Cob Powder Research Articles

Optimising corn (Zea mays) cob powder as an effective sorbent for diverse gel matrices: exploring particle size and powder concentration effects

SummaryThis study aims to valorise a plant waste, corn cobs (Zea mays) enriched with fibres (cellulose of 19.09–19.18% and hemicellulose of 34.04–60.13%), to create gel‐like sorbents. Corn cobs (CB) were dried, grounded and sieved to obtain 500, 250 and 125 μm powder size fractions. Various CB powder concentrations (10–40% w/w) were mixed with distilled water and rice bran oil for 2 min at ambient temperature to form hydrogel‐like and oleogel‐like sorbents, respectively. Visual appearance indicated that selected gels formed by 250 and 125 μm CB powders were self‐sustained right after mixing, while the largest particles (500 μm) could not fabricate gels at the CB concentrations studied. FTIR results suggested that the gelation process was primarily attributed to physical absorption rather than chemical binding. Comprehensive analyses of microstructure, physicochemical properties and rheological behaviour indicated that gelation was due to fibre–fibre interaction (125 μm) and oil/water–fibre interaction (250 μm). An increase in CB powder concentration enhanced the microstructural density and hardness of gels. Thus, 250 μm particles and higher absorbent concentrations resulted in brittle sorbents characterised by high hardness but low cohesiveness. The 250 μm particles also exhibit a superior antioxidant profile and lower oil/water loss than the 125 μm CB particles due to effective intra‐particle trapping mechanisms.

The formulation of three Pochonia chlamydosporia isolates and their effectiveness as biocontrol agents of Meloidogyne javanica

Summary The chlamydospore production of three Pochonia chlamydosporia isolates from two different varieties was evaluated on flaxseed and rice husk, testing their survival on talc, kaolin and maize cob powder. The effect of each formulation in suppressing Meloidogyne javanica on tomato was also investigated in glasshouse trials. For all isolates, the number of chlamydospores produced on flaxseed was about twice that observed on rice husk (i.e., 8 weeks after inoculation, isolate IRAN 1119 C produced 98 × 106 and 50 × 106 chlamydospores on flaxseed and rice husk, respectively). Isolate IRAN 1212 C produced more chlamydospores with longer lifespan compared with the other fungi. IRAN 1212 C on maize cob powder could reduce M. javanica by 95% at a level similar to fluopyram. This prototype formulation had a superior effect in establishing the fungus in the rhizosphere and on roots, suppressing the nematode and increasing plant growth. The three P. chlamydosporia isolates reproduced well on flaxseed and could last longer if formulated on maize cob powder, which appears suitable to produce an effective powdered formulation.

Effect Incorporation of Corn Cob Powder on the Physicochemical Properties and Sensory Acceptability of Kuih Kaswi

This study's objective is to investigate the effect of incorporating corn cob powder (CCP) on the physicochemical and sensory acceptability of kuih kaswi. Kuih kaswi was prepared in formulations (control A 0% CCP (corn cob powder): 100% WF (wheat flour), B 5% CCP (corn cob powder): 95% WF, C 10% CCP: 90% WF, D 15% CCP: 85% WF, E 20% CCP: 80% WF and F 25% CCP: 75% WF). Results shows that the pH of kuih kaswi ranges from 7.08 to 7.35. The colour profile L* values range from 23.75 to 25.60, a* values range from 4.96 to 5.23 and b* values range from 6.15 to 6.53. The texture profile also shows significant changes, but the sensory evaluation result shows the acceptability of panels towards the addition of CCP in kuih kaswi. As a result, this research successfully managed to improve the physicochemical properties and fibre in kuih kaswi with the incorporation of CCP.

