Box-Behnken Experimental Design Research Articles

STUDY OF INFLUENCE OF COLD ROLLING AND ANNEALING ON ULTIMATE TENSILE STRENGTH OF AA2024 ALLOY USING BOX-BEHNKEN EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

This study investigates the effects of thermo-mechanical processing parameters, specifically cold rolling and annealing, on the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of AA2024 alloy, employing a Box-Behnken experimental design. The deformation during cold rolling, the annealing temperature, and the time annealing were varied to evaluate their individual and combined effects on the UTS. The results demonstrated that the UTS increased with deformation from 50% to 60%, but decreased with higher annealing temperatures (460°C - 500°C) and extended annealing times (10 to 30 minutes. Among the parameters, annealing time exhibited the most significant influence on UTS, followed by deformation level and annealing temperature. The optimized parameters - 60% deformation, 460°C annealing temperature, and 10 minutes time annealing - predicted a UTS of 628 MPa, with experimental verification confirming a 3% deviation. This research underscores the critical importance of controlling thermo-mechanical parameters to optimize the mechanical properties of AA2024 alloy, offering valuable insights for industrial applications.

Optimization of the extraction process of goji berry pectin using response surface methodology and its suitability as thickener for yogurt

Although goji berry with many main biological activity components is a nutritional medicinal and edible plan and widespread in the northeast of China, its current development also faces a new challenge of overcapacity. So this study was largely focused to investigate the optimal extraction process conditions (extraction water proportion, acidic pH regulating reagent, adjusted pH, extraction temperature, extraction time) for goji berry with increased yield. Box Behnken experimental design (BBD) was used to model the mathematical model of the relationship between the three main influence of pivotal extraction parameters (extraction pH, extraction time and extraction temperature) selected by the single factor experiments on the responses of goji berry pectin yield (%). Morover the predicted models were adequately fitted to the real experimental data (18.507 % ± 0.275 %, P < 0.001) for all the response variables within a short time. The maximum yield of pectin was sufficiently obtained with optimal conditions of the best water-goji ratio of 20:1, extraction pH of 2.2 adjusted by hydrochloric acid, extraction time of 80 min at 76 °C. Interesting, as thickener, goji berry pectin does not only improve the health benefits of yogurt in some studies have reported, but it also improves its sensory properties and viscosity of the yogurt in this paper. It will effectively improve the efficiency of obtaining goji berry pectin, which will provide strong experimental evidence for the widespread application of goji berry pectin. Although goji berry pectin does not have significant advantages in sensory evaluation and yogurt viscosity, it has been proven in some studies to have good functionality in terms of nutrition. This provides a good idea for the development of functional foods urgently needed in the current aging society. Goji berry will be an effective alternative source of pectin on health food industry on large scale. In addition, this paper also provides a feasible approach to effectively solve the problem of goji berry overcapacity.

Optimization of poly(-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) synthesis using sodium acetate as a carbon source by Rhodococcus sp. lz1 via response surface methodology

This study examines Rhodococcus sp. lz1, a bacterium isolated from activated sludge in propylene oxide saponification wastewater, which can utilize diverse carbon sources to produce high yields of Poly(−3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV). Owing to the lack of lipopolysaccharides (LPS), this bacterium does not trigger significant immunogenic responses, increasing its application potential. Plackett–Burman and Box-Behnken design experiments were conducted, following initial optimization using single-factor conditions. The optimal conditions determined through response surface methodology was a carbon source concentration of 6.8 g/L, inoculum amount of 6.9 %, and seed age of 11 h. Under these conditions, strain lz1 achieved a PHBV yield of 41.87 %, representing an 8.78 % increase. Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis confirmed that the synthesized polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) was PHBV. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed a Td5 of 270 °C, while gel permeation chromatography (GPC) indicated a polydispersity index (PDI) of 2.43, demonstrating good ductility and high thermal stability.

