ABSTRACT
Aim: The present study was carried out to enhance the production of α-amylase by pelleted Aspergillus tamarii through optimization of various media compositions and cultivation conditions using shake flask and bioreactor experiments. Methodology: Shake flask experiments were conducted to study the effect of pH, temperature and starch concentration using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and other parameters, namely, nitrogen source, inoculum size and incubation days using single variable optimization technique for the pelleted growth of microorganism and amylase production. Scale up study was carried out for the assessment of results obtained from shake flask experiments using a laboratory scale bioreactor. In the bioreactor study, parameters, namely, pH control, agitation and aeration were considered. Results: Maximum amylase production using pelleted Aspergillus tamarii was achieved at initial pH 6.7, temperature 30.5 °C, 0.5% w/v starch, 0.1% w/v urea, 1.5% v/v inoculum size and 4 days of fermentation in the shake flask experiments. Filamentous growth was observed when the concentration of starch used was above 2%. The specific enzyme activity increased to 2.77 fold after partial purification. When enzyme was used for desizing cotton fabric, it produced 90% efficiency. The scale-up experiments revealed initial pH 6.7, agitation 300 rpm and aeration 1 vvm as the conditions suitable for pelleted growth, as well as to achieve maximum amylase production. Interpretation: The results indicate pelleted growth of Aspergillus tamarii and in turn achievement of maximum amylase activity depends on media composition and fermentation conditions used at the time of enzyme production. Efficient desizing of cotton fabric by amylase showed its effectiveness towards hydrolysis of starch and converting it to soluble products for easy removal.
ABSTRACT
Background: The incidence of fatty liver in India is estimated to be around 9-32% with higher incidence in diabetics, obese and dyslipidemic patients. The incidence is increasing with the noninvasive investigation of ultra-sound abdomen and greater awareness of patients opting for Master Health Checkups. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to analyze the causative factor of fatty liver and their relative incidence in the patients who reported to out-patient clinic with Master Health Checkup details. Materials and Methods: The analysis was performed as an out-patient procedure by scrutinizing the master health checkup results. Interview technique was used to collect information on a predesigned protocol. The patients with ultrasound abdomen report revealing fatty liver were all taken up for the study which included both male and female patients. Results: The main cause for alcoholic fatty liver was consumption of alcohol. There was a positive history of alcohol intake in 43 patients out of 122 patients studied (35%). The remaining percentage comes under Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and the various causes include obesity (91%) Dydlipidemia (96%), Diabetes Mellitus (47.5%). Hypothyroidism was present in 3 patients and 5 patients had no other specific risk factors probably belonging to idiopathic group. Conclusions: Males constitute 71% and females 29%, out of 122 patients studied with fatty liver. The causes are alcohol (35%), obesity (91%), dyslipidaemia (96%), diabetes mellitus (47.5%) were found in this study.