Micrometer insights into Nepeta genus: Pollen micromorphology unveiled.

This study provides a comprehensive pollen micromorphology within the Nepeta genus, revealing intricate details about the pollen grains' structure and characteristics. The findings shed light on the evolutionary and taxonomical aspects of this plant genus, offering valuable insights for botanists and researchers studying Nepeta species. The pollen grains of 18 Nepeta species were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy (LM) in Northern Pakistan. At the microscale, pollen quantitative measurements, qualitative traits, and diverse sculpturing patterns were reported and compared. Significant differences in pollen size, shape, ornamentation, and sculpturing patterns were discovered among the Nepeta species. Our data show that exine sculpturing is quite diverse, with most species exhibiting a reticulate perforate pollen pattern. Nepeta connata, Nepeta discolor, Nepeta elliptica, revealed a distinct bireticulate perforate exine stratification. Hexazonocolpate pollen is the most common. Furthermore, the surface membrane attributes of the colpus varied greatly, ranging from rough, scabrate, psilate, to sinuate patterns. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to discover the key factors influencing pollen diversity. PCA results showed that polar and equatorial diameters, colpi size, and exine thickness were the most influential pollen features between Nepeta species. This study adds to our understanding of pollen morphology in the Nepeta genus, offering information on the vast range of characteristics found in this economically important group. The extensive characterization of pollen features provides useful insights for the categorization and differentiation of Nepeta species, adding to the Lamiaceae micromorphology.

Membrane-processed honey samples for pollen characterization with health benefits.

Better processing techniques must be utilized widely due to the rising demand for honey. The most common honey processing techniques are applied to melissopalynomorphs to check the quality and quantity of valuable honey using microporous ultrafiltration membranes. It is essential to have the ability to selectively filter out sugars from honey using ultrafiltration. This study authenticated 24 honey samples using membrane reactors ultrafiltration protocol to describe the pollen spectrum of dominant vegetation. The purpose of this study was also to explore nutritional benefits as well as the active phytochemical constituents of honey samples. Honey samples were collected and labeled Acacia, Eucalyptus, and Ziziphus species based on plant resources provided by local beekeepers. A variety of honeybee flora was collected around the apiaries between 2020 and 2021. Honey analysis revealed that the pollen extraction of 24 bee foraging species belonging to 14 families. The honey membrane technology verified the identities of honey and nectar sources. Also, pollen identified using honey ultrafiltration membranes revealed dominant resources: Acacia spp. (69%), Eucalyptus spp. (52%) and Ziziphus spp. Honey filtration using a membrane technology classified 14 samples as unifloral, represented by six dominant pollen types. The absolute pollen count in the honey sample revealed that 58.33% (n = 14) belong to Maurizio's class I. Scanning ultrasculpturing showed diverse exine patterns: reticulate, psilate, scabrate-verrucate, scabrate-gemmate, granulate, perforate, microechinate, microreticulate, and regulate to fossulate for correct identification of honey pollen types. Honey ultrafiltration should be utilized to validate the botanical sources of honey and trace their biogeographic authenticity. Thus, it is imperative to look at the alternative useful method to identify the botanical origin of filtered honey. It is critical to separate honey from adulteration by a standardized protocol. Membrane technology has yielded significant outcomes in the purification of honey.

Efficient application of newly synthesized green Bi2O3 nanoparticles for sustainable biodiesel production via membrane reactor.

Introduction of waste and non-edible oil seeds coupled with green nanotechnology offered a pushover to sustainable and economical biofuels and bio refinery production globally. The current study encompasses the synthesis and application of novel green, highly reactive and recyclable bismuth oxide nanocatalyst derived from Euphorbia royealeana (Falc.) Boiss. leaves extract via biological method for sustainable biofuel synthesis from highly potent Cannabis sativa seed oil (34% w/w) via membrane reactors. Advanced techniques such as X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Diffraction X-Ray (EDX), and FT-IR were employed to illustrate the newly synthesized green bismuth oxide nanoparticles. 92% of FAMEs were produced under optimal reaction conditions such as a 1.5% w/w catalyst weight, 1:12 oil to methanol molar ratio, and a reaction temperature of 92 ⸰C for 3.5 h via membrane reactor. The synthesized Cannabis biodiesel was identified using the FT-IR and GC-MS techniques. The fuel properties of synthesized biofuels (acid number 0.203 mg KOH/g, density 0.8623 kg/L, kinematic viscosity 5.32 cSt, flash point 80 °C, pour point -11 °C, cloud point -11 °C, and Sulfur 0.00047 wt %, and carbon residues 0.2) were studied and established to be comparable with internationally set parameters. The experimental data (R2 = 0.997) shows that this reaction follow pseudo first-order kinetics. These findings affirm the application of green bismuth oxide nanoparticles as economical, highly reactive and eco-friendly candidate for industrial scale biodiesel production from non-edible oil seeds.

