Box-Behnken Experimental Design Research Articles

Enhancing the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infections: A nanosystem with including dual antimicrobial peptide

The unique properties of nanoparticles (NPs) and their modification to selectively target infected tissues or specific pathogens could be an effective approach to revolutionize the treatment of infectious diseases. The objective of this study was to develop poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles loaded with an antimicrobial peptide (HF-18) and decorated with an antimicrobial peptide (P6.2) for selective targeting against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Applying the Box-Behnken experimental design, HF-18 loaded PLGA nanoparticles were produced and optimized to have minimum particle size and polydispersity index (PDI) value by selecting primary water phase volume, organic phase volume and secondary water phase volume as independent parameters. Secondary water phase volume had the most significant effect on particle size and PDI. OPT-NP was more effective than HF-18 against most bacterial strains. The non-targeted (OPT-NP) and targeted (P6.2-OPT-NP) systems were shown to be biocompatible at levels that exhibited antibacterial activity. The P6.2-OPT-NP was predominantly taken up by S. aureus, while Escherichia coli (E. coli) used as a negative control showed minimal uptake. Furthermore, co-culture studies indicated that P6.2-OPT-NP was drastically uptake by S. aureus, while no internalized nanoparticles were visualized in fibroblast cells indicating active targeting of bacterial cells by P6.2-OPT-NP. Thus, these findings demonstrate the development of a formulation that selectively targets S. aureus, presenting promising prospects for future therapeutic applications.

Development and validation of high-performance liquid chromatography method for the simultaneous quantification of rivastigmine hydrogen tartrate and asiaticoside co-loaded in niosomes: A Box–Behnken design approach

Rivastigmine hydrogen tartrate (RHT), a reversible cholinesterase inhibitor, is considered as the first-line therapy for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Asiaticoside (AS), a pentacyclic triterpenoid saponin, is well known as cognitive enhancer due to its antioxidant effect. Based on the hypothesis of their synergistic therapeutic potential, RHT and AS were co-encapsulated in niosomal formulation. A simple, precise, and accurate high-performance liquid chromatography method was developed for simultaneous quantitative analysis. The chromatographic parameters were optimized by Box-Behnken experimental design. The separation was performed on a reversed-phase Phenomenex C18 (150 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) column at 30 °C under the UV detection of 210 nm. The optimized mobile phase consisted of a mixture of 20 mM potassium dihydrogen phosphate buffer (pH 2.6) and acetonitrile (72:28 % v/v) under the isocratic mode at the flow rate of 0.9 mL/min. The developed method was fully validated under the ICH guidelines and could be successfully applied for simultaneous quantitative analysis of RHT and AS in niosomal formulation.

Chemical recycling of post-consumer poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) driven by the protic ionic liquid 2-HEAA: Performance, kinetics and mechanism

The circular economy is a paradigm for the upcoming industrial era, in which plastic wastes must be focused on as new resources. Chemical valorisation permits deepening into waste-to-gate schemes by obtaining new chemical platforms to be reintroduced in the production market. In this context, the potential of the protic ionic liquid 2-hydroxyethyl ammonium acetate (2-HEAA) to be used as a homogeneous catalytic co-solvent for the glycolytic conversion of post-consumer poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) was validated from different perspectives. Studies were performed for the reaction triplet framed under the experimental conditions (i) temperature T [160,170,180 ºC], (ii) plastic-to-solvent mass ratio P/S [1:3, 1:4,1:5] and (iii) plastic-to-ionic liquid mass ratio P/IL [2:1, 2:2, 2:3]. The reaction was confirmed in terms of the transformation of PET into BHET (bis(2-hydroxyethyl terephthalate) and a proposal of mechanism induced by the amine group of the 2-HEAA is given. The thermal kinetics were modelled and a first-order equation and an apparent activation energy of 60.5 kJ·mol-1 were obtained. A statistical Box-Behnken design of experiments explained the relationship between the factors of the glycolysis triplet by a response surface, with a maximum around {T = 170 ºC, P/S = 1:3.75 and P/IL = 2:1.75}, being T and P/S statistically relevant, whereas only the presence of 2-HEAA and not its amount P/IL was significant. Finally, the reusability of 2-HEAA after 90-min glycolytic chemical valorisations was confirmed up to 4 cycles. The results position 2-HEAA as a promising catalytic co-solvent for the scale-up of chemical valorisation of PET.

