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Abstract: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) holds just about 15% of all breast tumours and subtypes of breast cancer with distinct characteristics of negative expressions for the progesterone receptor, estrogen receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. Unfortunately, treatment options for TNBCs are minimal. Most currently available therapies proved inefficient in holding back this aggressive natural treatment of TNBC, in most cases calling for an immediate need for more effective and safer anti-TNBC agents. Based on research reported in recent years, this review presents the report's overview of anti-TNBC compounds and their efficacy, being classified according to the structures. Breast Cancer type 1 and type 2 genes (BRCA1/2) mutations are associated with TNBC. Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerases (PARPs) are a family of enzymes involved in numerous cellular processes, including DNA repair. PARP-1 inhibition is involved in the loss of DNA repair via BRCA-dependent mechanisms. PARP-1 inhibitors like Olaparib, Rucaparib, Niraparib, and Talazoparib have proved as promising therapeutic medications as monotherapy and in combination with cytotoxic therapy or radiotherapy in various types of cancers. This review is focused on presenting the status of therapeutics against TNBC. The critical spotlight of this review is to encapsulate the versatility and notable success of heterocyclic pharmacophores-based molecules in treating TNBC.

This research offered a concept that makes use of Internet of Things (IoT) technology to provide automated distribution and consumption control as well as real-time monitoring of water supply and quality. Using Arduino microcontrollers and sensors enables the development of a scalable, affordable solution that may be used in a number of smart city applications. The potential advantages of the suggested approach are also highlighted in the article, including better water conservation, decreased waste, and higher water distribution efficiency. Additionally, the difficulties and restrictions of putting such a system into practise are discussed, and recommendations for further study and development in this area are given.

Background: Fragrances are the collection of unlike functional assemblies, most likely alcohols, esters, aldehydes, ketones, and acids in organic products/hydrocarbons. Short-chain aliphatic fragrance esters have immense applications as flavors in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries and also have remarkable commercial significance in cosmetics and personal care products like perfumes, face creams, shampoos, soaps, lotions, jams, jellies, etc. Objective: This study aimed to synthesize short-chain fragrance esters using a whole-cell lipase catalyst from Aspergillus flavus (RBD-01). Method: The present study emphasizes the synthesis of artificial flavoring compounds by using a whole-cell biocatalytic process, which can have wide significance. Herein, the preparation of ethyl alkanoates (ethyl propanoate to ethyl decanoate) was performed to investigate the flavors and fragrance excellence. The biomass from Aspergillus flavus (RBD-01) was used as a catalyst to facilitate the remarkable esterification activities towards the synthesis of important aroma esters with the help of a series of short-chain acids and alcohols. Result: The ethyl hexanoate (4) among all synthesized alkanoates was found to have a fruity fragrance with a good conversion rate. Further synthesized alkyl hexanoates (4A-4I) were found to have good fruity/pineapple/berry flavors and significant aroma quality. Conclusion: These results implied that whole-cell lipase of Aspergillus flavus (RBD-01) is a promising biocatalyst in the production of flavor aroma esters and can boost production in the food/cosmetic manufacturing industries. result: The ethyl hexanoate (4) among all synthesized alkanotes was found fruity fragrance with good conversion rate. Further synthesized alkyl hexanoates (4A-4I) were found good fruity/pinapple/berry flavors and significant aroma quality.

Selenium has many beneficial bioactive properties yet has a narrow therapeutic window. This problem can be addressed by selenium in nanoform or selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs). There are several chemical and physical approaches that can be employed for the synthesis of SeNPs. However, the biological route for SeNP synthesis is known to be more eco-friendly, economical, and biocompatible when assessing bioactivities. The present study demonstrates a biological approach that effectively facilitates the synthesis and stabilization of SeNPs with the help of secondary metabolites derived from endophytic fungi. These capped SeNPs show prominent bioactivity in terms of in vitro anti-oxidant properties and anti-microbial activity on Escherichia coli, Enterobacter faecalis, and Staphylococcus aureus. The results indicated NL(C)-SeNPs portray potential anti-oxidant and anti-microbial activity. However, additional studies related to the toxicity and synergistic effects of SeNPs, are required before their therapeutic applications.

The study demonstrates the lab-scale production of biodiesel from soybean acid oil (SAO) in a 5 L lab-scale bioreactor using immobilized whole cells as a catalyst. The maximum lipase activity 2.89 ...

