Design Of Response Surface Methodology Research Articles

Effects of roasting conditions on the properties of Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.) grain using response surface methodology

Industrial applications of amaranth seeds (Amaranthus species L.) have not been fully explored, which may be due to dearth of information on its various forms of use or applications. Roasting is one of such ways amaranth grain can be processed for immediate snacking or preparation prior to use for varying other purposes. The focus of this study was on the effect of roasting conditions on the properties of amaranth grain, using response surface methodology design to develop, improve, and optimize the process. Data was analyzed using regression and analysis of variance (ANOVA) at α 0.05. Five levels of roasting temperature and durations were employed. The roasted amaranth seeds were subjected to evaluation for proximate, colour, functional and sensory properties using standard methods. Effect of roasting conditions on properties were modeled and optimized. The roasting conditions had a significant effect on the proximate, colour, functional and sensory properties of roasted amaranth seeds. The optimal roasting conditions were a roasting temperature of 180 °C, roasting duration of 8 mins with desirability of 0.69. The optimum roasting conditions resulted in roasted amaranth seeds with protein of 16.26%, moisture of 18.30%, ash of 1.86%, fat of 2.22%, crude fibre of 8.92%, carbohydrates of 52.70%, bulk density of 1.29%, Oil Absorption capacity of 6.26 g/g, water absorption capacity of 9.20 g/g, solubility of 6.49%, swelling power of 14.16%, colour of 198.31°, and overall sensory acceptability score of 7.20. Roasted amaranth grains or its flour creates a value added product from amaranth grain which could be used as is for varying purposes, or in composite form for diverse uses.

Optimisation of polyphenol extraction for the valorisation of spent gin botanicals

An average of 0.21 kg spent gin botanicals (SGB) is generated for every 1 L of gin, making it the major by-product of gin distillation. The present circular economy dynamics and increased awareness on resource use presents an opportunity for valorisation of SGB. SGB was optimised for polyphenol extraction using a three-factor Box-Behnken Design in response surface methodology (RSM). This was used to both optimise and study how the extraction variables affected yields and values of polyphenol and antioxidant activity of SGB. The generated optimum conditions for polyphenol extraction from SGB were 50% (v/v) solvent concentration, 40 mL g−1 solvent: sample ratio, and 65 °C temperature. There is demand for polyphenols and natural antioxidants for use in both food and pharmaceuticals, and SGB is a natural bioresource material. The results from this study have shown a possible valorisation route for SGB and its potential for polyphenol extraction. This will create a sustainable pathway for the management of SGB and provide agro allied industries with a sustainable source of polyphenol. It will also provide a basis for process optimisation during gin distillation and possibility for reuse of botanicals materials.

Preparation of AC/TiO2 doped N-Ce Synthesized via Microwave Irradiation for Amoxicillin Photodegradation

Activated carbon (AC) supported with titanium dioxide (TiO2) doped with nitrogen (N) and cerium (Ce), denoted as AC/TiO2 doped N-Ce was synthesized for adsorption and photodegradation of amoxicillin (AMX) antibiotic. Photocatalyst was prepared using sol-gel approach assisted by microwave irradiation.30 experiment runs were generated for photocatalyst production and optimized via Central Composite Design-Response Surface Methodology (CCD-RSM) with observation of four types of variable parameters. The experimental variables consisted of the quantities of urea (N) (𝑥𝑥𝑖𝑖: 0.02–0.20 g), amount of cerium (III) nitrate hexahydrate (Ce) (𝑥𝑥𝑗𝑗: 0.02–0.20 g), amount of AC (𝑥𝑥𝑘𝑘: 0.10 –0.50 g), and microwave power (𝑥𝑥𝑙𝑙: 600–800 W). The analysis revealed that AC/TiO2 doped N-Ce photocatalyst, which was prepared with 0.50 g AC, 0.02 g N, and 0.20 g Ce, and activated with microwave power 600 W in 15 min, achieved a 93.6% AMX removal under UV light irradiation. The photocatalyst was initially subjected to a concentration of 10 mg L-1 at 30 °Cfor a duration of 60 min.

