A comparative study on the antioxidant status, meat quality, and mineral deposition in broiler chicken fed dietary nano zinc viz-a-viz inorganic zinc.

Use of nano minerals in farm animal nutrition offers considerable advantages over inorganic or organic mineral sources. But, the conventional chemical synthesis of nano minerals suffers from disadvantage of possible environmental accumulation and pollution due to the non-biodegradable materials and chemicals. This study investigated the effects of green nano-zinc (GNZ) and market nano-zinc (MNZ) with respect to the inorganic zinc (IZ) on meat quality, antioxidant status, mineral deposition, and bone development in broiler chicken. Following a 3 × 3 factorial design, nine dietary treatments were formulated by employing three levels (40, 60, and 80 ppm) and three sources (inorganic, green nano, and market nano) of zinc viz. IZ-40, GNZ-40, MNZ-40, IZ-60, GNZ-60, MNZ-60, IZ-80, GNZ-80, MNZ-80. Six replicates of broiler chicken were assigned to each treatment with eight birds in each. The birds fed 80 ppm Zinc of either GNZ or MNZ source resulted in significantly higher serum SOD, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, zinc, calcium, and phosphorus levels; increased bone dimensions, weight, total ash, phosphorus, and zinc content along with higher liver and muscle zinc concentration. The meat of chicken fed 80 ppm zinc of MNZ source followed by GNZ source has shown significantly better antioxidant (DPPH and ABTS values) status and lower lipid peroxidation (free fatty acid and TBARS values). The 80 ppm zinc of either MNZ or GNZ source resulted in significantly lower fat and cholesterol content of chicken meat compared to lower Zn levels and IZ source. This study indicated that 80 ppm dietary zinc of either MNZ or GNZ source improved the antioxidant status, and reduced the meat cholesterol, fat content, and lipid peroxidation of chicken meat along with increased bone dimensions and mineralization.

Effect of dietary supplementation of hemp (Cannabis sativa) and dill seed (Anethum graveolens) on performance, serum biochemicals and gut health of broiler chickens.

The present study was carried out to study the effect of different doses of hemp seed alone or in combination with dill seed against antibiotic growth promoter on performance, serum biochemicals and gut health of broiler chickens over a period of 42 days. Total 192 broiler chicks were grouped randomly into six treatments and fed with basal diet (BD) along with different levels of seeds, viz., T1 (BD), T2 (BD + 0.2% HS), T3 (BD + 0.2% HS + 0.3 DS), T4 (BD + 0.3% HS) and T5 (BD + 0.3% HS + 0.3 DS) and T6 (BD + 0.025% Bacitracin Methylene Disalicylate-BMD). The performance traits like feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) and carcass traits like cut-up parts, giblet and abdominal fat yield remained unaffected due to dietary treatments for overall trial period; however, the average feed intake in early phase (0-3 weeks) reduced significantly (p < 0.05) in treatment birds than both controls (T1 & T6). Serum protein concentration remained unchanged, whereas significant (p < 0.05) reduction in serum lipids like triglyceride, LDL and total cholesterol concentration was noticed due to dietary inclusion of seeds. Serum enzymes like AST and ALT concentrations depleted significantly (p < 0.05) treated groups, except at higher seed doses (T5); however, alkaline phosphatase levels were unaffected. Coliform count in caecum and jejunum reduced linearly (p < 0.01) due to seed inclusion, whereas dose-dependent proliferation of lactobacilli was evident (p < 0.01) in caecum and jejunum of treated birds. No effect was observed on the villus height and crypt depth of the jejunal mucosa. To conclude, dietary supplementation of hemp and dill seed could not affect the growth performance and carcass traits; however, it positively altered the serum lipid profile of the birds and improved gut health as well, thereby enhanced overall performance of broiler chickens.

