Carlos Neftali Cano-Gonzalez , Raul Rodriguez-Herrera , Armando Quintero-Ramos , Adriana Carolina Flores-Gallegos , Francisco Castillo-Reyes , Sebastian F. Cavalitto , Dinesh Yadav , Juan Carlos Contreras-Esquivel
{"title":"Enzyme-assisted extraction of inulin from dahlia (Dahlia sp.) tuber with prebiotic activity","authors":"Carlos Neftali Cano-Gonzalez , Raul Rodriguez-Herrera , Armando Quintero-Ramos , Adriana Carolina Flores-Gallegos , Francisco Castillo-Reyes , Sebastian F. Cavalitto , Dinesh Yadav , Juan Carlos Contreras-Esquivel","doi":"10.1016/j.bcab.2026.103955","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bcab.2026.103955","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The dahlia tuber is a natural source of inulin, an important compound in healthcare. The objective was to assess enzyme-assisted extraction of dahlia inulin, along with its physicochemical characterization and biological activity. This generated an ecological and sustainable process, highlighting its high specificity for improving inulin quality and its focus on utilizing byproducts to produce value-added products. Enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE) was evaluated to release inulin extract from dahlia tubers at different levels of endo-polygalactutonase (units/g fresh weight), sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP), and pH. All factors significantly affected (p < 0.05), increase the inulin extraction yield. The highest yield was 8.28 % (wet basis) in the combination of 2.0 endo-polygalacturonase U/g fw, 1.0 g/L of SAP, and at pH 3.5. The degree of purity of inulin was high (>90 %) due to the physicochemical characteristics of the dahlia tuber and the properties of the EAE. This inulin extract contains 2.31 ± 0.04 % uronic acids, total phenols 38.38 ± 0.18 μg CAE/g, and primary amino compound 67.85 ± 1.15 μg/g dry sample. The determination of the prebiotic activity by substrate-induced respiration (SIR) indicated a production of 7.69 ± 0.02 and 7.55 ± 0.04 μgCO<sub>2</sub>-C/g/h for <em>Lactobacillus plantarum</em> and <em>Bifidobacterium lactis</em>, respectively. The concentration of occluded protein in inulin is low, which is attributed to a contribution to the DPPH radical scavenging activity in the inulin extracts. This reserve polysaccharide is demonstrated as an essential functional food additive for human health applications while promoting sustainability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8774,"journal":{"name":"Biocatalysis and agricultural biotechnology","volume":"73 ","pages":"Article 103955"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146187188","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Vermicompost as a sustainable biofertilizer enhances growth and antioxidant properties of the edible seaweed Caulerpa racemosa","authors":"Seto Windarto , Diana Rachmawati , Rosa Amalia , Diwyacitta Antya Putri","doi":"10.1016/j.bcab.2026.103965","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bcab.2026.103965","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Organic fertilizers such as vermicompost represent sustainable biofertilizers that can enhance biomass yield, biochemical quality, and bioactivity of high-value crops, including seaweeds. This study assessed the effects of vermicompost supplementation on the edible seaweed <em>Caulerpa racemosa</em> during 45 days of cultivation using five treatments: V0 (control, no vermicompost), V1 (125 g/m<sup>3</sup>), V2 (250 g/m<sup>3</sup>), V3 (375 g/m<sup>3</sup>), and V4 (500 g/m<sup>3</sup>). Parameters evaluated included growth performance, proximate composition, photosynthetic pigments, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS assays with IC<sub>50</sub> determination), nutrient use efficiency (NUE), sensory quality, and water quality. Moderate vermicompost application (V3) produced the highest biomass (147.67 ± 15.91 g) and specific growth rate (2.97 ± 0.21 %/day), while excessive supplementation (V4) limited growth. Fertilized treatments improved nutritional quality, with increases in protein (13.55 ± 0.45%), ash (47.41 ± 0.18%), and lipid content (1.22 ± 0.11%), alongside elevated chlorophyll (1547.97 ± 0.89 μg/g), carotenoid (308.81 ± 0.65 μg/g), and TPC (12.50 ± 0.04 mg GAE/g) levels. Antioxidant activity was significantly enhanced, with the lowest IC<sub>50</sub> values of 272.80 ± 1.17 ppm (DPPH) and 190.76 ± 3.47 ppm (ABTS). Sensory evaluation showed superior taste, color, crispiness, and overall acceptance in V4, while NUE was highest in V3 (92.2%). Water quality parameters remained within optimal ranges for seaweed cultivation. The improvement of growth, nutrient composition, and antioxidant activity in <em>C. racemosa</em> through vermicompost supplementation highlights its promise as a bio-based input for advancing seaweed biotechnology and eco-friendly agricultural practices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8774,"journal":{"name":"Biocatalysis and agricultural biotechnology","volume":"73 ","pages":"Article 103965"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146187191","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yuanyuan Li , Wenhao Liu , Jiawei Chen , Luanmei Lu , Xiaohuang Chen