The present investigation primarily focusses on enhancement of resveratrol production by endophytic production from the endophytic fungus, Arcopilus aureus via one variable at a time approach (OVAT) followed by statistical approach using response surface methodology (RSM). The paper also highlights the characterization of fungal resveratrol using spectroscopic techniques. Further the tyrosinase inhibitory property was also explored in this communication for its possible use as a cosmeceutical ingredient. Optimization of physicochemical and nutritional parameters using OVAT approach exhibited 1.23-fold enhancement in production of resveratrol when compared to initial yield, 89.1 ± 0.08 µg/mL. Further RSM resulted in 1.49-fold enhancement in resveratrol production i.e. 133.53 µg/ml. Further, 25 mg of fungal resveratrol in pure form was obtained from the spent broth of Arcopilus aureus by column chromatography using a mobile phase comprising of MeOH: DCM in a ratio of 1.75:98.25. Further its purity on TLC was checked using 5% MeOH: DCM as mobile phase. Symmetrical peak with Rt of 3.36 min using a C18 reverse phase column confirmed the homogeneity of the purified fungal resveratrol with standard resveratrol and further corroborated by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and HR-MS analysis. Fungal resveratrol exhibited a good tyrosinase inhibition with an IC50 of 2.654 ± 0.432 µg/mL as compared to Kojic acid (1.329 ± 0.333). The present study has provided sufficient lead that process optimization techniques can complement each other for optimized production of bioactive compounds by microorganisms apart from strain improvement techniques which are generally adopted in the industry. The enhancement of resveratrol production by Arcopilus aureus by process optimization further opens up avenues for strain improvement for commercial resveratrol production through fermentation for nutraceutical and cosmeceutical applications.

A short, efficient and novel approach for multifunctionalized γ-butyrolactone paraconic acids and its application to the total synthesis of (+)-nephrosteranic acid from readily available PMB (R)-glycidyl ether as a starting material are described. Key transformations include asymmetric Michael addition catalyzed by chiral diphenylprolinol silyl ether and stereoselective α-methylation.

This study reveals the impact of different amount of Ag photo-deposited on the surface of TiO2 for improved oxidation of p-nitrobenzaldehyde (p-NBAL) and reduction of p-nitrobenzoic acid (p-NBA) under UV or sunlight irradiation. Due to formation of Ag (1–3 wt%) nanodeposits over TiO2, the hydrodynamic size of Ag-TiO2 composite is increased by 1.5, 1.8 and 2.7 times relative to bare P25-TiO2 (~252 nm). The intensity of optical/surface absorption (463 nm) band and emission of various Ag-TiO2 hybrid composites varied significantly as function of the amount of Ag loadings. TEM analysis of 2 wt% Ag loaded TiO2 further evidenced the growth of Ag nanoparticles (~10 nm) on the support. It was found that the oxidation of p-NBAL and reduction of p-NBA by 2 wt% Ag-TiO2 under sunlight irradiation occurred quite efficiently whereas bare TiO2 showed negligible activity under same reaction conditions. The plasmonic interactions within Ag and TiO2 enhanced visible light sensitivity which was evident from higher reduction efficiency (2.2 times) of p-NBA under solar light than UV exposure. Thus, different amount of Ag co-catalyst and irradiation source have influenced both the activity and selectivity for oxidation and reduction reactions.

We propose here a new idea for quantum teleportation of superposed coherent state which is not only almost perfect, in principle, but also feasible experimentally. We use entangled resource $\sim |\alpha,\frac{\alpha}{\sqrt{2}}\rangle-|-\alpha,-\frac{\alpha}{\sqrt{2}}\rangle$ in contrast with the usual $\sim |\alpha,\alpha\rangle-|-\alpha,-\alpha \rangle$ (both states unnormalized). Bob receives state which is then superposition of the states $|\pm \frac{\alpha}{\sqrt{2}}\rangle$ . Bob mixes these with even or odd coherent states involving superposition of states $|\pm \frac{\alpha}{\sqrt{2}}\rangle$ to obtain a two-mode state which is one of $\sim |I,0\rangle \pm |0,I\rangle$, $|I\rangle$ being the information state. Bob then obtains the teleported information by using interaction of one of these modes in two cavities with resonant two-level atoms. This scheme results in average fidelity of $\simeq 0.95$ for $|\alpha|^2 \simeq 10$, which increases with $|\alpha|^2$ and tends to 1 asymptotically, varying as $1-\frac{\pi^2}{16|\alpha|^2}+\frac{\pi^2(\pi^2+8)}{256|\alpha|^4}$ for large values of $|\alpha|^2$., Comment: 12 pages, 5 figures

In the present paper, we studied possibility of observation and detection of nonlinear optical effects in free space. We studied four wave mixing process in which signal is generated opposite to the direction of probe beam. We observed that large number of photons are generated in signal beam, which should be detectable.

