Browsing by Author "Pizarro, Francisco"

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    Coupling kinetic expressions and metabolic networks for predicting wine Fermentations
    (WILEY, 2007) Pizarro, Francisco; Varela, Cristian; Martabit, Cecilia; Bruno, Claudio; Prez Correa, J. Ricardo; Agosin, Eduardo
    Problematic fermentations are commonplace and cause wine industry producers substantial economic losses through wasted tank capacity and low value final products. Being able to predict such fermentations would enable enologists to take preventive actions. In this study we modeled sugar uptake kinetics and coupled them to a previously developed stoichiometric model, which describes the anaerobic metabolism of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The resulting model was used to predict normal and slow fermentations under winemaking conditions. The effects of fermentation temperature and initial nitrogen concentration were modeled through an efficiency factor incorporated into the sugar uptake expressions. The model required few initial parameters to successfully reproduce glucose, fructose, and ethanol profiles of laboratory and industrial fermentations. Glycerol and biomass profiles were successfully predicted in nitrogen rich cultures. The time normal or slow wine fermentations needed to complete the process was predicted accurately, at different temperatures. Simulations with a model representing a genetically modified yeast fermentation, reproduced qualitatively well literature results regarding the formation of minor compounds involved in wine complexity and aroma. Therefore, the model also proves useful to explore the effects of genetic modifications on fermentation profiles.
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    Exploring the applicability of MIR spectroscopy to detect early indications of wine fermentation problems
    (ELSEVIER SCI LTD, 2008) Urtubia, Alejandra; Perez correa, J. Ricardo; Pizarro, Francisco; Agosin, Eduardo
    In this study we explore the applicability of MIR technology to detect early indications of wine fermentation problems. An oenologist could improve the chances of a vinification process finishing optimally if anomalies are detected early. A comparative analysis of three fermentations with artificial musts was performed; one of normal behaviour, one subject to a temperature gradient, and the third deficient in assimilable nitrogen. We tracked each fermentation through changes in spectra in addition to changes in must composition. It was easier to detect anomalous behaviour by monitoring wine metabolite concentrations than through direct spectra analysis, nevertheless, calibrations needed to be derived from fermenting must samples and so cost more. All measured compounds (glucose, fructose, ethanol, glycerol, succinic and acetic acids) exhibited behavioural changes at 30 h of fermentation in nitrogen deficient musts. Temperature deviations were reflected in the anomalous behaviour of ethanol, glycerol, succinic acid and acetic acid. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.