Sonora Institute of Technology

Cellulases have attracted considerable attention in the scientific community due to their potential applications in biofuel production and the generation of high-value products. The cellulase enzymatic system mainly comprises three enzymes: endoglucanase, exoglucanase, and β-glucosidase, which act synergistically to degrade cellulose in lignocellulosic materials such as pulp and wheat straw. Fungus Albifimbria verrucaria is an endophytic strain isolated in the Yaqui Valley, Mexico, with potential for cellulase production and enzymatic index potential. This study aimed to maximize cellulase production from Albifimbria verrucaria using response surface methodology with a central composite design to degrade wheat straw cellulose pulp. The variables evaluated during submerged fermentation, temperature, initial pH, and fermentation time, were used to maximize cellulase enzyme production. Statistical analysis indicated that the quadratic model explains cellulase production, reaching 2.33 U/ml for total cellulase activity (FPase) and 2.25 U/ml for endoglucanase activity (CMCase), corresponding to 1.77-fold and 1.28-fold increases under optimized conditions, respectively. Finally, enzymatic hydrolysis of wheat straw cellulose pulp using the crude enzymatic extract was carried out for 72 h, yielding 0.057 g of glucose per gram of substrate, demonstrating the potential of the fungus for lignocellulosic biomass conversion to bioenergy.

A renormalization-group mechanism for the resolution of spacetime singularities is formulated on the basis of the Relativistic Zero Point (RZP) principle. The quantum vacuum is modeled as a geometric medium described by an order parameter Θ, whose flow is constrained by Functional Renormalization Group (FRG) equations. A scalar-tensor truncation yields a non-Gaussian fixed point (NGFP) with parameters ξ≈ 0.65 , λ_*≈ 0.42 , and ν_*≈ 1.00 . The resulting transition Θ→ν_* replaces classical divergences with a smooth bounce horizon. The formulation consolidates previous developments [1, 2] and integrates the scalar-tensor RZP construction [3]. Phenomenological predictions include a tensor-to-scalar ratio r ∼ 0.025 , a gravitational-wave dispersion scale ϵ∼ 8.3 ×10^ - 8 , and expected post-merger echo delays of order Δ t ∼ 4.2 ms.

The intensification of aquaculture practices has been accompanied by an increased incidence of bacterial diseases, leading to a greater reliance on antibiotics for disease control. Consequently, the widespread and often indiscriminate use of these compounds has contributed to the emergence and dissemination of antibiotic-resistant bacteria within aquaculture systems, posing a serious threat to animal health, environmental sustainability, and public health. In this regard, research efforts have focused on developing alternative strategies to reduce antibiotic use. Natural compounds have gained particular attention due to their well-documented antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities. In this context, the combined application of antibiotics and natural compounds has emerged as a promising approach to enhance antimicrobial efficacy while potentially mitigating the development of resistance. This review synthesizes the current knowledge on antibiotic resistance in aquaculture, highlights the role of biofilm formation as a key resistance mechanism, and critically examines the potential of antibiotic-natural compound combinations against major aquaculture pathogens, with particular emphasis on bacterial growth inhibition, biofilm disruption, and virulence attenuation. Collectively, the evidence discussed underscores the potential of synergistic strategies as a sustainable tool for improving disease management in aquaculture while supporting efforts to limit antibiotic resistance.

Microorganisms play a crucial role in the stability and functioning of ecosystems, responsible for essential processes such as soil nutrient cycling, plant growth, marine biogeochemical cycles, and human health. The conservation of microorganisms and microbiomes has become a priority in biotechnology and ecosystem sustainability. The preservation of these organisms is crucial not only to maintain biodiversity but also to ensure they continue to fulfill their vital roles in the ecosystem. Their role in maintaining ecosystem stability is urgent and underscores the importance of their conservation. Current conservation techniques, such as cryopreservation, freeze-drying, and storage in dry media, are essential to preserve their viability, genetic stability, and functionality. However, effective conservation goes beyond merely preserving survival; it is crucial to maintain their functionality and genetic diversity intact. Emerging methods, such as the use of nanoparticles, vitrification, and biofilms, have shown great potential to improve the protection of microorganisms from extreme environmental conditions, allowing for more effective and long-term conservation. The development of new conservation technologies is vital to overcoming the limitations of traditional methods. These innovations not only improve the viability and functionality of microorganisms but also facilitate the restoration of degraded ecosystems and foster progress in fields such as medicine, agriculture, and industry. Ensuring the conservation of these organisms is critical to ensuring the health and sustainability of our ecosystems and humanity in the future.

Water scarcity and distribution constitute a problem driven by population growth and industrial overexploitation. To secure water supply, desalination technologies for seawater and brackish water have been adopted, becoming critically important. Reverse osmosis is the highest-rated technology for this process and generates two output streams: permeate water and brine, the latter characterized by a high concentration of total dissolved solids (TDS). When untreated, brine is discharged into water bodies and soils, causing ecological damage. To mitigate this impact, the circular economy proposes reusing part of the brine in agriculture through halophyte plants, which offer the advantage of growing under high salt concentrations. The objective of the research was to document the salinity tolerance of halophyte species and the potential use of water rejected from the desalination process as irrigation water, with a circular economy approach. Brine reuse represents an opportunity to reduce waste and generate environmental, social, and economic benefits. Among the main halophyte species capable of tolerating brine above 30 000 mg L-1 are Suaeda salsa (L.) Pall., Salicornia bigelovii Torr., Rhizophora mangle L., and Chenopodium quinoa Willd. Salicornia europaea L. is classified as a halophyte species with medium tolerance (10 000–30 000 mg L-1). Species with low salinity tolerance (5000–10 000 mg L-1 TDS) include Atriplex nummularia Lindl., Zoysia japonica Steud., and Crithmum maritimum L. These plants also possess significant nutritional and pharmaceutical properties and can be used as livestock feed, human food, for oil extraction, soil remediation, and other applications.