Optimization of concentrations of different n-3PUFAs on antioxidant capacity in mouse hepatocytes.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), mainly including α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), possess antioxidant properties and play a crucial role in growth and development. However, the combined effects of ALA, EPA, and DHA at different concentrations have rarely been reported. This work explored the effects of EPA, ALA, and DHA on the viability and antioxidant capacity of mouse hepatocytes, with the objective of enhancing the antioxidant capacity. Within the appropriate concentration range, cell viability and the activity of glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase were increased, while the oxidation products of malondialdehyde and the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species were obviously reduced. Thus, oxidative stress was relieved, and cellular antioxidant levels were improved. Finally, response surface optimization was carried out for EPA, ALA, and DHA, and the model was established. The antioxidant capacity of the cells was highest at EPA, ALA, and DHA concentrations of 145.46, 405.05, and 551.52 µM, respectively. These findings lay the foundation for further exploration of the interactive mechanisms of n-3 PUFAs in the body, as well as their applications in nutraceutical food.

Synthesis and characterization of a novel TiO2@chitosan/alginate nanocomposite sponge for highly efficient removal of As(V) ions from aqueous solutions: Adsorption isotherm, kinetics, experiment and adsorption mechanism optimization using Box-Behnken design.

This research uses a novel TiO2@CSC.Alg composite sponge was created by encasing TiO2 nanoparticles in the natural polymers alginate and chitosan, resulting in a nanocomposite that is both ecologically friendly and biocompatible. Using the generated nanocomposite as a new environmentally friendly adsorbent, As(V) heavy metal ions were effectively removed from aqueous media. The following techniques were used to analyse the physicochemical properties of the obtained materials: pHZPC, FTIR, XRD, BET, SEM, and XPS. Utilizing nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms, the TiO2@CSC.Alg composite sponge's textural properties were identified. This revealed a BET surface area of 168.42 m2/g and a total pore volume of 1.18 cc/g, indicating its porous nature and potential for high adsorption capacity. Examine the effects of temperature, pH, dose, and beginning concentration on adsorption. The adsorption characteristics were determined based on equilibrium and adsorption kinetics measurements. The adsorption process was both pseudo-second-order (PSOE) and Langmuir isothermally fit. Chemisorption was the adsorption method since the adsorption energy was 25.45 kJ·mol-1. An endothermic and spontaneous adsorption process was indicated by more metal being absorbed as the temperature increased. The optimal conditions for adsorption were optimized via Box-Behnken design software to be pH of 5 in the solution, a dosage of 0.02 g of the TiO2@CSC.Alg composite sponge per 25 mL, and an arsenate (As(V)) solution the adsorption capacity was 202.27 mg/g are ideal for efficient adsorption. These parameters are critical in achieving the maximum adsorption capacity of the composite sponge for arsenate, which could be beneficial for water purification applications. Utilizing Design-Expert software's response surface methodology (RSM) and Box-Behnken design (BBD), the adsorption process was optimized with the fewest planned tests. After six successive cycles of adsorption and desorption, the adsorbent stability was confirmed by the adsorbent reusability test without any noticeable decrease in removal efficacy. Additionally, it displayed good efficiency, the same XRD and XPS data before and after reuse, and no change in chemical composition.

A novel univariate interpolation and bivariate regression hybrid method application to biodegradation of bisphenol A diglycidyl ether using laccases from Geobacillus stearothermophilus and Geobacillus thermoparafinivorans strains.

Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE), a derivative of the well-known endocrine disruptor Bisphenol A (BPA), is a potential threat to long-term environmental health due to its prevalence as a micropollutant. This study addresses the previously unexplored area of BADGE toxicity and removal. We investigated, for the first time, the biodegradation potential of laccase isolated from Geobacillus thermophilic bacteria against BADGE. The laccase-mediated degradation process was optimized using a combination of response surface methodology (RSM) and machine learning models. Degradation of BADGE was analyzed by various techniques, including UV-Vis spectrophotometry, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Laccase from Geobacillus stearothermophilus strain MB600 achieved a degradation rate of 93.28% within 30 min, while laccase from Geobacillus thermoparafinivorans strain MB606 reached 94% degradation within 90 min. RSM analysis predicted the optimal degradation conditions to be 60 min reaction time, 80°C temperature, and pH 4.5. Furthermore, CB-Dock simulations revealed good binding interactions between laccase enzymes and BADGE, with an initial binding mode selected for a cavity size of 263 and a Vina score of -5.5, which confirmed the observed biodegradation potential of laccase. These findings highlight the biocatalytic potential of laccases derived from thermophilic Geobacillus strains, notably MB600, for enzymatic decontamination of BADGE-contaminated environments.