Research on the Preparation of Wood Adhesive Active Fillers from Tannin-/Bentonite-Modified Corn Cob

The artificial plywood industry in our country relies heavily on industrial flour as a filler for adhesives. Using abundant corn cob powder as the main raw material, corn cob powder was modified by impregnation with a sodium-based bentonite/bayberry tannin and used as filler for urea–formaldehyde resin (UF) adhesive, with NH4Cl as the curing agent and poplar veneer as the raw material to prepare plywood. The results showed that the modified corn cob powder with a particle size of 250 mesh was uniformly dispersed in the UF adhesive. When used as a filler, the modified corn cob powder effectively prevented the premature curing of the UF adhesive and significantly reduced its viscosity. Compared with flour filler, the bonding strength of the prepared plywood increased by 12.1%–19.6% while the formaldehyde emission decreased by 12.7%–27.8%. The cold pressing performance of the plywoods prepared with modified corn cob flour was comparable to the performance of plywood produced with industrial flour.

Enzymatic synthesis of structured lipids from sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) oil with capric acid via acidolysis reaction in stirred tank and packed bed mini reactors

The present study describes an efficient and sustainable synthesis method for producing functional triglycerides (FTs) by conducting an acidolysis reaction of sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) oil with capric acid (C10), catalyzed by Rhizopus oryzae (RO) lipase immobilized in low-cost corn cob powder, to obtain medium-large-medium chain (MLM) triglycerides. Initially, acidolysis reactions were performed between sacha inchi oil, C10, and the immobilized enzyme in a stirred tank at various temperatures (35 °C, 45 °C, 55 °C, and 59 °C), different molar ratios (1:2, 1:3, 1:4 oil:fatty acid), and various hydrolytic enzyme activities (83.6, 124, and 217 IU/mg). Subsequently, to optimize the degree of incorporation, the best condition from the stirred tank reactions (45 °C, 1:3 M ratio, and 217 U of hydrolytic activity) was selected, considering the highest nutritional quality of the lipid in terms of the migration of the sn2 position, and was tested in a packed bed reactor with a spatial time of 112 min, residence time of 107 min, and a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min. The highest incorporation degree achieved in packed bed reactor was 36% at 45 °C. Afterward, it was developed for the best condition an integrative platform for the recycling of the RO lipase immobilized in low-cost corn cob powder (up to four successive cycles without any make up). Subsequent assays on the functional triglycerides revealed atherogenic and thrombogenicity lipid index values of 0.04 ± 0.10 and 4.15 ± 0.05, respectively, which were lower than those of pure sacha inchi oil, indicating the potential to enhance the nutritional quality of the oil through C10 incorporation.

The Effect of Corn Cob Size as a Substrate and Fermentation Time on Carotenoid Production by Neurospora sitophila

Natural pigments are recommended to reduce the use of synthetic pigments, one of which is the primary color yellow. Carotenoids are natural yellow to red pigments that are produced naturally by plants and microorganisms. Fermentation of carotenoids by the microorganism Neurospora sitophila is one solution to the challenges of plant based pigment which compete with the needs of food, land, and dependence on weather and seasons. Corn cobs are one of the cellulotic wastes that can be used as a carbon source. This research aims to examine the effect of corn cob size (60, 20, 8 mesh) and fermentation time (3, 6, 9 days) on the carotenoid pigments produced. The spectrophotometer analysis show that fermentation increase the initial carotenoids concentration in corn cobs. The smaller the substrate and the longer fermentation time, the greater the concentration of carotenoids produced. The highest concentration was obtained on 60 mesh substrate with 9 days fermentation at 31.79 ppm. FTIR analysis shows the presence of carotenoid pigments by the C=C and C-H, and the O-H functional group which represent zeaxanthin, astaxanthin and neurosporaxanthin compounds. Based on SEM test results, the average particle size of corn cob powder was 50 μm with porosity of 67.93%.