Cochineal (Dactylopius coccus Costa) Pigment Extraction Assisted by Ultrasound and Microwave Techniques

Carminic acid is a natural pigment typically found in several insect taxa, including specific insects such as “grana cochinilla fina” in Mexico (Dactylopius coccus Costa). Commercially, it is also referred to as carmine, which is a more concentrated solution presenting as at least 50% carminic acid. To date, this dye has been used in the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industries. Unfortunately, one of the main limitations has to do with establishing the appropriate extraction and purification protocol. Currently, there is growing interest in developing eco-friendly and efficient pigment extraction processes for various applications. In this study, we compare the ultrasound- and microwave-assisted extraction versus with a conventional method to obtain carminic acid from cochineal. To do this, we considered three factors that influence the extraction process as independent variables: solvent volume, temperature and irradiation time. The optimization was carried out using the response surface methodology, employing a three-factor and three-level Box–Behnken experimental design. Carminic acid contents were quantified by UV–Vis spectroscopy, and extracts were evaluated by infrared spectroscopy to verify the integrity of the carminic acid molecule. The yield obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction was 49.2 ± 3.25, with an efficiency of 31.3 mg/min, while microwave-assisted extraction showed a yield of 40.89 ± 2.96, with an efficiency of 27.3 mg/min. Both methods exceeded the extract yield (31.9 ± 3.4%) and efficiency (10.6 mg/min) obtained with the conventional method, demostrating that ultrasound- and microwave-assisted extraction are viable alternatives for obtaining carminic acid, with the potential to be scaled up to an industrial level.

Development and optimization of a two-step co-extraction process for the recovery of pumpkin seed oil and in-situ enrichment with β-carotene compounds from pumpkin peel

Vegetable oil industries are interested in producing healthy, high-quality, and cost-effective edible oils. This necessitates greener sources and effective oil enrichment strategies involving non-toxic and natural antioxidants. Thus, this study developed a novel one-pot vegetable oil natural pigmentation strategy to enable the in-situ cold press extraction and pigmentation of the vegetable oils while enhancing yields. The study co-pressed microwave pretreated pumpkin seeds and peels (PSP),33PSP: Pumpkin seeds and peel producing pumpkin seed oil (PSO)44PSO: Pumpkin seed oil which facilitated the co-extraction of lipophilic β-carotene compounds from the peels in a structured bed. The processing conditions were optimised for yields through Box-Behnken Design experiments, which varied seed-to-peel ratio (50 – 90 % w/w), microwave power (200 – 600 Watts), irradiation time (180 – 240 sec), and pressure (10 – 20 MPa). Optimal conditions (80 % w/w seeds,55% w/w seed: mass fraction of seeds (% w/w) in the seed-peel mixture (g) 600 Watts, 240 sec, 20 MPa) recovered 73.58 % oil and 5.48 ± 0.33 mg β-carotene /100 g biomass. PSP oils with natural β-carotene (0.75±0.02 mg β-carotene/100 g oil) pigmentation was more oxidative stable (based on unsaturated fatty acids content) at elevated temperatures (180 °C, 6 h), outperforming unpigmented seed oils (0.47±0.01 mg/100 g oil) despite the reduced yield. Therefore, microwave pretreatment and one-pot co-extraction have the potential to produce high-quality edible oil from vegetable residues with reduced processing steps. Thus, promoting material circularity in food processing. Industrial relevanceThe utilization of a microwave-assisted mechanical processing scheme comprising a mixture of pumpkin seeds and peel provides a potential multi-product pathway for obtaining maximum value from pumpkin residues. This approach offers notable industrial benefits and applications:I.Microwave heating shows promising potential in enhancing the extractability of pumpkin seed oil and β-carotene compounds from the peel. Thus, rendering it a viable pre-treatment method for vegetable oil production and in-situ recovery of natural antioxidants.II.The layered structured-bed presents a co-extraction technique (for pumpkin seed oil and β-carotene) with fewer extraction steps compared to the multi-step, energy-intensive conventional oil enrichment processes.

Design of a Contact-Type Electrostatic Spray Boom System Based on Rod-Plate Electrode Structure and Field Experiments on Droplet Deposition Distribution