Ammonia recovery via direct contact membrane distillation: Modeling and performance optimization.

Ammonia recovery from wastewater has positive environmental benefits, avoiding eutrophication and reducing production energy consumption, which is one of the most effective ways to manage nutrients in wastewater. Specifically, ammonia recovery by membrane distillation has been gradually adopted due to its excellent separation properties for volatile substances. However, the global optimization of direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) operating parameters to maximize ammonia recovery efficiency (ARE) has not been attempted. In this work, three key operating factors affecting ammonia recovery, i.e., feed ammonia concentration, feed pH, and DCMD running time, were identified from eight factors, by a two-level Plackett-Burman Design (PBD). Subsequently, Box-Behnken design (BBD) under the response surface methodology (RSM) was used to model and optimize the significant operating parameters affecting the recovery of ammonia though DCMD identified by PBD and statistically verified by analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results showed that the model had a high coefficient of determination value (R2 = 0.99), and the interaction between NH4Cl concentration and feed pH had a significant effect on ARE. The optimal operating parameters of DCMD as follows: NH4Cl concentration of 0.46 g/L, feed pH of 10.6, DCMD running time of 11.3 h, and the maximum value of ARE was 98.46%. Under the optimized conditions, ARE reached up to 98.72%, which matched the predicted value and verified the validity and reliability of the model for the optimization of ammonia recovery by DCMD process.

Intranasal delivery of doxepin: enhancing brain targeting efficiency utilizing nanostructured lipid carriers for a biopharmaceutics drug disposition classification system class-I drug.

Doxepin, a Class-I Biopharmaceutics Drug Disposition Classification System (BDDCS) drug, exhibits poor bioavailability due to extensive first-pass metabolism. This research focuses on enhancing the delivery of doxepin by formulating nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) through the utilization of the Box-Behnken Design methodology. These optimized NLCs are intended for intranasal administration, with the ultimate goal of improving nose-to-brain drug delivery. NLCs were formulated using a high-speed homogenization technique. The optimized batch had a small particle size (75.80 ± 5.48 nm, PDI = 0.286), high entrapment efficiency (94.10 ± 0.16%), and sustained ex vivo release (82.25 ± 4.61% at 24 h). Characterization studies confirmed the conversion of doxepin from a crystalline to an amorphous state with uniform distribution in the lipid matrix. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies in rats showed significantly higher doxepin concentration in the brain tissue (Cmax = 16.77 µg/g, tmax = 30 min) after intranasal administration compared to intravenous administration (Cmax = 2.53 µg/g, tmax = 6 h). High-drug targeting efficiency (DTE = 284.3%) and direct transport percentage (DTP = 64.8%) suggested direct penetration of NLCs in the brain via olfactory and trigeminal pathways. In conclusion, the study highlights the potential of NLCs to improve the bioavailability of doxepin through nose-to-brain delivery and thereby potentially enable the treatment of neurological disorders.

Effect of Cremophor RH40, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, and Mixing Speed on Physicochemical Properties of Films Containing Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Loaded with Furosemide Using the Box-Behnken Design.

This study aimed to examine the characteristics of H-K4M hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) films containing nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) loaded with furosemide. A hot homogenization technique and an ultrasonic probe were used to prepare and reduce the size of the NLCs. Films were made using the casting technique. This study used a Box-Behnken design to evaluate the influence of three key independent variables, specifically H-K4M concentration (X1), surfactant Cremophor RH40 concentration (X2), and mixing speed (X3), on the physicochemical properties of furosemide-loaded NLCs and films. The furosemide-loaded NLCs had a particle size ranging from 54.67 to 99.13 nm, and a polydispersity index (PDI) ranging from 0.246 to 0.670. All formulations exhibited a negative zeta potential, ranging from -7.05 to -5.61 mV. The prepared films had thicknesses and weights ranging from 0.1240 to 0.2034 mm and 0.0283 to 0.0450 g, respectively. The drug content was over 85%. Film surface wettability was assessed based on the contact angle, ranging from 32.27 to 68.94°. Film tensile strength varied from 1.38 to 7.77 MPa, and their elongation at break varied from 124.19 to 170.72%. The ATR-FTIR analysis confirmed the complete incorporation of the drug in the film matrix. Therefore, the appropriate selection of values for key parameters in the synthesis of HPMC films containing drug-loaded NLCs is important in the effective development of films for medical applications.