Controlled quantum teleportation of superposed coherent states using GHZ entangled 3-mode coherent states is studied. Proposed scheme can be implemented experimentally using linear optical components such as a symmetric lossless beam splitter, two phase-shifters and two photon counters. Fidelity is found close to unity for appreciable mean number of photons in coherent states and is 0.99 for mean photon number equal to two., Comment: A preliminary version was presented at National Laser Symposium-26 held at BARC, Mumbai, in December 2017

We propose a scheme of controlled entanglement diversion of a bi-partite entangled coherent state using GHZ type entangled coherent state as a resource. The scheme involves only linear optical devices such as phase shifters, beam splitters and photon counters. Average fidelity of diversion is calculated and plotted. It is 2/3 for very small coherent amplitudes and approaches unity for appreciable coherent amplitude.

Epoxidized methyl esters (EMO) with their high oxirane ring reactivity, acts as a raw material in the synthesis of various industrial chemicals including polymers, stabilizers, plasticizers, glycols, polyols, carbonyl compounds, biolubricants etc. EMO

The objective of the study was to assess selenium and other elements levels in Indian Roti bread from Se-rich maize and rice using inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry. Se levels in Roti bread from Se-rich maize and rice exceeded those in the control samples by a factor of more than 594 and 156, respectively. Using Se-enriched maize increased bread Co, Cr, Mn, Mo, and Zn content, whereas Fe and I levels were reduced. In Se-rich rice-based bread a decrease in Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, I, Mo, and Zn contents was observed. Daily consumption of Se-rich maize and rice bread (100 g) could account for 5.665% and 4.309% from recommended dietary allowance, also exceeding the upper tolerable levels by a factor of 7.8 and 5.9, respectively. Therefore, Roti bread from both Se-rich maize and rice may be considered as an additional source of selenium. At the same time, regular intake of Se-rich grains and its products including breads may cause adverse health effects even after a few days and should be regularly monitored in order to prevent Se overload and toxicity.

Magnetic microspheres hold great promise for reaching the goal of controlled and site specific drug delivery. Magnetic microspheres as an alternative to traditional radiation methods which uses highly penetrating radiations that is absorbed throughout the body. Its use is limited by toxicity and side effects. Now days, several targeted treatment systems including magnetic field, electric field, ultrasound, temperature, UV light and mechanical force are being used in many disease treatments (e.g. cancer, nerve damage, heart and artery, anti-diabetic, eye and other medical treatments). Among them, the magnetic targeted drug delivery system is one of the most attractive and promising strategy for delivering the drug to the specified site. Magnetically controlled drug targeting is one of the various possible ways of drug targeting. This technology is based on binding establish anticancer drug with ferrofluid that concentrate the drug in the area of interest (tumor site) by means of magnetic fields. There has been keen interest in the development of a magnetically target drug delivery system. These drug delivery systems aim to deliver the drug at a rate directed by the needs of the body during the period of treatment, and target the activity entity to the site of action. Magnetic microspheres were developed to overcome. CONCLUSION: Magnetism seems to be a common function of opening a new vista of a multi-barrier of multi-step drug delivery. Their main advantage is the targeting of drug using an external magnet, which can be accomplished very easily. They are relatively young drug delivery systems, having received attention from the early 1990s. In the early days of twentieth century, Paul Ehrlich envisioned his MAGIC BULLET CONCEPT-the idea that drugs reach the right site in the body, at the right time, at right concentration.