LIPASE FROM Rhizopus oryzae IMMOBILIZED ON CORN COB POWDER: A NEW APPROACH FOR DIETETIC TRIGLYCERIDE SYNTHESIS IN A FIXED BED REACTOR

This work explores the possibility of using corn cob powder as a carrier for immobilization by physical adsorption of lipase from Rhizopus oryzae used in acidolysis reaction of grape seed oil with capric acid (C10) to synthesize dietary triglycerides (TAGs) formed from medium-long-medium chain (MLM) fatty acids in a fixed bed reactor. First, enzymatic loading was investigated to improve hydrolytic activity and the immobilized biocatalyst was characterized in terms of biochemical parameters and thermal stability. An enzyme load of 30 mg mL-1 was quite adequate, as about 90% of the immobilization yield was achieved. The central composite rotatable design (CCRD) experimental design revealed that, for the immobilized enzyme, the optimal hydrolytic activity was obtained at pH 7.75 and 41 °C. Stirred tank reactions were optimized in CCRD statistical analysis revealing the most desirable conditions for molar ratio of 1:9.36 (oil:acid), 45 °C and 15% biocatalyst, obtaining a maximum ID value of 86.93 ± 2.25%. In a fixed bed reactor, the synthesis showed an average ID of 51.13 ± 0.77, demonstrating the potential of this configuration. It is concluded that corn cob powder as an immobilization carrier is a promising alternative for the enzymatic synthesis of MLM triacylglycerols.

Adsorption of aflatoxin B1 to corn by-products

The adsorption of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) to natural fiber materials prepared from corn by-products was investigated in this study. The results showed that corn cob powder (CCP) dose, particle size, time (0.25–24 h), temperature (4, 20, 37, 50 and 100 °C) and pH (2–8), had significant effects on adsorption. The maximum adsorption (98%) was with particles 500–355 µm in size at 20 °C for 8 h, at the dose of 50 mg mL−1. The adsorption fitted pseudo-second-order model and Langmuir isotherm well. Besides, CCP had a higher adsorption capacity to AFB1 than any single cell wall components of corn, which indicated that capillary effect happened in cell wall might be the main reason for adsorption. The results also suggested that CCP could reduce AFB1 content from both liquid and solid food matrixes. Briefly, CCP displayed promising properties that could be developed in nature-based practical applications for food aflatoxin decontamination.

Experimental Investigation on Thermal Insulation of Sustainable 3D Printable Concrete by Using Corncob Powder

The construction industry is witnessing the latest technology advancement in the form of 3D printing, which promises to revolutionize the sector by reducing costs, material wastage, and environmental impact. One significant approach to achieving these goals is through the incorporation of various supplementary cementitious materials. This research work aims to study the utilization of corn cob powder (organic waste from agricultural industries) as a thermal insulation material in conjunction with other cement supplementary materials (fly ash, and silica fume). The study focuses on evaluating the material’s rheological properties, such as slump, initial and final setting times, and flowability. Furthermore, the investigation extends to analyzing the hardened properties of the concrete, including compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength under varying temperature conditions. Results shown that the compressive, split tensile and flexural strength was increased up 5 % to 7% with the inclusion of corn cob powder at 5% and it exhibits good resistance to high temperatures.

Elaboration of germinable bioplastic based on corn olot

The present work was developed within the facilities of the Instituto Tecnológico Superior de Poza Rica, said research work aims to develop a germinable bioplastic based on corn cob, which will reduce environmental contamination, generating a biodegradable and germinable product at the same time. time. The elaboration of the bioplastic was carried out taking into account the methodology described by Guzmán (2013) using cob powder instead of corn starch and with an additional input, gelatin. In this way, 10 tests were carried out, starting from procedure 1 in which 5 tests were carried out, from which it is concluded that the prototypes presented curves and breaks in their structure, and have even reduced their dimensions. Likewise, for procedure 2, 3 tests are carried out where it is obtained that if there has been a resistance to perforation (there is no fracture) and there has been a decrease in its size.