Parametric analysis of sloshing in concrete liquid storage tanks: a FE-SPH coupled approach with Box-Behnken design of experiments

Parametric analysis of sloshing in concrete liquid storage tanks: a FE-SPH coupled approach with Box-Behnken design of experiments

Optimization of bromocresol green degradation using ozone micro bubbles: response surface analysis and techno-commercial aspects of a 75 kL/day scale-up plant

Degradation of bromocresol green in alcohol-water solution using ozone micron sized bubbles is reported. A high speed impeller is used to generate micro bubbles of ozone in liquid while ozone is generated using a commercial ozone generator. A 3-level-3-factor Box–Behnken experimental design is used to statistically identify relative importance of the operating parameters studied namely impeller speed, initial concentration of dye and treatment time. Ozone dosage is kept fixed at 4 g/h. Impeller speed is found to be the most dominant factor according to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) calculations. Kinetics for degradation of bromocresol green in solution is also reported. A second order kinetics is seen to fit the experimental (concentration–time) data, corresponding value of rate constant being 0.0153 L/mg-s. Based on the laboratory scale data a detailed techno-commercial analysis of a scaled up (75 kL/day) plant for ozone based degradation of bromocresol is presented. All relevant economic indicators pertaining to the scaled up plant are reported. A specific treatment cost of Rs. 100/m3 of treated water yields a return on investment (ROI) of 68.77 and discounted payback period of 5 years.

A Response Surface Methodological Approach for Large-Scale Production of Antibacterials from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum with Potential Utility against Foodborne and Orthopedic Infections.

A variety of bacteria, including beneficial probiotic lactobacilli, produce antibacterials to kill competing bacteria. Lactobacilli secrete antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) called bacteriocins and organic acids. In the food industry, bacteriocins, but even whole cell-free supernatants, are becoming more and more important as bio-preservatives, while, in orthopedics, bacteriocins are introducing new perspectives in biomaterials technologies for anti-infective surfaces. Studies are focusing on Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (previously known as Lactobacillus plantarum). L. plantarum exhibits great phenotypic versatility, which enhances the chances for its industrial exploitation. Importantly, more than other lactobacilli, it relies on AMPs for its antibacterial activity. In this study, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) through a Box-Behnken experimental design was used to estimate the optimal conditions for the production of antibacterials by L. plantarum. A temperature of 35 °C, pH 6.5, and an incubation time of 48 h provided the highest concentration of antibacterials. The initial pH was the main factor influencing the production of antibacterials, at 95% confidence level. Thanks to RSM, the titer of antibacterials increased more than 10-fold, this result being markedly higher than those obtained in the very few studies that have so far used similar statistical methodologies. The Box-Behnken design turned out to be a valid model to satisfactorily plan a large-scale production of antibacterials from L. plantarum.

Modelling and comparison of fine coal beneficiation with water-only cyclone and spiral

ABSTRACT In this study, a three-level Box-Behnken design of experiments combined with response surface methodology used to investigate the effects of some parameters of a water-only cyclone (WOC), spiral and WOC-spiral circuit. The actual data collected from the tests were used to construct the empirical models representing clean coal ash and yield as process responses to the independent variables. The significance test of model fit for clean coal ash and yield were performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed that ash content and yield of the clean coal models were significant. The results showed that WOC produced coal with lower ash content, the spiral products resulted in higher yields. It was observed that the WOC-spiral circuit achieved higher yield at equivalent ash contents.

