Central Composite Design-response Surface Methodology Research Articles

Selenocyanate removal using combined system of TiO2- photocatalysis and Fe(III)/SiO2 adsorption {UV-TiO2/[Fe(III)/SiO2]}: Complex destruction and simultaneous selenium species adsorption

Selenocyanate (SeCN‾) species, commonly found in industrial effluents from crude oil refineries and mining operations, present substantial health risks to humans and animals. This study investigates the treatment of selenocyanate-contaminated streams using a combination of TiO2 photocatalysis and Fe(III)/SiO2 binary oxide adsorption {UV-TiO2/[Fe(III)/SiO2]}. The Fe(III)/SiO2 binary oxide was synthesized and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. XRD analysis revealed non-crystalline Fe-oxide phases, while FTIR indicated the presence of various Fe and O functional groups on the Fe(III)/SiO2 surface. Adsorption studies using Fe(III)/SiO2 showed its selenocyanate uptake capacity ∼ 2.1 mg/g, with the respective data closely aligning with the Langmuir isotherm model. This Fe(III)/SiO2 adsorption feature was successfully combined in the {UV-TiO2/[Fe(III)/SiO2]} system in which the hydroxyl radicals (●OH) generated by the UV-TiO2 facilitated the breakdown of the selenocyanate complex, while the resulting selenite and selenate were simultaneously adsorbed by the Fe(III)/SiO2 within a 240-min reaction time. A mathematical model developed using a face-centered central composite design-response surface methodology (FCD-RSM) showed significant predictive capability with an insignificant lack of fit. Optimal conditions for selenium removal were determined to be 20 mg/L selenocyanate, 1 g/L TiO2, and 1 g/L Fe(III)/SiO2, at pH 5, within a 240-min reaction time. Kinetic analysis demonstrated that selenocyanate degradation followed pseudo-first-order kinetics, while total selenium removal adhered to pseudo-second-order kinetics, confirming the proposed selenium species removal mechanism. Overall, this integrated approach offers a promising solution for effective selenocyanate remediation in industrial wastewater.

OPTIMIZATION OF THE SYNERGISTIC ANTIOXIDANT EFFECT OF SELECTED PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS (GALLIC ACID, ROSMARINIC ACID and CAFFEIC ACID) AND INVESTIGATION OF THEIR ABILITY TO PREVENT FORMATION OF DNA BASE DAMAGE

Considering the areas of use of phenolic compounds, it is important to determine the concentrations at which they show synergistic and antagonistic interactions for their integration into various systems and their correct use. In this study, the synergistic interaction concentration of rosmarinic acid, gallic acid, and caffeic acid was determined by Folin–Ciocalteu and FRAP methods. The central composite design–response surface methodology was used to determine the optimum concentration for synergistic interaction. As a result of the optimization, caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, and gallic acid showed synergistic interaction at 7.87 μM, 6.75 μM and 9.42 μM concentrations for Folin–Ciocalteu method; 8.03 μM, 9.34 μM and 6.00 μM concentration for FRAP method respectively. The capacity of phenolic compounds to prevent the formation of DNA base damage products was evaluated by GC–MS/MS. As a result, the synergistic concentration of three phenolics reduces the DNA damage products at 37.17% (FOLIN) and 40.17% (FRAP).

CCD-RSM optimization of biodiesel production from waste cooking oil using Angulyagra oxytropis and Bellamya crassa snail shell-based heterogeneous catalysts