{"title":"Flower color-driven phenolic profiling and antioxidant activity in four Ixora species: Insights into metal-phenolic interplay and environmental adaptation","authors":"Yuanyuan Li , Wenhao Liu , Jiawei Chen , Luanmei Lu , Xiaohuang Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.bcab.2026.103968","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bcab.2026.103968","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Phenolic compounds not only drive adaptive responses to environmental challenges but also hold untapped potential for applications in medicine and biotechnology. The <em>Ixora</em> genus, notable for its striking floral color polymorphism, emerges as a critical model system to decode the metabolic diversity of phenolics. In this study, flower samples were collected from cultivated four <em>Ixora</em> species (<em>I. dufifi</em>, <em>I. ccrsei</em>, <em>I. williamsii</em> and <em>I. coccinea</em>). Phenolic compounds were quantified using HPLC-MS, while antioxidant activities were evaluated via DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assays. Several chemical parameters have also been tested. Red flowers of <em>I. dufifi</em> exhibited extraordinary accumulation of epicatechin and anthocyanins, correlating with high Mn content and superior FRAP activity. Yellow flowers of <em>I. williamsii</em> prioritized catechin and p-hydroxycinnamic acid, reflecting adaptation to low pH and UV-B protection. Orange flowers of <em>I. coccinea</em> dominated in rutin, naringenin chalcone and dihydromyricetin, linked to elevated Cu/Zn levels and DPPH scavenging. Pink flowers of <em>I. ccrsei</em> uniquely accumulated protocatechualdehyde and caffeic acid, suggesting enhanced phenylpropanoid metabolism. Antioxidant capacity varied by assay: DPPH favored hydroxyl-rich phenolics in yellow/orange flowers, FRAP peaked in red flowers (epicatechin-driven), while ABTS remained uniform, suggesting conserved non-pigment antioxidants. Clustering and correlation analyses revealed metal-phenolic interplay and pH-driven metabolic divergence. Overall, flower color in <em>Ixora</em> species serves as a biochemical marker for phenolic specialization, reflecting ecological trade-offs in stress adaptation and resource allocation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8774,"journal":{"name":"Biocatalysis and agricultural biotechnology","volume":"73 ","pages":"Article 103968"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146186891","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Domestication-driven bacterial community shift during polylactic acid (PLA) enrichment and isolation of PLA-degrading bacteria from tropical agricultural soils","authors":"Chatsuda Sakdapetsiri , Worakawee Chumworathayee , Panarat Thongpoem , Radawan Seedam , Natthida Chotikawandee , Chayanon Thimyaingam , Chatrudee Suwannachart , Kanungnid Busarakam , Susakul Palakawong Na Ayudthaya , Vichien Kitpreechavanich , Thanasak Lomthong","doi":"10.1016/j.bcab.2026.104037","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bcab.2026.104037","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to isolate efficient PLA-degrading bacteria and develop a cost-effective biodegradation process using agricultural by-products. To achieve this, microbiome analysis was integrated with culture-based techniques to track community shifts during thermophilic PLA enrichment and guide the isolation of functional degraders. Post-enrichment analysis revealed the prevalence of Proteobacteria and Firmicutes, accompanied by a reduction in Actinobacteriota abundance. After enrichment, <em>Brevibacillus</em> and <em>Anoxybacillus</em> were predominant, with the unexpected enrichment of <em>Chelativorans</em>, a genus not previously reported in PLA-enriched communities. Four PLA-degrading bacteria, <em>Paenibacillus cisolokensis</em> LS7, <em>Streptomyces thermovulgaris</em> LS5-1, <em>Brevibacillus borstelensis</em> LS5-3, and <em>B. formosus</em> LS9-2 were isolated. <em>S</em>. <em>thermovulgaris</em> LS5-1 showed the highest enzyme production (0.17 ± 0.02 U/mL) at 50 °C, and was selected for process optimization. Optimal