Ciencias Exactas y Ciencias de la Salud
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/11285/551039
Pertenecen a esta colección Tesis y Trabajos de grado de las Maestrías correspondientes a las Escuelas de Ingeniería y Ciencias así como a Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud.
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- Upcycling alkaline maize cooking wastewater (nejayote) for sustainable lettuce (Lactuca sativa) cultivation: Biotechnological innovations for waste-to-food systems(Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, 2025-12-03) Cervantes López, Alexa; Escalante Aburto, Anayansi; Vázquez Lepe, Elisa Virginia; mtyahinojosa, emipsanchez; Gutiérrez Uribe, Janet Alejandra; Domínguez Hernández, Martha Elena; School of Engineering and Sciences; Campus Monterrey; Franco Morgado, MarianaThe maize processing industry produces large volumes of alkaline maize cooking wastewater (nejayote), presenting both an environmental challenge and a valorization opportunity. This study examines microbial dynamics, metabolomic shifts, and agronomic potential of nejayote fermented for six days in a high-rate algal pond (HRAP) inoculated with an alkaliphilic microorganism consortium (AMC). Untreated fermentation led to a 65.3% increase in total suspended solids (TSS), while AMC inoculation prevented chemical oxygen demand (COD) increase. Metagenomic analysis revealed a shift from Enterobacteriaceae (45-47%) and Xanthomonadaceae (29-34%) to Cyclobacteriaceae (39%) and Dermocarpellaceae (>50%) in AMC-treated systems. By day six of fermentation process, pathogenic bacteria dropped below 2%, supporting ecosystem functionality and bioremediation. Cyclobacteriaceae, a non-pathogenic family, is relevant for wastewater treatment and bioactive compound production. Untargeted metabolomics identified pentose and glucuronate interconversions, starch/sucrose metabolism, and key monomers (xylose, arabinose), along with amino acids, phenolics, terpenoids, carotenoids, and pesticide-associated signals indicative of partial degradation or transformation. Furthermore, to evaluate nejayote’s upcycle potential in fresh food production, fermented AMC-inoculated nejayote treatments (M1: 0-1 days, M3: 2-3 days, M5: 4-5 days) were used to replace one-third of irrigation water for lettuce (Lactuca sativa) cultivation over eight weeks. Compared to water controls, M3 increased lettuce fresh weight by 109.9% and total phenolic content (TPC) by 313.2%, while M5 enhanced TPC by 173.8%. In contrast, untreated nejayote reduced fresh weight by 33.7%. AMC fermentation promoted the potential accumulation of phenolic and polyphenolic compounds, along with stress-associated fatty acids that act as plant elicitors. The carotenoid pathway was biologically and statistically significant in treatment-irrigated lettuces. Irrigation frequency, applied once or twice per week, influenced the macroscopical features of lettuce; however, twice-weekly irrigation did not result in greater fresh leaf weight or length. Additionally, soil water holding capacity of the treatments was comparable to water and M3 did not affect pH over the 8-week period. Demonstrating the potential of this system for agro-industrial wastewater upcycling, contributing to sustainable agriculture, freshwater conservation, and circular bioeconomy strategies.
