Acid Methyl Ester Research Articles

Fuel property evaluation of unique fatty acid methyl esters containing β-hydroxy esters from engineered microorganisms

Unique fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) containing β‑hydroxy esters were produced using an engineered microorganism by glucose fermentation. This study investigated the properties of the unique FAME mixture both neat and in blends with conventional diesel, as well as properties of β‑hydroxy esters. The unique FAME blend contained relatively shorter-chain FAME (average fatty acid chain carbon number 14.6) with 58 % monounsaturated fatty acids and 9 % saturated and monounsaturated β‑hydroxy acid chains. The unique FAME had significantly lower distillation T90 (321 °C versus 352 °C) and higher cetane number (56.7 versus 52) compared to soy biodiesel. Cloud points were within method repeatability. Unexpectedly (because of the lack of methylene-interrupted double bonds), the unique FAME had low oxidation stability (1.5 h) as determined by Rancimat induction period. Stability could be improved through addition of commonly used antioxidants. We speculate that monounsaturated β‑hydroxy FAME may be the source of this instability. Blends with conventional diesel up to 50 vol% showed similar kinematic viscosity (within method repeatability) as blends of conventional FAME. The unique FAME had no effect on distillation T90 even at the 80 % blend level. A 30 vol% blend into conventional diesel had a Rancimat induction period of only 2 h, very nearly the same as the neat unique FAME sample. The addition of antioxidants produced blends of acceptable stability. Based on an assessment of the properties of individual β‑hydroxy FAME molecules, they have higher boiling point, higher cloud point, lower cetane number, and potentially lower storage stability than analogous FAME not having the β‑hydroxy group. Removing them from the fuel product in the production process may result in a biodiesel product with superior properties to what is on the market today.

Optimization, Production, and characterization of cottonseed methyl ester based on Box-Behnken in response surface design and gas Chromatography-Mass spectrum analysis

Renewable energy sources have a significant approach to eco-friendly systems with economically cost-effective and efficient use of biodiesel. The creation of innovative catalysts is attracting the attention and concern of the chemical and manufacturing sectors to be used in the production of biodiesel. The main objective of this work is to produce the optimum biodiesel yield using BBD design and the base-catalyzed method. The production of biodiesel was achieved through experimental investigation (alkali-catalyzed transesterification) and optimized using the BBD design method.The most important parameters such as methanol to oil ratios, KOH as catalysts, and reaction times were provided with variable conditions. The variation of methanol to oil ratios has significant relationships and is highly correlated in findings. The physicochemical properties of cottonseed biodiesel were carried out according to ASTM and EN standards. The maximum yield was achieved at 96.708 at a molar ratio of 6:1, reaction time of 60 min, and catalyst concentration of 1 wt%. The strong correlation between actual and predicted values of COSME was analyzed using ANOVA variances. The F-value and P-value validated the outcomes of produced biodiesel having a model value of 43.68 and 0.00, respectively. The coefficient of determinations and adjusted R2 of CSOME were achieved at 98.7% and 98.6%, respectively. The gas chromatogram mass spectrum analysis was also obtained to identify the acid profile present in COSME. The major percentage of ester available in COSME has been determined using GC–MS analysis and presented by its weight percentages. The main esters have been including myristic acid methyl ester (1.7%), palmitic acid methyl ester (26.65%), methyl 9-cis,11-trans-octadecadienoate(44.05%), ethyl 9. Cis.11.trans octadecadienoate(9.67%), methyl 20-methyl-heneicosanoate(6.83%), 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-, 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl ester(1.93%), and Pentacosanoic acid, methyl ester(7.14%).

