I. Ganesh Moorthy

Response surface optimization of ultrasound assisted extraction of pectin from pomegranate peel

Ultrasound assisted extraction of pectin from waste pomegranate peel was investigated and optimized using Box-Behnken response surface design coupled with numerical optimization technique. The individual and interactive effect of process variables (solid-liquid ratio, pH, extraction time and temperature) on the pectin yield was studied. The experimental data obtained were analyzed by Pareto analysis of variance (ANOVA) and second-order polynomial models were developed using multiple regression analysis. The models developed from the experimental design were predictive and good fit with the experimental data with high coefficient of determination (R(2)) value. The optimal extraction condition was found to be 1:17.52 g/ml of solid-liquid ratio, 1.27 of pH, 28.31 min of extraction time and 61.90 °C of extraction temperature respectively. Under the optimal conditions, experimental yield was very close to the predicted values.

Investigation of Physico-Chemical Properties of Alkali-Treated Prosopis juliflora Fibers

There is ever-increasing interest in using natural fibers in polymer composite systems and textile industry. Prosopis juliflora fibers (PJFs) possess ideal characteristics that make them suitable for various applications. Alkali treatment of PJFs was primarily aimed to change their physico-chemical properties; 5% (w/v) NaOH concentration and 60 min of soaking time were found to be optimal. It is intriguing to note that optimally treated PJFs had higher cellulose (72.27 wt.%), lower hemicellulose (4.02 wt.%) and lignin (12.09 wt.%) contents, higher crystallinity index (73%), tensile strength, and thermal stability.

Effect of Chemical Treatments on Physicochemical Properties of Prosopis juliflora Fibers

Incompatibility between hydrophilic natural fibers and hydrophobic matrix is known to affect the adhesion of the fiber and matrix. Therefore, it becomes necessary to modify the surface of natural fibers for improved adhesion between the fiber and matrix. Prosopis juliflora fibers (PJFs) are known to possess desirable properties for use as reinforcement in polymer matrices. Using chemical analysis, the optimal condition for alkali treatment of the PJFs was found to be 5% (w/v) of NaOH concentration with 60 min soaking time. Chemical modifications favorably changed the physiochemical properties of PJFs and undoubtedly diminished the amorphous and wax contents.

Ultrasound assisted extraction of pectin from waste Artocarpus heterophyllus fruit peel.

Four factors three level face centered central composite response surface design was employed in this study to investigate and optimize the effect of process variables (liquid-solid (LS) ratio (10:1-20:1ml/g), pH (1-2), sonication time (15-30min) and extraction temperature (50-70°C)) on the maximum extraction yield of pectin from waste Artocarpus heterophyllus (Jackfruit) peel by ultrasound assisted extraction method. Numerical optimization method was adapted in this study and the following optimal condition was obtained as follows: Liquid-solid ratio of 15:1ml/g, pH of 1.6, sonication time of 24min and temperature of 60°C. The optimal condition was validated through experiments and the observed value was interrelated with predicted value.

Modelling and optimization of critical parameters by hybrid RSM-GA for the separation of BSA using a tubular configured MFI-type zeolite microfiltration membrane

This paper deals with the fabrication of a MFI-type zeolite membrane via an in situ hydrothermal synthesis technique on a low cost porous tubular ceramic substrate. To formulate the zeolite layer on the porous substrate, the hydrothermal solution was prepared using silicate solutions. The MFI zeolite (as synthesized and calcined) was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry (TG) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The fabricated ceramic substrate as well as the zeolite membrane was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), porosity and water permeability measurements. The porosity, mean pore size and water permeability of the zeolite membrane were evaluated to be 51%, 0.272 μm and 4.43 × 10−7 m3 m−2 s−1 kPa−1, respectively. The separation efficiency of the membrane in terms of permeate flux and rejection was studied with BSA as a model protein. Three operating parameters, BSA concentration (100–500 ppm), pH (2–4) and applied pressure (68.94–275.79 kPa), were optimized for the better separation efficiency of the membrane using response surface methodology (RSM) followed by a bi-objective genetic algorithm (GA). The non-linear models predicted by RSM were further optimized by a GA. The appropriate optimum conditions were obtained as a BSA concentration of 100 ppm, solution pH of 2 and applied pressure of 275.79 kPa. These predicted conditions were experimentally validated and a higher permeate flux and rejection of BSA were obtained as 4.63 × 10−5 m s−1 and 81.98%, respectively. Further, the separation efficiency of prepared membrane was compared with other membranes used for BSA separation stated in the literature.

Ultrasound assisted citric acid mediated pectin extraction from industrial waste of Musa balbisiana

The objectives of the present work are to extract pectin from industrial waste of Musa balbisiana by ultrasound assisted citric acid mediated extraction method and optimization was done through central composite statistical experimental design under response surface methodology. The outcomes of this study exhibited that, process variables (ultrasound power, pH and extraction time) had considerable influence on the pectin extraction. Second order mathematical equation was constructed to predict the data through regression analysis. The optimal extraction process condition was ultrasound power of 323w, pH of 3.2, extraction time of 27min and SL (solid-liquid) ratio of 1:15g/ml. The mean experimental yield of pectin (8.99±0.018%) was fine accord among predicted yield of pectin (9.02%).