- Shotgun metagenomic analysis of methanogenic communities and physicochemical profiling of cattle manure fractions(Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, 2025-07-29) Carrasco Morales, Oscar; Sharma, Ashutosh; emipsanchez; Iglesias Rodríguez, Dianella; Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias; Campus Querétaro; Bonet Garcia, NeusDairy farms are integral to food security and economic sustainability; however, they can also represent a significant source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and nutrient losses, particularly in the form of methane (CH₄). In Mexico, manure management practices vary widely. Solid-liquid separation is increasingly adopted due to its recognition as one of the most effective upstream operations for GHG emissions mitigation from manure management, producing a nutrient-rich solid fraction and a liquid fraction suitable for fertilization. However, storing the liquid fraction for extended periods, particularly in large lagoons, can lead to anaerobic conditions conducive to CH4 production. A comprehensive physicochemical and microbiological assessment was performed on manure (BM) and its solid (SF) and liquid (LF) fractions. Metagenomic analysis was conducted to elucidate the dynamics of microbial communities related to methanogenesis. Total organic carbon (TOC) was identified as the only significant (PERMANOVA, p < 0.001) physicochemical parameter. SF and BM were primarily associated with hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis, whereas both hydrogenotrophic and acetoclastic methanogenesis were observed in LF. The acetoclastic pathway in LF was primarily attributed to the predominance of Methanothrix in the lagoons, which develops over a longer period than hydrogenotrophic methanogens and is characterized by maintaining low acetate concentrations. This study provides a baseline characterization of manure fractions from the Agricultural Experimental Center of Tecnológico de Monterrey (CAETEC), Mexico, as a first step towards identifying physicochemical parameters and microbial populations essential for evaluating potential manure management alternatives to mitigate CH₄ emissions.
- Evaluation of the contribution of maize germ peroxidases to resistance to the storage pest prostephanus truncatus(Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, 2025-07) Cervantes Macedo, Elizabeth; García Lara, Silverio; emipsanchez; School of Engineering and Sciences; Campus Monterrey; González Rodríguez, América TzitzikiMaize is a globally important crop used for food, feed, and bioethanol production. However, during storage, it faces serious threats from biotic factors, such as insect pests, particularly Prostephanus truncatus, which can cause severe grain damage and losses of up to 80%, depending on the region and conditions. These infestations also affect grain quality, nutritional value, and marketability. Maize kernels exhibit various resistance mechanisms involving structural, genetic, and biochemical traits, including proteins like peroxidases. Recent studies have linked peroxidase activity to insect resistance, with activity detected in kernel tissues, including the aleurone layer, pedicel, and germ. Although peroxidase activity is mainly concentrated in the germ, little is known about the specific peroxidases involved and their role during insect interactions, creating a gap in our understanding of this defense mechanism. This research aims to analyze the role of germ peroxidases in resistance to P. truncatus in mature maize kernels and germs. Susceptibility of maize kernels and germ tissues to P. truncatus was evaluated and compared with soluble protein concentration and peroxidase activity in the germ. Additionally, a proteomic approach was employed to identify candidate peroxidases and other proteins potentially involved in resistance mechanisms. Results revealed a significant negative correlation between susceptibility traits in maize kernels and peroxidase activity in the germ, as well as a similar correlation between these traits and soluble protein concentration. These findings suggest that peroxidase activity and soluble protein accumulation in the germ likely play an important role in kernel resistance. Despite previous reports of some genotypes exhibiting low germ damage after insect interaction, all germ samples in this study showed relatively high levels of damage, regardless of genotype. Therefore, germ tissue does not exhibit any antixenosis effect. Further research is recommended to evaluate protein candidates in the germ and kernel contributing to resistance during storage.