Effect of dietary saponin rich soapnut (Sapindus mukorossi) shell powder on growth performance, immunity, serum biochemistry and gut health of broiler chickens.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary soapnut (Sapindus mukorossi) shell powder (SSP), a cheap source of saponins, on growth performance, immunity, serum biochemistry and gut health of broiler chickens. The experimental design was 4×2, employing four saponin levels (0, 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg diet), each provided for two time durations (0-42 day and 21-42 day) resulting into eight dietary treatments. Results revealed no significant effect of dietary saponins on body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio of birds. The abdominal fat percentage, heterophil to lymphocyte ratio, serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels, faecal total plate count, coliform count and E. coli count decreased (p < .05) progressively with increasing saponin levels and lower values were observed at 150 mg and 200 mg saponin levels. Significant improvement of cell-mediated and humoral immune response was observed in birds fed 150 mg and 200 mg saponin compared to control. The serum glucose concentration was significantly (p < .05) higher in control group compared to other groups. No significant effects of dietary saponin were observed on carcass characteristics, faecal Lactobacillus count, intestinal histomorphometry and cost economics of broiler chicken production. Thus, dietary saponins at 150 mg/kg diet as SSP for three weeks (21-42 days) was optimum for better immunity and welfare of birds without adverse effects on the growth performance.

Phylloplane bacteria of Jatropha curcas: diversity, metabolic characteristics, and growth-promoting attributes towards vigor of maize seedling.

The complex role of phylloplane microorganisms is less understood than that of rhizospheric microorganisms in lieu of their pivotal role in plant's sustainability. This experiment aims to study the diversity of the culturable phylloplane bacteria of Jatropha curcas and evaluate their growth-promoting activities towards maize seedling vigor. Heterotrophic bacteria were isolated from the phylloplane of J. curcas and their 16S rRNA genes were sequenced. Sequences of the 16S rRNA gene were very similar to those of species belonging to the classes Bacillales (50%), Gammaproteobacteria (21.8%), Betaproteobacteria (15.6%), and Alphaproteobacteria (12.5%). The phylloplane bacteria preferred to utilize alcohol rather than monosaccharides and polysaccharides as a carbon source. Isolates exhibited ACC (1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid) deaminase, phosphatase, potassium solubilization, and indole acetic acid (IAA) production activities. The phosphate-solubilizing capacity (mg of PO4 solubilized by 108 cells) varied from 0.04 to 0.21. The IAA production potential (µg IAA produced by 108 cells in 48 h) of the isolates varied from 0.41 to 9.29. Inoculation of the isolates to maize seed significantly increased shoot and root lengths of maize seedlings. A linear regression model of the plant-growth-promoting activities significantly correlated (p < 0.01) with the growth parameters. Similarly, a correspondence analysis categorized ACC deaminase and IAA production as the major factors contributing 41% and 13.8% variation, respectively, to the growth of maize seedlings.

Controlled decoration of the surface with macromolecules: polymerization on a self-assembled monolayer (SAM).

Polymer functionalized surfaces are important components of various sensors, solar cells and molecular electronic devices. In this context, the use of self-assembled monolayer (SAM) formation and subsequent reactions on the surface have attracted a lot of interest due to its stability, reliability and excellent control over orientation of functional groups. The chemical reactions to be employed on a SAM must ensure an effective functional group conversion while the reaction conditions must be mild enough to retain the structural integrity. This synthetic constraint has no universal solution; specific strategies such as "graft from", "graft to", "graft through" or "direct" immobilization approaches are employed depending on the nature of the substrate, polymer and its area of applications. We have reviewed current developments in the methodology of immobilization of a polymer in the first part of the article. Special emphasis has been given to the merits and demerits of certain methods. Another issue concerns the utility - demonstrated or perceived - of conjugated or non-conjugated macromolecules anchored on a functionally decorated SAM in the areas of material science and biotechnology. In the last part of the review article, we looked at the collective research efforts towards SAM-based polymer devices and identified major pointers of progress (236 references).

Synthesis and characterization of curcumin loaded polymer/lipid based nanoparticles and evaluation of their antitumor effects on MCF-7 cells.

BACKGROUND: Hybrid materials are synthesized using hydrophilic polymer and lipids which ensure their long term systemic circulation through intravenous administration and enhance loading of hydrophobic drugs. The purpose of this study is to prepare, characterize and evaluate the in vitro efficacy of curcumin loaded poly-hydroxyethyl methacrylate/stearic acid nanoparticles in MCF-7. METHODS: C-PSA-NPs, prepared using the emulsification-solvent evaporation method were characterized by dynamic laser scattering, SEM, AFM, FT-IR, X-ray diffraction, and TGA. The in vitro release behavior was observed in PBS pH7.4, the anticancer potential was analyzed by MTT assay, cell cycle and apoptosis studies were performed through flow cytometry. C-PSA-NPs drug localization and cancer cell morphological changes were analyzed in MCF-7 cell line. RESULTS: C-PSA-NPs exhibited the mean particle size in the range of 184nm with no aggregation. The surface charge of the material was around -29.3mV. Thermal studies (TGA) and surface chemistry studies (FT-IR, XRD) showed the existence of drug curcumin in C-PSA-NPs. The MTT assay indicated higher anticancer properties and flow cytometry studies revealed that there were better apoptotic activity and maximum localization of C-PSA-NPs than curcumin. CONCLUSIONS: Polymer lipid based drug delivery appeared as one of the advancements in drug delivery systems. Through the present study, a novel polymer lipid based nanocarrier delivery system loaded with curcumin was demonstrated as an effective and potential alternative method for tumor treatment in MCF-7 cell line. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: C-PSA-NPs exhibited potent anticancer activity in MCF-7 cell line and it indicates that C-PSA-NPs are a suitable carrier for curcumin.