Evaluation of physiochemical, mechanical, thermal, UV barrier, and biodegradation properties of PVA/corn (Zea mays) cob powder biofilms

Evaluation of physiochemical, mechanical, thermal, UV barrier, and biodegradation properties of PVA/corn (Zea mays) cob powder biofilms

Study the environmental friendly filtration loss agents effects in drilling fluids

A variety of policies have been implemented to preserve the environment by governments and environmental groups, for the efficient management of environmental challenges associated to onshore and offshore drilling and production activities. It is necessary to identify effective environmentally friendly muds and its additives to develop and to perform safe operations of drilling and production of oil and gas wells. In this work, three natural mud additives- coconut shell powder, peanut shell powder and cod cob powder are evaluated as another ecological filter loss control agent. The three similar natural mud additives are examined both individually and together in a comparative analysis of the fluid loss control agent. In comparison to the other two additives, the peanut shell with a 2.25% weight concentration is a more effective liquid loss control agent. The best results, however, were similar to those of the peanut shell additive sample and were achieved by combining the powders from peanut shell, coconut shell, and corn cob. The 1.5% and 2.25% weight concentration samples in three additive combination tests exhibit greater filtrate volume. The peanut shell is the best addition in comparison to all other samples and combinations utilised in this experiment because it is both inexpensive and environmentally safe.

Volume Kerja dan Waktu Penggilingan Tongkol Jagung pada Ukuran Produk/ Morfologi dalam Proses Ball Mill

The use of corncob powder is very wide in various industrial fields, namely as a source of dietary fiber, the basic material for making bio-plastics, partial replacement of cement in the manufacture of concrete, functional chemicals, oyster mushroom cultivation media. The most efficient method in producing corncob powder is the Ball Mill Process. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of working volume and milling time on the characteristics of corn cob powder. The research procedures include specimen preparation (including cutting and drying processes) and milling processes. The results obtained were then characterized using a scanning laser microscope (LSM) to analyze the morphology and size of the product, lower working volume results in a smaller powder production with a needle-like sharp edge morphology and a higher work volume also results in a powder that has a blunt edge morphology. Although working volume can potentially be used to control particle size, this parameter has a direct effect on powder yield. As for the long milling time, it produces a smaller powder size than the faster milling time.Â

Metagenomic insights into feasibility of agricultural wastes on optimizing water quality and natural bait by regulating microbial loop

Effective screening feed substitutes for improving water quality in aquaculture systems has become a trending research topic now. In this study, three typical organic agricultural wastes, including sugar cane bagasse (SC), coconut shell powder (CS), and corn cob powder (CC), were selected to evaluate their potential roles on the optimization of water quality and natural bait compared to aquafeeds. Fish feed resulted in the highest growth rate of fish but the worst water quality. Organic detritus addition markedly improved the water quality, especially soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP, decrease of 56–61%) and ammonium (decrease of 16% in SC, 47% in CC). Specially, SC induced core microbes to mediate nutrients transformation and recycling (N2-fixation, ammonification, nitrification, dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonia and organic nutrients decomposition), which facilitated the primary productivity based on their positive relationships. This further reduced the available nutrients (especially SRP) in the water and built a mutually beneficial microbial loop. In addition, SC addition increased the abundance of genes involved in amino acids biosynthesis pathways, photosynthesis, and carbon fixation. These results led to energy transfer to higher trophic levels. The addition of CC had a better effect than SC in terms of lower nitrogen levels and a higher fish growth rate (19% in CC, 5% in SC). However, low temperatures and carbon accumulation jointly drive the anaerobic decomposition, resulting in unhealthy microbial loops and low fish growth rates. In contrast to the direct consumption of fish feed, organic detritus can induce more natural bait to provide food for fish by regulating the microbial loop, as showed by the microbial community composition in the water and fish gut. To comprehensively assess water quality, natural bait, and fish growth and quality, certain organic detritus should be considered as an auxiliary material to partially replace feed for healthy and sustainable aquaculture systems.