Spraying is currently one of the main methods of pesticide application worldwide. It converts the pesticide solution into fine droplets through a sprayer, which then deposit onto target plants. Therefore, in the process of pesticide application, improving the effectiveness of spraying while minimizing or preventing crop damage has become a key issue. Combining the advantages of electrostatic spraying technology with the characteristics of ground boom sprayers, a contact-type electrostatic boom spraying system based on a rod–plate electrode structure was designed and tested on a self-propelled boom sprayer. The charging chamber was designed based on the characteristics of the rod–plate electrode and theoretical analysis. The reliability of the device was verified through COMSOL numerical simulations, charge-to-mass ratio, droplet size, and droplet size spectrum measurements, and a droplet size prediction model was established. The deposition characteristics in soybean fields were analyzed using the Box–Behnken experimental design method. The results showed that the rod–plate electrode structure demonstrated its superiority with a maximum spatial electric field of 2.31 × 106 V/m. When the spray pressure was 0.3 MPa and the charging voltage was 8 kV, the droplet size decreased by 26.6%, and the charge-to-mass ratio reached 2.88 mC/kg. Field experiments showed that when the charging voltage was 8 kV, the spray pressure was 0.3 MPa, the traveling speed was 7 km/h, and the number of deposited droplets was 8517. This study provides some basis for the application of electrostatic spraying technology in large-scale field operations.

Effects of microbubbles and frother types on first-order flotation kinetics of coarse quartz: a Box–Behnken design study

ABSTRACT This study utilised a Box–Behnken experimental design to examine the influence of various frothers (MIBC, 2-Ethylhexanol, α-Terpineol, and AF-65), dodecylamine (DDA) collector, and microbubbles on coarse quartz flotation performance. The flotation efficiency was evaluated through two key parameters: maximum recovery (R∞) and first-order rate constant (k). The findings revealed that microbubbles substantially enhanced flotation kinetics through synergistic interactions, particularly in combination with aliphatic alcohol frothers. The effectiveness of cyclic alcohol and polyglycol-type frothers varied significantly, depending on microbubble presence, frother concentration, and DDA interactions. While 2-Ethylhexanol achieved the highest recovery (97.71%) in conventional flotation without microbubbles, α-Terpineol exhibited the most pronounced synergistic effect when combined with microbubbles and DDA, reaching 99.71% recovery. In terms of kinetic performance, AF-65 demonstrated exceptional results in the presence of microbubbles and DDA, achieving the highest rate constant of 2.12 min−1. The effectiveness of the bubble bridging mechanism showed considerable variation across different frother types, with aliphatic alcohols exhibiting notable improvements in the presence of microbubbles, particularly at lower concentrations. Although increased DDA concentrations generally resulted in decreased flotation rates, they enhanced overall recovery – an effect that was further amplified by the presence of microbubbles.

Optimization of kraft pulping process for Sesbania aculeata (dhaincha) stems using RSM

Abstract The shortage of superior grade wood fibers is a prime problem faced by Indian pulp and paper industries. As a result, the pulp and paper industry find it difficult to withstand the competition in the market, which had grown extremely competitive. In order to increase the utilization of non-wood fibers resources in the production of high quality eco-friendly papers, dhaincha, a non-wood fiber resource has potential industrial application. In this research, pulp and paper were developed from Sesbania aculeata stem using kraft pulping followed by bleaching. Optimization of conditions for pulping was carried out by Response Surface Methodology. The relationship between three variables and three responses were studied using Box–Behnken experimental design. The developed pulp was evaluated for kappa number, brightness index, viscosity, FTIR and TGA. Then paper was developed by using optimized pulp and evaluated for physical properties. The statistical analysis (ANOVA) was carried out in order to establish the relationship between the concentration of NaOH, Na2S, treatment time and temperature with kappa number, brightness index and viscosity. The physical properties of pulp and developed handmade paper highlights the sustainable use of dhaincha plant in pulp and paper industry.

Resveratrol-Loaded Dissolving Microneedles: Fabrication and in vitro Evaluation

AbstractResveratrol (Res), an active ingredient derived from a multitude of plants, exhibits multiple pharmacological activities. However, its poor water solubility and low bioavailability present significant challenges to its clinical application. Our study aimed to improve the transdermal absorption of Res using dissolving microneedle (MN) technology, which could effectively overcome the stratum corneum barrier. Res-loaded dissolving microneedles (Res-MNs) were fabricated using polyvinyl pyrrolidone K90 (PVP K90) as the matrix material, and a two-step casting procedure was employed. The process was optimized using the Box–Behnken experimental design approach. The characteristics of Res-MNs in vitro, including morphology, solubility, safety evaluation, and skin permeation, were studied. The results showed that the optimum preparation conditions of Res-MNs were a centrifugation time of 10 minutes, a solvent concentration of 25%, and a prescription ratio (Res: matrix) of 0.375. The skin permeability of the Res-MNs was enhanced compared with Res suspension and Res gel. The cumulative release of Res-MNs in vitro was 75%, which was approximately 5 and 3 times that of the Res suspension group and Res gel group. These results suggest that dissolving MNs may represent a potential approach for enhancing the transdermal delivery of poorly absorbed drugs such as Res.

