Muhammad Gulfraz

Agro-industrial lignocellulosic biomass a key to unlock the future bio-energy: A brief review

Abstract From the last several years, in serious consideration of the worldwide economic and environmental pollution issues there has been increasing research interest in the value of bio-sourced lignocellulosic biomass. Agro-industrial biomass comprised on lignocellulosic waste is an inexpensive, renewable, abundant and provides a unique natural resource for large-scale and cost-effective bio-energy collection. To expand the range of natural bio-resources the rapidly evolving tools of biotechnology can lower the conversion costs and also enhance target yield of the product of interest. In this background green biotechnology presents a promising approach to convert most of the solid agricultural wastes particularly lignocellulosic materials into liquid bio based energy-fuels. In fact, major advances have already been achieved to competitively position cellulosic ethanol with corn ethanol. The present summarized review work begins with an overview on the physico-chemical features and composition of agro-industrial biomass. The information is also given on the multi-step processing technologies of agro-industrial biomass to fuel ethanol followed by a brief summary of future considerations.

Fatty acid composition of seed oil of different Sorghum bicolor varieties

In order to find out new sources of premium quality edible oil in the country, seeds of ten varieties of Sorghum bicolor were initially analyzed for their total oil contents. The seed oil was later fractionated into eight fatty acids including two new saturated fatty acids. The oil contents were determined by Soxhlet method and compared with the results obtained by NMR analysis. The total oil contents in the seeds of sorghum ranged from 5.0 to 8.2 % (w/w), indicating non significant difference obtained by two different techniques. The results revealed that oleic acid (31.12-48.99%), Palmitoleic acid (0.43-0.56%), linoleic acids (27.59-50.73%), linolenic acid (1.71-3.89%), stearic acid (1.09-2.59%) and palmitic acid (11.73-20.18%) was present in the seed oil of different sorghum varieties when analyzed by GC-MS. It was observed that in most of the varieties polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were higher than monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). The two atypical SFAs, octanedioic (C8:0) and azelaic acid (C9:0) were found in some varieties. These results suggest that these S. bicolor varieties could be additional sources of edible oil due to presence of clinically important saturated and high concentration of unsaturated fatty acids. A large scale production of the seed oil after refining process can contribute towards alleviation of edible oil shortage in the country with increased use of premium quality oil.

Effects of acacia honey on wound healing in various rat models.

Honey is a traditional remedy for the treatment of infected wounds, and is becoming more important as microbial resistance to conventional therapeutic agents increases. A study was conducted to assess the wound‐healing activity of Acacia honey using incision, excision, burn and dead‐space wound models in rats. Different formulations of honey were used and rats were treated topically as well as orally. Both the higher and lower doses of honey produced a significant effect on healing (p < 0.05). The area of epithelization was found to increase, followed by an increase in wound contraction, skin‐breaking strength, tissue granulation. The hydroxyproline content also increased in the rats treated with higher doses of honey compared to control, indicating an increase in collagen formation. Copyright

PAH exposure and oxidative stress indicators of human cohorts exposed to traffic pollution in Lahore city (Pakistan).

Pollution from road traffic is not only a major source of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) but also a growing problem in the city of Lahore (Pakistan). In this study, we evaluated exposure to traffic-related PAHs, among subjects including traffic police officers (TPs), rickshaw drivers (RKs) shopkeepers working near main roads (SKs) and a control group (CN) for comparative analyses. We monitored the 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) as biomarkers of exposure to PAHs and its probable association with catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) activity as biomarkers of oxidative stress in selected cohorts from the city Lahore. Results showed that median 1-OHP concentration was significantly higher in TPs than CN (med 1.21 vs. 0.51 μmol mol-C(-1) respectively, P=0.046), followed by RKs (0.68 μmol mol-C(-1), P=0.19 vs. CN). Furthermore, GSH, GSHPx, and CAT activities were also higher in exposed subjects than CN, which indicated that they experienced oxidative stress. Similar, but less severe observations were recorded in SKs. Observation of self-reported health status showed that, on the basis of daily time spent in the middle of heavy traffic, TPs and RKs most frequently suffered from adverse head and respiratory symptoms. The study shows that increasing traffic pollution can be associated with important health risk factor not only for the workers in transport industry but also for the public. Finally, the issue of traffic pollution in Lahore city needs to be addressed on priority.

Purification and characterization of α-amylase from Ganoderma tsuage growing in waste bread medium

The objective of this study was to purify and characterize the α-amylase for industrial perspective. The production of α-amylase through solid-state fermentation by Ganoderma tsuage was investigated by using waste bread as substrates. Production parameters were optimized as 2 mL of inoculum size, moisture 50%, additional carbon source (glucose) and nitrogen source (ammonium nitrate) 10:1, 1 mM/mL MgSO4, 0.75 mM/mL CaCl2 and 0.50 mM/mL KH2PO4. The purification value of α-amylase was observed as 1.2 fold with specific activity of 112 U/mg having a yield of 22%. Specific activity of αamylase increased up to the level of 143 U/mg and had 1.5-fold purification factor having a yield of 6% after Sephadex gel filtration. Optimum value of α-amylase was obtained at 35°C and at pH 6 for the time duration of 72 h. The Km and Vmax values for α-amylase were 1.3 mg and 39 mg/min, respectively. Calcium chloride (CaCl2) was found to increase the activity of α-amylase while all other compounds seemed to have inhibitory action against α-amylase. Silver nitrate (AgNO3) was the strongest inhibitor and therefore would not be advised for use in future research against α-amylase production.