Industrial dye absorption and elimination from aqueous solutions through bio-composite construction of an organic framework encased in food-grade algae and alginate: Adsorption isotherm, kinetics, thermodynamics, and optimization by Box-Behnken design.

A potential bio-adsorbent material for removing Rhodamine B (RB) from aqueous solution is Ru-MOF@FGA/CA beads. The adsorption capability of the material is probably enhanced by the use of a natural substance made of food-grade algae (FGA) and calcium alginate (CA), which has been cross-linked and loaded with ruthenium metal-organic frameworks (Ru-MOF). The Ru-MOF@FGA/CA beads were analyzed by XPS, PXRD, FT-IR, and SEM. The nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherm analysis of the Ru-MOF@FGA/CA beads before and after the adsorption of RB revealed that had a surface area of 682 m2/g, a pore size of 2.92 nm, and a pore volume of 1.62 cc/g, that decreased after adsorption as the surface area reduced to 468.62 m2/g, while the pore volume reduced to 0.76 cc/g. indicating that the RB molecules occupied the available space within the pores of the material. The decrease in both surface area and pore volume specifies that the Ru-MOF@FGA/CA beads' pores were able to effectively adsorb the RB molecules. The adsorption of RB against the Ru-MOF@FGA/CA beads is affected by pH, adsorbent dose, starting RB concentration, and salinity. Controlling these factors can enhance the adsorption capability and effectiveness of the beads for RB removal. With an adsorption energy of 22.6 kJ/mol, the adsorption of RB onto the Ru-MOF@FGA/CA beads was determined to be a chemisorption process, demonstrating a strong bond among the adsorbent and the adsorbate. The pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir isotherms were used to suit the adsorption process. Because the adsorption procedure was endothermic, it increased as the temperature increased. By using this information, the adsorption conditions may be improved, and the beads' ability to absorb RB can be increased. Up to six reuses of the Ru-MOF@FGA/CA beads are possible without affecting their chemical makeup and maintaining analogous PXRD and FT-IR data after each reuse. The adsorption process can be optimized through the application of the Box-Behnken design (BBD) approach and may entail H-bonding, electrostatic forces, n-π stacking, and pore filling. The exceptional stability of the beads makes them useful for creating long-lasting and efficient adsorbents that remove contaminants from water.

Experimental Study Based on Box-Behnken Design and Response Surface Methodology for Optimization Proportioning of Activated Lithium Slag Composite Cement-Based Cementitious Materials.

Cement-based cementitious materials occupy a central position in the construction industry, but the problem of high carbon dioxide(CO2) emissions from cement production has attracted global attention. To meet this challenge, finding low-carbon alternative materials has become a top priority in the research of new building materials. At the same time, the problem of large amounts of lithium slag piling up needs to be solved, and resource utilization has become its potential way out. In this study, the volcanic ash activity of lithium slag was activated by composite activation means of high-temperature calcination and sodium silicate, and it was used as an alternative mix to cement. The Box-Behnken design and response surface method (BBD-RSM) was utilized to optimize the ratio of activated lithium slag composite cement-based cementitious materials, and high-performance new solid waste cementitious materials were prepared. The results show that activated lithium slag composite cementitious materials activated lithium slag exhibit excellent performance when activated lithium slag mass fraction is 7.3%, the sodium silicate dosage is 8.8%, and water-solid ratio is 0.6:1. The composite cementitious material under this ratio shows excellent performance, with fluidity 235.69 mm, gelation time 73.54 s, water evolution rate 1.123%, 3d and 28d compressive strengths, respectively, are 11.54 MPa and 22.9 MPa. Compared with ordinary Portland-cement-based cementing materials, the uniaxial compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, and tensile strength at break of activated lithium slag cementitious material solidified body were increased by 34.33%, 36.43%, and 34.98%, and the compressive deformation and tensile deformation were enhanced by 37.78% and 40%. This study not only provides a theoretical basis and experimental foundation for the preparation of new solid waste cementitious materials, but also provides a new solution for the reinforcement of crushed rock bodies in engineering practice, which is of great significance for promoting the low-carbon development of the construction industry.