Structural simulation and performance evaluation of a novel synthesized ZIF in the adsorption of MO from aqueous solutions.

Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) are desirable materials widely applied as adsorbent for wastewater treatment. This study synthesizes and applies a novel structured ZIF with organic ligand of 2-methyl imidazole and metal salt of copper (II) sulfate as adsorbent. Its morphology and structure were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, field emission scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, and mapping analysis. After structural analysis, the adsorbent structure was simulated and determined using Avogadro and Gaussian software. The removal efficiency of prepared ZIF in the removal of methyl orange from aqueous solution was evaluated. The effect of pH, the concentration of the dye in solution, dosage of the adsorbent, and the contact time between adsorbent and solution on the methyl orange removal were examined using central composite design of response surface methodology in five levels. The maximum dye removal of 99% was obtained for 2g adsorbent/L, pH of 3.3, and initial dye concentration of 121mg/L after 127min contact time. In addition, to reduce the economic costs and energy consumption, the synthesis time was also reduced and used to show the applicability of the adsorbent prepared and understand its advantages and disadvantages in removing methyl orange dye from aqueous solutions. This molecular adsorbent is stable, and it can be stored for months. On the other hand, this ZIF can be easily recovered and reused many times. In this research, after five times of recovery, there was no significant change in the effectiveness of the adsorbent.

Adsorptive removal of anthraquinone dye from wastewater using silica-nitrogen reformed eucalyptus bark biochar: Parametric optimization, isotherm and kinetic studies

BackgroundDye sequestration from textile wastewater is required prior to discharge because of environmental concerns and the potential risk posed by colored contaminants. MethodsHerein, a novel composite adsorbent of biochar derived from eucalyptus bark and 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (TESPA, as source of silica) and diethylene triamine (DIEN, as source of nitrogen) was synthesized via impregnation method. The prepared adsorbents were characterized by scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, N2 adsorption-desorption and pH at point of zero charge (pHpzc) analyses. The optimal TESPA: DIEN molar ratio for the silica-nitrogen doped eucalyptus bark biochar (Si-N@EBB) composite to adsorb acid blue 25 (AB25) dye was 2:1. The independent process parameters (contact duration, adsorbent dosage, pH and initial AB25 concentration) influencing the AB25 adsorption by Si-N@EBB2:1 were optimized by Box-Behnken design in response surface methodology at temperature of 26± 2 °C. The obtained experimental data were analyzed by the Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherms. Kinetic data obtained at various AB25 concentrations were evaluated using pseudo-first-order (PFO), pseudo-second-order (PSO) and intraparticle diffusion equations. Significant FindingsPredicted values of removal efficiency were found to be in agreement with the experimental values obtained (R2 = 0.9823; Adj − R2 = 0.9646). Optimization findings revealed that maximum removal efficiency of 96.03± 2.57 % was achieved at the optimum conditions of 21.01 mg L−1 initial AB25 concentration, 3.91 dye solution pH, 0.913 g L−1 adsorbent dosage and 117.2 min contact duration. The equilibrium adsorption data fitted well to the Langmuir isotherm with a monolayer uptake capacity found to be 197.4 mg g−1. PSO model suited the kinetic data well, indicating the dominance of chemisorption mechanism.

Production of Antioxidant, Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitory and Osteogenic Gelatin Hydrolysate from Labeo rohita Swim Bladder.

Optimization of antioxidants and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory potential gelatin hydrolysate production from Labeo rohita (rohu) swim bladder (SBGH) by alcalase using central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology (RSM) was investigated. The maximum degree of hydrolysis (DH), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), total antioxidants (TAO), and ACE inhibitory activity were achieved at 0.1:1.0 (w/w) enzyme to substrate ratio, 61°C hydrolysis temperature, and 94-min hydrolysis time. The resulting SBGH obtained at 19.92% DH exhibited the DPPH (24.28µM TE/mg protein), ABTS (34.47µM TE/mg protein), TAO (12.01µg AAE/mg protein), and ACE inhibitory (4.91µg/mg protein) activity. Furthermore, SBGH at 100µg/ml displayed osteogenic property without any toxic effects on MC3T3-E1 cells. Besides, the protein content of rohu swim bladder gelatin (SBG) and SBGH was 93.68% and 94.98%, respectively. Both SBG and SBGH were rich in glycine, proline, glutamic acid, alanine, arginine, and hydroxyproline amino acids. Therefore, SBGH could be an effective nutraceutical in functional food development.