Membrane reactor based synthesis of biodiesel from Toona ciliata seed oil using barium oxide nano catalyst.

Membrane technology has been embraced as a feasible and promising substitute to the traditional technologies employed for biodiesel synthesis which are energy and time consuming. It needs less energy, has high stability, is environmentally friendly, and is simple to operate and control. Therefore, in our current study membrane technology was employed to synthesize biodiesel from Toona ciliate novel and non-edible seed oil. Since Toona ciliata has affluent oil content (33.8%) and is effortlessly and extensively available. In fact, we intended to scrutinize the effects of green synthesized barium oxide nanoparticles for one step transesterification of biodiesel production using membrane technology followed by characterization of prepared catalyst via innovative techniques. Optimal yield of biodiesel attained was 94% at 90 °C for 150 min with methanol to oil molar ratio of 9:1 and amount of about 0.39 wt %. Quantitative analysis of synthesized Toona ciliata oil biodiesel was carried out by advance techniques of Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) which authorize the synthesis of fatty acid methyl ester compounds using oil from Toona ciliata seeds. Values of Toona ciliata fuel properties for instance flash point (70°C), density (0.89 kg/m3), viscosity (5.25 mm2/s), cloud point (-8°C) and pour point (-11°C) met the specifications of international standards i. e American (ASTM D-6751), European (EN-14214) and China (GB/T 20,828). Subsequently, it is concluded that membrane technology is environmentally friendly and efficient technique for mass-production of sustainable biodiesel using green nano catalyst of barium oxide.

Exploring terminology for puerperal sepsis and its symptoms in urban Karachi, Pakistan to improve communication, care-seeking, and illness recognition.

Puerperal sepsis is an important cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Awareness of local terminology for its signs and symptoms may improve communication about this illness, what actions to take when symptoms appear, timely care seeking, and clinical outcomes. This formative research aimed to improve recognition and management of postpartum sepsis in Pakistan by eliciting local terms used for postpartum illnesses and symptoms. We conducted 32 in-depth interviews with recently delivered women, their relatives, traditional birth attendants, and health care providers to explore postpartum experiences. Terms for symptoms and illness are used interchangeably (i.e. bukhar, the Urdu word for fever), many variations exist for the same term, and gradations of severity for each term as not associated with different types of illnesses. The lack of a designated term for postpartum sepsis in Urdu delays care-seeking and proper diagnosis, particularly at the community level. Ideally, a common lexicon for symptoms and postpartum sepsis would be developed but this may not be feasible or appropriate given the nature of the Urdu language and local understandings of postpartum illness. These insights can inform how we approach educational campaigns, the development of clinical algorithms that focus on symptoms, and counselling protocols.

Biodiesel Production Using Wild Apricot (Prunus aitchisonii) Seed Oil via Heterogeneous Catalysts.

We confined the formation and characterization of heterogenous nano-catalysts and then used them to produce biodiesel from the novel non-edible seed oil of Prunus aitchisonii. P. aitchisonii seeds' oil content was extracted at about 52.4 ± 3% with 0.77% FFA. Three different heterogenous nano-catalysts-calcined (CPC), KPC, and KOH-activated P. aitchisonii cake Titanium Dioxide (TiO2)-were synthesized using calcination and precipitation methods. The mentioned catalysts were characterized through XRD, SEM, and EDX to inspect their crystallin dimension, shape, and arrangement. Titanium dioxide has morphological dimensions so that the average particle size ranges from 49-60 nm. The result shows that the crystal structure of TiO2 is tetragonal (Anatase). The surface morphology of CPC illustrated that the roughness of the surface was increased after calcination, many macropores and hollow cavities appeared, and the external structure became very porous. These changes in morphology may increase the catalytic efficiency of CPC than non-calcined Prunus aitchisonii oil cake. The fuel belonging to PAOB stood according to the series suggested by ASTM criteria. All the characterization reports that P. aitchisonii is a novel and efficient potential source of biodiesel as a green energy source.

