Central Composite Design Research Articles

Enhanced production and structural characterization of exopolysaccharide from Sporocarcina psychrophile MTCC 2908 through two step optimization for therapeutic evaluation.

The production and extraction of Exopolysaccharide (EPS) from the bacterial strain Sporocarcina psychrophila (MTCC-2908) was carried out in submerged fermentation conditions, yielding 1.22g/L in 48h at unoptimized conditions. To enhance EPS yield, a two-stage optimization strategy was employed using Plackett-Burman design (PBD) for parameter screening, followed by central composite design (CCD) for optimization. To further enhance the yield of EPS. Ten fermentation parameters were initially screened via PB design, of which five (Glucose, NH4Cl, K2HPO4, MgSO4 7H2O, MgSO4·H2O) were identified as significant. These were further optimized using CCD. Under these conditions, maximum EPS production reached 21.62g/L, representing a 17-fold increase compared to unoptimized conditions. Further, Lyophilized EPS was characterized using techniques Fourier Transform Infrared, Thermogravimetric Analysis, Atomic Force Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscope, X-ray diffraction, total antioxidant capacity, and the reducing activity of the EPS. The purified EPS showed a moderate amount of antioxidant capacity and reducing activity, which may have a potent application in the pharmaceutical industry. The result of this study could serve as a promising candidate for further development of therapeutic applications of the EPS produced from Sporocarcina psychrophila MTCC-2908.

Statistical Modeling and Multi‐Objective Optimization of Embedded 3D Printing Process Parameters for Tubular Scaffolds

ABSTRACTThe development of tissue‐engineered tubular scaffolds requires precise control over fabrication parameters to ensure optimal mechanical performance. This study focuses on statistical modeling and multi‐objective optimization of embedded 3D printing process parameters for polylactic acid (PLA) and polypropylene carbonate (PPC) tubular scaffolds. A central composite design is used to evaluate the effects of layer thickness, print speed, and polymer concentration on radial load and shrinkage. The results indicate that shrinkage is minimized at lower layer thickness, reduced print speed, and higher polymer concentration. The radial load increases up to an optimal point with increasing print speed before decreasing. Further, the load is observed to increase with decreasing layer thickness and higher polymer concentration. A multi‐objective optimization based on a genetic algorithm is implemented to determine the optimum parameters for minimizing shrinkage and maximizing load. To validate the optimized parameters, a case study is conducted by fabricating a tracheal scaffold and comparing its mechanical properties with a native goat trachea. The results confirm that the scaffold achieves comparable mechanical properties to those of native goat trachea, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. The study highlights the importance of statistical modeling and optimization in improving scaffold fabrication for tissue engineering applications.

Experimental study on DEM parameters calibration for organic fertilizer by the particle swarm optimization − backpropagation neural networks

Abstract In order to calibrate the properties of the organic fertilizer particles, this work employs an integrated strategy that combines simulations, machine vision techniques, and physical experiments. Through physical testing, the fundamental physical characteristics of the organic fertilizer particles were identified. The initial analysis was through the Plackett-Burman test. The parameters that greatly influence the angle of repose are established. The previously identified important variables were optimized by the Central Composite Design test. The regression fitting models of the BP neural network have been developed from the data set derived from the Central Composite Design test results. Genetic algorithms (GA) and particle swarm optimization algorithms (PSO) were used to optimize the BP neural network. The R2MAE and RMSE of the BP, GA − BP, PSO − BP and RSM regression models were compared and analyzed. The results showed that PSO − BP algorithm could achieve better fitting effect, and could construct a prediction model with higher accuracy and less error to analyze the repose angle of the organic fertilizer particles. The PSO − BP algorithm was used to iterate until the individual with the closest fitness was obtained. CORO−p was 0.35, COSO−O was 0.49, COSO−p was 0.29 and CODO−O was 0.38 were the optimal parameter combination.

