Optimized batch cultivation and scale-up of Bacillus thuringiensis for high-yield production of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate).

Addition of statistically optimized concentration of electron acceptor, propionic acid (1.2 g/L) at different cultivation times (0 h, 14.86 h and 19 h) during batch cultivation of B. thuringiensis in mixed substrate (glucose and glycerol) featured production of 8 g/L of biomass and 3.57 g/L of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) containing 0.805 g/L of 3-hydroxyvalerate concentration. Successful scale up of batch cultivation from 7 L to a 70 L bioreactor was, thereafter, achieved using power/volume (P/V) criteria with maximum PHBV and biomass concentration of 3.57 g/L and 7.15 g/L respectively. Characterization of PHBV so produced was carried out using NMR, FTIR, DSC and TGA to elucidate its structure, thermal properties and stability to map their applications in society. These findings highlight the potential of the optimized batch cultivation and scale-up process in producing PHBV emphasizing its relevance in sustainable biopolymer production.

An enzymatic hydrolysis-based platform technology for the efficient high-yield production of cellulose nanospheres.

This study evaluates the feasibility of using enzymatic technology to produce novel nanostructures of cellulose nanomaterials, specifically cellulose nanospheres (CNS), through enzymatic hydrolysis with endoglucanase and xylanase of pre-treated cellulose fibers. A statistical experimental design facilitated a comprehensive understanding of the process parameters, which enabled high yields of up to 82.7 %, while maintaining a uniform diameter of 54 nm and slightly improved crystallinity and thermal stability. Atomic force microscopy analyses revealed a distinct CNS formation mechanism, where initial fragmentation of rod-like nanoparticles and subsequent self-assembly of shorter rod-shaped nanoparticles led to CNS formation. Additionally, adjustments in process parameters allowed precise control over the CNS diameter, ranging from 20 to 100 nm, highlighting the potential for customization in high-performance applications. Furthermore, this study demonstrates how the process framework, originally developed for cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) production, was successfully adapted and optimized for CNS production, ensuring scalability and efficiency. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the versatility and efficiency of the enzyme-based platform for producing high-quality CNS, providing valuable insights into energy consumption for large-scale economic and environmental assessments.

Characterization of a thermostable protease from Bacillus subtilis BSP strain.

This study used conservative one variable-at-a-time study and statistical surface response methods to increase the yields of an extracellular thermostable protease secreted by a newly identified thermophilic Bacillus subtilis BSP strain. Using conventional optimization techniques, physical parameters in submerged fermentation were adjusted at the shake flask level to reach 184 U/mL. These physicochemical parameters were further optimized by statistical surface response methodology using Box Behnken design, and the protease yield increased to 295 U/mL. The protease was purified and characterized biochemically. Both Ca2+ and Fe2+ increased the activity of the 36 kDa protease enzyme. Based on its strong inhibition by ethylenediaminetetracetate (EDTA), the enzyme was confirmed to be a metalloprotease. The protease was also resistant to various organic solvents (benzene, ethanol, methanol), surfactants (Triton X-100), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), Tween 20, Tween-80 and oxidants hydrogen per oxide (H2O2). Characteristics, such as tolerance to high SDS and H2O2 concentrations, indicate that this protease has potential applications in the pharmaceutical and detergent industries.

Beauveria Bassiana Amylase-Polygalacturonase Production Using Lignocellulosic Biomass and Application in Juice Processing.

Background: The search for sources of industrial biocatalysts, which are non-pathogenic and can utilise cheap nutrient sources, has been a continuous endeavour in the ~ 7 billion USD enzyme industry. Beauveria bassiana, an endophytic fungal entomopathogen, is non-pathogenic and possesses the potential to secrete various bioproducts while utilising readily available lignocellulosic biomass. Objective: This study investigated the optimised production of two glycosyl hydrolases, amylase and polygalacturonase, by B. bassiana while utilising readily available agricultural residues. Subsequently, the industrial potential of the enzymes in the clarification of fruit juice was evaluated. Materials and Methods: Initially, seven agro residues were screened for the concomitant production of amylase and polygalacturonase by B. bassiana SAN01. Subsequently, statistical optimisation tools, Plackett Burman Design (PBD) and Central Composite Design (CCD), were employed for the optimisation of enzyme production. The enzyme mixture was partially purified and applied in the clarification of pineapple juice. Result: The production of B. bassiana SAN01 amylase and polygalacturonase was found to be maximal while utilising wheat bran. Subsequent to PBD and CCD optimisation, the optimal conditions for enzyme production were identified to be at 30 °C, pH 6.0 and wheat bran concentration of ~40 g.L-1. Under these optimised conditions, heightened production levels of 34.82 and 51.05 U.mL-1 were recorded for amylase and polygalacturonase, respectively, which were 179% and 187% of the initial unoptimised levels. In addition, the most effective clarification of the juice (~90%) was observed at 35 °C after an incubation time of 120 min with no significant effect on the pH and total dissolved solids. Conclusion: B. bassiana, a well-known biocontrol agent, was shown to produce amylase and polygalacturonase using readily available agricultural residues for the first time. These enzyme production levels are the highest for these enzymes from any known endophytic fungal entomopathogen. This study further demonstrates the potential applicability of B. bassiana in other industrial processes besides its widespread use as a biopesticide.