Capparis spinosa L waste activated carbon as an efficient adsorbent for crystal violet toxic dye removal: Modeling, optimization by experimental design, and ecological analysis

Textile dyes are dramatic sources of pollution and non-aesthetic disturbance of aquatic life and therefore represent a potential risk of bioaccumulation that can affect living species. It is imperative to reduce or eliminate these dyes from liquid effluents with innovative biomaterials and methods. Therefore, this research aims to highlight the performance of Capparis spinosa L waste-activated carbon (CSLW-AC) adsorbent to remove Crystal Violet (CV) from an aqueous solution. The mechanism of CV adsorption on CSLW-AC was evaluated based on the coupling of experimental data and different characterization techniques. The efficiency of the CSLW-AC material reflected by the equilibrium adsorption capacity of CV could reach more than 195.671 mg·g–1 when 0.5 g·L–1 of CSLW-AC (Particle size ≤250 μm) is introduced into the CV of initial concentration of 100 mg·L–1 at pH 6 and temperature 65° C and in the presence of potassium ions after 60 min of contact time according to the one parameter at a time studies. The adsorption behavior of CV on CSLW-AC was found to be consistent with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Frumkin's linear isothermal model. The thermodynamic aspects indicate that the process is physical, spontaneous, and endothermic. The optimization of the process by the Box Behnken design of experiments resulted in an adsorption capacity approaching 183.544 mg·g–1 ([CV]=100 mg·L–1 and [CSLW-AC]=0.5 g·L–1 at 35 min). The results of the Lactuca sativa seeds germination in treated CV (70%), adsorbent solvent and thermal regeneration (more than 5 cycles), and process cost analysis (1.0484 $ L–1) tests are encouraging and promising for future exploitations of the CSLW-AC material in different industrial fields.

Obtention of pelleted Kluyveromyces marxianus CIDCA 9121 with immunomodulatory properties: Selection of protective agents using Plackett–Burman and Box–Behnken experimental designs

Probiotic yeasts are increasingly used in different animal production systems. Supply of feeding in the form of pellets provides productive advantages in several systems such as poultry production or aquaculture. The inclusion of viable yeast in the pellets has to overcome heat stress during palletization and also dehydration stress. We have worked with our previously characterized probiotic strain Kluyveromyces marxianus CIDCA 9121. We evaluated the resistance of this strain to a process dehydration and extrusion after pellet generation, conditions that were not analyzed for this genus of probiotic yeast. We determined the effects of different thermoprotective agents in order to maximize yeast viability over time and preservation of its probiotic traits. To this aim we used the single factor optimization method, Plackett-Burman central compound rotating design (P–B CCRD) and response surface methodology (RSM) for optimize survival conditions in a process performed at laboratory scale. We selected a combination of sucrose, maltose and maltodextrin and we have tested two different combinations of these agents in a pilot plant extrusion/dehydration process showing that one of them could increase yeast viability. Remarkably, we could observe that immunomodulatory capacity of this strain was not affected after dehydration in the presence of the different additives tested and subsequent rehydration, being the first report showing conservation of probiotic traits of K. marxianus strain upon pelleting opening new perspectives for product development.

Acetylcholinesterase purification from human erythrocytes using magnetic nanoparticles containing procainamide

This work presents a magnetic purification method of human erythrocyte Acetylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7; AChE) based on affinity binding to procainamide (Proca) as ligand. Acetylcholinesterase is an acetylcholine-regulating enzyme found in different areas of the body and associated with various neurological disorders, such as Parkinson, Alzheymer and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. AChE from human erythrocyte purification has been attempted in recent years with low degree of purity. Here, magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) were synthesized and coated with polyaniline (PANI) and procainamide (PROCA) was covalently linked to the PANI. The extracted human erythrocyte AChE formed a complex with the MNP@PANI-PROCA and an external magnet separated it from the undesired proteins. Finally, the enzyme was collected by increasing the ionic strength. Experimental Box-Behnken design was developed to optimize this process of human erythrocyte AChE purification protocol. The enzyme was purified in all fifteen experiments. However, the best AChE purification result was achieved, about 2000 times purified, when 100 mg of MNP@PANI-PROCA was incubated for one hour with 4 ml hemolysate extract. The SDS-PAGE of this preparation presented a molecular weight of approximately 70 kDa, corroborating with few previous studies of AChE from erythrocyte purification.

