Bioproducts Research Articles

PRODUCTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BIOBRIQUETTE FROM BIOMASS OF MANGO LEAF, SAW DUST AND RICE HUSK AS EFFICIENT ENERGY SOURCES FOR COOKING

The increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions has driven interest in alternative biomass sources for energy production. This study investigates the production and characterization of bio briquettes made from different biomass of mango leaves, sawdust, and rice huskusing limestone as binder. The objective is to evaluate the potential of these biomass materials as efficient energy sources for cooking. The bio briquettes were produced using a standard briquetting process, involving mixing, compaction, and drying. Various parameters including ultimate and proximate composition, calorific value, bulk density, hardness and durability as well as mechanical and combustion properties were analyzed to assess their performance. The results demonstrated that the bio briquettes exhibited high calorific values between 20753 to 20506 KJ/kg and high percentage of fixed carbon between 4.18 to 5.58 % which generally indicates good fuel performance.The results also indicated that the bio briquettes has low Sulphur content and high volatile matter content between 50.53 to 62.84 % an indication that they are ecofriendly and can easily burn to yield energy. The bio briquettes of mango leaves, sawdust, and rice husk not only leverages agricultural waste but also contributes to reducing dependency on non-renewable energy sources. This research underscores the potential of utilizing locally available biomass for sustainable energy solutions and offers insights into improving the efficiency of bio briquette production.

A new methacrylate-chitosan based blend and its ZnO containing nanocomposites: Investigation of thermal and biological properties.

Biobased materials are an important step towards a sustainable future. The need for these materials, which stand out in terms of their environmental and economic benefits, is increasing daily. This study includes the production of new bio based nanocomposites containing a blend of biopolymer chitosan (CS) and synthetic polymethacrylate derivative poly(2-oxo-2-(3,4,5-trifluoroanilino)ethyl-2-methylprop-2-enoate)(POTFAMA) and biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) by hydrothermal method. POTFAMA, POTFAMA-CS blend, and POTFAMA-CS/ZnO nanocomposites were characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDX, and TEM techniques. The thermal properties of the materials were determined by TGA and DSC. While POTFAMA reduced the thermal stability of CS, ZnO NPs incorporated into POTFAMA-CS blend increased the thermal stability. POTFAMA-CS blend had a single glass transition temperature (Tg) value at 116°C. The Tg of CS, which was 93°C, increased by 23°C after blending with POTFAMA, and by 34°C with the incorporation of 7% ZnO NPs. The biological properties of the prepared materials have been meticulously investigated. The inhibition zone of CS against C. albicans was 10.66±1.19mm, while that of the POTFAMA-CS blend was 13.70±1.54mm. After standard BHT at a concentration of 120μg/mL, the highest DPPH inhibition percentages belonged to POTFAMA (60.56%) and POTFAMA-CS (52.99%). It was detected that the wound closure rates of POTFAMA (17.51±0.75%) and POTFAMA-CS (15.51±2.52%) were better than the characteristics of CS wound closure (13.61±2.01%). The results suggest that POTFAMA-CS may be a good alternative as a wound-healing agent. Furthermore, nanocomposites containing 5% and 7% ZnO NPs can be an alternative material in healthcare due to their higher antimicrobial activity.

Producing Animal Originated Charcoal Production and its Characterization Analysis Compared to Brown Coal