Optimising Durability Performance of Dehydroxylated Kaolin Geopolymer Concrete Using Central Composite Design

Geopolymer concrete has emerged as a sustainable and high-performance alternative to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) concrete due to its lower carbon emissions and the potential for incorporating industrial waste materials. This environmentally friendly binder system significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, primarily CO₂, associated with the production of traditional cement. This study investigates the durability of dehydroxylated kaolin (DHK) geopolymer concrete (DHKGPC) in terms of water absorption capacity, utilising the central composite design (CCD) method. The research focused on five key parameters: activator/DHK ratio, sodium hydroxide-sodium silicate (SS/SH) ratio, sodium hydroxide concentration, curing period, and curing temperature. The CCD technique was used to formulate optimisation models with the ordinary least squares method for precise calibration. The analysis revealed that DHKGPC exhibits a low water absorption capacity, ranging from 121.48 kg/m³ to 210.37 kg/m³, all below the ASTM C140 threshold of 240 kg/m³. The optimisation model demonstrated a strong R² value of 92.55%, confirming the model's reliability in predicting the impact of various factors on water absorption capacity. Key findings indicate that the activator/DHK ratio significantly impacts water absorption capacity, with higher ratios leading to increased absorption due to a less dense microstructure. Optimal sodium hydroxide concentration and SS/SH ratios helped minimise absorption, while curing time and temperature enhanced the geopolymeric reaction, lowering water absorption capacity. The optimised conditions yielded a minimum water absorption capacity of 117.56 kg/m³, fulfilling ASTM C140 durability standards. Furthermore, compared to traditional Portland cement concrete, DHKGPC exhibited slightly better durability, with a 2% lower water absorption rate, indicating enhanced resistance to water penetration and environmental degradation. The results align with previous studies on geopolymer concrete, reinforcing its potential as a durable alternative to traditional cement-based concrete. The low water absorption is attributed to the enhanced pozzolanic reactivity of dehydroxylated kaolin. In conclusion, DHKGPC’s optimised formulation presents a promising material for sustainable construction, with its improved durability and environmental benefits.

Optimization of cholesterol reduction by Lactobacillus plantarum through central composite design for hypercholesterolemia

Optimization of cholesterol reduction by Lactobacillus plantarum through central composite design for hypercholesterolemia

Optimising silane-siloxane treatment for enhanced performance of mixed recycled aggregate: rsm- central composite design approach

Abstract This study explores the optimisation of silane-siloxane (SS) treatment conditions for Mixed Recycled Aggregate (MRA) using Central Composite Design (CCD) under Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Three key independent variables—SS concentration, water-to-aggregate ratio, and soaking duration—were systematically analysed to minimise water absorption and LA abrasion, two critical durability parameters of MRA. The optimised treatment conditions (13.29% SS concentration, 0.59 water-to-aggregate ratio, and 12-hour soaking duration) resulted in a 53.55% reduction in water absorption and a 7.57% improvement in (Los Angeles) LA abrasion resistance, enhancing aggregate performance. The accuracy of the predictive models was validated through statistical analysis, with R2 values of 0.99 for water absorption and 0.98 for LA abrasion, confirming a strong correlation between experimental and predicted results. The treated MRA was then incorporated into concrete at replacement levels of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%, and its influence on density, workability, and mechanical properties was evaluated. SS treatment significantly improved fresh and hardened density, slump, compressive, tensile, flexural strengths, water absorption and volume of permeable voids compared to untreated MRA, mitigating strength loss and enhancing durability. The findings demonstrate that SS treatment effectively modifies MRA, making higher replacement levels viable for structural applications due to its coating and filling mechanism, which fills the pores and voids of the MRA surface. This study contributes to sustainable construction by promoting use of MRA, thereby reducing dependency on natural aggregates and advancing the principles of a circular economy within the construction industry.

Evaluation of High-Performance Pervious Concrete Mixed with Nano-Silica and Carbon Fiber

To address the mechanical deficiencies of traditional pervious concrete and promote its practical implementation, this study developed a high-performance pervious concrete model using conventional materials and methods, achieving a permeability coefficient of 4.5 mm/s with compressive and flexural strengths exceeding 45 MPa and 5 MPa, respectively. Central composite design (CCD) response surface methodology was employed to investigate the individual and synergistic effects of the water–cement ratio (W/C), nano-silica (NS), and carbon fibers (CF) on permeability, compressive strength, and flexural strength. Statistical models demonstrating prediction errors within 7% of experimental values were established, supplemented by a microstructural analysis of the concrete specimens. The results demonstrated that (1) the W/C ratio significantly influences overall performance; (2) NS enhances mechanical strength while reducing permeability, though excessive NS content induces weak interfacial zones that compromise strength; (3) CFs exhibit negligible impact on compressive strength but substantially improve flexural performance; and (4) significant synergistic interactions are present across W/C ratio, NS, and CFs concerning flexural strength parameters, while no significant interaction was observed for compressive strength.

