This study aimed to optimize the 3D printing parameters of salmon gelatin gels (SGG) using artificial neural networks with the genetic algorithm (ANN-GA) and response surface methodology (RSM). In addition, the influence of the optimal parameters obtained using the two different methodologies was evaluated for the physicochemical and digestibility properties of the printed SGG (PSGG). The ANN-GA had a better fit (R² = 99.98%) with the experimental conditions of the 3D printing process than the RSM (R² = 93.99%). The extrusion speed was the most influential parameter according to both methodologies. The optimal values of the printing parameters for the SGG were 0.70 mm for the nozzle diameter, 0.5 mm for the nozzle height, and 24 mm/s for the extrusion speed. Gel thermal properties showed that the optimal 3D printing conditions affected denaturation temperature and enthalpy, improving digestibility from 46.93% (SGG) to 51.52% (PSGG). The secondary gel structures showed that the β-turn structure was the most resistant to enzymatic hydrolysis, while the intermolecular β-sheet was the most labile. This study validated two optimization methodologies to achieve optimal 3D printing parameters of salmon gelatin gels, with improved physicochemical and digestibility properties for use as transporters to incorporate high value nutrients to the body.

Soil conservation is a critical aspect of sustainable agriculture. Damage to the physical, chemical, and biological structures of the soil decreases its fertility and disrupts native microbiota, leading to reduced nutrient availability, disruption of biological cycles (nitrogen and carbon), and a lack of protection against infections caused by fungal and bacterial pathogens. Therefore, the development of natural-origin fertilizers that are compatible with the soil microbiota and provide protective effects is essential. This work aimed to review the antifungal and antibacterial mechanisms of curcumin, a lipophilic bioactive compound of the Curcuma longa (turmeric) plant, and its potential application as a natural antimicrobial agent in agriculture. In general, the background information collected suggests that cell membrane weakening could allow the release of cellular material from microbial agents, through cell membrane rupture due to the inhibition of ergosterol synthesis, a key compound that allows maintaining the structure, fluidity, and permeability of the cell membrane. The review demonstrated that curcumin could have a potential practical application in agriculture due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties, with a more pronounced effect against fungi. This is attributed to the ability of curcumin to disrupts the fungal cell membrane and indirectly affect the proteins associated with it. Overall, this work highlights the promise of curcumin as a green alternative to conventional agrochemicals, while emphasizing the need for further research to develop and expand its agricultural applications.