On place research was conducted on a farm where cows were fed by a mixture of traditional pasturing and feed supply. Pyrolysis was carried out directly on the farm to produce a ready-to-use biochar product. The product of biochar after pyrolysis was mixed with an organic adhesive dopant into 100 gram processed products for commercial use. This processed product was analyzed by elemental analysis, proximate analysis, TGA, FTIR and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Data from these analyses was compared to those of brown coal Aduunchuluun, which is originally from the same place as the bio waste. Heavy elements content in biochar such as silicon, aluminium, sulphur, etc. is significantly less than compared to the brown coal. TGA and DTG analysis on the biochar product showed a total weight loss of 0.87%, where nearly 0.26% of the moisture was released in the temperature interval of 30 - 300°C, 0.46% of devolatilization occurred in 300 - 600°C, and 0.15% of mass loss in combustion reaction in 600 - 700°C. The residue after the thermal processing was minimal and consisted of hemicellulose and cellulose after volatilization. From the FTIR analysis, we see a disappearance of hydroxyl group vibration around 3400 cm-1 and carbonyl C=O stretching 1733 cm-1 from the biochar product compared to brown coal. The aromatic absorption near 1600 cm-1 is shifted to 1392 cm-1 in biochar. EPR spectrum of bio product consists of two lines, broad and narrow in the resonance field of ≈ 3500 Gs. Corresponding g-factor of narrow line and broad line 2.0022. It is calculated the spin numbers in biochar sample, that is compared to brown coal related data.

Mining of thermophilic biosurfactant producers for solid-state fermentation

Solid-state fermentation (SSF) is an emerging technology for organic waste valorisation to marketable bio products. SSF scale-up is hindered by heat transfer problems that could be diminished operating under thermophilic conditions. Compost samples collected from food waste composting facility in a primary school in Barcelona and textile industry sample from Faisalabad Pakistan were subjected to isolation of thermophilic biosurfactant producing microorganisms. Altogether 43 isolates were screened through biosurfactant qualitative screening, but 18 isolates dominated with promising results which were further shortlisted under solid-state culture to select the five significant performers belonging to Bacillus sp., Aspergillus sp., and Streptomyces sp. The performance of the five isolates in SSF was assessed in time course studies in 0.5-L packed bed bioreactor using winterization oil cake (WOC), wheat bran and glucose as substrates combined with wheat straw as support material. All five isolates colonized the substrate well in SSF systems and exhibited considerable glucose consumption and adaptation within the SSF setup. The fermentation extracts indicated promising surface-active properties as observed by emulsification and oil displacement analysis. These findings provide an effective enrichment strategy for screening of thermophilic biosurfactant producers and can aid establishment of the scale up for the enhanced metabolite production.

Combined bioprocess for fermentative hydrogen production from food waste: A review

Bio hydrogen is a cheaper, sustainable and safer source to produce fuel comparable to energy obtained from fossil fuels. There are many experimental methods to produce bio hydrogen using food wastes as substrates that are acted upon by specific bacterial and fungal strains. Some of the methods include batch-dark fermentation, solid-state dark fermentation, dark-anaerobic hydrogen fermentation and integrated light-dark fermentation. Different food wastes are used in these fermentation processes such as kitchen food waste, potatoes peels, sugary waste water, fish, meats, grains, cassava residues, corn pulp and starchy solution etc. These food wastes are rich source of main raw materials that are required for bio hydrogen production such as cellulose, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, lipids, starch, phosphorus, volatile solids, Published experimental and research approaches revealed that the use of mixed dark-photo fermentative bacterial consortium in flat photo bioreactors and fermenters resulted in higher yield. Combined dark-photo fermentation is an advanced and promising strategy for increasing overall yield of bio hydrogen.

Towards greener approach: Techno-economic insights into formaldehyde bio production from a hybrid pine and mustard biomass combination

In an era marked by environmental crises and dwindling fossil resources, the need to revolutionize industrial processes for sustainability is paramount. Formaldehyde synthesis, a pivotal precursor in industries spanning polymers, resins, and textiles, stands at a critical juncture where innovation and necessity intersect. Conventional methods of formaldehyde production, despite their efficiency, remain tethered to non-renewable feedstocks and energy-intensive techniques, perpetuating ecological harm and resource constraints. This study explores eco-friendly pathways for formaldehyde production. Recent strides in bio-based chemistry enable the creation of formaldehyde from renewable biomass, reducing energy use and carbon emissions. Decentralized production with locally sourced biomass boosts supply chain resilience and community-centered sustainability. The research employs Aspen Plus® software to model a two-step process: gasification of a hybrid pine and mustard biomass blend to produce bio-methanol, followed by its oxidation into formaldehyde. Sensitivity analyses demonstrate temperature's impact on syngas composition, with higher temperatures favoring hydrogen production. The air-to-biomass ratio affects carbon dioxide content and energy content, crucial for efficient energy production. In formaldehyde synthesis, the air-to-methanol ratio significantly influences yield. Economically, formaldehyde bio- production shows promise, with an 8.50% return on investment and a 22.16-year payback period. An annual net profit of $2.41 million is projected, with a break-even point at $53.47 million in total sales revenue. This research underscores the convergence of sustainability, innovation, and economic viability in formaldehyde bio-production, offering valuable insights for environmentally friendly chemical manufacturing and the broader transition to ecological progress.

