Bio-based Oil Research Articles

Development of Second-Generation Feedstock Towards Environmental Sustainability: Biobased Oil Extraction, Thermodynamics and Advanced Nonlinear Kinetic Modeling

Development of Second-Generation Feedstock Towards Environmental Sustainability: Biobased Oil Extraction, Thermodynamics and Advanced Nonlinear Kinetic Modeling

Bimetallic Rex-Ru/C catalyst for fatty acid esters to diesel-range alkanes under low temperature

ABSTRACT The hydrogenation of bio-based oil into biodiesel is a key strategy in reducing reliance on fossil fuels. However, efficient catalysts are needed to enable low-temperature hydrogenation reactions due to the current high-temperature requirement for bio-based oil hydrogenation. Here, bimetallic catalysts Rex-Ru/C for low-temperature hydrogenation of bio-based oils were prepared. The presence of Re oxides (ReOx) in the catalyst enhances the abundance of weak and medium acid sites, thereby facilitating the adsorption of H2. The DFT calculation shows the introduction of Re also improved the adsorption capacity of the catalyst for fatty acid methyl ester and H2. The Re0.25-Ru/C catalyst exhibits superior conversion, selectivity, and recyclability at low temperatures compared to the previously reported catalysts, achieving 100% conversion of methyl stearate with 100% selectivity toward n-heptadecane (C17) and n-octadecane (C18) (reaction conditions: 150°C, 4 h, 2.5 MPa H2). Moreover, the catalyst also shows excellent hydrogenation activity toward various fatty acids or esters, including methyl palmitate, stearic acid, and palmitate at low temperatures. The Re0.25-Ru/C catalyst showed consistent recycling performance over 9 cycles. The decline in catalytic performance of the catalyst was primarily caused by a reduction in ReOx content, resulting in a decrease in acid site concentration. Consequently, there was reduced adsorption of H2 and oil on the catalyst.

Recurrent discharges of non-petroleum substances from chemical tankers in Swedish marine Natura 2000 sites are against the aims of EU Directives.

The transport of non-petroleum substances such as vegetable oils, other bio-based oils and their refined products by chemical tankers is increasing worldwide. The majority of the non-petroleum substances carried by chemical tankers will have detrimental effects on the marine environment if accidentally spilled or discharged during tank washing procedures. Swedish Coast Guard aircrafts detected 233 discharges of floating non-petroleum substances in the Swedish territorial sea and Swedish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) between 2020 and 2023. The majority of the discharges, 84%, were detected in the EEZ. About 14% of the discharges were detected within protected marine Natura 2000 sites. Together, the detected discharges covered 1071 km2 of sea surface. Discharges in marine Natura 2000 sites covered 228 km2. We conclude that the regulations in the IMO MARPOL Annex II convention are not strict enough to meet the objectives of EU nature legislation regarding protection of sensitive seas areas.

Nanoparticle enhanced biolubricants: a study on thermophysical properties

This paper addresses the effect of CuO nanoparticle suspension on the physical and thermal properties of Pongamia pinnata oil and 20W50 motor oil. The obtained nanolubricants with CuO nanoparticles at concentrations of 0.01%, 0.02%, and 0.05% w/v were comprehensively tested for stability, viscosity, density, thermal conductivity, and specific heat capacity. The detailed studies on zeta potential reported that the nanolubricants of 20W50 motor oil were stable at 0.02%, whereas Pongamia pinnata oil established maximum stability at 0.01%. Viscosity studies at different temperatures revealed that viscosity decreases with an increase in temperature for both oils. However, it was noted that 20W50 motor oil was more viscous compared to Pongamia pinnata oil at all temperatures. From the results, it was witnessed that the incorporation of CuO nanoparticles showed an enhancement in thermal conductivity that was marked for Pongamia oil at higher temperatures but reduced specific heat capacity in both oils. The comparative study of the thermal and physical properties of a bio-based oil, Pongamia pinnata, with that of 20W50 commercial motor oil, infused with CuO nanoparticles, has not been reported so far. The detailed properties of nanolubricants regarding the different nanoparticle concentrations studied, along with the examination of Pongamia pinnata oil as an eco-friendly alternative to conventionally used motor oil, open new possibilities for bio-based nanolubricants. Besides, the performance for specific industrial applications, especially high-load machinery and systems under moderate temperatures, brings this work under a highly relevant framework for green lubrication technologies.