enzyme production (0.543 ± 0.03 U/mL) was achieved in a 3.0 L airlift fermenter at 50 °C and 0.5 vvm for 5 days, using 6.0 g/L of safflower seed as the inducer. The crude enzyme degraded PLA powder at a concentration of 5600 ± 110 mg/L after 72 h at 50 °C, as confirmed by FTIR and SEM analyses. These findings provide a solid foundation for developing temperature-resilient bioprocesses using agricultural waste streams. While further validation at pilot and field scales will facilitate broader implementation, the present results demonstrate the technical feasibility of thermotolerant PLA biodegradation and establish a scalable framework for advancing sustainable PLA waste management under elevated temperature conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8774,"journal":{"name":"Biocatalysis and agricultural biotechnology","volume":"73 ","pages":"Article 104037"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147612261","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Bruna Barnei Saraiva , Rogério Aleson Dias Bezerra , Rayanne Regina Beltrame Machado , Katiele da Silva Souza Campanholi , Monica Regina da Silva Scapim , Celso Vataru Nakamura , Geraldo Tadeu dos Santos , Magali Soares dos Santos Pozza
{"title":"Antimicrobial photodynamic activity of photosensitizers of natural origin against Escherichia coli in milk","authors":"Bruna Barnei Saraiva , Rogério Aleson Dias Bezerra , Rayanne Regina Beltrame Machado , Katiele da Silva Souza Campanholi , Monica Regina da Silva Scapim , Celso Vataru Nakamura , Geraldo Tadeu dos Santos , Magali Soares dos Santos Pozza","doi":"10.1016/j.bcab.2026.104028","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bcab.2026.104028","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to evaluate the phototoxic effects of riboflavin (RIB) and curcumin (CUR) against <em>Escherichia coli</em> (<em>E. coli</em>), both <em>in vitro</em> and in milk samples. Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) was tested in milk using irradiation on thin layers or continuous agitation. The impact of these treatments on the physical-chemical properties of milk was assessed. Notably, CUR displayed heightened efficiency, achieving the inhibition of 7 log CFU mL<sup>−1</sup> of <em>E. coli in vitro</em> at a concentration of 62.50 μg mL<sup>−1</sup>. This effect was attributed to membrane photodamage, leading to the release of cytoplasmic content. In the milk environment, the application of 250 μg mL<sup>−1</sup> CUR in conjunction with thin layer illumination yielded a reduction of 0.9 log CFU mL<sup>−1</sup> of <em>E. coli</em>. RIB also demonstrated phototoxic activity. Additionally, the thin layer irradiation technique had greater efficiency. Importantly, the applied treatments did not induce alterations in protein composition or oxidation. However, the illumination process did lead to lipid peroxidation. The concentration of photosensitizers (PS) influenced the color of the samples. Therefore, the PDI mediated by RIB and CUR is a technique with potential to reduce the <em>E. coli</em> count in milk as complementary processing for the food industry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8774,"journal":{"name":"Biocatalysis and agricultural biotechnology","volume":"73 ","pages":"Article 104028"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147612263","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Immobilization and biochemical characterization of glucose oxidase on a bimetallic-MOF: Improved stability, reusability, and efficient glucose bio-sensing","authors":"Arastoo Badoei-Dalfard, Dorsa Bahraman, Samira Iranmanesh, Zahra Karami","doi":"10.1016/j.bcab.2026.103962","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bcab.2026.103962","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Glucose oxidase (GOx) has gained considerable attention in biotechnology for biosensing and diagnostic applications, as well as in agriculture for extending the shelf life of produce and developing biopesticides. In the present study, a peroxidase-like bimetallic metal-organic framework (ZnMn-MOF) was developed as a support for GOx immobilization. The presence of two types of metal nodes in ZnMn-MOF significantly improved peroxidase-mimicking activity through the cooperative function of metal ions (Mn<sup>2+</sup> and Zn<sup>2+</sup>), effectively promoting the tandem reaction relative to monometallic MOFs. This enhancement was accompanied by a substantial increase in affinity for H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> and TMB, as indicated by low apparent <em>K</em><sub><em>m</em></sub> values of 0.056 and 0.174 mM, respectively. After GOx