Improvement of nucleotide content of Cordyceps tenuipes by Schisandra chinensis: fermentation process optimization and application prospects.

Nucleotides are important components and the main indicators for judging Cordyceps quality. In this paper, the mixed fermentation process of Schisandra chinensis and Cordyceps tenuipes was systematically studied, and it was proposed that the fermentation products aqueous extract (S-ZAE) had antioxidant activity and anti-AChE ability. Herein, the results of a single factor showed that S. chinensis, yeast extract, inoculum amount, and pH had significant effects on nucleotide synthesis. The fermentation process optimization results were 3% glucose, 0.25% KH2PO4, 2.1% yeast extract, and S. chinensis 0.49% (m/v), the optimal fermentation conditions were 25℃, inoculum 5.8% (v/v), pH 3.8, 6 d. The yield of total nucleotides in the scale-up culture was 0.64 ± 0.027 mg/mL, which was 10.6 times higher than before optimization. S-ZAE has good antioxidant and anti-AChE activities (IC50 0.50 ± 0.050 mg/mL). This fermentation method has the advantage of industrialization, and its fermentation products have the potential to become good functional foods or natural therapeutic agents.

Enhancing biomethanation performance through co-digestion of diverse organic wastes: a comprehensive study on substrate optimization, inoculum selection, and microbial community analysis.

A blend of organic municipal solid waste, slaughterhouse waste, fecal sludge, and landfill leachate was selected in different mixing ratios to formulate the best substrate mixture for biomethanation. Individual substrates were characterized, and the mixing ratio was optimized with the help of a response surface methodology tool to a value of 1:1:1:1 (with a C/N ratio of 28±0.769 and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration of 2500±10.53 mg/L) to improve the overall biomethanation. The optimized blend (C/N ratio: 28.6, VFA: 2538 mg/L) was characterized for physicochemical, biological, and microbial properties and subjected to anaerobic digestion in lab-scale reactors of 1000 mL capacity with and without the addition of inoculum. The biogas yield of individual substrates and blends was ascertained separately. The observed cumulative biogas yield over 21 days from the non-inoculated substrates varied between 142±1.95 mL (24.6±0.3 ml/gVS) and 1974.5±21.72 mL (270.4±3.1 ml/gVS). In comparison, the addition of external inoculation at a 5% rate (w/w) of the substrate uplifted the minimum and maximum cumulative gas yield values to 203±9.9 mL (35.0±1.6 mL/gVS) and 3394±13.4 mL (315.3±1.2 mL/gVS), respectively. The inoculum procured from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) was screened in advance, considering factors such as maximizing VFA production and consumption rate, biogas yield, and digestate quality. A similar outcome regarding biogas yield and digestate quality was observed for the equivalent blend. The cumulative gas yield increased from 2673±14.5 mL (373.7±2.2 mL/gVS) to 4284±111.02 mL (391.47±20.02 mL/gVS) over 21 days post-application of a similar dosage of DRDO inoculum. The 16S rRNA genomic analysis revealed that the predominant bacterial population belonged to the phylum Firmicutes, with the majority falling within the orders Clostridiales and Lactobacillales. Ultimately, the study advocates the potential of the blend mentioned above for biomethanation and concomitant enrichment of both biogas yield and digestate quality.

Kinetic studies on optimized extracellular laccase from Trichoderma harzianum PP389612 and its capabilities for azo dye removal.