The coherent states are often called as Glauber coherent states and were named after the American Scientist Glauber who was first to realize the extraordinary usefulness of these coherent states for explanation and analysis of many optical phenomena. These states were first introduced by Sudarshan also and are now been extensively studied and applied to quantum-optical problems. The most explicit form of these states are expressed as, \( \left| {\,\alpha \,} \right\rangle = \,\sum\nolimits_{n = 0}^{\infty } {e^{{ - \frac{1}{2}\,\left| {\,\alpha \,} \right|^{2} }} \frac{{\alpha^{n} }}{\sqrt n !}\,\left| {\,n\,} \right\rangle } \) where, the Fock states \( \left| {\,n\,} \right\rangle \) is the eigen state of the number operator \( N = \,a^{{{\dag }}} a \), i.e., \( N\,\left| {\,n\,} \right\rangle = \,n\,\left| {\,n\,} \right\rangle \) and \( \alpha \, = \,\alpha_{r} + \,i\alpha_{i} \) is a complex number. These Glauber coherent states are the eigen states of annihilation operator and are well known. They play a very important role in many applications of quantum information processing including quantum teleportation. But it has been a long dream for physicists to generate these superposed coherent states in the most general desired form \( \left| {\,\psi \,} \right\rangle \, = \,N\,\left( {\cos \,\frac{\theta }{2}\,\left| {\,\alpha \,} \right\rangle \, \pm \sin \,\frac{\theta }{2}\,e^{i\,\varphi } \,\left| { - \alpha \,} \right\rangle \,} \right)\, \) where, N is the normalization factor. In this paper, we propose a scheme to generate any such general superposition of coherent states \( \left| {\,\alpha \,} \right\rangle \) and \( \left| { - \alpha \,} \right\rangle \) using Kerr effect, two beams in coherent states, a single photon beam and optical devices like polarization beam splitter and mirrors. In the output, if a single photon is detected in a polarization state defined by angle \( \theta \) and \( \varphi \), the desired superposition of coherent states \( \left| {\,\alpha \,} \right\rangle \) and \( \left| { - \alpha \,} \right\rangle \) results. If the photon is detected in an orthogonal polarization state (the state in which the electric field strength at a given point in space is normal to the direction of propagation), a superposition state different from the desired one results.

An efficient enantioselective approach to the syntheses of (−)-clavaminol A and deacetyl (+)-clavaminol H is presented, starting from n-decanol. The synthesis features Sharpless asymmetric ...

The dried biomass of a whole-cell catalyst was used for the generation of alkyl esters from cottonseed oil and acid oil with different alcohols (methanol to decanol) as acyl acceptors. The conversi...

Glycerol carbonate (GLC) is a very important chemical having a variety of application viz., green solvent in organic synthesis, an electrolyte in lithium batteries, wetting agent in cosmetics and precursor in polymer and food industry for the synthesis of 1,3-sn-diglycerides. Hence, it is vital to find out the quick and simple method for the quantification of GLC when it is synthesized via dimethyl carbonate (DMC) assisted transesterification with glycerol (GL). Present study, proposes simple, accurate and non destructive quantitative proton nuclear magnetic resonance (qHNMR) method for the determination of GLC. Based upon the study, two different equations are proposed to calculate the GLC employing the data obtained from the 1H NMR spectra. qHNMR results were also validated by preparing the standard mixtures of varying concentrations of GL and GLC. Further, to conform the developed method for a real application, GLC concentration was also estimated during CaO catalyzed DMC transesterification with GL. The qHNMR assisted GLC quantification were found consistent with those obtained from high-performance liquid chromatography analysis (R2 = 0.99).

The primary objective of the present study was to assess the level of selenium and toxic trace elements in wheat, rice, maize, and mustard from seleniferous areas of Punjab, India. The content of selenium (Se) and toxic trace elements, including aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and tin (Sn), in crop samples was assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry after microwave digestion of the samples. The obtained data demonstrate that cultivation of crops on seleniferous soils significantly increased Se level in wheat, mustard, rice, and maize by a factor of more than 590, 111, 85, and 64, respectively. The study also showed that Se exposure affected toxic metal content in crops. In particular, Se-rich wheat was characterized by a significant decrease in Al, As, Ni, Pb, and Sn levels. The level of As, Cd, Ni, Pb, and Sn was significantly decreased in Se-rich rice, whereas As content was increased. In turn, the decrease in Al, As, Cd, Ni, Pb, and Sn levels in Se-rich maize was associated with a significant elevation of Hg content. Finally, Se-rich mustard was characterized by a significant increase in Al, As, and Hg levels, while the content of Ni, Pb, and Sn was significantly lower than the control levels. These findings should be taken into account while developing the nutritional strategies for correction of Se status. At the same time, the exact mechanisms underlying the observed differences are to be estimated.

A concise stereoselective approach to functionalized δ-lactone skeleton from monosilylated ethylene glycol as a starting material and its application to the asymmetric total synthesis of (−)-trans-aerangis lactone have been demonstrated. The synthesis utilizes the organocatalyzed MacMillan’s cross aldol reaction as a key step.