DEVELOPMENT OF GABAPENTIN-LOADED SOLID LIPID NANOPARTICLE FOR ALLEVIATING SEIZURE ACTIVITY IN PICROTOXIN AND BICUCULLINE-INDUCED RATS

Objective: The current research aimed to prepare gabapentin-loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLN) for alleviating seizure activity in picrotoxin and bicuculline-induced Wistar rats. Methods: Gabapentin-loaded SLNs were formulated using a Box-Behnken experimental design with three-level three-factor consisting of 17 experimental runs by micro-emulsification. Three independent parameters were considered in this study, namely sodium glyceryl tripalmitate (A), RPM (B), and Poloxamer-188 (C). Particle size, drug release, and Encapsulation Efficiency (EE) as dependent variables. The formulation was evaluated for drug release, EE, Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), surface morphology, particle size, zeta potential, in vivo anti-convulsion study. Results: The data collected during the experiment includes the measurements of EE (Encapsulation Efficiency), drug release at the 12th h, and particle size. It was reported that formulations containing a high concentration of Glyceryl tripalmitate (50%) had a high Encapsulation Efficiency (EE). The in vitro release results indicate that F17 demonstrated a maximum drug concentration of 99.99% within a 12 h. The optimization process was conducted using mathematical and graphical methods. From ATR spectra, it was found that there are no such major interactions between gabapentin and excipients. A significant endothermal peak was seen in the DSC investigation at 208.81 °C. X-ray diffraction revealed that gabapentin was present in the crystalline form. Drug crystals and SLN were seen to be dispersed and scattered from Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The optimized formulation's particle size was found to be 203.4 nm, the Polydispersity Index (PI) of 0.426, and the zeta value of 16.5 mV; indicating stability. Following a lethal and chronic dosage of picrotoxin, the gabapentin-SLN exhibited a higher anticonvulsant efficacy, according to in vivo research on rats (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Compared to the Bicuculline model, the optimized SLN demonstrated superior outcomes regarding seizure initiation in the Picrotoxin-induced convulsion.

Unveiling the potential of pulmonary surfactant-based nanocarriers for protein inhalation therapy

The study investigates the effect of pulmonary surfactant (PS) coating on the performance of lysozyme-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs). The NPs were fabricated using a double emulsification technique and optimized using the Box-Behnken experimental design (BBED). The NPs were assessed for size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, drug loading (DL%), and encapsulation efficiency (EE%). In addition, the optimized PLGA NPs were modified with either a neutral dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine DPPC or an anionic dipalmitoyl phosphatidylglycerol (DPPG) with different molar ratios of PS to PLGA (PS: PLGA = 1:2, 1:1 and 2:1). These NPs were assessed for biological activity, drug release, mucus adhesion, mucus penetration, cellular uptake, toxicity, and in vivo destiny after intratracheal (IT) instillation to mice. Results showed a bi-phasic drug release, with no significant effect of PS on the release and biological activities of PLGA NPs. The PS@PLGA NPs improved mucus adhesion, decreased mucus penetration, and increased cellular internalization of PLGA NPs. In addition, ex vivo experiments demonstrated that DPPC@PLGA NPs and DPPG@PLGA NPs could adhere to mucus. These NPs created a thicker layer at the interface of the airway compared to unmodified PLGA NPs. Moreover, interaction of PS@PLGA NPs with BALF suggested improved mucoadhesive characteristics. Finally, the in vivo studies confirmed the precise distribution of all NPs in the lungs after IT administration. The study presents empirical evidence and scientific guidance for developing a lung surfactant-modified nanocarrier system for lung drug delivery.

