Optimal Conditions For Production Research Articles

Characterization of alkaline protease enzyme produced from marine yeast Candida orthopsilosis AKB-1 and its applications.

The present study has undertaken the isolation of marine yeasts from mangrove sediment samples and their ability to produce alkaline protease enzymes. A total of 14 yeast isolates were recovered on yeast-malt agar (YMA) and yeast extract peptone dextrose (YEPD) agar medium. After screening for proteolytic activity on skim milk agar, marine yeast isolate, AKB-1 exhibited a hydrolysis zone of 18mm. Optimal conditions for the enzyme production from yeast isolate AKB-1 were at 30°C, pH 8, fructose as carbon source, potassium nitrate as nitrogen source, and 25% saline concentration. Under the optimal conditions, the protease enzyme activity of the isolate AKB-1 was observed to be 978IU/mL. The structural and functional analysis was carried out through FTIR and HPLC analysis for the extracted protease enzyme. Furthermore, the enzyme produced was partially purified by solvent extraction using ethyl acetate and ammonium sulfate precipitation (3.4-fold) followed by dialysis (56.8-fold). The molecular weight of the purified enzyme was observed to be around 60kDa using SDS-PAGE. The extracted protein showed good antibacterial activity against six different clinical bacterial pathogens and the highest against Bacillus cereus (16 ± 0.5mm). The extracted protease enzyme was revealed to remove blood stains from cloth within 20min of application similar to the commercial detergent. The marine yeast isolate was further identified as Candida orthopsilosis AKB-1 (Accession number KY348766) through 18S rRNA sequencing, and a phylogenetic tree was generated.

Research on reaction mechanisms on chemical looping gasification of naphthalene over NiFe2O4 for syngas production: An experimental and theoretical study

The effective removal of tar during biomass gasification is a significant challenge that can be addressed by chemical looping gasification (CLG), which offers a promising alternative for converting biomass into syngas with reduced tar generation. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of CLG of naphthalene as a model biomass tar compound over NiFe2O4 to produce syngas. Both experimental and simulation results indicate the optimal operating conditions for syngas production are 1000℃ and an O/C ratio of 1:1. Under the optimal reaction conditions, the experimental and simulated CO yields were 67 vol% and 73 vol%, respectively, while H2 yields were 22 vol% and 24 vol%. Additionally, carbon conversion rates reached 78% and 76%. Thermodynamic calculations and molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the reactions proceed spontaneously, with increasing temperature favoring naphthalene conversion and syngas production. Density functional theory results indicate that the reaction pathway centered on the carbon at the α-position is the key to naphthalene and NiFe2O4 conversion. The optimal reaction pathways for H2 and CO formation were explored. This study on the CLG of naphthalene over NiFe2O4 provides a theoretical basis for the development of more efficient CLG processes with reduced tar formation.

Production Physiology and Biochemical properties of Crude Thermophile Protease by Mild - Halophilic Bacillus thuringiensis aizawai HD 865

Objective: The current study aims to enrich the research library of Bacillus thuringensis, the most famous bacteria as a biopesticide, with a product that may enhance its ability as a biopesticide as well as its many other applications, namely the heat-tolerant alkaline protease. Methods: The strain Bacillus thuringiensis aizawai HD 865, obtained from HD Culture Collection was grown on a liquid growth medium of nutrient broth and yeast extract, and colonies were counted on agar plates. The zygote is then transferred to a skim milk environment to estimate the enzymatic activity under the different growth conditions of the growth environment (sodium chloride concentration, pH, aeration, fermentation duration), then testing the optimal conditions for enzymatic activity in the enzymatic reaction mixture (sodium chloride concentration, salinity resistance, optimum temperature, thermal stability, optimum pH and stability). Then analyze the data statistically. Results: Optimum alkaline protease medium production conditions were, 2 % NaCl, so Bacillus thuringiensis aizawai HD865 a mild - halophilic microorganism, aeration level 80%, pH 7 and 8 days of fermentation period. On the other hand, crude alkaline protease properties were found that, the optimum temperature for its activity was relatively high (70ºC), while heat-stabilities after 5 min of heating crude enzyme in boiling water bath then incubated for 15min on 30, 40, 50, 60, 70ºC, were 184.23, 178.07, 164.29, 165.51 and 121.46 Units, respectively; whereas the optimum pH was at pH 7.6 (151.76 Units) with tris buffer then at pH 9.6 with glycine - NaOH buffer; While pH stability was at pH 7.6 with tris buffer then at pH 8.4 with glycine - NaOH buffer. Thus, activities have decreased at different concentrations (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 %) of sodium chloride in reaction mixture with enzyme activities (151.25, 137.35, 135.12, 135, 135.89, 114.38 Units) respectively, also decreased when rinse crude enzyme for 5 min in NaCl (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 %), with (151.04, 175.57, 168.69, 154.61, 155.39 and 143.39 Units) respectively. Conclusion: Bacillus thuringiensis aizawai HD 865 strain is considered a low - salt tolerant strain, while the alkaline protease extracted from it is heat - resistant.

