Box-Benhken Design Research Articles

Study on efficient extraction of saponins from Polygonatum sibiricum by enzyme assisted cold isostatic pressing technology

Saponin is one of the main active ingredients of Polygonatum sibiricum. In this study, the method of enzyme-assisted cold isostatic pressure extraction (EACIP) of Polygonatum sibiricum saponins was established. The effects of different cold isostatic extraction pressures, pressure-maintaining time times, enzymatic temperatures and enzymatic pH on the yield of saponin were investigated, and the factors were simplified by single factor experiments and Box-benhken design (BBD). Under the best extraction conditions, the EACIP method achieved the best possible results and extraction rate was 11.45 % ± 0.017. In addition, SEM-Mapping, XRD analysis and FTIR analysis proved that EACIP treatment increased the extent of cell deformation and improved the mass transfer system between solvent and active substance. Furthermore, by comparing different extraction methods, EACIP was found to have a higher extraction rate due to the synergistic effect of cold isostatic pressure extraction (CIP) and enzymatic hydrolysis extraction (EH). In vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory assays demonstrated that EACIP extracts have good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity. Therefore, EACIP is a method to extract natural products from plants with increased extraction rate.

Extraction of phenolic compounds from lucuma (Pouteria lucuma) seeds with natural deep eutectic solvents: modelling using response surface methodology and artificial neural networks

The present study aimed to extract polyphenolic compounds from lucuma (Pouteria lucuma) seeds using natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) as a green, efficient, and environmentally friendly extraction. This was optimized by using the Response Surface Method (RSM) and comparing its predictive capacity with Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN). Four NADES were prepared by mixing lactic acid (LA) with each of the following reagents: sodium acetate (SA), urea (U), glucose (G), and ammonium acetate (AA), separately. The yield of total phenolic compounds (TPC) obtained from lucuma seeds with each NADES was measured as an optimization criterion with the Box-Benhken design. The following factors were evaluated: time, temperature, and the lucuma seed flour (LSF): NADES ratio. The response variables were TPC and antioxidant activity. The LA-AA extract was selected because it exhibited the highest TPC value and was analyzed by UHPLC–MS (Ultra-performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry). From the RSM, the optimal extraction parameters were 80 min, 52°C, and LSF: NADES ratio of 8:100 (w/v), obtaining a TPC value of 3601.51 ± 0.51 mg GAE/100 g LFS. UHPLC–MS analysis evidenced the formation of epigallocatechin isomers from epigallocatechin gallate. The predictive ability of ANNs compared to RSM was demonstrated.

Development and Evaluation of Acitretin Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Topical Drug Delivery System

In order to understand the in vitro drug release of the produced gel, the goal of the current investigation was to construct and characterize. Acitretin loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (ActSLNs). Act SLNs were created utilizing the Box Benhken design and the hot homogenization procedure. Act SLN's average diameter and surface morphology were assessed. Act SLNs were lyophilized, then they underwent stability testing, powder X-Ray diffraction, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) tests to characterize them. The SLNs were added to a 0.25% w/w Carbopol 940 gel base the Stability study, ex vivo drug release in vitro drug releases in rat skin were carried out. The optimized Act SLNs had a spherical form, an entrapment efficiency of 78.82% to 85.73%, and an average particle size of 123.24nm to 409nm. The generation of SLNs was confirmed by DSC, FTIR, and XRD data. ActSLN gel (0.056mg/cm2) significantly increased the amount of accutane deposited in rat skin compared to Act plain gel (0.012mg/cm2).No discernible change was found in the stability studies, according to stability studies.

Razvoj recepture i senzorska svojstva ekstrudirane bezglutenske testenine na bazi sirka