Photocatalytic Degradation of Tartrazine and Naphthol Blue Black Binary Mixture with the TiO2 Nanosphere under Visible Light: Box-Behnken Experimental Design Optimization and Salt Effect

In this study, TiO2 nanospheres (TiO2-NS) were synthesized by the solvothermal method. Firstly, the synthesized nanomaterial was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV-Vis Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS). To study the photocatalytic degradation of Tartrazine (TTZ) and Naphthol Blue Black (NBB) in a binary mixture, the influence of some key parameters such as pH, pollutant concentration and catalyst dose was taken into account under visible and UV light. The results show a 100% degradation efficiency for TTZ after 150 min of UV irradiation and 57% under visible irradiation at 180 min. The kinetic study showed a good pseudo-first-order fit to the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model. Furthermore, in order to get closer to the real conditions of textile wastewater, the influence of the presence of salt on TiO2-NS’s photocatalytic performance was explored by employing NaCl as an inorganic ion. The optimum conditions provided by the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) were low concentrations of TTZ (2 ppm) and NBB (2.33 ppm) and negligible salt (NaCl) interference. The percentage of photodegradation was high at low pollutant and NaCl concentrations. However, this yield became very low as NaCl concentrations increased. The photocatalytic treatment leads to 31% and 53% of mineralization yield after 1 and 3 h of visible light irradiation. The synthesis of TiO2-NS provides new insights that will help to develop an efficient photocatalysts for the remediation of contaminated water.

Abrasive waterjet cutting of r‐GO infused magnesium fiber metal laminates: Experimental investigations and optimization through gorilla troops algorithm

AbstractLaminated metal‐composite structures, known as fiber metal laminates (FMLs), are modern lightweight materials extensively utilized in diverse industries such as aerospace and automotive manufacturing. These materials offer enhanced impact and fatigue resistance, making them invaluable for various applications. However, machining FMLs poses a challenge due to the occurrence of delamination and heterogenous in nature during conventional methods. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the quality characteristics such as kerf width, surface roughness and kerf taper of Magnesium based FMLs processed with an unconventional machining process namely abrasive water jet cutting (AWJC). These FMLs comprise alternately stacked kevlar/carbon fibers adhesively bonded with epoxy resin matrix filled with varying wt% of reduced graphene oxide (r‐GO), combined with AZ31B alloy sheet as the skin material. AWJC experiments were performed by varying the process parameters including waterjet pressure (275–325 MPa), stand‐off distance (2.5–3.5 mm), and cutting speed (600–800 mm/min) based on the box–behnken experimental design. The findings from the statistical analysis underscore the significant influences of stand‐off distance and waterjet pressure on kerf characteristics, while the inclusion of r‐GO is observed to notably affect the surface quality. In pursuit of enhancing cut quality, a multi‐response optimization was conducted employing the Gorilla Troops Optimization (GTO) algorithm. Comparative analysis with established metaheuristics like the gray wolf algorithm, dragonfly algorithm, and harmony search algorithm reveals GTO's superior performance across various metrics, including rapid convergence, diversity, and spacing values. Further, the cutting‐induced damages such as matrix plowing, fiber‐metal debonding and composite delamination were observed through microstructure analysis.Highlights Magnesium (AZ31B) fiber metal laminate comprising with various wt% of reduced graphene oxide was fabricated. Abrasive waterjet cutting of FMLs were performed based on box–behnken design experimental approach. Statistical analysis and influence of process parameters on the kerf width, surface roughness and kerf taper were investigated. Multi‐response optimization was carried out using metaheuristic‐based gorilla troops algorithm.