Reappraisal of different agro-industrial waste for the optimization of cellulase production from Aspergillus niger ITV02 in a liquid medium using a Box-Benkhen design.

High-value metabolites, such as enzymes and biofuels, can be produced from various agro-industrial waste containing high percentages of cellulose and hemicellulose. Aspergillus niger ITV02 demonstrates high potential in cellulases production, the key enzyme for converting lignocellulosic materials into fermentable sugars to produce second-generation bioethanol (bioethanol 2G). This study evaluated five lignocellulosic residues of agricultural importance: sugarcane bagasse (SCB), sorghum bagasse (SB), corn stubble (CS), barley straw (BS) and rice husk (RH) as substrates for cellulase production. The temperature, pH and stirring conditions were optimized using a Box-Behnken design to identify the most suitable conditions for cellulase production while minimizing nitrogen concentrations. The results indicate that the best way of propagation A. niger ITV02 is through the use of spores as an inoculant, in conjunction with the use of materials with a high cellulose/lignin ratio, such as CS and SB for the generation of cellulases. These conditions promote the expression of cellulases towards β-glucosidase production, unlike materials with lower cellulose/lignin ratios like BS and RH, which exhibited lower cellulase activity. The optimal conditions for cellulase production by A. niger ITV02 were determined to be 33 °C, pH 5.3, and 200rpm, resulting in a 1.7-fold increase in Exoglucanase (FPase activity) (from 0.127 to 0.215 U/mL). These findings demonstrate the potential to enhance FPase activity by utilizing substrates with high cellulose/lignin content and implementing optimal operational conditions without the need to raise the nitrogen content of the basal medium, thus mitigating the economic impact of cellulase production.

Development of Machine Learning-Based Production Forecasting for Offshore Gas Fields Using a Dynamic Material Balance Equation

Offshore oil and gas fields pose significant challenges due to their lower accessibility compared to onshore fields. To enhance operational efficiency in these deep-sea environments, it is essential to design optimal fluid production conditions that ensure equipment durability and flow safety. This study aims to develop a smart operational solution that integrates data from three offshore gas fields with a dynamic material balance equation (DMBE) method. By combining the material balance equation and inflow performance relation (IPR), we establish a reservoir flow analysis model linked to an AI-trained production pipe and subsea pipeline flow analysis model. We simulate time-dependent changes in reservoir production capacity using DMBE and IPR. Additionally, we utilize SLB’s PIPESIM software to create a vertical flow performance (VFP) table under various conditions. Machine learning techniques train this VFP table to analyze pipeline flow characteristics and parameter correlations, ultimately developing a model to predict bottomhole pressure (BHP) for specific production conditions. Our research employs three methods to select the deep learning model, ultimately opting for a multilayer perceptron (MLP) combined with regression. The trained model’s predictions show an average error rate of within 1.5% when compared with existing commercial simulators, demonstrating high accuracy. This research is expected to enable efficient production management and risk forecasting for each well, thus increasing revenue, minimizing operational costs, and contributing to stable plant operations and predictive maintenance of equipment.