Pasta is one of the most consumed staples worldwide. New formulations incorporating novel nutritious ingredients are now common in its production. The purpose of this study was to formulate, optimise and evaluate the sensory properties of sorghum-based extruded gluten-free pasta. Sorghum flour, pearl millet flour, high-iron bean flour (Biofortified NUA 45 beans) and Hermes potato flour were evaluated for proximate and micronutrient composition, formulated to produce pasta through the extrusion process. Three sorghum-based pastas, namely sorghum high bean pasta (SHBP), sorghum bean pasta (SBP) and sorghum high potato pasta (SHPP) were produced and evaluated for sensorial properties (visual, palpatory and gustatory qualities). The Box-Benhken Design (BBD) in conjunction with Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to select the best formulation by evaluating cooking quality parameters and sensory parameters. The protein content in the four flours ranged from 10.52% to 22.00%. NUA 45 bean flour had significantly (p<0.05) higher protein content than the other flours. Potato flour had significantly higher carbohydrate content (73.82%) than other flours. SHPP had a significantly (p<0.001) higher optimum cooking time (7 minutes) than SHBP (5 minutes) and SBP (6.2 minutes). SHPP had significantly (p<0.001) higher water absorption (WA) capacity (238%) than pasta SHBP (190%) and SBP (210%). A significant (p<0.001) difference in the swelling index (SI) of the three pasta samples was observed, with pasta SHBP having a significantly lower SI (1.02%) than pasta SBP (1.15%) and pasta SHPP (1.24%). The cooking loss (CL) for pasta SHPP (11%) was significantly higher (P<0.001) than for pastas SHBP and SBP, with pasta SHBP having the lowest CL. There was no significant (p>0.05) difference in the cross-sectional area, surface appearance and surface property of the three cooked pastas. A significant (p<0.05) difference in shape between SHBP and SBP samples was noted. The gluten-free pasta was developed and produced successfully. Sorghum high bean pasta treatment (SHBP) was found to be superior in terms of sensory, nutritional and physical properties as compared to the other pasta samples, making it good for commercialisation.

Temperature and pH Optimization for Protease Production Fermented by Yarrowia lipolytica from Agro-Industrial Waste

The use of yeasts for the production of proteases has increased in demand in recent years. Y. lipolytica has been reported as a strain with high yields of protease production. This work aimed to evaluate the impact of pH and temperature on the production of proteases using Y. lipolytica in solid-state fermentation (SSF). Soybean, canola meal, cottonseed meal, and sesame meal wastes were used as nutrient sources at seven pH levels (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) and five temperatures (25, 30, 35, 40, 45 °C). The waste source and optimal conditions for maximum enzyme production (EP) were obtained by Box–Benhken design. The results revealed that at pH of 7, temperature of 30 °C, and for 48 h cultivation period, canola meal showed the best EP with 188.75 U/L, followed by soybean with 117.07 U/L, cottonseed meal with 66.71 U/L, and sesame with the lowest production, reaching 88.5 U/L up to 35 °C. The temperature factor exhibited the greatest effect on protease production. The biotechnological and economic potential of canola meal in the production of enzymes is highlighted.

Settling of Drilling Cuttings in Polymeric Solutions: A Parametric Investigation.

Drilling fluids, commonly referred to as drilling mud, are pumped into the wellbore to expedite the drilling process by moving drilling cuttings to the surface, suspending cuttings, controlling pressure, stabilizing exposed rock, and providing buoyancy, cooling, and lubrication. Understanding the settling of drilling cuttings in base fluids is crucial for successfully mixing drilling fluid additives. In this study, the response surface method Box-Benhken design (BBD) is used to analyze the terminal velocity of the drilling cuttings in a polymeric base fluid of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). The impact of polymer concentration, fiber concentration, and cutting size on the terminal velocity of the cuttings is investigated. The BBD of the three factors (low, medium, and high) is used for two fiber aspect ratios (3 and 12 mm length). The size of the cuttings varied between 1 and 6 mm, while the concentration of CMC was between 0.49 and 1 wt %. The concentration of the fiber was in the range of 0.02-0.1 wt %. Minitab was utilized to determine the optimum conditions for reducing the terminal velocity of the suspended cuttings and then evaluate the effects and interactions of the components. The results show good agreement between model predictions and the experimental results (R2 = 0.97). According to the sensitivity analysis, cutting size and polymer concentration are the most crucial factors affecting the terminal cutting velocity. Large cutting sizes have the most significant impact on polymer and fiber concentrations. The optimization results revealed that a CMC fluid with a viscosity of 630.4 cP is sufficient to maintain a minimum cutting terminal velocity of 0.234 cm/s with a cutting size of 1 mm and a 0.02 wt % of the 3 mm length fiber.

