Browsing by Author "Gavilan-Figari, Isabel Milagros"

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Fermentation Arrest Density Modulates Congener Composition and Sensory Profile in Aromatic Grape Distillates
(MDPI AG, 2026-08-12) Gavilan-Figari, Isabel Milagros; García-Hernandez, Karla Patricia; Neyra-Lazaro, Enzo Anthony; Effio-Espinoza, Sebastian Antonio; Bollet, Herman
Stopping fermentation is a critical, yet insufficiently standardised, step in the production of aromatic grape distillates, as it influences residual sugar, yeast metabolism and the availability of volatile precursors. This study evaluated the must density at the time of fermentation arrest as a process control parameter for Torontel grape distillates. Five treatments were established by halting fermentation at densities ranging from 1.050 to 1.010 g/mL, followed by batch distillation. The distillates were evaluated using physicochemical analyses, including alcohol strength and the concentration of key volatile congeners such as methanol, acetaldehyde and higher alcohols. Furthermore, these analyses were complemented by gas chromatography with flame ionisation detection (GC-FID) and sensory evaluation by experts. Increased must density was associated with higher concentrations of methanol, acetaldehyde and higher alcohols, whereas ethanol content decreased. Although clear differences in chemical composition were observed among the evaluated process conditions, overall sensory acceptability exhibited only limited variation across the fermentation arrest densities. However, distillates obtained from intermediate density levels showed better aromatic balance and sensory harmony. Multivariate analysis suggested that fermentation arrest density was associated with the main patterns of chemical variability observed among the evaluated distillates, whereas its association with overall sensory perception appeared to be more limited. These findings provide a useful framework for optimising fermentation arrest strategies in the production of aromatic partially fermented grape distillates.
Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.)
(CABI Publishing, 2024-09-30) Temegne, Carine Nono; Gavilan-Figari, Isabel Milagros; Tsoata, Esaïe; Agendia, Atabong Paul; Ngome, Francis Ajebesone
Lima bean is an orphan legume that is indigenous to South America. Despite its global distribution to hot regions and specific temperate locations, wild crop varieties have been found exclusively on the American continent. This study examines the origins, distribution patterns and botanical characteristics of lima bean to explore the potential influence of evolution on their geographic spread. Our focus relies on the study of plant gene pools, evolutionary relationships and classification systems. Additionally, we prioritize the collection, characterization, evaluation and conservation of germplasm. This analysis emphasizes the utilization of germplasm in plant improvement through conventional methodologies. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the integration of genomic and genetic resources for the purpose of enhancing crop improvement in lima bean. It also explores the utility of genomic tools in identifying introgression events. This study further looks at the reduction of genetic diversity in traditional areas and the constraints in utilizing germplasm to assess the potential disruption of evolutionary dynamics in ecological adaptability and the widespread utilization of cultivars. It is a clear imperative to prioritize the conservation of wild species and thoroughly document the genetic diversity they possess, particularly in relation to the comprehensive impact of introgressions on the whole genome and their significance for improvement programmes. Furthermore, recent advancements in the scientific understanding of plants, utilizing principles of genomics and agronomy, have resulted in significant modifications to production practices.
Municipal sewage sludge management in a changing world: Trends and safe resource recovery
(South Sustainability, 2026-06-12) Gavilan-Figari, Isabel Milagros; Naka, Angelica
In this review, we examine municipal sewage sludge management and resource recovery in relation to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation), circular economy goals and public health protection. Major management alternatives, including agricultural land application, energy recovery, use in construction materials, land reclamation and biofuel production are assessed, along with their technical, regulatory, environmental and social constraints. Based on studies and case examples from diverse global regions, in this review we facilitate comparison of sludge management options and identify context-appropriate strategies amid rapid changes in current regulatory requirements and climatic conditions. The reviewed literature indicates that there is no single optimal pathway for sludge management; rather, the most suitable options are dependent upon sludge characteristics, treatment infrastructure, costs, monitoring capacity, local environmental conditions and relevant legal requirements. Resource recovery pathways can reduce environmental burdens and generate value by recovering energy, nutrients or useful materials, but in many cases they require pre-treatment, reliable process control and adequate monitoring. Although land application can improve soil fertility and organic matter content, it requires careful control of pathogens, heavy metals and other contaminants, in order to protect ecosystems and human health. In this study, we conclude that decision-making processes should take into account life-cycle assessments of sludge management alternatives, comprehensive comparisons of technical, environmental, economic and social aspects, environmental justice considerations, sustainability, governance, and integrated water resources management (IWRM). Such an integrated approach can support safer and more locally appropriate resource recovery pathways, while taking into account factors associated with regional conditions and regulatory frameworks.