Studies on Various Taxonomic, Pharmacognostic and Phytochemical Properties of Sanchezia speciosa Leonard Acanthaceae

Sanchezia speciosa Leonard, Acanthaceae is used as ornamental plant. It used in folklore medicine in the management of pain, anti-microbial and insecticide. An investigation was carried out to evaluate the various taxonomic, pharmacognostic and phytochemical standards to ensure the identity, purity, safety and efficacy of the medicinal plant, S. speciosa. Various observations were recorded which included microscopy, micromeritics, fluorescence, chemomicroscopy, soluble extractive values, moisture contents and phytochemical analysis. The results indicated that the epidermal shapes were both polygonal on the adaxial and abaxial surfaces. Stomatal distribution was amphistomatic with anisocytic and diacytic stomata on the adaxial and abaxial surface, respectively. Stomatal index was 21.47% on the adaxial surface and 15.43% on the abaxial surface. Micromeritics results for the leaf powder were bulk volume of 25.33± 0.408, tapped volume of 19.00± 0.00, bulk density of 0.40± 0.006, tapped density of 0.53± 0.021, Hausner’s ratio of 1.34± 0.037, Carr’s index of 25.00± 2.550 and angle of repose of 43.07°. The micromeritics indicated a passable flow. The chemo microscopy indicated presence of lignin, mucilage and starch. Fluorescence properties showed different colours under different ultraviolet lights. The water-soluble, methanol-soluble, ethanol-soluble extractive values were 14.7% w/w, 4.3% w/w and 5.0% w/w, respectively. Moisture content was 8.5% w/w. Total ash, acid-insoluble and water-soluble ash values were 20.0 % w/w, 2.0% w/w and 4.2% w/w, respectively. GC-MS of methanol extract revealed the total of 39 phytochemicals with over 5 prominent peaks having higher area% which include hexadecanoic acid methyl ester (2.64%), 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid methyl ester (4.77%), phytol (9.98%), 9,12,15 octadecatrienoic acid (12.97%), Stigmasterol (2.00%) and Squalene (28.16%). Other compounds are glycerin (5.83%), n-hexadecanoic acid (2.85%) and 9 octadecenamide (2.18%). Many of them possess good pharmacological properties. The data generated from the present study would help to authenticate S. speciosa and also affirm its folklore use in traditional medicine which has potential for further development into drug product.

Effects Analysis of FAME on the Engine Characteristics of Different Polymerized Biofuels in Compression Ignition Engine

Environmental pollution caused by marine engines fueled with fossil fuels is a matter of growing significance. The search for renewable and clean energy sources and improvements in the way fossil fuels are burnt aims to reduce the environmental impact of these engines. For this purpose, fatty acid methyl esters were produced from pure canola oil using KOH-assisted methanol-based transesterification with a maximum yield of 90.68 ± 1.6%. The marine engine’s model was created with CONVERGE software, followed by experimental verification. This paper examines the blended fuel characteristics of a diesel engine with biodiesel blends (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%) at different loads of engines (50%, 75%, and 100%). It also explores the variation in these characteristics of B10 (10% biodiesel–diesel blends) at three different load conditions and four different EGR rates (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%). The results indicate that the addition of biodiesel to diesel fuel reduces CO, HC, and soot emissions, while increasing NOx emissions. Additionally, the EGR rate decreases NOx emissions but results in higher levels of soot, CO, and HC emissions. Finally, response surface methodology was used to elicit the engine’s characteristics. It was determined that the optimum experimental operating conditions were 100% engine load, 6.9% biodiesel addition, and 7.7% EGR. The corresponding BTE, BSFC, NOx, and HC emissions were 38.15%, 282.62 g/(kW-h), 274.38 ppm, and 410.37 ppm, respectively.

Phyto-constituents of the Dichloromethane Extracts of the Bulbs of Selected Genera in the Family Amaryllidaceae