Formula Optimization and Product Design Analysis of Nougat with Purple Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas L), Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) and Stevia Leaves (Stevia rebaudiana)

This study aims to determine the priority attributes of nougat with purple sweet potato, cowpea, and stevia leaves, optimize the nougat formulation from the organoleptic aspect, and determine the physicochemical characteristics of nougat. The research method used the Kano model and the central composite design (CCD) response surface methodology (RSM). The results of this study indicate that the attributes that influence consumer satisfaction are purple color, block shape, and low-calorie natural sweeteners. The optimum formulations obtained from purple sweet potato, cowpea, and stevia leaves were 20%, 1.5%, and 0.15% (Formula A14). Nougat products produce a moisture content of 6.09%-7.35%, ash content of 0.73%-1.95%, reducing sugar content of 11.50-17.11%, sucrose content of 35.14-49.38%, total color difference of 38.15-85.40; and hardness 0.357835-10.455 N. All formulations comply with SNI 3547.2-2008 (soft candy not jelly).

Response surface methodology and artificial intelligence modeling for in vitro regeneration of Brazilian micro sword (Lilaeopsis brasiliensis)

In this study, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize in vitro regeneration of the Brazilian micro sword (Lilaeopsis brasiliensis) aquatic plant, followed by data prediction and validation using machine learning algorithms. The basal salt, sucrose and Benzyaminopurine (BAP) concentrations were derived from Box-Behnken design of RSM. The response surface regression analysis revealed that 1.0 g/L MS + 0.1 mg/L BAP + 25 g/L sucrose was optimized for maximum regeneration (100%), shoot counts (63.2), and fresh weight (1.382 g). The RSM-based predicted scores were fairly similar to the actual scores, which were 100% regeneration, 63.39 shoot counts, and 1.44 g fresh weight. Pareto charts analysis illustrated the significance of MS for regeneration and fresh weight but remained insignificant. Conversely, MS × BAP was found to be the most crucial factor for the shoot counts, with MS coming in second and having a major influence. The analysis of the normal plot ascertained the negative impact of elevated MS concentration on shoot counts and enhanced shoot counts from the combination of MS × BAP. Results were further optimized by constructing contour and surface plots. The response optimizer tool demonstrated that maximum shoot counts of 63.26 and 1.454 g fresh weight can be taken from the combination of 1.0 g/L MS + 0.114 mg/L BAP + 23.94 g/L. Using three distinct performance criterias, the results of machine learning models showed that the multilayer perceptron (MLP) model performed better than the random forest (RF) model. Our findings suggest that the results may be utilized to optimize various input variables using RSM and verified via ML models.Key messageOptimization of in vitro whole plant regeneration of Brazilian sword wood using response surface methodologyData analysis through ANOVA, response surface regression anlaysis and machine learningGraphical presentation of data via Pareto charts, normal plots, contour plots and surface plots for optimizationBetter performance of ANN-based MLP model compared to decision tree based RF modelGraphical abstract

Simultaneous Extraction and Decaffeination Process Optimization of Green Coffee Bean-Based Beverages Using Response Surface Methodology

Simultaneous Extraction and Decaffeination Process Optimization of Green Coffee Bean-Based Beverages Using Response Surface Methodology

Toxicity, physiological response, and biosorption mechanism of Dunaliella salina to copper, lead, and cadmium.