Sustainable 3D printed poly (lactic acid) (PLA)/Hazelnut shell powder bio composites for design applications

In the context of seeking sustainable solutions for developing innovative materials and products by an efficient use of natural resources and recycling waste, with an increasing focus on circular economy and mitigating environmental impact, the presents research aims to use biomass and agricultural residues as raw materials for bio composite production. Specifically, valorizing European hazelnut waste presents a unique opportunity to devise innovative formulations for 3D printing, leveraging both the mechanical properties and aesthetic appeal of lignocellulosic bio composites. In detail, this work aimed at the investigation of new poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/Hazelnut Shell Powder formulations for 3D printing design applications exploiting the woody aesthetic effect of these bio composites. A pellet 3D printer was used to bypass the filament production. Three different Hazelnut Shell Powder content (from 10 up to 30 wt%) were investigated and a design of experiment was carried out to generate response surfaces able to identify the best printing conditions to optimize flexural, tensile and impact properties. Finally, the effect of three different raster angles (0°, ±45° and 90°) on the mechanical properties was investigated. The best configuration was: 220 °C of nozzle temperature, 25 mm/s of printing speed and ±45° of raster angle. With this configuration, prototypes of ornamental pots, jewellery and home furniture were produced as demonstrators.

Contamination and suitability of soils for growing bio products in Russia

The area of impact zones of industrial contamination, oil and oil products spills, motor vehicle emissions, radioactive substances, as well as pesticides and mineral fertilizers application on agricultural lands of the Russian Federation is calculated. The share of the territory under consideration in the total area of agricultural lands of the country does not exceed 3%. Soils in the zone of contamination influence are considered to be potentially polluted and should be included in the monitoring program of agricultural land. Soils outside the zone of influence of pollutant dissemination are uncontaminated. Regular monitoring of contamination of these soils should not be carried out, which will reduce the costs of monitoring. More than 97% of the Russian agricultural land is represented by uncontaminated soils and is suitable for the production of bio products. Regular monitoring of contamination of these soils should not be conducted, which will reduce the cost of the survey, including sample collection, preparation and analysis. In view of the lack of soil contamination, the transition to the cultivation of bio products should be based on declarative approach. In this case, bio production should meet the requirements of special cultivation technologies and the product quality standards.

General equations to estimate the CO2 production of (bio)catalytic reactions in early development stages

Global warming potential (GWP, kg CO2eq per kg product) is key to assess the greenness of reactions in LCAs. Equations are developed to estimate GWP, using available parameters like “conversion”, “substrate loading”, “reaction time” or “temperature.

Bio-foods through the prism of generations

One of the main problems faced by marketers in recent years is the study of food needs and their degree of satisfaction in different generations: the baby boomers, generations X, Y and Z. The four generations that make up a significant portion of today's workforce, their incomes and purchasing power pose different questions for marketers, so how to communicate with each of them to make marketing strategy effective. There is a noticeable gap in beliefs, consumer demands and lifestyles among their representatives. There are a number of studies that show and prove that the leading factors influencing the purchase decision process are different across generations. This paper explores and analyses the main factors influencing consumer choice and purchase of bio food products. It seeks to answer the question, which attributes of a bio food product are leading and provoking the implementation of its purchase? The study focuses on the factors that influenced the consumption behavior of the generational sample studied: education, income, price of the product, for whom the product is purchased. Beyond the suggested factors, other factors of a subjective and objective nature, as well as an imposed healthy, lifestyle are applicable over the consumer’s influence, behavior and choices of bio-foods.

