T. Eevera

Bio: T. Eevera is an academic researcher from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Germination & Biodiesel. The author has an hindex of 7, co-authored 13 publications receiving 383 citations. Previous affiliations of T. Eevera include Periyar Maniammai University.

Effect of Costus igneus stem extract on calcium oxalate urolithiasis in albino rats

Abstract: The effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Costus igneus (stem) and isolated compounds lupeol and stigmasterol on calcium oxalate urolithiasis have been studied in male albino Wistar rats. Ethylene glycol feeding resulted in hyperoxaluria as well as increased renal excretion of calcium and oxalate. The increased deposition of stone-forming constituents in the urine, serum, and kidney homogenate of urolithic rats was significantly (p < 0.05) lowered by treatment using aqueous and ethanolic extracts of C. igneus (stem), and isolated compounds lupeol and stigmasterol. The calcium oxalate crystal deposition in the kidney was significantly greater in ethylene glycol-induced urolithic rats. After administration of aqueous and ethanolic extract of C. igneus, the deposition of calcium and oxalate was significantly lowered. Treatment with lupeol and stigmasterol significantly reduced the deposition of calcium and oxalate in the kidney, and also in the blood serum; the lipid profile serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels at 50 and 100 mg/kg were significantly (p < 0.05) lowered in urolithiatic rats. From this study, we conclude that both the treatments with aqueous and ethanolic extract of C. igneus (stem) and isolated compounds lupeol and stigmasterol had an inhibitory effect on calcium oxalate urinary stone. Lupeol and stigmasterol were identified from the stem of C. igneus by high-performance thin layer chromatography technique. The isolated compounds were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and 13C NMR spectra.

Cotton Seed Oil: A Feasible Oil Source for Biodiesel Production

Abstract: Cottonseed oil was transesterified to convert into biodiesel. The optimum catalyst concentration, amount of methanol used per liter of oil, time taken by the reaction, and temperature were found. This cottonseed oil-derived biodiesel was tested in a direct injection, naturally aspirated, single-cylinder diesel engine. The diesel engine was operated from no load to full load condition. Effect of this biodiesel on engine parameters, namely, fuel consumption, electrical efficiency, lower heating value, and engine speed, was examined. Also, the physical and chemical properties, including specific gravity, moisture content, refractive index, acid value, iodine number, saponification value, and peroxide value of the methyl esters used in this study, were estimated. Based on electrical efficiency, the methyl esters obtained from cottonseed oil were found to be a good alternate fuel in internal combustion engines with electrical generators.

Isolation, characterization and quantification of diosgenin from Costus igneus

Abstract: In the present study, an attempt has been made to isolate, characterize, and to quantify diosgenin from sapogenin extract of Costus igneus rhizome. Crude sapogenin extract of C. igneus rhizome was chromatographed on silica gel column, eluting with solvent mixtures of increasing polarity composed of n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate (ethyl acetate up to 80%), and the fractions were collected. The structure of the isolated compound was established on the basis of elemental analysis and spectroscopic evidences (infrared [IR], proton nuclear magnetic resonance [1H NMR], carbon nuclear magnetic resonance [13C NMR], mass spectrometry [MS]). Diosgenin was quantified by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) (n-hexane-ethyl acetate 7:3 [v/v] as mobile phase) at RF 0.27 which gave single peak at 254 nm (after derivatization — 433 nm). The amount of diosgenin was estimated by comparing the peak area of standard to the peak area of diosgenin present in the C. igneus rhizome extract (sapogenin extract). The diosgenin present in the sapogenin extract was estimated to be 0.5%.