Preliminary Selection and Evaluation of Fungicides and Natural Compounds to Control Grey Mold Disease of Rose Caused by Botrytis cinerea
(EScience Press Inc (Publications), 2022-04-30) Jatoi, Ghulam Hussain; Abro, Manzoor A.; Ahmed, Syed M.; Al-Ani, Laith K. T.; Ali, Umed; Jatoi, Mushtaque A.; Gavilan-Figari, Isabel Milagros; Qambrani, Jahansher; Ahmed, Irfan; Soomro, Abdul S.; Khaskheli, Naeema K.
Botrytis cinerea is a plant fungal pathogen causing the grey mold disease of rose (Rosa indica L.). Finding new and alternative environment-friendly control strategies than hazardous chemicals on different crop diseases is a crucial and healthy step to cope with the current challenges of climate change. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of different botanical extracts and biocontrol agents (biopesticides) along with different fungicides against B. cinerea under in-vitro conditions. Three different concentrations i. e., 100, 200, and 300 ppm of five fungicides namely Acrobate, Melody, Cabrio top, Antracol, and Copper oxychloride, botanical extracts of eight plants Dhatura, Ginger, Aak, Neem and Onion, at three different doses of 5, 10, and 15%, and eleven biocontrol fungal agents were used as antagonistic under in-vitro on rose plants, The survey of disease incidence% of grey mold on the rose crop in the region shows that the Hyderabad region has a maximum (60%) disease incidence as compared to Tandojam region (40%). Among fungicides, the Cabrio top significantly reduced linear colony growth (31 mm) of B. cinerea at 300 ppm concentration. Among botanicals, extract of neem plant exhibited significantly lowest colony growth (23.33 mm) followed by the ginger plant (25 mm) and dhatura plant (26 mm). The higher concentration of fungicides and higher doses (15%) of botanicals extracts appeared significantly efficient to control the pathogen B. cinerea. Among biopesticides, Fusarium solani appeared prominent in reducing colony growth (25.16 mm) of the pathogen but the difference was not significant 300 with most of the tested biocontrol agents. The recommendation in this study is the high ability of botanical extracts and biocontrol agents in reducing the growth of grey mold, potentially considering using them instead of synthetic fungicides and more safety for the ecosystem. Keywords: Trichoderma, Fusarium, dhatura, botanical, biological control, synthetic fungicides.
Production of bacterial cellulose by spontaneous fermentation of grape pomace and its thermal, mechanical, and spectroscopic characterization
(Department of Polymer Engineering, Scientific Society of Mechanical Engineering, 2026-01) Gavilan-Figari, Isabel Milagros
Bacterial cellulose (BC) is an eco-friendly biopolymer with outstanding structural and functional properties, offering promising applications in sustainable packaging and bio-based materials. In this study, we demonstrate the feasibility of producing BC via spontaneous fermentation, using grape pomace supplemented with sucrose as the sole carbon source, nutrient substrate, and microbial inoculum, without the addition of commercial strains or nitrogen supplements. Fermentation was conducted under static conditions, yielding biofilms with stable structural characteristics and BC production of up to 14.1 g/L, thereby confirming the efficiency of this low-cost, residue-based process. The films obtained exhibited well-organized polymeric networks, with thermal stability in the range of Tg ≈ 159–266 °C and mechanical resistance comparable to or higher than conventional biopolymers. Characterization confirmed reproducible chemical profiles, thermal stability, and measurable variation in mechanical performance, with a tensile strength ranging from 0.0001 to 105 MPa and an elongation at break of 15±5%. The process highlights a resource-efficient and sustainable pathway, adaptable to rural contexts and aligned with circular economic principles. While minor variations among replicates reflected the intrinsic variability of biological systems, mean values and standard deviations demonstrated reproducible physicochemical and mechanical properties. These findings demonstrate that BC derived from agro-industrial residues can be produced under simple, low-input conditions, opening opportunities for scalable valorization in functional and sustainable materials.
The role of spirulina in food security: Nutritional and ecological implications in the context of climate change
(CABI Publishing, 2024-12-17) Gavilan-Figari, Isabel Milagros; Peña-Urdániga, Graciela Vanessa; Naka, Angelica; Castro-Rosas, Miguel Angel
In the context of a changing climate and the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, microalgae, particularly spirulina, are emerging as a versatile and sustainable solution to ensure food security, serving as an alternative protein source for human consumption. Spirulina can absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, grows rapidly, does not require arable land, is cultivated year-round, and is rich in protein as well as other macroand micronutrients. Spirulina stands out not only for its resilience and adaptability to a range of environmental conditions – including variations in light, temperature, pH, and salinity – but also for its low water requirements, making it a promising option for regions with limited water resources. It can address food security challenges by providing nutritional benefits as a dietary supplement and enhancing animal feed quality. Additionally, it supports sustainable agriculture as a biostimulant, improving crop productivity and soil health while reducing reliance on chemical inputs. Its potential as a raw material across various industries and the exploration of new applications make spirulina an attractive candidate for future research, which should focus on enhanced profitability and large-scale accessibility.