In the present study, labuk tharoi (Angulyagra oxytropis), and ningkhabi tharoi (Bellamya crassa) were utilized to produce CaO catalyst for biodiesel production using waste cooking oil (WCO). The snail shells were calcined at a temperature of 800−1000℃ for 4 h and characterized using XRD, FTIR, BET, SEM, and EDX analysis. Central composite design-response surface methodology (CCD-RSM) was employed, and the input parameters considered for optimization were (i) catalyst calcination temperature (800−1000℃), (ii) methanol: oil ratio (molar) (6:1−12:1), (iii) catalyst loading (3−7 wt.%), and (iv) reaction temperature (55−75℃). A quadratic regression model was aliased by CCD-RSM with R2 values of 0.9291 and 0.976 for waste cooking oil methyl ester-labuk tharoi (WCOME-LT), and waste cooking oil methyl ester-ningkhabi tharoi (WCOME-NT) models indicating a good fit. An optimum biodiesel yield of (95.87, 95.91 %) was obtained at catalyst calcination temperature (891, 886℃), methanol to oil molar ratio (9.89:1, 9.67:1), catalyst loading weight % (7, 7 wt.%), and reaction temperature (75, 75℃) for WCOME-LT and WCOME-NT model respectively. The calcination temperature has a major impact on the biodiesel yield as per analysis of variance. The catalyst reusability was up to four cycles with a biodiesel yield of more than 83 %.

Whole-cell biocatalysis for phthalate esters biodegradation in wastewater by a saline soil bacteria SSB-consortium

Phthalic acid esters (PAE) are widely used as plasticizers and have been classified as ubiquitous environmental contaminants of primary concern. PAE have accumulated intensively in surface water, groundwater, and wastewaters; thus, PAE degradation is essential. In the present study, the ability of a saline soil bacteria (SSB)-consortium to degrade synthetic wastewater-phthalates with alkyl chains of different lengths, such as diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), and di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) was characterized. A central composite design-response surface methodology was applied to optimize the degradation of each phthalate, where the independent variables were temperature (21–41 °C), pH (5.3–8.6) and PAE concentration (79.5–920.4 mg L−1), and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry was used to identify the metabolites generated during phthalate degradation. Optimal conditions were 31 °C, pH 7.0, and an initial PAE concentration of 500 mg L−1, where the SSB-consortium removed 84.9%, 98.47%, 99.09% and 98.25% of initial DEP, DBP, BBP, and DEHP, respectively, in 168h. A first-order kinetic model explained - the biodegradation progression, while the half-life of PAE degradation ranged from 12.8 to 29.8 h. Genera distribution of the SSB-consortium was determined by bacterial meta-taxonomic analysis. Serratia, Methylobacillus, Acrhomobacter, and Pseudomonas were the predominant genera; however, the type of phthalate directly affected their distribution. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that high concentrations (1000 mg L−1) of phthalates induced morphological alterations in the bacterial SSB-consortium. The metabolite profiling showed that DEP, DBP, BBP, and DEHP could be fully metabolized through the de-esterification and β-oxidation pathways. Therefore, the SSB-consortium can be considered a potential candidate for bioremediation of complex phthalate-contaminated water resources.

Encapsulation of Lacticaseibacillus casei and Lactobacillus acidophilus using Elaeagnus angustifolia L. flour as encapsulating material by emulsion method

AbstractIn this study, Lacticaseibacillus casei and Lactobacillus acidophilus probiotic bacteria were encapsulated using oleaster flour, which is rich in phenolic compounds and has prebiotic properties as potential. The optimum conditions required for the encapsulation of L. casei and L. acidophilus bacteria with maximum efficiency using oleaster flour were determined by central composite design–response surface methodology. As a result of the optimization process, the encapsulation efficiency for L. casei and L. acidophilus capsules was 93.66 ± 2.58% and 74.97 ± 1.34%, respectively. The capsule sizes of L. casei and L. acidophilus encapsulated with oleaster flour were determined by scanning electron microscopy to be 104.8 ± 26.3 and 95.7 ± 12.1 μm, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses showed that there was no change in the structure of the encapsulation material, oleaster flour, after encapsulation. Also, the storage stability of free and encapsulated bacteria was investigated, and it was found that the viability losses of encapsulated probiotic bacteria were less than those of free probiotic bacteria. Finally, the effect of encapsulation on bacterial viability during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion was investigated, which is the main purpose of the study. While free probiotic bacteria cannot reach the intestinal environment alive after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion due to pH and enzyme effects, encapsulated L. casei and L. acidophilus bacteria largely preserved their viability, and their postdigestion viability was 39.59 ± 1.50% and 36.28 ± 0.01%, respectively. The results showed successful encapsulation of L. casei and L. acidophilus probiotic bacteria with oleaster flour.