The analysis of phytoconstituents present in the dichloromethane extract of the bulb of Hippeastrum vittatum (L’Her.) Herb., Proiphys amboinensis (L.) Herb., Urceolina amazonica (Linden) Christenh. & Byng., Hymenocallis littoralis (Jacq.) Salisb., Crinum jagus (J. Thomps.) Dandy and Zephyranthes carinata Herb. by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectometry (GC-MS) analysis was carried out using standard methods. The Results of the GC-MS analysis of Hippeastrum vittatum, Proiphys amboinensis, Urceolina amazonica, Hymenocallis littoralis, Crinum jagus and Zephyranthes carinata revealed the presence of 50, 66, 61, 57, 56 and 61 peaks indicating the presence of the number of phytochemical constituents respectively. Phytol was present in Hymennocallis littoralis (0.41%) and Urceolina amazonica (0.79%) only. N-hexadecanoic acid, Di mevalonic acid lactone, Hexadecanoic acid methyl ester and Stigmasterol were present in all. Apiol and Xanthoxylin were absent in H. littoralis and P. amboniensis respectively. Oleic acid was present in Z. carinata (2.01%), P. amboniensis (1.85%) and U. amazonica (2.03%). Sakuranin was found in H. littoralis (3.42%), C. jagus (1.38%) and U. amazonica (4.43%). Linoleic acid ethyl ester was present in P. amboniensis (1.49%), U. amazonica (0.16%), H. littoralis (11.91%) and Z. carinata (0. 8 8%). The major components that delimited the species were as follows; In Hymenocallis littoralis was Liriodendromin (14.03%), Linoleic acid ethyl ester (11.91%) and Ethyl oleate (9.38%); in Zephranthes carinata; Phthalic acid, 4-methoxybenzyl methyl ester (15.34%) Gatanthamine, 3-O-acetyl-1, 2, dihydro (8.87%) Stigmasterol (5.87%); in Hippeastrum vittatum; N-benzyl-2-[1-(4-methoxyl-phenyl 1) – 1 H-tetrazo (14.94%), Benzaminde, 2-amino-N-(4-ethoxyphenyl) (12.65%) and 1-(5-methyl-2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-phenyl propane (10.49%); in Crinum jagus; 2H-1-Benzopyran-7-ol, 3,4-dihydro-3-(2-hyrdo) (19.87%), Benzamide, 2-amino-N- (4-ethoxyphenyl) (9.92%) and Stigmasterol (4.04%); in Proiphys amboniensis; Gamma-sitosterol (16.98%), Stigmasterol (11.49%) and N-Hexadecanoic acid(5.05%); in U. amazonica; 3-Furanacetic acid, 4-hexyl-2, 5-dihydro-2, 5 (12.73%), Benzamide, 2-amino-N- (4-ethoxyphenyl) (8.18%) and Phenyl, 2-(3,4-dihydro 2-methoxyl-2H-1-benzopy) (6.40%). The presence of various bioactive compounds may be responsible for the application of these species in the treatment and management of various ailments in folklore medicine. However, in vitro and in vivo studies, isolation of individual phytoconstituents and their mechanism of action may proceed to find a novel drug or lead compound for use as medicine.

Proximate analysis and GC-MS phytochemical profiling of aqueous extracts of Doryopteris raddiana, a plant used by the Mbya-Guaraní as a contraceptive

Doryopteris raddiana (Presl) Fée, a traditional contraceptive in Mbya culture, lacks scientific scrutiny regarding its chemical composition and contraceptive efficacy. Employing X-ray fluorescence, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermal analysis, we explored the plant’s organs. Multielemental analysis excluded toxic elements. Key phytoconstituents identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in the extracts obtained through infusion were glycerine, 1,3-dimethyl propane, and catechol in leaves; glycerine, cis-13-octadecenoic acid methyl ester, and 2-deoxy-D-erythro-pentose in stems and roots. Among these chemicals, glycerine emerged as the sole constituent with contraceptive potential, particularly intravaginally. Extract activity tests conducted on ram spermatozoa exhibited a reduction in the percentage of rapid spermatozoa but no significant impact on total motility, progressive motility, or viability. The reported data would only weakly support the advocated contraceptive action of this fern upon vaginal application, not through the oral administration of its decoction.

Optimized quantification of fatty acids in complex media using advanced analytical techniques.

