentration (1.2% w/w). Furthermore, it was evaluated by in vitro methods, the antioxidant potential and the potential to inhibit the activity of tyrosinase, and found that the extract of A. nodosum has the ability to act by neutralizing free radicals and inhibiting the enzymatic activity of tyrosinase in the process of melanogenesis. Although additional studies are needed to ensure effectiveness, phytocosmetic developed with aqueous extract of A. nodosum has enormous potential application may result in multifunctional cosmetic preparations / Mestre

Syfte: Syftet med denna studie var att studera huruvida algen Ascophyllum Nodosum (AN) utövar någon effekt på proteasaktivitet i oralt plack, samt om effekten finns i algen från början eller om man måste inta den oralt för att få en systemisk effekt.En förhöjd proteasaktivitet har förknippats med gingivit och parodontit. Vi förväntar oss en minskad proteasaktivitet hos försökspersonerna, och därmed en minskad risk för gingivit och parodontit, efter intag av AN under en månads tid. Material och metod: Ett in vitro med en pilotstudie, och ett in vivo försök utfördes. I in vitro försöket användes pulveriserat och upplöst Ascophyllum Nodosum. I in vitro studien deltog 5 personer i åldersgruppen 20 till 30 år. Plackprover på försökspersonerna togs före och efter intag av algen i 4 veckor. Under båda försökstillfällena fick försökspersonerna inte ha borstat tänderna på 12h innan försöket. Resultat: Vid kombinering av pilotstudien och in vitro studien ses ingen signifikant skillnad gällande Ascophyllum Nodosums proteasaktivitet i pulveriserad form. Våra resultat erhållna från in vivo studien visar att det har skett en ökad proteasaktivitet i placket hos försökspersonerna efter en månads intag av Ascophyllum Nodosum. Konklusion: Denna studie visar på en tendens till en ökad proteasaktivitet orsakad av Ascophyllum nodosum. Studien har inte undersökt vilka proteaser som påverkats. På grund av komplexiteten i den orala miljön och de många olika typerna av proteaser, behöver fler studier utföras för att studera de exakta effekterna på den orala miljön. / Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate if the alga Ascophyllum Nodosum (AN) exerts any effect on protease activity in plaque, if such an effect is present in the algae from the beginning or if it has to be taken orally to exert a systemic effect.Increased protease activity has been associated with gingivitis and periodontitis. We expected a reduced protease activity, and thus a potentially reduced risk for gingivitis and periodontitis, after ingestion of AN for a month.Materials and methods: One in vitro trial with a pilot study, and one in vivo trial was carried out. In the in vitro trial pulverized and dissolved AN was used to make a solution, tested for protease activity.In the in vitro study 5 subjects, aged 20 to 30 years, participated. Plaque samples were taken before and after ingestion of the algae for 4 weeks. Subjects were instructed not to brush their teeth 12 h before sampling.Results: When combining the results from the pilot and in vitro studies, no AN protease activity could be detected. Our in vivo results showed an increased protease activity in the plaque after a month of AN intake.Conclusion: This study indicates a tendency to an increased protease activity caused by Ascophyllum Nodosum. However, the study did not examine which protease was affected. Because of the complexity in the oral environment and the many different types of protease, more studies need to be executed to study the exact effects of AN on the oral environment.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais / Na agricultura moderna, apesar de serem empregadas as mais modernas tecnologias de cultivo de plantas e apesar dos progressos que têm sido feitos em programas de melhoramento, o máximo potencial das culturas de interesse agronômico está ainda longe de ser plenamente explorado. Assim, os bioestimulantes – uma categoria de produtos relativamente novos de diversas formulações, os quais afetam positivamente processos vitais de uma planta e apresentam grande potencial para uso na agricultura brasileira – podem ser uma alternativa promissora para os orizicultores. O objetivo deste trabalho foi conceituar e discutir o uso de agroquímicos de regulação hormonal e avaliar a influência de duas fontes bioestimulantes de aplicação foliar com Tecnologia AZAL5 (extrato de Ascophyllum nodosum) contendo silicato de potássio e micronutrientes, em aspectos nutricionais e vegetativos, na cultura do arroz de sequeiro. O primeiro capítulo teve a finalidade de, a partir de uma revisão bibliográfica, discutir o uso, os conceitos, os percalços e os benefícios de bioestimulantes, biorreguladores, bioativadores, ácidos húmicos e fúlvicos, bem como extrato de algas na agricultura brasileira. Os capítulos seguintes consistiram de dois experimentos (testes biológicos) em que foram avaliadas as duas fontes bioestimulantes – uma contendo silicato de potássio + molibdênio (Capítulo 2) e outra contendo silicato de potássio + zinco (Capítulo 3) – aplicadas via foliar na cultura do arroz. Os experimentos foram realizados em casa de vegetação, em vasos de 5 kg, com solo classificado como Neossolo Quartzarênico, utilizando-se a cultivar BRS Primavera. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições, em arranjo 5 x 2. Os tratamentos consistiram de cinco doses (0; 1,50; 3,00; 4,50; 6,00 L ha-1), em dois modos de aplicação (parcelado e não parcelado). Foram avaliados: teores de clorofilas A, B e Total; teores foliares de silício e macro e micronutrientes; massa de matéria seca de raiz e parte aérea. Foram testadas as pressuposições estatísticas dos dados obtidos com os testes de normalidade de Kolmogorov-Smirnov e de homogeneidade das variâncias de Levene, ambos a 0,01 de significância e submetidos à análise de variância pelo teste de Tukey a 0,05 de significância. Os dados significativos para o fator quantitativo (doses) foram submetidos à análise de regressão. A aplicação da fonte bioestimulante contendo silicato de potássio + molibdênio alterou os teores foliares de K, Ca, S, Zn, Cu e a produção de massa de matéria seca de raiz; porém, não houve alteração nos teores foliares de N, P, Mg, Fe, Mn e Si, nos teores das clorofilas A, B e Total aos 55 DAE e na produção de massa de matéria seca da parte aérea em função das diferentes doses da fonte bioestimulante e dos diferentes modos de aplicação. A aplicação da fonte bioestimulante contendo silicato de potássio + zinco alterou os teores foliares de N, Ca, Mg, S, Zn e Cu e a produção de massa de matéria seca de raiz; contudo, não houve alteração nos teores foliares de Si, P, K, Fe e Mn, na produção de massa de matéria seca de parte aérea e nos teores das clorofilas A, B e Total aos 55 DAE em função das diferentes doses da fonte bioestimulante e dos diferentes modos de aplicação. / Despite the use of the most modern technologies of plant cultivation and the progress in breeding programs, the full potential of crops of agronomic interest is still far from being fully exploited. Biostimulants, a relatively new product category of various formulations, positively affect vital processes of plants and have shown great potential for use in the Brazilian agriculture, especially in the rice agriculture. The aim of this study is to discuss the use of hormonal regulation agrochemicals and assess the agronomic and nutritional efficiency of the foliar application of two biostimulants based on AZAL5 Technology (extract of Ascophyllum nodosum) containing potassium silicate and micronutrients. Chapter 1 draws on a review of the literature to discuss uses, concepts, benefits of and obstacles to biostimulants, bioregulators, bio-activators, humic and fulvic acids, as well as seaweed extract in the Brazilian agriculture. The following chapters report on two experiments (biological testing) that assessed both biostimulants – one containing potassium silicate + molybdenum (Chapter 2) and the other containing potassium silicate + zinc (Chapter 3) – applied to upland rice foliage. The experiments were carried out in a greenhouse, using 5-kg vases with Quartzipsamment soil and BRS Primavera cultivar. The experimental design was completely randomized, with four repetitions in a 5 x 2 structure. The treatments consisted of five doses (0; 1.50; 3.00; 4.50; 6.00 L ha-1) used in two modes of application (single application or in portions). The following parameters were evaluated: concentrations of chlorophyll A, B and Total; leaf content of macro and micronutrients and Si; and dry matter of root and aerial part. Statistical assumptions were assessed for the obtained data using Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test and Levene’s test for homogeneity of variances, both set at 1%. Tukey’s test was used for analysis of variance and set at 5% significance. The significant data for the quantitative factor (doses) were included in a regression analysis. The application of biostimulant containing potassium silicate + molybdenum significantly changed the leaf content of K, Ca, S, Zn and Cu, as well as the production of dry matter of root. However, the leaf content of N, P, Mg, Fe, Mn and Si, the concentrations of chlorophyll A, B and Total, and the production of dry matter of aerial part were not significantly influenced by the different doses of said biostimulant and modes of application. The application of biostimulant containing potassium silicate + zinc significantly impacted on the leaf content of N, Ca, Mg, S, Zn and Cu, and on the production of dry matter of root. However, the leaf content of Si, P, K, Fe, and Mn, the production of dry matter of aerial part and the concentrations of chlorophyll A, B and Total were not significantly influenced by the different doses of said biostimulant applied in different modes. / Dissertação (Mestrado)