On-site cellulase production by Trichoderma reesei RutC-30 to enhance the enzymatic saccharification of ball-milled corn stover

Cellulases are essential for the enzymatic saccharification of lignocellulose. They play a crucial role in breaking down the structure of lignocellulose to obtain fermentable sugars. In this study, we conducted on-site cellulase production by Trichoderma reesei RutC-30 through submerged fermentation. The effects of carbon source, nitrogen source, KH2PO4, and mineral elements on cellulase production were evaluated using the hydrolyzed total sugar concentration of ball-milled corn stover as an indicator. The optimal fermentation medium conditions for cellulase production were determined through orthogonal experimental design analysis. Additionally, by optimizing culture conditions, including inoculation, pH, and bottling volume, we achieved a total sugar concentration of 92.25 g/L. After the optimization, the FPA, CMCA, protein, and total sugar concentration increased by 75.49 %, 18.43 %, 89.71 %, and 17.83 %, respectively. Furthermore, corn stover pretreated by different methods was applied to induce cellulase production. Ball-milled and steam-exploded corn stover was identified as suitable incubation carbon sources with total sugar concentration up to 94.31 g/L. Our work exploits the cellulase induced by lignocellulose and then applies it to lignocellulose, enabling the customization and providing a reference for the production of cellulase with corn stover as an inducer.

Development of a Mammalian Cell Line for Stable Production of Anti-PD-1.

Background/Objectives: Immune checkpoint blockade, particularly targeting the programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) receptor, is a promising strategy in cancer immunotherapy. The interaction between PD-1 and its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, is crucial in immune evasion by tumors. Blocking this interaction with monoclonal antibodies like Nivolumab can restore anti-tumor immunity. This study aims to develop a stable expression system for Nivolumab-based anti-PD-1 in the Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) DG44 cell line using two different expression vector systems with various signal sequences. Methods: The heavy chain (HC) and light chain (LC) of Nivolumab were cloned into two expression vectors, pOptiVEC and pcDNA3.3. Each vector was engineered with two distinct signal sequences, resulting in the creation of eight recombinant plasmids. These plasmids were co-transfected into CHO DG44 cells in different combinations, allowing for the assessment of stable antibody production. Results: Both pOptiVEC and pcDNA3.3 vectors were successful in stably integrating and expressing the Nivolumab-based anti-PD-1 antibody in CHO DG44 cells. This study found that the choice of signal sequence significantly influenced the quantity of antibodies produced. The optimization of production conditions further enhanced antibody yield, indicating the potential for large-scale production. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that both pOptiVEC and pcDNA3.3 expression systems are effective for the stable production of Nivolumab-based anti-PD-1 in CHO DG44 cells. Signal sequences play a critical role in determining the expression levels, and optimizing production conditions can further increase antibody yield, supporting future applications in cancer immunotherapy.

Innovative synthesis and molecular modeling of actinomycetes-derived silver nanoparticles for biomedical applications

The rising demand for innovative antimicrobial solutions has shifted focus towards silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), especially those produced through eco-friendly methods. This study introduces a novel approach utilizing actinomycetes strains—Streptomyces albus, Micromonospora maris, and Arthrobacter crystallopoietes—to biosynthesize AgNPs with remarkable antibacterial properties. Through molecular characterization, we identified unique features of these nanoparticles, and computational modeling suggested significant ion-ligand interactions with proteins 6REV and 3K07. Our research highlights the promise of these biogenically synthesized nanoparticles in advancing biomedical applications. Actinomycetes were sourced and screened for their ability to produce metallic nanoparticles, revealing that among 35 samples, only six showed this capability. Notably, Streptomyces albus strain smmdk14 (OR685674), Micromonospora maris strain smmdk13 (OR685672), and Arthrobacter crystallopoietes strain smmdk12 (OR685674) were identified as effective silver nanoparticle producers. The synthesized nanoparticles demonstrated potent antibacterial activity against common pathogens including E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella spp., Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Acinetobacter spp. The data obtained from color change observation, UV–visible spectrophotometry, Zeta potential, FTIR spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterized AgNPs potentiality. The nanoparticles were spherical, with sizes ranging from 6.46 nm to 24.7 nm. Optimization of production conditions, comparison of antimicrobial effects with antibiotics, evaluation of potential toxicity, and assessment of wound-healing capabilities were also conducted. The biosynthesized AgNPs exhibited superior antibacterial properties compared to traditional antibiotics and significantly accelerated wound healing by approximately 66.4 % in fibroblast cell cultures. Additionally, computational analysis predicted interactions between various metal ions and specific amino acid residues in proteins 6REV and 3K07. Overall, this study demonstrates the successful creation of AgNPs with notable antibacterial and wound-healing properties, underscoring their potential for medical applications.