Biodiesel was generated through whole cell catalyzed transesterification of acid oil, to the extent of up to 92%. The fuel properties of biodiesel (B100) and its blend (B20) were determined and compared with standard biodiesel as per American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard (ASTM D6751). B100 and B20 showed good pour point of −26°C and −29°C, respectively, indicating their operation viability in colder environment. Other properties of biodiesel are quite similar to petroleum diesel and ASTM standard. The results of this study reveal the potential use of acid oil as feedstock for generation of fuel grade biodiesel through biocatalyzed transesterification.

Transesterification reaction of soybean acid oil was carried out by whole cell biocatalysis. The lipase production by Aspergillus sp. (RBD01) was optimized by modulating sources of nitrogen, pH of growth medium, and percentage of carbon source (acid oil). Soybean acid oil containing significant amount of free fatty acids (FFA) was hydrolyzed and transesterified using cell suspension and immobilized culture of Aspergillus sp. (RBD01) as catalysts. Complete hydrolysis of acid oil to free fatty acids was achieved by both forms (suspension and immobilized) of catalysts, within 12 h of the reaction time. Further, addition of ethanol resulted in conversion of FFA to ethyl ester to the extent of up to 72% in case of both immobilized and cell suspension. FFA and ethyl ester were quantified using 1H NMR. The process of generation of ethyl esters through biocatalyzed transesterification of acid oils is thus observed to be a potential means of producing these products for diverse variety of industrial/commercial use such as biodiesel. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 1840–1846, 2017

Esterification is an industrially important reaction in the field of food and fuel industries. In biofuel and allied industries, long-chain alkyl esters are generally produced from different fat rich feedstocks including non-edible oils, acid oils, and tallow, using a variety of catalysts. Amongst these, whole cell systems have prominently been explored in recent past. The present study focused on the use of Aspergillus sp. RBD01 as a whole cell catalyst, in dry and whole cell suspension, to esterify oleic acid with different alcohols as acyl acceptors. Esterification with dried biomass resulted in better conversion of oleic acid to its respective ester as compared to cell suspension. Further, increase in chain length of alcohol resulted in decrease in the yield from ethyl oleate (98% EO) to decyl oleate (77% DO) with alcohols having an even number of carbon atoms giving better yield of esters over alcohols with odd numbers.

The present work outlines the importance of biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) as co-catalyst for the enhanced photocatalytic activity of as-prepared ZnS photocatalyst for degradation of methyl orange (MO) dye under UV light irradiation. SeNPs of different wt% were impregnated onto ZnS by calcination at 200 °C to make Se-ZnS nanocomposites (Se-ZnSNCs) and characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, DLS, XRD, SEM-EDX, TEM and BET surface area analysis. The specific surface area notably increased from 54 m 2 g −1 (ZnS) to 75 m 2 g −1 with different wt% of Se loading. The band edge absorption at 330 nm (3.77 eV) of bare ZnS significantly red-shifted to 357 nm (3.30 eV), after 1 wt% Se loading (3.30 eV). 1 wt% Se-ZnSNCs exhibited the highest degradation efficiency (95%) of MO as compared to bare ZnS (55%) under 160 min UV light irradiation. The reaction followed pseudo first-order kinetics with an apparent rate constant k = 8.42 × 10 −3 min −1 where CO 2 evolution gradually increased depending on the extent of MO degradation by Se-ZnSNCs under different time period of UV light irradiation.

The objective of the present study was to assess the levels of Se, as well as other essential and toxic trace elements in wheat grains and traditional Roti-bread from whole-grain flour in a seleniferous area of Punjab (India) using inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry. Wheat grain and bread selenium levels originating from seleniferous areas exceeded the control values by a factor of more than 488 and 179, respectively. Se-rich wheat was also characterized by significantly increased Cu and Mn levels. Se-rich bread also contained significantly higher levels of Cr, Cu, I, Mn, and V. The level of Li and Sr was reduced in both Se-enriched wheat and bread samples. Roti bread from Se-enriched wheat was also characterized by elevated Al, Cd, and Ni, as well as reduced As and Hg content as compared to the respective control values. Se intake with Se-rich bread was estimated as more than 13,600% of RDA. Daily intake of Mn with both Se-unfortified and Se-fortified bread was 133% and 190% of RDA. Therefore, Se-rich bread from wheat cultivated on a seleniferous area of Punjab (India) may be considered as a potent source of selenium, although Se status should be monitored throughout dietary intervention.