Enhancing dark fermentative hydrogen production from wheat straw through synergistic effects of active electric fields and enzymatic hydrolysis pretreatment.

Hydrogen, a clean and sustainable energy source, faces challenges from energy-intensive pre-processing technologies. This study explores the synergistic enhancement of active electric fields on enzymolysis of wheat straw and hydrogen production through dark fermentation. The active electric field enzymolysis system improved the adsorption capacity of wheat straw to cellulase, increasing cellulase activity by 18.0 %, causing a 39.1 % increase in reducing sugar content. In the active fermentation system, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 activity was enhanced in the first stage, increasing hydrogenase activity by 23.0 %, prolonging the first hydrogen production peak. Elevated reducing sugars were observed in the second stage, with Prevotella_9 and Bacteroides becoming the dominant hydrogen-producing bacteria in the third stage, leading to a second hydrogen production peak. Overall, cumulative hydrogen production was enhanced by 50.9 % compared to the control. The synergistic pretreatment with an active electric field and cellulase provides a novel approach for efficiently utilizing wheat straw.

Clarification of red grape juice by amine-functionalized magnesium silica aerogel.

The clarification conditions and the selection of the clarification agent are pivotal in eliminating the haze components from red grape juice (RGJ) while minimizing the loss of functional color components. In this context, we synthesized a water glass-based APTES functionalized magnesium silica aerogel (MSA-NH3) incorporating 61.44 molecules/nm2 of amine groups, resulting in a positively charged zeta potential value of 33.9 mV (pH 3.4) for clarification of RGJ by targeting negatively charged polyphenols. The optimum clarification conditions using MSA-NH3 were determined as 0.18 g MSA-NH3/L RGJ, 20 °C, and 60 min through the application of Box-Behnken design. Under these conditions, MSA-NH3 exhibited excellent adsorption of haze components (3.61 NTU), outperforming the commercial bentonite-gelatine combination (BGC) (5.45 NTU). Furthermore, it exhibited greater efficacy in preserving anthocyanins while adsorbing browning components. MSA-NH3 has a high potential to serve as a functional alternative clarification agent in the beverage industry due to its promising clarification performance.

QbD Assisted Systematic Review for Optimizing the Selection of PVP as a Ternary Substance in Enhancing the Complexation Efficiency of Cyclodextrins: a Pilot Study.

Inclusion complexes require higher concentration of Beta cyclodextrins (ßCD) resulting in increased formulation bulk, toxicity, and production costs. This systematic review offers a comprehensive analysis using Quality by design (QbD) as a tool to predict potential applications of Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a ternary substance to address issues of inclusion complexes. We reviewed 623 documents from 2013 to 2023 and Eighteen (18) research papers were selected for statistical and meta-analysis using the QbD concept to identify the most critical factors for selecting drugs and effect of PVP on inclusion complexes. The QbD analysis revealed that Molecular weight (MW), Partition coefficient (Log P), and the auxiliary substance ratio directly affected complexation efficiency (CE), thermodynamic stability in terms of Gibbs free energy (ΔG), and percent drug release. However, Stability constant (Ks) remained unaffected by any of these parameters. The results showed that low MW (250), median Log P (6), and a ßCD: PVP ratio of 2:3 would result in higher CE, lower G, and improved drug release. PVP improves drug solubility, enhances delivery and therapeutic outcomes, and counteracts increased drug ionization due to decreased pH. In certain cases, its bulky nature and hydrogen bonding with CD molecules can form non-inclusion complexes. The findings of the study shows that there is potential molecular interaction between PVP and ß-cyclodextrins, which possibly enhances the stability of inclusion complexes for drug with low MW and log P values less than 9. The systematic review shows a comprehensive methodology based on QbD offers a replicable template for future investigations into drug formulation research.

New wheat straw fermentation feed: recombinant Schizosaccharomyces pombe efficient degradation of lignocellulose and increase feed protein.

Wheat straw contains a high amount of lignin, hindering the action of cellulase and hemicellulase enzymes, leading to difficulties in nutrient absorption by animals from straw feed. However, currently, the biological treatment of straw relies primarily on fungal degradation and cannot be directly utilized for the preparation of livestock feed. This study focuses on enzymatic co-fermentation of wheat straw to produce high-protein, low-cellulose biological feed, integrating lignin degradation with feed manufacturing, thereby simplifying the feed production process. After the optimization using Box-Behnken Design for the feed formulation, with a glucose oxidase addition of 2.46%, laccase addition of 3.4%, and malonic acid addition of 0.6%, the wheat straw feed prepared in this experiment exhibited a true protein content of 9.35%. This represented a fourfold increase compared to the non-fermented state, and the lignocellulose degradation rate of wheat straw reached 45.42%. These results not only highlight the substantial enhancement in protein content but also underscore the significant advancement in lignocellulose breakdown. This formulation significantly enhanced the palatability and nutritional value of the straw feed, contributing to the industrial development of straw feed.

