Isolation, characterization and response surface method optimization of cellulose from hybridized agricultural wastes.

This study explores the utilization of eight readily available agricultural waste varieties in Nigeria-sugarcane bagasse, corn husk, corn cob, wheat husk, melina, acacia, mahogany, and ironwood sawdust-as potential sources of cellulose. Gravimetric analysis was employed to assess the cellulose content of these wastes, following which two selected wastes were combined based on their cellulose content and abundance to serve as the raw material for the extraction process. Response Surface Methodology, including Box-Behnken design, was applied to enhance control over variables, establish an optimal starting point, and determine the most favorable reaction conditions. The cellulose extracted under various conditions was comprehensively examined for content, structure, extent of crystallinity, and morphological properties. Characterization techniques such as X-ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy were employed for detailed analysis. Compositional analysis revealed sugarcane bagasse and corn cob to possess the highest cellulose content, at 41 ± 0.41% and 40 ± 0.32% respectively, with FTIR analysis confirming relatively low C=C bond intensity in these samples. RSM optimization indicated a potential 46% isolated yield from a hybrid composition of sugarcane bagasse and corn cob at NaOH concentration of 2%, temperature of 45 °C, and 10 ml of 38% H2O2. However, FTIR analyses revealed the persistence of non-cellulosic materials in this sample. Further analysis demonstrated that cellulose isolated at NaOH concentration of 10%, temperature of 70 °C, and 20 ml of 38% H2O2 was of high purity, with a yield of 42%. Numerical optimization within this extraction condition range predicted a yield of 45.6% at NaOH concentration of 5%, temperature of 45 °C, and 20 ml of 38% H2O2. Model validation confirmed an actual yield of 43.9% at this condition, aligning closely with the predicted value. These findings underscore the significant potential of combinning and utilizing agricultural wastes as a valuable source of cellulose, paving the way for sustainable and resource-efficient practices in various industrial applications.

Mannooligosaccharide production from açaí seeds by enzymatic hydrolysis: optimization through response surface methodology.

Recognized for its bioactive compounds, açaí has become a functional food, but it has a low pulp yield, and the seeds are the main waste. This study investigates the potential of açaí seeds (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) to produce mannooligosaccharides (MOS) through enzymatic hydrolysis. Using response surface methodology (RSM), the research optimizes MOS extraction while minimizing mannose production and reducing processing time, achieving MOS production of about 10 g/L, a value within the range of similar investigations. The RSM quadratic models establish correlations between MOS production (M2-M5) and enzymatic hydrolysis conditions, with R2 values ranging from 0.6136 to 0.9031. These models are used to emphasize MOS performance (M2-M5) while reducing mannose production, which also promotes profitability by reducing time. Experimental validation agrees with model predictions, highlighting optimal conditions near 40 °C, intermediate enzyme loading, and basic pH that effectively promotes MOS generation on mannose within an accelerated processing time frame. With predictions of experimental results within a margin of error of < 9%, the validity of the models was acceptable. This research contributes to the advancement of the understanding of the enzymatic hydrolysis of açaí seeds, which is a step toward the sustainable use of resources with a focus on process engineering aspects.

Optimization of emulsification conditions with rice bran concentrates for the preliminary formulation of potential vegan dressings and their characterization.

A fraction of rice bran (RB), generated during the brown rice polishing, is utilized to extract oil, resulting in defatted RB (DRB). The aim of this study was to optimize the emulsification conditions to enhance the value of this byproduct by formulating potential vegan dressings and characterizing them. Enzymatic hydrolysis of the starch present in DRB yields the DRB concentrate (DRBC). A central composite design was applied and the results were analyzed using response surface methodology to select optimal conditions for an oil-in-water emulsion formula. Two formulations were chosen: one corresponds to the optimal conditions, with 26.5% of oil and 73.5% of DRBC dispersion (eoptimal), and the other one with 21.7% of oil and 78.3% of dispersion (eED8). The eoptimal formulation exhibited significantly lower mean De Brouckere diameter (D4,3) value and higher viscosity when compared with eED8. For both emulsions, the particle size distribution and D4,3 remained unchanged during storage, whereas viscosity decreased, and backscattering (BS) increased. Initially, both emulsions exhibited solid viscoelastic behavior, which was partially lost during quiescent storage. The increase in BS was attributed to particle disaggregation, ultimately leading to the aforementioned change in rheological behavior. In conclusion, although the designed emulsions underwent microstructural changes, they were stable against gravitational separation. To improve stability during quiescent storage, it is suggested to incorporate a thickening agent. Hence, it is propose to procced with the development of a vegan dressing based on the eoptimal emulsion, as it exhibits superior physicochemical properties.