Novel Micrococcus unila to Produce Glucosamine by Solid-state Fermentation of Shrimp Shell Waste

This study aimed to assess glucosamine production through enzymatic activity, utilizing actinomycetes sourced from shrimp shell waste (SSW) in a solid-state fermentation (SSF) process. A total of 16 actinomycetes underwent chitinase activity screening, and the strain exhibiting the highest chitinolytic index was chosen for subsequent morphological and phylogenetic analyses. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was employed to analyze glucosamine produced from the bioconversion of SSW via SSF. Optimal conditions for glucosamine production were determined by varying time, pH, and temperature. Isolate 18D36-A2 showed the highest chitinolytic index of 1.02 in the 32-mm clean zone. Phylogenetic analysis revealed 97% similarity to the genus Micrococcus, identifying it as a novel Micrococcus unila strain 18D36-A2 and deposited in GenBank. This isolate effectively converted shrimp shells. The findings showcase the bioconversion of SSW to glucosamine through SSF using the Micrococcus unila 18D36-A2. Furthermore, this study establishes a foundation for future research on environmentally friendly and sustainable designs for glucosamine production.

Preparation of Co-Ce@RM catalysts for catalytic ozonation of tetracycline.

In this work, a Co-Ce@RM ozone catalyst was developed using red mud (RM), a by-product of alumina production, as a support material, and its preparation process, catalytic efficiency, and tetracycline (TCN) degradation mechanism were investigated. A comprehensive assessment was carried out using the 3E (environmental, economic, and energy) model. The optimal production conditions for Co-Ce@RM were as follows: The doping ratio of Co and Ce was 1:3, the calcination temperature was 400°C, and the calcination time was 5h, achieving a maximum removal rate of 87.91% of TCN. The catalyst was characterized using different analytical techniques. Under the conditions of 0.4L/min ozone aeration rate, with 9% catalyst loading and solution pH9, the optimal removal rates and chemical oxygen demand by the Co-Ce catalytic ozonation at RM were 94.17% and 75.27%, respectively. Moreover, free radical quenching experiments showed that superoxide radicals (O2 -) and singlet oxygen (1O2) were the main active groups responsible for the degradation of TCN. When characterizing the water quality, it was assumed that TCN undergoes degradation pathways such as demethylation, dehydroxylation, double bond cleavage, and ring-opening reactions under the influence of various active substances. Finally, the 3E evaluation model was deployed to evaluate the Co-Ce@RM catalytic ozonation experiment of TCN wastewater. PRACTITIONER POINTS: The preparation of Co-Ce@RM provides new ideas for resource utilization of red mud. Catalytic ozonation by Co-Ce@RM can produce 1O2 active oxygen groups. The Co-Ce@RM catalyst can maintain a high catalytic activity after 20 cycles. The degradation pathway of the catalytic ozonation of tetracycline was fully analyzed. Catalytic ozone oxidation processes were evaluated by the "3E" (environmental, economic, and energy) model.

Effect of Growth Conditions on Hemolysin Production from Clinical Isolates of <i>Escherichia Coli</i>

Background: Escherichia coli belongs to the Enterobacteriaceae family and is found in the digestive systems of humans and various animals as normal flora. Objective: This study aims to identify the optimal conditions necessary for the synthesis of hemolysin by E. coli isolated from a variety of clinical contexts. Methods: A total of 120 specimens were collected from different clinical sources in Baghdad Hospitals. Screening for hemolysin production was done by plate and Spectrophotometric methods. Furthermore, many conditions for producing hemolysin from clinical E. coli isolates were investigated including temperature, pH, incubation time, inoculum size, culture medium, and aeration. Results: Six isolates of E. coli exhibited hemolysin production. Optimal conditions for hemolysin production were determined: the temperature was 37 °C with an optical density of 0.931, the pH was 7 with an optical density of 0.976, the incubation period was 24 hours with an optical density of 0.885, 1% inoculum resulting in an optical density of 0.558, brain heart infusion as the best medium with an optical density of 1.697, and a shaker method showing superior results (optical density of 1.235) compared to static aeration (optical density of 0.988). Conclusions: This study identified the optimal conditions necessary for the synthesis of hemolysin by E. coli. By understanding these optimal conditions, researchers may be better equipped to develop strategies for managing and controlling the spread of these pathogenic bacteria.