Assessing the effectiveness of bio-based oil in rejuvenating aged asphalt: a comprehensive physical, rheological, chemical, and mechanical examination

The utilization of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in flexible pavement construction and rehabilitation has gained significant traction, driven by the need to conserve limited natural resources. This study explores the effectiveness of bio-based oils derived from harvested crops as rejuvenators in asphalt mixtures containing 50% RAP. Comprehensive assessments were conducted, including penetration, softening point, viscosity and ductility tests, to determine the optimal rejuvenator dosage. Additionally, evaluations of rolling thin film oven (RTFO) aging, retained penetration and ductility, equivalent softening and breaking points, plasticity temperature range, stiffness modulus, complex modulus, and phase angle were performed. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Marshall immersion, and moisture susceptibility tests further validated the rejuvenator's efficacy in improving asphalt properties. The incorporation of 1.8% bio-oil significantly reduced the viscosity of the mixtures, enhancing workability. The rejuvenator effectively compensated for the loss of light components in aged binders, restoring the maximum and minimum temperature performance to levels comparable to virgin asphalt (VA). Mechanical testing revealed that bio-oil mitigated the aging effects of RAP asphalt, and the rejuvenated mixtures showed considerable improvements over both VA and non-rejuvenated RAP mixtures, where the rejuvenated specimens achieved 90.8 and 89.4% of retained strength index (RSI) values for 24- and 48-h immersion periods, respectively comparing with 88.9 and 86% post-immersion of VA for similar durations. These findings underscore the potential of bio-oil as a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for rejuvenating aged asphalts, paving the way for more sustainable asphalt production practices.

Synthesis of bio-based nanolubricant using bimetallic nanoparticles to mitigate the surface deterioration of low carbon steel for metalforming industry

Worldwide industries are drawing their attention to the usage of bio-based substances for their operational purposes. Herein, the bimetallic nanoparticles (Bi-MNPs) were synthesised using a unique combination of Zn–Cr in bio-based mustard oil by green route utilizing wet chemical approach. Synthesised Bi-MNPs (0.12–0.15 wt%) were employed in the synthesis of bimetallic bio-based nanolubricant (Bi-BNL), and the impact was also evaluated on low carbon steel (grade SAE1006). The reduction of Bi-MNPs was carried out by green reducing agents and their stabilisation was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Whereas, the synthesis of Bi-MNPs was followed by Surface plasma resonance (SPR), average size of Bi-MNPs which was about 60 nm and morphology was established using Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The efficiency of Bi-BNL and impact of Bi-MNPs on the stability of Bi-BNL was investigated by Dynamic light scattering (DLS), Zeta potential (ZP) and comparative study was carried out with reference lubricant. Interestingly, the kinematic viscosity (KV) values of the lubricants are quite compatible, and have linear relationsip with coefficient of friction which is very suitable to conclude the anti-friction and anti-wearing properties. The KV of bio-based oil was monitored under the criteria of standard test method ASTM D445, and the resultant value was compared with the reference oil. The stability of Bi-BNL and its interaction with low carbon metal sheet was also studied; the outcomes were very impressive due to no rust patches, oil spots and surface deterioration on the metal sheet. The paramount creativity of this research work is the modification of bio-based oil via Bi-MNPs for the synthesis of Bi-BNL that offers the best surface quality of low-carbon steel. Cumulatively, these findings of Bi-BNL could be open up new possibilities to explore the bio-based synthesis of lubricants on a comprehensive scale.

Plant-Based Oils for Sustainable Lubrication Solutions—Review

Traditional lubricants, often containing harmful chemicals and synthetic or fossil-derived oils, pose environmental risks by damaging ecosystems and threatening human health and wildlife. There is a growing demand for environmentally sustainable and cost-effective bio-based lubricants derived from renewable raw materials. These bio-based oils often possess natural lubricating properties, making them an attractive alternative to traditional synthetic lubricants. In addition to providing effective lubrication, they offer good biodegradability and minimal toxicity, which are essential for reducing environmental impact. However, the primary challenge lies in optimizing their performance to match or surpass that of conventional lubricants while ensuring they remain cost-effective and widely available. This paper reviews the general requirements for lubricants and explores how plant-based oils can be utilized to meet the diverse lubrication needs across various industries. Further, it highlights different approaches that can be used for further improvements in the area of plant-based lubrication through bio-inspired means, such as the use of estolides, wax esters, or erucic acid, as well as through additions of nanomaterials, such as nanoparticles, nanoclays, or two-dimensional films.