Cactus and Holm Oak Acorn for Efficient Textile Wastewater Treatment by Coagulation-Flocculation Process Optimization Using Box-Benhken Design

Cactus and Holm Oak Acorn for Efficient Textile Wastewater Treatment by Coagulation-Flocculation Process Optimization Using Box-Benhken Design

Co-torrefaction of rice straw and waste medium density fiberboard: A process optimization study using response surface methodology

Co-torrefaction is a flexible way of improving the properties of various kinds of waste biomass for utilization as a clean solid fuel. Rice straw (RS) and medium density fiberboard (MDF) were used as feedstock for the torrefaction. Three input parameters were evaluated to determine the optimum conditions: rice straw ratio (RSR), torrefaction temperature and residence time. A response surface method based on a Box-Benhken design was used to achieve the optimum conditions (maximizing torrefied heating value and energy yield). Main and interaction effects for the independent variables on the responses were investigated based on analysis of variance (ANOVA). The findings revealed that temperature was the main effect and that there was no interaction effect between the inputs. Thus, a lower temperature optimized co-torrefaction. The optimum conditions for maximizing the heating value (22.13 MJ/kg) and energy yield (99.60%) were an RSR of 25%, a temperature of 208.10 °C and a residence time of 50 min. The experimental values were in good agreement with the corresponding predicted values. These findings should provide guidelines for the thermal pretreatment of mixed waste material for co-firing or co-gasification.

Dissimilar Welding of AISI 304 and AISI 310 Steels Using Metal Inert Gas Welding

Thermal, mechanical and chemical properties decides the quality of welding dissimilar metals, as controlling of welding variables is difficult to achieve the desired output of weld joint. Welding of dissimilar metals is a difficult task, as one has to take care of the metallurgical changes taking place in both the metals due to heat produced during welding. Proper selection of welding variables plays an important role in obtaining sound weld joint. Austenitic stainless steel plates of AISI 304 and AISI 310 are welded by MIG welding. Three factors namely filler wire feed rate, welding current and edge included angle are taken as input variables of welding. Grain size and hardness are the output variables. Fifteen combinations of experiments are conducted by considering Box Benhken Design for three factors and three levels. The effect of welding variables on grain size and hardness of the welded joint was studied. The welding variables were optimised using Response optimizer for minimum grain size and maximum hardness of weld joint.

Amaranth Seed Polyphenol, Fatty Acid and Amino Acid Profile

In this paper, the extraction of polyphenols from amaranth seed using a Box–Benhken design using four factors—ultra-turrax speed, solid-to-liquid ratio (RSL), methanol concentration and extraction time—were studied. There were two responses studied for the model: total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). The factors which influenced the most the extraction of the TPC and TFC were the RSL, methanol concentration and ultra-turrax speed. Twelve phenolic acids (rosmarinic acid, p-coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, protocatechuic acid and gallic acid) and flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin, luteolin and myricetin) were studied, and the most abundant one was kaempferol followed by myricetin. The amaranth seed is a valuable source of fatty acids, and 16.54% of the total fatty acids determined were saturated fatty acids, while 83.45% of the fatty acids were unsaturated ones. Amaranth seed is a valuable source of amino acids, with 9 essential amino acids being reported: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine.

Production, purification and characterization of a novel antithrombotic and anticoagulant serine protease from food grade microorganism Neurospora crassa

A novel thrombolytic enzyme was produced by food grade microorganism Neurospora crassa using agro-industrial by-products as substrates. Process parameters were optimized using Plackett–Berman and Box–Benhken design. Under the optimized fermentation conditions, high fibrinolytic activity of 403.59 U/mL was obtained. It was purified with a specific activity of 3572.4 U/mg by ammonium sulfate precipitation and SP Sepharose chromatography. The molecular weight of the enzyme was approximately 32 kDa. It exhibited maximum activity at 40 °C and pH 7.4. Its activity was enhanced by Cu2+, Na+, Zn2+, and completely inhibited by phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride, soybean trypsin inhibitor, aprotinin, which indicates it could be a serine protease. The enzyme could degrade fibrin clot directly without the need of plasminogen activator, and effectively cleaved Aα, Bβ, γ chains of fibrinogen. It could inhibit the formation of blood clots in vitro and acts as an anticoagulant. Compared to heparin the purified enzyme showed extended anticoagulant activity. Blood clots were dissolved effectively and dissolution rate was increased with time. Based on these results, this novel enzyme has the potential to be developed as a thrombolytic agent.