BACKGROUND: Azo dyes represent a common textile dye preferred for its high stability on fabrics in various harsh conditions. Although these dyes pose high-risk levels for all biological forms, fungal laccase is known as a green catalyst for its ability to oxidize numerous dyes. METHODS: Trichoderma isolates were identified and tested for laccase production. Laccase production was optimized using Plackett-Burman Design. Laccase molecular weight and the kinetic properties of the enzyme, including Km and Vmax, pH, temperature, and ionic strength, were detected. Azo dye removal efficiency by laccase enzyme was detected for Congo red, methylene blue, and methyl orange. RESULTS: Eight out of nine Trichoderma isolates were laccase producers. Laccase production efficiency was optimized by the superior strain T. harzianum PP389612, increasing production from 1.6 to 2.89 U/ml. In SDS-PAGE, purified laccases appear as a single protein band with a molecular weight of 41.00 kDa. Km and Vmax values were 146.12 µmol guaiacol and 3.82 µmol guaiacol/min. Its activity was stable in the pH range of 5-7, with an optimum temperature range of 40 to 50 °C, optimum ionic strength of 50 mM NaCl, and thermostability properties up to 90 °C. The decolorization efficiency of laccase was increased by increasing the time and reached its maximum after 72 h. The highest efficiency was achieved in Congo red decolorization, which reached 99% after 72 h, followed by methylene blue at 72%, while methyl orange decolorization efficiency was 68.5%. CONCLUSION: Trichoderma laccase can be used as an effective natural bio-agent for dye removal because it is stable and removes colors very well.

Ochratoxin A biodegradation by Agaricus campestris and statistical optimization of cultural variables.

The goal of this study is to identify the optimum conditions for ochratoxin A (OTA) biodegradation by the supernatant of Agaricus campestris strain. The Plackett-Burman and Box-Behnken methods were used to determine optimum OTA degradation conditions of Agaricus campestris under various incubation conditions. The Plackett-Burman method was planned through 16 varied experiments with 15 variants. The three most potent variants, sucrose, yeast extract and wheat bran, were selected using the Box-Behnken methodology. Ochratoxin A biodegradation ratio of 46.67% has been specified in only 1 h under ideal growing conditions. This is the first report on the optimization of OTA biodegradation by Agaricus campestris. When compared to previously published articles, it can be asserted that Agaricus campestris has promise based on its OTA biodegradation ratio in only 1 h of reaction time.

Nocardiopsis synnemataformans NBRM9, an extremophilic actinomycete producing extremozyme cellulase, using lignocellulosic agro-wastes and its biotechnological applications.

Actinomycetes are an attractive source of lignocellulose-degrading enzymes. The search for actinomycetes producing extremozyme cellulase using cheap lignocellulosic waste remains a priority goal of enzyme research. In this context, the extremophilic actinomycete NBRM9 showed promising cellulolytic activity in solid and liquid assays. This actinomycete was identified as Nocardiopsis synnemataformans based on its phenotypic characteristics alongside phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequencing (OQ380604.1). Using bean straw as the best agro-waste, the production of cellulase from this strain was statistically optimized using a response surface methodology, with the maximum activity (13.20 U/mL) achieved at an incubation temperature of 40 °C, a pH of 9, an incubation time of 7 days, and a 2% substrate concentration. The partially purified cellulase (PPC) showed promising activity and stability over a wide range of temperatures (20-90 °C), pH values (3-11), and NaCl concentrations (1-19%), with optimal activity at 50 °C, pH 9.0, and 10% salinity. Under these conditions, the enzyme retained >95% of its activity, thus indicating its extremozyme nature. The kinetics of cellulase showed that it has a Vmax of 20.19 ± 1.88 U/mL and a Km of 0.25 ± 0.07 mM. The immobilized PPC had a relative activity of 69.58 ± 0.13%. In the in vitro microtiter assay, the PPC was found to have a concentration-dependent anti-biofilm activity (up to 85.15 ± 1.60%). Additionally, the fermentative conversion of the hydrolyzed bean straw by Saccharomyces cerevisiae (KM504287.1) amounted to 65.80 ± 0.52% of the theoretical ethanol yield. Overall, for the first time, the present work reports the production of extremozymatic (thermo, alkali-, and halo-stable) cellulase from N. synnemataformans NBRM9. Therefore, this strain is recommended for use as a biotool in many lignocellulosic-based applications operating under harsh conditions.

