Current Strategies in Biotechnology and Bioresource Technology Vol. 1

Biodiesel Synthesis from Cameroon Palm Kernel Seed Oil

Alang Michael Bong — 2020-03-20

Aims: This study was aimed at synthesizing and characterizing a biodiesel from Cameroon palm kernel oilseed.

Study Design: Synthesis was carried out on purified kernel oil by trans-esterification using methanol in basic medium.

Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory work was effectively carried out in the Department of Chemical Engineering (Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria) and at the Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Company (K.R.P.C), Nigeria, in the early part of the year 2017.

Methodology: Oil was extracted from Cameroon palm kernel seeds, which constitutes an agricultural industrial waste, by mechanical expression, was purified and analysed. Palm kernel oil (PKO) biodiesel was synthesised by trans-esterification in methanol with potassium hydroxide (KOH) as a base catalyst at the mass ratio PKO to methanol to KOH of 100:20:1.

Results: The yield of optimised synthesis of biodiesel was 97%, with a useful by-product (glycerol) which has potential pharmaceutical, cosmetic and engineering applications. PKO biodiesel was analysed using UV and IR spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Biodiesel had the following physical characteristics: specific gravity 0.884 g/mL, ASTM colour 1.5, viscosity at 40ºC 4.9080 cSt, viscosity at 100ºC 1.7914 cSt, cloud point 17ºC, pour point 0ºC, flash point 50ºC, aniline point 90ºF, cetane number 28, and diesel index 25. The following chemical parameters were obtained for the synthesized PKO Biodiesel: sulphur content 0.0328% w/v, acid value 0.4488 mg KOH/g, free fatty acid (FFA) content 0.2244 mg KOH/g, iodine value 7.36 mg I₂/g, saponification value 168.30 mg KOH/g, ester value 154.84 mg KOH/g, hydroxyl value 51.89 mg OH/g and peroxide value 3.20 meq/kg.

Conclusion: These results of physical and chemical characterisation of PKO biodiesel fell in the range reported in the literature for biodiesel and were close to those of petroleum diesel fuel.

Harnessing of Proteomic and Molecular Analysis of Bali Cattle Saliva: Another Side to Study the Potential of Bali Cattle (Bos javanicus) as a Native Indonesian Cattle

Sulaiman N. Depamede — 2020-03-20

Bali cattle are native to Indonesia, with some superior properties such as high fertility, remarkable resistance to heat stress as well as to most diseases that lead Bali cattle are suitable for tropical regions such as Indonesia and may be for other tropical countries as well. Up to now studies have been focused on their main purpose as small beef cattle, in fact Bali cattle saliva has also shown potential as a source of biological material. This book chapter discusses the studies that have been carried out in the last five years regarding saliva of Bali cattle from proteomic and molecular aspects. From this discussion it is hoped that further thoughts will be born to explore the Bali cattle from other aspects. Hopefully the information is also useful to explore the benefits of saliva in other native animals besides Bali cattle.

In vivo and in vitro Study of Piper longum Explants for Anticancerous, Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties

Sudipta Banerjee — 2020-03-20

Piper longum is a medicinal plant of great importance. The present work is to compare anticancerous, antibacterial and antioxidant properties of different explants (leaf and stem) of Piper longum in vivo and in vitro. The anticancerous activity was measured in terms of percentage cytotoxicity and the cell line used was leukemic cell line K562. Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, bacteria were used for determination of antibacterial activity. Solvent extracts were prepared from leaf and stem explants of Piper longum and their anticancerous, antibacterial and antioxidant activities were evaluated. Antioxidant activity was measured in terms of percentage (%) Total Phenolic Content (TPC) and percentage (%) 2,2– diphenyl 1-2-picryl hydrazy1 (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity. The aqueous Piper longum fruit extract and green synthesized silver nanoparticles showed powerful antioxidant properties in in vitro studies. The anticancerous, antibacterial and antioxidant effects were found to be higher for hot extracts than cold extract. Further the results of in vivo explants were better than in vitro explants, in case of anticancerous activity and results of in vitro explants were better than in vivo explants, in case of antibacterial and antioxidant activity.