Photocatalytic degradation of malachite green dye using nitrogen/sodium/iron-TiO2 nanocatalysts

Enhanced visible light-responsive TiO2 modified with nitrogen, sodium, and iron was synthesized using an integration of green synthesis and wet impregnation method. The prepared nanocatalysts were characterized using some analytical tools like UV–visible spectrometry (UV–visible), photoluminescence (PL), High-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller N2 adsorption–desorption process, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, The photocatalytic activity of N/Na/Fe–TiO2 and bared TiO2 for the degradation of Malachite green (MG) dye in aqueous solution under visible light was investigated. The response surface methodology (RSM) based on Box Benhken Design was used to evaluate the interaction between three important independent variables (reaction time, catalyst dosage, and dye solution pH). The XRD results of the prepared samples showed that the crystal phase was anatase irrespective of the modifiers. The BET surface areas of the tri-doped TiO2 nanocatalysts (80.165 m2/g) were higher than the undoped TiO2 (10.25 m2/g). XPS analysis confirmed the existence of Ti in + 4 oxidation states with or without the dopants. The MG removal efficiency was pH and catalyst dosage-dependent, and maximum MG degradation (96.57 %) was obtained using N/Na/Fe tri-doped TiO2 nanocatalyst under optimum experimental conditions of 0.11 g catalyst dosage, 25.83 min reaction time, and pH of 9.89. The N/Na/Fe-TiO2 nanocatalyst was reusable for up to 5 cycles without significant loss of photocatalytic activity.

Waste sludge disintegration and bound water reduction by chemical oxidation: A comparative study

Waste sludge disintegration and bound water reduction was investigated by comparative chemical oxidation using calcium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, peroxymonusulfate and peroxydisulfate in the study. Response surface methodology (RSM) with Box-Benhken Design (BBD) was used to determine operating parameters namely initial pH (2–10), oxidant dosage (5–85 mg/g TSS), and Fe2+ to oxidant ratio; 0.2-2) and disintegration time (20–100 min). According to ANOVA results, determination coefficient (R2) was found 93.2%, 76.3%, 84% and 84.8% for each oxidant, respectively. Under the optimum operating conditions, disintegration degree in terms of chemical oxygen demand (DDCOD) was calculated 11.09%, 5.23%, 10.75%, and 5.34%, respectively. Furthermore, bound water reduction (BWR) of waste sludge increased after the disintegration process, and 33.52%, 24.56%, 44.63% and 32.80% BWR values were obtained under the same operating conditions. Results show that the higher DDCOD and BWR values were achieved by calcium hypochlorite and peroxymonosulfate treatment.

Response Surface Methodology-Based optimization of Inulinase Production from New Bacillus Isolates

This study aimed to investigate new bacterial sources with the ability to produce inulinase and to optimize fermentation conditions for inulinase production. The inulinase production was carried out using newly isolated Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus velezensis among identified sixteen bacterial strains. The four essential variables incubation time (1-3 days), temperature (25-40°C), pH (5-7), and Wheat Bran (WB) level (1-5%) determined by the Plackett–Burman design (PB) were selected for optimization studies with Box-Benhken Design (BBD). These parameters were found to be very effective on inulinase production. The maximum inulinase activities for B. licheniformis and B. velezensis were 401.18 EU/mL and 344.61 EU/mL. Both inulinases sustained 50% of their initial activity at 30°C for 9 days.. The results point out that bacteria are an important source as inulinase producer. The new isolates can be used in production of inulinase for industrial processes.

Optimization of Enzymatic Extraction of ACE Inhibitory Peptide from Rohu (Labeo rohita) Fish Waste using RSM

Background: Hypertension is one of the cardiovascular disease that kills people silently across the globe. It can be controlled, in one of the way, by ACE inhibitory peptide extracted from aquatic resources. Methods: Rohu (Labeo rohita) fish wastes were quantified for their anatomical yield; analyzed for their proximate composition and optimized the enzymatic extraction parameters for ACE inhibitory peptides. Response surface methodology with Box-Benhken Design (RSM-BBD) was used to optimize alcalase concentration (0.5-2% v/w), hydrolysis temperature (45-60°C), hydrolysis time (60-240 min.) and solid: liquid (S/L) ratio (0.2-1) to obtain rohu fish waste peptides. Results: More waste generated in smaller (49.4%) than medium and bigger (34.5%) fish. Quantum of edible flesh (59.06%) was followed by head (23.9%), trimmings (5.18%), scales (4.19%) and swim bladder (0.65%). However, protein content was highest in swim bladder (34.1%) followed by scales (22.9%), trimmings (18.7%) and head (17.1%). Alcalase concentration (1.08%, v/w), temperature (52.10°C), hydrolysis time (129.18 min) and S/L ratio (0.8:1) were found optimum for extraction ACE inhibitory peptide with DH, ACE inhibition and PY of 19.27%, 54.98% and 51.37% respectively. Results showed the potential of extracted ACE inhibitory peptide as ingredients in functional food.