Optimization of Cassava Starch/Onion Peel Powder-Based Bioplastics: Influence of Composition on Mechanical Properties and Biodegradability Using Central Composite Design

Synthetic plastic pollution represents a major global concern, driving the search for sustainable and biodegradable packaging alternatives. However, many biodegradable plastics suffer from inadequate mechanical performance. This study aimed to develop a biodegradable film based on cassava starch, incorporating onion peel powder (OPP), a byproduct rich in quercetin derivatives, as a reinforcing agent and plasticized with crude glycerol. A Central Composite Design (CCD), implemented using Minitab 19, was employed to investigate the effects of starch (60–80%) and OPP (0–40%) content on the mechanical properties and biodegradability of the resulting bioplastics. Three optimized formulations were identified according to specific performance criteria. The first formulation, containing 72.07% starch and 21.06% OPP, was optimized for maximum tensile strength while maintaining target values for elongation and biodegradability. The second, composed of 77.28% starch and 37.69% OPP, was optimized to enhance tensile strength and biodegradability while minimizing elongation. The third formulation, with 84.56% starch and 27.74% OPP, aimed to achieve a balanced optimization of tensile strength, elongation, and biodegradability. After a 30-day soil burial test, these formulations exhibited weight loss percentages of 31.86%, 29.12%, and 29.02%, respectively, confirming their biodegradability. This study optimized the mechanical and biodegradability properties of cassava starch-based bioplastics using statistical modeling. The optimized formulations show potential for application in sustainable food packaging.

Hyperproduction of nattokinase from Bacillus subtilis VIT MS2 using random mutagenesis and statistical optimization through central composite design

BackgroundAn increase in worldwide death rates attributed to ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction explains the demand to search for new thrombolytic drugs. The current study investigates the therapeutic effect of Nattokinase, a fibrinolytic protein from the mutant strain Bacillus subtilis VITMS 2 isolated from fermented milk of Vigna unguiculata.ResultsThe enzyme production was improved using random mutagenesis combined with statistical optimization through composite central design (CCD) with agro-residual substrates. Among all the different combinations employed, 10% (v/v) cane molasses, 12.5 g/L soybean waste, 12.5 g/L eggshell powder, and 27.5 g/L brewer’s spent grain demonstrated a significant influence on fibrinolytic enzyme yield was 4639.43 ± 10.65 FU/mL (Fibrinolytic units/milliliter). This represents a ~ 37.75-fold increase when compared to the unoptimized wild-type strain. The CCD model demonstrated high significance (p < 0.0001) with a strong correlation (R2 = 0.9963), indicating a reliable model fit. The identity and purity of the enzyme was confirmed via MALDI-TOF.ConclusionThe combination of strain improvement through mutagenesis and media optimization enhanced Nattokinase production, offering a promising approach to develop an enzyme therapy for ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction.

Smart synergistic Fenton oxidation: CCD-optimized pathway for efficient 4-nitrophenol degradation

This study presents a smart synergistic Fenton oxidation approach for the efficient degradation of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), incorporating a statistically optimized pathway using Central Composite Design (CCD) within the framework of Response Surface Methodology (RSM). This work simultaneously optimizes five critical process variables—iron loading on the catalyst, catalyst dosage, H2O2 concentration, initial 4-NP concentration, and pH—offering a comprehensive and systematic evaluation of Fenton processes. The experimental design provides valuable insight into the synergistic effects of interacting parameters, enabling a deeper understanding of process dynamics. A novel aspect of this study is the use of a sustainable, waste-derived heterogeneous catalyst (Fe-loaded fly ash brick clay, Fe-FABC), which promotes both high degradation efficiency and environmental sustainability. Polynomial modeling and surface response plots confirmed strong predictive capabilities for degradation performance under varied conditions. Optimal parameters were identified as 25 mM/L H2O2, 1.5 g/L catalyst dosage, 10% iron loading, 250 ppm 4-NP concentration, and pH 3 at 30 °C, achieving 92% degradation in 40 min. These findings demonstrate the efficiency of a CCD-optimized Fenton-like system using an eco-friendly catalyst and highlight its potential as a scalable and sustainable solution for treating phenolic pollutants in wastewater.

