Improved production of biogas via microbial digestion of pressmud using CuO/Cu2O based nanocatalyst prepared from pressmud and sugarcane bagasse waste.

Biogas production through anaerobic digestions of organic wastes using microbes is a potential alternative to maintain the long term sustainability of the environment and also to full-fill the energy demands and waste management issues. In this context, pressmud can be a vital substrate which is generated from sugarcane industries and found to be broadly available. In this work, biogas improvement has been investigated in presence of CuO/Cu2O based nanocatalyst wherein pressmud is employed as a substrate in anaerobic digestion. Herein, CuO/Cu2O based nanocatalyst has been prepared using the aqueous extract prepared from the combination of PM and SCB which is employed as a reducing agent. The physicochemical properties of CuO/Cu2O nanocatalyst have been probed through different techniques and it is noticed that using 1.0 % CuO/Cu2O based nanocatalyst employed in AD process, cumulative biogas 224.7 mL CH4 /g VS could be recorded after 42 days.

Differential Susceptibility of Catheter Biomaterials to Biofilm-Associated Infections and Their Remedy by Drug-Encapsulated Eudragit RL100 Nanoparticles.

Biofilms are the cause of major bacteriological infections in patients. The complex architecture of Escherichia coli (E. coli) biofilm attached to the surface of catheters has been studied and found to depend on the biomaterial's surface properties. The SEM micrographs and water contact angle analysis have revealed that the nature of the surface affects the growth and extent of E. coli biofilm formation. In vitro studies have revealed that the Gram-negative E. coli adherence to implanted biomaterials takes place in accordance with hydrophobicity, i.e., latex > silicone > polyurethane > stainless steel. Permanent removal of E. coli biofilm requires 50 to 200 times more gentamicin sulfate (G-S) than the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) to remove 90% of E. coli biofilm (MBIC90). Here, in vitro eradication of biofilm-associated infection on biomaterials has been done by Eudragit RL100 encapsulated gentamicin sulfate (E-G-S) nanoparticle of range 140 nm. It is 10-20 times more effective against E. coli biofilm-associated infections eradication than normal unentrapped G-S. Thus, Eudragit RL100 mediated drug delivery system provides a promising way to reduce the cost of treatment with a higher drug therapeutic index.