Heavy metal pollution has become a global problem, which urgently needed to be solved owing to its severe threat to water ecosystems and human health. Thus, the exploration and development of a simple, cost-effective and environmental-friendly technique to remove metal elements from contaminated water is of great importance. Algae are a kind of photosynthetic autotroph and exhibit excellent bioadsorption capacities, making them suitable for wastewater treatment. The effects of heavy metals (copper, lead and cadmium) on the growth, biomolecules accumulation, metabolic responses and antioxidant response of Dunaliella salina were investigated. Moreover, the Box-Behnken design (BBD) in response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the biosorption capacity, and FT-IR was performed to explore the biosorption mechanism of D. salina on multiple heavy metals. The growth of D. salina cells was significantly inhibited and the contents of intracellular photosynthetic pigments, polysaccharides and proteins were obviously reduced under different concentrations of Cu2+, Pb2+ and Cd2+, and the EC50 values were 18.14 mg/L, 160.37 mg/L and 3.32 mg/L at 72 h, respectively. Besides, the activities of antioxidant enzyme SOD and CAT in D. salina first increased, and then descended with increasing concentration of three metal ions, while MDA contents elevated continuously. Moreover, D. salina exhibited an excellent removal efficacy on three heavy metals. BBD assay revealed that the maximal removal rates for Cu2+, Pb2+, and Cd2+ were 88.9%, 87.2% and 72.9%, respectively under optimal adsorption conditions of pH 5-6, temperature 20-30°C, and adsorption time 6 h. Both surface biosorption and intracellular bioaccumulation mechanisms are involved in metal ions removal of D. salina. FT-IR spectrum exhibited the main functional groups including carboxyl (-COOH), hydroxyl (-OH), amino (-NH2), phosphate (-P=O) and sulfate (-S=O) are closely associated with the biosorption or removal of heavy metalsions. Attributing to the brilliant biosorption capacity, Dunaliella salina may be developed to be an excellent adsorbent for heavy metals.

Investigation of the leaching behavior of Na and Si in simulated HLW borosilicate glass obtained from the waste of a 1000 MWe class PWR reactor: using the response surface method.

The immobilization of high-level nuclear waste (HLW) in glass waste matrices provides the key safety function of slowing down radionuclide emissions from an underground disposal site. This study examines the leaching behavior of two major elements, Na and Si, in HLW borosilicate glass simulated from waste of a 1000 MWe class pressurized water reactor (PWR) using response surface methodology and Box-Behnken Design. The design of the experiment was carried out considering three independent variables: the pH of the solution, the contact time, and the leaching temperature, leading to 17 leaching runs performed using the static product consistency test (PCT). The results of statistical analysis (ANOVA: analysis of variance) indicated that the effects of the individual variables and the interactions between them were statistically significant, and the relative consistency of the data further confirmed the model's applicability. Data obtained from the PCT experiments revealed that the leaching behavior of Na and Si in the evaluated waste glass exhibited similar behavior to previously researched glasses for each condition tested.

Influence of graphene nanoplates and titanium diboride particulate on wear and interfacial bonding properties of sintered aluminium alloy composites

Graphene has been considered an appropriate reinforcing filler for aluminium/titanium metal matrix composites due to its outstanding strength and stiffness and its exceptional thermal and electrical properties. The variable concentrations of graphene nanoplates (GNPs) was considered in this research, such as 2 %, 4 %, 6 % and 8 %, for determining wear properties and interface bonding aluminium alloy composites. The graphene-reinforced Al 7075/10 % TiB2 hybrid nanocomposite samples were produced using ball milling and pressure-less vacuum sintering process. The wear loss was investigated for all the variable graphene concentration samples with respect to wear load and sliding distance by pin-on-disk method and optimum concentatrion of GNPs was obtained by design of experimental (DOE) analysis. Further, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Elemental mapping, Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), and microhardness tests were utilized to analyze the graphene-reinforced Al 7075/10 % TiB2 hybrid nanocomposites, It was concluded that the wear resistance and microhardness of Al/10 % TiB2/4 % GNPs increased by 71.3 % and 17.6 %, respectively, compared with non-hybrid aluminium alloy materials. Moreover, a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) has been used to investigate the interfacial strength of aluminium alloy composites. The wear loss characteristics was also optimized using and central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology (RSM).

Improved L-Asparaginase Properties and Reusability by Immobilization onto Functionalized Carbon Xerogels.