Microalgae biochar as an acidic catalytic support for ethyl ester synthesis

Abstract Microalgae are valued in the industrial, commercial, and scientific sectors for their bioactive and functional content, which includes lipids, carotenoids, proteins, and fatty acids. The residual biomass can be converted into biochar, which has significant commercial potential due to its high adsorption capacity and suitability as a support for heterogeneous catalysts, enabling the development of sustainable and cost‐effective integrated biorefinery platforms. In this study, Spirulina maxima was cultivated in Zarrouk medium using bubble column photobioreactors. After cultivation, the biomass was harvested by filtration. Phycocyanin pigments were extracted using a sodium buffer solution. The residual biomass was pyrolyzed in a muffle furnace (10 °C min−1, 310 °C, 60 min) to produce biochar. This biochar was impregnated with heteropolyacid molybdenum (HPA‐Mo) and its catalytic potential was studied in the transesterification reactions of macaw palm oil. A 22 central composite factorial design was used to assess the effects of impregnation concentration (2–10 mM) and catalyst loading (20–40% w/w). Results showed that low impregnation concentration (2 mM) and biochar catalyst loadings above 40% (w/w oil) achieved effective conversion into ethyl esters, reaching 70%.

Bioprocessing and characterization of thermostable phytase from Aspergillus terreus, an endophyte of Catharanthus roseus, with a potential activity to hydrolyze phytic acid in wheat bran

Phytic acid is one of the common anti-nutritional factors in animal feeds, due to its chelating activity of metal ions and amino acids, so, phytase has been used for increasing the nutritional value of the animal feeds by releasing phosphorous. The stability and catalytic efficiency of this enzyme are the major challenges, so, the objective of this study was to purify and characterize phytase with relatively unique biochemical properties. Among the recovered fungal endophytes of Catharanthus roseus, Aspergillus terreus EFBL-AS PV412881.1 was recognized as the most potent phytase producing isolate. Upon nutritional optimization with the face-centered central composite design (FCCD), the productivity of phytase by A. terreus grown on wheat bran amended with 0.2% NaNO3 and 0.4 % yeast extract, under solid state fermentation, was increased into 36.3 μmol/mg/min. Phytase of A. terreus was purified to its molecular homogeneity by gel-filtration and ion-exchange chromatography, with 3.48 purification folds (125 μmol/mg/min). The purified enzyme had a molecular subunit 85 kDa by denaturing-PAGE, with highest activity at reaction temperature 37–40 °C, and reaction pH 7.0. The T1/2 of A. terreus phytase was 124.5, 5.2 and 3.8 h, at 4, 40, and 50 °C, respectively. The thermal denaturation rate (Kr) was 0.095 ×10−3, 0.27 × 10−3 and 0.292 ×10−3/min at 20, 40, and 50 °C, respectively. The enzyme was slightly inhibited by Ca2+ ions, unlike the resistance to various cations. The concentration of phytic acid of wheat bran was reduced by about 6.5 folds upon phytase treatment, ensuring the feasibility of this enzyme in the animal feed application. From the molecular docking analysis, phytase from A. terreus had a higher affinity to hydrolyze phytic acid, with binding energy − 7.1 kcal/mol, compared to that of A. niger and P. pinophilum (-6.7 kcal/mol), ensuring the stability of the interaction.

Enhanced LED light driven photocatalytic degradation of Cefdinir using bismuth titanate nanoparticles

Photodegradation of antibiotics using visible light represents a promising approach for efficiently removing antibiotic contaminants from water sources. This study investigated bismuth titanate (Bi4Ti3O12) nanoparticles for the photodegradation of Cefdinir (CEF), a third-generation cephalosporin, under visible LED irradiation. Bismuth titanate nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). Factors affecting the degradation protocol were optimized using a central composite design model, and the degradation efficiency was assessed using a validated RP-HPLC method. Results of the experimental design demonstrated that bismuth titanate nanoparticles exhibited high photocatalytic performance (⁓ 98% photodegradation), which was found in an optimum condition of 0.05 g/L of BIT-NP in pH 5 for 50 µg/mL of CEF in 1 h at room temperature. The degradation efficiency depended on the concentration of the nanoparticles, the initial concentration of CEF, and pH. The antimicrobial effect of CEF was assessed before and after the degradation process, and the loss of antibiotic activity was observed after treatment. The findings provide valuable insights into developing innovative photocatalytic materials for the economic remediation of antibiotic-contaminated water sources using eco-friendly LED sources for degradation under visible light for the first time. This would offer a promising solution to mitigate the environmental impact of antibiotic residues.

Optimization of Kerosene-like Fuels Produced via Catalytic Pyrolysis of Packaging Plastic Waste via Central Composite Design and Response Surface Methodology: Performance of Iron-Doped Dolomite and Activated Carbon.