Various medium formulations contain essential fatty acids at concentrations ranging from 10 to 100 mg/L. Accurate and precise lipid measurement in media is crucial for monitoring media quality and conducting studies on lipids in the context of cell culture. This study employed two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC × GC) analyses to offer enhanced resolution, sensitivity, and separation performance compared to GC. Quantification of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) in a medium was conducted using GC × GC combined with a high-resolution mass spectrometer and flame ionization detector, considering potential interference from nonionic surfactant Tween 80, which was precipitated and removed by optimizing the concentration of cobalt thiocyanate (CTA) solution during pretreatment. This advanced analytical approach enabled identification of cis and trans isomers of identical molecular weights and determination of the location and number of double bonds in the same carbon number structure. Our analysis identified 36 FAMEs within the C6-C24 region, and a 5% CTA solution was optimal for efficient removal of Tween 80 during lipid extraction. Additionally, this advanced method minimized FAME contamination and loss during pretreatment, thereby significantly reducing the sample volume required to detect trace levels of FAMEs. This improvement led to a fatty acid recovery rate of 106% while maintaining the average relative standard deviation for the target FAMEs of about 3%. Our research paves the way for future investigation into medium quality control and the role of fatty acids in cell culture. This offers the possibility for economical and effective trace quantification of fatty acids in complex media.

Properties That Potentially Limit High-Level Blends of Biomass-Based Diesel Fuel.

While today's biomass-based diesel fuels are used at relatively low blend levels in petroleum diesel, decarbonization of the heavy-duty trucking and off-road sectors is driving increasing use of higher level blends and the combination of hydroprocessing-derived renewable diesel (RD) with biodiesel (fatty acid methyl esters) to create a 100% renewable fuel. However, little data are available on the properties of biodiesel blends over 20 vol % into RD or conventional diesel, despite the potential for properties to fall well outside the normal range for diesel fuels. Here, we evaluate the properties of 20-80% blends of a soy-derived biodiesel into RD and petroleum diesel. Properties measured were flash point, cloud point, cetane number, surface tension, density, kinematic viscosity, distillation curve, lower heating value, water content, water solubility in the fuel, lubricity, and oxidation stability. Density and viscosity were measured over a wide temperature range. A key objective was to reveal properties that might limit blending of biodiesel and any differences between biodiesel blends into RD versus petroleum diesel and to understand research needed to advance the use of high-level blends and 100% renewable fuel. Properties that may limit blending include the cloud point, viscosity, distillation curve, and oxidation stability. Meeting cloud point requirements can be an issue for all distillate fuels. For biodiesel, reducing the blend level and use of lower cloud point hydrocarbon blendstocks, such as No. 1 diesel or kerosene, can be used in winter months. Alternatively, a heated fuel system that allows for starting the vehicle on conventional diesel before switching to pure biodiesel (B100) or a high-level blend has been successfully demonstrated in the literature. Some biodiesels can have kinematic viscosity above the upper limit for diesel fuels (4.1 mm2/s), which will limit the amount that can be blended. Biodiesel boils in a narrow range at the very high end of the No. 2 diesel range. Additional research is needed to understand how the high T90 of B100 and high-level blends and the very low distillation range of B100, some RD samples, and high-level biodiesel blends impact lube oil dilution, engine deposits, and diesel oxidation catalyst light-off. Blending with No. 1 diesel or kerosene or biodiesel-specific engine calibrations may mitigate these issues. Oxidation stability of higher level blends is poorly understood but may be addressed through the increased use of antioxidant additives. Finally, high-level biodiesel blends and B100 will have significantly higher density, viscosity, and surface tension compared to conventional diesel. In combination with the high boiling point, these properties may impact fuel spray atomization and evaporation, and additional research is needed in this area.

