Showing papers in "international journal of chemical sciences in 2013"

GC-MS Evaluation of Bioactive Compounds and Antibacterial Activity of the Oil Fraction from the Stem Bark of Brachystegia Eurycoma Harms

Abstract: The ethanolic extract of the stem bark of Brachystegia eurycoma yielded reddish coloured substance (5.68 g). The extract was subjected to GC-MS studies. Nineteen phyto-constituents were identified with 41, 5-dihydroxy-7-methoxy flavones (21.97%) constituting the bulk of the oil, followed by 9-octadecenoic acid (12.4%). Other compounds indentified include 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (10.16%), hexadecanoic acid (9.50%), 9-octadecenoic acid ethyl ester (9.50%), hexadecanoic acid ethyl ester (4.59%), (4-(2-methyl-piperidine-1-sulfonyl)-phenyl)-(2-methyl-piperidin-1-yl)-methanone (3.93%), 2-Omethl- D-Mannopyranosa (3.61%), 2-hydroxy-5-methylisophthaladehyde (3.28%), 1,2,3-trihydroxyphenol (2.30%), ethyl 2-hydroxybenzyl sulfone (2.30%), 1,2,4-trimethyl-3-nitrobicyclo (3.3.1) nonan-9-one (2.30%), butanal, 4-hydroxy-3-methyl (1.97%), 1,6-anhydro-beta-D-glucopyranose (1.97%), 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, 2-ethoxy-2-oxoethyl ester (1.64%), N,N-diethyl-4-(morpholine-4-sulfonyl)-benzenesulfanamide (1.64%) and 9-octadecenamide (1.31%). The extract showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus. These results suggest the use of the extract from the stem bark of Brachystegia eurycoma in the treatment of typhoid fever, wounds and infections in herbal medicine in Nigeria.

Study the toxic effects of aromatic compounds in gasoline in saudi arabia petrol stations

Abstract: Two gasoline samples of octane numbers 91 and 95 from Saudi Arabia petrol stations were studied statically and dynamically. This study was achieved at three different temperatures 20 o C, 30 o C and 50 o C representing the change in temperatures of the different seasons of the year. Both the evaporated gases and liquid paraffinic including light aromatic hydrocarbons (BTEX) of gasoline samples inside the tank were subjected to analyze qualitatively and quantitatively via capillary gas chromatography. The stream composition of each gasoline sample was calculated by the combination of the liberated gases and the liquid gasoline fuel inside the car tank. The detailed hydrocarbon composition and the octane number of the studied gasoline samples were determined using detailed hydrocarbon analyzer. The idea of research is indicating the impact of light aromatic compounds in gasoline on the toxic effect of human and environment on the one hand, and on octane number of gasoline on the other hand. Although the value of octane number will be reduced but this will have a positive impact on the environment as a way to produce clean fuel.

Adsorption of disperse blue dye on iraqi date palm seeds activated carbon

Abstract: In this paper, adsorption isotherm and kinetics of disperse blue dye on activated carbon prepared from Iraqi date seeds (Zahdi date seeds ZDS) were determined from batch tests. The effect of different parameters, such as, different doses, pH and contact time were investigated. Equilibrium adsorption data for synthesized activated carbon (ZDSAC) were analyzed by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm. The equilibrium data were best fitted with Langmuir isotherm model, showing maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of 8.13 mg/g. Kinetic analyzes were tested using pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order and the intraparticle diffusion model. Kinetic studies showed that the adsorption kinetics was more accurately represented by a pseudo-second order model. Among ZDSAC removes 66.47% of disperse blue at the dose of 0.3 g, whereas the commercial activated carbon removes 54.33% of disperses blue.

Rhynchophorus Palmarum L. Larva, an Edible Insect in Côte D'ivoire : Nutritional Value and Characterization of the Lipid Fraction

Abstract: There is a very serious worldwide nutritional problem due to foodstuff deficiency affecting low income groups living in rural areas and slum zones in urban cities, however there are many sources of underused staple not enough investigated on in spite of their enormous importance for a very large group of people. The aim of this study is to assess nutritional quality of the palm tree grub called Rhynchophorus palmarum L. (larva) edible insects available and consume at Cote d'Ivoire, to inform the population about the benefits of health they provide and promote their intake on a daily diet basis. Proximate and chemical analysis was carried out on the larva, larval protein and oil of Rhynchophorus palmarum L. Chemical score of proteins was also evaluated. The following data were obtained: crude proteins 7.1%, lipids 21.8%, carbohydrates 9.0%, Ash 0.8%. Proteins were rich in the essential amino acids (with histidine, threonine, lysine, phenylalanine) with a high protein score (from 90% to 172%). The limiting amino acids were leucine, valine and methionine, with a score ranging from 53% to 74%. The oil had a high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids (52.4%), part of which were essential fatty acids, linoleic and linolenic acids. Results suggested that Rhynchophorus palmarum larva could be a basis of new food or feed products to improve their nutritional value and to highlight the health status of people of Cote d'Ivoire.