Multi-objective optimisation of thermodynamic performance parameters of a Gifford-McMahon refrigerator

The maximisation of cooling capacity and thermodynamic efficiency of a Gifford-McMahon refrigerator is a tedious task due to the occurrence of complex thermo-physical mechanisms inside its expander. Thus, in this paper, a hybrid simulation approach is introduced by using a combination of the numerical model, response surface model, and non-sorted genetic algorithm to maximise its cooling capacity and relative Carnot efficiency. The selected design factors are length and diameter of the regenerator, its porosity, stroke length of the displacer, and the delay angle of the displacer motion. A Box–Benhken design approach is adopted to create a robust design matrix by using the aforementioned design variables and responses. The correctness of the model is detected through the analysis of variance. Finally, a non-sorted genetic algorithm is utilised to maximise both responses. The numerical analysis at optimal parameter suggests that a major portion of expansion work loss takes place at the regenerator.

Evaluation and Comparison of the Optimization Parameters Based on Univariate and Multivariate Techniques for Estimation Atorvastatin Calcium with Novel Reverse Indirect Spectrophotometric Method

A Novel, accurate, precise and sensitive reversal indirect spectrophotometric method for estimation of Atorvastatin Calcium (ATOR) has been proposed. The method is based on an oxidation of (ATOR) with of excess of KIO4 as oxidant agent. Where, the remaining of oxidant KIO4 reacts with the Para – Anisidine (P-ANS) in acidic medium, the resulting yellowish dye complex exhibit a maximum absorption at 538.0 nm, this spectrum generated revers pack at 428 nm was certified for reverse estimation. Beer's law is obeyed over the concentration range from (5-170 µg/ml) by applying univarate techniques, tow model of multivariate techniques has been applied; Central Composite Design (CCD) and Box-Benhken Design (BBD). By using multivariate techniques, ATOR was obeyed Beer's law at concentration range from (5-185µg/ ml) and (3-188µg/ ml) for (CCD) and (BBD) techniques, respectively. This method had a good accuracy (relative error RE % in the range of (±2.386%, ±2.202% and ± 0.688) good precision (relative standard deviation RSD% is better than ±2.5833%, ±2.0522% and ±1.4177), and the limit of detection (LOD) is (0.14384, 0.12617 and 0.10588 µg/ml) and the limit of quantitation (LOQ) is (0.43590, 0.38235 and 0.32085µg/ml) for univarate, (CCD) and (BBD) techniques, respectively. The method has been applied successfully for assay of Atorvastatin Calcium in pure forms and pharmaceutical preparation forms. How to Cite this Article Pubmed Style Hasan MA, Hasan RO, Al-Rawi KF. and Comparison of the Optimization Parameters Based on Univariate and Multivariate Techniques for Estimation Atorvastatin Calcium with Novel Reverse Indirect Spectrophotometric Method. SRP. 2020; 11(9): 248-259. doi:10.31838/srp.2020.9.41 Web Style Hasan MA, Hasan RO, Al-Rawi KF. and Comparison of the Optimization Parameters Based on Univariate and Multivariate Techniques for Estimation Atorvastatin Calcium with Novel Reverse Indirect Spectrophotometric Method. http://www.sysrevpharm.org/?mno=6466 [Access: March 30, 2021]. doi:10.31838/srp.2020.9.41 AMA (American Medical Association) Style Hasan MA, Hasan RO, Al-Rawi KF. and Comparison of the Optimization Parameters Based on Univariate and Multivariate Techniques for Estimation Atorvastatin Calcium with Novel Reverse Indirect Spectrophotometric Method. SRP. 2020; 11(9): 248-259. doi:10.31838/srp.2020.9.41 Vancouver/ICMJE Style Hasan MA, Hasan RO, Al-Rawi KF. and Comparison of the Optimization Parameters Based on Univariate and Multivariate Techniques for Estimation Atorvastatin Calcium with Novel Reverse Indirect Spectrophotometric Method. SRP. (2020), [cited March 30, 2021]; 11(9): 248-259. doi:10.31838/srp.2020.9.41 Harvard Style Hasan, M. A., Hasan, . R. O. & Al-Rawi, . K. F. (2020) and Comparison of the Optimization Parameters Based on Univariate and Multivariate Techniques for Estimation Atorvastatin Calcium with Novel Reverse Indirect Spectrophotometric Method. SRP, 11 (9), 248-259. doi:10.31838/srp.2020.9.41 Turabian Style Hasan, Marwan A., Rebwar O. Hasan, and Khalid F. Al-Rawi. 2020. and Comparison of the Optimization Parameters Based on Univariate and Multivariate Techniques for Estimation Atorvastatin Calcium with Novel Reverse Indirect Spectrophotometric Reviews in Pharmacy, 11 (9), 248-259. doi:10.31838/srp.2020.9.41 Chicago Style Hasan, Marwan A., Rebwar O. Hasan, and Khalid F. Al-Rawi. Evaluation and Comparison of the Optimization Parameters Based on Univariate and Multivariate Techniques for Estimation Atorvastatin Calcium with Novel Reverse Indirect Spectrophotometric Method. Systematic Reviews in Pharmacy 11 (2020), 248-259. doi:10.31838/srp.2020.9.41 MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style Hasan, Marwan A., Rebwar O. Hasan, and Khalid F. Al-Rawi. Evaluation and Comparison of the Optimization Parameters Based on Univariate and Multivariate Techniques for Estimation Atorvastatin Calcium with Novel Reverse Indirect Spectrophotometric Method. Systematic Reviews in Pharmacy 11.9 (2020), 248-259. Print. doi:10.31838/srp.2020.9.41 APA (American Psychological Association) Style Hasan, M. A., Hasan, . R. O. & Al-Rawi, . K. F. (2020) and Comparison of the Optimization Parameters Based on Univariate and Multivariate Techniques for Estimation Atorvastatin Calcium with Novel Reverse Indirect Spectrophotometric Reviews in Pharmacy, 11 (9), 248-259. doi:10.31838/srp.2020.9.41