Chemogenetic activation of mammalian brain neurons expressing insect Ionotropic Receptors by systemic ligand precursor administration

Chemogenetic approaches employing ligand-gated ion channels are advantageous regarding manipulation of target neuronal population functions independently of endogenous second messenger pathways. Among them, Ionotropic Receptor (IR)-mediated neuronal activation (IRNA) allows stimulation of mammalian neurons that heterologously express members of the insect chemosensory IR repertoire in response to their cognate ligands. In the original protocol, phenylacetic acid, a ligand of the IR84a/IR8a complex, was locally injected into a brain region due to its low permeability of the blood-brain barrier. To circumvent this invasive injection, we sought to develop a strategy of peripheral administration with a precursor of phenylacetic acid, phenylacetic acid methyl ester, which is efficiently transferred into the brain and converted to the mature ligand by endogenous esterase activities. This strategy was validated by electrophysiological, biochemical, brain-imaging, and behavioral analyses, demonstrating high utility of systemic IRNA technology in the remote activation of target neurons in the brain.

254 Effect of feeding high oleic soybean oil to finishing pigs on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary fat source and feeding duration on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of finishing pigs. Finishing pigs [n = 450; 21 wk of age; initial body weight (BW) = 113.7 ± 8 kg] were housed in 90 pens and assigned to one of five dietary treatments in a 2 × 2 + 1 factorial design. Dietary treatments consisted of two fat sources (CWG: 4% inclusion of choice white grease and HOSO: 4% inclusion of high oleic soybean oil) each provided 2 or 4 wk before marketing. The “+1” diet was a corn-based diet without fat inclusion (CON). Observations included pig growth performance (on d 14 and d 28 of feeding), carcass characteristics (12 pigs per treatment at marketing), fatty acid profile in the loins and bellies, and a consumer sensory evaluation. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS considering dietary treatment as a main effect, feeding duration, and their interactions. Contrast tests were used to compare dietary treatments with control group. From d 14 to 28 and overall experimental period (d 0–28), pigs fed fat-supplemented diets had a greater (P < 0.05) average daily gain and gain to feed ratio than CON fed pigs. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in growth performance when comparing fat sources or feeding periods. Pigs supplemented with either CWG or HOSO showed a tendency to have a greater (P < 0.1) belly weight and belly yield, and a lesser (P < 0.1) loin yield and loin muscle area when compared with CON pigs. Loins from the 2-wk period of fat supplementation had darker (Coloration l, P < 0.05) meat coloration when compared with 4 wk. The loin from pigs fed fat sources had greater (P < 0.05) concentration of oleic acid and eicosenoic acid when compared with CON. This improvement was mainly from HOSO. When CWG was compared with HOSO, pigs fed CWG had a greater (P < 0.05) concentration of palmitic acid and stearic acid while the HOSO pigs had a greater concentration of oleic acid and linolenic acid in the loin. In the belly, CON had greater (P < 0.05) concentration of palmitic acid and stearic acid while pigs fed fat sources had a greater concentration of oleic acid and eicosenoic acid. Bellies from HOSO had greater (P < 0.05) concentration of oleic acid and α-linolenic acid methyl ester while CWG had greater concentration of g-linolenic acid. As for the sensory evaluation, the palatability and acceptability of pork were not affected (P > 0.05) by dietary treatments. In conclusion, supplementation with HOSO not only improved performance but tended to improve some carcass characteristics and increased the concentration of oleic acid and some other unsaturated FAs with a concomitant decrease in the concentration of some saturated FAs in pork.

Identification and characterization of organic and glycosidic acids in the crude resin glycoside fraction of Ipomoea alba seeds

Resin glycosides act as laxatives in crude drugs derived from plants of the Convolvulaceae family. These compounds have exhibited antibacterial, ionophoric, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and multidrug resistance-modulating properties, as well as cytotoxicity against cancer cells. This study investigated the organic acid, hydroxyl fatty acid, monosaccharide, and glycosidic acid components of the crude resin glycoside fraction obtained from the methanol extract of Ipomoea alba L. (Convolvulaceae) seeds, which was subjected to alkaline and acidic hydrolysis. The alkaline hydrolysis yielded acetic, isobutyric, (E)-2-methylbut-2-enoic, and 2S-methyl-3S-hydroxybutyric acids as organic acid components, along with a glycosidic acid fraction. The acidic hydrolysis of the glycosidic acid fraction resulted in the isolation of 11S-hydroxytetradecanoic and 11S-hydroxyhexadecanoic acids as hydroxyl fatty acid components, as well as d-glucose, d-quinovose, d-fucose, d-xylose, and l-rhamnose as monosaccharide components. In addition, 10 new glycosidic acid methyl esters were isolated from the glycosidic acid fraction treated with trimethylsilyldiazomethane–hexane, along with one known glycosidic acid methyl ester. Of these, eight compounds contained new glycans. Four of these compounds were unusual natural glycosides with four glycosidic linkages to one monosaccharide. Their structures were determined using MS and NMR spectral analyses, which provided valuable insights into the unique glycosidic composition of I. alba seeds.

