Isolation and Characterization of Indigenous Acetobacter Strains from Cashew Apple and Their Potential Use in Vinegar Production

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Dear authors,,

Thank you for submitting the manuscript for Fermentation. I have attached my few comments and suggestions to further improve the manuscript.

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Comments on the Quality of English Language

The quality of English is fine

Author Response

Thank you very much for taking the time to review this manuscript. Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

I evaluated the manuscript entitled as: Isolation and characterization of indigenous Acetobacter strains from cashew apple and their potential use as vinegar producers in Côte d’Ivoire

I really liked the mansucript and it seems to have been well conducted. However, some adjustments are necessary before consider it to publication. Main concerns:

1) It's not necessary to mention Figure A1 in the introduction section. I think the representation Figure S1 is more appropriate to indicate a supplementary material. Also Table S1 instead of Table A1. 

2) Figures 3 and 4 can be put together and the quality need to be improved. 

3) Figures 6, 7 and 8 need to be improved in terms of representation. mimax is so low. Also names in the figures. 

4) The conclusion could be inserted in the end of Results and Discussion, finishing the manuscript (also Table 5) and a new conclusion need to be written because in the conclusion section should have main findings and future perspecties, only (whitout figures or tables, references or numbers, results). 

5) Table 3 should be discussed with references. 

6) Plleas, revise equations and units, for example:

g/(L h) is more appropriate (line 120)

n (%) in the lines 227-228

E0 - the zero should be subscript ecc

7) Avoid use we in the text, please, revise the entire text. 

Comments on the Quality of English Language

English is fine but I reccomend a revision in the text before to send a revised manuscript.

Author Response

Thank you very much for taking the time to review this manuscript. Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The submitted manuscript presents a study on the potential of cashew apples, a largely underutilized by-product of the cashew industry in Côte d'Ivoire, for vinegar production. The research effectively isolates and characterizes various acetic acid bacterial strains from the Acetobacter genus, which are crucial for vinegar fermentation.

 

Overall, the paper is prepared in a clear and concise way, presenting clear objectives, thorough methods, and significant findings that could contribute to both academic knowledge and practical applications in the food processing industry.

 

The methodology is robust, employing physiological and biochemical tests and phylogenetic analysis through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The results indicate not only the feasibility of utilizing cashew apples for vinegar production but also highlight the need for further exploration of these strains for commercial purposes.

 

I have only minor suggestions:

- The aim of the study should be rephrased. The novelty of the work should be also emphasized.

- Figures 6, 7, and 8 – the explanation for lowercase letters should be provided in the figure captions.

Author Response

Thank you very much for taking the time to review this manuscript. Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Authors addressed carefully the reccomendations. I am satisfied.