Bioethanol productions from rice polish by optimization of dilute acid pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis

Lignocellulose materials are abundant renewable resource for the production of biofuel from fermentative organism ( Sacchromyces cervesiae ). Rice polish is cheapest and abundant lignocelluloses resource and has potential to produce bioethanol. The main steps for the conversion of biomass into glucose required dilute acid pretreatment, but it also released inhibitory compounds which reduced the ethanol yield. So, attempt has been made to minimize the effect of inhibitory compounds as well as optimized the condition like glucose recovery, xylose solubilization and lignin degradation during dilute acid pretreatment. Maximum lignin degradation, less glucose loss, better xylose solubilization obtained with dilute sulphuric acid 1.5% at 100°C for 30 min. During enzymatic hydrolysis (Novozyme) with 0.75 mL/2 g, enzymatic loads for 72 h gave 4.27mg/mL glucose while with indigenous enzyme load 1 mL/2 g gave 0.953 mg/mL of glucose. Key words: Bioethanol, Dilute acid pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, rice polish.

Physico-chemical, functional and processing attributes of some potato varieties grown in Pakistan

A study was generated from six commercial potato varieties and studied for their physical, chemical, functional and processing attributes. Lady Rosetta followed by Hermes was the most appreciable varieties concerning their physical attributes. A positive correlation (R = 0.765) existed between tuber firmness and specific gravity. Lady Rosetta and Atlantic attained maximum dry matter and starch contents. Agria contained lesser amount of sugar and Desi contained maximum fat and fiber contents. Highly significant correlation was estimated between dry matter and starch contents (R = 0.967). Hermes and Agria were preferred over all other varieties for their mineral contents, but its functional attributes were found maximum in Desi followed by Hermes. A promising correlation was reported between most of these functional parameters with distinctive correlation between total phenolic contents and radical scavenging activity (R = 0.903). Post processing parameters in Lady Rosetta indicated its preference over all other varieties followed by Hermes and Atlantic. Key words : Potato varieties, physico-chemical, functional attributes, processing.

Hepatoprotective effects of Justicia adhatoda L. against carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) induced liver injury in Swiss albino mice

) induced liver damage in Swiss albino mice. Liver injury was assessed by estimation of biochemical parameters which includes liver function tests and supplemented by histopathological examination of liver. Aqueous, ethanolic and methanolic extracts of different concentrations were given orally and activities of these extracts were compared with standard drug (silymarin). The results showed that

Development and optimization of sweet cream butter from buffaloes at cottage scale

The research was intended to optimize and scientifically evaluate the traditional/ household butter making methods for getting good quality and yield of butter by standardizing cream fat levels and altering churning temperatures during butter making. In the present study, cream fat levels were standardized at 30, 35 and 40% and they were churned at different temperatures (8, 10 and 12°C) for making butter samples. The parameters used for quality assessment of butter were significantly influenced by cream fat levels and churning temperature and their interactions. Higher yield (88%) of butter with more total solids (89.17%) was obtained when cream standardized at 35% fat level and churned at 10°C while less non fat solids and moisture content was observed at these levels. A decreasing trend in pH was accompanied with an increase in fat level and churning temperature in all samples. Free fatty acids increased as a function of cream fat levels and churning temperatures. Most of the organoleptic parameters received higher scores when butter samples were prepared from the cream at 35% fat level and churned at 10°C. Using these conditions of fat levels and churning temperature, high quality butter can be produced at cottage scale. Key words : Butter quality, churning temperature, optimization, cottage scale, sweet cream.

Mesophilic Anaerobic Co-digestion of Cattle Manure with Malus domestica and Dalbergia sissoo during Biomethane Potential Assays

The burning of cattle manure for domestic use, and plant biomass left out in fields, is a common practice in South Asia, specifically Pakistan. According to the 2014 government of Pakistan (GOP) survey, Pakistan had 171 million head of cattle that would produce 345 billion kg of manure, which could easily be converted into 150 billion m3 of biogas. The focus of the present study was to evaluate the benefits from co-digestion of cattle manure (CM) with Dalbergia sissoo leaves (DSL) and Malus domestica leaves (MDL), with a focus on changes in the biodegradability, C/N ratio effect, and synergistic effect. The idea was to adjust the C/N ratio to increase biodegradability at mesophilic range to help the process to produce more methane than 100% manure-based digestion. First, the ideal pH and temperature conditions for mesophilic anaerobic digestion (AD) were optimized to carry out further co-digestion under the same conditions. The results of co-digestion revealed a 40% (251 NmL CH4/g VS) increase in methane yield by replacing 20% of volatile solid in CM-based AD reactors with MDL. This combination also presented a biodegradability of 59% and a synergistic effect (θ) value of 1.40, which corresponded to highly positive synergism reflecting the optimum growth conditions. The DSL/CM co-digestion also followed the same pattern, and the maximum methane yield of 229 NmL CH4/g VS was obtained using a 20/80 DSL/CM combination.