Vertical farming goes dynamic: optimizing resource use efficiency, product quality, and energy costs

Vertical farming is considered to be a key enabler for transforming agrifood systems, especially in or nearby urbanized areas. Vertical farming systems (VFS) are advanced indoor cropping systems that allow for highly intensified and standardized plant production. The close control of environmental parameters makes crop production stable and repeatable, ensuring year-round uniform product quality and quantity irrespective of location. However, due to continuous changes in plant physiology and development, as well as frequent changes in electricity prices, the optimum conditions for crop production and its associated costs can change within days or even minutes. This makes it beneficial to dynamically adjust setpoints for light (intensity, spectrum, pattern, and daylength), CO2, temperature, humidity, air flow, and water and nutrient availability. In this review, we highlight the beneficial effects that dynamic growth conditions can have on key plant processes, including improvements in photosynthetic gas exchange, transpiration, organ growth, development, light interception, flowering, and product quality. Our novel findings based on modeling and experimentation demonstrate that a dynamic daily light intensity pattern that responds to frequent changes in electricity prices can save costs without reducing biomass. Further, we argue that a smart, dynamic VFS climate management requires feedback mechanisms: several mobile and immobile sensors could work in combination to continuously monitor the crop, generating data that feeds into crop growth models, which, in turn, generate climate setpoints. In addition, we posit that breeding for the VFS environment is at a very early stage and highlight traits for breeding for this specialized environment. We envision a continuous feedback loop between dynamic crop management, crop monitoring, and trait selection for genotypes that are specialized for these conditions.

Electro-activation for efficient lactulose production: The impact of operational parameters, electrolyte types, and environmental conditions

The electro-activation (EA) process has been employed to convert lactose into lactulose, a potent prebiotic with numerous health benefits. The study identified optimal conditions for lactulose production, including a specific current density, the use of calcium chloride as an efficient electrolyte, and the superiority of a steel cathode over a graphite cathode. The formation of intermediates other than lactulose increased as the temperature increased. The changes in pH and oxidation-reduction potential during the isomerization process were observed, highlighting their vital role in the formation of an ideal alkaline environment for lactulose production. The resultant solution produced by the EA process has significant antioxidant characteristics, likely due to the formation of Maillard Reaction Products during lactulose production. In conclusion, the EA system, with optimal operating conditions, is an energy-efficient, reagent-free, and environmentally friendly alternative for lactulose production.

Optimization of diformylfuran production from 5-hydroxymethylfurfural via catalytic oxidation in a packed-bed continuous flow reactor.

DFF's diverse applications in pharmaceuticals, fungicides, and polymer synthesis motivate the development of efficient production methods. This study reports the continuous-flow synthesis of DFF from 5-HMF in a packed-bed reactor. The Box-Behnken design coupled with response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize the reaction parameters (catalyst, solvent, temperature, oxygen flow rate, catalyst amount) for DFF yield. Ru/Al2O3 in toluene proved to be the most effective catalyst-solvent combination. The optimal conditions for DFF production were identified as: 140 °C reaction temperature, 10 ml min-1 oxygen flow rate, and 0.15 g catalyst loading. Under these conditions, a DFF yield of 84.2% was achieved.