Use of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to Optimize Culture Media for in vitro Callogenesis in Ipomoea obscura (L.) Ker-Gawl, a Little Known Medicinal Plant

Tanmoy Sinha — 2020-03-20

Aims: The present study was undertaken to explore the potentiality of in vitro micropropagation (by callus induction) of Ipomoea obscura(L.) Ker-Gawl (Convolvulaceae), a perennial herb.

Method: Axenically grown cotyledonary leaves regenerated into profuse calli, in various combinations of naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4 D) with benzylaminopurine (BAP). Microroots emerged from these calli when subjected to various combinations of NAA and BAP. Maximum number of root meristems and microroots were formed in 1.25 mg/L NAA with the combination of 0.5 mg/L BAP (1:4 v/v). Leaf, nodal and internodal segments as explants were cultured on MS media containing 2,4 D at 0.5, 1.25, 2.50, 5.0 and 10.0 mg/L, for callus induction. Only leaf tips initiated callogenesis with highest response at 10 mg/l 2,4 D and lowest with 0.5 mg/l 2.4 D. This is the first report of in vitro response of I. obscura.

Results: All the results were analyzed on the context of response surface methodology (RSM) and simultaneously by contour plot. Two variables lay out in X and Y axes and a third variable Z is plotted for contour level as concentric values. An efficient and effective micropopagation protocol was developed from the leaf of Ipomoea obscura (L.) Ker-gawl, an important medicinal plant. Transplantation of regenerated plants under in vivo condition has been done successfully. RSM has been used for modeling, analyzing and optimizing in vitro responses of Ipomoea obscura. The specific target response surface plot and contour plot are focused to determine optimum shoot and root length against optimum hormone concentration, number of shoot and root length in best concentration of MS medium and finally mean number of root and shoot in optimum NAA concentration. Depending upon variances of dry weight of callus, rooting response and root length, response surface plots (RSM) and contour plots were drawn where four types of hormone combinations (IAA- BAP, IBA-BAP, NAA-BAP, 2,4D-BAP) were used in different combinations.

Conformational Similarity between the Active Sites of a Sunflower Seedlings Lipase and a Porcine Pancreatic Lipase

Sellema Bahri — 2020-03-20

A true triacylglycerol lipase was detected in germinating sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) seedlings associated to oleosomes. This enzyme that has not yet been identified was partially purified as shown by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS PAGE) (10%): Two protein bands, of 61 and 66 kDa, were isolated from the active lipase fraction. Polyclonal antibodies (PAbs) directed against each protein band were produced. Only PAbs against the 61 kDa protein band (P-61) were able to inhibit the total lipolytic activity of our preparation. Hence, only the 61 kDa protein carries the sunflower lipase activity. The relationship between a pure porcine pancreatic lipase and the P-61 purified sunflower lipolytic fraction was investigated, leading to the first evidence of cross reaction between the porcine pancreatic lipase and the P-61 sunflower lipase fraction.These results are in agreement with common epitopes to the porcine pancreatic lipase and the sunflower P-61.

Genetic Diversity in Some Introduced Pasture Grass Cultivars Revealed by Inter-Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) Markers: Detailed Overview

M. I. Motawei — 2020-03-20

This study was focused on studying the genetic diversity among pasture grass cultivars using inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers to determine their genetic background. Six grass cultivars were used in this study: two perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) cultivars (Aries and Quartet), two endophyte-free tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) cultivars (Fawn and K5666v) and two orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) cultivars (Tekapo and Niva). Analysis of the 15 selected ISSR primers among the six grass cultivars generated 77 bands, 66 (85.7%) of which were polymorphic. The two perennial ryegrasses cultivars (Aries and Quartet) were distinguished by a 600-bp amplification fragment produced by primer UBC807. The 500-bp amplification fragment was produced by primer UBC825, which was distinguished in Niva, but absent in Tekapo-orchard grass. Furthermore, Fawn-tall fescue was distinguished by a 400-bp amplification fragment produced by primer UBC825. The minimum genetic similarity (GS) value was obtained between the two orchard grass cultivars (Niva and Tekapo), while the maximum GS value was obtained between the two perennial ryegrasses cultivars (Aries and Quartet).