OPTIMIZATION OF LC-MS/MS METHOD FOR THE SIMULTANEOUS DETERMINATION OF METFORMIN AND ROSIGLITAZONE IN HUMAN PLASMA WITH BOX-BEHNKEN DESIGN

Objective: The objective of this study was to develop a robust Liquid Chromatography – Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methodology for the precise quantification of metformin and rosiglitazone in human plasma. Methods: A Design of Experiments (DOE) framework was utilized, specifically employing a Box-Behnken experimental design, to optimize critical parameters such as Capillary voltage, Cone voltage, Desolvation temperature, and Collision energy. Sample preparation involved protein precipitation using acetonitrile, simplifying the procedure. Chromatography was performed with a mobile phase of 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile (60:40 V/V) to enhance sensitivity and reproducibility. Quantification was achieved through Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) of the transition’s m/z 130.1 → m/z 60.1 for metformin, m/z 358.2 → m/z 134.9 for rosiglitazone, and m/z 206.3 → m/z 59.9 for phenformin. The methodology was validated according to regulatory guidelines. Results: The developed methodology demonstrated selectivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, recovery, and stability. The calibration curve showed linearity over the concentration range of 5 ng/ml to 1000 ng/ml for metformin and 1.5 ng/ml to 300 ng/ml for rosiglitazone. Accuracy and precision were within acceptable limits across calibration and quality control standards. Assessments of extraction recovery and matrix effects confirmed the robustness of the extraction procedure, with negligible interference from plasma components. Stability studies indicated that the method maintained acceptable limits for metformin and rosiglitazone concentrations under various storage and handling conditions. Conclusion: The validated Liquid Chromatography – Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methodology provides a reliable and accurate platform for the quantification of metformin and rosiglitazone in human plasma. This method shows potential applications in pharmacokinetic studies and clinical research, ensuring consistent performance in routine analysis.

Redox-mediated electrochemical separation of boron ions: Cell design, process optimization, adsorption isotherm, kinetics, and thermodynamics

Boron contamination of various water sources has been increasing in recent years and is receiving worldwide attention for its negative effects on the environment, wildlife, and humans; therefore, its removal is of utmost importance. Considering dwindling water sources and the possibility of the world population soon experiencing water scarcity, effective and innovative technologies must be developed to remove boron ions from water sources. The aim of the present study was to assess a sustainable separation process for the removal of boron ions using an electrochemical flow cell with symmetric redox-active polyvinyl ferrocene (PVF) functionalized carbon nanotube (CNT) electrodes using real-time measurements of the boron adsorption performance in continuous-flow mode while varying the flow rate, cell voltage, and boron concentration. A Box–Behnken experimental design (BBD) was used to improve boron adsorption. The adsorption isotherms, kinetics, and thermodynamics were investigated to further describe the adsorption process. The high R2 value, calculated using a linear and nonlinear procedure, demonstrated that the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-first order models fit quite well. The maximum adsorption of 60.61 mg/g was observed. The thermodynamic results illustrated that the adsorption of boron ions onto the PVF/CNT electrodes was spontaneous and endothermic under continuous flow mode.

A Novel Delivery System for the Combined Use of Natural Ingredients: The Preparation of Berberine Hydrochloride-Matrine Liposomes and Preliminary Exploration of Their Anti-Tumor Activity.

Berberine hydrochloride (BH) extracted from Coptis chinensis (CC) and Matrine (MT) separated from Sophora flavescens (SF) are alkaloids with potent anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor effects. Motivated by the clinical practice of using CC and SF together, we aimed to demonstrate that the synergistic application of the natural compounds BH and MT could enhance therapeutic effects and minimize side effects. Two types of liposomes, liposomes containing only BH (BH-LP) and liposomes containing both BH and MT (BH-MT-LP), were successfully prepared via the reverse evaporation method. The liposome preparation process was optimized by single-factor screening and the Box-Behnken experimental design method. The results showed that the liposomes had particle sizes in the range of 222.7 to 235.4 nm, polydispersity indicated in the range of 11.8% to 23.3%, and zeta potentials in the range of -35.9 to -31.1 mv. BH-MT-LP showed superior anti-tumor activity against MDA-MB-231, HepG-2, and HGC-27 cells in vitro. The incorporation of MT effectively promoted the anti-tumor effect of BH, while the controlled release from liposomes further enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of BH. Furthermore, based on the flow cytometry results, we speculated that BH-MT-LP might promote apoptosis by blocking the G1 phase of cells and inducing cell death. In conclusion, BH-MT-LP provides evidence for the combined use of natural compounds as a stable, safe, and practical drug delivery system for the treatment of potential cancers. Meanwhile, the successful preparation for BH-MT-LP also provides a new approach to the combined use of traditional Chinese medicine ingredients.