GC/MS chemical profiling and isolation of secondary metabolites from Leontice ewersmannii

GC/MS chemical profiling of the aerial parts of Leontice ewersmannii revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds of which 20 compounds were in n-hexane fraction and 3 compounds in basic DCM fraction. Among the identified compounds alkaloids, fatty acids and their esters, fatty alcohols, hydrocarbons, and sterol were detected. Phytochemical investigation of the aerial parts of L. ewersmannii led to isolation of 17 compounds including 1-heptacosanol (1), phytol (2), lupenone (3), palmitic acid (4), oleic acid (5), stigmasterol (6), stigmast-7-en-3-ol (7), methyl palmitate (8), methyl linoleate (9), butyl palmitate (10), butyl linoleate (11), dimethyl dodecanedioate (12), methyl cerebronate (13), β-sitosterol (14), β-sitosterol 3-O-β-glucopyranoside (15), sophoridine (16) and camoensine (17). The structures of the isolated compounds were determined by 1D NMR, HR-ESI-MS, and GC-MS. All methyl esters of fatty acids are possible artifacts during extraction. Additionally, the antimicrobial activity of the total extract and different fractions was screened, and they exhibited no inhibition of the growth at the tested concentration ranging from 8 to 200 μg/mL.

Optimization of Enzymatic Transesterification of Acid Oil for Biodiesel Production Using a Low-Cost Lipase: The Effect of Transesterification Conditions and the Synergy of Lipases with Different Regioselectivity.

This study describes the enzymatic production of second-generation biodiesel using low-quality acid oil as a substrate. Biolipasa-R, a commercially available and low-cost lipase, was employed for enzymatic transesterification. Response surface methodology was applied to optimize the enzymatic transesterification process. The optimal conditions for biodiesel production, which comprised 42% lipase concentration (per weight of oil), 32% water content (per weight of oil), a methanol to oil molar ratio of 3:1, pH 7.0 and reaction temperature 30°C, resulted in the highest fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) content (71.3%). Subsequently, the synergistic effect of two lipases with different regioselectivities under the optimum transesterification conditions was studied, aiming at the enhancement of process efficiency. The transesterification efficiency of immobilized Biolipasa-R was determined and compared to that of Biolipasa-R in its free form. The results revealed a good performance on FAME content (66.5%), while the recycling of immobilized lipase resulted in a decrease in transesterification efficiency after three consecutive uses.

Detection of optical properties of chiral substances by a photoconductive THz polarization detector

Chiral enantiomers have significant differences in biochemical functions. The use of THz wave polarization detection to characterize the optical properties of chiral substances is of great significance to the development of life science and the identification and application of chiral substances. However, the traditional polarization detection procedures of THz waves are complex, which limits the study of chiral substances. Herein, we proposed a high-sensitivity THz polarization detector, which can simultaneously obtain the change information of amplitude, phase, and polarization state through a single measurement. The optical rotation and elliptical angle of solid and liquid D/L-Glutamic acid 5-methyl ester in the THz band are studied. Then it is verified that anisotropic interference may occur in the preparation of solid samples. Finally, the effects of sample content and thickness on polarization are obtained. The experimental results show that different chirality has the opposite effect on the state of polarization, and the difference between chiral enantiomers can be detected by this method. This work is of great significance for understanding the optical properties of chiral substances and promoting the development of chiral recognition.