- Síntesis biogénica de nanopartículas de plata utilizando como agente reductor Fusarium solani para aplicaciones en agricultura(Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, 2025-06-13) Onofre Rodriguez, Karen Betzabeth; Torres Huerta, Ana Laura; emimmayorquin; Aranda Barradas, María Eugenia; Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias; Campus Estado de México; Pérez Loredo, María GuadalupeLa agricultura enfrenta actualmente una serie de problemáticas que afectan tanto a la producción de alimentos como la sostenibilidad de los recursos naturales. Ante esta situación, la nanotecnología ha introducido soluciones de alto impacto, tales como el uso de nanopartículas para la liberación eficiente de nutrientes y mejora del rendimiento agrícola. Dichas tecnologías tienen un gran potencial en diferentes sectores, tal es el ejemplo de la industria de las plantas de ornato, donde se puede optimizar el desarrollo de estas plántulas mejorando así la calidad y velocidad de crecimiento. Este trabajo de investigación aborda la síntesis de nanopartículas de plata (AgNPs) mediante un proceso biogénico, en el cual el hongo Fusarium solani actúa como agente reductor. Dicho hongo fue seleccionado gracias a su capacidad de producir metabolitos con potencial para la reducción de nanopartículas (NPs). Este enfoque ofrece una alternativa amigable entre el medio ambiente y los métodos de síntesis convencionales, reduciendo el uso de sustancias químicas y facilitando el control sobre las propiedades de las NPs. Las AgNPs sintetizadas fueron obtenidas a partir de un proceso que incluyó la estandarización del medio de cultivo para el crecimiento del hongo, evaluación de condiciones para su síntesis biogénica. Posteriormente se desarrolló una caracterización que incluyó técnicas tales como Espectroscopía UV-Vis para determinar las propiedades ópticas, Espectroscopía de Infrarrojo por Transformada de Fourier (FTIR) para identificar los grupos funcionales implicados en las síntesis de NPs y Dispersión Dinámica de Luz (DLS) para evaluar el tamaño y la distribución 5 de las NPs. Además, se llevó a cabo la evaluación en procesos de germinación en semillas de cempasúchil como modelo experimental, así como también la evaluación de su actividad antifúngica y antimicrobiana. Los resultados de esta investigación resaltan el potencial de las AgNPs para impulsar así prácticas agrícolas más sostenibles.
- Effect of instant controlled pressure drop (DIC) on the extraction and profile of phenolic compounds from dandelion (taraxacum officinale)(Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, 2025-06-10) Macías Muñoz, Luisa Fernanda; Alonzo Macías, Maritza; emipsanchez; Téllez Pérez, Carmen; Resendiz Vázquez, Juan Alberto; Rossi Márquez, Giovanna; School of Engineering and Sciences; Campus Monterrey; Cardador Martínez, AnabertaThe antioxidant capacity of food matrices is closely related to the presence and stability of bioactive compounds such as phenols and flavonoids. This study evaluated the effect of controlled instantaneous decompression technology (DIC) on the extraction of these compounds and the enhancement of antioxidant activity in dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) roots and leaves. Samples were subjected to DIC treatments with different saturated steam pressures (0.1-0.4 MPa) and processing times (5-90 s). Pareto diagrams and response surface methodology were used to evaluate the influence of pressure and time to optimize treatment conditions to maximize total phenolic content, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity. The results showed that intermediate DIC conditions (0.25 MPa, 20 s) significantly improved antioxidant activity, reaching a maximum of 86.17 M Trolox/g, approximately tripling the phenolic content compared to the control. The control samples exhibited an antioxidant activity of 65.26 M Trolox/g. In comparison, the highest values observed for DIC-treated samples were 34.31 M Trolox/g in roots and 9.86 M Trolox/g in leaves under treatment DIC (0.10 MPa, 20 s). HPLC-DAD analysis allowed the identification and quantification of various phenolic compounds in dandelion. Catechin was the most abundant compound detected in both tissues, reaching 1.99 mg/g in leaves and 5.35 mg/g in roots. These values correspond to a 1.9-fold increase in leaves under DIC (0.25 MPa, 20 s) and a 15-fold increase in roots under DIC (0.10 MPa, 20 s), compared to control samples. In addition, the DIC-treated samples showed the presence of phenolic compounds not detected in the raw materials, such as vanillic acid and trans-3-hydroxycinnamic acid. These results suggest that DIC favors the release of phenolic compounds by promoting cell wall disruption and improving solvent accessibility, without inducing their degradation under moderate conditions. This study demonstrates the potential of DIC technology as a sustainable and efficient alternative to improve the functional value of underutilized plant matrices, offering promising applications in the development of functional foods and nutraceutical products.