Enhanced Oral Bioavailability of Progesterone in Bilosome Formulation: Fabrication, Statistical Optimization, and Pharmacokinetic Study.

Progesterone, a female sex steroid hormone, is highly lipophilic, leading to poor oral bioavailability. This study aimed to develop a progesterone bilosome system to enhance its oral bioavailability and retain it longer in the body. Progesterone vesicles were formulated with bile salts by thin film hydration method to prevent enzymatic and bile acid degradation. The Box-Behnken experimental design was used to statistically optimize progesterone bilosomes by checking the effect of phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol, and sodium deoxycholate on vesicle size, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency. The optimum batch showed 239.5 nm vesicle size, -28.2 mV zeta potential and 84.08% entrapment efficiency, respectively, which were significantly affected by phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol concentration. The successful incorporation of progesterone in the system was evident from ATR-FTIR analysis that revealed no sharp progesterone peaks in bilosomes. TEM analysis confirmed the spherical structure and uniform bilosome vesicles. Furthermore, the in vitro drug release of progesterone bilosomes revealed a sustained pattern exhibiting 90% drug release in 48 h. The pharmacokinetic study in female ovariectomized Wistar rats confirmed the 4.287- and 9.75-fold enhanced oral bioavailability of the progesterone bilosomes than marketed capsules and progesterone API, respectively. Therefore, progesterone bilosome formulation can be further explored for improved oral administration in chronic treatments.

Application of sequential design for enhanced L-asparaginase synthesis from Ganoderma australe GPC191.

With an increasing demand for L-asparaginase in pharmaceutical and food sectors for its cytostatic and acrylamide-reducing qualities, there's a need to discover novel, highly productive enzyme sources with improved pharmacokinetic profiles. Keeping this in mind, the present study aimed at maximizing the potential of Ganoderma australe GPC191 to produce L-asparaginase by fermentation medium optimization using statistical validation. Of the 11 physicochemical parameters evaluated under submerged fermentation conditions through one-factor-at-a-time approach and Plackett-Burman design, only four parameters (inoculum load, L-asparagine, soybean meal, and initial pH) influenced L-asparaginase production, significantly (p < 0.001). The optimal levels and interaction effects of these on the overall production were further evaluated by the central composite rotatable design of response surface methodology. Post-optimization, 27.34 U/mL was predicted as the maximum activity at pH 7 with 5n inoculum load and 15 g/L each of L-asparagine and soybean meal. Experimental validation yielded an activity of 28.52 U/mL, indicating an overall 18.17-fold increase from the unoptimized stage. To our knowledge, this is the first report signifying the L-asparaginase production aptitude of G. australe with sequential statistical validation using agricultural waste, which can serve as a model to enhance its yields, offering a sustainable and cost-effective solution for industrial application.

Characterization and Statistical Optimization of Enterobatin Synthesized by Escherichia coli OQ866153.

Microorganisms produce siderophores, which are secondary metabolites with a high affinity for iron. Siderophores have received significant attention due to their diverse applications in ecological and clinical research. In this study, siderophores production by Escherichia coli OQ866153 was optimized using two-stage statistical approach involving Plackett-Burman design (PBD) and response surface methodology (RSM) using central composite design (CCD). Out of 23 variables, succinate, tryptophan, Na2HPO4, CaCl2, agitation, and KH2PO4 were found to have the most significant effect on siderophores production in the first optimization stage with the highest SU% of 43.67%. In the second stage, RSM using CCD was utilized, and the optimal conditions were determined to be 0.3 g/l succinate, 0 g/l tryptophan, 6 g/l Na2HPO4, 0.1 g/l CaCl2, 150 RPM agitation, and 0.6 g/l KH2PO4, resulting in a maximum siderophore units (SU%) of 89.13%. The model was significant, as indicated by the model f-value of 314.14 (p-value = 0.0004) and coefficient of determination R2 of 0.9950. During validation experiments, the obtained maximum SU% was increased up to 87.1472%, which was two times as the value obtained under ordinary conditions (46.62%). The produced siderophores were purified and characterized using 1H, 13C NMR, IR spectroscopy. The obtained results indicated that the compound was enterobactin and entABCDEF genes were further detected in Escherichia coli OQ866153 extracted DNA. To our knowledge, this is the first report of statistical optimization for enterobactin synthesis by an E. coli strain isolated from a clinical source in Egypt.