Beyond Plastic: Oleogel as gel-state biodegradable thermoplastics

The crisis of plastic waste highlights the urgent need for sustainable alternatives. Bioplastics are seen as a potential solution; however, challenges persist as many are still derived from petroleum, lack biodegradability, or fall short in essential properties such as mechanical strength, chemical stability, and ease of processing. This study pioneers the use of ethyl cellulose-based oleogels as bioderived and biodegradable thermoplastics. These groundbreaking bioplastics, obtained from renewable sources and waste oils, represent an environmentally friendly and high-performance alternative to traditional plastics. The bioplastic named OleoPlast is processed at temperatures ranging from 130 to 165 °C, utilizing different biobased oils and adjusting the oil-to-polymer ratio from 10:3.5 to 1:2. This process yields a high level of versatility, offering broad opportunities for customized applications in both research and industry. Remarkable stability under harsh environmental conditions and biocompatibility pave the way for the adoption of such bioplastics in biocomposite structures, food packaging, green electronics, and tissue engineering. Scalability is ensured by compatibility with both large-scale and high-resolution manufacturing processes, including injection and compression molding, computer numeric control (CNC) milling, and 3D fusion deposition modeling.Overall, this work lays the foundation for a new class of gel-state bioplastics, favoring the transition from traditional thermoplastics to sustainable options with vast perspectives of further exploration and customization in both laboratory and industrial environments.

Utilizing bio-based and industrial waste aggregates to improve mechanical properties and thermal insulation in lightweight foamed macro polypropylene fibre-reinforced concrete

This research intends to examine the potential of incorporating waste materials in place of coarse aggregates to augment the mechanical characteristics and thermal insulation of lightweight foamed concrete (LWFC), along with the inclusion of polypropylene (PP) fibres. The PP fibre exhibits excellent tensile strength and enhancement on thermal insulation properties of cementitious materials. In this study, eco-friendly bio-based oil palm shell (OPS) and robust solid polyurethane (SPU) aggregates derived from industrial waste were utilized as substitutes for conventional aggregates. Additionally, silica fume was partially incorporated as supplementary cementitious materials. The addition of PP fibre impacted the workability of the LWFC with the inverted slump value decreased by 1.7 %–17.5 %. The inclusion of PP fibre proportion increased from 0 % to 0.5 % revealed a positive result in mechanical properties and thermal insulation performance. The OPSSPU/0.5 showed the significantly increment of 40.4 % compressive strength, 102.9 % of splitting tensile strength, and 70.8 % flexural strength, respectively. The optimum result was obtained in the OPSSPU/0.5 mixture, which exhibited 3.74 MPa residual compressive strength. Furthermore, utilizing PP fibres brought about a significant reduction in thermal conductivity in the environmentally sustainable LWFC, leading to improvements ranging from 0.2 % to 16.3 % when compared to the control composition. Thus, these findings are essential for encouraging the adoption of such practices in the construction industry and contributing to the reduction of environmental impacts associated with sustainable concrete production.

Antimicrobial treatments with chitosan microencapsulated angelica (Angelica archangelica) and marsh Labrador tea (Rhododendron tomentosum) supercritical CO2 extracts in linen-cotton jacquard woven textiles

In this study antimicrobial linen-cotton jacquard textiles were manufactured using green chemistry methods. The functionalization of the fabrics was executed by impregnating chitosan microencapsulated bio-based oils from angelica ( Angelica archangelica L.) (AAC) and marsh Labrador tea ( Rhododendron tomentosum Harmaja) (MLTC) obtained with pilot scale supercritical carbon dioxide extraction. The chemical compositions of the extracts of angelica and marsh Labrador tea were analyzed by a combination of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The antimicrobial activities of the extracts, AAC and MLTC microcapsules, and the microencapsulated textiles (AAC and MLTC textiles) were analyzed against gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative Escherichia coli bacteria, dimorphic yeast Candida albicans and filamentous mold Aspergillus brasiliensis. The AAC textile proved 40% inhibition against S. aureus, whereas the MLTC textile demonstrated 43.8% and 51.7% inhibition against both S. aureus and E. coli, respectively. Although the chitosan shell material itself indicated mild activity against both bacterial strains, the extracts increased the antibacterial activities in microencapsulated textiles. In addition, the antifungal impact of the MLTC textile was demonstrated against A. brasiliensis. According to the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflection and field emission scanning electron microscopy analyses, covalent bonding between the microcapsules and textile fibers was established with citric acid as a cross-linker. The antimicrobial activity was also shown to persist in the MLTC textiles after six domestic washing cycles.