Biodiesel from Dodonaea Plant Oil: Synthesis and Characterization-A Promising Nonedible Oil Source for Bioenergy Industry.

In this work, Dodonaea oil was studied as a potential biodiesel source. Dodonaea (Dodonaea viscosa Jacq.) is an evergreen shrubby plant that thrives in tropical and subtropical conditions. The plant produces high-grade biodiesel in terms of both quantity and quality despite its naturally high fat content. In the transesterification followed by esterification reaction, varied ratios of oil to methanol, constant temperature (60°), reaction duration (1 h), and different catalyst concentrations (0.25-0.75% (w/w) were utilized. A maximum biodiesel yield of 90% was achieved. For fuel characteristic analysis, the prepared biodiesel was specified and compared to ASTM criteria. The chemical composition was verified using analytical techniques such as FT-IR and NMR spectroscopy. As a result of the foregoing, Dodonaea is considered a possible bioenergy source, particularly in the transport sector.

Treatment of Saussurea heteromalla for biofuel synthesis using catalytic membrane reactor.

Membrane technology has been adopted as a prospective and promising alternative to the standard technology used for biodiesel production since the time when it had some limitations. During this research project, the inedible seed oil generating feedstock known as Saussurea heteromalla was put through a biodiesel production process that utilized membrane technology with an effort to increase the yield of methyl ester. The transesterification process was mediated by zirconium oxide nanoparticles that were generated using an aqueous extract of Portulaca oleracea leaf. With an oil to methanol ratio of 1:9, a catalyst concentration of 0.88 (wt. %), temperature of 87 °C, and reaction time of 180 min, the highest possible biodiesel yield of 93% was achieved. The findings of the catalyst characterization demonstrated the purity of the zirconium oxide nano particles and their nanoscale nature with average particle size of 31 nm. Using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS), an examination of biodiesel revealed the presence of four different peaks of methyl esters. Using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance, we were able to verify that the production of methyl esters in the biodiesel sample was successful (NMR). Zerconium oxide nanoparticles were found reusable up to five consecutive cycles of transesterification. The fuel-related properties of methyl ester have been determined and are in line with the requirements of the international standards ASTM D-6571 and EN 14214. In the course of our ongoing research, we made use of membrane technology, which led to the production of biodiesel from the seed oil of Saussurea heteromalla that was better for the environment, more cost effective, and produced in greater quantities.

Microscopic (LM and SEM) visualization of pollen ultrastructure among honeybee flora from lower Margalla Hills and allied areas.

Microscopic visualization of micro-morphological characters were analyzed using a scanning electron microscopic (SEM) tool, which has proven to be very successful to analyze the pollen surface peculiarities. The significant goal of this research was to perform microscopic examination of pollen of some of the most frequently visited honeybee floral species around apiaries. Micro-morphological characterization of frequented honeybees foraged plants were discussed. A total of 15 species, belonging to 11 different families were identified for the foraging activities of honeybees, namely, Lantana camara, Jatropha integerrima, Helianthus annuus, Tecoma stans, Lagerstroemia indica, Duranta erecta, Cosmos sulphureus, Hymenocollis littoralis, Moringa oleifera, Cestrum nocturnum, Parthenium hysterophorus, Volkameria inermis, Catharanthus roseus, Malvastrum coromandelianum, and Citharexylum spinosum. The microscopic slides were prepared using the acetolysis method, and the qualitative and quantitative features were measured and described using microscopic tools. The pollen type sculpture varies from psilate scabrate to echinate and colpi from tricolpate to tetracolpate. Quantitative parameters such as polar diameter, mesocolpium distance, equatorial dimensions, aperture size, spine diameter, and exine thickness were calculated using IBM SPSS Statistics 20. The exine thickness was measured at its maximum in C. roseus (3.85 µm), whereas it was at its minimum of 0.90 µm in L. indica and D. erecta. Pollen fertility was estimated to be highest in H. annus (88%). The current research validates scanning microscopic features of pollen of the honeybee floral species, which is helpful for the accurate identification and commercializing of honey production to generate revenue for beekeepers through the exploration of bee floral diversity. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Pollen spectrum examination using microscopic imaging techniques. Variations examined through scanning microscopy in pollen ultrastructure. Micro-morphology has taxonomic value for accurate identification of honeybee flora. Authentication of Honeybee floral species for sustainable beekeeping.