Characterization of Cichorium intybus L. Extract in Preventing Oxidative DNA Base Damage Using Gas Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS/MS)

Free radicals are unstable and are known for electron deficiency. This state renders DNA, proteins, and various biomolecules susceptible to detrimental interactions, leading to damage. However, this process can be regulated by antioxidants produced naturally on-site or externally through food or herbal supplements. In recent years, interest in characterizing alternative, natural and safe antioxidants obtained from plant sources has been increasing. Within this context, Cichorium intybus L. has garnered attention for its notable antioxidant content. In our previous study, we determined optimum conditions for ultrasound-assisted extraction of antioxidants from Cichorium intybus L. using central composite design-response surface methodology. In this study, the quantitative determination of phenolics in the extract prepared under optimal conditions was undertaken employing high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). The study’s primary goal is to investigate the impact of the extract derived from Cichorium intybus on the formation of products resulting from oxidative damage to DNA bases by gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS). For this purpose, different volumes of extract were added to the DNA + Fenton medium. When 25 µL of extract were added, 239.98 ± 5.81 ng of damaged product/mg DNA was present. 233.12 ± 5.63 ng of damaged product/mg DNA were obtained for 50 µL of extract and 165.76 ± 4.58 ng of damaged product/mg DNA for 100 µL. This study shows that Cichorium intybus has potential therapeutic effects on supporting antioxidant defenses and reducing oxidative DNA damage.

Superior decomposition of xenobiotic RB5 dye using three-dimensional electrochemical treatment: Response surface methodology modelling, artificial intelligence, and machine learning-based optimisation approaches

The highly efficient electrochemical treatment technology for dye-polluted wastewater is one of hot research topics in industrial wastewater treatment. This study reported a three-dimensional electrochemical treatment process integrating graphite intercalation compound (GIC) adsorption, direct anodic oxidation, and ·OH oxidation for decolourising Reactive Black 5 (RB5) from aqueous solutions. The electrochemical process was optimised using the novel progressive central composite design–response surface methodology (CCD–NPRSM), hybrid artificial neural network–extreme gradient boosting (hybrid ANN–XGBoost), and classification and regression trees (CART). CCD–NPRSM and hybrid ANN–XGBoost were employed to minimise errors in evaluating the electrochemical process involving three manipulated operational parameters: current density, electrolysis (treatment) time, and initial dye concentration. The optimised decolourisation efficiencies were 99.30%, 96.63%, and 99.14% for CCD–NPRSM, hybrid ANN–XGBoost, and CART, respectively, compared to the 98.46% RB5 removal rate observed experimentally under optimum conditions: approximately 20 mA/cm2 of current density, 20 min of electrolysis time, and 65 mg/L of RB5. The optimised mineralisation efficiencies ranged between 89% and 92% for different models based on total organic carbon (TOC). Experimental studies confirmed that the predictive efficiency of optimised models ranked in the descending order of hybrid ANN–XGBoost, CCD–NPRSM, and CART. Model validation using analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that hybrid ANN–XGBoost had a mean squared error (MSE) and a coefficient of determination (R2) of approximately 0.014 and 0.998, respectively, for the RB5 removal efficiency, outperforming CCD–NPRSM with MSE and R2 of 0.518 and 0.998, respectively. Overall, the hybrid ANN–XGBoost approach is the most feasible technique for assessing the electrochemical treatment efficiency in RB5 dye wastewater decolourisation.