Nickel-doped silver nanoclusters as a mechanism to capture photons

Narrow width of optical absorption of conducting polymers and photons energy losses have been the challenges for fabricating highly efficient thin-film organic solar cell. Nickel-doped silver nanoclusters (Ni/Ag NCs) are employed here to capture more photons using polymers blend solar absorber medium to improve solar cell performances. The poly-3-hexylthiophene and (6-6)phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester molecules blend were used a solar absorber layer in this investigation. The solar cells fabricated with NCs exhibited enhanced opt-electronic properties compared to the reference solar cell. Consequently, the experimental results suggest that the power conversion efficiency (PCE) has substantially increased with the incorporations of NCs in absorber layer, which is dependent on the concentrations of NCs in the medium. The maximum PCE achieved, in this work, is η\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\eta $$\\end{document} = 6.2% at 2% of NCs by weight, which has exhibited to the lowest energy losses compared to other doping levels. This improvement in PCE is attributed to the occurrence of local surface plasmon resonance effect due to the inclusion of Ni/Ag NCs in polymer matrix. The results provide valuable insights on the use of Ni/Ag NCs for efficient photons capture in thin-film polymers blend medium.

Synthesis, Characterization and Photovoltaic Properties of Polyplatinaynes with Side Chain Functionalization by Different Electron-Accepting Group

AbstractFour new solution-processable platinum-containing polyynes functionalized with triphenylamine backbone and different acceptor fragment in the side chain were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic, thermal and optical methods. The main- and side-chains show different absorption features in the solar spectrum, resulting in broad absorption coverage of the whole visible region. By changing the acceptor group in the side chain, the photophysical properties including energy levels, absorption wavelength and bandgap of the polymers were finely tuned. As the strength of electron acceptor is increased, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic polymer solar cells fabricated with these polymers as electron donor and (6,6)-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) as electron acceptor was increased. PCE of 1.35% can be obtained from solar cell based on the polyplatinayne with the dicyanovinyl side group under illumination of an AM 1.5 solar cell simulator in a 1:4 (polymer:PCBM) blend ratio. Graphical Abstract

Analysis of biodiesel process from waste cooking oil using heterogeneous catalyst field snail shell (pila ampullacea)

Biodiesel is an alternative fuel in the form of Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) which can be renewed using vegetable oils and animal oils through esterification or transesterification processes. This study used waste cooking oil as a raw material for biodiesel with a CaO catalyst from the shells of field snails (Pila ampullacea) which were calcined for 4 hours at a temperature of 700°C. This experiment aim to study of the effect of temperature (55°C, 60°C, 65°C) and catalyst weight (4%, 6%, 8%), for 2 hours the transesterification process and the molar ratio of oil to methanol was 1:9. Crude Biodiesel from the transesterification process washed using dry washing method with activated coconut shell charcoal which has been activated using 1M H3PO4. Based on this research, the optimum yields about 91,5%-volume, were obtained in A2T2 with temperature 60°C and a catalyst weight of 6% with a biodiesel yield of 91.5%. The characteristics of the biodiesel produced were kinematic viscosity 3.32 cSt, density 863 Kg/m3, acid number 0.543%, iodine number 14.3%-mass, methyl ester content 169.12% and cetane number 43.28%-mass.

PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BENTONITE CLAY CATALYSTS FOR TRANSESTERIFICATION OF WASTE COOKING OIL INTO BIODIESEL