Imperative Role of Oxidation of Diethylthiourea in Dye Wastewater Treatment

Tehseen Ahmed — 2020-03-20

Several properties of thiourea and its derivatives are reported in biological, electrochemical, photochemical and radio-protective fields. This article proposed the use of thiourea derivative in the field of dye wastewater management where the color of the dye was reduced by the application of Diethylthiourea (DETU). For this purpose basic dye methylene green (MG) was selected at laboratory scale to monitor its color reduction by the addition of DETU. It was observed that DETU reacts with methylene green (MG) and reduced it into leuco dye where it oxidized into smaller fragments like urea, nitrate and sulphate. The reaction was favorable in acidic condition. A direct relation in between oxidation of DETU and MG to the concentration of H⁺ ions was observed through typical kinetics in two acids like HCl and H₂SO₄. The second order kinetics with respect to HCl and the first order with respect to H₂SO₄ indicated the protonation of the dye leading to reduction. In alkaline medium, the decline in the rate of reaction may be due to the suppressing effects of alkali on oxidation/degradation of DETU into smaller fragments or may be attributed with the de-protonation of DETU. Influence of addition of dye into reaction mixture retarded the bleaching process and follows zero order kinetics while rate of reaction enhanced by the addition of DETU in the reaction mixture and shows ¾^th order with respect to DETU. Negative effect of added different electrolytes reflects that change of ionic strength of reaction mixture have some bearing on redox reaction of MG and DETU. Reaction was monitored at elevated temperature and activation parameters were computed. The mechanisms of oxidation of DETU with reduction of dye MG were discussed. Reduction of MG into leuco dye with the fragmentation of DETU was observed in acidic condition at elevated temperature.

Super-Food Black Garlic - Breath of Birth

Jin-ichi Sasaki — 2020-03-20

When making black garlic, lots of pungent gas was released from fresh garlic during processing of fresh garlic but no chemical constituents of gas was reported until now. Gas Chromatography was applied to clarify compounds included to keep health condition of workers. Three major constituents such as ammonia (17%), sulfide group (17%) and aldehyde group (66%) were identified in pungent gas. Bioactivity of garlic derived gas (volatile) was conducted against bacteria P. aerugionosa, B. natto, enterohemorrhgagic E. coli O157, MRSA and C. albicans. Antibacteria activity of garlic was the strongest to compared with reference samples of garlic, onion, horse radish, dokudami (Houttuyhia cordata), rubbed sage, whole clove and cinnamon by the petri dish cultivation method. Bacteria killing mechanisms of Thujopsis dolabrata (Hiba tree) oil and formalin chemical presented different appearance by scanning electron microscopic analysis, suggesting that bacteria killing actions are various depending on types of gas (volatile).

Bioinformatics Based Investigation on the Assortment of Industrially Accessible Azodyes with Azoreductase Enzyme of Pseudomonas putida

Bikash Thakuria — 2020-03-20

Azo dyes are the most widely applied chemical dyes that have also raised great concerns for environmental contamination and human health issues. There has been an increased interest in discovering new novel bioremediation strategies to degrade azo dyes for environmental issues and also economic purposes. Azoreductase are key enzymes evolved in nature capable of degrading the azo dyes. As azoreductase enzyme is a key enzyme in degrading these azo dyes, they are good and potential candidates for industrial wastewater treatment and environmental restoration. The initial critical step of reduction of azo bond during the metabolism of azo dyes is catalysed by a group of NADH and FAD dependant enzyme called azoreductase. Although several azoreductase have been identified from microorganisms and partially characterized, very little is known about the structural basis of the substrate specificity and the nature of catalysis. Azoreductase enzyme of Pseudomonas putida has a wider broad spectrum of substrate specificity and capable of degrading a wide variety of azo dyes. In the present study, the crystal structure of the enzyme from PDB and 10 azo dyes from NCBI PubChem compound were retrieved and their interactions were studied. These azo dyes were then docked with the FMN-dependent NADH-azoreductase enzyme to analyse the binding affinity of the azo dyes with the enzyme and predict the catalytic sites. Consequently, the catalytic residues of FMN-dependent and NADH dependent enzyme were then analysed in terms of properties including function, hydrogen bonding and flexibility. The results suggest that Ala-114, Phe-172 and Glu-174 play a predominant role as catalytic site residues in the enzyme. Furthermore, the approach emphasis on predicting the active sites of this enzyme where substrates can bind in order to give a better understanding of the biodegradation of some of the commercially important azodyes mediated by azoreductase. These results will pave way for further increase in azoreductase activity and for better understanding of the dye degradation pathway. In addition to it, the different types of azo reductases can be further biochemically characterized for their novelty in near future.

