Citrus Sinensis Peel Research Articles

Effect of Ultrasound-Assisted Pretreatment on Extraction Efficiency of Essential Oil and Bioactive Compounds from Citrus Waste By-Products

Waste or by-product use is in focus for reducing the environmental threat and acquiring wealth out of waste. The current study aim was to investigate the effects of ultrasound pretreatment on the extraction of bioactive compounds and composition of essential oils extracted from citrus waste. The response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize higher yield extraction parameters. Pretreatment of ultrasound-assisted extraction recovered 33% enhanced yield with reduced time and was economical as compared to conventional hydro-distilled process. The functional quality of essential oil was determined using FTIR and GC-MS. Antioxidants from citrus peel and pulp/pomace were extracted and analyzed by spectroscopic techniques. The quantification of bioactive compounds from citrus waste was performed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Mass transfer rate of antioxidants from peel and pomace were 30% increased as a result of ultrasound-assisted treatment. The significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher TPC (735.54 mg/100 g) and antioxidant activity (44.26%) was recorded in Citrus sinensis Pulp and peel respectively. The bioactive compounds such as hesperidin (31.52 mg/100 g) was significantly higher in (p ≤ 0.05) in Citrus sinensis pulnd extract. Vanillin was found 1.21 mg/100 g in peel extract of citrus fruit, moreover vanillin was not detected in pulp extract. Myrecitin was not detected in both the samples. The bioactive natural compounds extracted from citrus peel can be used in food and pharma sector as natural anti-oxidantcompounds.

Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Potential of Essential Oils from Peels of Four Citrus Species

Essential oils were isolated from the dried peels of Citrus limon, Citrus sinensis, Citrus auratifolia and Citrus reticulata using hydrodistillation method and were characterized using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, while DPPH scavenging analysis was used to determine the antioxidant potentials of the oils. The hydrodistillation of the peels afforded oil in the yield of 0.61, 0.42, 0.72 and 0.52 (% w/w) for C. limon, C. auratifolia, C. sinensis and C. reticulate respectively. Analyses of the oils revealed the presence of monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids and non-terpenes. A total of 19, 25, 16 and 21 compounds were identified in the peels essential oils C. limon, C. auratifolia, C. sinensis and C. reticulata respectively. D-limonene, with the percentage composition of 84.9%, 44.6%, 91.8% and 82.4% in C. limon, C. auratifolia, C. sinensis and C. reticulata respectively was the most predominant compound. All the citrus species peels essential oils showed antioxidant activity of scavenging DPPH with IC50 of 27.29, 28.67, 32.0 and 33.0 μg/ml for C. limon, C. auratifolia, C. sinensis and C. reticulata respectively. The oils were of d-limonene chemotype and can thus be candidates for antioxidant drugs.

Safety and efficacy of feed additives consisting of expressed sweet orange peel oil and its fractions from Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck for use in all animal species (FEFANA asbl).

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of expressed sweet orange oil and its fractions obtained from the fruit peels of Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck, when used as sensory additives (flavourings) in feed and water for drinking for all animal species. The presence of perillaldehyde was identified as a source of potential concern. However, in target species fed citrus by‐products as part of daily feed, the use of the expressed orange oil and its fractions was not expected to increase the exposure to perillaldehyde to a relevant extent (< 10%). For dogs, cats, ornamental fish and ornamental birds not normally exposed to citrus by‐products, no conclusion can be drawn. For the other species, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that the additives under assessment are safe at the maximum proposed use levels in complete feed. The FEEDAP Panel considered that the use in water for drinking is safe provided that the total daily intake of the additive does not exceed the daily amount that is considered safe when consumed via feed. No concerns for consumer safety were identified following the use of the additives up to the maximum proposed use level in feed. The additives under assessment should be considered as irritants to skin and eyes, and as skin and respiratory sensitisers. The use of the additives under the proposed conditions of use in animal feed was not expected to pose a risk for the environment. Expressed orange oil and its fractions were recognised to flavour food. Since their function in feed would be essentially the same as that in food, no further demonstration of efficacy was considered necessary.