Optimized microwave-assisted azadirachtin extraction using response surface methodology.

The neem tree (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) is grown mainly for shade, fuel, and numerous non-timber forest products using its leaves, fruit, and bark. It produces an essential oil that is used as a source for obtaining bioinsecticides, with a broad spectrum of action in agricultural production. Its bioinsecticidal activity is due to the presence of triterpenes, such as azadirachtin, a product in continued growth of the global biopesticide market. Optimal conditions for neem oil extraction using response surface methodology (RSM) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) methods have been defined. However, the extraction conditions for these methods tend to consume high volumes of organic solvent and long extraction times. The aim of the present study is to determine the optimal conditions for the extraction of azadirachtin from neem seeds in a hydroalcoholic medium using MAE and RSM with a Box-Behnken design (BBD). A BBD was applied to evaluate the effects of the factors, magnetron voltage (X1), extraction time (X2), and pH of the extraction medium (X3), on the yield of the azadirachtin extraction process. The effect of each variable on the extraction yield was studied independently, considering the pure coefficients (linear and quadratic) on the three levels that were studied in the experiments. Moreover, the study experiments were conducted in triplicate, data were presented as mean and standard deviation, homogeneity of variances was estimated using Levene's test, and a two-way ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc analysis was performed to identify the experimental conditions that allowed us to find the highest extraction yield and to analyze whether the response surface model adequately described our data. The most significant effects of the model correspond to quadratic and interaction effects (p < 0.0001); the quadratic terms voltage (X1), extraction time (X2), and pH (X3); and the interaction effects between voltage-pH (X1*X3) and time-pH (X2*X3), which had a significant influence on the model. Moreover, a canonical analysis was performed. The optimal conditions were as follows: 69.22 V, 6.89 min, and a pH value of 4.35, coinciding with the zones shown in the contour plots. Furthermore, the response obtained at the optimal conditions was 37.5 µg of azadirachtin per gram of pretreated seed.

Comparative evaluation between Taguchi method and response surface method for optimization of electrocoagulation process in the context of treatment of dairy industry wastewater.

The presence of a large amount of organic and inorganic pollutants in dairy effluent is a substantial environmental issue. This study investigated electrocoagulation (EC) as a potential treatment method for dairy wastewater under different operating conditions, such as applied voltage (5-25 V), electrolysis time (30-90 min), and inter-electrode distance (1-2 cm) by using aluminum electrodes. This study focuses on achieving the maximum removal of BOD, COD, and nitrate in dairy effluents with the aforementioned operating conditions. The process was optimized using the response surface methodology (RSM) and Taguchi method. RSM method optimized the electrocoagulation operating conditions such as the voltage at 23.75 V, time of 90 min, and inter-electrode distance at 1.07 cm. This optimization achieved the maximum removal percentage of BOD, COD, and nitrate at 79.06%, 84.35%, and 79.64%, respectively, in dairy effluent. Taguchi method optimized the electrocoagulation parameters such as the voltage at 25 V, time duration of 90 min, and inter-electrode distance of 1.00 cm, showcasing improved removal percentages of BOD, COD, and nitrate as 90.54%, 89.28%, and 82.74% respectively. The current study attempts to understand the optimization efficiencies between Taguchi method and response surface method for diary wastewater treatment.

Multi-objective optimization and 4E (energy, exergy, economy, environmental impact) analysis of a triple cascade refrigeration system.