Urinary biomonitoring of fuel ether oxygenates using a needle trap device packed with a novel molecularly imprinted polymer surface modified Zeolite Y

This study introduces an innovative needle trap device (NTD) featuring a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) surface-modified Zeolite Y. The developed NTD was integrated with gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and employed for analysis of fuel ether oxygenates (methyl tert‑butyl ether, MTBE, ethyl tert‑butyl ether, ETBE, and tert‑butyl formate, TBF) in urine samples. To optimize the key experimental variables including extraction temperature, extraction time, salt concentration, and stirring speed, a central composite design-response surface methodology (CCD-RSM) was employed. The optimal values for extraction in the study were found to be 51.2 °C extraction temperature, 46.2 min extraction time, 27 % salt concentration, and 620 rpm stirring speed. Under the optimized conditions, the calibration curves demonstrated excellent linearity within the range of 0.1–100 μg L−1, with correlation coefficients (R2) exceeding 0.99. The limits of detection (LODs) for MTBE, ETBE, and TBF were obtained 0.06, 0.08, and 0.09 μg L−1, respectively. Moreover, the limits of quantification (LOQs) for MTBE, ETBE, and TBF were obtained 0.18, 0.24, and 0.27 μg L−1, respectively. The enrichment factor was also found to be in the range of 98–129.The NTD-GC-FID procedure demonstrated a high extraction efficiency, making it a promising tool for urinary biomonitoring of fuel ether oxygenates with improved sensitivity and selectivity compared to current methods.

Selection of performance indicators on dielectric strength and viscosity for chlorinated polyvinyl chloride with N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone: Optimization using central composite design-response surface methodology

N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone is a highly polar aprotic solvent that is frequently utilized across a broad range of applications in industry. The composition of chlorinated polyvinyl chloride is commonly flame-resistant and mechanically strong. In this research, the central composite design technique uses response surface methodology to perform a parametric study. The effect of the input variables wt.% (16%, 20%, 24%), stirring speed (300, 600, 900 r/min), and stirring time (20 min, 30 min, 40 min) on the output responses (dielectric strength kV/mm, and viscosity Pascal) were examined. The output responses were recorded during the experiments according to the experimental design. The factors impacting the response were identified through analysis of variance. According to the predicted vs. actual diagram, the confirmed experiments fit well with the predictions. Based on the response surface, the parameter interaction profile was analyzed. According to the contour plots related to each interaction, the maximum value can be achieved within different stirring parameters. Based on the result of optimization, the optimum values of dielectric strength and viscosity were found in (wt.% of chlorinated polyvinyl chloride—18.101%), (stirring speed—664 r/min), (stirring time—21.860 min). The output response obtained from the response surface methodology is the dielectric strength (18.5 kV/mm) and viscosity (37.67 Pa).

Preparation of AC/TiO2 doped N-Ce Synthesized via Microwave Irradiation for Amoxicillin Photodegradation

Activated carbon (AC) supported with titanium dioxide (TiO2) doped with nitrogen (N) and cerium (Ce), denoted as AC/TiO2 doped N-Ce was synthesized for adsorption and photodegradation of amoxicillin (AMX) antibiotic. Photocatalyst was prepared using sol-gel approach assisted by microwave irradiation.30 experiment runs were generated for photocatalyst production and optimized via Central Composite Design-Response Surface Methodology (CCD-RSM) with observation of four types of variable parameters. The experimental variables consisted of the quantities of urea (N) (𝑥𝑥𝑖𝑖: 0.02–0.20 g), amount of cerium (III) nitrate hexahydrate (Ce) (𝑥𝑥𝑗𝑗: 0.02–0.20 g), amount of AC (𝑥𝑥𝑘𝑘: 0.10 –0.50 g), and microwave power (𝑥𝑥𝑙𝑙: 600–800 W). The analysis revealed that AC/TiO2 doped N-Ce photocatalyst, which was prepared with 0.50 g AC, 0.02 g N, and 0.20 g Ce, and activated with microwave power 600 W in 15 min, achieved a 93.6% AMX removal under UV light irradiation. The photocatalyst was initially subjected to a concentration of 10 mg L-1 at 30 °Cfor a duration of 60 min.