Biology-Technology Interfaces – Refining the Core Principle of Biointelligent Systems

Biological transformation is a trend with high innovation potential and can be classified into three modes: bioinspiration, biointegration, and biointeraction. Particularly the latter describes the convergence of biology, computer science, and technology and aims to deploy so-called biointelligent systems that allow digital interaction between biological and technical subsystems. Biology-technology interfaces (BTI) form the core of biointelligent systems by connecting the living and the technical system. BTI include sensors and actuators that realize bidirectional information exchange. In this paper, we compare approaches found in literature and by conducting workshops with experts from different disciplines to refine the notion of BTI and illustrate this in examples. We found that the field has grown significantly in importance over the last 20 years and formed three application clusters from the technologies found, namely biocomputing, neuro-interfaces, and general control systems for (bio)production processes. Although many technologies are still at an early stage of development, great potential is apparent. In the future, their application in production should be evaluated from a technical and economic point of view and systematically pursued to foster biological transformation in the industry effectively.

Understanding the charge transfer dynamics in 3D–1D nanocomposites over solar driven synergistic selective valorization of lignocellulosic biomass: a new sustainable approach

An economical and sustainable approach for synergistic bio chemical production from non-edible biomass over redox photocatalyst deciphering the concept of biomass photo-refinery.

Evaluation of Antimicrobial Potential of Endophytic Fungi and GC-MS Metabolic Profiling of Cephalosporium sp., and Fusarium moniliforme

From last few decades, microbes gained special attention residing inside plant tissues, now called endophyte. Studies proved that these microbes are able to produce biologically active metabolites and effective candidates against various pathogens. Endophytic fungi are a source of natural therapeutic products. Therefore, endophytic Fusarium species are isolated from different plants. These endophytic Fusarium species showed a potential against common laboratory bacteria (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium and Bacillus subtilis). Fusarium moniliforme and Cephalosporium sp., were further selected to isolate compounds by GC-MS techniques. The mycelial extract of Cephalosporium sp., and oily fraction of filtrates of F. moniliforme revealed the presence of several therapeutic compounds based on the peak areas, molecular weights, Rt (retention times) and m/z (mass fragmentations). The major bioactive metabolites identified from these fungi are Cholest-22-ene-21-ol, 3,5-dehydro-6-methoxy-pivalate, Salicylamide, 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, Geranyl isovalerate, and diisooctyl ester, and reported to possess antibacterial, antioxidant, nematicidal, and antifungal potential. These results will lead to further in-depth research into the potential cause of plants endophytes interactions. The wide application of fungal origin bio products offers an effective prospect for discovering novel therapeutic agents in order to combat infectious agents as well as agricultural pests.

A panacea for environmental pollution: A review on role of biosurfactants in bioremediation

Environmental contamination is growing on daily basis, even though numerous corrective measures have been in practice but still it remains to be a major concern for protecting natural environment, ecosystem and well-being of living systems. Bio products and surface active substances derived from microorganisms and plants are having multiple roles in the environmental protection and cleaning. The amphiphilicity of biosurfactants (BS) causes hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions to come into contact with one another, changing the interfacial and surface tension between them. This phenomenon makes the recalcitrant pollutants more bioavailable and helps the microorganisms to degrade them easily. Additionally, the non-toxic, biodegradable and pH and temperature tolerance of biosurfactants make them better candidates for bioremediation. BS including rhamnolipids, surfactins, saponins and sophorolipids are extensively used for several environmental applications. BS are also used in various nanotechnological applications. BS mediated nano materials and agents are finding enhanced environmental applications than nanoparticles/ materials. This review highlights the numerous environmental issues addressed by using various biosurfactants as well as the methods and mechanisms adopted for the effective degradation and removal of hazardous pollutants.

Detection of Microbiological Contamination in Cell Cultures and their Raw Materials: a 6 years report of this activity.