Green roads ahead: a critical examination of bio-bitumen for sustainable infrastructure

Non-renewable nature and continuously increased consumptions of bitumen is a serious challenge for the development of infrastructure, especially for the constructions and maintenances of asphalt pavements. To cope with this situation, some sustainable strategies are needed. Extensive efforts have been made to improve the resilience, sustainability and circularity of asphalt pavements. Among them, the utilisation of bio-based materials is one of the most promising measures. This paper systemically reviewed the state-of-the-art knowledge in the development of bio-bitumen. Wood-based oils, waste cooking oils and manure-based bio-bitumen were selected as the review objectives. It was revealed that all bio-based oils currently being used are more suitable for serving as additives like softeners, rejuvenators, or modifiers rather than as alternative of binders. One of the most promising utilisations of bio-oils is as rejuvenators, potentially antioxidants as well. Incorporating polymers with bio-oils is another feasible practice to improve the performance of bio-bitumen. Causation should be taken when producing bio-based bitumen since compatibility might have some kind of influence on the performance and this issue should be addressed carefully.

Influence of Processing Oil Content on Rubber-Filler Interactions in Silica/Carbon Black-Filled Natural Rubber Compounding

To ensure the production of high-quality rubber products, establishing effective compatibility and robusting interactions between rubber and fillers is crucial. Since the rubber production industry faces significant environmental challenges, sustainability is becoming a necessity in the rubber business. Various materials, such as the presence of processing aids, might influence rubber-filler and filler-filler interactions. Petroleum oil as general processing oil has environmental issues, thus it is urgent to replace it with bio-based oil. This study addresses these concerns by investigating the impact of paraffinic oil and bio-based oil content on the interactions between silica/carbon black and natural rubber chains. Ranging from 0 to 10 phr, different dosages of these oils were employed. The rubber compound underwent milling using two rolled laboratory open mills post-blending with a laboratory internal mixer. Subsequently, mechanical properties were assessed. A Rubber Processing Analyzer was utilized to characterize interactions between uncured and cured silica/carbon black-filled natural rubber blends. The results revealed that all variations were distributed uniformly. Tan Delta results confirm that a chemical with a high bio-based oil concentration is easier to process. The carbon black with the largest peak of modulus values at low strain has the highest reinforcing or the poorest dispersion. Compounding with paraffinic oil has a high peak modulus value, resulting in poor dispersion when compared to bio-based oil. This research sheds light on the potential of bio-based oils as an eco-friendly alternative in rubber processing, contributing to sustainability efforts in the industry.

Data-driven representative models to accelerate scaled-up atomistic simulations of bitumen and biobased complex fluids

Automated generation of data driven representative models of bitumen-like materials for large scale atomistic simulations.

Characterization and Design of Circular Binders

The concept of a circular economy, where waste materials are transformed into valuable resources, is gaining increasing attention. However, many waste streams are difficult to recycle due to their mixed composition and broad molecular distribution. This paper explores the potential of repurposing mixed materials, specifically focusing on creating a circular alternative to bitumen, a fossil-based binder used in road construction. The molecular weight and composition of bitumen are analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) and infrared spectroscopy (IR). This study proposes using waste plastics and bio-based oils to develop a paving binder with similar molecular distribution. Various plastic types, such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), isotactic polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), are examined for their compatibility with different oils. It is observed that the compatibility of both the molecular weight and composition between the plastic and oil is crucial for the successful dissolution and homogeneity of the binder. Additionally, the crystallinity of the plastic plays a role in the flexibility and durability of the resulting binder. It is demonstrated that by carefully selecting waste materials and understanding their molecular characteristics, it is possible to create circular alternatives to fossil-based materials like bitumen. This approach has the potential to reduce waste, lower dependence on fossil resources, and contribute to sustainable and circular construction materials.