- Incidence and symptomatology of orthotospoviruses infecting horticultural crops in Mexico(Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, 2025-06) Mora Ugalde, María de los Ángeles; Díaz Lara, Alfredo; emimmayorquin; Valiente Banuet, Juan; Tovar Pedraza, Juan Manuel; School of Engineering and Sciences; Campus MonterreyMexico is a leading exporter of horticultural products, with agriculture representing a significant portion of the country's annual economic value. Viral diseases in crops are frequently overlooked, despite their potential to cause severe damage. This work aims to assess the presence and impact of viruses in tomatoes, bell peppers, and lettuce, particularly by those viral agents belonging to the genus Orthotospovirus. Despite the importance of tomatoes in Mexico, limited research has addressed the incidence of orthotospoviruses in their production. Consequently, field surveys were conducted in major horticultural regions of Mexico, where symptomatic and asymptomatic tomato plants were sampled and tested for Orthotospovirus infection, including tomato spot wilt virus (TSWV, Orthotospovirus tomatomaculae), Impatiens necrotic virus (INSV, Orthotospovirus impatiensnecromaculae), ground ring spot virus (GRSV, Orthotospovirus arachianuli), tomato chlorotic spot virus (TCSV, Orthotospovirus tomatoflavi), watermelon silver mottle virus (WSMoV, Orthotospovirus citrullomaculosi) and melon yellow spot virus (MYSV, Orthotospovirus meloflavi) using molecular diagnostics. Likewise, the prevalence of INSV in lettuce was determined through ImmunoStrips, reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR), and sequence analysis, representing the first identification of INSV in the Bajio region. Another critical aspect of this work includes cross-infection dynamics in bell peppers. Using high-throughput sequencing (HTS), a natural mixed infection by INSV and tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV, Tobamovirus fructirugosum) was discovered, which may have implications for the pathogen-host interaction. Overall, the results of this study will contribute to understanding the distribution and economic impact of orthotospoviruses in Mexico, as well as their interactions with other plant viruses. Finally, this research seeks to increase awareness among growers and stakeholders about the risks these viruses pose to horticultural production in Mexico and highlights the importance of disease surveillance and management strategies.
- Novel technology to preserve nutrients in fruits: microbiota modulation by avocado fatty alcohols (AFAs) and derivatives(Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, 2025-06) Sánchez Rodríguez, Diana; Hernández Brenes, Carmen; emipsanchez; Pacheco Moscoa, Adriana; School of Engineering and Sciences; Campus Monterrey; Mora Godínez, Shirley MaríaAccess to safe food and reduction of postharvest losses in fruits and vegetables are crucial to address global hunger and nutritional deficiencies. Avocado (Persea americana var. Hass) is an economically significant crop in Mexico, but its quality and shelf-life are severely affected by microbial spoilage, accelerated ripening, and associated physiological disorders such as anthracnose. This study aimed to evaluate avocado fatty alcohols (AFAs) and derivatives as active antimicrobial components in natural coatings to modulate avocado microbiota and preserve avocado quality during simulated export conditions (cold storage at 4°C and ripening stage at 25°C). Two concentrations of AFAs (7,000 ppm and 14,000 ppm) were tested and compared to excipient coating (propylene glycol and avocado oil) and uncoated controls. Fruit quality was assessed through colorimetric parameters (lightness, chroma, and hue), respiration rate, firmness, and quantification of gray area in mesocarp. Avocado microbiota was characterized by metagenomic sequencing of the regions V3-V4 of the 16S rRNA for bacteria and ITS1 for fungi. Results showed that AFA and excipient coatings maintained avocado quality compared to uncoated fruits, preserving higher values of firmness, lightness, and chroma, and displaying lower total color differences, respiration rate, and weight loss in ripe avocados. Uncoated avocados exhibited higher percentage of gray areas in the mesocarp, higher respiration rates, and lower firmness than coated avocados. Regarding microbial diversity, coatings influenced bacterial and fungal communities. While beneficial bacteria such as Methylobacterium remained unaffected and a protective effect of AFAs against Proteobacteria was observed, spoilage-associated Firmicutes increased in AFA-coated and excipient samples. For fungi, coatings modulated populations from phytopathogenic taxa such as the Ascomycota phylum, the Cladosporiaceae family, and Colletotrichum spp. Avocado fatty alcohol-based coatings effectively maintained physicochemical quality compared to uncoated avocados and modulated some fungal communities. However, the differential effects between AFA and excipient coatings were less pronounced, highlighting the need for further validation to clearly define the specific antimicrobial and protective benefits of AFAs. This research provides foundational insights supporting the potential application of coatings in sustainable, natural fruit preservation technologies.
