Process Parameters For Production Research Articles

Screening of media components and process parameters for production of L(+) lactic acid from potato waste liquid using amylolytic Rhizopus oryzae

The utilization of potato waste liquid instead of synthetic substrates for lactic acid production cannot only reduce the production cost but also makes the process environment effective. Unlike many lactic acid bacteria, lactic acid producing Rhizopus strains generates L(+) lactic acid as a sole isomer of lactic acid. Furthermore, some Rhizopus spp. are amylolytic in nature and can produce lactic acid from starchy substrates without prior saccharification. This study aimed at the utilization of potato waste liquid for the production of L(+) lactic acid using amylolytic Rhizopus oryzae MTCC 8784. The effect of media components and process parameters on simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of potato waste liquid by fungal strain has been studied to maximize the production of L(+) lactic acid. The results revealed that highest lactic acid production (15.5 g l–1) was obtained with potato waste liquid containing 30 g l–1 starch supplemented with soya okara hydrolysate (1.5%, v/v), calcium carbonate (1.5%, w/v), and salts. In terms of process parameters, the maximum L(+) lactic acid (18.15 g l–1) production was obtained at pH 6 with temperature 30 °C, agitation of 150 r.p.m., after incubation period of 48 h.

Effects of trehalose and dough additives incorporating enzymes on physical characteristics and sensory properties of frozen savory Danish dough

For economic reasons dough freezing technique is nowadays commonly employed in bakery business. There are, however, several issues connected with this technology. To improve the quality of a ready product, baked from frozen dough, some attempts concerning manipulation of production process parameters as well as supplementation of dough formulas with additives have been made. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of various additives, including ready to use bakery products, on the crumb structure and specific volume of baked savory Danish dough. The research results show that by using most of the selected additives, an improvement of the volume and crumb structure of the product baked from frozen dough can be achieved. The only exception is the supplementation of the dough with 2% of trehalose. The most similar properties to the control sample, baked without the use of freezing technique, were observed in 3 formulas. One was made with the use of a commercial product, the second using fungal α-amylase, whereas the third - a blend of fungal α-amylase, glucose oxidase, fungal amyloglucosidase and enzymatic complex of lipases and xylanases. Nevertheless, an impact of these additives on the flavor profile of the dough was noted.

Effect of the composition and production process parameters on the microstructure, residual stresses, and mechanical and corrosion properties of gold alloys used in industrial jewelry processes

Gold alloys, used in the production of both hollow and solid gold chains, influence the optical and mechanical properties of various gold products. Also, the microstructure of the alloys strongly influences the mechanical properties, which have a key role in both the machinability and quality of the plates. In the present work, different compositions of gold alloys and various industrial deformation processes (annealing and rolling steps) were analyzed and optimized. The change in the production parameters and in the compositions of the alloys may lead to the formation of different levels of residual stresses within the material, which can generate a variation in the behavior of gold sheets. The microstructures after the different production processes were analyzed by OM and SEM observations, whereas the variation of mechanical properties by microhardness tests. The residual stresses were evaluated using XRD analysis and the corrosion resistance by potentiodynamic polarization tests. The results showed that with the optimized process, a higher homogeneity of the microstructure, with an increase of the quality of semi-finished products and without ruptures under roller trains, was obtained. Moreover, the grain refiner was changed and a totally non-magnetic gold alloy was developed. Finally, to improve the weldability of the final chains, a different gold welding alloy, with a lower melting point, was developed and optimized.

Modular Serial Flow Through device for pulsed electric field treatment of the liquid samples

In biotechnology, medicine, and food processing, simple and reliable methods for cell membrane permeabilization are required for drug/gene delivery into the cells or for the inactivation of undesired microorganisms. Pulsed electric field treatment is among the most promising methods enabling both aims. The drawback in current technology is controllable large volume operation. To address this challenge, we have developed an experimental setup for flow through electroporation with online regulation of the flow rate with feedback control. We have designed a modular serial flow-through co-linear chamber with a smooth inner surface, the uniform cross-section geometry through the majority of the system’s length, and the mesh in contact with the electrodes, which provides uniform electric field distribution and fluid velocity equilibration. The cylindrical cross-section of the chamber prevents arching at the active treatment region. We used mathematical modeling for the evaluation of electric field distribution and the flow profile in the active region. The system was tested for the inactivation of Escherichia coli. We compared two flow-through chambers and used a static chamber as a reference. The experiments were performed under identical experimental condition (product and similar process parameters). The data were analyzed in terms of inactivation efficiency and specific energy consumption.