Adsorption of Basic Yellow Dye From Aqueous Solutions by Activated Carbon Derived from Waste Apricot Stones (ASAC): Equilibrium, and Thermodynamic Aspects

Abstract: The preparation of activated carbon from apricot stone (ASAC) with H2SO4 activation and its ability to remove a basic dye, basic yellow 28, from aqueous solutions were reported in this study. The adsorbent before and after adsorption was characterized by FTIR, and SEM, respectively. The effects of various experimental parameters, such as initial dye concentration, pH, adsorbent dosage and temperature were investigated in a batch-adsorption technique. The optimum conditions for removal of the basic dye were found to be pH 10. Fourth adsorption isotherms were used to model the equilibrium adsorption of basic yellow 28 on ASAC adsorbent (Langmuir, Freundlich, Redlich–Peterson and Langmuir-Freundlich). By considering the experimental results and adsorption models applied in this study, it can be concluded that equilibrium data were represented well by all isotherm equations under study. Thermodynamic parameters were also evaluated, which indicated that this process was spontaneous and endothermic.

Synthesis and Characterization of Nano Ferrites by Citrate Gel Method

Abstract: Nano size nickel ferrite, copper ferrite, zinc ferrite, nickel copper ferrite, nickel zinc ferrite and nickel copper zinc ferrite powders have been prepared by citrate gel precursor method and calicinated at 800 o C temperature. The resulting powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The ferrite powders showed XRD line broadening and sizes of the crystals were calculated 20-65 nm at 800 o C temperature. Comparing the size of ferrites by addition of transition metal were discussed.

Pharmacological Activities of Metabolite from Streptomyces Fradiae Strain Gos 1

Abstract: Streptomyces species being renowned for their secondary metabolites and their diversified activities. The present study focused on assessing the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activity of an antibiotic metabolite from Streptomyces fradiae strain GOS1 isolated from Western Ghats of Agumbe, Karnataka. The results reveal moderate anti-inflammatory, analgesic and mild antipyretic activity, thus suggesting the pharmacological significance of an antibiotic metabolite.

Full Factorial Design in Formulation of Lamotrigine Suspension using Locust Bean Gum

Abstract: Lamotrigine, a weakly basic, anticonvulsant drug have high permeability but poor solubility belonging to BCS Class II. The aim of this work was to formulate suspension in order to improve the bioavailability and patient compliance. In the present investigation, a perfect suspension was made using Locust bean gum, sodium alginate as viscosity enhancers and sodium citrate as anti-flocculant. Using 2 level 3 factor full factorial design, amount of ingredients were selected as independent variables while viscosity and sedimentation volume as response or dependent variables. The responses of data were recorded and analyzed for ANOVA, the individual parameters were evaluated by polynomial equation for each response generated using multiple linear regression analysis. The relationship between dependent and independent variables was further elucidated using contour plots finally optimized for desired response. From the results the eight formulations were made by factorial design, later optimized batch was prepared after desirability analysis and validated the obtained value with predicted showing good reliability of the design, highest r 2 and lowest sum of squares of residual was observed for the responses. Thus the prepared suspension showed high sedimentation volume, high redispersibility and optimum viscosity following non-Newtonian type behavior.

Transesterification of Algal Oil Using Nano CaO Catalyst

Abstract: Biodiesel is considered as one of the prime sources of non conventional transportation fuels. Though there are various sources available for biodiesel production, algal oil holds importance since it is non-edible and abundantly available. In this study, we carried out transesterification of oil extracted from marine algae using nano calcium oxide catalyst. Nano calcium oxide catalyst was produced by calcinating clam shell powder. Algae biomass were collected from coastal areas near Chennai, dried, crushed and sieved for uniform sized particles. Transesterification experiments were carried out using extracted oil from algal biomass using hexane as a solvent. Effects of oil to methanol ratio, temperature and catalyst loading were analyzed and the optimum values were determined. FAME analysis was done to qualify and quantify the biodiesel yield. Experimental results showed that algal oil is a good source of oil and nano CaO catalyst is an effective catalyst for transesterification.