Enzyme immobilization can offer a range of significant advantages, including reusability, and increased selectivity, stability, and activity. In this work, a central composite design (CCD) of experiments and response surface methodology (RSM) were used to study, for the first time, the L-asparaginase (ASNase) immobilization onto functionalized carbon xerogels (CXs). The best results were achieved using CXs obtained by hydrothermal oxidation with nitric acid and subsequent heat treatment in a nitrogen flow at 600 °C (CX-OX-600). Under the optimal conditions (81 min of contact time, pH 6.2 and 0.36 g/L of ASNase), an immobilization yield (IY) of 100 % and relative recovered activity (RRA) of 103 % were achieved. The kinetic parameters obtained also indicate a 1.25-fold increase in the affinity of ASNase towards the substrate after immobilization. Moreover, the immobilized enzyme retained 97 % of its initial activity after 6 consecutive reaction cycles. All these outcomes confirm the promising properties of functionalized CXs as support for ASNase, bringing new insights into the development of an efficient and stable immobilization platform for use in the pharmaceutical industry, food industry, and biosensors.

Impacts of microwave-assisted extraction parameters on total phenolic compounds yield from Algerian Moringa oleifera leaves, using response surface methodology

The study aimed to optimise the microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of total phenolic compounds (TPC) from Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves using response surface methodology (RSM) and Box-Behnken designs (BBD). Factors such as ethanol concentration, microwave power, irradiation time, and solvent to solid ratio were assessed in single-factor tests. Under optimal extraction conditions (48.86% ethanol, 626.53 W microwave power, 99.48 s irradiation, 29.67 mL/g solvent to solid ratio and 21.12 W/mL power density), TPC was 58.45 ± 0.68 mg GAE/g DW, close to the predicted 59.78 ± 1.47 mg GAE/g DW. The MAE method outperformed maceration extraction (8.41 ± 0.25 mg GAE/g DW) and decoction extraction (38.74 ± 0.81 mg GAE/g DW) in terms of extraction time, solvent use, and efficiency. The optimised extract exhibited significant antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 0.294 ± 0.004 mg/mL (DPPH) and 0.425 ± 0.005 mg/mL (ABTS), confirming the efficacy of MAE in preparing antioxidant-rich plant extracts.

Modeling competitive biosorption for methylene blue removal on rape straw powders using response surface methodology in a ternary dye aqueous solution

The improvement of biosorption efficiency for selective dye removal in a multi-dye aqueous system has become an increasingly significant research topic. However, the competitive effects of coexisting dyes and the target dye in such systems remain uncertain due to complex interactions between adsorbent and coexisting dyes. Therefore, in this research, response surface methodology (RSM) model was effectively employed to investigate the competitive effects of allura red (AR) and malachite green (MG) on methylene blue (MB) removal in a ternary dye aqueous system using three different parts of rape straw powders. In the current design of RSM, the initial concentrations of AR and MG dyes ranging from 0 mg·L−1 to 500 mg·L−1 were considered as influencing factors, while the removal rates of MB on adsorbents at an initial concentration of 500 mg·L−1 were established as response values. The RSM models exhibited high correlation coefficients with adjusted R 2 values of 0.9908 (pith core), 0.9870 (seedpods), and 0.9902 (shells), respectively, indicating a close fitted between predicted and actual values. The proposed models indicated that the perturbation effects of initial AR and MG concentrations were observed on the removal rates of MB by three types of rape straw powders in a ternary dye aqueous system, resulting in a decrease in MB removal rates, particularly at higher initial AR concentration due to stronger competitive effects compared to initial MG concentration. The structures of rape straw powders, including pith core, seedpods and shell, were analyzed using scanning eletron microscoe (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), N2 physisorption isotherm, frourier transform infared spectroscopy (FTIR), Zeta potential classes and fluorescence spectrum before and after adsorption of MB in various dye aqueous systems. The characteristics of rape straw powders suggested that similar adsorption mechanisms, such as electrostatic attraction, pore diffusion, and group complex formation for MB, AR, and MG, respectively, occurred on the surfaces of adsorbents during their respective adsorption processes. This leads to significant competitive effects on the removal rates of MB in a ternary dye aqueous system, which are particularly influenced by initial AR concentrations as confirmed through fluorescence spectrum analysis.