immobilization, morphological characterizations confirmed the successful construction of GOx@ZnMn-MOF, with an encapsulation yield of 85%. The optimal catalytic activity of GOx@ZnMn-MOF was observed at 40 °C and pH 4.5. Following a 4-h incubation period at 40 °C, GOx@ZnMn-MOF retained 86% of its activity, and after 14 days at 4 °C, it maintained 85% activity, demonstrating remarkable storage stability. Following ten cycles, the reusable GOx@ZnMn-MOF retained 84% of the initial activity. The biosensor showed colorimetric sensitivity for glucose detection, achieving a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.54 μM in the linear response region of 0.5-100 μM. In human serum glucose detection, the relative standard deviation ranged from 1.2% to 4.3%, with recovery rates ranging from 98.2% to 104.5%. Consequently, bimetallic GOx@ZnMn-MOF provides a simple and promising strategy for measuring glucose in biological samples.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8774,"journal":{"name":"Biocatalysis and agricultural biotechnology","volume":"73 ","pages":"Article 103962"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146187190","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Sustainable carotenoid production and agro-industrial wastewater remediation by Rhodotorula sp. through nutrient supplementation","authors":"Amonrat Kanokrung , Jakkaphun Nanuam , Sasiprapa krongdang , Nongnuch Srisuk , Chatkamon Singnoy , Apirak Wiseschart , Traimat Boonthai , Salinee Phonmat","doi":"10.1016/j.bcab.2026.103957","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bcab.2026.103957","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cassava wastewater (CW), a byproduct of cassava starch processing, contains substantial amounts of organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus and various essential minerals, making it a promising low-cost substrate for microbial cultivation. <em>Rhodotorula</em> species, classified as red yeasts, are recognised for biosynthesising carotenoids with significant biological functions, including provitamin A activity, antioxidant properties and potential anticancer effects. These compounds have wide-ranging applications in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. This study tested the hypothesis that nutrient supplementation enhances carotenoid production in <em>Rhodotorula</em> sp<em>.</em> TISTR 5089 was cultivated in CW. Batch cultivation was conducted under controlled conditions (initial pH 5.0, 150 rpm, 30 °C) for 168 h. The effects of various nitrogen sources, including ammonium sulphate, yeast extract and urea, at concentrations ranging from 1.13 to 4.55 g/L, selected based on preliminary optimization experiments, were systematically evaluated in combination with macro- and microelement supplementation. The highest biomass production (11.22 ± 0.11 g/L) and carotenoid yield (1262.03 ± 10.48 μg/L) were obtained when the medium was supplemented with 2.27 g/L urea and microelements. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed that the predominant carotenoids produced were <em>β</em>-carotene, <em>γ</em>-carotene, torulene, torularhodin and lycopene. Additionally, the cultivation process achieved a 62.92% reduction in chemical oxygen demand, indicating effective organic pollutant removal. These findings demonstrate the dual advantage of this bioprocess: sustainable production of high-value carotenoids and simultaneous bioremediation of agro-industrial wastewater. The use of CW as a fermentation medium offers a viable, eco-friendly approach for circular bioeconomy applications, particularly in regions with abundant cassava starch processing industries.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8774,"journal":{"name":"Biocatalysis and agricultural biotechnology","volume":"73 ","pages":"Article 103957"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146186893","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Green synthesis of Carbopol-silver nanoparticles using Hibiscus rosasinensis and Cymbopogon citratus: A synergistic in vitro and in vivo approach for accelerated wound healing in Swiss albino mice","authors":"Shivam , Tinku Gupta , Reena Badhwar , Ruchi Singh","doi":"10.1016/j.bcab.2026.103975","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bcab.2026.103975","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Chronic and acute skin wounds provide a substantial therapeutic issue, resulting in major financial and social consequences due to problems associated with delayed healing. In this study, we reported a novel, eco-friendly and cost-effective Quality-by-Design (QbD) optimised green synthesis approach to develop carbopol–silver