Improvement of Cross-linked Alginate Hydrogel Microparticles Loaded with Galangin-β-Cyclodextrin Complex by Response Surface Methodology

Galangin is a phenolic compound with antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activity, which makes it highly useful in cosmetics and medicine. However, the poor solubility of galangin in water limits its usefulness in these areas. This study it is aimed to increase the solubility of galangin in water by encapsulation method. Therefore, in this study, ethanolic and methanolic extracts were obtained from Alpinia officinarum Hance, and the phenolic compound profile and content of the extracts were determined by HPLC-DAD. Galangin was purified and fractionated from Alpinia officinarum Hance extracts by column chromatography. Galangin was encapsulated with β-cyclodextrin, and galangin-β-cyclodextrin loaded alginate hydrogel microparticles were developed. The central composite design-response surface methodology was used to develop galangin-β-cyclodextrin loaded alginate hydrogel microparticles under optimum conditions with maximum galangin release. The encapsulation efficiency and release of galangin in galangin-β-cyclodextrin loaded alginate hydrogel microparticles developed under optimum conditions were characterized by HPLC-DAD, surface morphology by SEM, and structural properties by FTIR.

Oxidation of Allura Red AC Using the NaHCO3-activated H2O2 System Catalyzed with Cobalt Supported on Al-PILC

The oxidation of aqueous solutions containing Allura Red AC (AR–AC) using bicarbonate-activated peroxide (BAP) and cobalt-impregnated pillared clay (Co/Al–PILC) as the catalyst was investigated. Using the CCD-RMS approach (central composite design–response surface methodology), the effects of dye, H2O2, and NaHCO3 concentrations on AR–AC degradation were studied. The decolorization, total nitrogen (TN), and total carbon (TC) removals were the analyzed responses, and the experimental data were fitted to empirical quadratic equations for these responses, obtaining coefficients of determination R2 and adjusted-R2 higher than 0.9528. The multi-objective optimization conditions were [dye] = 21.25 mg/L, [H2O2] = 2.59 mM, [NaHCO3] = 1.25 mM, and a catalyst loading of 2 g/L. Under these conditions, a decolorization greater than 99.43% was obtained, as well as TN and TC removals of 72.82 and 18.74%, respectively, with the added advantage of showing cobalt leaching below 0.01 mg/L. Chromatographic analyses (GC–MS and HPLC) were used to identify some reaction intermediates and by-products. This research showed that wastewater containing azo dyes may be treated using the cobalt-catalyzed BAP system in heterogeneous media.

Comparison of an Ultrasound-Assisted Aqueous Two-Phase System Extraction of Anthocyanins from Pomegranate Pomaces by Utilizing the Artificial Neural Network-Genetic Algorithm and Response Surface Methodology Models.

As a by-product of pomegranate processing, the recycling and reuse of pomegranate pomaces (PPs) were crucial to environmentally sustainable development. Ultrasound-assisted aqueous two-phase extraction (UA-ATPE) was applied to extract the anthocyanins (ACNs) from PPs in this study, and the central composite design response surface methodology (CCD-RSM) and artificial neural network-genetic algorithm (ANN-GA) models were utilized to optimize the extraction parameters and achieve the best yield. The results indicated that the ANN-GA model built for the ACN yield had a greater degree of fit and accuracy than the RSM model. The ideal model process parameters were optimized to have a liquid-solid ratio of 49.0 mL/g, an ethanol concentration of 28 g/100 g, an ultrasonic time of 27 min, and an ultrasonic power of 330 W, with a maximum value of 86.98% for the anticipated ACN yield. The experimental maximum value was 87.82%, which was within the 95% confidence interval. A total of six ACNs from PPs were identified by utilizing UHPLC-ESI-HRMS/MS, with the maximum content of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside being 57.01 ± 1.36 mg/g DW. Therefore, this study has positive significance for exploring the potential value of more by-products and obtaining good ecological and economic benefits in the future.