Optimization of dextran production by Weissella cibaria NITCSK4 using Response Surface Methodology-Genetic Algorithm based technology

The most influencing factor on dextran production by Weissella cibaria NITCSK4 were screened using Plackett Burman design at 95% confidence limit with higher value of co-efficient of determination (R2) 99.58%. The combined effects of significant factors, namely, sucrose, temperature, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate (K2HPO4) and yeast extract were studied and optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The input parameters of non-linear models predicted by RSM were subsequently optimized using the genetic algorithm (GA) for obtaining a maximum dextran yield. The maximum yield was obtained with sucrose concentration of 15.78%, yeast extract 1.27%, K2HPO4 1.25%, and at 26°C. The predicted conditions were experimentally validated and 43.79mg/ml of dextran was produced. The dextran yield was 51% higher as compared to unoptimized medium. The molecular weight of resulting dextran produced at 26°C is >2000kDa. The NMR spectroscopic analysis demonstrated that the NITCSK4 produced linear dextran with predominant α (1-6) linkage.

A comprehensive review of biodiesel production methods from various feedstocks

ABSTRACT This article reviews the performance of biodiesel production from various feedstocks and analyzes the associated challenges. The existing literature survey dealt with the potential and important feedstocks like edible oil, non-edible oil, animal fat and algae oil for the biodiesel production. The result shows that the various sources have different yield due to processes variables. The yield of biodiesel differs with the feedstocks due to physico-chemical properties of sources and the process variables. In order to increase the biodiesel yield, the novel technologies are warranted in the bioenergy research field. Recent research focuses on the cheap, abundant feedstocks, novel production and purification technologies for biodiesel. Transesterification by enzyme has advantageous in view of conversion, yield and reusability whereas low yield of chemical catalyst catalyzed transesterification reactions in recent years. Lipase mediated transesterification has increased the rate of reaction followed by high conversion. But the activity of free enzyme is reduced as stability is low. In order to overcome this drawback, the immobilized lipase mediated transesterification methodology has been introduced in recent studies. Nanobiocatalyst focuses exclusively on the transesterification of oils using methanol to produce fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). Importantly, the lipase binds on magnetic particles with various size ranges, confirming stability and giving more reactive centers. Analytical methods such Fourier transform infrared spectra and transmission electron microscopy are used to characterize the structure of nanoparticles which exhibit better resistance to temperature and pH, stirring speed, enzyme loading, viscosity of oil and alcohol/oil molar ratio and free fatty acid. For the analysis of FAME, Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) was extensively used. Nowadays microwave and ultrasound assisted transesterification techniques increases the conversion rate of oils into biodiesel. These methods may require less energy, compared to the conventional method. This method may require less energy, compared to the conventional method. In addition, the statistical (response surface methodology) and stochastical (artificial neural network and genetic algorithm) optimization techniques are expected to provide the best process response to the highest acid conversion and efficiency.

Separation of BSA through FAU-type zeolite ceramic composite membrane formed on tubular ceramic support: Optimization of process parameters by hybrid response surface methodology and biobjective genetic algorithm

ABSTRACT In this study, Faujasite (FAU) zeolite was coated on low-cost tubular ceramic support as a separating layer through hydrothermal route. The mixture of silicate and aluminate solutions was used to create a zeolitic separation layer on the support. The prepared zeolite ceramic composite membrane was characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), particle size distribution (PSD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and zeta potential measurements. The porosity of ceramic support (53%) was reduced by the deposition of FAU (43%) zeolite layer. The pore size and water permeability of the membrane were evaluated as 0.179 µm and 1.62 × 10−7 m3/m2 s kPa, respectively, which are lower than that of the support (pore size of 0.309 µm and water permeability of 5.93 × 10−7 m3/m2 s kPa). The permeate flux and rejection potential of the prepared membrane were evaluated by microfiltration of bovine serum albumin (BSA). To study the influences of three independent variables such as operating pressure (68.94–275.79 kPa), concentration of BSA (100–500 ppm), and solution pH (2–4) on permeate flux and percentage of rejection, the response surface methodology (RSM) was used. The predicted models for permeate flux and rejection were further subjected to biobjective genetic algorithm (GA). The hybrid RSM-GA approach resulted in a maximum permeate flux of 2.66 × 10−5 m3/m2 s and BSA rejection of 88.02%, at which the optimum conditions were attained as 100 ppm BSA concentration, 2 pH solution, and 275.79 kPa applied pressure. In addition, the separation efficiency was compared with other membranes applied for BSA separation to know the potential of the fabricated FAU zeolite ceramic composite membrane.