Co-cultivation of microalgae and bacteria for optimal bioenergy feedstock production in wastewater by using response surface methodology

This work uses response surface methodology (RSM) to study the co-cultivation of symbiotic indigenous wastewater microalgae and bacteria under different conditions (inoculum ratio of bacteria to microalgae, CO2, light intensity, and harvest time) for optimal bioenergy feedstock production. The findings of this study demonstrate that the symbiotic microalgae-bacteria culture not only increases total microalgal biomass and lipid productivity, but also enlarges microalgal cell size and stimulates lipid accumulation. Meanwhile, inoculum ratio of bacteria to microalgae, light intensity, CO2, and harvest time significantly affect biomass and lipid productivity. CO2 concentration and harvest time have significant interactive effect on lipid productivity. The response of microalgal biomass and lipid productivity varies significantly from 2.1 × 105 to 1.9 × 107 cells/mL and 2.8 × 102 to 3.7 × 1012 Total Fluorescent Units/mL respectively. Conditions for optimum biomass and oil accumulation are 100% of inoculation ratio (bacteria/microalgae), 3.6% of CO2 (v/v), 205.8 µmol/m2/s of light intensity, and 10.6 days of harvest time. This work provides a systematic methodology with RSM to explore the benefits of symbiotic microalgae-bacteria culture, and to optimize various cultivation parameters within complex wastewater environments for practical applications of integrated wastewater-microalgae systems for cost-efficient bioenergy production.

Production and characterization of bioemulsifier from local isolate of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain JZT351: Antioxidant and antimicrobial effects

AbstractThe widespread use and circulation of industrial emulsifiers pose significant health risks, compounded by their limited availability and high cost. Consequently, there is growing interest in exploring the potential of natural sources, such as microorganisms like yeast, for emulsifier production. In this study, 25 strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were isolated from 17 distinct local sources. The yeasts were characterized based on cell shape, size, and colony morphology using yeast malt agar, followed by morphological, microscopic, and biochemical analyzes. Among the isolates, AC1 from a vinegar starter demonstrated superior bioemulsifier production. Emulsification efficiency tests revealed that AC1 exhibited values of 7.1 cm, 0.71 nm, and 34.50%, outperforming other isolates. The biomass yield was approximately 4.35 g/L. This strain was registered in the gene bank as JZT351 (OR115510) after a 100% match with S. cerevisiae. Optimal bioemulsifier production conditions for JZT351 were identified using a liquid yeast extract peptone dextrose medium, with date juice replacing 75% of the glucose, at pH 5.5, 30°C, and 72 h. The resulting emulsification activity, index, and oil displacement were 8.69 cm, 0.95 nm, and 39.7%, respectively. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) compared the functional groups of the bioemulsifier with those of conventional emulsifiers. Molecular characterization was confirmed by 1H NMR. FTIR spectra revealed bioemulsifier bands at 3443.28, 2929.34, 1656.559, 1534.09, 807.06, and 1656.55 cm−1. At 0.5–5 ppm, signals and spectral frequencies corresponded to a mannoprotein structure. The bioemulsifier exhibited 58.09% antioxidant activity at 10 mg/mL, as assessed by DPPH scavenging. It showed the highest inhibition against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the least against Candida albicans.

Advanced Bioconversion of sugary wastewater: Integrated polyhydroxybutyrate and hydrogen productions in a continuous airlift two-chamber bioreactor

This study utilized a novel Continuous Airlift Two-chamber Bioreactor (CATBR) for the co-production of hydrogen and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) from mixed microbial cultures in sugary wastewater. Hydrogen generation was investigated in a defined bacterial consortium that contained mainly Clostridium species, and diverse microbial communities were studied in relation to PHB production, demonstrating the ability of diverse microbial communities to form stable microbial consortia. The impact of hydraulic retention time (HRT), pH, and air flow rate on PHB production was evaluated with special emphasis on volatile suspended solids (VSS).Optimal conditions for hydrogen and PHB production were established at a pH of 5.5, an aeration rate of 1500 mL/h, and an HRT of two days. Hydrogen yield was determined to be 3.14 ± 0.92 mL/g COD, and PHB yield was 31.32% (g PHB/g VSS). Production rates for hydrogen and PHB peaked at 0.23 ± 0.07 L/L.d and 0.64 g PHB/L.d, respectively, with a COD removal efficiency of 85 ± 0.67%. At an HRT of two days, the PHB generation rate was found to be 6–10 times higher than previously reported rates. The application of immobilized cell technology effectively prevented bacterial washout from the reactor, thereby ensuring stable operational conditions.