Optimization for Removal of COD and BOD through RSM-CCD by Activated Sludge Treatment Process for Pharmaceutical Wastewater

Wastewater generated from home and commercial operations is a polluting component of water. One of the main contributors for the production of wastewater by various manufacturing processes is the pharmaceutical industry. The commercial operations of industry are causing an increase in the amount of organic and inorganic contaminants, such as total suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biological oxygen demand (BOD). Activated sludge process reduces COD, BOD and Total Suspended Solids (TSS), with three input variables: pH, time and Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids (MLSS). The Central Composite Design-Response Surface Methodology (CCD-RSM) is used to optimize responses for COD and BOD removal efficiency. To achieve optimization results, numerous sets of trials were conducted for the input variables - pH (4.2–6.5), time (12–30 h) and MLSS (2520–4310 mg/l). The analyzed models were shown to be quadratic and highly significant by the F-value and P-value. The regression coefficients (R2) for the quadratic models developed for removal efficiency, COD, and BOD5 are 0.9996, 0.9995 and 0.9996, respectively. According to CCD-RSM, the optimal matching input factors for the greatest removal efficiency of BOD and COD were: MLLS = 3415 mg/l, time = 21 h and pH = 5.35. Using the traditional method, the maximum removal (95%) of BOD and COD was seen at pH = 6.5, time = 12 h and MLLS = 4310 mg/l.

Study on the Mechanical Properties of Polyurethane-Cement Mortar Containing Nanosilica: RSM and Machine Learning Approach

Polymer-modified cement mortar has been increasingly used as a runway/road pavement repair material due to its improved bending strength, bonding strength, and wear resistance. The flexural strength of polyurethane–cement mortar (PUCM) is critical in achieving a desirable maintenance effect. This study aims to evaluate and optimize the flexural strength of PUCM involving nano silica (NS) using a central composite design/response surface methodology (CCD/RSM) to design and establish statistical models. The PU binder and NS were utilized as input parameters to evaluate the responses, such as compressive and flexural strength. Moreover, machine learning (ML) algorithms including artificial neural networks (ANN) and Gaussian regression process (GPR) were used. The PUCM mixtures were prepared by adding a PU binder at 0%, 10%, 15%, and 25% by weight of cement. At the same time, NS was incorporated into the mortar mixes at 0 to 3% (interval of 1%) by cement weight. The results showed that the simultaneous effect of PU binder at the optimal content and NS improved the performance of PUCM. Adding NS to the mortar mixture mitigated some of the strength lost due to the PU binder, which remarkably reduces the strength properties at a high content. The optimized PUCM can be obtained by partly adding 3.5% PU binder and 2.93% NS particles by the weight of cement. The performance of the machine learning algorithms was tested using performance indicators such as the determination of coefficient (R2), mean absolute error (MAE), mean-square error (MSE), and root-mean-square error (RMSE). The GPR algorithm outperformed the ANN with higher R2 and lower MAE values in the training and testing phases. The GPR can predict flexural strength with 90% accuracy, while ANN can predict it with 75% accuracy.

Enhanced adsorption performance of tetracycline in aqueous solutions using Mg-Al-LDH/AC nanocomposite

Water contamination with antibiotics promotes environmental antibiotic resistance. Tetracycline(TC), commonly used in agriculture, pollutes water and enables bacteria to develop resistance genes. Mg-Al-layered double hydroxides/Activated carbon (Mg-Al-LDH/AC) nanocomposite effectively removes tetracycline from water in this study. The synthesized adsorbent was characterized using Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) tests, and exhibited a large surface area of 105.46 m2/g, a total pore volume of 0.4571 cm3/g, and an average pore diameter of 27.99 nm. The optimal conditions for eliminating TC using the Mg-Al-LDH/AC nanocomposite were determined via the central composite design response surface methodology (CCD-RSM) approach. The responses were evaluated using a second-order polynomial multiple regression model, which was found to be a satisfactory fit to the data based on the analysis of variance (R2 = 0.9690, R2Adj = 0.9478, and R2Pred = 0.9042). The ideal conditions were identified as pH = 5.1, 0.11 g of adsorbent, a TC concentration of 50 mg/L, and a contact time of 90 min. The adsorption isotherms showed that TC elimination follows the Langmuir model with a maximum adsorption capacity of 106.4 mg/g and a high R2 value of 0.9986. The kinetics of the TC adsorption process was found to fit the pseudo-second-order model with a correlation value of 0.9997. The values of ΔG, ΔH, and ΔS for TC were determined to be 1.90 kJ/mol (at 333.15 K), −41.97 kJ/mol, and −0.131 kJ/(mol·K), respectively. Additionally, the study showed that ionic strength did not affect the effectiveness of TC removal, and the adsorbent was effective in removing TC antibiotics in a range of ionic strengths. Finally, the study found that adding 20% by weight of AC to LDH resulted in the best TC removal efficiency.