The post-pandemic energy crisis and ever-increasing environmental degradation necessitate researchers to scrutinize refrigeration systems, major contributors to these issues, for minimal environmental impact and maximum performance. Thus, this study aims to comprehensively examine a triple cascade refrigeration system (TCRS) equipped with hydrocarbon refrigerants (1-butene/Heptane/m-Xylene). This system is specifically designed for ultra-low temperature applications, including vaccine storage, quick-freezing, frozen food preservation, cryogenic processes, and gas liquefaction. The investigation integrates conventional thermodynamic analysis with economic and environmental impact assessments, and finally multi-objective optimization (MOO) to ascertain optimal operating conditions for the system. The effect of (1) evaporator temperature, Tevap (2) condenser temperature, Tcond (3) Lower Temperature Circuit (LTC) condenser temperature, TLTC (4) Mid Temperature Circuit (MTC) condenser temperature, TMTC and (5) Cascade Condenser temperature difference, Δ T on three objective functions (COP, exergy efficiency, and overall plant cost) have been investigated employing a parametric analysis. Subsequently, quadratic equations for these objective functions are generated using the Box-Behnken method, and MOO utilizing the Genetic algorithm has been performed to maximize COP and exergy efficiency while minimizing the overall cost rate. The decision-making techniques TOPSIS and LINMAP are used to retrieve a unique solution from the Pareto Front, and the system performance has been assessed at the optimal point. The optimization result demonstrates that for the 10-kW capacity TCRS, COP, exergy efficiency, and total plant cost are 0.71, 0.51, and 38262.05 $/year respectively, at optimum condition (Tevap = -101.023 °C , Tcond = 36.545 °C , TLTC = - 69.047 °C and TMTC = - 34.651 °C ). Exergy analysis identifies HTC compressor (19.3 %) and throttle valve (15.5 %) as key contributors to total exergy destruction, while economic analysis underscores capital and maintenance costs (72 %) as the primary contributors to the overall cost, with evaporator (43 %) and condenser (20 %) accounting for 63 % of this cost.

Improvement and prediction of the extraction parameters of lupeol and stigmasterol metabolites of Melia azedarach with response surface methodology.

BACKGROUND: Melia azedarach is known as a medicinal plant that has wide biological activities such as analgesic, antibacterial, and antifungal effects and is used to treat a wide range of diseases such as diarrhea, malaria, and various skin diseases. However, optimizing the extraction of valuable secondary metabolites of M. azedarach using alternative extraction methods has not been investigated. This research aims to develop an effective, fast, and environmentally friendly extraction method using Ultrasound-assisted extraction, methanol and temperature to optimize the extraction of two secondary metabolites, lupeol and stigmasterol, from young roots of M. azedarach using the response surface methodology. METHODS: Box-behnken design was applied to optimize different factors (solvent, temperature, and ultrasonication time). The amounts of lupeol and stigmasterol in the root of M. azedarach were detected by the HPLC-DAD. The required time for the analysis of each sample by the HPLC-DAD system was considered to be 8 min. RESULTS: The results indicated that the highest amount of lupeol (7.82 mg/g DW) and stigmasterol (6.76 mg/g DW) was obtained using 50% methanol at 45 °C and ultrasonication for 30 min, and 50% methanol in 35 °C, and ultrasonication for 30 min, respectively. Using the response surface methodology, the predicted conditions for lupeol and stigmasterol from root of M. azedarach were as follows; lupeol: 100% methanol, temperature 45 °C and ultrasonication time 40 min (14.540 mg/g DW) and stigmasterol 43.75% methanol, temperature 34.4 °C and ultrasonication time 25.3 min (5.832 mg/g DW). CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that the amount of secondary metabolites lupeol and stigmasterol in the root of M. azedarach could be improved by optimizing the extraction process utilizing response surface methodology.

Amylase and Cellulase Production from Newly Isolated Bacillus subtilis Using Acid Treated Potato Peel Waste.

Species belonging to the genus Bacillus produce many advantageous extracellular enzymes that have tremendous applications on a commercial scale for the textile, detergent, feed, food, and beverage industries. This study aimed to isolate potent thermo-tolerant amylolytic and cellulolytic bacterium from the local environment. Using the Box-Behnken design of response surface methodology, we further optimized the amylase and cellulase activity. The isolate was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing as Bacillus subtilis QY4. This study utilized potato peel waste (PPW) as the biomaterial, which is excessively being dumped in an open environment. Nutritional status of the dried PPW was determined by proximate analysis. All experimental runs were carried out in 250 mL Erlenmeyer flasks containing acid treated PPW as a substrate by the thermos-tolerant Bacillus subtilis QY4 incubated at 37 °C for 72 h of submerged fermentation. Results revealed that the dilute H2SO4 assisted autoclaved treatment favored more amylase production (0.601 IU/mL/min) compared to the acid treatment whereas high cellulase production (1.269 IU/mL/min) was observed in the dilute acid treatment and was found to be very effective compared to the acid assisted autoclaved treatment. The p-value, F-value, and coefficient of determination proved the significance of the model. These results suggest that PPW could be sustainably used to produce enzymes, which offer tremendous applications in various industrial arrays, particularly in biofuel production.