Process Parameter Optimization via RSM of a PEM based Water Electrolysis Cell for the Production of Green Hydrogen

In the present work, the operating parameters were optimized using Box Behnken Design (BBD) in response surface methodology (RSM) to maximize the hydrogen production rate (R1) and hydrogen production rate per unit watt consumed (R2) of a proton exchange membrane electrolysis cell (PEMEC), a third response (R3) which was the sum of the scaled values of R1 and R2 were selected to be maximized so that both hydrogen production rate and hydrogen production rate per unit watt consumed could be maximized. The major parameters which were influencing the experiment for enhancing the output responses were oxygen electrode/anode electrocatalyst loading (A), current supplied (B) and water inlet temperature (C). The commercial proton exchange membrane Nafion® was used as the electrolyte. The acetylene black carbon (CAB) supported IrO2 was used as the electrocatalyst for preparing oxygen electrode/anode whereas commercial Pt (40 wt%)/CHSA was used as the H2 electrode/cathode electrocatalyst. The quadratic model was developed to predict the output/responses and their proximity to the experimental output values. The developed model was found to be significant as the P values for both the responses were < 0.0001 and F values were greater than 1. The optimum condition for both the responses were O2 electrode/anode electrocatalyst loading of 1.78 mg/cm2, supplied current of 0.33 A and water inlet temperature of 54°C. The predicted values for hydrogen production rate (R1) and hydrogen production rate per unit watt consumed (R2) were 2.921 mL/min and 2.562 mL/(min·W), respectively obtained from the quadratic model. The error % between the predicted response values and experimental values were 1.47% and 3.08% for R1 and R2, respectively. This model predicted the optimum conditions reasonably in good agreement with the experimental conditions for the enhancement of the output responses of the developed PEM based electrolyser.

Enhancing oral bioavailability of an antifungal thiazolylhydrazone derivative: Development and characterization of a self-emulsifying drug delivery system

RN104 (2-[2-(cyclohexylmethylene)hydrazinyl)]-4-phenylthiazole) is a thiazolylhydrazone derivative with prominent antifungal activity. This work aimed to develop a self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) loaded with RN104 to improve its biopharmaceutical properties and enhance its oral bioavailability. Medium chain triglycerides, sorbitan monooleate, and polysorbate 80 were selected as components for the SEDDS formulation based on solubility determination and a pseudo-ternary phase diagram. The formulation was optimized using the central composite design in response surface methodology. The optimized condition consisted of medium chain triglycerides, sorbitan monooleate, and polysorbate 80 in a mass ratio of 65.5:23.0:11.5, achieving maximum drug loading (10 mg/mL) and minimum particle size (118.4 ± 0.7 nm). The developed RN104-SEDDS was fully characterized using dynamic light scattering, in vitro release studies, stability assessments, polarized light microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies in mice demonstrated that RN104-SEDDS significantly improved oral bioavailability compared to free RN104 (the relative bioavailability was 2133 %). These results clearly indicated the successful application of SEDDS to improve the pharmacokinetic profile and to enhance the oral bioavailability of RN104, substantiating its potential as a promising antifungal drug candidate.

Ultrasonically intensified extraction and emulsification of Azadirachtin and its bioactivity analysis for fenugreek crop growth