Development of A Nanostructured Lipid Carrier-Based Drug Delivery Strategy for Apigenin: Experimental Design Based on CCD-RSM and Evaluation against NSCLC In Vitro.

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the main cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with a low five-year survival rate, posing a serious threat to human health. In recent years, the delivery of antitumor drugs using a nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) has become a subject of research. This study aimed to develop an apigenin (AP)-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier (AP-NLC) by melt sonication using glyceryl monostearate (GMS), glyceryl triacetate, and poloxamer 188. The optimal prescription of AP-NLC was screened by central composite design response surface methodology (CCD-RSM) based on a single-factor experiment using encapsulation efficiency (EE%) and drug loading (DL%) as response values and then evaluated for its antitumor effects on NCI-H1299 cells. A series of characterization analyses of AP-NLC prepared according to the optimal prescription were carried out using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Subsequent screening of the lyophilization protectants revealed that mannitol could better maintain the lyophilization effect. The in vitro hemolysis assay of this formulation indicated that it may be safe for intravenous injection. Moreover, AP-NLC presented a greater ability to inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of NCI-H1299 cells compared to AP. Our results suggest that AP-NLC is a safe and effective nano-delivery vehicle that may have beneficial potential in the treatment of NSCLC.

Optimization of subtilisin production from Bacillus subtilis strain ZK3 and biological and molecular characterization of synthesized subtilisin capped nanoparticles

The increase and dissemination of multi-drug resistant bacteria have presented a major healthcare challenge, making bacterial infections a significant concern. The present research contributes towards the production of bioactive subtilisin from a marine soil isolate Bacillus subtilis strain ZK3. Custard apple seed powder (raw carbon) and mustard oil cake (raw nitrogen) sources showed a pronounced effect on subtilisin production. A 7.67-fold enhancement in the production was evidenced after optimization with central composite design-response surface methodology. Subtilisin capped silver (AgNP) and zinc oxide (ZnONP) nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized by UV–Visible spectroscopy. Subtilisin and its respective nanoparticles revealed significant biological properties such as, antibacterial activity against all tested pathogenic strains with potential against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Prospective antioxidant behavior of subtilisin, AgNP and ZnONP was evidenced through radical scavenging assays with ABTS and DPPH. Subtilisin, AgNP and ZnONP revealed cytotoxic effect against cancerous breast cell lines MCF-7 with IC50of 83.48, 3.62 and 7.57 µg/mL respectively. Characterizations of nanoparticles were carried out by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and atomic force microscopy analysis to elucidate the structure, surface and thermostability properties. The study proposes the potential therapeutic applications of subtilisin and its nanoparticles, a way forward for further exploration in the field of healthcare.

Unleashing synergistic potential of microbially enhanced anaerobic co-digestion of petroleum refinery biosludge and yard waste: Impact of nutrient balance and microbial diversity