Contaminations in cell cultures are a source of concern for biotechnology laboratories, bio products manufacturers and cell banks as they involve economical loss, time loss and non-valid results. The main issues are fungi, bacteria (including mycoplasmas) and viruses. In this study, we present a retrospective of cell cultures quality control and their raw materials carried out at INMETRO throughout 6 years. From 2014 to 2019, different cell lines and raw materials derived from LABIO, from partner institutions of research projects, or from cooperation agreements were assessed. The detection of mycoplasmas were made using the biochemical method MycoAlert Plus. Contamination by bacteria and fungi were detected by a microbiological culturing according to the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia. Among the 944 assays carried out to detect bacteria and fungi; 5.6% presented contamination. Among 1143 assays of mycoplasmas detection; 10.8% presented contamination. Regarding raw materials assessment, 0.7% and 7.7% were contaminated with mycoplasmas and bacteria/fungi, respectively. In total, 8% of all samples presented contamination: 5.6% by mycoplasmas, 2.4% by bacteria/fungi and 0.1% by both. The dissemination of Good Practices on Cells Culture, the availability of these assays and the support of the implementation given to laboratories which are interested have been our contribution to improve control quality in the activity of cell cultures.

Biochemical characterization of a novel bifunctional alginate lyase from Microbulbifer arenaceous

Bio‒production of alginate oligosaccharides (AOSs), a type of functional food additive, is a promising way for green utilization of algae, in which alginate hydrolyzing enzymes play a key role. A novel alginate lyase gene (MiAly17A) from a marine bacterium Microbulbifer arenaceous was heterologously expressed in E. coli. The coding sequence of the gene shared the highest identity of 86% with a polysaccharide lyase (PL) family 17 alginate lyase (AlgL17) from Microbulbifer sp. ALW1. The recombinant enzyme (MiAly17A) was purified and biochemically characterized. MiAly17A showed maximal enzyme activity at 40 °C and pH 7.5, respectively. It was stable at the temperatures below 35 °C and within pH 5.0–8.0. The enzyme activities were increased by 5.3 and 5.6 folds in the presence of 100 mM of K+ and Na+, respectively. MiAly17A was bifunctional and could hydrolyze sodium alginate to release unsaturated monosaccharides and oligosaccharides with degrees of polymerization (DP) 2–7. The enzyme catalyzed the cleavage of glycosidic bonds from the non-reducing ends and the backbone of the tested oligosaccharides (DP ≥ 4), exhibiting both exolytic and endo-lytic activities. Moreover, MiAly17A was used for the production of alginate oligosaccharides from sodium alginate, and the highest conversion ratio of 68% was obtained. The unique properties may possess the enzyme great potential for preparation of alginate oligosaccharides.

Potential of some microbial isolates on diesel hydrocarbons removal, bio surfactant production and biofilm formation.

Potential of Arthrobacter citreus B27Pet, Bacillus thuringiensis B48Pet and Candida catnulata to produce biosurfactant using four different carbon sources (naphthalene, hexadecane, diesel and petroleum crude oil) was investigated. Removal of petroleum crude oil from aqueous culture and degradation of diesel were also determined using single and mixed culture of strains. The biofilm existence in single and mixed culture of strains was considered using naphthalene, hexadecane and diesel in culture medium. Cell surface hydrophobicity of A. citreus was higher than other isolates which also showed maximum surface tension reduction and emulsification index. As a whole, remarkable biosurfactant production occurred using petroleum crude oil as a carbon source in medium. A. citreus was found to be more robust than other tested strains in removal efficiency of crude oil due to its biosurfactant production capability. Statistically significant positive correlation was observed between biofilm existence and surface tension using diesel and hexadecane as carbon source. Overall diesel biodegradation efficiency by the mix culture of three applied strains was about 75% within a short period of time (10 days) which was accompanied with high biofilm production.