Optimization of biomass durian peel as a heterogeneous catalyst in biodiesel production using microwave irradiation

Abstract The present study investigated biodiesel production from the transesterification of palm oil with methanol using calcined biomass durian peel (BDP) as a heterogeneous catalyst assisted by microwave irradiation. Characterization of the calcined BDP showed that K2O is the main compound with a concentration of 86.15 wt%. The effect of three independent variables of catalyst weight (3–12 wt%), reaction time (1–10 min), and power of microwave (180–900 W) was used to determine the optimum condition on biodiesel production using the response surface method-based on the Box–Behnken design experiment. The optimum biodiesel conversion of 97.3% was achieved under experimental parameters of catalyst concentration of 12 wt%, reaction time of 9 min, and microwave power of 180 W. The catalyst concentration and reaction time have significant effects on biodiesel conversion.

Design of experiments using box behnken design in the development, characterization, mathematical modeling, and evaluation of lung targeted nebulized antiviral camostat mesylate loaded pegylated nanosuspension product

Box Behnken Design is a factorial statistical approach that helps to overcome limitations associated with time-consuming full factorial experimental design. This study used the Box Behnken design and Design of Experiments (DoE) to develop the nebulized antiviral Camostat Mesylate loaded pegylated nanoliposomal suspension product with the target profile specifications of particle size <250 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) between 0.1 and 0.3, and zeta potential (ZP) of 0±5 mV, % entrapment efficiency (%EE) between 40%w/v to 70 % w/v and % drug loading between 20%w/w to 50%w/w. Box Behnken design with a robust standard least squares model was employed to develop the pharma product. Camostat Mesylate loaded pegylated nanoliposomal suspension was developed using the scalable ethanol injection method. The three independent factors at three levels were concentrations of the lipids employed to develop the formulation. Applying holistic QbD during formulation development using Design of Experiments (DoE) ensures a science-based, risk-managed approach to developing high-quality pharmaceutical products. The novelty in this investigation is that, for the first time, nebulized antiviral Camostat mesylate-loaded Nanoliposomes with a size of <250 nm, size <250 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) between 0.1 and 0.3, and zeta potential (ZP) of 0±5 mV, % entrapment efficiency (%EE) between 40%w/v to 70 % w/v and % drug loading between 20%w/w to 50%w/w were developed using DoE, Box Behnken Design, mathematical modeling and Response Surface Methodology.Furthermore, the Camostat mesylate-loaded Nanoliposomes were evaluated for inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 injection. Based on our findings, we kept other concentrations, i.e., Camostat Mesylate concentration at 2.25 mg/mL, 0.9%w/v NaCl, and 90%v/v ethanol and process parameters, namely, stirring speed, stirring time, ethanol addition rate, syringe diameter constant. From the mathematical modeling and Response Surface Methodology, we observed that the particle size of the nanosuspension increased with an increase in concentrations of DPPC and cholesterol. At the same time, increasing concentrations of DPPC increased the % entrapment efficiency and % drug loading; an increase in the concentration of Cholesterol led to a decrease in both those parameters. DoE successfully developed Camostat Mesylate loaded pegylated nanoliposomes with a particle size of 188 ± 0.75 nm, 75.47 ± 5.87 % entrapment of Camostat Mesylate and 49.65 ± 3.86 % drug load of Camostat Mesylate in liposomal product using the ethanol-injection method meeting target profile. The in vitro extended release of Camo from the Camo-pegNLs was observed in 24 h. The nebulized Camo-pegNL product showed MMAD of 4.01 ± 0.21 μm, GSD of 1.34 ± 0.03, and %FPF of 29.53 ± 6.5 %. In conclusion, integrating nebulized product development, Box Behnken Design, enabled the successful development of nebulized Camostat Mesylate loaded pegylated nanoliposomal suspension product, demonstrating their suitability for lung delivery of the antiviral drug.