Petroleum refinery sludge, an egregious solid residue generated from the wastewater treatment plants poses an environmental hazard owing to its intricate hydrocarbon composition, necessitating competent treatment for secure disposal. The study proposes a green solution through anaerobic co-digestion of nitrogen-rich petroleum refinery sludge (PS) with carbon-rich yard waste (YW), balancing the nutrients and moisture content for efficient microbial proliferation. Using Central Composite Design-Response Surface Methodology, 1 L batch experiments were conducted with varying carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratios and pH to achieve maximum biogas yield within 50 days of co-digestion. However, the sluggish biogas recovery (40%) indicated a slow rate-limiting hydrolysis, necessitating pretreatment. Feedstock incubation with Bacillus subtilis IH1 strain, isolated from the microbially-enriched PS, at 108 colony forming units (CFU) per mL for 5 days maximized the soluble chemical oxygen demand and volatile fatty acids by 2.2 and 1.4 folds respectively compared to untreated feedstock. Scale-up Bacillus subtilis aided co-digestion studies further augmented biogas by 76% against untreated monodigestion of PS with significant total petroleum hydrocarbons, emulsions, and lignocellulosic degradation. Further identification of major organic pollutants in the batch digestate revealed significant degradation of the toxic organic hydrocarbon pollutants apotheosizing the efficacy of the synergistic sustainable technique for the management of PS. Environmental implicationThe effluent treatment plants (ETPs) of petroleum refining industries generate sludge which is a complex mixture of petroleum hydrocarbons, oil–water (O/W) emulsions and heavy metals. These petroleum hydrocarbon constituents can be linear/cyclic alkanes, polyaromatics, resins and asphaltenes, whose intricate composition is reportedly carcinogenic, cytogenic and mutagenic, classifying it as hazardous waste. Biological treatment of these sludge through anaerobic digestion leads to utilization of petroleum hydrocarbons with subsequent energy recovery. Co-digestion of these sludge with competent co-substrates leads to nutrient balance, diverse microbial proliferation and toxicant dilution. Microbially aided co-digestion further augments methane rendering a digestate with utmost pollutant degradation.

Zanthoxylum bungeanum amides ameliorates nonalcoholic fatty liver via regulating gut microbiota and activating AMPK/Nrf2 signaling

Ethnopharmacological relevanceZanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. (Rutaceae) is a known herbal medicine with various bioactivities, including anti-obesity, lipid-lowering, learning & memory improving and anti-diabetes, and amides in Z. bungeanum (AZB) are considered as the major active agents for its bioactivities. Aim of the studyThis research was carried out to uncover the anti-NAFL effect of AZB and its corresponding molecular mechanisms. MethodsThe central composite design-response surface methodology (CCD-RSM) was utilized to optimize the AZB extraction process, and the anti-NAFL effect of AZB was investigated on high fat diet (HFD) fed mice (HFD mice). The levels of ROS in liver tissues were determined using laser confocal microscopy with DCFH-DA probe staining, and anti-enzymes (such as HO-1, SOD, CAT & GSH-PX) and MDA in liver tissues were measured using commercial detecting kits. GC-MS was used to determine the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) contents in feces and blood of mice. 16S high-throughput sequencing, western blotting (WB) assay and immunofluorescence (IF) were used to explore the intestinal flora changes in mice and the potential mechanisms of AZB for treatment of NAFL. ResultsOur results showed AZB reduced body weight, alleviated liver pathological changes, reduced fat accumulation, and improved oxidative stress in HFD mice. In addition, we also found AZB improved OGTT and ITT, reduced TG, TC, LDL-C, whereas increased HDL-C in HFD mice. AZB increased total number of the species and interspecies kinship of gut microbiota and reduced the richness and diversity of gut microbiota in HFD mice. Moreover, AZB decreased the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidota, whereas increased the abundance of Allobaculum, Bacteroides and Dubosiella in feces of HFD-fed mice. Furthermore, AZB increased the production of SCFAs, and up-regulated the phosphorylation of AMPK and increased the nuclear transcription of Nrf2 in liver of HFD mice. ConclusionCollectively, our results suggested AZB can improve NAFL, which could reduce body weight, reverse liver lesions and fat accumulation, improve oxidative stress in liver tissues of HFD mice. Furthermore, the mechanisms are related to increase of the abundance of high-producing bacteria for SCFAs (e.g. Allobaculum, Bacteroides and Dubosiella) to activate AMPK/Nrf2 signaling.