Study on the influence of pipe effect on the vibration characteristics of electro-hydraulic exciter

In this paper, an electro-hydraulic exciter controlled by an alternating current distribution valve is proposed, and a systematic analysis of the influence of pipe effect on the vibration characteristics of the electro-hydraulic exciter is investigated by simulation and experiments. The vibration characteristics curves for different pipe parameters are obtained, and the relative errors between simulation and experiment are evaluated. Moreover, a significant regression model of pipe parameters and vibration characteristics of the electro-hydraulic exciter is established by using the quadratic regression analysis method and the Box-Behnken experiment design method. Significant differences in the influence of pipe parameters on vibration characteristics are obtained by ANOVA (Analysis of Variance), and the influence of pipe parameter interaction on vibration characteristics is discussed. The results show that the relative importance of pipe parameters on the vibration characteristics of electro-hydraulic exciter, from high to low, is as follows: pipe diameter, elastic modulus, and pipe length. Notably, there is also an interaction between the pipe parameters, and the significance of these interactions is ranked from high to low as the interaction between the layers of steel wire and diameter, the interaction between diameter and length, and the interaction between the layers of steel wire and length.

Optimization of fermentation conditions for 3-methylthio-1-propanol production by Saccharomycopsis fibuligera Y1402 in tobacco matrix

3-methylthio-1-propanol (3-Met) is widely used as a flavoring substance in food flavoring. In this study, the fermentation conditions of Saccharomycopsis fibuligera Y1402 for 3-Met production were optimized in the tobacco matrix. Firstly, the optimization of the culture medium components and culture conditions was carried out through a single factor design. Then, a Plackett-Burman design was used to screen out factors that most significantly affected the production of 3-Met by S. fibuligera Y1402. The steepest ascending path design was used to identify the most significant response region. The optimal conditions for the production of 3-Met were determined using the Box-Behnken experimental design and response surface analysis. These conditions included a particle size of tobacco between 60 and 80 mesh, ammonium sulphate as the nitrogen source with a concentration of 2.4 g/L, L-methionine (L-Met) concentration of 3.1 g/L in the nutrient solution, an incubation time of 145 h, a moisture content of 83%, an initial pH of 5.5, a temperature of 29 °C, and an inoculation size of 1.6%. Under these conditions, the production of 3-Met reached 342.07 mg/g of tobacco. When the culture was scaled up, the conversion yield of 3-Met reached 1.07 g/g of tobacco. This suggests that fermenting this strain can increase the amount of 3-Met in tobacco leaves. This research offers a reference value for employing this strain to enhance the flavor components of crushed tobacco leaves, low-quality tobacco leaves, or tobacco stems, facilitating the processing of inferior tobacco leaves.

Kinetic study and optimization of ginger mediated ochratoxin A reduction: An eco-friendly approach including toxicity evaluation

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a toxic secondary metabolite synthesized by certain fungal strains of Penicillium and Aspergillus and is characterized as a Group 2B carcinogen. OTA infiltrates food and feeds through diverse chains, posing health risks to humans and animals. Herein, seven distinct edible plant materials were screened for their OTA reduction activity. Amidst them, ginger juice in aqueous (2.5%, v/v) showed the highest OTA reduction (95.63%), following first-order reaction kinetics (R2 = 0.92) with 0.72 d−1 rate constant. OTA reduction activity of ginger juice was substantially compromised in the presence of salt (>2.5%) and temperature (>40 °C). The response surface methodology-based approach employing Box–Behnken experimental design revealed an integrated effect of temperature, pH, and salt concentrations on OTA reduction (27.44–100%) by ginger juice. In addition, heat treatment (100 °C) and dialysis (12–14 kDa cutoff) of ginger juice implied the inclusion of heat-stable small molecules in reducing OTA. Ginger-treated OTA ameliorated hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell viability and diminished reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels compared to native OTA. In zebrafish embryos, OTA-induced teratogenic effects, diminished hatching (22.91%), and elevated ROS levels leading to embryo mortality (75%) were significantly reversed by OTA treated with ginger, underscoring the curtailed toxicity of OTA-converted products by ginger.