Study on the interaction of copper (ii) complex of morin and its antimicrobial effect

Abstract: Complex formation between copper (II) chloride duihdrate and morin (3,5,7,2´,4´-pentahydroxyl flavone) have been studied. Structure of the complex was determined through various analytical techniques including UV-Vis, FT-IR, and elemental analysis. The results of these analyses indicate that the complex has a Cu (II) ion coordinated via positions 4 C=O and 5-OH of the morin and has the general structure (CuL2(H2O)2). Antimicrobial (antibacterial and antifungal) activities of this complex was evaluated by using wells-diffusion method and compared with the activity of free morin, which showed that the antimicrobial activity of complexed morin has higher value as compared to the free morin.

Mechanical Properties of Epoxy / Chitosan Biocomposites

Abstract: Completely biodegradable epoxy/ chitosan biocomposites were prepared. The structure of epoxy resin, chitosan and epoxy/chitosan biocomposite were confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy. The effect of inclusion of different weight percentage of chitosan in epoxy on tensile properties and water absorption behavior were studied. Morphologies of the fract ured surfaces of epoxy/chitosan biocomposites were observed by scanning electron microscope.

Catalytic Reforming of all Hydrocarbons in Natural Gas with Carbon Dioxide to Produce Synthesis Gas over Rhodium-Alumina Catalyst

Abstract: Reforming of natural gas with carbon dioxide to produce synthesis gas (H2 + CO) has been investigated over rhodium (0.5 wt. %) supported on γ- alumina catalyst. The detection of both major and minor components in the natural gas before and after reforming, in addition to the produced synthesis gas, requires a high sensitive gas chromatograph. This research aims to study the effect of the space velocity and temperature on the conversion of carbon dioxide and all the components of the natural gas. The space velocity 18000 mL g-1 h-1 and the temperature 800oC are the optimum operating conditions giving the highest conversion of both the natural gas and carbon dioxide, but the space velocity 36000 mL g-1 h-1 and the temperature at 700oC are the preferred conditions for production of the synthesis gas (H2 + CO).

Assessment on Nutrient Status in Water and Sediment Quality of Bertam River, Cameron Highlands

Abstract: A study of present nutrient status was carried out at Bertam River, Cameron Highlands within month of August - October 2012. Six sampling stations were selected representing open water body of the river catchments and sediment beds. An experimental activity involved analysis of nitrogen and phosphorus based parameter for water matrices as well as sediment quality such as particle size and organic carbon content. Results obtained indicate that the present nitrate content in river water (1.55 ± 0.09 mgL-1) did not exceed the national (NDWQS) and international (WHO) maximum permissible safe limit for drinking purposed but phosphate (0.96 ± 0.20 mgL-1) exceed recommended standards. While relative accumulation index indicated that nitrate and phosphate (6.27 ± 3.72; 5.03 ± 3.31 mgL-1) concentrations in sediment were higher till 7.6 and 10.3 times than in water matrices. Texture analysis study classified sand type (70.72-94.12%) as predominant fractions in the sediment particle size and organic carbon has shown variation in study site. Statistical analysis (ANOVA, p < 0.05) showed that there were significant differences for nutrient concentrations in both matrices sample. Therefore, it was also noted that station in the vicinity of open farming practices and poor vegetated riparian at river bank (station 1A) has potential to be polluted among than others.

Decolorization of landfill leachate using electrochemical technique

Abstract: Several operating conditions such as electrode material, treatment time, applied voltage and Cl− concentration were tested on the treatment landfill leachate using electrochemical (EC) method. Results obtained show that EC method can be used for treatment of landfill leachate by using proper operating condition. The best removal rates were obtained when graphite rod electrode was used as an anode, operating time is 120 min, voltage applied is 10 V, NaCl concentration is 0.585 (w/v), 80% of color, 72% of COD, 45% of NH3-N, 63% of Total–P (PO4 −3 ) removal were obtained.