Competition between ocean thermal structure and tropical cyclone characteristics modulates ocean environmental responses in the Yellow and Bohai Seas.

To study the environmental responses of tropical cyclones (TCs) in continental shelf regions, TCs passing over the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea (YBS) during 2002-2020 were investigated, with a special focus on how competition between ocean thermal structure and TC characteristics modulates ocean surface changes. The spatial distributions of the climatic mixed layer depth (MLD), accumulated wind forcing power index (WPi), accumulated sea surface temperature (SST) changes and accumulated chlorophyll (Chl-a) changes in the YBS were calculated. The linear regressions indicate that both the TC-induced SST cooling and TC-induced Chl-a increase are correlated with the TC wind speed rather than the translation speed, especially when the TC forcing depth (Zmixing) is greater than the MLD. Otherwise, both the changes in SST and Chl-a are correlated with the TC translation speed when Zmixing is shallower than the MLD. Further study has shown that whether TCs can break the MLD is also a key condition for oceanic responses. In the southern YBS, which has a deep-sea basin and MLD, the TC wind speed is the major factor affecting SST cooling and Chl-a increase, as TCs need more strength to reach the MLD. However, in the northern YBS, which has the shallowest sea basin and MLD, even weak TCs can easily break the MLD and reach the seabed; thus, ocean surface changes are associated mainly with the TC translation speed. The composite results reveal that both the maximum SST cooling center (1.64 °C) and the maximum Chl-a increasing center (0.14 log10(mg/m3)) are located on the right and behind the TC center, respectively. In addition, TC-induced SST cooling and Chl-a increase were initiated two days prior to TC passage and then reached their maximum values after 1 day. It takes approximately 7-8 days for the Chl-a concentration to recover, but it takes a much longer time (>15 days) for the SST to recover.

HSPiP and QbD Program-Based Analytical Method Development and Validation to Quantify Ketoconazole in Dermatokinetic Study.

Ketoconazole (KTZ) is the most potential azole anti-mycotic drug. The quantification of KTZ from various layers of the skin after topical application of lipidic nanocarriers is critical. We addressed a sensitive, specific, simple, rapid, reproducible, and economic analytical method to quantify KTZ from the treated skin homogenate using the Hansen solubility parameter (HSP, HSPiP software)-based modeling and experimental design. The software provided various HSP values for KTZ and solvents to compose the mobile phase. The Taguchi model identified the significant sets of factors to develop a robust bioanalytical method with reduced variability. In the optimization, acetonitrile (ACN) concentration (X1 as A) and the pH of mobile phase (X2 as B) were two factors against two responses (Y1: peak area and Y2: retention time). The HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) method validation was carried out based on US-FDA guidelines for the developed KTZ formulations (suspension, solid nanoparticles, and commercial product) extracted from the treated rat skin. The experimental solubility of KTZ was found to be maximum in the two solvents (ACN and ethyl acetate), based on HSP values. Surface response methodology (SRM) identified remarkable impact of ACN concentration and the mobile phase pH on the peak area and retention time. Analytical limits (0.17 and 0.50 µg/mL) were established for KTZ-SLNs (extracted from the skin). The method was implemented with high reproducibility, accuracy, and selectivity to quantify KTZ from the treated rat skin.

Response surface optimization of chemical coagulation for solid-liquid separation of dairy manure slurry through Box-Behnken design with desirability function.