The development of low-cost green catalytic materials is crucial for the conversion of non-edible vegetable oils or waste materials into biodiesel. The research focuses on the preparation and characterization of aluminium pillared clay and NaOH-doped bentonite clay catalysts for biodiesel production from waste cooking oil using XRF, XRD, FTIR and N2 adsorption-desorption techniques. The molecular profile and functional group assessment of the biodiesel were done using GC-MS and FTIR respectively. XRF analysis revealed the presence of oxides in all samples. The amount of SiO2 in all samples was within the range of 35.303–39.199 wt%. Al2O3 increased from 15.560 to 19.11 wt%, while the interlayer cations decreased after pillaring. FTIR revealed the appearance of peaks which are characteristic of bentonite. The pillaring and impregnation of NaOH with bentonite led to a distortion of certain peaks' intensity, as evidenced by FTIR results. The pillaring caused an increase in BET surface area and pore volume compared to bentonite from 302.1 to 366.4 m2/g, and 0.186 to 0.189 cc/g respectively, while a decrease in surface area and pore volume was observed in NaOH/bentonite due to impregnation. The XRD data have shown the increase of basal d-spacing of pillared clay from 12.65 to 16.49 Å relative to bentonite with a decrease to 12.45 in the case of NaOH/bentonite. The catalysts prepared outperformed neat bentonite with NaOH/bentonite, resulting in the highest yield of (83 ± 1.80). GC-MS, FTIR, and physicochemical analyses confirmed the production of fatty acid methyl esters.

Oleate Epoxides Derived from Palm Oil as New Anticancer Agents: Synthesis, Cytotoxicity Evaluation, and Molecular Docking Studies Against FASN Protein

AbstractPalm oil contains an abundant concentration of oleic acid which is known to have low toxicity to human health. The unsaturated double‐bond structure in oleic acid can be modified to synthesize oleate epoxides. The potential benefit of epoxide derivatives is their high biological activity that can be directed as new anticancer agents. In this work, the synthesis of epoxides from purified fatty acid methyl ester (EPFAME) and epoxides from purified fatty acid ethyl ester (EPFAEE) from palm oil in addition to cytotoxicity evaluations as new anticancer agents were investigated by in vitro and in silico studies. Both EPFAME and EPFAEE derivatives were successfully obtained in 82.80 % and 85.80 % yield, respectively. The MTT assay results revealed that EPFAME and EPFAEE significantly decreased the cell viability of WiDr cancer cells with IC50 of 2.70 and 14.23 μg/mL, respectively. They also showed moderate potency against T47D and HeLa cancer cell lines with IC50≥20 μg/mL. The results suggested that the addition of a methylene group from EPFAME to EPFAEE lowers cytotoxicity. A molecular docking study revealed that EPFAME and EPFAEE bind to the fatty acid synthase (FASN) protein interacting with high stability. This is represented by the binding affinity values of EPFAME and EPFAEE to FASN protein which are −7.3 and −8.1 kcal/mol, respectively. Using epoxide compounds derived from palm oil, fatty acid esters were shown to have potential medical benefits due to their low cytotoxicity and anticancer agency against several cell lines by inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis of cancer cells.

De-risking Pretreatment of Microalgae To Produce Fuels and Chemical Co-products.

Conversion of microalgae to renewable fuels and chemical co-products by pretreating and fractionation holds promise as an algal biorefinery concept, but a better understanding of the pretreatment performance as a function of algae strain and composition is necessary to de-risk algae conversion operations. Similarly, there are few examples of algae pretreatment at scales larger than the bench scale. This work aims to de-risk algal biorefinery operations by evaluating the pretreatment performance across nine different microalgae samples and five different pretreatment methods at small (5 mL) scale and further de-risk the operation by scaling pretreatment for one species to the 80 L scale. The pretreatment performance was evaluated by solubilization of feedstock carbon and nitrogen [as total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN)] into the aqueous hydrolysate and extractability of lipids [as fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs)] from the pretreated solids. A range of responses was noted among the algae samples across pretreatments, with the current dilute Brønsted acid pretreatment using H2SO4 being the most consistent and robust. This pretreatment produced TOC yields to the hydrolysate ranging from 27.7 to 51.1%, TN yields ranging from 12.3 to 76.2%, and FAME yields ranging from 57.9 to 89.9%. In contrast, the other explored pretreatments (other dilute acid pretreatments, dilute alkali pretreatment with NaOH, enzymatic pretreatment, and flash hydrolysis) produced lower or more variable yields across the three metrics. In light of the greater consistency across samples for dilute acid pretreatment, this method was scaled to 80 L to demonstrate scalability with microalgae feedstocks.