Cleaner Biofuel Production via Process Parametric Optimization of Nonedible Feedstock in a Membrane Reactor Using a Titania-Based Heterogeneous Nanocatalyst: An Aid to Sustainable Energy Development.

Membrane technology has been embraced as a feasible and suitable substitute for conventional time- and energy-intensive biodiesel synthesis processes. It is ecofriendly, easier to run and regulate, and requires less energy than conventional approaches, with excellent stability. Therefore, the present study involved the synthesis and application of a highly reactive and recyclable Titania-based heterogeneous nanocatalyst (TiO2) for biodiesel production from nonedible Azadhiracta indica seed oil via a membrane reactor, since Azadhiracta indica is easily and widely accessible and has a rich oil content (39% w/w). The high free fatty acids content (6.52 mg/g KOH) of the nonedible oil was decreased to less than 1% via two-step esterification. Following the esterification, transesterification was performed using a heterogeneous TiO2 nanocatalyst under optimum conditions, such as a 9:1 methanol-oil molar ratio, 90 °C reaction temperature, 2 wt.% catalyst loading, and an agitation rate of 600 rpm, and the biodiesel yield was optimized through response surface methodology (RSM). Azadhiracta indica seed oil contains 68.98% unsaturated (61.01% oleic acid, 8.97% linoleic acid) and 31.02% saturated fatty acids (15.91% palmitic acid, 15.11% stearic acid). These fatty acids transformed into respective methyl esters, with a total yield up to 95% achieved. The biodiesel was analyzed via advanced characterization techniques like gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), whereas the catalyst was characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Due to its physicochemical properties, Azadirachta indica seed oil is a highly recommended feedstock for biodiesel production. Moreover, it is concluded that the Titania-based heterogeneous nanocatalyst (TiO2) is effective for high-quality liquid fuel synthesis from nonedible Azadirachta indica seed oil in a membrane reactor, which could be an optional green route to cleaner production of bioenergy, eventually leading to sustenance, robustness, and resilience that will aid in developing a holistic framework for integrated waste management.

Trying to Understand the Complicated Taxonomy in Amaranthus (Amaranthaceae): Insights on Seeds Micromorphology.

Amaranthus is a genus taxonomically complex because of its high morphological variability, which led to nomenclatural disorders, misapplication of names, and misidentifications. Floristic and taxonomic studies on this genus are still incomplete, and many questions remain open. Seed micromorphology has been shown to play an important role in the taxonomy of plants. Regarding Amaranthaceae and Amaranthus, investigations are rare, and they refer to one or a few species. With the primary aim to test if seed features are helpful in the taxonomy of Amaranthus, we here present a detailed SEM study on seed micromorphology in 25 Amaranthus taxa using morphometric methods. Seeds were collected from field surveys and herbarium specimens; 14 seed coat features (7 qualitative and 7 quantitative) were measured on 111 samples (up to 5 seeds per sample). The results obtained revealed that seeds micromorphology provides interesting new taxonomic data concerning some taxa (species and below ranks). In fact, we were able to distinguish a few seed types, including one or more taxa, i.e., blitum-type, crassipes-type, deflexus-type, tuberculatus-type, and viridis-type. On the other hand, seed features are not useful for other species, for example, those included in the deflexus-type (A. deflexus, A. vulgatissimus, A. cacciatoi, A. spinosus, A. dubius, and A. stadleyanus). A diagnostic key of the studied taxa is proposed. Subgenera cannot be distinguished using seed features, thus confirming the published molecular data. All these facts reveal, once again, the taxonomic complexity of the genus Amaranthus since, e.g., just a few seed types can be defined.

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.

Porous Ag3VO4/KIT-6 composite: Synthesis, characterization and enhanced photocatalytic performance for degradation of Congo Red.

Novel Ag3VO4/KIT-6 nanocomposite photocatalyst has been successfully fabricated by a newly-designed simple hard-template induction process, in which the particles of Ag3VO4 were grown on the KIT-6 surface and inside the porous framework of the silica matrix. The developed porous framework nanocomposite was characterized by several techniques including N2-Physiosorption analysis. The obtained nanocomposite revealed a high surface area (273.86 m2/g) along with the possession of monoclinic Ag3VO4, which is highly responsive to visible light (with distinct intensity at about 700 nm). The UV-Vis DRS reveals that the Ag3VO4/KIT-6 photocatalyst bears a bandgap of 2.29 eV which confirms that the material has a good visible light response. The synthesized nanocomposite was tested for its superior physicochemical properties by evaluating its degradation efficiency for Congo Red (CR). The novel composite exhibited superior degradation capability of CR, reaching up to 96.49%, which was around three times the pure Ag3VO4. The detailed kinetic study revealed that the as-prepared material followed a pseudo first order kinetic model for the CR degradation. The study includes a comprehensive parametric study for the formulation of the optimized reaction conditions for photocatalytic reactions. The commercial applicability of the composite material was investigated by a regeneration and recyclability test, which revealed extraordinary results. Furthermore, the possible degradation pathway for CR was also proposed.