Eco-friendly production of biodiesel from Carthamus tinctorius L. seeds using bismuth oxide nanocatalysts derived from Cannabis sativa L. Leaf extract

Global challenges in environmental protection, social welfare, and economic growth necessitate increased energy production and related services. Biofuel production from waste biomass presents a promising solution, given its widespread availability. This study focuses on converting highly potent Carthamus tinctorius L. seed oil (51 % w/w) into sustainable biofuel using a novel, highly reactive, recyclable, and eco-friendly bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) nano-catalyst derived from Cannabis sativa L. leaf extract. The physio-chemical properties of the synthesized biodiesel were analyzed using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Additionally, the green Bi2O3 nanoparticles were characterized through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Diffraction X-Ray (EDX), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Optimal conditions for biodiesel production were determined using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) in combination with Central Composite Design (CCD), focusing on molar ratio, catalyst loading, and reaction duration. The highest output (94 %) of C. tinctorius-derived biodiesel (CTBD) was achieved under the following conditions: a temperature (75 °C) for time duration (100 min), a methanol to oil ratio (6:1), and a catalyst loading (0.69 wt%). The resulting biodiesel met international standards, with a sulphur content of 0.00097 wt%, and an acid value of (0.34 mg KOH/g). This study demonstrates that converting C. tinctorius waste seed oil into clean bioenergy is an effective waste management strategy that minimizes environmental impact.

Probiotic Encapsulation: Bead Design Improves Bacterial Performance during In Vitro Digestion (Part 2: Operational Conditions of Vibrational Technology).

The development of functional foods is a viable alternative for the prevention of numerous diseases. However, the food industry faces significant challenges in producing functional foods based on probiotics due to their high sensitivity to various processing and gastrointestinal tract conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the operational conditions during the extrusion encapsulation process using vibrating technology on the viability of Lactobacillus fermentum K73, a lactic acid bacterium with hypocholesterolemia probiotic potential. An optimal experimental design approach was employed to produce sweet whey-sodium alginate (SW-SA) beads with high bacterial content and good morphological characteristics. In this study, the effects of frequency, voltage, and pumping rate were optimized for a 300 μm nozzle. The microspheres were characterized using RAMAN spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The optimal conditions for bead production were found: 70 Hz, 250 V, and 20 mL/min with a final cell count of 8.43 Log10 (CFU/mL). The mean particle diameter was 620 ± 5.3 µm, and the experimental encapsulation yield was 94.3 ± 0.8%. The INFOGEST model was used to evaluate the survival of probiotic beads under gastrointestinal tract conditions. Upon exposure to in vitro conditions of oral, gastric, and intestinal phases, the encapsulated viability of L. fermentum was 7.6 Log10 (CFU/mL) using the optimal encapsulation parameters, which significantly improved the survival of probiotic bacteria during both the encapsulation process and under gastrointestinal conditions compared to free cells.

Performance of photocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen production using kelp as a sacrificial agent

The study investigated the influence of catalyst concentration, co-catalyst loading ratio, sacrificial agent concentration, irradiation time, irradiation intensity and different pretreatments of sacrificial agent on hydrogen production, using multistage porous Pd/TiO2 as the catalyst and kelp as the sacrificial agent. The morphological and structural changes in the catalyst, sacrificial agent, and their mixtures before and after the photocatalysis were analyzed using Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy. Based upon single-factor experiments, it was confirmed that mannitol was the primary substance acting as a sacrificial agent in kelp. Orthogonal experiments were conducted to determine the optimum conditions for hydrogen production with a reaction liquid volume of 100 mL. The highest hydrogen production efficiency was achieved for the following conditions: kelp sacrificial agent's concentration of 1.5 g/L; concentration of multistage porous Pd/TiO2 catalyst of 3.5 g/L; Pd loading ratio of 1 wt%. Under these conditions, hydrogen production reached the value of 121.1 μmol in 4 h. Under the same conditions, replacing the kelp sacrificial agent with kelp treated with 4% alkali, resulted in a corresponding hydrogen production of 141.0 μmol in 4 h. Compared to other common biomass sacrificial agents, the use of kelp as a sacrificial agent for photocatalytic water splitting demonstrates superior hydrogen production performance.