We propose a new scheme in which perfect transmission of 1-qubit information is achieved with high success using purposefully delayed sharing of non-maximally entangled 2-qubit resource and repeated generalized Bell-state measurements (GBSM). Alice possesses initially all qubits and she makes repeated GBSM on the pair of qubits, consisting of (1) the qubit of information state and (2) one of the two entangled resource qubits (taken alternately) until transmission with perfect fidelity is indicated. Alice then sends to Bob, the qubit not used in the last GBSM and also the result of this GBSM and Bob applies a suitable unitary transformation to replicate exactly the information state. We calculate the success probability up to 3rd repeated attempt of GBSM and plot it with concurrence of the entangled resource state. We also discuss the maximal average fidelity. Keywords: Probabilistic quantum teleportation, Non-maximally entangled state, Generalized Bell state measurement., Comment: Preliminary version presented at International Conference on Quantum Frontiers & Fubndamental, Raman Research Institute, Bengaluru, India. (30th April - 4th May, 2018) See Abstract Booklet at http://www.rri.res.in/~qff2018/QFF2018-Abstract.pdf pp.124-126

Carboxylic acids are industrially important and specifically used for the manufacturing of soaps and detergents and for various other chemical processes. As a result, wastewater derived from such industries generally contains significant amounts of these acids, posing threats to aquatic life, and thus needing detoxification by suitable treatment methods. In the present work, the degradation of different aliphatic carboxylic acids by bare and Ag-loaded TiO2 under UV light irradiation was investigated. The acids were photo-decomposed to CO2 with a linear decrease in the respective concentrations as a function of chain length/carbon atoms (C1-C8) and irradiation time. Small carboxylic acids, i.e., formic, acetic and propionic acid, exhibited faster rates of degradation than longer ones, i.e., butanoic, valeric and ethyl hexanoic acid; Ag loading did not significantly improve the TiO2 photocatalytic activity.

Several techniques are presently explored to improve the analytical methods for monitoring fatty acid ester production during transesterification. 1H NMR based derivations for the quantification of...

A potentially more environmentally compatible approach was evaluated, involving the use of an enzyme (X) stage optimally inserted into various bleaching sequences for Eucalyptus kraft pulps. The efficacy of the X stage was evaluated in terms of final brightness, CIE whiteness, post-color number (brightness reversion), effluent characteristics, etc. The results showed considerable benefits with an enzymatic pre-treatment bleaching sequence for improved final pulp brightness (1.6 units higher) and reduced adsorbable organic halogens (AOX) (32% lower), in addition to improved biological oxygen demand (BOD) to chemical oxygen demand (COD) ratio, when using 0.5 kg/t pulp dosage of xylanase; enzymatic post-treatment bleaching sequences were observed to boost final CIE whiteness up to 3.4 units and to reduce post color number by 48% at 0.5 kg/t pulp dosage of xylanase. In addition, approximately 32% reductions in AOX released, as well as appreciable improvement in BOD-to-COD ratio, were observed in the bleach effluents. An improved ratio of BOD-to-COD facilitates possible enhancement in the bio-degradability of discharge effluents in a secondary treatment stage. Nine different bleaching sequences were compared. Three sequences for each category (pre-treatment, intermediate, and post-treatment bleaching sequences) were performed to provide an overview of the influence of xylanase treatment on various pulp properties and environmental sum parameters of the ensuing effluents.

One of the promising alternatives to fossil fuels, biodiesel, is a renewable fuel which can be defined as methyl or ethyl ester of fatty acid made prominently from vegetable oils or animal fat. The present study outlines the observations on the fatty acid alkyl ester generation by transesterification of cottonseed oil using Aspergillus species as whole-cell biocatalyst. Current work also represents the difference in ester yield on the addition of alcohol blends with two different molar ratios (1:4 or 1:6). Further, the fuel properties viz., density, viscosity, gross calorific value, flash point, cloud point and pour point of ethyl-butyl and ethyl-propyl ester were analyzed, as per ASTM 6751. No significant difference was observed in ester yield with both the molar ratio of alcohols. Ester yield up to 91% and 87% was obtained using 1:4 and 1:6 M ratio respectively. By the use of a lower molar ratio (1:4) and whole-cell catalyst, a significant reduction in the cost of production of biodiesel is as expected. Alcohol other than ethanol facilitated only a marginal increase in ester yield with no significant variation from propanol to octanol. The fuel properties showed significant improvement in comparison to standard biodiesel. The use of whole cell bio-catalysis, as demonstrated in present study can be considered as a promising alternative to a chemical catalyst for the generation of long-chain fatty acid esters.