Response surface methodology for silicon production from bamboo leaves

This study investigated the production of silicon from bamboo leaves to solve the challenge of silicon in solar market using Optimization approach. The effect of three independent variables of: temperature, time and amount of bamboo leaves were studied using Box Behnken design. The best process level observed from the Box Benhken Design and optimal predicted process were used to produce silica. It was then subjected to X-Ray Diffractometer to determine the most reactive silica. The most reactive silica observed was used to produce silicon. Silicon obtained was subjected to X-Ray Diffraction and Scanning Electron microscope. It was concluded that nanosilicon was produced which can be used as a solar cell component to solve the challenge presently in the solar market.

Pelletized biomass fly ash for FAME production: Optimization of a continuous process

Circularity in the resources usage is one of the current challenges in the development of our civilization. At the same time, there is an imperative need for cleaner and competitive energy sources, alternatives to those of fossil origin. In this context, the present work aimed to optimize a continuous process for fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) production using residual resources, namely waste cooking oil (WCO) and pelletized biomass fly ash as catalyst. A fixed bed tubular continuous reactor was designed and built. The pelletized catalyst performance was assessed in the reaction system, which was fed with a mixture of refined palm oil (RPO), WCO and methanol at 60 °C. The effect of three operating variables (residence time, WCO/RPO mass ratio and methanol/oil molar ratio) on FAME concentration was studied, using experimental the Box-Benhken design and the Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The maximum FAME concentration achieved was c.a. 89.7% under the following operating conditions: 124 min of residence time, 74.6 wt% WCO/RPO and 12:1 methanol/oil molar ratio. The catalyst kept stable over the 32 h of continuous operation, without noticeable deactivation. Thus, the pelletization of an industrial biomass fly ash, with bifunctional catalytic properties, allowed its application to the FAME production in a continuous regime, with high performance even when high percentages of WCO were used as feedstock.

Optimizing homogenizer-assisted extraction of chlorophylls from plantain epicarp (Musa paradisiaca L.)

The objective of this study was to establish parameters of optimization of the factors such as solid/solvent ratio, stirring speed and extraction time in homogenizer-assisted extraction (HAE) of chlorophyll a, b and total from plantain epicarp (Musa paradisiaca L.) using the Box–Benhken design. The individual effect and the interactions of the process variables (solid/solvent ratio, stirring speed (revolutions per minute, rpm), and extraction time in HAE) on the chlorophyll a, b and total contents in the extract were studied. The optimization was carried out with a Derringer desirability function, and it was found that the optimal extraction conditions included a solid/solvent ratio of 0.025 g/mL, an stirring speed of 13,508 and 90 s of treatment with Ultra-turrax. The corresponding predicted values were 33.67 mg/100 g of chlorophyll a, 32.915 mg/100 g of chlorophyll b and 66.585 mg/100 g of total chlorophyll. Finally, the optimal conditions were experimentally verified, and it was established that extraction with an Ultra-Turrax treatment is more efficient than the conventional method (maceration).