"Cross-linked fibrous" spherulites formed from a low molecular weight compound, Fmoc-functionalized phenolic amino acid.

While biomacromolecules such as proteins are shown to form fibrous spherulites, which are generally "semicrystalline" in nature, here we show that a simple, low molecular weight compound such as fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl-functionalized phenolic amino acid (Fmoc-l-tyrosine) can form "fibrous" spherulites with highly "cross-linked" microfibrils using the supramolecular self-assembly process.

An additional fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) moiety in di-Fmoc-functionalized L-lysine induces pH-controlled ambidextrous gelation with significant advantages.

In recent years, several fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc)-functionalized amino acids and peptides have been used to construct hydrogels, which find a wide range of applications. Although several hydrogels have been prepared from mono Fmoc-functionalized amino acids, herein, we demonstrate the importance of an additional Fmoc-moiety in the hydrogelation of double Fmoc-functionalized L-lysine [Fmoc(Nα)-L-lysine(NεFmoc)-OH, (Fmoc-K(Fmoc))] as a low molecular weight gelator (LMWG). Unlike other Fmoc-functionalized amino acid gelators, Fmoc-K(Fmoc) exhibits pH-controlled ambidextrous gelation (hydrogelation at different pH values as well as organogelation), which is significant among the gelators. Distinct fibrous morphologies were observed for Fmoc-K(Fmoc) hydrogels formed at different pH values, which are different from organogels in which Fmoc-K(Fmoc) showed bundles of long fibers. In both hydrogels and organogels, the self-assembly of Fmoc-K(Fmoc) was driven by aromatic π-π stacking and hydrogen bonding interactions, as evidenced from spectroscopic analyses. Characterization of Fmoc-K(Fmoc) gels using several biophysical methods indicates that Fmoc-K(Fmoc) has several advantages and significant importance as a LMWG. The advantages of Fmoc-K(Fmoc) include pH-controlled ambidextrous gelation, pH stimulus response, high thermal stability (∼100 °C) even at low minimum hydrogelation concentration (0.1 wt%), thixotropic property, high kinetic and mechanical stability, dye removal properties, cell viability to the selected cell type, and as a drug carrier. While single Fmoc-functionalized L-lysine amino acids failed to exhibit gelation under similar experimental conditions, the pH-controlled ambidextrous gelation of Fmoc-K(Fmoc) demonstrates the benefit of a second Fmoc moiety in inducing gelation in a LMWG. We thus strongly believe that the current findings provide a lead to construct or design various new synthetic Fmoc-based LMW organic gelators for several potential applications.

Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Decorated with Polypyrrole-TiO2 Nanocomposites.

Nanomaterials decorated with polypyrrole were synthesized using two types of oxidants by chemical oxidative polymerization method. The interaction and influence of the addition of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles in polypyrrole (PPy) were studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Thermal stability has been observed by using thermogravimetric analysis. Electrochemical properties were calculated by using Cyclic Voltammetry to study comparative analysis between samples. Particle size measurements and morphology were determined by Field emission transmission electron microscopy. All the nanocomposites exhibit better thermal and electrochemical properties than native polymer. The size of the polypyrrole particles were in the range of 50 nm to 60 nm.

1,1,1,3,3,3-Hexafluoro-2-propanol and 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol solvents induce self-assembly with different surface morphology in an aromatic dipeptide.