Discharging livestock manure slurry without proper treatment causes various environmental and sociological problems. Chemical coagulation is a widely used and easily applicable method for treating such wastewater. However, the technique requires optimization to enhance coagulation efficiency while minimizing chemical usage. In this study, we propose an efficient, low-cost, and environmentally safe chemical coagulation method for solid-liquid separation of dairy manure slurry. Experiments were conducted in laboratory jar tests using dairy manure slurry to investigate the impact of coagulants, specifically polyaluminum chloride (PAC) and cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM), as well as pH, on the process of solid-liquid separation. Preliminary ranges of PAC, CPAM, and pH were estimated through single-factor experiments. Coagulation optimization and modeling were performed using the response surface methodology (RSM) with the Box-Behnken design (BBD), wherein the desired goal of each parameter was set to maximize solid-liquid separation efficiency while reducing chemical dosage to maintain residual aluminum (Al) concentrations below water quality standards. Numerical optimization predicted that the optimal dosages were 75 mg/L of PAC and 35 mg/L of CPAM at pH 7. Under these conditions, removal efficiencies of 99% for turbidity and 97% for chemical oxygen demand (COD) were achieved, with a minimal residual Al concentration of 0.045 mg/L. Positive zeta potential values in the treated water confirmed complete separation of negatively charged solids in the dairy manure slurry. The response values predicted by BBD aligned with the experimental results, and the analysis of variance (ANOVA) demonstrated the predictability and accuracy of the response models. Consequently, this study highlights the practical application of RSM with BBD in optimizing chemical coagulation using PAC and CPAM to achieve efficient solid-liquid separation in livestock wastewater while maintaining low residual Al concentrations.

Nanostructured Etodolac Carriers in Transdermal Gel: Optimization and Characterization.

AIMS: To optimize, formulate, and evaluate a Nanostructured Lipid Carrier (NLC) based transdermal gel of Etodolac (ETD). OBJECTIVE: To avoid issues of conventional route ETD administration like first pass metabolism, gastric ulceration, hemorrhage, and being a class-II drug with less solubility. A transdermal gel of nanostructured lipid carrier for ETD has been developed. Formulation will execute faster onset of action, increased penetration, permeation with extended release of the drug for a longer duration. METHODS: A central composite 32 factorial design is used to plan experiments. NLCs are prepared by the method of melt emulsification and ultrasonication. Compritol 888ATO and Miglyol are used as solid and liquid lipid phases. Surfactant Pluronic F68 showed a significant effect on particle size, entrapment efficiency, and drug release. Particle size characterized using photon correlation spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Cumulative drug release studied using an artificial diffusion cell and a dialysis membrane. A skin permeation study was performed using goat skin at 32°C ± 0.5°C. The efficacy of the NLC gel was verified using a pharmacodynamic study followed by stability study for 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: The optimized batch of ETD NLC found spherical with a 241.3 nm particle size with 0.392 PDI,-29 mV zeta potential. Entrapment efficiency and cumulative drug release were found to be 64.21 ± 1.23% and 70.12 ± 2.10% (after 12 hours), respectively. All batches followed zeroorder drug release kinetics and non-Fickian (Super Case II transport) with 0.1619 mg/cm2/hr transdermal flux. The NLC gel of ETD showed a quick onset and lengthened therapeutic activity until 24 hours compared to the micellar ETD gel. CONCLUSION: Etodolac NLC batch successfully optimized using central composite design. The relationships between the components of the NLC-total lipid:drug and surfactant-and the outcomes- particle size,%entrapment and% drug release-were better understood by examining several contour plots. The results of the experimental and predicted formulations were found to be in good agreement with slight bias, demonstrating the reliability of the optimization process.

Insight into the application of supercritical water oxidation for dichlorvos degradation: experimental and simulation aspects.

Dichlorvos or 2,2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate (DDVP) (C4H7Cl2O4P) is a chlorinated organophosphorus pesticide, which is frequently detected in agricultural wastewater. Herein, a batch reactor was used to carry out the supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) of a synthetic wastewater containing dichlorvos as a very hazardous agricultural pollutant. To do so, the impact of four operating parameters including dichlorvos concentration (100-500 ppm), oxidant coefficient (0.7-2), temperature (300-500°C) and time (0-100 s) on dichlorvos removal was optimized by the response surface method (RSM). According to the obtained results, at optimal conditions (i.e. initial concentration of dichlorvos 107.5 ppm, oxidation ratio 1.9234, temperature 419.9°C and time 79.94 s), as an index for dichlorvos removal, the chemical oxygen demand (COD) was found to be about 96.34%. Also, the results of high-performance liquid chromatography test showed that dichloroacetaldehyde (C2CL2H2O) and dichloroacetic acid (C2CL2H2O2) were created as intermediate substances during the dichlorvos degradation. Further, the molecular dynamics simulation was performed using ReaxFF force field to show the reaction path and products obtained in each step of the dichlorvos removal. Finally, as an indication, the simulation results indicated a good coordination with the experimental results.