Covalent immobilization of ß-galactosidase using a novel carrier alginate/tea waste: statistical optimization of beads modification and reusability.

ß-galactosidase has been immobilized onto novel alginate/tea waste gel beads (Alg/TW) via covalent binding. Alg/TW beads were subjected to chemical modification through amination with polyethyleneimine (PEI) followed by activation with glutaraldehyde (GA). Chemical modification parameters including PEI concentration, PEI pH, and GA concentration were statistically optimized using Response Surface methodology (RSM) based on Box-Behnken Design (BBD). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) results confirmed the great significance of the model that had F value of 37.26 and P value < 0.05. Furthermore, the R2 value (0.9882), Adjusted R2 value (0.9617), and predicted R2 value (0.8130) referred to the high correlation between predicted and experimental values, demonstrating the fitness of the model. In addition, the coefficient of variation (CV) value was 2.90 that pointed to the accuracy of the experiments. The highest immobilization yield (IY) of ß-galactosidase (75.1%) was given under optimized conditions of PEI concentration (4%), PEI pH (9.5), and GA concentration (2.5%). Alg/TW beads were characterized by FT-IR, TGA, and SEM techniques at each step of immobilization process. Moreover, the immobilized ß-galactosidase revealed a very good reusability as it could be reused for 15 and 20 consecutive cycles keeping 99.7 and 72.1% of its initial activity, respectively. In conclusion, the environmental waste (tea waste) can be used in modern technological industries such as the food and pharmaceutical industry.

Design and optimization methodology for different 3D processed materials (PLA, ABS and carbon fiber reinforced nylon PA12) subjected to static and dynamic loads.

This research presents a methodology for the design and optimization of 3D printed parts with material extrusion (MEX) technology with three different commercial materials: PLA, ABS and N + CF (PA12) subjected to tensile and fatigue stresses, which included three stages: pretreatment, design of experiments and sequential optimization by statistical modeling. In the pretreatment stage, mainly the printing control factors (inner layer and contour height, printing speed, extrusion temperature, nozzle, infill arrangement and printing orientation) were determined; then, factors to optimize tensile strength as a function of printing pattern (linear, 3D, hexagonal), infill percentage (33%, 66%, 100°) and printing orientation (+45°/-45°, 0°/90°) were evaluated. Fatigue analysis was performed as a function of impression orientation using 100% infill, linear impression pattern, 5 Hz and a load range between 90 and 50% UTS. Optimization of tensile strength resulted in parts that exceeded the UTS of their corresponding filament, leading to infinite life relative to fatigue tests. Results were presented for fatigue life prediction based on Weibull analysis, Basquins model and a multivariate response surface correlation analysis. The best fatigue behavior was related to the optimized tensile strength, the infill pattern applied to the printing orientation and the intrinsic properties of ABS (1 × 107cycles, stress up to 20 MPa). With respect to the other materials, a good fatigue behavior was highlighted at the number of cycles achieved 1 × 106 (stress up to 18 MPa) and 1 × 105 (stress up to 24 MPa) for N + CF and PLA, respectively. This study contributes to a better understanding of how printing parameters correlate with tensile and fatigue properties.

Xylitol biosynthesis enhancement by Candida tropicalis via medium, process parameter optimization, and co-substrate supplementation.

The present study examines the impact of nitrogen sources (yeast extract, ammonium sulfate peptone, ammonium nitrate, urea, and sodium nitrate), salt solution (0.5 g/L MgSO4, 0.5 g/L KH2PO4, 0.3 g/L CaCl2), trace elements solution (0.1 g/L CuSO4, 0.1 g/L FeSO4, 0.02 g/L MnCl2, 0.02 g/L ZnSO4), operational parameters (temperature, aeration, agitation, initial pH and xylose concentration) and co- substrate supplementation (glucose, fructose, maltose, sucrose, and glycerol) on xylitol biosynthesis by Candida tropicalis ATCC 13803 using synthetic xylose. The significant medium components were identified using the Plackett Burman design followed by central composite designs to obtain the optimal concentration for the critical medium components in shaker flasks. Subsequently, the effect of operational parameters was examined using the One Factor At a Time method, followed by the impact of five co-substrates on xylitol biosynthesis in a 1 L bioreactor. The optimal media components and process parameters are as follows: peptone: 12.68 g/L, yeast extract: 6.62 g/L, salt solution (0.5 g/L MgSO4, 0.5 g/L KH2PO4, and 0.3 g/L CaCl2): 1.23 X (0.62 g/L, 0.62 g/L, and 0.37 g/L respectively), temperature: 30 °C, pH: 6, agitation: 400 rpm, aeration: 1 vvm, and xylose: 50 g/L. Optimization studies resulted in xylitol yield and productivity of 0.71 ± 0.004 g/g and 1.48 ± 0.018 g/L/h, respectively. Glycerol supplementation (2 g/L) further improved xylitol yield (0.83 ± 0.009 g/g) and productivity (1.87 ± 0.020 g/L/h) by 1.66 and 3.12 folds, respectively, higher than the unoptimized conditions thus exhibiting the potential of C. tropicalis ATCC 13803 being used for commercial xylitol production.