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.

Effective adsorption of cadmium and lead using SO3H-functionalized Zr-MOFs in aqueous medium.

Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb) from industrial wastewater can bioaccumulate in the living organisms of water bodies, posing serious threats to human health. Therefore, efficient remediation of heavy metal ions of Cd (II) and Pb (II) in aqueous media is necessary for public health and environmental sustainability. In the present study, water stable Zirconium (Zr) based metal organic frameworks (MOFs) with SO3H functionalization were synthesized by solvothermal method and used first time for the adsorption of Cd (II) and Pb (II). Synthesis of UiO-66-SO3H, nano-sized (<100 nm) MOFs, was confirmed by FTIR, XRD, FESEM and BET. Effects of contact time, pH and temperature were investigated for adsorption of Cd (II) and Pb (II) onto SO3H-functionalized Zr-MOFs. The UiO-66-SO3H displayed notable rejections of 97% and 88% towards Cd (II) and Pb (II), respectively, after 160 min at 25 °C and pH (6) with an initial concentration of 1000 mg/L. Adsorption capacities of Cd (II) and Pb (II) were achieved as 194.9154 (mg/g) and 176.6879 (mg/g), respectively, at an initial concentration of 1000 mg/L. The Pseudo second-order kinetic model fitted well with linear regression (R2) of value 1. The mechanism was confirmed mainly as a chemisorption and coordination interaction between sulfone group (-SO3H) and metal ions Cd (IIa) and Pb (II). These results may support effective adsorption and can be studied further to enrich and recycle other heavy metals from wastewater.

Facile Synthesis of a Novel Ni-WO3@g-C3N4 Nanocomposite for Efficient Oxidative Desulfurization of Both Model and Real Fuel.

The current study comprises the successful synthesis of a Ni-WO3@g-C3N4 composite as an efficient and recoverable nanocatalyst for oxidative desulfurization of both model and real fuel oils. The physiochemical characterization of the synthesized composite was confirmed via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. SEM results showed that Ni-WO3 particles were well-decorated on the g-C3N4 surface with an interesting morphology as appeared on the surface like spherical particles. The obtained findings revealed that 97% dibenzothiophene (DBT) removal can be achieved under optimized conditions (0.1 g of the catalyst, 1 mL of an oxidant, 100 mg/L DBT-based model fuel, a time duration of 180 min, and a temperature of 40 °C). Additionally, the catalytic activity for real fuel was also investigated in which 89.5 and 91.2% removal efficiencies were achieved for diesel and kerosene, respectively, as well as fuel properties following ASTM specifications. A pseudo first-order kinetic model was followed well for this reaction system, and the negative value of ΔG was due to the spontaneous process. Additionally, the desulfurization study was optimized via a response surface methodology (RSM/Box-Behnken design) for predicting optimum removal of sulfur species by drawing three-dimensional RSM surface plots. The Ni-WO3@g-C3N4 proved to be a promising catalyst for desulfurization of fuel oil by exhibiting reusability of five times with no momentous decrease in efficiency.

Membrane based reactors for sustainable treatment of Coronopus didymus L. by developing Iodine doped potassium oxide Catalyst under Dynamic conditions.

Green nano-technology together with the availability of eco-friendly and alternative sources are the promising candidates to combat environment deteriorations and energy clutches globally. The current work focuses on the synthesis and application of newly synthesized nano catalyst of Iodine doped Potassium oxide I (K2O) for producing sustainable biodiesel from novel non-edible seed oils of Coronopus didymus L. using membrane based contactor to avoid emulsification and phase separation issues. Highest biodiesel yield (97.03%) was obtained under optimum conditions of 12:1 methanol to oil ratio, reaction temperature of 65 °C for 150 min with the 1.0 wt% catalyst concentration. The lately synthesized, environment friendly and recyclable Iodine doped Potassium oxide K (IO)2 catalyst was synthesized via chemical method followed by characterization via advanced techniques including EDX, XRD, FTIR and SEM analysis. The catalyst was proved to be stable and efficient with the reusability of five times in transesterification reaction. These analysis have reported the sustainability, stability and good quality of biodiesel from seed oil of Coronopus didymus L. using efficient Iodine doped potassium oxide catalyst. Thus, non-edible, environment friendly and novel Coronopus didymus L. seeds and their extracted oil along with Iodine doped potassium oxide catalyst seems to be highly affective, sustainable and better alternative source to the future biodiesel industry. Also, by altering the reaction equilibrium and lowering the purification phases of the process, these studies show the potential of coupling transesterification and a membrane contactor.