Self-microemulsifying Drug Delivery System for Solubility and Bioavailability Enhancement of Eprosartan Mesylate: Preparation, In-vitro, and In-vivo Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Formulations of eprosartan mesylate with a surfactant, like Kolliphor HS 15, an oil phase like Labrafil M 1944 CS, and a cosurfactant Transcutol HP by employing a liquid self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) after screening several vehicles have been studied. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to prepare a liquid self-microemulsifying drug delivery system for increasing the solubility and bioavailability of a poorly water-soluble eprosartan mesylate. METHODS: The micro-emulsion unit, achieved through the phase diagram and augmented with the central-composite design (CCD) surface response process, was adjusted into SMEDDS by lyophilization using sucrose as a cryoprotective agent. Particle size, self-emulsification time, polydispersion index (PDI), zeta potential, differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) screening, in-vitro drug release, and in-vivo pharmacokinetics were the essential features of the formulations. The subsequent DSC experimentation indicated that the drug was integrated into S-SMEDDS. Eprosartan mesylate loaded SMEDDS formulation showed greater in-vitro and in-vivo drug release than conventional solid doses. RESULTS: SMEDDS has reported effectiveness in reducing the impact of pH of eprosartan mesylate, thereby improving its release efficiency. The HPLC method was successfully implemented to assess eprosartan mesylate concentration in Wister rat plasma after oral administration of commercial tablet EM, SMEDDS, and eprosartan mesylate. The pharmacokinetics parameters for rats were Cmax 1064.91 ± 225 and 1856.22 ± 749 ngmL-1, Tmax 1.9 ± 0.3 hr, and 1.2 ± 0.4 hr and AUC0~t were 5314.36 ± 322.61 and 7760.09 ± 249 ng/ml hr for marketed tablets and prepared SSMEDDS, respectively. When determined by AUC0~1, the relative bioavailability of eprosartan mesylate S-SMEDDC was 152.09 ± 14.33%. CONCLUSION: The present study reports the formulation of a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system for enhancing the solubility and bioavailability of a poorly water-soluble eprosartan mesylate in an appropriate solid dosage form.

Inoculum-to-substrate ratio and solid content effects over in natura spent coffee grounds anaerobic digestion.

Coffee is the second most traded commodity worldwide, and its production is associated with the generation of a large number of residues, which are underused and disposed of in landfills. Notably, the coffee industry annually generates approximately 6 million tons of industrial spent coffee ground (ISCG) when extracting coffee flavorings to produce soluble coffee. That resource loss scenario has been highlighted in sustainable waste management contexts as an opportunity to improve the coffee circular economy. Despite ISCG bioconversion to methane potentially meets the waste-to-energy purposes of reducing residues disposal in landfills, decreasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and increasing renewable energy sources, data about anaerobic digestion (AD) of ISCG remains quite restricted. That limitation becomes more apparent owing to the lack of data focusing on AD key parameters for ISCG as substrate. This study assessed the influence of inoculum-to-substrate ratio (ISR) and the solid content influences on mesophilic (37 °C) ISCG-AD throughout the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Central Composite Design (CCD). Results revealed that both factors, ISR and solid content, should be kept above a certain threshold of 0.5 and 6.0 gTVS L-1 to ensure experimental reliability, as well as reproductively and above 1.0 and 8.0 gTVS L-1 to avoid underestimation on the MY potential achieved. Concerning ISCG-AD kinetics, the quadratic model optimum condition was at 1.36 and 14.83 gTVS L-1 for ISR and solid content, respectively. This optimum range for ISR and solid content could guide further development of process configurations for mono- and co-digestion of ISCG, avoiding underestimation of the MY potential and extended incubation periods.

Optimisation of Operational Conditions during the Production of Arthrospira platensis Using Pilot-Scale Raceway Reactors, Protein Extraction, and Assessment of their Techno-Functional Properties.

The aim of the present study was to identify the optimum combination of dilution rate and depth of the culture to maximise the Arthrospira platensis BEA005B (Spirulina) productivity using 80 m2 raceway reactors. By varying these two main operational conditions, the areal biomass productivity of the reactors varied by over 55%. The optimum combination, optimised using a surface response methodology, was a depth of 0.10 m and a dilution rate of 0.33 day-1, which led to a biomass productivity of 30.2 g·m-2·day-1 on a dry weight basis when operating the reactors in semi-continuous mode. The composition of the produced biomass was 62.2% proteins, 42.5% carbohydrates, 11.6% ashes, and 8.1% lipids. The isolated proteins contained all the essential amino acids (except for tryptophan, which was not determined); highlighting the content of valine (6.8%), histidine (8.3%), and lysine (7.5%). The functional properties of the proteins were also assessed, demonstrating huge potential for their use in the development of innovative and sustainable foods.