Rapid economic growth has led to an increase in the use of multilayer plastic packaging, which involves complex polymer compositions and hinders recycling. This study investigated the catalytic pyrolysis of plastic packaging waste in a 3000 cm3 semibatch reactor, aiming to optimize kerosene-like hydrocarbon production. The temperature (420-500 °C), N2 flow rate (25-125 mL/min), and catalyst loading (5-20 wt.%) were examined individually and in combination with activated carbon and an Fe-doped dolomite (Fe/DM) catalyst. Central composite design (CCD) and response surface methodology (RSM) were used to identify the optimal conditions and synergistic effects. Pyrolysis product analysis involved simulation distillation gas chromatography (Sim-DGC), gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The optimal conditions (440 °C, 50 mL/min N2 flow, catalyst loading of 10 wt.% using a 5 wt.% Fe-doped dolomite-activated carbon 0.6:0.4 mass/molar ratio) yielded the highest pyrolysis oil (79.6 ± 0.35 wt.%) and kerosene-like fraction (22.3 ± 0.22 wt.%). The positive synergistic effect of Fe/DM and activated carbon (0.6:0.4) enhanced the catalytic activity, promoting long-chain polymer degradation into mid-range hydrocarbons, with secondary cracking yielding smaller hydrocarbons. The pore structure and acid sites of the catalyst improved the conversion of intermediate hydrocarbons into aliphatic compounds (C5-C15), increasing kerosene-like hydrocarbon production.

Enhanced Biomass Productivity and β-cryptoxanthin Content of Chlorococcum sp. through Optimization Via Central Composite Design (CCD)

β-cryptoxanthin is one of the most commercially valuable carotenoids, which is rare in nature and costly to synthesize. Microalgae is a promising alternative and renewable source for β-cryptoxanthin production. This study aimed to optimize the cultivation of the microalgae, Chlorococcum sp. TISTR 8266, in BG–11 medium, to achieve the highest yield of β-cryptoxanthin. Therefore, central composite design (CCD) was employed to optimize the addition of organic carbon and nitrogen sources under mixotrophic and heterotrophic conditions combined with aeration and agitation. The results showed that under the mixotrophic conditions, the BG–11 medium with 1.6 g/L of glucose and 0.16 g/L of urea enhanced the biomass of Chlorococcum sp. to 4.90 ± 0.14 and 4.85 ± 0.07 g/L with aeration and agitation, respectively. Furthermore, under the optimized conditions, β-cryptoxanthin, β-carotene, and lutein content increased to 4.02 ± 0.49, 4.50 ± 0.71, and 12.76 ± 0.26 mg/g dry cell weight (DCW), respectively. In contrast, β-carotene presented the highest content of 5.05 ± 0.52 mg/g DCW for the control (non-modified BG–11 medium). Hence, the cultivation time was 50% decreased (from 14 days to 7 days) while the biomass increased from 2.50 g/L to 4.9 g/L and β-cryptoxanthin content increased from 0.064 mg/g cell dry weight to 4.02 mg/g cell dry weight when compared to the control conditions in our previous study. Overall, these findings offer new and economically feasible perspectives for β-cryptoxanthin production by the selected microalgal strain.

Optimisation of Phenolic Compound Extraction from Agrimonia eupatoria L. Using Response Surface Methodology for Enhanced Yield of Different Phenolics and Maximised Antioxidant Activity

Agrimonia eupatoria L. is a traditionally used medicinal plant rich in tannin compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. This study aimed to optimise the extraction of individual phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins from A. eupatoria and maximise their antioxidant activity using response surface methodology (RSM). A central composite design was applied to evaluate the influence of acetone concentration, solvent ratio, and extraction time on the yield of total phenolics, total radical scavenging and reducing capacities, and individual compounds. Acetone concentration, solvent ratio, and extraction time were varied in a central composite design. The optimal conditions yielded high levels of agrimoniin (9.16 mg/g), total identified phenolics (33.61 mg/g), and strong antioxidant activity. These findings provide a scientific basis for standardising bioactive-rich extracts for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications.

Mechanochemical activation of alunite for sustainable aluminum recovery: A response surface methodology approach

In this study, aluminum (Al) recovery from alunite ore obtained from the Kütahya-Şaphane region was investigated using a mechanical activation method. The experimental results were evaluated using the central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology. A vertical stirred mill was used for mechanical activation. Following mechanical activation, experiments were conducted using three different methods: water leaching, NaOH leaching, and NaOH leaching in a stirred mill. In the experiments, 55.94% Al recovery was achieved in 20 min of mechanical activation at 900 rpm, followed by 60 min of water leaching. In NaOH leaching experiments conducted in the stirred mill with 2 M NaOH at a stirring speed of 850 rpm for 17 min 60.24% aluminum recovery was obtained. The highest aluminum recovery, 73.41%, was achieved under the conditions of 20% ratio, 3 M NaOH Concentration, 60 °C, 1200 rpm stirring speed, and 35 min of leaching following mechanical activation.