Development of reduced graphene oxide-supported novel hybrid nanomaterials (Bi2WO6@rGO and Cu-WO4@rGO) for green and efficient oxidative desulfurization of model fuel oil for environmental depollution.

For the first time, two new kinds of inorganic-organic hybrid nanomaterials (Bi2WO6@rGO and Cu-WO4@rGO) were fabricated by simple hydrothermal treatment and employed for green and efficient oxidative desulfurization of real fuel. The characterization of newly synthesized nanocomposites was performed by SEM, EDX, P-XRD, FT-IR and TGA. SEM and XRD analyses revealed well decoration of dopants (Cu-WO4 and Bi-WO3) on the surface of rGO with a crystallite size of <50 nm. The catalytic activity of both nanocatalysts was examined for model (dibenzothiophene) and real fuel (kerosene and diesel) by oxidative desulfurization route. Experimental findings revealed a high efficiency of over 90% under optimal reaction conditions of 0.1 g catalyst, 1 mL of oxidant, and 100 mg/L after 120 min at 30 °C. The major factors affecting desulfurization efficiency (time, temperature, catalyst amount, dibenzothiophene (DBT) concentration and amount of oxidant) and kinetic studies were described. The DBT removal via oxidative desulfurization followed pseudo first-order kinetics with an activation energy of 14.57 and 16.91 kJ/mol for Cu-WO4@rGO and Bi2WO6@rGO, respectively. The prepared catalysts showed promising reusability for the ODS process up to 5 times with no significant decrease in efficiency. In conclusion, the findings confirm the robustness of newly prepared nanocomposite for efficient production of sulfur-free oil.

Phyllosilicate derived catalysts for efficient conversion of lignocellulosic derived biomass to biodiesel: A review.

The efforts have been made to review phyllosilicate derived (clay-based) heterogeneous catalysts for biodiesel production via lignocellulose derived feedstocks. These catalysts have many practical and potential applications in green catalysis. Phyllosilicate derived heterogeneous catalysts (modified via any of these approaches like acid activated clays, ion exchanged clays and layered double hydroxides) exhibits excellent catalytic activity for producing cost effective and high yield biodiesel. The combination of different protocols (intercalated catalysts, ion exchanged catalysts, acidic activated clay catalysts, clay-supported catalysts, composites and hybrids, pillared interlayer clay catalysts, and hierarchically structured catalysts) was implemented so as to achieve the synergetic effects (acidic-basic) in resultant material (catalyst) for efficient conversion of lignocellulose derived feedstock (non-edible oils) to biodiesel. Utilisation of these Phyllosilicate derived catalysts will pave path for future researchers to investigate the cost-effective, accessible and improved approaches in synthesising novel catalysts that could be used for converting lignocellulosic biomass to eco-friendly biodiesel.

A practical approach for synthesis of biodiesel via non-edible seeds oils using trimetallic based montmorillonite nano-catalyst.

The potential of new trimetallic (Ce, Cu, La) loaded montmorillonite clay catalyst for synthesizing biodiesel using novel non-edible Celastrus paniculatus Willd seed oil via two-step transesterification reaction has been reported along with catalyst characterization. Transesterification reaction was optimized and maximum biodiesel yield of 89.42% achieved under optimal operating reaction states like; 1:12 oil to methanol ratio, 3.5% of catalyst amount, 120 °C of reaction temperature for 3 h. The predicted and experimental biodiesel yields under these reaction conditions were 89.42 and 89.40%, which showing less than 0.05% variation. Additionally, optimum biodiesel yield can be predicted by drawing 3D surface plots and 2D contour plots using MINITAB 17 software. For the characterization of the obtained biodiesel, analysis including the GC/MS, FT-IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR were applied. The fuel properties of obtained biodiesel agrees well with the different European Union (EU-14214), China (GB/T 20828), and American (ASTM-951, 6751) standards.

Taxonomic significance of cypsela morphology in tribe Cichoreae (Asteraceae) using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.

The current study deals with the detailed morphology investigation of eight Cypsela species belonging to tribe Cichoreae. The different Cypsela types were described, explained, compared, and their taxonomic significance is discussed in detail. Light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have been used to highlight quantitative and qualitative characters of underestudied species. Cypsela exhibit great diversity in macro and micromorphological features such as shape, color, length, width, anticlinal and periclinal wall patterns, surface patterns, epicuticular projections. Majority of Cypsela species were brownish in color and their size ranges from 2.16 to 3.98 mm in length and 1.16 to 0.82 mm in breadth. A great diversity in Cypsela shapes like oblanceolate to obovate, obovoid to cylindrical, obvate, narrowly lanceolate were observed. Most of the platelets having epicuticular projections were observed. The surface pattern on the cypsela surface varied from rugose papillate, verrucose papillate, and striated. On the basis of considerable variations observed, the present study can assist as useful constraints at various taxonomic levels. The aim of the present study is to provide a comprehensive description of the Cypsela morphology and to determine the extent to which these micro morphological data can be used as a taxonomic character to delineate various taxa belonging to the tribe Cichoreae.