Synthesis of BiOI/Mordenite Composites for Photocatalytic Treatment of Organic Pollutants Present in Agro-Industrial Wastewater.

Recently, bismuth oxyiodide (BiOI) is an attractive semiconductor to use in heterogeneous photocatalysis processes. Unfortunately, BiOI individually shows limited photocatalytic efficiency, instability, and a quick recombination of electron/holes. Considering the practical application of this semiconductor, some studies show that synthetic zeolites provide good support for this photocatalyst. This support material permits a better photocatalytic efficiency because it prevents the quick recombination of photogenerated pairs. However, the optimal conditions (time and temperature) to obtain composites (BiOI/ synthetic zeolite) with high photocatalytic efficiency using a coprecipitation-solvothermal growth method have not yet been reported. In this study, a response surface methodology (RSM) based on a central composite design (CCD) was applied to optimize the synthesis conditions of BiOI/mordenite composites. For this purpose, eleven BiOI/mordenite composites were synthesized using a combined coprecipitation-solvothermal method under different time and temperature conditions. The photocatalytic activities of the synthesized composites were evaluated after 20 min of photocatalytic oxidation of caffeic acid, a typical organic pollutant found in agro-industrial wastewater. Moreover, BiOI/mordenite composites with the highest and lowest photocatalytic activity were physically and chemically characterized using nitrogen adsorption isotherms, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The optimal synthesis conditions prove to be 187 °C and 9 h. In addition, the changes applied to the experimental conditions led to surface property modifications that influenced the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of the BiOI/mordenite composite toward caffeic acid photodegradation.

Towards commercial levels of astaxanthin production in Phaffia rhodozyma.

Astaxanthin (AX) is a potent antioxidant with increasing biotechnological and commercial potential as a feed supplement, and gives salmonids and crustaceans their attractive characteristic pink color. The red yeast Phaffia rhodozyma naturally produces AX as its main fermentation product but wild-type strains and those previously generated through classical random mutagenesis produce low yields of AX. Existing strains do not meet commercial economic requirements, fundamentally due to a lack of understanding of the underlying mechanisms and genotype-phenotype associations regarding AX production in P. rhodozyma. In the present study, screening of P. rhodozyma CBS 6938 mutant strains generated through chemical and ultra violet radiation mutagenesis delivered increased AX production yields that were then maximized using culture media optimization and fed-batch culture kinetic modeling. The whole genomes of the wild-type and eight increased production strains were sequenced to identify genomic changes. The selected strains produced 50-fold more AX than the wild-type strain with a total biomass of around 100 gDCW/L and a carotenoid production of 1 g/L. Genomic variant analyses found 368 conserved mutations across the selected strains with important mutations found in protein coding regions associated with regulators and catalysts of AX precursors in the mevalonate pathway, the electron transport chain, oxidative stress mechanisms, and carotenogenesis.

Evaluation of Plant-Based Byproducts as Green Fining Agents for Precision Winemaking.

Consumers are increasingly looking for foods, including wine, that are free of animal-derived proteins. This study seeks to evaluate patatin, a new, plant-based and allergen-free fining agent, by comparing it with the fining agents polyvinipolypyrrolidone, bovine serum albumin, and methylcellulose. Specifically, its effects on the phenolic profile of enological tannins were analyzed with four spectrophotometric assays: OD 280 nm, Folin−Ciocâlteu, Adams−Harbertson, and methylcellulose. In addition, changes in the polyphenol composition of Sangiovese red wine were determined by UV-Vis spectrophotometry and HPLC with adsorption trials, and the solid−liquid interaction in a wine solution was modeled by both Langmuir and Freundlich equations. Our findings highlight the occurrence of systematic proportional error between the selected spectrophotometric assays. As a result, direct comparisons of protein precipitation assays can be made only among results obtained with the same spectrophotometric method. However, it is clear that patatin has an impact on the phenolic profile of Sangiovese red wine: it removes simple phenolics (gallic acid, (+)-catechin, (−)-epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, syringic acid, fertaric acid, coutaric acid, and rutin) as well as both oligomeric and polymeric tannins to different extents. In concentrations of less than 1 g/L, the patatin isotherm showed a linear relation between the equilibrium concentration and the quantity absorbed, obeying the Freundlich model reasonably well (KF 1.46; 1/n 1.07; R2 0.996 with 1/n > 1). Thus, the adsorption process is strongly dependent on the fining dosage.