Modulation of yeast oil production by Pseudozyma parantarctica CHC28 using xylose and organic acids and its conversion feasibility to bio-polyurethane foam

Bio-based oil resources are key raw materials for sustainable bio-polyurethane (BPU) foam production, while yeast oil (YO) is an interesting material to replace vegetable oils in BPU foam formation. Enhancement of YO production performance has recently attracted increased interest using oleaginous yeast Pseudozyma parantarctica CHC28, performed in a xylose-based oil production medium (X-OPM). The fatty acid profiles of YO were determined, and the feasibility of YO conversion to BPU foam was investigated. Results showed that initial xylose concentration in X-OPM significantly influenced growth and YO production of CHC28. Highest biomass and YO were obtained as 11.86 ± 0.23 and 3.36 ± 0.01 g/L, respectively, at 40 g/L xylose. Xylose utilization increased YO formation by 24.4% compared to glucose at similar initial concentration. YO production was negatively affected under co-carbon source cultivation, while using different glucose and xylose mixing ratios did not affect yeast growth and YO production. Adding 1 g/L acetic acid enhanced YO concentration by 30.7%, corresponding to 42.1 ± 2.8% oil content, mainly composed of C:16 and C:18 fatty acids at 87.8%. YO conversion to BPU foam was successfully achieved as an alternate method to synthesize BPU foam.

Preservative Potential of Biobased Oils on the Physiochemical Quality of Orange Fruits during Storage

In recent times, there is an increasing global interest in the consumption of safe, healthy fruits and juices without synthetic materials and preservatives. The objective of the study was to evaluate the physiochemical quality of Valencia, Ibadan sweet, and Washington varieties of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) fruits in response to eucalyptus leaves, orange peels, and their combination during 30 days of storage at ambient 25°C and 80-85% relative humidity. The experimental design was a 4 × 3 factorial design in a completely randomized design. The results showed that orange fruits coated with the combined oils of eucalyptus leaves and orange peels significantly ( P ≤ 0.05 ) delayed weight changes, firmness, titratable acidity, total soluble solids concentration, vitamin C content, and higher acceptability with extended shelf life compared to uncoated control fruits. Valencia (V1) exhibited a significant beneficial effect of the biobased oils treatment on weight, firmness, and vitamin C content. In Ibadan sweet (V2) fruits, biobased oils enhanced titratable acidity with relatively better total soluble solids and marketability. Biobased oils are known to reduce fruit weight loss by limiting respiration rate. It was concluded that the combined biobased oil had the best effect on keeping citrus fresh. These findings provide a practical basis for the application of combined biobased oil as an effective preservative to improve the storage quality of citrus fruits.

Method development and validation for accurate and sensitive determination of terpenes in bio-based (citrus) oils by single quadrupole gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS)

Studies for the utilize of valuable components such as terpenes in essential oils of citrus and similar valuable wastes to the environment have been progressively proceeding in recent years. This study presented the method development and validation studies for simple, accurate and sensitive determination of twenty-four terpenes in bio-based (citrus) oils by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The validation study covered the parameters of linearity of the matrix-matched calibration curve, sensitivity (the limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantification (LOQ)), accuracy (recovery), precision, matrix effect, and measurement uncertainty. In the method development, all terpenes had the best chromatographic conditions at 250 °C inlet temperature, 1:15 split ratio, and 2 µL injection volume with a few exceptions. The measurement range had dynamic linearity between 0.50 mg/L and 100 mg/L in the calibration curves possessing a higher than 0.996 correlation coefficient for all terpenes. The LODs for all terpenes were obtained to be in the range of 0.08 mg/L and 0.16 mg/L, and the ranges of LOQ for terpenes were determined from 0.24 mg/L to 0.48 mg/L. Recoveries for accuracy ranged from 80.86% to 93.17% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) below 15% (3.28–10.19%). In precision, acceptable recovery (average: 86.13%, ranging from 79.84% to 97.29%) and RSD values (average: 7.14%, ranging from 1.70% to 13.90%) were obtained for all terpenes at three different concentrations. D-Limonene (58.56–78.08%), Myrcene (8.19–17.21%), Valencene (0.09–5.91%), Linalool (0.45–2.99%), Beta-Ocimene (0.36–2.86%), Nerol (0.19–7.98%), and Alpha-Pinene (0.38–1.47%)are the most abundant terpenes in real samples. These results indicate that this method represents an effective, reliable, and lower cost alternative to current-use analysis methods for terpenes in bio-based (citrus) oil samples.