Simvastatin-Encapsulated Topical Liposomal Gel for Augmented Wound Healing: Optimization Using the Box-Behnken Model, Evaluations, and In Vivo Studies.

Statins function beyond regulating cholesterol and, when administered systemically, can promote wound healing. However, studies have yet to explore the topical use of statins for wound healing. The present study demonstrated the topical administration of SIM and aimed to formulate, evaluate, and optimize Simvastatin (SIM)-encapsulated liposome gel carrier systems to facilitate successful topical wound healing. Liposomes containing SIM were formulated and optimized via a response surface methodology (RSM) using the thin-film hydration method. The effects of formulation variables, including the 1,2-dioleoyloxy-3-trimethylammoniumpropan (DOTAP) concentration, Span 80 concentration, and cholesterol concentration, on zeta potential (mV), entrapment efficacy (%), and particle size (nm) were studied. The optimized liposome formulation (F-07) exhibited a zeta potential value of 16.56 ± 2.51 mV, revealing robust stability and a high SIM encapsulation efficiency of 95.6 ± 4.2%, whereas its particle size of 190.3 ± 3.3 nm confirmed its stability and structural integrity. The optimized liposome gel demonstrated pseudoplastic flow behavior. This property is advantageous in topical drug delivery systems because of its ease of application, improved spreadability, and enhanced penetration, demonstrating prolonged SIM release. The assessment of the wound healing efficacy of the optimized liposomal gel formulation demonstrated a substantial decrease in wound size in mice on the sixteenth day post-wounding. These findings suggest that the use of liposomal gels is a potential drug delivery strategy for incorporating SIM, thereby augmenting its effectiveness in promoting wound healing.

Production and testing of mahua oil-based biodiesel synthesized through heterogeneous catalyst using experimental and numerical method.

A two-step treatment  of mahua oil was conducted to synthesize mahua biodiesel using heterogeneous biomass-based catalyst derived from mahua shell. Mahua oil having higher free fatty acid (FFA) content (about 19%) was esterified to reduce the FFA content up to 1%. The esterification process was carried out using 200 mL mahua oil, 5:1 molar ratio (methanol:oil), and 2.25 weight% of H2SO4 at a temperature of 60 °C for 3 h. Post esterification, a set of 16 experiments were created using a Box-Behnken design (BBD)-based response surface methodology (RSM) approach to conduct the transesterification of the esterified oil. Molar ratio, catalyst loading, reaction temperature, and reaction time were the four input variables chosen for the design of experiments. The optimized conditions for maximum biodiesel yield (87.7%) were found to be 14.88 molar ratio, 3.578% catalyst loading, 69.7 °C reaction temperature, and 81.9 min reaction time. The Diesel RK engine simulation tool which was experimentally validated for baseline diesel fuel was used for numerical simulation of mahua biodiesel. The performance, combustion, and emission behavior of mahua biodiesel analyzed using numerical simulation presented the sustainability of mahua biodiesel as an alternate fuel.

Retention mechanisms of amitriptyline and its impurities on amide, amino, diol, and silica columns in hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography.

Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) has been widely applied to challenging analysis in biomedical and pharmaceutical fields, bridging the gap between normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). This paper comprehensively explores the retention mechanisms of amitriptyline and its impurities A, B, C, D, F, and G on amide, amino, diol, and silica columns. Dual HILIC/RP-HPLC retention mechanisms were developed, and transitional points between HILIC and RP-HPLC mechanisms were calculated on amide, diol, and silica columns. Adsorption and partition contributions to overall retention mechanisms were evaluated using Python software in HILIC and RP-HPLC regions. The cation exchange mechanism dominates overall retention for ionized analytes in the silica column (R2 > 0.995), whereas the retention of ionized analytes increases with pH. Impacts of acetonitrile content, buffer ionic strength, and pH, along with their interactions on the retention of ionized analytes in the silica column, were determined using the chemometric approach. Acetonitrile content showed the most significant impact on the retention mechanisms. These findings highlight that a detailed investigation into retention mechanisms provides notable insights into factors influencing analyte retention and separation, promising valuable guidance for future analysis.