Insecticidal Activity of the Powders Obtained from the Bauxite Red Mud, Zyzygium aromaticum and Citrus sinensis Peel Extracts on the Conservation of Corn against Sitophilus zeamais: Physicochemical Properties

Insecticidal Activity of the Powders Obtained from the Bauxite Red Mud, Zyzygium aromaticum and Citrus sinensis Peel Extracts on the Conservation of Corn against Sitophilus zeamais: Physicochemical Properties

Fermentability of select polyphenol‐rich substrates in the canine faecal inoculum and their interaction with a canine‐origin probiotic: an in vitro appraisal

This in vitro study aimed to compare the hindgut fermentability and digestibility of four different sources of polyphenols, namely orange (Citrus sinensis) peel (ORP), pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel (PMP), Indian blackberry (Syzygium cumini) pulp (IBP), and Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) tuber (JAT), and their influence on the viability of a canine-origin probiotic, Lactobacillus johnsonii CPN23. An in vitro gas production test carried out using the four substrates for a period of 72 h with dog faecal inoculum indicated that the total gas production, dry matter, and organic matter digestibility were significantly (P < 0.001) higher with JAT, whereas they were lowest for PMP. Short-chain fatty acids production was significantly higher (P < 0.001) with ORP and JAT, with the least values recorded for PMP. The ammonia-nitrogen production was significantly (P < 0.001) higher with JAT than with ORP, IBP, and PMP, and a lower (P < 0.001) pH was evident with ORP, JAT, and IBP than with PMP. Viability of L.johnsonii CPN23 was tested in the presence of the polyphenol-rich extract from each of the four sources at varying doses (50, 500, 1000, 2500, and 5000 μg mL-1 ). PMP extract showed the highest inhibitory effect on the probiotic bacteria's growth in a dose- and time-dependent manner (P < 0.001). ORP and IBP extracts were stimulatory at the optimum dosage, whereas JAT reduced probiotic activity significantly at all doses tested. Overall, the results indicate a higher hindgut fermentability of JAT, ORP, and IBP, suggesting their potential beneficial effects for gut health application. An interaction study between polyphenol extract and L.johnsonii CPN23 showed a stimulatory effect of polyphenolic extracts from ORP and IBP on probiotic growth at optimal dosage. Consistent with the fermentation study findings, PMP extract reduced the growth of L.johnsonii CPN23 irrespective of the doses tested. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Development and Evaluation of Herbal Hair Serum: A traditional way to Improve Hair Quality

Background: In the mammalian system, the hair follicle is known to be the most significant organ that determines appearance, gender distinction, provides intense temperature protection, and plays a role in self-defense. The younger generations have begun to suffer from extreme hair loss problems due to many lifestyle-related changes such as fatigue, anxiety, intake of junk foods, use of different hairstyling/coloring methods, etc. The loss of hair is not temporary in most cases, but it results in alopecia. Many people suffering from hair loss are in search of multiple treatments due to extreme anxiety and tension, from mythology to traditional and therapeutic healing to the use of minoxidil and finasteride. To improve hair growth and to prevent hair loss, hair root activation is required. Objective: The present study was intended to use different herbs to formulate herbal hair serum for general purposes (hair application). Methods: Crude herbs are obtained from nearby regions. In order to obtain the extract, the required part of herbs, such as Citrus sinensis peel, Zingiber officinale roots, and Linum usitatissimum seeds, Nigella sativa, and Trigonella foenum-graecum were specifically weighed and dispensed in water, boiled, allowed to cool, and then filtered. To the filtrate, castor oil and vitamin E were added. The formulated herbal hair serum was tested, and different criteria were determined and recorded in this text, such as physical appearance, viscosity, pH, homogeneity, eye sensitivity (Draize eye test), hair growth activity, hair weight, stability test, etc. Results: Prepared herbal hair serum was found to be pale brown in color with pseudoplastic behavior. The texture of the formulation was smooth and lubricative, and the pH was within the acceptable limit. Herbal hair serum revealed good hair growth as well as hair weight after application with minor sensitivity for the first time. The formulation was found to be stable for seven days. Conclusion: Herbal cosmetics are still commonly used by average citizens because of fewer side effects and greater protection and safety profile. Current research has revealed that herbal formulations are effective in enhancing hair consistency.