Simulation and modeling of methylene blue dye removal by an agri-food waste (Peanut shells)

Our study explores the potential of utilizing peanut shells, an abundant and low-cost food waste, as a natural adsorbent for the removal of industrial dyes, specifically methylene blue. We conducted a detailed investigation of the adsorption process, which revealed that it conforms to both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, indicating the ability of peanut shells to adsorb methylene blue effectively. To optimize the adsorption yield, we employed a Box-Behnken experimental design. This approach allowed us to assess the impact of several key factors, including the mass of the adsorbent, dye concentration, pH, temperature, stirring rate, and the ionic strength of salts in the solution. The mathematical model and simulation of the adsorption process helped us identify the best conditions for maximizing the dye removal. Our experiments resulted in a maximum adsorption efficiency of 97%, achieved under optimal conditions: 1.5 g of adsorbent, a methylene blue concentration of 40 mg/L, pH 11, temperature of 65°C, 0 mg/L ionic strength, and a stirring rate of 165 rpm. These findings suggest that peanut shells are a viable, eco-friendly alternative for dye removal, offering a sustainable solution for wastewater treatment and contributing to waste reduction.

Multiobjective optimization of magnetic abrasive finishing process with periodic re-distribution of magnetic abrasive particles on 17-4PH stainless steel

Magnetic abrasive finishing (MAF) exhibits considerable potential as a promising process for enhancing surface finish quality for softer as well as harder materials. This work proposes a novel approach to harness the potential of MAF for obtaining superior surface quality of precipitation-hardening martensitic steel (17-4PH steel) while performing periodic re-distribution of magnetic abrasive particles. The experiments were conducted using the Box-Behnken design of experiments and response surface methodology (RSM). RSM-based desirability function approach and genetic algorithms were used for multiobjective optimization. The set of pareto-optimal solutions obtained through multiobjective optimization were ranked using the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) by assigning equal importance to the selected performance parameters (percentage change in surface roughness (PCSR) and material removal rate (MRR)). The optimized values of PCSR and MRR obtained through the desirability function of RSM and genetic algorithm were validated experimentally and compared with the predicted values obtained through the regression model. Results showed that the desirability function of RSM provided better results than the genetic algorithm for the selected conditions and confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed approach.

Optimization of the foam-mat drying process to develop high-quality tomato powder: A response surface methodology approach

This research aimed to estimate the optimum formulation of process parameters in making tomato powder with optimal physicochemical properties using foam-mat drying. The egg albumin (EA) concentration (1–5%), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) concentration (1–1.5 %), and drying temperature (60–70 °C) were employed as independent variables in optimizing through Response Surface Methodology (RSM) in combination with Box-Behnken experimental design (BBD). Based on the total 17 runs of BBD, foam-mat dried powder showed physicochemical properties such as 0.18–0.33 g/cm3 foam density, 178.54–350 % foam expansion, 40–94 % foam stability, 46.80–62 % water soluble index (WSI), 1.13–2.96 water absorption index (WAI), 1.51–2 °Brix TSS, 2.30–3.98 mg/100 mL ascorbic acid, 0.22–0.38 % titratable acidity, and color (L∗: 29.26–48.07, a∗: 9.73–16.86, and b∗: 6.81–21.56). Furthermore, the ANOVA findings revealed the correlation of determination (R2) exceeding 85 % for the models, suggesting that the interaction between the responses and the prediction of the implied model is suitable. The optimal formulation from RSM was 4.59 % EA, 0.70 % CMC, and 60 °C drying temperature. Under the optimized conditions, the experimental values were 0.19 ± 0.03 g/cm3 foam density, 346.60 ± 3.35 % foam expansion, 89.05 ± 2.80 % foam stability, 55.56 ± 3.22 % WSI, 2.49 ± 0.09 WAI, 1.84 ± 0.15 °Brix TSS, 2.93 ± 0.10 mg/100 mL ascorbic acid, 0.39 ± 0.02 % titratable acidity, 46.95 ± 6.35 L∗, 17.54 ± 1.50 a∗, and 21.85 ± 0.74 b∗. The optimized parameters were verified, and there was good agreement between the experimental results and the predicted values (residual standard error (RSE) ≤ 5).