Peptide based self-assembled structures, especially those from smaller peptides, have attracted much research interest due to their potential applications as biomaterials. These structures have been produced using different solvents (one of the methods), including alcohols, except fluorinated alcohols, which are believed to support non-aggregated structures. Herein, we have studied the ability of 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE) and 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP) solvents to induce self-assembly of an aromatic dipeptide, namely Tyr-Phe (YF). SEM images showed that HFIP and TFE can induce self-assembly with completely different morphologies, namely microribbons and microspheres, respectively, when YF is dried on a glass surface. Optical microscopic images showed that the microribbons possess birefringence under polarized light, whereas the microspheres do not, indicating that the self-assembled structures derived from HFIP solution are more highly ordered and crystalline in nature than those derived from TFE. Spectroscopic results indicated that the YF peptide adopts completely different conformations in these solvents. Time-dependent experiments suggested that the conformation of YF in HFIP is kinetically unstable and undergoes conformational change, whereas it is more stable in TFE, demonstrating that the modes of interaction of the TFE and HFIP solvents with the peptide are dissimilar. Different self-assembled structures were observed at different time intervals when YF was incubated in neat HFIP and 10% HFIP-90% TFE, establishing that the monomeric conformation plays a dominant role in deciding the final self-assembled structure (morphology) of YF. The current results demonstrate that TFE and HFIP solvents can produce self-assembled structures with different morphologies during solvent evaporation, despite their similar properties, such as secondary structural (α-helix) induction and preserving the peptide in its monomeric conformation in solution.

The influence of applied silica nanoparticles on a bio-renewable castor oil based polyurethane nanocomposite and its physicochemical properties.

Novel bio-renewable castor oil based polyurethane (PU)-silica nanocomposite films were prepared using castor oil, 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate and dibutyltin dilaurate in tetrahydrofuran at room temperature. ATR-FTIR spectra confirm the formation of polyurethane and the presence of silica nanoparticles in the polyurethane matrix. The increase of Si nanoparticle content shifts the peak position of N-H and C[double bond, length as m-dash]O (both hydrogen and non-hydrogen bonded) groups present in the polyurethane structure. Furthermore, Raman spectra confirmed the urethane-amide interaction present in the polyurethane-silica nanocomposites. (29)Si CP/MAS NMR spectra evidence the formation and the presence of completely condensed SiO2 species in the polyurethane nanocomposite films. The incorporation of silica nanoparticles increases the thermal stability of the above-mentioned polyurethane films, which can be seen from the increase in activation energy (Ea) values of the degradation process. The Ea values at two stages (Tmax1 and Tmax2) of the degradation process are 133, 139 and 157, 166 kJ mol(-1) for PU control and PU-5AMS (5 wt% amine modified silica nanoparticles), respectively. DSC results prove the interfacial interaction present between silica nanoparticles and the polyurethane hard segment, which decreases the melting temperature. Optical transmittance of the polyurethane films decreased with increasing silica content due to the scattering at the interfaces between the silica nanoparticles and polyurethane. It is interesting to note that the presence of silica nanoparticles gives reinforcement to polyurethane film, thereby increasing the storage modulus up to 24% for PU-5AMS. FE-SEM and HR-TEM images confirm the presence of silica nanoparticles in the polyurethane matrix.

(13)C NMR investigations and the molecular order of 4-(trans-4'-hexylcyclohexyl)-isothiocyanatobenzene (6CHBT).

The static 1D (13)C and 2D Proton Encoded Local Field (PELF) NMR experiments are carried out in the nematic phase of a less viscous liquid crystal 4-(trans-4'-hexylcyclohexyl)-isothiocyanatobenzene (6CHBT) with a view to find orientational order. The PELF spectra provide better resolution which facilitates the assignment of cyclohexyl and phenyl ring carbons relatively easy. For the cyclohexyl unit, four pairs of dipolar splitting are clearly noticed in contrast to earlier reports on structurally similar mesogens where only two pairs of doublets are seen. The linear relationship between anisotropic chemical shifts and orientational order is established and semi-empirical parameters are obtained to aid the study of the order behaviour of 6CHBT over the entire nematic range. The data further fitted to the Haller equation and a reasonably good agreement is observed. The temperature dependence trends of orientational order parameters extracted for various carbons using (13)C-(1)H dipolar couplings with those of (13)C chemical shifts are compared. A gradual decrease in the order parameter is noticed for different molecular segments while traversing from the core to the aliphatic chain via the cyclohexyl ring. The notable decreasing trends of order parameters along the chain are observed similar to those of the corresponding phenyl cyclohexanes reported earlier.