Studies on optimization of pigment production of SB2 isolate from the Saltern region of Marakanam (T.N)

The marine environment plays a vital role in producing valuable natural products for biomedical and pharmaceutical research. The pigment is one of the bioactive molecules derived from marine bacteria. The strain SB2 was isolated from the saltern areas of Marakanam to produce yellow pigment, round, and smooth colonies on selective media. The strain SB2 was opted out for further studies based on its pigment production (1.68 mg l-1). The incubation period, pH, and temperature are critical factors in increasing pigment production (7.81 mg l-1) from the strain SB2 using RSM (Response Surface Method) by Box Behnken Design (BBD). Similarly, the strain produced the highest pigmentation (7.67 mg l-1) in a nutrient medium containing olive oil, molasses, and corn cob powder. Using BBD, various concentrations of methanol, ethyl ether, and ethanol solvents were optimised with the isolate SB2 to yield maximum pigment (4.29 mg l-1). The extracted pigment was effectively treated with bacterial pathogens to inhibit their growth when the isolate grew at pH 7, temperature 30ºC, and salt 2% concentration. Using Box Behnken Design (BBD), optimising nutrient sources, solvents, and environmental factors with the yellow-pigmented SB2 strain recovered from seawater results in the highest carotenoid pigment production, and the pigment has antibacterial properties.

Evaluation and characterization of the cellulolytic bacterium, Bacillus pumilus SL8 isolated from the gut of oriental leafworm Spodoptera litura: An assessment of its potential value for lignocellulose bioconversion

Continuous and increasing demands for bioenergy have prompted the discovery of novel routes for effective bioconversion of lignocellulose into commodity chemicals. To this end, cellulolytic bacteria were isolated and screened from the gut system of oriental leafworm, Spodoptera litura. The plate-based screening revealed maximum cellulolytic activities by Bacillus pumilus SL8 displaying a clearance zone of 21 mm with a hydrolytic capacity of 10.5. When tested further, B. pumilus SL8 depicted the highest substrate degradation of corn cob powder (CCP, 59.2%) followed by sawdust (SD, 54.2%), and sugarcane bagasse (SCB, 52.6%). Among the cellulolytic enzymes, maximum activities were achieved for xylanase, endoglucanase, and β-glucosidase that corresponded to 50.5 ± 5, 22.8 ± 2.4, and 22.4 ± 3 IUmg−1 protein, respectively on the wheat husk, CMC, and Avicel. The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) revealed adhesion of the bacteria to the substrate causing structural alterations due to hydrolysis. The hydrolysis of the substrate was further substantiated through FTIR analysis that depicted reduction in the intensity of cellulose representing bands such as 662, 895, 1184, 1371, and 1599 to 1749 cm−1 signifying degradation by B. pumilus SL8. Additionally, B. pumilus SL8 demonstrated its coculturing efficiency with the yeast strain for bioconversion of cellulose into bioethanol. The overall results suggest the potential utility of B. pumilus SL8 for biotechnological applications.

Studies Regarding Some Mechanical Properties for a Hybrid Resin Used to Build Composites Reinforced with Corn Cob Powder

In this paper some mechanical characteristics of a composite made from a hybrid resin and reinforced with corn cob powder are presented. The hybrid resin was made with a combination between the natural dammar resin combined with a small percentage of acrylic one. The synthetic resin was inserted in order to increase the polymerization process which was produced in about 24 h. In the fist part of the investigation, from the compression test, some mechanical characteristics are determined, such as: breaking strength or maximum force obtained at breaking. Then, by using the SEM analysis and EDS spectrometry, some samples with 50% dammar and 60% dammar were investigated. The last hybrid resin test was Shore D hardness and it was found out that the hardness decreases with the increase of dammar percentage. In the last part of the study, some composites by using the poposed hybrid resin reinforced with corn cob powder were manufactured. It has been found out that the proposed composite reinforced with corn cob powder has increased compression mechanical properties compared other composites that have the same reinforcement.