Morpho-palynological and anatomical studies in desert cacti (Opuntia dillenii and Opuntia monacantha) using light and scanning electron microscopy.

Opuntia is the most diverse and widely distributed drought resistant promising genus of family Cactaceae. The cladodes were utilized to quantify the chemical composition of these plants helpful in lignocellulose conversion and their application towards biofuel production. The present study was aimed to evaluate and compare the taxonomic relationship based on morphology, stem anatomy and palynology of important desert cacti including Opuntia dillenii and Opuntia monacantha. This study also evaluates the potential usefulness of morphological, anatomical and pollen traits using light and scanning electron microscopy. The obtained microcharacters of stem and flowers are considered diagnostic at the generic and specific levels. Some distinguishing morphological features observed were elliptical to obovate cladodes, 1-7 spines per areole and presence of glochidia in O. dillenii. Pollen and stem anatomical characters of the studied taxa are considered highly diagnostic at the generic and species levels. The epidermis has irregular and wavy cells, with straight to sinuate wall pattern and paracytic stomata. Pollen grains appear as pantoporate and prolate spheroidal having reticulate to perforate-reticulate sculpturing while exine semi-tectate to tectate. The taxonomic features studied could be valuable to elaborate and helpful in correctly identification of Opuntia species. The methods of diverse microscopic examination also providing sufficient evidence about the taxonomy of the Opuntia species. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Description and illustration of desert cacti Opuntia. Morpho-anatomy and palynology were studied with LM and SEM. Highly variation in taxonomic qualitative and quantitative features. Systematic significance based on taxonomic characters was presented.

Pollen morphology of selected melliferous plants and its taxonomic implications using microscopy.

This research aimed to explore the melliferous bee flora pollen from arid zones of District Attock, Islamabad Capital and Rawalpindi. Morpho-palynological features has provided key information for the classification and help to explain the taxonomy of several genera and species. Therefore, in this work, we examined the morphological characters of pollen potentially to be used for the species delimitation of bee flora. A total of 18 bee floral species, classified into 12 different families were collected, pressed, identified and then acetolyized to observe the grains under microscopy. Bee pollen can be described by small, medium to large sized morphotypes presenting five types of shapes, prolate spheroidal in (seven species), sub-prolate (six species), oblate spheroidal (three species), oblate and prolate (one species each) was examined. The observed polar and equatorial diameter were found maximum in Zea mays 73.5 µm and Pelargonium inquinans 66.75 µm respectively. Pollen of six different types was found namely: tricolporate, 3-zonocolporate, monoportae, tetracolporate, tetraporate and mononsulcate. Whereas highest value of colpi length was measured in Grewia tenax (24.55 µm). Exine surface nature of pollen was examined echinate psilate and scabrate. Exine thickness noted to be maximum in Verbena tenuisecta (8.40 µm) and minimum in Citrus macrocarpa (0.4 µm). Bee floral species considered difficult to identify based on other morphological traits were successfully distinguished using pollen quantitative and qualitative traits, confirming the importance of pollen morphology to diagnose characters to correctly identify honeybee flora. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Pollen diversity among honeybee flora. Highly variations observed via microscopy in pollen micromorphology. Palyno-morph has taxonomic value for the identification of honeybee floral species.

Micro-morphological diversity of pollen among Asteraceous taxa from Potohar Plateau-Pakistan.

Microscopic pollen characters from 19 species of family Asteraceae collected from different areas of the Potohar Plateau of Pakistan have been investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy. This study uses microscopic techniques to provide detailed information on pollen and its exine structure based on qualitative and quantitative characters. The present study has observed three types of pollen grains based on their apertures, that is, trizonocolporate, tetrazonocolporate, and tricolporate. Exine sculpturing is echinate in all studied taxa. Some species also exhibit Lacunae which differ in their shape and sizes. The size of the spines and the number of spines between the colpi play a vital role in differentiating the species of the same genus. Pollen fertility ranges from 94.3 to 74.19, showing that these species are well established in the study area. For the correct identification of species, a light and scanning electron microscopy was used that provides sufficient information for a taxonomist to distinguish species taxonomically. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Light and Scanning electron microscope is comparatively used to investigate the pollen characters of some species of the family Asteraceae. A scanning electron microscopy is used to study the micro-morphological characters of pollen grains. Qualitative and quantitative characters of pollen were studied.

Light and scanning electron microscopic observation of palynological characteristics in spineless Astragalus L. (Fabaceae) and its taxonomic significance.