Application of Computer Process Simulation in Chemical Synthesis of Urea

The computer process simulation technology can simulate the chemical process of urea, effectively reflect the technological parameters of the chemical production process, and provide practical guidance for chemical production of urea. This paper conducts computer process simulation of the high-pressure urea synthesis tower, the center piece of the chemical synthesis of urea. The chemical parameters in the production process of the synthesis tower are simulated and analyzed with the aid of the equilibrium stage model and computer technology. The calculation results are consistent with the design values of the synthesis tower, indicating that the equilibrium stage model satisfies the technological design requirements. Suffice it to say that the research provides meaningful guidance for the chemical production of urea.

Suspension culture process for H9N2 avian influenza virus (strain Re-2)

H9N2 avian influenza virus has caused huge economic loss for the Chinese poultry industry since it was first identified. Vaccination is frequently used as a control method for the disease. Meanwhile suspension culture has become an important tool for the development of influenza vaccines. To optimize the suspension culture conditions for the avian influenza H9N2 virus (Re-2 strain) in Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells, we studied the culture conditions for cell growth and proliferation parameters for H9N2 virus replication. MDCK cells were successfully cultured in suspension, from a small scale to industrial levels of production, with passage time and initial cell density being optimized. The influence of pH on the culture process in the reactor has been discussed and the process parameters for industrial production were explored via amplification of the 650L reactor. Subsequently, we cultivated cells at high cell density and harvested high amounts of virus, reaching 10log2 (1:1024). Furthermore an animal experiment was conducted to detect antibody. Compared to the chicken embryo virus vaccine, virus cultured from MDCK suspension cells can produce a higher amount of antibodies. The suspension culture process is simple and cost efficient, thus providing a solid foundation for the realization of large-scale avian influenza vaccine production.

Study of Energy Consumption in the Injection Molding Process

ABSTRACTA computing method for simulating the energy consumption in an injection molding process using the Moldflow MPI analysis software is proposed. Considering such factors as product structure, processing parameters, and mold structure, it was shown by orthogonal testing that the melt temperature, product diameter, product wall thickness, and gate diameter are the four largest factors impacting on the injection energy consumption. Based on the MATLAB curve fitting toolbox, the relationship between the four main factors and the injection energy consumption was established, and a calculation model for the injection energy consumption was proposed.The accuracy of the model was above 95%. Finally, by using an experimental system of injection energy consumption to research the relationship between energy consumption and actual injection power, and by verifying the calculation accuracy of injection energy consumption of the established model, the results show that the established model can be an excellent predictor of the actual electric energy required and the accuracy of it was above 85% compared with measured experimental data.

Correlation between product purity and process parameters for the synthesis of Cu2ZnSnS4 nanoparticles using microwave irradiation

Kesterites (CZT(S,Se)4) emerged as a favourable photovoltaic material, leading to solar cell efficiencies as high as 12.7%. The development of sustainable roll-to-roll printing processes that make use of Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) nanoparticle inks requires the proper design of synthetic approaches and the understanding of the relation between process parameters and product purity. In the current paper, we developed this relationship by calculating a specific energy factor. A microwave-assisted synthetic method that operates at atmospheric pressure and makes use of eco-friendly solvents is established. Four solvents, i.e. ethylene glycol (EG), diethylene glycol (di-EG), triethylene glycol (tri-EG) and tetraethylene glycol (tet-EG) are compared and the temperature during the reaction is assessed by two different methods. In particular, two by-products have been identified, i.e. Cu2 − x S and a hexagonal phase. We show that the variation of reaction parameters such as power irradiation, type of solvent and precursor concentration influences the nanoparticles’ sizes (from 12 to 6 nm) and also the temperature-time profile of reaction which, in turn, can be related to phase purity of CZTS nanoparticles. The results suggest that the product purity scales with the specific energy factor providing a useful tool to a rational design of high-quality CZTS nanoparticles.