Optimization of phytase production by Penicillium oxalicum in solid-state fermentation for potential as a feed additive.

The study aims to statistically optimize the phytase production by Penicillium oxalicum PBG30 in solid-state fermentation using wheat bran as substrate. Variables viz. pH, incubation days, MgSO4, and Tween-80 were the significant parameters identified through the Plackett-Burman design (PBD) that majorly influenced the phytase production. Further, central composite design (CCD) method of response surface methodology (RSM) defined the optimum values for these factors i.e., pH 7.0, 5 days of incubation, 0.75% of MgSO4, and 3.5% of Tween-80 that leads to maximum phytase production of 475.42 U/g DMR. Phytase production was also sustainable in flasks and trays of different sizes with phytase levels ranging from 394.95 to 475.42 U/g DMR. Enhancement in phytase production is 5.6-fold as compared to unoptimized conditions. The in-vitro dephytinization of feed showed an amelioration in the nutritive value by releasing inorganic phosphate and other nutrients in a time-dependent manner. The highest amount of inorganic phosphate (33.986 mg/g feed), reducing sugar (134.4 mg/g feed), and soluble protein (115.52 mg/g feed) was achieved at 37 °C with 200 U of phytase in 0.5 g feed for 48 h. This study reports the economical and large-scale production of phytase with applicability in enhancing feed nutrition.

Red bioactive pigment from Himalayan Janthinobacterium sp. ERMR3:09: optimization, characterization, and potential applications.

Prodigiosin is a red pigment commonly produced as a secondary metabolite by Serratia marcescens. It exhibits inherent bioactivities, including antimicrobial and anticancer, with low to no toxic effects on normal cells. The present study investigates a bioactive prodigiosin production from an atypical, red-pigmented, potentially novel Janthinobacterium sp. ERMR3:09 isolated from a glacial moraine. Statistically optimized culture parameters, i.e., w/v 1.0% glucose and 0.08% peptone as carbon and nitrogen sources, temperature 20 °C, and media pH 7, resulted in a four-fold increase in the pigment yield. The upscaled production in an 8 L volume resulted in higher pigment production within a shorter period of 48 h. The ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) analysis validated the identity of the purified pigment as prodigiosin that showed thermostability at 75 °C for 3 h. Evaluation of antimicrobial activity showed potent inhibitory effects (> 50%) against the opportunistic pathogenic fungal and Gram-positive bacterial strains. The pigment showed significant cytotoxicity (p < 0.05) towards A549 and HeLa cell lines with IC50 values of 42.2 µM and 36.11 µM, respectively. The study demonstrated that microbial communities from extreme niches can be ideal sources of bioactive pigments with immense pharmaceutical potential vital for the development of non-synthetic therapeutic agents.

Fabrication and optimization of curcumin-multiwalled carbon nanotube (C-MWCNT) conjugate reinforced electrospun polyacrylonitrile membrane for water treatment applications.