Biochemical study for bismuth oxide and tellurium nanoparticles on thyroid hormone levels in serum and saliva of patients with chronic renal failure

Abstract: Noble metals nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized directly by pulsed laser ablation (Nd : YAG, λ = 1064 nm) of bismuth and tellurium plates immersed in pure water. Concentrations of the NPs were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) measurement. Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) analysis were used to characterize the size and size distributions of the metals NPs. The objective of this work is studying the effects of presence of these NPs on the levels of tri-iodothyronine hormone (T3) in serum and saliva of patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) their thyroid had disorder (hypothyroidism). Also the study characterized the binding between the anti-T3 antibody with its antigen i.e., T3 in serum and saliva patients in the presence affixed size concentration of NPs to improve and modify a competitive ELISA method. It is found that both bismuth oxide and tellurium NPs demonstrated different effect (activation or inhibition) on the binding between anti-T3 antibody and antigen (T3) in the serum and saliva of patients and these effects were depending on the increasing of the concentrations and size for both NPs. In conclusion, both bismuth oxide and tellurium NPs can be useful in biomedical applications such as the treatment and follow up by adjustment the levels of thyroid hormones of patients suffered from thyroid disorder

Degradation and Decolouration of Amaranth Dye by Photo-Fenton and Fenton Reagents: A Comparative Study

Abstract: Among the available advanced oxidation processes, Fenton and photo-Fenton reagents are of special interest, because of effective and economic degradation of azo dyes. One of the main cause of water pollution is, release of effluents from textile and dying industries in fresh water, which is toxic and carcinogenic in some cases. The present paper investigates the degradation of azo dye Amaranth by the photo-Fenton and Fenton reagents. The dye has been chosen as a model pollutant and the effects of various parameters such as effect of pH, effect of concentration of ferrous ion, effect of concentration of amaranth dye, effect of concentration of hydrogen peroxide and effect of light intensity on degradation of amaranth were investigated.

SYNTHESIS OF NANOSIZED CuO PARTICLES : A SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE METHOD

Abstract: Nanosized metal oxide namely copper oxide has been synthesized by precipitation method and characterized by using XRD (X-ray diffraction), TEM (transmission electron microscopy) and Magnetic measurements techniques. XRD studies show that copper oxide was formed as CuO and it has monoclinic structure. Magnetic measurements showed copper oxide has one unpaired electron and is paramagnetic in nature. The particle size of the synthesized copper oxide was determined by TEM. TEM images show that the size of particles of CuO varied from 12 nm to 35 nm, which is in good agreement of the theoretically predicted size of nanomaterials. This method is convenient, easy and effective in comparison to the known methods of the synthesis of nanomaterials like thermal decomposition of precursors, co-implantation of metal and oxygen ions and ultrasonic spray pyrolysis.

Performances of remineralization post for reverse osmosis (ro)-desalted water

Abstract: From the launching of the Laâyoune desalination plant, the post-treatment process was based on caustic soda for the remineralization of the produced water. Consequently, two problems were encountered during the plant operation: both the aggressivity and the corrosivity of the produced water cause the gradual damage of the water transport canalizations. To reduce these negatives impacts, the caustic soda was substituted by the lime, using a saturator. This study was conducted to examine the performances of lime Ca(OH2) on the stabilities of the distributed water and the pipeline materials. The results show that the distributed water presents a satisfactory quality according to the Moroccan guidelines of drinking water with an excellent reproducibility. The analysis and operation of the performances of the saturator by lime has highlighted the recommendations to be followed in case of malfunction of the process.

Extraction of Caustic Potash from Coffee Husk: Process Optimization Through Response Surface Methodology

Abstract: The work investigates ashing of coffee husk and leaching of potassium carbonate from ash as a potential as a source for potassium. The husk was ashed and analysed for ions. It was found that the ash contains a significant amount of alkali metals. Ashing temperature influenced the yield of potassium carbonate, the most predominant alkali in ash. Potassium carbonate was leached from ash by water as a solvent. Variables affecting the yield are the ashing temperature, ash particles size, stirring, and solvent temperature. A 23 Factorial design with centre point for experiment design and Response surface methodology was used to study the effect of ashing temperature, ash particle size, and the leaching temperature, which were identified as the key variables. Ash had 71.5 wt. % K when analyzed for alkali metals, and 15.2 wt. % potassium carbonate. Maximum ash yield of 18 wt% was at ashing temperature of 400-500o C. For leaching of carbonate, optimum ashing temperature was 600o C, smallest particles size (40-200 μm), and high solvent temperature (70o C).