Exploration on the Effectiveness of Radio Frequency Treatment and Flash Pasteurisation on Enzyme and Microbial Activity for Coconut Water Preservation: Recent Perspective

Gnana Moorthy Eswaran — 2020-03-20

The aim of this research work is to explore the effect of flash pasteurisation (FP) and radio frequency (RF) treatment on enzyme activity, microbial activity and physicochemical properties of matured coconut water (MCW). The process conditions for FP were treatment temperature and time in combinations. The process conditions for RF treatment were different electrode position with constant current load 0.8 A. The results obtained from these treatments reveal that FP conditions had significant effect on inactivation of natural microbial flora, polyphenoloxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) activity. From the results it is observed that FP at 90°C for 10 minutes is better for complete enzyme and microbial inactivation than RF treated MCW. The result is also evident that PPO has higher thermal stability than POD. From observed results the study also concludes that, FP is a better option for enzyme and microbial inactivation but RF treatment was found superior for retaining physicochemical attributes.

Biodesulfurization of Sour Crude Oil: An Advanced Study

Bushra Esmail Alkhalili — 2020-03-20

Crude oil is one of the most important types of fossil fuel in the world. It is an economically important commodity that is massively used in different fields of industrial activities. The poor quality of crude oil is related to high sulfur content, which translates to lower profit margins and negatively impacts air quality standards. Polyaromatic sulfur heterocycles (PASHs) that exist in crude oil require an efficient reduction method to achieve a significant desulfurization level. Recently, biodesulfurization (BDS) is gaining greater attention attributed to its environmentally benign bioprocess; the possible benefits of BDS include lower capital and processing costs. Studies have reported that BDS is urgently needed for the desulfurization of recalcitrant organic sulfur than relative to a traditional approach, hydrodesulfurization (HDS). The establishment of commercial-scale bio-refining technology relies upon achieving major advancement in BDS, which concerning less expensive and sufficient production of highly active and stable biocatalysts. These bacteria can be adapted to intense conditions encountered in petroleum refineries. In this paper, a review on BDS processes for removing recalcitrant thoiphenic components from sour crude oil is conducted, covering the aim of most studies concerning desulfurizing bacteria, which enables deep desulfurization of organosulfur compounds by 4S pathway, maintaining the caloric value of the fuel.

Influence of Urethane on Rheological Properties of the Erythrocytes in Rats: Recent Advancement

L. N. Katiukhin — 2020-03-20

Therapeutic strategies using various preparations and their combinations with different mechanisms of action are gaining increasing attention. But the experiments are carried out in accordance with the work ethic on animals using anesthetics, which change the internal environment. We examined effect of urethane on rheological properties of erythrocytes in rats. Our results demonstrated negative effect resulting in worsens deformability and aggregability of the erythrocytes. Therefore studies on the effect of drugs to hematological parameters and blood rheology which were performed on urethane anesthetized animals, should be considered invalid and incorrect.

Green Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles Using Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) Peel Extract and Antifungal Study: Recent Advancement

Nguyen Thi Hieu Trang — 2020-03-20

Copper nanoparticles were synthesized by the reduction method using copper (II) sulfate with the reducing agent (ascorbic) acid in aqueous mandarin (Citrus reticulata) peel extract characterisation, and protective polyvinyl alcohol (PVA, Mw = 85000 g/mol). The morphology and structure of the synthesized copper nanoparticles ranged from 10 – 40 nm by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), transmission Electronic Microscope (TEM) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE – SEM). It can be controlled during synthesis by varying the reaction temperature, pH and relative ratio of copper sulfate to the surfactant. These synthesized copper nanoparticles were found to be effective in controlling the growth of pathogens viz. Corticium salmonicola and Phanerochaete salmon color. The antifungal activities of copper nanoparticles were enhanced by increasing their concentration and copper nanoparticles recorded higher events than those of copper sulfate.