- Quality assessment and validation of digital PCR (dPCR) for grapevine virus diagnosis(Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, 2024-12-11) Hernández Pérez, Daniella María Joselyn; Díaz Lara, Alfredo; emipsanchez; Carrillo Tripp, Jimena; Rodríguez García, Manuel; School of Engineering and Sciences; Campus MonterreyGrapevine is a highly economically important crop in Mexico. However, it can be affected by several pathogens, including viruses that can cause significant crop losses. It is important to identify early the infected plants to manage the disease correctly and prevent economic losses. Traditional detection methods have drawbacks, such as limited sensibility and accuracy. Digital PCR (dPCR) is an innovative method that claims to be more sensitive and reproducible than the routine method for virus identification: quantitative PCR (qPCR). This study assesses reverse transcription dPCR (RT-dPCR) as a method for the detection and quantification of RNA grapevine viruses focusing on grapevine virus A (GVA), grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV), grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 (GLRaV-3), and grapevine Pinot gris virus (GPGV). This assessment was performed using positive controls and comparing the limit of detection (LoD) results of RT-dPCR against the results obtained by RT-qPCR. ANOVA results showed that the PCR technique (RT-dPCR or RT-qPCR) and the virus (GVA, GLFV, GPGV, and GLRaV-3) were statistically significant in the results of the comparison of LoD. Furthermore, the replicates were non-significant according to ANOVA, showing high repeatability in both RT-qPCR and RT-dPCR. Tukey test demonstrated that RT-dPCR is significantly more sensitive than RT-qPCR, with a statistically reliable difference of 95% trust, especially in low-viral-load viruses such GPGV, which detection showed also to be statistically different than the other viruses. Additionally, a field study was performed to identify the presence or absence of each virus in 45 grapevine samples evaluated with RT-qPCR and RT-dPCR. Several false negative results were generated by RT-qPCR, which only reported positive results to 62.5% of the GVA infected samples, 85.7% of the samples contaminated with GLRaV-3, 38.9% of GPGV positive samples and for GFLV only 12.5% of the infected samples were identified. These results confirm the effectiveness of RT-dPCR as a sensitive method for RNA virus detection in grapevine, enabling early diagnosis and optimal management of viral infections in grapevine crops.