Bead-Free Electrospun Nanofibrous Scaffold Made of PVOH/Keratin/Chitosan Using a Box–Behnken Experimental Design and In Vitro Studies

Bead-free nanofibrous scaffolds composed of PVOH/keratin/chitosan were prepared using electrospinning after optimising the process parameters using a Box–Behnken experimental design. Two quadratic models were developed to optimise the fibre diameter and the diameter of fibre beads considering the voltage, flow rate, spinning distance, and amount of biopolymer as independent variables. All independent variables were found to be significant in determining responses, although not all interactions among these were significant. The models were highly effective in describing responses, with an R2 of 98.58 and 99.67%. The optimum conditions were determined to be 15.82 kV voltage, 0.25 mL/h flow rate, 105 mm spinning distance, and 30% biopolymers. The accuracy of the models was verified and found to be within an acceptable range. The bead-free nanofibrous scaffold exhibited no cytotoxicity to Human Aneuploid Immortal Keratinocyte (HaCaT) and Normal Human Dermal Fibroblast (NHDF) cell lines, enabling cell adhesion and proliferation. Both cell lines remained attached with perfect cell morphology when co-cultured on the scaffold for 30 days, indicating the scaffold’s potential for biomedical applications.

Study on temperature and hardness behaviors of Al-6060 alloy during magnetic abrasive finishing process using artificial neural networks

Magnetic Abrasive Finishing (MAF) revolutionizes surface finishing by utilizing magnetic fields to apply pressure, ensuring exceptionally high-quality surfaces. Its potential for ultra-precise finishing with fine magnetic abrasives is particularly noteworthy. This study analyzes subsurface temperature dynamics during the MAF process on Al-6060, recognizing temperature's pivotal role in shaping surface texture and mechanical-chemical properties. Unbonded magnetic abrasives containing SiC were used without lubrication or coolants in experimentation. Experimental parameters, including machining gap, abrasive weight, voltage, and rotational speed, were systematically varied using a Box-Behnken Design of Experiments. An artificial neural network facilitated comprehensive data modelling, enabling a detailed parametric study. Post-processing surface characterization provided crucial insights into the impact of surface temperature rise on surface finish and hardness. This holistic approach enhances understanding of temperature's influence on MAF efficacy and its outcomes on Al-6060 surfaces. Experimental findings demonstrate MAF's effectiveness in achieving low-temperature finishing of Al-6060, with a maximum surface temperature of 36 °C. ANOVA analysis quantitatively determined that voltage has greatest influence (55.56%), followed by abrasive weight (20.00%) and machining gap (13.89%), with rotational speed having the least impact (2.22%). Qualitatively, the developed ANN model accurately predicted changes in surface roughness (ΔRa), temperature (ΔT), and hardness (ΔH), with maximum errors of 4.107%, 5.588%, and 6.680%, respectively. XRD analysis provided quantitative evidence of SiC diffusion into the surface, resulting in a hardness increase from 2.7 HV to 5.6 HV. Additionally, chemical substrates deposition, such as silicon carbide, kaolinite, iron silicide, and cristobalite, elucidated chemical-mechanical interactions during the process at such low temperatures.

Optimization use of watermelon rind in the coagulation-flocculation process by Box Behnken design for copper, zinc, and turbidity removal

Watermelon rinds were investigated as a bio-coagulant for treating water contaminated by metals and turbidity, owing to their biodegradability and greater environmental friendliness compared to chemical coagulants. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy paired with energy dispersive X-ray analysis and X-ray diffraction characterized the watermelon rinds before and after use. A Box-Behnken experimental design optimized the most influential parameters of initial pH, coagulant dose, and particle size based on response surface methodology. This analysis revealed the experimental data fit quadratic polynomial models, achieving maximum removal efficiencies of 97.51 % for zinc, 99.88 % for copper, and 99.21 % for turbidity under optimal conditions. Statistical analysis confirmed the models effectively captured the experimental data. Analysis of variance denoted the high significance of the quadratic effects of dose and pH. Removal of metal ions Zn2+ and Cu2+ was significantly impacted by these factors. The watermelon rind powder retained its coagulation efficiency after five cycles of reuse, with removal rates of 80.04 % for Zn, 88.33 % for Cu and 86.24 % for turbidity. These results demonstrate the potential of watermelon rind as an alternative coagulant for wastewater treatment. Further testing on real industrial effluents at larger scales would help assess their feasibility for real-world applications.