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To develop anaerobic digestion (AD), innovative solutions to increase methane yields in existing AD processes are needed. In particular, the adoption of low energy pre-treatments to enhance biomass biodegradability is needed to provide efficient digestion processes increasing profitability. To obtain these features, hydrodynamic cavitation has been evaluated as an innovative solutions for AD of waste activated sludge (WAS), food waste (FW), macro algae and grass, in comparison with steam explosion (high energy pre-treatment). The effect of these two pre-treatments on the substrates, e.g. particle size distribution, soluble chemical oxygen demand (sCOD), biochemical methane potential (BMP) and biodegradability rate, have been evaluated. After two minutes of hydrodynamic cavitation (8 bar), the mean fine particle size decreased from 489- 1344 nm to 277- 381 nm (≤77% reduction) depending of the biomasses. Similar impacts were observed after ten minutes of steam explosion (210 °C, 30 bar) with a reduction in particle size between 40% and 70% for all the substrates treated.  In terms of BMP value, hydrodynamic cavitation caused significant increment only within the A. nodosum showing a post treatment increment of 44% compared to the untreated value, while similar values were obtained before and after treatment within the other tested substrates. In contrast, steam explosion allowed an increment for all treated samples, A. nodosum (+86%), grass (14%) and S. latissima (4%). However, greater impacts where observed with hydrodynamic cavitation than steam explosion when comparing the kinetic constant K. Overall, hydrodynamic cavitation appeared an efficient pre-treatment for AD capable to compete with the traditional steam explosion in terms om kinetics and providing a more efficient energy balance (+14%) as well as methane yield for A. nodosum. / Det behövs innovativa lösningar för att utveckla anaerob rötning i syfte att öka metangasutbytet från biogassubstrat. Beroende på substratets egenskaper, kan förbehandling möjliggöra sönderdelning av bakterieflockar, uppbrytning av cellväggar, elimination av inhiberande ämnen och frigörelse av intracellulära organiska ämnen, som alla kan leda till en förbättring av den biologiska nedbrytningen i rötningen. För att uppnå detta har den lågenergikrävande förebehandlingsmetoden hydrodynamisk kavitation prövats på biologiskt slam, matavfall, makroalger respektive gräs, i jämförelse med ångexplosion. Effekten på substraten av dessa två förbehandlingar har uppmäts genom att undersöka distribution av partikelstorlek, löst organiskt kol (sCOD), biometan potential (BMP) och nedbrytningshastigheten. Efter 2 minuters hydrodynamisk kavitation (8 bar) minskade partikelstorleken från 489- 1344 nm till 277- 281 nm (≤77 % reduktion) för de olika biomassorna. Liknande påverkan observerades efter tio minuters ångexplosion (210 °C, 30 bar) med en partikelstorlekreducering mellan 40 och 70 % för alla behandlade substrat. Efter behandling med hydrodynamisk kavitation, i jämförelse med obehandlad biomassa, ökade metanproduktionens hastighetskonstant (K) för matavfall (+65%), makroalgen S. latissima (+3%), gräs (+16 %) samtidigt som den minskade för A. nodosum (-17 %). Förbehandlingen med ångexplosion ökade hastighetskonstanten för S. latissima (+50 %) och A. nodosum (+65 %) medan den minskade för gräs (-37 %), i jämförelse med obehandlad biomassa. Vad gäller BMP värden, orsakade hydrodynamisk kavitation små variationer där endast A. nodosum visade en ökning efter behandling (+44 %) i jämförelse med obehandlad biomassa. Biomassa förbehandlade med ångexplosion visade en ökning för A .nodosum (+86 %), gräs (14 %) och S. latissima (4 %). Sammantaget visar hydrodynamisk kavitation potential som en effektiv behandling före rötning och kapabel att konkurrera med den traditionella ångexplosionen gällande kinetik och energibalans (+14%) samt metanutbytet för A. nodosum.