Palynological characterization is considered to be one of the significant taxonomic tools for the delimitation and identification of morphologically complicated taxa. Hence, the pollen morphology of 12 species of spineless Astragalus L. was examined using light and scanning electron microscopy. Studied pollen were small to medium, monad, prolate to per-prolate and tricolporate type in all studied taxa. The exine sculpturing varied from reticulate to microreticulate whereas colpus ornamentation ranged from scabrate to granulate. Furthermore, maximum polar and equatorial diameter was recorded in Astragalus leucocephalus Bunge. (45.00 µm) and A. pyrrhotrichus Boiss. (22.91 µm) while minimum in A. amherstianus Benth. ex Royle (28.75 µm) and A. amherstianus Benth. ex Royle (15.00 µm), respectively. Similarly, the ratio of polar to equatorial diameter was recorded maximum in A. ophiocarpus Boiss. (2.05). The width of colpi was larger in A. hamosus L. (1.29 µm) and smaller in A. ophiocarpus Boiss. (0.62 µm). We have also found the maximum value of mesocolpium in A. retamocarpus Boiss. (2.08 µm) while minimum in A. oxyglottis Steven ex M.Bieb. (1.87 µm). The quantitative pollen attributes helped in the development of pollen keys for the accurate and quick identification of the studied species. Furthermore, ordination and cluster analysis were performed for the differentiation of the investigated taxa at species level. Based on our results, we conclude that pollen features can be used for the delimitation and identification of the studied taxa. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Pollen micromorphology is a useful tool for classifying complicated taxa. The pollen micromorphology of 12 spineless species of Astragalus L. was studied using LM and SEM. The observed pollen characteristics aided in Astragalus L. serve for the identification and classification of taxa at specific level.

Palyno-morphological diversity of Asteraceous and Poaceous allergenic plant using microscopic techniques in lesser Himalaya-Pakistan.

In classification and identification of plant species, palyno morphological character has remain helpful for plant taxonomist. The aim to investigation this study was to identify the characteristic features of Asteraceae and Poaceae family member collected from lower Himalayas of Pakistan. Light microscope and Scanning electron microscope were used for feature study of allergenic pollen. Our study includes 10 species of Asteraceae and Poaceae family. The most dominant shape of pollen was Oblate-spheroidal, Prolate-Spheroidal, Prolate and Suboblate shape of pollen. Quantitative character of pollen includes maximum pollen diameter found in Dichanthium annulatum (46.0 µm) and minimum polar axis pollen diameter found in Parthenium hysterophorous (16.0 µm). Similarly highest value of P/E ratio was noted in Cenchrus echinatus (1.05) and smallest value of P/E ratio was observed in Erigeron bonariensis (0.88). Poaceae family member were monoporate. Character feature of exine sculpturing include Microechinate, granulate, echinate, conical base, lacunae Nanogammate, Aerolate-Scabratre, Verrucate, like variation found in exine of both family member. Highest value of pollen fertility was observed in P. hysterophorous 93%, Similarly maximum value of pollen sterility was noted in E. bonariensis and Brachiaria reptans 24%. This investigation provides the characteristic feature of allergenic pollen species and help to arrange them in define class. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Pollen has affected many people around the world. Using microscopic techniques, morpho-palynological analysis of Asteraceae and Poaceae families were recognized. LM and SEM study show both qualitative and quantitative character of pollen. Identification of allergenic pollen and microscopic identified character play important role for proper guideline of identification of pollen having allergenic potential.

Microscopic techniques for characterization and authentication of oil-yielding seeds.

Investigation of alternative energy sources is need of current time due to growing power crisis and associated environmental issues. Biodiesel is considered as sustainable power source and promising alternative to fossil fuels. Therefore, our current investigation aimed to identify micromorphological characters of 10 novel nonedible oil-yielding seeds through scanning electron microscopy. It was revealed from light microscopic study that there is variation in seed size from 3 to 15 mm in length and 2 to 11 mm in width. Likewise, a huge variation in color was observed such as light green, greenish yellow, blackish brown, and various shades of brown. Presence and absence of Hilum was observed, and compression of seeds varied from depressed, lateral, and dorsoventral. Seed's shape differs from ovate, clavate, triangular ovate, cuneiform, ovoid, and elliptical shape. Seed oil content fall in range of 18-58% (wt/wt). Free fatty acid content of the seeds varies from 0.3 to 3.1 mg KOH/g. Ultrastructure of seeds exhibited huge variation in shape, size, periclinal wall, anticlinal wall, and surface ornamentation. Nonedible seeds varied in wall structure from angular, wavy, dentate entire, irregular, puzzled, elongated, even, and polygonal. The periclinal wall arrangements show alteration from flat, looped, raised, depressed, lofty, even, pentagonal, polygonal, and undulate seed margins. Outcomes of this investigation recommended that scanning electron microscopy could act as a helpful tool in disclosing the hidden micromorphological characters among nonedible oil-yielding seeds and subsequently helping in correct, authentic seed identification and classification as potential feedstock for biodiesel.