Bioremediation of an agricultural saline soil contaminated with endosulfan and Escherichia coli by an active surface agent induced in a Penicillium crustosum culture

This study evaluates the production of a biological active surface agent (BASA) through its surface tension (ST) and emulsifying activity (E24) for endosulfan degradation (ED) and Escherichia coli growth inhibition (EcGI) in an agricultural saline soil. The fungus, identified as Penicillium crustosum was isolated from the Citrus sinensis peel (CsP), then the surface properties were evaluated in 9 culture media through a Taguchi L9 experimental design. The culture conditions included: stirring speed, pH, carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) sources; being glucose, NH4N03, 120 rpm and pH of 5, the most significant parameters in the BASA production. The BASA identified as a lipopeptide type, showed a ST = 38 mN m−1 and E24=71%. Both properties were stable at 80 °C, while ST presented stability in the pH range of 2 – 12, and a saline concentration of 200 g L−1; E24 was also stable at a pH between 8–12. Further application of BASA and fungal inoculum to a contaminated agricultural saline soil presented an EcGI of 99.8% on the 8th day, and ED of 92.9 ± 4.7% in 30 days, respectively; being the first report that uses this fungus for pesticide and bacteria elimination from an agricultural saline soil.

Effect of Tamarindus indica L. Leaf Extract and Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck Peel Extract on Meloidogyne spp (Root Knot Nematodes) in Jos, Plateau State

Aim: The Aim of this study is to determine the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Tamarindus indica and peel extract Citrus sinensis on Root Knot Nematodes, in vitro.&#x0D; Study Design: The experiment was carried out using a completely randomized design.&#x0D; Place of Study: This study was carried out in the biology laboratory of the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Jos, Nigeria.&#x0D; Methods: Extraction of phytochemicals from Tamarindus indica leaf and Citrus sinensis peels was carried out using an aqueous solvent. Tamarindus indica leaves and Citrus sinensis peels were collected within the province of Jos, and were dried at constant room temperature to a constant weight after which pulverized, sieved and soaked in water for 24 hours. The extraction was done using the cold maceration method. Eighty (80) second-stage juveniles of Meloidogyne spp. were exposed to the extracts at different concentrations (100, 80, 60, 40, and 20mg/ml) for 6, 12, 18, 24. 30, 32 and 48 hours and, each treatment was replicated 5 times. The average number of dead nematodes per concentration were determined and recorded as mean ± SEM with statistical value at P &lt; 0.05 considered significant.&#x0D; Results: Results of phytochemical analysis showed that Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Tannins, Steroids, Phenols, and Cardioglycosides were present in T. indica leaf extracts while C. sinensis peels contains Flavonoids, Alkaloids, Saponins, Tannins, Phenols, and Resins. These phytochemicals present are suspected to be responsible for the nematicidal activities of the plants. Nematode mortality in the two treatment groups (T. indica and C. sinensis extracts) was highest at 100mg/ml concentration (48 hours of exposure); It was followed by 80mg/ml in decreasing order while the least mortality rate was recorded at 20mg/ml. Hence, as the concentration of the extracts were increased with increase in time, high nematode mortality was observed. Percentage mortality of treated nematodes was statistically significant (P &lt; 0.05) for all concentrations of the extracts at the different time intervals when compared to the control. Statistical analysis showed that T. indica had significantly higher effect on Root-Knot nematodes mortality than C. sinensis at varying concentrations and time of exposure.&#x0D; Benefits of Results: Synthetic pesticides are the principal means used to control nematodes, but the natural products may provide a safe alternative. Hence, the active compounds (phytochemicals) in T. indica L. and C. sinensis L. can be harnessed to be used as biopesticides.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study suggests that extracts of T. indica and C. sinensis can be utilized in the control of root knot nematodes and may have the potential for the production of biopesticides that can be used for the control of nematodes as it displayed nematicidal activities.

Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activities of Citrus Peels to Improve the Shelf Life of Yoghurt Drink

The present work aimed to evaluate the antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer effects of citrus peels. The quality and storage characteristics of probiotic yoghurt drink samples were investigated which were made with 1, 2 and 3% of citrus peels powder (Orange- Mandarin- Lemon). Sensory analysis, acidity, pH, and bacteria counts, of the yoghurt drink samples, were determined on days 0, 7, 14, and 21 during storage at 4°C. The results indicated the presence of antioxidant activity of citrus peels due to their high phenolic compounds content, the highest phenolic concentration was found in orange peel (1108mg/100 g). The flavonoid content of orange peel powder was 518 mg/100 g. The corresponding values for Mandarin and lemon peels were 420 mg/100 g and 860 mg/100 g respectively. The antioxidant activity determined by DPPH in orange, mandarin, and lemon peel powders, were 45.99, 36.10, and 43.60 % respectively. Polyphenols were identified in orange, mandarin, and lemon peels. The results revealed that orange, mandarin, and lemon peel powders exhibited an efficient cytotoxicity against human tumor cell lines representing colon carcinoma (HCT116) relative to the positive doxorubicin. The results also showed that lemon (Citrus limon), mandarin (Citrus reticulata) orange (Citrus sinensis) peels had antibacterial activity against all pathogenic bacteria and fungi and the ethanolic extract was higher than the aqueous with all microbes for citrus peels used, and the ethanolic extract of orange peels gave the highest inhibition of pathogenic microbes. The results of the sensory evaluation showed that yoghurt drinks containing 1% and 2% of orange, mandarin, and lemon peel powders concentrations compared with control had no significant differences. It can be concluded that citrus peel may be useful to be applied to the development yoghurt drink with excellent antifungal and antibacterial activities without affecting sensory characteristics of fermented milk.

Screening and Quantification of Bioactive Compounds and Antimicrobial Activities of Fresh Juice, Methanolic Peel and Pulp Extract of Citrus sinensis L. (Sweet Orange).

In this work, phytochemical examination of fresh juice and methanolic peel, pulp extract revealed the presence of diverse bioactive organic components. The antioxidant activity of Citrus sinensis L. (Sweet Orange) juice extract (JE) and crude methanolic extract of pulp and peel (MPPE) were tested. Two fungal strains and six bacterial strains (3 gramme positive and 3 gramme negative) were tested. Citrus sinensis plant extracts show antibacterial action against both bacterial strains, according to the research, but there is no efficacy against fungal strains. MPPE has higher antibacterial activity than J.E, this may be because phenolic and flavonoid compounds are found.

Analyzing Bioactive Compounds in Essential Oil of Citrus maxima and Citrus sinensis Peel

Citrus peels are a rich source of nutrients, essential oil, and phenolic acid compounds. As they are produced in large amounts during fruit processing, these residues can be used as a potential nutraceutical resource instead of disposal as the wastes in the environment. Regarding the beneficial uses of citrus peels, essential oil composition taken from peels of Citrus maxima and Citrus sinensis cultivated in Iran were identified. 29 and 23 compounds were detected in essential oils of C. maxima and C. sinensis, respectively. The most represented compound in both plants was limonene, with 95.43 % for C. maxima and 76.9 % for C. sinensis. Other predominant compounds detected in C. sinensis peel volatile oil were linalool (9.4 %), myrcene (3.5 %), α- pinene (1.2 %), n-octanal (1.1 %), and α-terpineol (1.2 %).