Valorisation of Waste Bread for the Production of Yeast Biomass by Yarrowia lipolytica Bioreactor Fermentation

The increase in the wastage of bread, representing 12.5 million tons per year, causes ecological problems, such as the production of methane and CO2, when that waste bread (WB) is improperly managed. To reduce this ecological footprint, a more sustainable system of WB management must be set up. Based on its chemical composition, WB has a high potential to be used as feedstock for microbial growth and conversion into value-added bio products. The microbial valorisation of WB is a novel biotechnological approach to upgrading a waste into a renewable feedstock for bio-based industry, thus favouring the circular economy concept. Based on this, the aim of this study was to test WB as a feedstock for biomass production by Yarrowia lipolytica, which can be considered as a promising supplement for animal and human dietary products. The enzymatic hydrolysis of WB was primarily optimized for large-scale production in a bioreactor. The biomass production of Y. lipolytica strain K57 on WB hydrolysate-based media in batch bioreactor culture was then investigated. As a result, a very high starch to glucose conversion yield of 97% was obtained throughout optimised hydrolysis. At the end of 47 h of batch culture, a biomass higher than 62 g/L, specific growth rate of 0.37 h−1 and biomass yield of 0.45 g/g were achieved from a WB hydrolysate. Therefore, this study demonstrates that WB hydrolysate has a promising potential to be used as a feedstock for biomass production by Y. lipolytica strain K57 for food and animal diet applications.

Correlation Between Growth and Yield of Greengram in Drip Fertigation, Fermented Fish Waste, Fermented Egg Product Application under Aerobic Rice (Oryza sativa L.)-Greengram (Vigna radiata L.) Cropping System in Western Zone of Tamil Nadu

Background: The productivity of greengram (Vigna radiata L.) is not adequate to meet the growing global population since mostly all the leguminous crop grown under rainfed condition. In this regard, a research experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of bio fermented products with drip fertigation under aerobic rice (Oryza sativa L.) - greengram (Vigna radiata L.) cropping system. Methods: A field experiment was conducted at Wetland farms of Department of Agronomy, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore during 2019-21. For greengram Thirteen treatments with Randomized complete block design were imposed in which fermented fish waste and fermented egg product were applied through drip at vegetative stage and peak flowering stage. Surface irrigation was scheduled based on IW/CPE ratio of 0.5 with conventional application of fertilizers. Result: The experiment results revealed that application of drip fertigation @ 125% RDF+100% PE with FFW registered higher growth parameters (plant height, drymatter production, 50% flowering, LAI), physiological parameters (Crop growth rate, Relative growth rate, SPAD values), yield attributes, yield and cropping system analysis. The results of correlation analysis also showed that the grain yield was positively impacted by the yield parameters.

Antibacterial, antifungal, antifeedent and larval mortality percent of solvent extraction of mango kernel (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Totapuri

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is a seasonal fruit and is cultivated extensively in tropical and subtropical region in India and worldwide. The fruit is processed and mango pulp is extracted in fruit processing industries and kernel is unutilized as industrial waste. Hence, in the present study focused on Totapuri mango kernel cultivar was taken to utilize for bio product development. Soxhlet apparatus with different solvents was used for the crude bioactive compounds extraction from mango kernel powder. The extracted bioactive mass was evaluated for its antibacterial activity against bacterial strains such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella sonnei, Klebsiella pneumonia, Xanthomonas oryzae and Staphylococcus aureuss. Further, the extracted crude bioactive compound was tested for antifungal activity against Rhizactonia solani, Curvularia lunata, Alternaria alternate and Fusarium oxysporum. The antifeedent and larval mortality of Spodoptera litura and Helicoverpa armigera activity was studied using the bioactive compound extract. The Methanol Mango Kernel extract (MeOH MK) recorded growth inhibition zone for all the bacteria tested ranging from 21±0.31 to 24±1.55 mm. At 5 % MeOH MK crude extract concentration, the fungal mycelia growth of R. solani was inhibited by 92.90 ± 0.31 %. The highest percent of antifeedent activity was observed in 5% MeOH MK extract recorded as 77.37 %± 0.75 for S.litura and 55. 1.06 for H.armigera. The crude extract of MeOH MK at 5 % concentration recorded 17.8 %± 2.2 mortality rate for S. leutira larva and 100 % mortality rate for H. armigra. The MeOH MK extract was effective as antibacterial, antifungal, antifeedent and larval mortality.