Implication of scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy for oil content determination and seed morphology of Verbenaceae.

Due to increase in energy catastrophe and accompanying environmental issues, the search for renewable and alternative energy resources is a fiercely disputed problem in the scientific world. Biodiesel has proven to be the finest sustainable alternative to gasoline. Because of their environment-friendly character and cost-effectiveness, nonedible oil-bearing seeds could be the possible resource for biodiesel production. Therefore, the present study uses scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to investigate and identify micromorphological features of six novel, nonedible oil-bearing seeds of Verbenaceae as potential biodiesel feed stocks. Selected seeds of Verbenaceae range in size from 1 to 5 mm in width and 1.8 to 6.4 mm in length, according to light microscopic studies. The oil content of seeds ranges from14 to 19%. Seed texture, color, shape, size, periclinal and anticlinal wall patterns, and cell outline are all more variable in SEM-mediated seed ultrastructure analyses. The findings of this work imply that SEM could be a useful method for revealing hidden micromorphological features in a variety of nonedible oil-producing seeds, which could aid to future investigation, proper identification, seed categorization, and authenticity. These seeds were hard to be identified by the native people due to their resemblance in seed color and shape, so there is a need to give a detailed description of seed characters for proper identification of these plants. This work will determine the new features of the seeds, which will be helpful in near future.

Identification of novel, non-edible oil seeds via scanning electron microscopy as potential feedstock for green synthesis of biodiesel.

In the present era, environmental glitches associated with extensive emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) and energy crises caused by exhausting fossil fuel reservoirs has diverted researcher's interest toward alternative and renewable energy sources. Biodiesel is a renewable, biodegradable, and sustainable alternative to petro-diesel. Biodiesel synthesized from non-edible seed oils is preferred due its cost effectiveness and eco-friendly nature. Hence, our present study focused on investigation and identification of micromorphological characters of six novel, non-edible seed oil feedstock for biodiesel production via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results of light microscopy of seeds revealed distinct variation in seed size (15.8-1.8 mm in length and 9.4-1.1 in width), shape (round to Cuneiform), and color (from black to yellowish green). Non-edible seed oil content fall in range of 28-38% (wt/wt). Free fatty acid (FFA) content varied from 0.56 to 2.06 mg KOH/g. Multivariate analysis was performed to investigate correlation between three significant variables of seed oil yielding feedstock such as potential for biodiesel synthesis, oil content, and FFA content via principal component analysis. Ultra morphological investigation of seeds surfaces via SEM exhibited distinctive variation in surface sculpturing, cell arrangement, cell shape, periclinal wall shape, margins, protuberances, and anticlinal wall shape. Seed surface sculpturing varied from reticulate, semitectate, wrinkled, rugose, papillate, perforate, and striate. Periclinal wall arrangements confirmed variation from glabrous, raised, depressed, elevated, smooth, pentagonal, entire, and ripple margins. Whereas, anticlinal walls pattern demonstrated variation from angular, smooth, wavy, deep, dentate, entire, irregular, puzzled, elongated, curved, and depressed. Finally, it was concluded from obtained results that SEM could be a possible useful tool in disclosing veiled micromorphological characters of non-edible oil yielding seeds, which provides useful information to researchers for their correct, authentic identification, and classification in modern synthetic system.

Implication of light and scanning electron microscopy for pollen morphology of selected taxa of family Asteraceae and Brassicaceae.