Optimization of critical process parameters for amylase production by Bacillus sp. using statistical approach (RSM)

The aim of this work was to optimize the process parameters through the statistical approach for the production of alpha amylase by Bacillus sp. in submerged fermentation (SMF). Initially critical physical and chemical process parameters influencing the enzyme production were identified by Plackett-Burman method (eleven variables, seven nutritional, two physical and two dummies) were analyzed. Then optimum levels of most influencing parameters affecting amylase production were obtained by CCD and results were analyzed by standard analysis of variance (ANOVA). The effect of interaction of physiochemical parameters on the amylase production (z axis) was studied by plotting three dimensional response surface curves against any two independent variables. A high similarity was observed between the predicted and experimental results, which reflected the accuracy and applicability of RSM to optimize the process for enzyme production. As a result of RSM the optimum values for starch concentration -0.65%, (NH4)2SO4 -0.55% and pH- 8.33. As a result of media optimization, a titre of 1, 22,000 U/L-1 was achieved. A total of 2.4 fold increase in enzyme activity was observed.

Linkage of kinetic parameters with process parameters and operational conditions during anaerobic digestion

Kinetic characteristics play an important role in anaerobic digestion system for representing biogas production performance, however, its relationship with anaerobic digestion process parameters (i. e., volatile fatty acids, total ammonia nitrogen, pH and total alkalinity) and operational conditions remains poorly understood. To illustrate the linkage of kinetic parameters with process parameters and swine manure content and initial pH, and the effects of swine manure content and initial pH on anaerobic digestion performance, substrate properties, accumulative biogas production, specific biogas production rate and process parameters were analyzed under different treatments. Additionally, the effects of swine manure and initial pH on hydrolysis constant, lag phase, biogas production potential and the maximum biogas production rate were investigated. The results revealed that volatile solid and C:N ratio were significantly decreased with swine manure content increased which were considered as operational conditions with initial pH following the linkage illustration. Furthermore, accumulative biogas production, biogas production rate, final pH, total ammonia nitrogen and hydrolysis constant were increased with swine manure content and initial pH increased, while volatile fatty acids and lag phase showed the opposite trend. The results showed that these operational conditions significantly influenced process parameters and kinetic parameters, with close correlations were observed. Lag phase closely correlated with VFA which was closely correlated with C:N ratio. Therefore, C:N ratio impacted kinetic parameters via effecting VFA, while initial pH directly influenced kinetic parameters. Meanwhile, the correlation of kinetic parameters with C:N ratio was stronger than initial pH. Therefore, C:N ratio should be an indicator for estimating process performance, time the bacteria's acclimatization to the new environment and biogas production. Taken together, these findings provide a scientific theory for estimating anaerobic digestion performance.

Effect of process parameters for production of microporous magnetic biochar derived from agriculture waste biomass

Durian, which is also known as the king of fruits, is one of the widely consumed fruits in South east Asia, especially in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines and Singapore. The high demand for durian in Malaysia has led to the accumulation of waste durian rind without proper disposable management in place. Therefore, a novel magnetic biochar was synthesized utilizing the durian rind in the presence of iron oxide, by employing the pyrolysis process in an electrical muffle furnace in a vacuum condition. The effect of pyrolysis temperature, pyrolysis time and sonication frequency was studied to determine the optimum condition for the production of magnetic biochar. The analysis shows that a pyrolysis temperature of 800 °C, pyrolysis time of 25 min and sonication frequency 70 are required for the production of magnetic biochar with a high yield and surface area. These newly produced magnetic biochar have a high surface area of 820 m2/g which provide 98% removal of congo red from the aqueous solution with an adsorption capacity of 87.32 mg/g.

Molecular-Level Structural Insight into Clarified Oil by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy: Estimation of Hydrocarbon Types and Average Structural Parameters

A direct and easy-to-grasp methodology based on the combination of quantitative 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) has been developed for the estimation of total aromatics, saturates, and several important structural parameters, such as aromaticity, average number of aromatic rings per molecule, average number of aromatic carbon atoms per molecule, average molecular weight, degree of aromatic substitution, degree of aromatic condensation, nature of condensation, and substitution to aromatic ring, etc. for clarified oil (CLO) from Indian oil refineries. These parameters, along with HPLC analysis data for di- to penta-ring aromatics, provide a molecular-level understanding of this potentially valuable feedstock, which can thus be correlated with process parameters for needle coke production from CLO. The method exploits the concept of group molecular weight (GMWt) and uses three empirical equations governing the nature of aromatic condensation. The various types of CLO that originated from Indian o...