Poly(o-anisidine)–anion composite films as sensing platform for biological molecules

Abstract: Polyanisidine films doped with two different anions, viz., perchlorate and paratoluene sulphonate anions are prepared electrochemically on a gold substrate. Polyanisidine films doped with the anions aid in retaining the redox conductivity of the polyanisidine films. This behaviour is similar to that of polyaniline films. Unlike polyaniline films, even smaller ions like perchlorate and paratoluene sulphonate are sufficient for retaining the redox conductivity of the film, which may be primarily due to the compact, non-permeant films formed during electropolymerization. The films are found to be suitable for the immobilization of glucose oxidase enzyme and are found to be an efficient sensing matrix for glucose. The films also exhibited catalytic activity towards the oxidation of NADH. These studies indicate the usefulness of polyanisidine–anion films as sensing platform for biomolecules.

Biodiesel production through the use of different sources and characterization of oils and their esters as the substitute of diesel: A review

Abstract: The world is confronted with the twin crises of fossil fuel depletion and environmental degradation. The indiscriminate extraction and consumption of fossil fuels have led to a reduction in petroleum reserves. Petroleum based fuels are obtained from limited reserves. These finite reserves are highly concentrated in certain region of the world. Therefore, those countries not having these resources are facing a foreign exchange crisis, mainly due to the import of crude petroleum oil. Hence it is necessary to look for alternative fuels, which can be produced from materials available within the country. Although vegetative oils can be fuel for diesel engines, but their high viscosities, low volatilities and poor cold flow properties have led to the investigation of its various derivatives. Among the different possible sources, fatty acid methyl esters, known as Biodiesel fuel derived from triglycerides (vegetable oil and animal fates) by transesterification with methanol, present the promising alternative substitute to diesel fuels and have received the most attention now a day. The main advantages of using Biodiesel are its renewability, better quality exhaust gas emission, its biodegradability and the organic carbon present in it is photosynthetic in origin. It does not contribute to a rise in the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and consequently to the green house effect. This paper reviews the source of production and characterization of vegetable oils and their methyl ester as the substitute of the petroleum fuel and future possibilities of Biodiesel production.

Inedible vegetable oils and their derivatives for alternative diesel fuels in CI engines: A review

Abstract: The use of inedible vegetable oils as an alternative fuel for diesel engine is accelerated by the energy crisis due to depletion of resources and increased environmental problems including the great need for edible oil as food and the reduction of biodiesel production cost, etc. Of a lot of inedible vegetable oils which can be exploited for substitute fuel as diesel fuel, seven vegetable oils, i.e., jatropha, karanja, mahua, linseed, rubber seed, cottonseed and neem oils were selected for discussion in this review paper. The application of jatropha oil as a liquid fuel for CI engine can be classified with neat jatropha oil, engine modifications such as preheating, and dual fuelling, and fuel modifications such as jatropha oil blends with other fuels, mostly with diesel fuel, biodiesel, biodiesel blends and degumming. Therefore, jatropha oil is a leading candidate for the commercialization of non-edible vegetable oils. There exists a big difference in the fuel properties of seven inedible vegetable oils and its biodiesels considered in this review. It is clear from this review that biodiesel generally causes an increase in NOx emission and a decrease in HC, CO and PM emissions compared to diesel. It was reported that a diesel engine without any modification would run successfully on a blend of 20% vegetable oil and 80% diesel fuel without damage to engine parts. This trend can be applied to the biodiesel blends even though particular biodiesel shows 40% blend. In addition, the blends of biodiesel and diesel can replace the diesel fuel up to 10% by volume for running common rail direct injection system without any durability problems.

Catalytic applications in the production of biodiesel from vegetable oils.

Abstract: The predicted shortage of fossil fuels and related environmental concerns have recently attracted significant attention to scientific and technological issues concerning the conversion of biomass into fuels. First-generation biodiesel, obtained from vegetable oils and animal fats by transesterification, relies on commercial technology and rich scientific background, though continuous progress in this field offers opportunities for improvement. This review focuses on new catalytic systems for the transesterification of oils to the corresponding ethyl/methyl esters of fatty acids. It also addresses some innovative/emerging technologies for the production of biodiesel, such as the catalytic hydrocracking of vegetable oils to hydrocarbons. The special role of the catalyst as a key to efficient technology is outlined, together with the other important factors that affect the yield and quality of the product, including feedstock-related properties and various system conditions.