The present study was intended to assess pollen morphological attributes of selected Asteraceous and Brassicaceous species from tehsil Esa Khel (Mianwali), Punjab using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy (LM) techniques for its systematic and taxonomic significance for correct identification. Pollen from 12 different species belongs to two plant families from various distributional localities were collected, acetolyzed and measured. Different palynomorphological features were investigated using LM and SEM techniques. In Asteraceous species, three types of pollen (tricolporate, trizonocolporate, and tetracolporate) were observed. Pollen shape was observed prolate-spheroidal in three species while oblate and oblate-spheroidal were detected in Parthenium hysterophorus and Erigeron bonariensis. While sculpturing pattern of exine were echinate, echinate fenestrate, echinate perforate and scabrate echinate. Mesocolpium measurement was calculated maximum for Sonchus oleraceous (16.6 µm). Brassicaceae pollen were circular, lobate, tricolpate and exine show reticulate peculiarities. Whereas dominant shape was oblate-spheroidal followed by prolate-spheroidal and sub-prolate in Lepidium didymum and Sisymbrium irio, respectively. Mesocolpium distance was noted highest in Raphanus raphanistrum (14.4 µm). Exine thickness was noted maximum in Erigeron bonariensis (2.9 µm) in Asteraceous species and in Brassicaceae; Lepedium didymum exine measurement was 2.7 µm. The study showed that pollen micromorphology has important role to accurately identify and classify diverse plants genera belong to different families. Based on these taxonomic palynomorph features, the accurate identification of species from flora of tehsil Esa Khel, Mianwali were elaborated.

Implication of scanning electron microscopy as a tool for identification of novel, nonedible oil seeds for biodiesel production.

Biodiesel is a promising, bio-based, renewable, nontoxic, environment friendly, and alternative fuel for petroleum derived fuels which helps to reduce dependency on conventional fossil fuels. In this study, six novel, nonedible seed oil producing feedstock were explored for their potential for sustainable production of biodiesel. It is very important to correctly identify oil yielding plant species. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used as reliable tool for authentic identification of oil yielding seeds. Macromorphological characters of seeds were studied with light microscopy (LM). Outcomes of LM of seeds exposed distinctive variation in seed size from 16.3 to 3.2 mm in length and 12.4 to 0.9 mm in width, shape varied from oval to triangular, and color from black to light brown. Oil content of nonedible seed ranged from 25 to 30% (w/w). Free fatty acid content of seed oil varied from 0.32 to 2.5 mg KOH/g. Moreover, ultra structural study of seeds via SEM showed variation in surface sculpturing, cell arrangement, cell shape, periclinal wall shape, margins, protuberances, and anticlinal wall shape. Surface sculpturing varied from rugged, reticulate, varrucose, papillate, and striate. Periclinal wall arrangements confirmed variation from rough, wavy, raised, depressed, smooth, and elevated whereas, anticlinal walls pattern showed variation from profuse undulating, smooth, raised, grooved, deep, curved, and depressed. It was concluded that SEM could be a latent and advanced technique in unveiling hidden micromorphological characters of nonedible oil yielding seeds which delivers valuable information to researchers and indigenous people for precise and authentic identification and recognition.

Scanning electron microscopy as a tool for authentication of biodiesel synthesis from Linum usitatissimum seed oil.

Utilization of renewable and alternative energy feedstocks such as nonedible seeds oil to deal with the increasing energy crises and related ecological concerns have gained the attention of researchers. Biodiesel is an efficient and renewable substitute for diesel engine. This work investigates the potential of inexpensive nonedible seed oil of Linum usitatissimum to synthesize biodiesel using iron sulfate green nanocatalyst through the process of transesterification. Flax seed contains about 37.5% oil content estimated through Soxhlet apparatus. Light microscopy revealed that seed size varies from 3.0 to 6.0 cm in length, 2.0 to 3.3 cm in width, and 0.7 to 1.0 mm in diameter. Color of seed varied from yellow to brown. Characterization of biodiesel is performed through GC-MS and FTIR. Scanning electron microscopy was carried out to study the morphological features of seed coat. Catalyst was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy diffraction X-ray, and X-ray diffraction. The diffraction peaks of Fe3 O4 green nanoparticles were found to be in 2θ values, 30.24°, 35.62°, 38.26°, 49.56°, 57.12°, and 62.78°. Fuel properties of biodiesel are also determined and compared with ASTM standards. Linum usitatissimum biodiesel has density 0.8722 (15°C kg/L), kinetic viscosity 5.45 (40°C cSt), flash point (90°C), pour point (-13°C), cloud point (-9°C), sulfur (0.0432% wt), and total acid number (0.245 mg KOH/g). It is concluded that L. usitatissimum seed oil is a highly potential source for biodiesel production to cope with the challenge of present energy demand.