Scaling Up Postbiotics Production: A Prospective Review of Processes and Health Benefits.

Postbiotics are bioactive compounds produced by probiotic bacteria that have taken the spotlight for their significant health benefits. These postbiotics include digestive enzymes, short-chain fatty acids, cell wall components, bacteriocins, exopolysaccharides, and vitamins. Among many health benefits, postbiotics possess immunomodulatory effect; cholesterol regulation; antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties; enhanced gut health; and reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, although the mechanism of action of these health benefits is yet to be fully understood. Forecast indicates a rising industrial demand for postbiotic production. This review summarizes the tools and techniques employed in optimizing postbiotic production that aid in overcoming those challenges that currently interrupt industrial scale-up. Plackett-Burman design, response surface methodology (RSM), Taguchi method, and central composite design (CCD) are significant tools for optimizing postbiotic production conditions. Molecular techniques including genetic engineering, synthetic biology tools such as CRISPR-Cas9, and metabolic engineering are potential techniques to enhance postbiotic production. Despite these advancements, challenges remain in industrial scale-up (stability, quality, yield, and consistency). Understanding the correlation between high cell density and postbiotic yield is crucial for industrial scale-up and optimized production. However, further in-depth research is in demand for industrial production of postbiotics. This review would benefit researchers exploring the mechanism of action and industrial production of postbiotics.

Quality by design (QbD)-driven formulation of sildenafil citrate microparticles using quasi-emulsion technique for pulmonary delivery: an in vitro study

Objective The goal of this research was to create inhalable microparticles to ensure the continuous delivery of sildenafil citrate (SC) to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This was done to address the limitations of SC, including its short half-life and systemic side effects. Methods To create the inhalable microparticles, a particle engineering method called the quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion method was utilized. The study employed quality by design (QbD), a regulatory-based approach, to enhance the final product’s quality. The optimization of microparticles was achieved using central composite design to enhance micromeritics properties and sustain drug release profiles. Characterization studies, including FTIR, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy, XRD, and surface morphology analysis, were conducted to evaluate the microparticles. Aerodynamic properties were measured to predict where particles will be deposited in the respiratory tract. Results The optimized formulated microparticles had an acceptable mean particle size and an entrapment efficiency greater than 90%. The optimized microparticles demonstrated a sustained drug release of 80.42 ± 0.23% over 24 h. Aerodynamic properties showed a mass median aerodynamic diameter of 3.45 ± 0.0 µm, a fine particle fraction of 21%, and 77.29 ± 2.9% of the dose recovered from the inhaler. Modified tapped density measurements indicated improved flow properties of the microparticles. Conclusion The QbD approach was successfully employed to formulate inhalable microparticles for sustained pulmonary delivery. The optimized microparticles exhibited enhanced micromeritics properties and sustained drug release profiles, making them a promising option for the treatment of PAH.

Enhanced adsorptive internment of Cr6+ from aqueous medium using eco-friendly activated composite: optimisation interpretation and mechanistic insight

ABSTRACT The present study investigates the removal of Cr6+ ions from contaminant water utilising eco-friendly activated composites. A detailed experimental framework was designed to evaluate the removal capacity, focusing on the impact of different experimental parameters. The optimisation of interpretation efficiency was conducted using a Central Composite Design. The interaction mechanisms between Cr6+ ions and the activated composite mass were evaluated in batch mode. Activated composite materials are esteemed as an excellent adsorbent due to its biodegradability, non-toxicity to living organisms, cost-effective preparation and exhibit high adsorption capacities. The treated activated composite exhibited a maximum adsorption potential of 94.66% at a neutral pH, considering different experimental conditions. The adsorption of Cr6+ was best fitted Langmuir isotherm with R 2 value of 0.999. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model better rate-limiting step compared to other models. The response surface methodology effectively supported the statistical evaluation, affirming the significance of the quadratic model. The study's results produced an R 2 value of 0.9632, demonstrating robust numerical validation of the model. The residual activated composite was subjected to using instrumental analyses to ascertain the adherence of adsorbate ions to the composite surface.