Fabrication of collagen scaffolds impregnated with sago starch capped silver nanoparticles suitable for biomedical applications and their physicochemical studies.

The present investigation attempts at fabricating collagen-based scaffolds impregnated with sago starch capped silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), useful for biomedical applications, and aims at studying their physicochemical aspects. AgNPs synthesized through a chemical reduction method, capped using different concentrations of sago starch, are incorporated into collagen derived from fish scales, and lyophilized to form scaffolds. FT-IR spectra confirm and validate the interaction of sago starch capped AgNPs with collagen in the scaffolds. TGA and DSC results indicate enhanced thermal stability of collagen scaffolds impregnated with sago capped AgNPs compared to collagen alone. All the collagen scaffolds containing sago starch capped AgNPs show high tensile strength values for their use as wound dressing materials. Moreover, lower minimum inhibitory concentration values are obtained for the above capped AgNP collagen scaffolds, which indicate higher antibacterial activities compared to uncapped AgNPs tested against both gram positive and negative bacterial strains. The novelty is that the developed scaffolds are biodegradable and in vitro studies reveal them as biocompatible and suitable for tissue regeneration applications.

A highly selective and efficient single molecular FRET based sensor for ratiometric detection of Fe3+ ions.

A highly selective and efficient single molecular FRET based sensor has been developed for the ratiometric detection of Fe(3+) in aqueous samples and live cells.

Solvent-assisted selective detection of sub-micromolar levels of Cu2+ ions in aqueous samples and live-cells.

Two new rhodamine­indole conjugates 1 and 2 were synthesized for studying their ability to probe specific metal ions at physiological pH in the presence of other competing metal ions. In non-aqueous medium, probe 1 predominantly binds Cu(2+) ions with considerable interference from Fe(3+) and Ni(2+) ions. However, in aqueous medium, 1 exhibits a higher degree of selectivity for Cu(2+) ions with little interference from Fe(3+) ions, and no interference from Ni(2+) ions. The probe 2, obtained by tethering a triazole moiety with probe 1, selectively binds Cu(2+) ions in aqueous medium even in the presence of other metal ions including Fe(3+) ions. The sensitivity of probe 2 to pH variation and interaction with various amino acids were also investigated. The excellent stability of 2 in physiological pH conditions, non-toxicity, non-interference of amino acids in the detection process, and the remarkable selectivity for Cu(2+) ions in aqueous medium allowed the use of 2 in the imaging of live fibroblast cells treated with Cu(2+).

Influence of water-insoluble nonionic copolymer E(6)P(39)E(6) on the microstructure and self-aggregation dynamics of aqueous SDS solution-NMR and SANS investigations.

The influence of water-insoluble nonionic triblock copolymer PEO-PPO-PEO [poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide)] i.e., E6P39E6 with molecular weight 2800, on the microstructure and self-aggregation dynamics of anionic surfactant sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) in aqueous solution (D2O) were investigated using high resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurements. Variable concentration and temperature proton ((1)H), carbon ((13)C) NMR chemical shifts, (1)H self-diffusion coefficients, (1)H spin-lattice and spin-spin relaxation rates data indicate that the higher hydrophobic nature of copolymer significantly influenced aggregation characteristics of SDS. The salient features of the NMR investigations include (i) the onset of mixed micelles at lower SDS concentrations (<3 mM) relative to the copolymer-free case and their evolution into SDS free micelles at higher SDS concentrations (~30 mM), (ii) disintegration of copolymer-SDS mixed aggregate at moderate SDS concentrations (~10 mM) and still binding of a copolymer with SDS and (iii) preferential localization of the copolymer occurred at the SDS micelle surface. SANS investigations indicate prolate ellipsoidal shaped mixed aggregates with an increase in SDS aggregation number, while a contrasting behavior in the copolymer aggregation is observed. The aggregation features of SDS and the copolymer, the sizes of mixed aggregates and the degree of counterion dissociation (α) extracted from SANS data analysis corroborate reasonably well with those of (1)H NMR self-diffusion and sodium ((23)Na) spin-lattice relaxation data.

Bioenergetics for the growth of Staphylococcus lentus in biocompatible choline salts.

