By-product Of Agricultural Industry Research Articles

Decoding the dynamics of enhanced succinoglycan biosynthesis from pretreated sugarcane molasses using Rhizobium pusense KM7: Kinetics and structural insights

In the current investigation, an extensive investigation into the microbial synthesis of exopolysaccharides (EPS), with a focus on succinoglycan, was conducted using Rhizobium pusense KM7. Sugarcane molasses, a byproduct of agricultural industry, was harnessed as a substrate, underscoring its potential in waste-to-value conversions. By implementing response surface methodology, conditions were optimized for maximal EPS production, yielding a notable output of 21 g/L. The process was successfully scaled up to a 1L shake flask and a 5L bioreactor, with unstructured models utilized to decode the complex dynamics of microbial growth, substrate consumption, and product formation. Advanced techniques such as HPLC, GPC, TGA and FTIR analyses were employed to confirm the high-molecular-weight, heteropolymeric nature of the produced succinoglycan, as well as its substantial thermal stability. Our research heralds a promising future for sustainable, large-scale bio-production, harnessing agricultural waste and opening new avenues in the field of microbial biotechnology. The novelty of this study lies in the exploration of the kinetics of succinoglycan biosynthesis by Rhizobium pusense using cane molasses at a bioreactor scale, representing the first-ever report of this nature.

Complex modification effect of linseed cake as an agricultural waste filler used in high density polyethylene composites

Linseed cake (LC) is a by-product of agricultural industry which does not have any large-scale industrial applications. The possibilities of its utilization as filler with plasticizing ability for high density polyethylene (HDPE)-based composites have been investigated. Composites containing 5, 10, 20 and 30 wt% of the waste filler have been prepared using a melt mixing method. The influence of the LC on the mechanical and thermomechanical properties of the composites, as well as their water absorption and morphology, have been evaluated by the following methods: static tensile test, impact strength assessment using Dynstat method, hardness measurements, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy observations, measurements of Vicat’s softening temperature and water uptake test. Application of different measuring techniques allows for describing complex modification effects of the composites’ properties changes induced by the presence of lignocellulosic filler with high oil content. The results of the study proved a pronounced influence of LC on high density polyethylene-based composites, especially a plasticizing effect of crude linseed oil contained by the waste filler particles. LC also has been assumed to affect the polymeric matrix crystallization process. It was found that complex modification of polyethylene results from simultaneously occurring different phenomena including: plasticization of the HDPE by linseed oil, improved crystallinity of the semicrystalline matrix, presence of the rigid lignocellulosic particles dispersed in polymer and accumulation of the oil in the interfacial regions.

Application of Peat, Wood Processing and Agricultural Industry By-products in Producing the Insulating Building Materials

One of the most important problems nowadays is energy efficiency securing. In the present paper thermal insulation materials were designed, their mechanical and insulation properties were optimized. Special attention is paid to the peat, wood processing industry and agricultural by-products which are used in composite production. The activation of the raw materials allows not only to improve existing properties and open the new ones but also to make greater use of natural resources. Variety of the insulation materials was obtained using peat glue as binder and using different fractions of the wood chips, peat and hemp as fillers. For obtaining the peat binder, mechanically-thermal activation was applied using planetary ball mill in the water environment. During the research various insulation building materials were obtained: peat glue was used as a binder and various fraction wood chips, hemp sheaves and peat – as filler. The obtained materials and products are:- The activated peat that can be used as a binder,- Peat-Wood/Hemp insulation panels with density 150–300 kg/m3, thermal conductivity from 0.050 to 0.065 W/mK;- Peat-Wood/Hemp composite with resistance to compression of 1 MPa.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.sace.1.2.2884