- Circular economy: Tequila vinasse treatment for upcycling and downcycling(Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, 2024-12-04) Ramos Reyes, María Fernanda; Gradilla Hernández, Misael Sebastián; Tuesta Popolizio, Diego A.; García Garcia, Christian Enrique; School of Engineering and Sciences; Campus Monterrey; González López, Martin EstebanTequila is one of Mexico's most iconic distilled beverages, with a steadily growing industry that also embodies a significant cultural legacy. However, most tequila producers in the country face challenges in managing the waste generated during production due to the high costs of treatment and the low economic returns from by-products. This thesis begins by exploring the intricate relationships between tequila production and various industrial, environmental, and governmental sectors through a comprehensive mapping process. The second section examines the production of distillates, including bioethanol, tequila, and other alcoholic beverages, focusing on the treatment of substantial liquid waste known as vinasse, which is produced at a rate of 10-15 liters per liter of distilled product. This waste presents critical environmental challenges, such as eutrophication, soil pollution, and toxicity. A systematic review conducted in this thesis evaluates various pathways for valorizing distillery vinasse. The review includes 72 treatments involving ethanol industry vinasse, tequila vinasse, and their combinations with agro-industrial residues, categorized into three main valorization strategies: waste-to-energy, waste-to-food, and waste-to-product. Biotechnological treatments, such as two-stage anaerobic digestion and fungal anaerobic fermentation, achieved the highest yields and product diversity. Moreover, bacterial processes demonstrated significant potential for producing high-value products like polymers, enzymes, and proteins. The third part of this thesis is about an aerobic treatment in co-cultures and monocultures using strains like C. utilis, R. mucilaginosa, K. marxianus, A. niger, A. oryzae, and R. oligosporus were explored for contaminant removal and high-protein biomass production. The C. utilis and A. oryzae co-culture generated the best results at the tube scale, showing remotion up to 63.52% TN removal, 86.87% P removal, and 46.21% COD removal over 72 hours in the benchtop scale. A kinetic study modeled biomass growth using a biphasic Zwietering-modified Gompertz model, achieving a maximum protein of 47.27 g kg⁻¹. The thesis also explores other high-value products using this substrate, such as phenols, and the importance of these remotions.
- Tocopherol contribution to the resistance against storage pest Prostephanus truncatus in maize(Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, 2024-12-02) Aguirre Espinoza, Carlos; García Lara, Silverio; emimmayorquin; Mora Vásquez, Soledad; School of Engineering and Sciences; Campus Monterrey; Gonzalez Rodriguez, America TzitzikiProstephanus truncatus infestation can cause losses as high as 80% on stored maize. Sources of resistance against this pest are related to the antioxidant capacity of the pericarp and aleurone layer structures, mainly due to phenolic acids content and their derivatives. Nonetheless, there is not enough information about the germ structure or the liposoluble antioxidants, such as tocopherols. To determine the contribution of tocopherols and liposoluble antioxidant capacity to the resistance against P. truncatus, thirteen genotypes of maize were tested in two confined bioassays (n=3). The first was to assess the susceptibility of each genotype. The second was with the enriched structure of the germ to gather information on damage and development of P. truncatus on this structure. Seven susceptibility parameters were recorded 7 and 60 days after infestation, and ten genotypes were selected based on a Susceptibility Selection Index, with five recognized as resistant and five as susceptible. HPLC-FLD was used to determine the content of tocopherols (δT, γT, and αT), and an ORAC assay was performed to measure the lipophilic antioxidant capacity among the ten genotypes selected. All Population 84 genotypes exhibited less damage by P. truncatus and were categorized as resistant. Three Population 84 genotypes were selected: P84C0Y (SI = 0.17), P84C4W (SI = 0.27; highest tocopherol content, 39.58 mg/kg; high L-AC, 429.04 μmol TE/g), and P84C4Y (SI = 0.51). Two selected genotypes previously recognized as susceptible were classified as resistant: Pink Creole (SI = 0.39; high tocopherol content 39.40 mg/kg; highest L-AC, 488.30 μmol TE/g) and Don Goyo (SI = 0.55). The most susceptible genotype was Red Creole (SI = 3.56; lowest L-AC, 205.48 μmol TE/g), the remaining 4 susceptible varieties selected were Peru2 (SI = 1.23), NAYA29B (SI = 1.07), Panchito (SI = 1.00; lowest tocopherol content, 11.21 mg/kg; low L-AC, 250.4 μmol TE/g), and Pozolero (SI = 0.97). Additionally, a strong correlation (p > 0.01) demonstrated that a short-length bioassay (7 days) can be comparable to a full-length bioassay (60 days). Both can measure a genotype susceptibility to P. truncatus based on weight loss, but only a full-length bioassay can provide information on adult emergence.