In the recent times, one of the most crucial tasks related to water resources is the treatment of polluted water. This study reports the development of a functionalized nanofibrous membrane with enhanced filtration performance, heavy metal removal, and photocatalytic dye degradation for the effective treatment of contaminated water. The nanofibrous mats were developed by the process of electrospinning using a polymeric solution of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) reinforced with curcumin-multiwalled carbon nanotube (C-MWCNT) conjugate. The experimental trials for membrane fabrication were adapted based on the design of experiments (DoE) approach by making use of the Box-Behnken design (BBD) for a three-variable system, a component of response surface methodology (RSM). The three variable parameters selected for optimization of the electrospinning process were the dopant concentration (in weight percentage), the flow rate (in millilitre per hour), and the spinning time (in hours), respectively, and a total of 15 fibrous membranes were fabricated. The SEM analysis of the fabricated membranes revealed alterations in the surface morphology of the fibrous mats with variations in the electrospinning parameters. The infrared spectrum of the fibrous mats, validated the incorporation C-MWCNT conjugate in PAN, thereby confirming the formation of PAN/C-MWNCNT membrane. The mean flow pore size and breaking force of the PAN/C-MWCNT membranes was also obtained using a universal testing machine (UTM) and porometer, respectively. To choose the best membrane for efficient filtration experiments, the performance of each of the prepared membranes was assessed in terms of solute rejection percentage (SR%), permeate flux (PF), and pure water flux (PWF). The statistical analysis of the assessed parameters in accordance with the membranes prepared was done using the MINITAB software, and the three-dimensional (3D) surface plots were constructed using the STATISTICA software to visualize and validate the relation between each of the electrospinning parameters and the corresponding membrane performance characteristics. Similarly, the potential of the electrospun membranes for efficient heavy metal ion removal and photocatalysis were also tested independently and the optimal electrospinning parameters were determined for the same. Based on the results, it was observed that the PAN/C-MWCNT membranes could serve as potential candidates for the treatment of polluted water.

Decolorization of Textile Azo Dye via Solid-State Fermented Wheat Bran by Lasiodiplodia sp. YZH1.

Textile dyes are one of the major water pollutants released into water in various ways, posing serious hazards for both aquatic organisms and human beings. Bioremediation is a significantly promising technique for dye decolorization. In the present study, the fungal strain Lasiodiplodia sp. was isolated from the fruiting bodies of Schizophyllum for the first time. The isolated fungal strain was examined for laccase enzyme production under solid-state fermentation conditions with wheat bran (WB) using ABTS and 2,6-Dimethoxyphenol (DMP) as substrates, then the fermented wheat bran (FWB) was evaluated as a biosorbent for Congo red dye adsorption from aqueous solutions in comparison with unfermented wheat bran. A Box-Behnken design was used to optimize the dye removal by FWB and to analyze the interaction effects between three factors: fermentation duration, pH, and dye concentration. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were applied to study the changes in the physical and chemical characteristics of wheat bran before and after fermentation. An additional experiment was conducted to investigate the ability of the Lasiodiplodia sp. YZH1 to remove Congo red in the dye-containing liquid culture. The results showed that laccase was produced throughout the cultivation, reaching peak activities of ∼6.2 and 22.3 U/mL for ABTS and DMP, respectively, on the fourth day of cultivation. FWB removed 89.8% of the dye (100 mg L-1) from the aqueous solution after 12 h of contact, whereas WB removed only 77.5%. Based on the Box-Behnken design results, FWB achieved 93.08% dye removal percentage under the conditions of 6 days of fermentation, pH 8.5, and 150 mg L-1 of the dye concentration after 24 h. The fungal strain removed 95.3% of 150 mg L-1 of the dye concentration after 8 days of inoculation in the dye-containing liquid culture. These findings indicate that this strain is a worthy candidate for dye removal from environmental effluents.

Effect of variables on exemestane-loaded albumin nanoparticles: statistical optimization and anti-cancer activity in MCF-7 cell lines.

This research aimed to evaluate the effect of variables on exemestane-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticles (EXE-BSA NPs) to improve anti-breast cancer activity. EXE-BSA NPs were optimized using 32 factorial design, wherein the concentration of BSA (X1) and sonication time (X2) were independent variables and particle size (Y1) and %w/w entrapment efficiency (Y2) were dependent variables. The statistical optimization revealed a significant effect of BSA concentration on both variables, whereas sonication time affected only particle size. The optimized EXE-BSA NPs were spherical with 124.1 ± 2.62 nm particle size, 83.95 ± 1.06% w/w drug entrapment, and exhibited a biphasic release of 100% (w/w) drug over 72 h. The optimized formulation induced cytotoxicity in MCF-7 cell lines with an IC50 value of 21.46 µg/mL by MTT assay, almost half the free drug (54.87 µg/mL). Thus, statistically optimized EXE-BSA NPs were effective in MCF-7 cell lines and can be explored to treat estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.