Scanning electron microscopy leads to identification of novel nonedible oil seeds as energy crops.

Currently, exploration of alternative energy resources is hotly debated among the scientific community owing to rising energy crises and environmental issues. Biodiesel, as renewable energy source proves to be a better option and substitute to petro diesel. In this regard, nonedible seeds could be a better feedstock for synthesizing biodiesel due to their cost effectiveness and environmental friendly attributes. The present study, therefore, deals with the exploration and identification of micromorphologic features among eight novel nonedible oil yielding seeds via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as potential feedstock for biodiesel industry. Light microscopic studies revealed that seeds size vary from 0.1-2.9 cm in length to 0.1-3 cm in width. Moreover, a great variation in seed color from black, green, and different shades of brown was also observed. Seeds ultra-structure examination by SEM exhibit great variation in seed shape, size, color, sculpturing and periclinal wall shape and arrangement and so on. All the understudy seeds vary from rounded, irregular, subspherical, ellipsoidal, reniform, flattened, polygonal, ovate, pyriform, oblong, and globose shape. Seeds wall structure exhibits great variation from entire, angular, straight, irregular, polygonal, smooth, and elongated. The periclinal wall pattern exhibits variation from flat to slightly concave-convex with straight, angular, undulate, or dentate seeds margin. Among the studied species only Argemone ochroleuca Linn. (Papaveraceae) possess micropylar peak, ridged raphe, and basal helium. The obtained results from the present study would therefore, suggest that SEM could be a useful tool in refreshing the veiled micromorphological features among different oil yielding seeds which in turn helps the researchers for their correct identification, exploration, authentication, and seeds classification in future.

Interaction of TWEAK with Fn14 leads to the progression of fibrotic liver disease by directly modulating hepatic stellate cell proliferation.

Tumour necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) and its receptor fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14) have been associated with liver regeneration in vivo. To further investigate the role of this pathway we examined their expression in human fibrotic liver disease and the effect of pathway deficiency in a murine model of liver fibrosis. The expression of Fn14 and TWEAK in normal and diseased human and mouse liver tissue and primary human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were investigated by qPCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry. In addition, the levels of Fn14 in HSCs following pro-fibrogenic and pro-inflammatory stimuli were assessed and the effects of exogenous TWEAK on HSCs proliferation and activation were studied in vitro. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 ) was used to induce acute and chronic liver injury in TWEAK KO mice. Elevated expression of both Fn14 and TWEAK were detected in acute and chronic human liver injury, and co-localized with markers of activated HSCs. Fn14 levels were low in quiescent HSCs but were significantly induced in activated HSCs, which could be further enhanced with the profibrogenic cytokine TGFß in vitro. Stimulation with recombinant TWEAK induced proliferation but not further HSCs activation. Fn14 gene expression was also significantly up-regulated in CCl4 models of hepatic injury whereas TWEAK KO mice showed reduced levels of liver fibrosis following chronic CCl4 injury. In conclusion, TWEAK/Fn14 interaction leads to the progression of fibrotic liver disease via direct modulation of HSCs proliferation, making it a potential therapeutic target for liver fibrosis.

Apoptosis suppression by candidate oncogene PLAC8 is reversed in other cell types.

Targets for cancer therapy are conventionally selected by identification of molecules acting downstream of established tumour suppressors and oncoproteins, such as p53, c-Myc and Ras. However, the forward genetics approach provides an alternative, conceptually distinct, strategy for identifying target molecules de novo. This approach, which uses unbiased selection protocols relying directly on the effects of the genes themselves on cell fate, has the potential to identify novel cancer targets which have not been highlighted by conventional approaches. PLAC8, a small cysteine-rich protein with little homology to other proteins, has been identified by both these strategies. Here we confirm that PLAC8 overexpression protects some cancer cell lines from apoptosis, but we also demonstrate for the first time that, in other cell lines, the effect of PLAC8 overexpression is reversed, and, in this context, PLAC8 induces apoptosis. In both cases siRNA-mediated down-regulation of PLAC8 confirms that the activity of endogenously expressed PLAC8 is consistent with that shown by exogenous PLAC8. The striking reversal of the effects of PLAC8 in different cell types is not readily explained by the level of PLAC8 expressed within the cells, by the differential expression of PLAC8 splice variants observed, or by the p53 status of the host cells. This intriguing contrast in the effects of PLAC8 on cell fate in different cellular contexts presents attractive possibilities for the development of novel therapies for cancers, such as pancreatic cancers, where PLAC8 has been shown to be overexpressed.