Therapeutic Potential of Citrus sinensis Peels Against Rotenone Induced Parkinsonism in Rats

Background:Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders spread worldwide in elderly people.Methods:The Citrus peels methanolic extract (100 mg/kg body weight) was evaluated as an antiparkinsonism agent in rats through estimation of oxidative stress markers, neurotransmitter levels, energetic indices, DNA fragmentation pattern, inflammatory mediators, adenosine A2A receptor gene expression and the histopathological analysis of the brain. In addition, its effect was compared with ZM241385; an adenosine A2A receptor antagonist, as well as the classical drug; (L-dopa).Results:The methanolic extract of C. sinensis peels constituted 17.59 ± 1.92 mg GAE/g and 4.88 ± 0.43 mg CE/g of total phenolic and flavonoid content, respectively. The polyphenolic composition was qualified and quantified using HPLC/DAD and UPLC/ESI-MS analysis. HPLC/DAD analysis led to identify 8 phenolic acids and 4 flavonoids. UPLC/MS analysis led to identify 20 polyphenolic compounds, including 9 polymethoxylated flavoniods, 7 flavonoidal glycosides and 4 phenolic derivatives. Nobiletin and tangeretin were found as abundant polymethoxylated flavones while, hesperidin and 1-caffeoyl-β-D-glucose were found as abundant glycosyl flavone and phenolic derivatives, respectively. Rotenone induced rats showed a significant decrease in neurotransmitter levels, energetic and antioxidant parameters, while a significant increase in total protein, inflammatory mediators, adenosine A2A receptor gene expression, DNA and lipid peroxidation levels was recorded. Treatments with plant extract, L-dopa and ZM241385 restored these selected parameters to variable extents with a more potent effect of ZM241385 than L-dopa. Rotenone induced rats were left free without treatment; not recorded a noticeable improvement level.Conclusion:Citrus sinensis peels was rich with bioactive valuable-added products. This may lead to the development of new nutraceutical and pharmaceutical agents as well as functional food products used as anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-parkinsonian agent.

Effect of feeding type and artisanal process in microstructural and physicochemical parameters of fresh and ripened goat cheese

The objective of the present work was to determine the influence of feeding type and artisanal process on microstructural and physicochemical parameters of goat cheeses. The cheeses were made with goat's milk from goats which were fed with different forages: (1) reed (Cissu verticillata) and King grass (Saccharum sinense), (2) mulberry (Morus alba) leaves and orange (Citrus sinensis) peels, (3) alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and corn (Zea mays) stover, and (4) bellota (Quercus ilex) and Kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum). Fresh and ripened artisanal cheeses were analysed by scanning electron microscopy and image analysis. Results showed that goat’s milk of goats fed with mulberry leaves and orange peels generated larger conglomerates of fat in both types of cheeses, while the microstructure of the rest of the cheeses presented protein networks. A low pH and moisture content contributed to the formation of lactose crystals which ended in a compact microstructure, propitiating, reduction of the number of pores, porosity, and increase in the breakability of ripened cheeses. Pores of elongated shapes with irregular edges characterised the microstructure of both kinds of cheeses. Through discriminant analysis, it was found that the effect of the type of cheese and type of goat feeding influenced the microstructural and physicochemical parameters such as pore number, porosity, pore size, pore perimeter, roundness, FF, AR, SOL, tortuosity, INP-DI, PAZ, fat, moisture, and pH.

Chemical Composition and Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oil Extracted from Citrus sinensis L., Citrus limon L. and Zingiber officinale Roscoe