Recovery of Pectinase Obtained by Solid-State Cultivation of Agro-Industrial Residues

Abstract This work aimed to optimize the process parameters for exo-polygalacturonase (exo-PG) recovery and production from Aspergillus niger ATCC 9642. Different types of solvents and extraction solutions (distilled water, NaCl, Tween 80, citrate buffer, and acetate buffer) have been evaluated for enzymes recovery using agitation (12 to 348 rpm), time (4.8 to 55.2 min), temperature (13.2 to 46.8°C), and extraction cycles (10 cycles). Our work's maximum exo-PG activity was 23 U/gwm (68 U/gdm), obtained after 192 h of bioproduction with 9 g orange peel, 4 g corn steep liquor, and 7 g wheat bran concentrations, at 30°C, and 5 × 106 spores/gwm. The maximum recovery was obtained using NaCl (0.1 mol/L) as solvent at a 5:1 (v:w) ratio, 30-55 min, 180 rpm, in one extraction cycle. Optimum pH and temperature for crude enzyme extract were 4.5 and 55°C, respectively.

Optimization of Microbial Hydrogen Production from Maize Stalk Using an Isolated Strain

Experimental designs were applied for optimizing media and process parameters for hydrogen production from maize stalk hydrolyzate by a newly isolated facultative strain.Plackett-Burman design was used to identify the significant components and using this method the media components - glucose, yeast extract, malt extract, peptone, and NaCl were identified as significant variables influencing the production of hydrogen. The concentrations of these components were optimized using Central Composite Design (CCD) and were found to be: glucose, 19.25g/L; peptone, 5.64g/L; malt extract, 1.64g/L; yeast extract, 3.16g/L and NaCl, 4.312g/L. For further maximizing the production of hydrogen, the process parameters including pH, temperature and fermentation time were optimized by adopting Box-Behnken design. A maximum hydrogen yield of 0.91 mol H2/mol substrate was achieved under the optimum conditions of pH, 7.0; temperature, 34.5oC and fermentation time, 42.5h.

Biodiesel production process optimization from Spirulina maxima microalgae and performance investigation in a diesel engine

Biodiesel is a renewable, easily biodegradable, eco-friendly and sustainable alternative energy source. In this investigation, crude oil was extracted from Spirulina maxima microalgae through biochemical conversion method with the help of soxhlet apparatus. Biodiesel production process parameters were optimized through base transesterification. Maximum biodiesel yield achieved was 87.75 % at optimal reaction condition after transesterification, when methanol to oil ratio was 6:1, catalyst loading was 1 % KOH (wt.%), temperature was 65 °C, and stirring speed was 600 rpm for a reaction time of 70 minutes. All the physicochemical properties of the produced biodiesel were determined and compared with the ASTM D6751 specification. Finally, performance and emission of an unmodified diesel engine was evaluated with 20 % and 40 % (v/v) biodiesel blends and compared the results with ordinary Diesel fuel (DF). Using biodiesel blends improves Hydrocarbon (HC) emission by 10-15 % and Carbon monoxide (CO) emission by 9.3-13.9 %. However, Brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC), Oxides of nitrogen (NOX), Carbon dioxide (CO2) and smoke opacity were found to be slightly higher for biodiesel blends, and Brake thermal efficiency (BTE) was found slightly lower than DF. Thus, Spirulina maxima serves as a potential feedstock for biodiesel production and prospective fuel in diesel engine application.

Obtaining and Characterization of W-Cu Composite Powder Produced by Mixing and Sintering of Ammonium Paratungstate (Apt) and Copper Nitrate

The objective of this work is obtaining W-30 wt% Cu composite powder from ammonium paratungstate hydrated (APT) and hydrated copper nitrate and investigating the influence of some production process parameters of W- 30 wt% Cu in particles form which results in high sinterability and densification of W-30 wt% Cu composite. To achieve this objective, the powder was obtained by manually mixing the APT and copper nitrate and reducing under a hydrogen atmosphere at 800 °C and then compacting at 500 MPa and sintering in a tubular furnace at 1200 °C for 60 minutes. The obtained materials were characterized by XRD, SEM, EDS, particle size analysis, density and microhardness measurements. The composite powder showed a good homogenization of Cu in W with very fine and agglomerated particles and a mean crystallite size of 25.64 nm. SEM coupled with EDS with mapping analysis revealed a homogeneous distribution of Cu and W in the sintered sample. The composite had a relative density of 96.77% and a microhardness of 523.66 HV. Therefore the method of obtaining the composite powder is feasible to sinter W-30 wt% Cu powder due to a greater dispersion and homogenization of phases and the average particle size

Continuous production of indole-3-acetic acid by immobilized cells of Arthrobacter agilis

Indole acetic acid (IAA) is a plant growth-promoting hormone used in agriculture; therefore, its continuous production is of paramount importance. IAA-producing eight bacteria were isolated from the rhizosphere of Verbascum vulcanicum. Among them, Arthrobacter agilis A17 gave maximum IAA production (75 mg/L) and this strain was used to immobilization studies. The A. agilis A17 cells were immobilized in calcium alginate for the production of IAA. Optimization of process parameters for IAA production was carried out to enhance IAA production using immobilized cells. The maximal production of IAA was 520 mg/L under the following optimal conditions: 1% mannitol, 30 °C, pH 8.0, and 24 h incubation. It was determined that the immobilized cells could be reused (13 times) for the production of IAA.