nanoparticles using a synergistic combination of <em>Hibiscus rosa-sinensis</em> and <em>Cymbopogon citratus</em> (HC-CC AgNPs). The synthesized nanoparticles were extensively characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy, particle size, PDI, zeta potential, TEM and SEM to assess morphology. The unique combination of carbopol biocompatibility with the phytochemical reducing and stabilizing properties of <em>H. rosa-sinensis</em> and <em>C. citratus</em> resulted in HC-CC AgNPs with enhanced antimicrobial activity. The formulation was optimised using Box–Behnken Design, resulting in an average particle size of 129.9 nm, a low polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.139, and a stable negative zeta potential of −28.6 mV, indicating uniform, stable, and well-dispersed AgNPs suitable for topical application. The nanoparticles produced maximum ZOI values of 12 mm for <em>S. aureus</em> and 16 mm for <em>E. coli</em>, respectively, highlighting their potent antimicrobial properties. <em>In vivo</em> excision wound studies in mice significantly revealed accelerated re-epithelialization and accelerated wound closure process, achieving a remarkable healing efficiency (92 %) by day 17, surpassing control and marketed treatment outcomes. Histopathological analysis further supported these findings, showing enhanced granulation tissue formation, increased collagen deposition, and accelerated re-epithelialization. Overall, the study introduces a dual-plant-mediated HC-CC AgNPs system that integrates phytochemical synergy, sustained delivery, and superior biological efficacy, positioning it as a promising therapeutic agent for infected and chronic wound management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8774,"journal":{"name":"Biocatalysis and agricultural biotechnology","volume":"73 ","pages":"Article 103975"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147612259","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Biocatalytic upgrading of winged bean tuber by Candida tropicalis KKU20 for sustainable protein production: in vivo validation in cattle","authors":"Thiraphat Surakhai , Chanon Suntara , Pachara Srichompoo , Metha Wanapat , Sompong Chankaew , Anusorn Cherdthong","doi":"10.1016/j.bcab.2026.103961","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bcab.2026.103961","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Microbial bioprocessing offers an effective strategy to upgrade underutilized plant resources into value-added protein ingredients for agricultural systems. This study evaluated the effects of replacing soybean meal with yeast-fermented winged bean tuber (YFWBT), fermented using <em>Candida tropicalis</em> KKU20, on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, and rumen fermentation in Thai native beef cattle. Winged bean tuber was bioprocessed using the Crabtree-negative yeast <em>C. tropicalis</em> KKU20 as a microbial biocatalyst to enhance protein content and reduce structural fiber. The biocatalytic principle involves yeast-driven conversion of non-protein nitrogen and carbohydrates into microbial biomass, coupled with enzymatic modification of fiber fractions, resulting in improved protein availability and digestibility. Four male native cattle (287 ± 28 kg body weight) were assigned to a 4 × 4 Latin square design to receive concentrate diets in which soybean meal was replaced with YFWBT at 0%, 33%, 66%, or 100%. Rice straw was offered as the basal roughage. The experiment was conducted over four 21-day periods. Dry matter intake and nutrient consumption were not affected by dietary treatment (p > 0.05). However, digestibility of dry matter and organic matter increased from 59.73% to 64.94% at 33% replacement to 64.72% and 70.76% at 66% replacement, respectively (p < 0.05). Neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber digestibility also improved from 57.60% to 62.94% and from 53.97% to 60.83%, respectively (p < 0.05), with no further improvement at 100% inclusion. Rumen pH, ammonia-nitrogen concentration, protozoal populations, and volatile fatty acid profiles were not altered (p > 0.05). Blood urea nitrogen showed a numerical decline without statistical significance. These results demonstrate that <em>C. tropicalis</em> KKU20-based biocatalytic upgrading can produce a functional protein ingredient, with 66% replacement providing optimal <em>in vivo</em> performance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8774,"journal":{"name":"Biocatalysis and agricultural biotechnology","volume":"73 ","pages":"Article 103961"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146187146","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}