Investigation into the viability of the properties of porous glass-ceramics produced from granite dust and maize cob for use in thermal insulation of external walls of residential buildings

Given the enormous need for cost-effective wall insulation materials in the developing countries and Nigeria specifically, this study, explores the viability of porous glass-ceramics production from granite dust and maize cob using one-step sintering technology. The chemical compositions of the locally sourced materials used including granite dust, ball clay and maize cob were obtained using XRF. 300µm of granite dust and ball clay as well as 425µm of maize cob powder were used. Different amount of granite dust and maize cob powder were mixed with constant amount of a mixture of NaOH and Na2SiO3 in three different groupings to formulate the porous glass-ceramics samples. The formulated samples were uniaxially pressed at 10MPa and sintered in a gas kiln at 850oC for 3 hours. The sintered samples were subjected to experimental tests. The results showed water absorption, apparent porosity, bulk density, compressive strength and thermal conductivity of 25.6%–46.7%, 43.5%–75%, 1.45g/cm3 –1.9g/cm3, 0.7MPa–9.7MPa and 0.11W/m.K–0.53W/m.K respectively. The mineralogical properties of the sintered samples were obtained using XRD. The results indicated a viable material for use in thermal insulation of residential buildings.

Ratlarda Scillaren-A, mısır koçanı tozu ve kombinasyonları ile ilişkili akut toksisitelerin karşılaştırmalı histopatolojik değerlendirilmesi

The purpose of the study was to comparatively evaluate the efficacy of Scillaren-A in rats. A total of 32 female Wistar albino rats were used to develop acute toxicity for 48 h. The rats were randomly divided into four groups including n=8 / each group (G.I-G.IV). Toxicity groups (G.I, G.II, and G.III) and control group (G.IV) were established. The experimental groups were intoxicated with scillaren A, corn cob powder, and their combinations, respectively. The rats in the control group were remained intoxicated and fed with standard pellets. The experiment was ended 48 hours after the intoxication. Histopathological findings in vital organs (liver, kidney, lung, heart, brain) and then other organs (intestine, spleen) were evaluated. Tissues were fixed in 10% buffered formalin (pH=7.2) and embedded in paraffin. The histopathologic findings were evaluated on the standard H&E stained sections. The major histopathological changes, vascular changes including hyperemia and haemorrhagia, alterative changes including degeneration and necrosis, inflammation, some regenerative and reparative changes including hyperplasia and fibrosis in organs were scored. It is believed that both formulations can be effective on death later on, be utilized as a rodenticide without environmental toxic effect, and be consumed rapidly by rats due to their attractive chemical traits.

Preparation and Antimicrobial Activity of Corn Cob and Coir Reinforced Biodegradable Starch Biocomposite Films for Food Packaging Application

Finding a bio-composite film to replace petroleum-based synthetic plastic has received considerable attention in recent years. In this research, biocomposite films were effectively prepared using corn cob powder and coconut coir as reinforcing materials in various concentrations using solution casting and annealing techniques. Corn starch was used as a co-biopolymer, glycerol (3% v/v) and acetic acid (5% v/v) as plasticizers were added as well. Biodegradability, mechanical, physical, FTIR, SEM, XRD, tensile and antibacterial tests were performed on the biocomposite samples. The biodegradability test showed that the samples were biodegradable and that the rate of biodegradation improved with time, reaching 87.37 % in just ten days. The SEM test was used to investigate the molecular structure of the biocomposite films, and the findings demonstrated that the raw ingredients had been well mixed, resulting in a smooth surface. The antibacterial test was conducted against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) bacteria. This study examines the influence of fiber reinforcement on the mechanical properties of biocomposites based on starch. Various natural fibers may boost the strength of biocomposites, as shown by the findings. According to the results, maize starch, corn cobs, and coconut coir are all suitable for food packaging purposes.