Postharvest loss is a serious problem in Nigeria and a major drawback towards food security. Hence, discovery of potential agents capable of minimizing postharvest loss is urgently needed. This research is directed at investigating the in vivo antimicrobial activity of essential oils against bacterial pathogens isolated from Ipomoea batatas Lam. Citrus sinensis (sweet orange) and Citrus limon (lemon) peels and Zingiber officinale (ginger) essential oils were extracted using hydro-distillation and their chemical constituents determined by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Morphological and biochemical methods were employed for bacterial identification. A total of 22 terpenes were identified with Citrus sinensis comprising of 13 monoterpenes, 8 sesquiterpenes and 1 diterpene. Citrus limon had 31 terpenes 15 of which are monoterpenes, 15 sesquiterpenes and 1 diterpene while a total of 30 terpenes were identified with Zingiber officinale comprising of 12 monoterpenes and 18 sesquiterpenes. Three of the four isolated bacteria identified from Hannah sweet potato were pathogenic: Erwinia carotovora, Bacillus licheniformis and Pseudomonas fluorescens. Pseudomonas fluorescens was more sensitivity to the essential oils at (p≤0.05). Citrus sinensis (64.29%) was three fold more active than Citrus limon (21.43%), while Zingiber officinale (53.57%) was two and a half fold more active than Citrus limon. Results obtained in this study showed that essential oils extracted from Citrus sinensis and Zingiber officinale exhibited substantial antimicrobial activity against bacterial induced sweet potato rot. Therefore, essential oils extracted from Zingiber officinale and Citrus sinensis could be used to control postharvest bacteria induced rots in injured sweet potatoes.

Downregulation of MMP1 expression mediates the anti-aging activity of Citrus sinensis peel extract nanoformulation in UV induced photoaging in mice

Aging of the skin is a complicated bioprocess that is affected by constant exposure to ultraviolet irradiation. The application of herbal-based anti-aging creams is still the best choice for treatment. In the present study, Citrus sinensis L. fruit peels ethanolic extract (CSPE) was formulated into lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) anti-aging cream. Eight different formulations of CSEP-LNPs were prepared and optimized using 23 full factorial designs. In vivo antiaging effect of the best formula was tested in Swiss albino mice where photo-aging was induced by exposure to UV radiation. HPLC-QToF-MS/MS metabolic profiling of CSPE led to the identification of twenty-nine metabolites. CSPE was standardized to a hesperidin content of 15.53 ± 0.152 mg% using RP-HPLC. It was suggested that the optimized formulation (F7) had (245 nm) particle size, (91.065%) EE, and (91.385%) occlusive effect with a spherical and smooth surface. The visible appearance of UV-induced photoaging in mice was significantly improved after topical application on CSPE-NLC cream for 5 weeks, levels of collagen and SOD were significantly increased in CSPE- NLC group, while levels of PGE2, COX2, JNK, MDA, and elastin was reduced. Finally, The prepared anti-aging CSPE-NLC cream represents a safe, convenient, and promising skincare cosmetic product.

Physical and Chemical Influences of Different Extraction Techniques for Essential Oil Recovery from Citrus sinensis Peels

The orange tree (Citrus sinensis) is a species of fruit shrubs of the Rutaceae family. Essential oils from citrus peels are widely used in various agro-food and pharmaceutical preparations and hence they must be recovered using green extraction methods. In this study, we compare the efficiency of five extraction techniques (conventional hydro-distillation (HD), Salt-assisted extraction by HD (S-HD), Ultrasound-assisted extraction by HD (US-HD), Enzymes-assisted extraction by HD (E-HD), and Solvent-free microwave extraction (SFME)) for the extraction of essential oil from Citrus sinensis peels. The essential oils were compared with regard to their chemical compositions, light microscopy analysis, total energy consumption, and antioxidant activity. GC/MS analysis allowed the identification of 28 compounds in the different essential oils. The principal identified component was limonene (86.7 %, 87.9 %, 88.2 %, 88.3 %, 85.4 % for HD, S-HD, US-HD, E-HD, and SFME, respectively), followed by β-pinene, sabinene, linalool and α-terpineol. The obtained essential oils were analyzed for their antioxidant activity using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging method. Results indicated that essential oil extracted by SFME showed the highest antioxidant activity (IC50 = 0.0175 mg/ml) and extraction yield (3.58 % ± 0.05) consuming lower energy (0.312 kW h-1) in a shorter extraction time (30 min) comparing with the other tested techniques. Hence, the SFME would be an interesting green method for the recovery of essential oil from C. sinensis peels useful in agro-food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical preparations as an alternative for undesirable chemical additives.