Antifungal Potential of biobased oils from Citrus sinensis Peels and Eucalyptus globulus leaves in vitro against fungal isolates

Biobased oils found in the leaves of many plants used as coating materials for the preservation of fruits influence the handling of citrus fruits. The effectiveness of these oils on the target organisms is associated with the ability to develop resistant strains. In the present study the antifungal activity of the biobased oils obtained from orange peel and eucalyptus leaves against Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Rhizomucor pusillus and Penicillium citrinium was tested at various concentrations in vitro. Sample fruits showing signs of decay during postharvest storage were selected for isolation and identification of the fungi. A serial dilution method was applied at 10 fold for fungi isolates and concentrations were plated onto Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) media 15 mL. The plates were incubated at room temperature (28 °C) and observed every 24 hrs for possible microbial growth. The pour plate method was used to investigate the antifungal activity of the oils on the test fungi in vitro. The results indicate a continuous decline in the inhibition of the biobased oil treatment during the period of inoculation. The interaction effect of the different biobased oil, their concentrations and the different isolates was significant (P ? 0.05) from day 1 to day 7 during the inoculation. The combined orange peels and eucalyptus leaves at 100% concentration recorded (69.35%) as the highest percent of inhibition which was significantly higher than all other interactions. The least percent inhibition was found with orange peels biobased oil at 1:1 v/v concentration against Aspergillus flavus (24.23 %). Biobased oils at full strength from eucalyptus combined with oil from orange peels demonstrated significant potential against Penicillium citrinium. This research revealed the potential antifungal properties in vitro of the biobased oils against pathogenic fungi. These findings provide the basis for the application of combined biobased oil as an effective antifungal remedy against pathogenic fungi.

Exploiting poly(ε-caprolactone) grafted from hydrohydroxymethylated sunflower oil as biodegradable coating material of water-soluble fertilizers

In the present study, hyperbranched poly(ε-caprolactones) were prepared and used as coating materials to prepare slow release diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizer. Firstly, the sunflower oil was hydrohydroxymethylated by one-pot two-step process using Rh(acac)(CO)2 as catalyst, and triethylamine as ligand. Next, the bio-based hyperbranched poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) were prepared in open air by in-situ ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone using hydrohydroxymethylated sunflower oil as macro-initiator and tetra(phenylethynyl)tin (Sn(C ≡ CPh)4) as catalyst. The structures of the prepared polymers (SFO-O-g-PCL) were confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and the infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Furthermore, molecular weight values around 20.000 g.mol−1 of PCL grafted in SFO-O-g-PCL were obtained, the thermal stability and morphology of the coated film were also evaluated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) respectively. The hydrophobic character of the films prepared from SFO-O-g-PCL was confirmed by measuring the contact angle of water droplets. In the second part, the DAP granular fertilizers were uniformly coated by the prepared material (SFO-O-g-PCL) using a laboratory rotary drum. Then the slow release performance in water of the coated and uncoated DAP fertilizer granules was evaluated by tracking the cumulative concentration of P2O5 released. Thus, it was found that only 10 % of P2O5 was released after 2 h of essay from the coated DAP compared to a total release of P2O5 from uncoated DAP (conventional fertilizer) during the same period. This finding opens a wide perspective to combine the advantages of hydrophobic polyesters and bio-based oils to produce biodegradable coating agents.

Insights into the extraction, characterization and antifungal activity of astaxanthin derived from yeast de-oiled biomass

The increasing popularity of bio-based oil in fuel, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industry has led the path of innovations where microbes are exploited as an alternative source. Thus, complete valorizationof left-over microbial biomass generated during these industrial fermentations will also address the environmental concern of its disposal. In line, current investigation utilizes residual de-oiled (lipid extracted) biomass of red oleaginous yeast, Rhodosporidium paludigenum for astaxanthin (AST) production and compares various cell disruption methods; conventional extraction, ultrasonic homogenization, cryogenic treatment for its efficient recovery. Among all, cryogenic treatment was found most promising and resulted in the highest AST yield ( ∼ 7.1 ± 0.72 mg/g wet cell weight) with improved extraction efficiency (47.94 %). The sub-zero temperature during this method facilitated complete homogenization of cells as well as helped to maintain the structural and functional integrity of recovered AST. Furthermore, the mechanistic insights in the antifungal action of extracted AST was also elucidated in C. albicans and C. glabrata . The data suggested that AST mediated reductive stress in biofilm cells interfered with intracellular signalling and resulted in membrane porosity, mitochondrial dysfunction leading eventual cell apoptosis. Conclusively, outcomes of this study propose a sustainable approach for AST extraction from de-oiled yeast biomass with detailed insight into its therapeutic activity. • Yeast de-oiled biomass used to produce astaxanthin (AST). • Cryogenic treatment and conventional methods are discussed for cell lysis. • Recovered AST showed comparable antioxidant activity with standard form. • Future directions on development of AST as antibiofilm agent are proposed.