Formation of Leucite Crystals from Metakaolin-Based Geopolymer using Kaolin and Bentonite

Abstract: Inorganic polymerization of Al2O3- and SiO2- containing materials in strong alkali environments often results in products generally referred to as geopolymers. A novel technique called the geopolymer technique will be studied. The geopolymer technique was initially applied for preparation of monolithic materials, starting from metakaolin and reactive silica under the presence of strong alkaline solutions. Leucite crystals having nanosize were prepared by heating a powder mixture of metakaolin, K2SiO4 and KOH. The geopolymer thus obtained were fired at elevated temperature up to 1100 0 C and were examined by XRF, XRD and SEM techniques. The results show that meta kaolin, K2SiO3 solution and KOH to regulate the pH to form geopolymer, which may crystallize into cristoballite and lecuite, respectively, under thermal treatment. K- based geopolymer (K2O.Al2O3. 4SiO2. 11H2O) was investigated due to its attractive refractory properties and ability to convert to leucite (KAlSi2O6) on heating and the comparisons between clay and bentonite to obtain leucite at low potassium silicate solution. A further increase in temperature to 1100 o C led to the formation of leucite crystals. K-geopolymer was found to offer many of the benefits such as lower sintering temperatures and compositional control without the high costs.

Isolation, Characterization and Antioxidant Activity of a Furo-Chromen-4-One from the Seeds of Brachystegia Eurycoma Harms

Abstract: A bioactive compound identified as 2-(4-ethylphenyl)-5-hydroxy-3-methyl-6,7-dihydrofurochromen- 4-one was isolated from the seeds of Brachystegia eurycoma Harms by employing column and thin layer chromatographic methods. It was than characterized by IR, 1H NMR and MS spectroscopic data. The compound showed potent free radical scavenging activity at minimum and maximum concentrations of 100 μg/mL and 500 μg/mL, respectively. This investigation suggests the use of the compound in the treatment of diseases and ailments mediated through free radical activities. It also authenticates the use of B. eurycoma plant in the treatment of wounds in herbal medicine in Nigeria.

Spectrophotometric Estimation of Darunavir in Bulk and Pharmaceutical Formulations

Abstract: A simple spectrophotometrric method for the determination of Darunavir was described. The method was based on bromination of the darunavir with excess brominating mixture in acidic medium. The yellow colour developed was measured at 350 nm against distilled water blank. Beer’s law was obeyed in the concentration range of 40-200 μg/mL. The proposed methods were simple, rapid, and validated and can be used successfully for routine analysis of darunavir in a pure and tablet dosage form.

Industrial Wastes as Adsorbents for the Removal of Chromium from Waste Water : A Review

Abstract: The contamination of water by toxic heavy metals is a worldwide problem. The presence of hexavalent chromium in waste water is a potential hazard to aquatic life and humans. Biosorption of heavy metals is an important technique used in the removal of toxic metals from various sources like industrial waste, aqueous systems and municipal waste waters. Metal removal technique using industrial waste as adsorbents are cheap because of the low cost of adsorbents used and many represent a practical replacement to conventional processes. There are various mechanisms such as kinetic models and adsorption isotherms employed for the efficient removal of hexavalent chromium from various sources. The present review discusses brief findings of hexavalent chromium removal with the maximum metal uptake by using industrial waste as adsorbents.

Study on the Effect of Musa Acuminata Flower Extract on the Corrosion Inhibition of Mild Steel in 1 N H2SO4

Abstract: The corrosion inhibition performance of Musa acuminata flower [MAN (F)] extract on mild steel in 1 N sulphuric acid solution was monitored by weight loss measurements and electrochemical technique like potentiodynamic measurement for various concentrations of the extract and in the temperature range 303 K to 353 K The inhibition efficiency of MAN (F) extract increased with the increase of concentration but decreased with the increase in temperature Inhibitor showed a maximum efficiency of 9501 % at 2 % v/v extract concentration for 5 hours immersion The polarization curves indicated that MAN (F) acts as a mixed type inhibitor Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies showed the change in charge transfer capacitance with the change in concentration of the flower extract The Temkin adsorption isotherm was tested for its fit to the experimental data Results of SEM study on the surface morphology of mild steel in uninhibited and inhibited acid solution showed that the corrosion rate is reduced to a low value in the presence of the inhibitor This may be due to adsorption of inhibitor molecules on the surface as a protective layer preventing acid attack A mechanism of physical adsorption of the phytochemical components on the surface of the metal is proposed for the inhibition mechanism

Development of Method for Extractive Spectrophotometric Determination of Co (II) with 2-Hydroxy-1-Naphthalene Carboxaldehyde Phenyl Hydrazone as an Analytical Reagent

Abstract: A spectrophotometric method has been developed for the determination of Co (II) using 2-hydroxy-1-naphthalene carboxaldehyde phenyl hydrazone as an extractive reagent. The reagent forms a coloured complex, which has been quantitatively extracted into n-butanol at pH 8.4. The method obeys Beer’s law over arrange from 1 to 10 ppm. The Molar absorptivity and Sandell’s sensitivity were 2.380 × 104 L mol-1cm-1 and 0.1176 μg cm-2, respectively. The proposed method is very sensitive and selective. The method has been successfully applied to synthetic and commercial samples.