Extraction and Characterization of Pectin from Citrus sinensis Peel

Extraction and Characterization of Pectin from Citrus sinensis Peel

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from the Extracts of Fruit Peel of Citrus tangerina, Citrus sinensis, and Citrus limon for Antibacterial Activities.

Wide application of nanoparticles motivates the need for synthesising them. Here, a nontoxic, eco-friendly, and cost-effective method has been established for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using extracts of lemon peel (Citrus limon), green orange peel (Citrus sinensis), and orange peel (Citrus tangerina). The synthesised nanoparticles have been characterised using UV-visible absorptionspectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The UV-visible absorption spectrum of these synthesised silver nanoparticles shows an absorption peak at around 440 nm. TEM images show different shaped particles with various sizes. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles was appraised by a well-diffusion method and it was observed that the green synthesised silver nanoparticles have an effective antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The outcome of this study could be beneficial for nanotechnology-based biomedical applications.

Removal of Cadmium and Chromium by Mixture of Silver Nanoparticles and Nano-Fibrillated Cellulose Isolated from Waste Peels of Citrus Sinensis.

Nano-fibrillated cellulose (NFC) was extracted by a chemical method involving alkali and acid hydrolysis. The characterisation of the citrus sinensis fruit peel bran and nano-fibrillated cellulose was performed by XRD, FTIR, TEM, and FESEM. XRD confirmed the phase of NFC which showed monoclinic crystal with spherical to rod shape morphology with a size of 44–50 nm. The crystallinity index of treated NFC increased from 39% to 75%. FTIR showed the removal of lignin and hemicellulose from waste peels due to the alkaline treatment. Silver nanoparticles were also synthesised by utilizing extract of citrus sinensis skins as a reducing agent. Pharmaceutical effluent samples from an industrial area were tested by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Out of the four metals obtained, cadmium and chromium were remediated by silver nanoparticles with nano-fibrillated cellulose via simulated method in 100 mg/L metal-salt concentrations over a time period of 160 min. The highest removal efficiency was found for cadmium, i.e., 83%, by using silver and NFC together as adsorbents. The second highest was for chromium, i.e., 47%, but by using only NFC. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were well fitted for the sorption of Cd (II) and Cr (II) with suitable high R2 values during kinetic simulation. Thus, the isolation of NFC and synthesis of silver nanoparticles proved efficient for heavy metal sorption by the reuse of waste skins.

Comparative chemical composition of 24-hour fermented sweet orange fruit (Citrus sinensis) peel meal and maize and effect on performance response of starting pullet chicks

The study evaluated the effect of 24-hour fermentation of sweet orange fruit (Citrus sinensis) peel meal (24SOFPM) on its chemical composition and performance response to graded levels of peel meal in the diets of pullet chicks. Dry matter, crude protein and phosphorus level in 24SOFPM were close to that of maize. While limonene was higher in 24SOPFM, phytate was higher in maize than the 24SOPFM. One hundred and forty-four fourteen dayold Nera black pullet chicks were assigned to four experimental diets F0, F10, F20 and F30. SOPFM substituted maize in F0, F10, F20 and F30 respectively at 0, 10, 20 and 30%. The feeding trial lasted the remaining 6 weeks of the chicks’ phase. The study design was Completely Randomized Design. Daily feed intake was not significantly different (p&gt;0.05). Average body weight gain was significantly different (p&lt;0.05) and was depressed with no definite pattern in the SOPFM based diets. FCR was significantly different (p&lt;0.05). Substitution of maize with SOFPM significantly (p&lt;0.05) reduced feed cost/25kg, feed cost/bird and cost of production while decreasing efficiency of feed utilization for growth. Apparently, SOPFM might be a potential feedstuff which could substitute a proportion of maize in pullet chick’s diet when fermented for 24 hours.