Azadirachtin and neem oil, renowned for medicinal and insecticidal properties, were studied for extraction and nanoemulsion synthesis, aiming to address inefficiencies of current extraction and emulsification techniques that impede the utilization of Azadirachtin. The novel aspects include an optimized ultrasonic extraction method for azadirachtin, utilizing a binary solvent system. Additionally, the emulsification of azadirachtin neem oil and its direct application as a bioinsecticide on fenugreek crops demonstrate unique advancements in the study. Response surface methodology and Box-Behnken design optimized extraction parameters such as 35 min time, 0.4 g/mL solid-to-solvent ratio, 40% amplitude, and binary-solvent ratio of 75:25 (v/v) (ethanol:n-hexane). Ultrasound demonstrated superior efficiency with process effectiveness 22 times greater than stirred extraction. The extracted azadirachtin neem oil, superior in yield and potency, underwent concentration and nanoemulsion synthesis via ultrasonication. Stable dispersions over 30 days affirmed nanoemulsion sustainability. Emulsification parameters optimized included stabilizer (acacia gum), stabilizer ratio (2:5:100, solid:oil:water, g:mL:mL), amplitude (40%), and time (40 min). Direct application of emulsion as a bioinsecticide on seasonal fenugreek crops exhibited significant efficacy, enhancing growth and nutritional values (60–100%). Ultrasonication emerged as a superior extraction and emulsification tool, yielding potent azadirachtin neem oil-based emulsions applicable across diverse sectors, including agriculture, food, and cosmetics industries.

"UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS-chemometrics-network pharmacology" integrated strategy to discover quality markers of raw and stir-fried Fructus Tribuli and process optimization of stir-fried Fructus Tribuli.

Fructus Tribuli, the dried ripe fruit of Tribulus terrestris L., has various beneficial effects, including liver-calming and depression-relieving effects. Raw Fructus Tribuli (RFT) and stir-fried Fructus Tribuli (SFT) are included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 edition (Ch. P 2020). However, owing to the lack of specific regulations on SFT-processing parameters in Ch. P 2020, it is difficult to ensure the quality of commercially available SFT. The present study aimed to screen the quality markers (Q-markers) of RFT and SFT and optimize the processing technology of SFT based on the identified Q-markers. First, the ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS) technology as well as multiple statistical analysis along with network pharmacology was used to comprehensively identify the Q-markers of RFT and SFT. Then, based on single-factor experiments, the Box-Behnken design (BBD) response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the processing technology of SFT and perform process validation. A total of 63 components were identified in RFT and SFT extracts. Terrestrosin D and Terrestrosin K were initially considered the Q-markers of RFT and SFT, respectively. The optimum processing technology conditions were 208°C, 14 min, and 60 r·min-1. Three batches of process validation were performed, and the mean composite score was 56.87, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) value of 1.13%. The content of steroidal saponin components in RFT was significantly different before and after stir-frying. Terrestrosin D and Terrestrosin K were validated as the Q-markers of RFT and SFT, respectively. The identification of Q-markers for RFT and SFT offered a clear index for optimizing the SFT-processing technology and provided a basis for the quality control of RFT and SFT decoction pieces.

Investigating the Efficiency of Photo-Fenton (UV/H2O2/Fe2+) in Removing the Indomethacin Antibiotic From Aqueous Solutions

Water pollution caused by antibiotics is one of the major challenges in the world today. The current research aims to investigate the effect of the Photo-Fenton process in removing indomethacin antibiotics from aqueous solutions. This experiment-based study was conducted on a laboratory scale and discontinuous manner. The influential variables affecting the removal efficiency of indomethacin include initial antibiotic concentration, pH, time, hydrogen peroxide concentration, and iron ion. The study was conducted base on standard methods (APHA, AWWA, CFWP, 2005). The Design Expert software was used to analyze the effect of independent variables on the removal efficiency of indomethacin antibiotics in the Photo-Fenton process (UV/H2O2/Fe2+) using response surface methodology (RSM) and central composite design (CCD). To ensure the repeatability of the results, each experiment was repeated three times and the reported the average. The results showed that the optimal removal conditions for indomethacin antibiotics were pH = 4, H2O2 oxidant concentration = 50 ppm, Fe2+catalyst concentration = 50 ppm, time = 75 minutes, and initial antibiotic concentration = 20 ppm, with a removal efficiency of 91.03% . The variables of initial antibiotic concentration, H2O2 concentration, and pH had the greatest impact on the removal efficiency of indomethacin. The results of this study indicate that under optimal conditions, more than 90% of indomethacin antibiotics can be removed from aqueous solutions using the Photo-Fenton process, which is a significant result for removing this pharmaceutical pollutant from aquatic environments.