Investigation of the effects of corn flour, Spirulina powder, and buffalo yogurt on the quality characteristics of gluten-free muffins.

This study aimed to investigate the properties of buckwheat flour-based gluten-free muffins formulated by using corn flour (CF), Spirulina powder (SP), and buffalo yogurt (BY) levels as the factors in the Box-Behnken experimental design. The color values, total soluble polyphenol content (TPC), radical scavenging activity (RSA), specific volume, moisture content, and baking loss results were evaluated as the response variables in the design. The buckwheat flour in the control sample was substituted with CF and SP. Cow yogurt was used in the control muffin instead of milk and was substituted with BY at different levels in other samples. Among the response variables, TPC and RSA values were selected for the optimization studies. Decreasing the CF and SP levels in the formulations resulted in observing higher TPC and RSA values. Three optimal formulations were obtained by response surface methodology. Both cow and buffalo yogurt did not change the properties of the muffins adversely compared to milk. Increasing the SP content made the muffins firmer and caused a decrease in the L*, a*, b*, and browning index values of the muffins. However, sensory scores of SP-containing muffins were also satisfactory.

Sustainable Utilization of Mushroom By-Products Processed with a Combined Osmotic Dehydration Pretreatment and a Hot-Air-Drying Step.

Mushroom production and consumption are gaining increased interest due to their unique flavor and nutritional value. However, in the mushroom industry, large amounts of by-products are generated, which have a high negative environmental and economic impact. In this study, an osmotic dehydration process followed by hot-air-drying was applied to mushroom stems to produce dried mushrooms as the end product. The osmotic dehydration conditions (concentration of hypertonic solution, specifically, 10-30% maltodextrin and 20-40% oligofructose; a treatment time of 40-80 min; and a temperature range of 30-50 °C) were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). The results showed that a four-factor three-level Box-Behnken experimental design was effectively implemented to evaluate the effect of the process parameters and identify the optimal osmotic dehydration conditions for producing osmotically dehydrated mushrooms. The main factor affecting mass transfer was the osmosis temperature, and the optimal conditions were found to be 38 °C, 40% oligofructose and 19.3% maltodextrin as the osmotic agents, and 80 min of immersion time. Moreover, the results showed that osmotic pretreatment, in the optimal conditions, significantly reduced the required drying time of the by-products compared to traditional hot-air-drying, especially at milder drying temperatures. Consequently, the required energy was also reduced by at least 40% at 50 °C.

Elucidating co-conditioning strategies of aluminium-based sludge using natural biopolymeric magnetite composite for leveraging dewaterability

Significant co-conditioning of aluminum-based sludge using alternative conditioner (natural biopolymer-magnetite/H2O2) as a Fenton conditioner for improving the sludge dewaterability is investigated in the current study. Firstly, natural biopolymer/magnetite (NBP-M) were prepared in various ratios and the samples labeled as (NBP-M-(1:1); NBP-M-(1:3) and NBP-M-(2:1). Focuses were placed on factors influencing such novel Fenton conditioner. Capillary suction time (CST) was utilized to assess sludge dewaterability. Experiments have exhibited that significant development of alum sludge dewaterability could be attained at minimum reaction time and using low concentrations of the applied catalyst, i.e. natural biopolymer/magnetite and H2O2. It was found that sludge conditioning and dewaterability became better with increasing both reagents concentrations. A Box–Behnken experimental design based on the response surface methodology was investigated to explore the optimum of the influencing variables, i.e. catalyst (NBP-M) concentration, H2O2 loading and pH. The optimized values for NBP-M, H2O2, and pH are 46 and 380 mg/L, respectively at pH 3.0, at which the CST reduction efficiency of 58 ± 3% can be attained, this approved with that predicted by an established polynomial model in the current investigation.