Neutral Protease Production by Rhizopus Oligosporus NCIM 1215 under Solid State Fermentation Using Mixed Substrates of Agro Industrial Residues

Abstract: Neutral protease production under solid state fermentation was carried out by using Rhizopus oligosporus NCIM 1215 and was screened with six different agro industrial residues for maximum production of protease. Among all the agro industrial residues evaluated, mixed substrates like coconut oil cake and wheat bran in the ratio of 1 : 4 supported the maximum protease production by Rhizopus oligosporus NCIM 1215. The physiological fermentation factors such as fermentation time, temperature, initial moisture content, initial pH, inoculum age and inoculum volume played a vital role in protease production and improvement in the yield was observed with the supplementation of carbon and nitrogen sources to the solid medium. Fermentation carried out with 4 days old culture and 55% initial moisture content at a temperature of 32oC, pH 7.0 for 5 days were found to be optimum for enzyme production by the fermenting organism. The best carbon source for the maximum production of neutral protease by this organism was lactose 1% (w/w) and the best organic and inorganic nitrogen sources were yeast extract (1% w/w) and ammonium chloride (1% w/w). It was observed that the fungus Rhizopus oligosporus NCIM 1215 is the potential organism for the production of neutral protease, which could find applications in the field of food and pharmaceutical industries.

Potential Biological Activity of 1,4-Sustituted-1H-[1,2,3] Triazoles

Abstract: The present reviews attempted to biological activities of 1,4-sustituted-1H-[1,2,3] triazole derivatives. 1H-[1,2,3] triazoles constitute an important class of nitrogen heterocycles in the field of medicinal and material chemistry. Medicinally they have been shown to possess a wide range of diverse interesting pharmacological properties.

Hydrodynamic cavitation using degradation of reactive orange 4 dye

Abstract: In the present work, degradation of reactive orange 4 dye (RO4) has been investigated using hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) reactor. During the experiments carried out that time, these conditions or parameters are followed. The different concentration effects are constant prime operating parameters such as pressure and solution pH at 5 bar and 2, respectively. The degradation of RO4 has obtained higher at concentration of 40 ppm.

Analysis of Mineral Elements of the Lichen Usnea Pictoides G. Awasthi by ICP-OES

Abstract: Mineral elements have profound influence on human health. In the present study, major and minor elements present in the lichen Usnea pictoides G. Awasthi (Parmeliaceae) have been estimated. The powdered lichen was digested with nitric acid in microwave digester. The elemental analysis was done using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopic technique (ICP-OES). Among major elements, the content of calcium and magnesium was highest and least, respectively. The content of iron and nickel was highest and least among minor elements estimated. On safety determination, the lichen may be used as a source of important mineral elements.

L-Glutaminase Production by Aspergillus Wentii Mtcc 1901 under Solid State Fermentation using Mixed Agro Industrial Residues

Abstract: Optimization of physicochemical parameters for production of extracellular L-glutaminase using Aspergillus wentii MTCC 1901 under solid state fermentation is detailed. Substrate screening showed significant results for wheat bran, sesame oil cake (SOC) and green gram husk (GGH). Furthermore, 1 : 1 combination of SOC and GGH showed best results among six different mixed substrate combinations performed. The maximum activity (259.32 U/gd s) of L-glutaminase by Aspergillus wentii MTCC 1901 was obtained using SOC : GGH (1 : 1) of 40% initial moisture content, initial pH 8.0, supplemented with sucrose (4.0% w/v), peptone (2.0% w/v), magnesium sulphate (1% w/v) and L-glutamine (3.0% w/v), inoculated with 2 mL of 96 hours old fungal culture and incubated at 32oC for 96 hours. Both physical and chemical parameters had played a significant role in the production of L-glutaminase. Medium with optimized conditions and supplementation gave a maximum glutaminase activity of 259.32 U/gds, which is above 6 fold increase in activity than that with medium of basal conditions (39.9 U/gds). An antileukemic agent L-glutaminase with relatively good activity is produced from agro industrial residues in a mixed substrate combination.