Optimization of process parameters for production of antimicrobial metabolites by an endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. CPR5 isolated from Calotropis procera root.

Objective:To study the antimicrobial activity of crud ethylacetate extract from endophytic fungus in Calotropis procera root.Methods:Endophytic fungus was screened for production of antimicrobial metablites.fermentation was carried out in 500 ml Erlenmeyer flask. Disc diffusion method was used to test antimicrobial activity of crude extract using chloramphenicol sulphate and Flucnazole as positive controleRessults: A total of fourteen Endophytic fungi were isolated (CPR1- CPR14). Among these fourteen isolates, CPR5 was found to show maximum antimicrobial activity, in compare to other isolates, against gram positive, gram negative bacteria and fungi. The antimicrobial activity was tested against Escherichia coli. Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Ralstonia solanacearum, Xanthomonas oryzae, Penicillium chrysogenum, Candida albicans, Phoma exigua, Sclerotium rolfsii and Sclerotinia scleratiourum. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of crude extract against test microorganisms was determined. Fungus was identified as aspergillus sp. Prduction parameters (Temprature, pH, Carbon source, Nitrgen surce, Sdium Chlride concentration) were optimized.Conclusion: Crud extract produced by the isolated endophytic fungus could be an important source of broad spectrum antimicrobial metabolites. Keywords: Endophytic fungi, Antimicrobial metabolites, Process optimization, Calotropis procera, Inhibition zone.

Theme-Based Minor Project Implementation for Basic Skill Enhancement in Biotechnology

Biotechnology being an inter-disciplinary domain, demands an adequate theoretical knowledge of allied subjects, good hands-on skill-sets, along with an ability to integrate biology with engineering for the graduates to be industry-ready. In this context, theme based mini and minor academic projects for V and VI semester respectively were designed and implemented for under-graduate students of Biotechnology. The objectives of the mini project were 1) To equip the students with basic skill-sets and impart the culture of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) & Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)and 2) to impart basic microbiological and biochemical skillsets. In continuation of mini project, students have to harness the capabilities of skills learnt in mini project to translate in to an industrially viable product, hence fermentation skills play an important role. In this perspective, the objectives of minor project were developed to impart the students with 1) basic fermentation skills at laboratory level 2) SOP of analytical instruments and 3) statistical analysis of the results. The minor project was implemented with the theme Submerged Fermentation and Optimization of Process Parameters for Production of Industrially important Biomolecules. A multi-level rubrics-based assessment was followed to measure the stated learning outcomes.The attainment was highest (9.5) for PI 9.1.2, which indicated good team work and show lowest (7.0) for PI 13.2.1, which shows scope for improvement for improvement in area of verification and calibration of equipment. It was concluded that the theme-based projects were effective in experiential learning for the students which plays a key role in bridging the gap between industry and academia.

Analysis and optimization of process parameters for production of polyhydroxyalkanoates along with wastewater treatment by Serratia sp. ISTVKR1

A previously reported biodegrading bacterial strain Serratia sp. ISTVKR1 was studied for polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production along with wastewater contaminant removal. Nile red fluorescence, GC–MS, FT-IR, NMR and TEM confirmed the accumulation of homopolymer poly-3-hydroxyvalerate (PHV) within the bacterial cells. Analysis of culture after 72h of bacterial treatment showed maximum COD removal (8.4-fold), non-detection of organic contaminants such as 1H-Cyclopropa [a] naphthalene (R.T.=10.12) using GC–MS and increased proportion of elements like Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Cd and Pb in the bacterial cell pellets by SEM-EDX analysis. Optimization of process parameters for enhanced PHA production along with wastewater treatment done using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) showed 5% and 0.74% increase in the PHA production (0.3368±0.13gL−1) and % COD reduction (88.93±2.41) of wastewater, respectively. The study, thus established the production of PHA along with wastewater contaminant removal by Serratia sp. ISTVKR1.