Choline-based biocompatible salts were used as "nutrients" for the growth of Staphylococcus lentus bacteria. Increase in the growth rate of bacteria was observed, compared to conventional carbon sources. In the case of the ionic liquid, choline lactate, the increase was pronounced. Bacterial growth was correlated with power-time curve in an investigation monitored online by reaction calorimetry. From the power-time curve, three phases of the growth can be distinctly seen. Heat yield coefficients estimated for the growth of S. lentus were found to match well with those reported hitherto. A comparative study of heat yields (catabolic) between glucose and choline lactate revealed significant information; the heat yield due to choline lactate (Y (Q/S)) consumption and oxygen (Y (Q/O)) were 23.4 kJ/g and 435 kJ/mol and whereas that for glucose with oxygen were 9.6 kJ/g and 427 kJ/mol, respectively, showing clearly the preferential affinity of choline lactate by the bacteria rather than glucose. This study also established that the use of ionic liquids as nutrients can be monitored using bioreaction calorimetry.

Evaluation of an ethnomedicinal combination containing Semecarpus kurzii and Hernandia peltata used for the management of inflammation.

CONTEXT: Scientific validation of an ethnomedicinal combination consisting of Semecarpus kurzii Engler (Anacardeaceae) leaves (SKL) and Hernandia peltata Meisn (Hernandeaceae) stem-bark (HPB), traditionally used in ailments related to inflammation, pain and fever. OBJECTIVE: To validate in vivo and in vitro analgesic and antiinflammatory activities of methanol extract of SKL, HPB and their combination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Analgesic activity was tested by acetic acid induced writhing reflex and tail flick in Swiss albino mice, while the anti-inflammatory activity was studied in acute, subacute and chronic model on Wistar rats. The vascular permeability, membrane stabilization and protein denaturation were examined to know the possible mode of action. RESULTS: Significant (p < 0.01) analgesic (78.04% inhibition of writhing) and antiinflammatory (72.54% inhibition of paw edema) activity was observed in combination of SKL and HPB extracts at 250 mg/kg each. The SKL extract alone inhibits acetic acid-induced vascular permeability (64.4%) at 500 mg/kg, while in combination at 250 mg/kg each, the inhibition was 69.49% (p < 0.01). Furthermore, SKL in combination with HPB (0.25 mg/mL each) prevent RBC hemolysis (61.91%) and inhibition of protein denaturation (76.52%)-like indomethacin. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The SKL and HPB extract, alone (500 mg/kg) and in combination, (250 mg/kg each) had significant analgesic and antiinflammatory activity, probably by inhibiting the release of certain inflammatory mediators and membrane stabilization, due to the presence of triterpenes, tannins and related phytochemicals in the extracts. Thus, our results demonstrated that this combination provide the scientific rationale of its folk use.

Choline-based ionic liquids-enhanced biodegradation of azo dyes.

Industrial wastewaters such as tannery and textile processing effluents are often characterized by a high content of dissolved organic dyes, resulting in large values of chemical and biological oxygen demand (COD and BOD) in the aquatic systems into which they are discharged. Such wastewater streams are of rapidly growing concern as a major environmental issue in developing countries. Hence there is a need to mitigate this challenge by effective approaches to degrade dye-contaminated wastewater. In this study, several choline-based salts originally developed for use as biocompatible hydrated ionic liquids (i.e., choline sacchrinate (CS), choline dihydrogen phosphate (CDP), choline lactate (CL), and choline tartarate (CT)) have been successfully employed as the cosubstrate with S. lentus in the biodegradation of an azo dye in aqueous solution. We also demonstrate that the azo dye has been degraded to less toxic components coupled with low biomass formation.

Energetics of growth of Aspergillus tamarii in a biological real-time reaction calorimeter.

Fungal cultivation in a biological real-time reaction calorimeter (BioRTCal) is arduous due to the heterogeneous nature of the system and difficulty in optimizing the process variables. The aim of this investigation is to monitor the growth of fungi Aspergillus tamarii MTCC 5152 in a calorimeter. Experiments carried out with a spore concentration of 10(5) spores/mL indicate that the growth based on biomass and heat generation profiles was comparable to those obtained hitherto. Heat yield due to biomass growth, substrate uptake, and oxygen uptake rate was estimated from calorimetric experiments. The results would be useful in fermenter design and scale-up. Heat of combustion of fungal biomass was determined experimentally and compared to the four models reported so far. The substrate concentration had significant effects on pellet formation with variation in pellet porosity and apparent density. Metabolic heat generation is an online process variable portraying the instantaneous activity of monitoring fungal growth and BioRTCal is employed to measure the exothermic heat in a noninvasive way.