Optimization of the Physical, Optical and Mechanical Properties of Composite Edible Films of Gelatin, Whey Protein and Chitosan.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of the concentration of gelatin (G) (3-6 g), whey protein (W) (2.5-7.5 g) and chitosan (C) (0.5-2.5 g) on the physical, optical and mechanical properties of composite edible films (CEFs) using the response surface methodology (RSM), as well as optimizing the formulation for the packaging of foods. The results of the study were evaluated via first- and second-order multiple regression analysis to obtain the determination coefficient values with a good fit (R ˃ 0.90) for each of the response variables, except for the values of solubility and b*. The individual linear effect of the independent variables (the concentrations of gelatin, whey protein and chitosan) significantly affected (p ≤ 0.05) the water vapor permeability (WVP), strength and solubility of the edible films. The WVP of the edible films varied from 0.90 to 1.62 × 10-11 g.m/Pa.s.m2, the resistance to traction varied from 0.47 MPa to 3.03 MPa and the solubility varied from 51.06% to 87%. The optimized values indicated that the CEF prepared with a quantity of 4 g, 5 g and 3 g of gelatin, whey protein and chitosan, respectively, provided the CEF with a smooth, continuous and transparent surface, with L values that resulted in a light-yellow hue, a lower WVP, a maximum strength (resistance to traction) and a lower solubility. The results revealed that the optimized formulation of the CEF of G-W-C allowed a good validation of the prediction model and could be applied, in an effective manner, to the food packaging industry, which could help in mitigating the environmental issues associated with synthetic packaging materials.

Mycotoxins in food: a review on liquid chromatographic methods coupled to mass spectrometry and their experimental designs.

The development of a multi-mycotoxins method using LC-MS/MS is necessary and it is clear that the development of such method involves many compromises in the choice of the different parameters. This review summarizes applications using conventional experimental designs and some recent studies using response surface methodology (RSM) as a mathematical modeling tool for the optimization of extraction procedures. The authors also discuss pros and cons of the different procedures. To our knowledge, it is the first review on experimental design for the development of multi-mycotoxin methods. This review could be useful in the development and optimization of LC-MS/MS methods with the aim of describing experimental design and variables (factors) that are likely to affect sensitivity and specificity.

Synthesis of Fe3O4@mZrO2-Re (Re = Y/La/Ce) by Using Uniform Design, Surface Response Methodology, and Orthogonal Design & Its Application for As3+ and As5+ Removal.

In this study, iron oxide (Fe3O4) was coated with ZrO2, and doped with three rare earth elements((Y/La/Ce), and a multi-staged rare earth doped zirconia adsorbent was prepared by using uniform design U14, Response Surface methodology, and orthogonal design, to remove As3+ and As5+ from the aqueous solution. Based on the results of TEM, EDS, XRD, FTIR, and N2-adsorption desorption test, the best molar ratio of Fe3O4:TMAOH:Zirconium butoxide:Y:La:Ce was selected as 1:12:11:1:0.02:0.08. The specific surface area and porosity was 263 m2/g, and 0.156 cm3/g, respectively. The isothermal curves and fitting equation parameters show that Langmuir model, and Redlich Peterson model fitted well. As per calculations of the Langmuir model, the highest adsorption capacities for As3+ and As5+ ions were recorded as 68.33 mg/g, 84.23 mg/g, respectively. The fitting curves and equations of the kinetic models favors the quasi second order kinetic model. Material regeneration was very effective, and even in the last cycle the regeneration capacities of both As3+ and As5+ were 75.15%, and 77.59%, respectively. Adsorption and regeneration results suggest that adsorbent has easy synthesis method, and reusable, so it can be used as a potential adsorbent for the removal of arsenic from aqueous solution.

