Solid-state fermentation (SSF) is used in enzyme and antibiotic production, bioethanol and biodiesel as an alternative energy source, biosurfactants with environmental goals, and the production of organic acids and bioactive compounds. The present project determined the quantity of secondary metabolites and the antioxidant activity of the extracts obtained by the solid-state fermentation of apple and agave mezcalero bagasse over 28 days, inoculated with the Pleurotus ostreatus strain. The extraction was carried out with three solvents: acetone and water (80:20 v/v), 100% methanol and 100% water. The results showed a higher presence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, total triterpenes and antioxidant activity in the apple bagasse from the SSF on day 21 in the extract of acetone and water (80:20 v/v), 100% methanol and aqueous; while the agave bagasse showed a significant presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids only in the aqueous extract. In conclusion, the presence of secondary metabolites exhibiting antioxidant activities from the solid-state fermentation in the residues of the cider and mezcal industry is an alternative use for wasted raw material, plus, it reduces the pollution generated from the agroindustrial residues.

In Mexico, the Ataulfo mango crop faces significant challenges due to anthracnose, a disease caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. The need to use eco-friendly fungicides is crucial to avoid the use of harmful synthetic chemicals. This study aimed to prepare chitosan nanoparticles through a simple and effective ultrasound-assisted top-down method, with high antifungal efficiency. The nanoparticles were prepared from chitosan (DD = 85%, MW = 553 kDa) and Tween 20 under constant sonication. The formation of the nanoparticles was initially confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy; and their physicochemical properties were subsequently characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The antifungal potential of the chitosan nanoparticles against the phytopathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides was evaluated with isolated fungi obtained directly from mango tissues showing anthracnose symptoms in the state of Guerrero, Mexico. The fungus was identified through SEM imaging, showing a regular and smooth conidial layer, with cylindrical shape (r = 2 µm, h = 10 µm). In vitro tests were conducted with three different concentrations of chitosan nanoparticles to assess their inhibitory effects. After seven days of incubation, a maximum inhibition rate of 97% was observed with the 0.5% nanoparticle solution, corresponding to a fungal growth rate of 0.008 cm/h. At this time, the control mycelial growth was 7 cm, while the treated sample reached a radius of 0.55 mm. These results demonstrated the antifungal effect of the nanoparticles on the membrane and cell wall of the fungus, suggesting that their composition could induce a resistance response. The inhibitory effect was also influenced by the particle size (30 nm), as the small size facilitated penetration into fungal cells. Consequently, the parent compound could be formulated and applied as a natural antifungal agent in nanoparticle form to enhance its activity. The method described in this study offers a viable alternative for the preparation of chitosan nanoparticles, by avoiding the use of toxic reagents.

Fungal biodiversity and ethnomycological knowledge are fundamental components of the biocultural identity of communities within the La Malinche National Park (PNM), a region of ecological and cultural significance in Mexico. This study documented the diversity of wild fungi and their uses in San Miguel Canoa, Puebla, through field excursions with local mushroom gatherers, interviews, and qualitative analysis. Key species such as Russula delica, Boletus aff. edulis, and Amanita basii were identified, playing a vital role in local gastronomy with traditional recipes like mole and pipián. Intergenerational knowledge transmission, crucial for identifying edible fungi and avoiding intoxications, highlights the importance of oral tradition. However, deforestation, illegal logging, and land-use change threaten fungal diversity, a problem exacerbated by the lack of effective conservation policies. The discussion highlights the interplay between biodiversity and culture, emphasizing the significance of the Wild Mushroom Fair organized by the Yolaltepetl collective as an effort to disseminate ethnomycological knowledge and promote the conservation of the PNM. Such community-driven initiatives represent a sustainable model that integrates environmental protection with cultural strengthening. The study concludes that protecting the PNM requires a holistic approach, merging ecological conservation with the recognition of biocultural knowledge. This is essential to preserve both biodiversity and cultural heritage, ensuring their sustainability for future generations.

La agroindustria genera cantidades importantes de residuos lignocelulósicos. Estos son utilizados como sustrato en la producción de hongos del género Pleurotus, que a través de la fermentación en estado sólido (FES) producen metabolitos secundarios. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la cantidad de compuestos fenólicos totales y la actividad antioxidante de extractos de metanol obtenidos de la FES en bagazo de manzana con la cepa Pleurotus ostreatus durante 28 días. La fermentación sólida se realizó en los días 0, 7, 14, 21 y 28 de los extractos de metanol. Posteriormente, se evaluaron el contenido de compuestos fenólicos totales y la actividad antioxidante por los métodos 1,1-difenil-2-picrilhidracilo (DPPH•) y 2,2’-azino-bis (3-etilbenzotiazolina)-6 sulfonato de amonio (ABTS+). Las 45 muestras fueron analizadas a través de un análisis de varianza y prueba de medias de Tukey. Los resultados mostraron la biosíntesis de compuestos fenólicos totales a partir del día 21 de la FES, con una concentración de 0,39 ± 0,07 mg equivalentes de ácido gálico/g sustrato en base seca (mg de EAG/g sustrato bs). La actividad antioxidante en ambos métodos también se manifestó en el día 21 con actividades equivalentes, de 342,10 ± 1,08 mg/mL para DPPH y 323,02 mg/mL en ABTS. En consecuencia, los compuestos fenólicos extraídos de la FES del residuo de manzana con la cepa P. ostreatus pueden considerarse como una alternativa de valorización de un subproducto que actualmente es considerado como un desecho agroindustrial.