Functional beverage design based on fresh milk, tarwi (Lupinus mutabilis) beverage and oatmeal (Avena sativa)

ABSTRACT The tarwi is an Andean legume with a high nutritional value from which a vegetable beverage can be obtained. Cereals, like oat, have good characteristics as a prebiotic for the production of functional drinks, whose consumption is currently increasing. The objective of the research was to design a probiotic fermented beverage based on fresh milk, tarwi beverage, and oatmeal. An optimal treatment consisted of 1.9% oatmeal, 39.9% tarwi beverage, 46.2% fresh milk, 10.0% honey, and 2.0% probiotic culture; determined by applying a rotatable central composite design of surface response methodology. It had a probiotic count of 3.47x108 cfu/mL, a protein content of 3.75%, and overall acceptability of 7 points, which corresponds to "I like it very much". The result was experimentally validated. Likewise, the shelf life of the optimal beverage was 20 days at 5 °C with appropriate functional, nutritional, and sensory characteristics.

RESUMEN El tarwi es una leguminosa andina con un alto valor nutricional a partir de la cual se puede obtener una bebida vegetal, los cereales como la avena tienen mejores características como prebióticos para la producción de bebidas funcionales, cuyo consumo está aumentando actualmente. El objetivo de la investigación fue diseñar la formulación de una bebida fermentada probiótica a base de leche fresca, bebida de tarwi y avena. Se determinó un tratamiento óptimo que consistió en 1,9% de avena, 39,9% de bebida de tarwi, 46,2% de leche fresca, 10,0% de miel y 2,0% de cultivo probiótico; mediante la aplicación de un diseño compuesto central rotable de metodología de respuesta de superficie. Se reportó un recuento de probióticos de 3,47x108 ufc/mL, un contenido de proteínas de 3,8% y una aceptabilidad general de 7 puntos, que corresponde a "Me gusta mucho"; el resultado fue validado experimentalmente. Asimismo, la vida útil de la bebida óptima fue de 20 días de almacenamiento a 5 °C con características funcionales, nutricionales y sensoriales apropiadas.

Degradation of Styrenic Plastics during Recycling: Accommodation of PP within ABS after WEEE Plastics Imperfect Sorting.

With the development of dark polymers for industrial sorting technologies, economically profitable recycling of plastics from Waste Electrical and Electronical Equipment (WEEE) can be envisaged even in the presence of residual impurities. In ABS extracted from WEEE, PP is expected to be the more detrimental because of its important lack of compatibility. Hence, PP was incorporated to ABS at different rates (2 to 8 wt%) with a twin-screw extruder. PP was shown to exhibit a nodular morphology with an average diameter around 1-2 µm. Tensile properties were importantly diminished beyond 4 wt% but impact resistance was decreased even at 2 wt%. Both properties were strongly reduced as function of the contamination rate. Various potential compatibilizers for the ABS + 4 wt% PP system were evaluated: PPH-g-MA, PPC-g-MA, ABS-g-MA, TPE-g-MA, SEBS and PP-g-SAN. SEBS was found the most promising, leading to diminution of nodule sizes and also acting as an impact modifier. Finally, a Design Of Experiments using the Response Surface Methodology (DOE-RSM) was applied to visualize the impacts and interactions of extrusion temperature and screw speed on impact resistance of compatibilized and uncompatibilized ABS + 4 wt% PP systems. Resilience improvements were obtained for the uncompatibilized system and interactions between extrusion parameters and compatibilizers were noticed.

Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Curcuma longa L. Oil: Optimization, Chemical Structure and Composition, Antioxidant Activity and Comparison with Conventional Soxhlet Extraction.

Curcuma root (Curcuma longa L.) is a very important plant in gastronomy and medicine for its unique antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Conventional methods for the extraction of curcuma oil require long extraction times and high temperatures that can degrade the active substances. Therefore, the objectives of the present study were: (i) first, to optimize the extraction yield of curcuma oil by applying a Box-Behnken experimental design using surface response methodology to the microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) technique (the independent variables studied were reaction time (10-30 min), microwave power (150-200 W) and curcuma powder/ethanol ratio (1:5-1:20; w/v); and, (ii) second, to assess the total phenolic content (TPC) and their antioxidant activity of the oil (at the optimum conditions point) and compare with the conventional Soxhlet technique. The optimum conditions for the MAE were found to be 29.99 min, 160 W and 1:20 w/v to obtain an optimum yield of 10.32%. Interestingly, the oil extracted by microwave-assisted extraction showed higher TPC and better antioxidant properties than the oil extracted with conventional Soxhlet technique. Thus, it was demonstrated that the method applied for extraction influences the final properties of the extracted Curcuma longa L. oil.