In-vitro biocompatibility studies of nanochitosan/ polyvinylpyrrolidone blends on MC3T3-E1 cells showing beneficial effect in bone tissue engineering

Chitosan is a naturally occurring polymer with numerous biological properties that can be used in the biomedical field. Chitosan was modified to nanochitosan in this study. The polycationic nature of chitosan interacts with polyanions (TPP) to form nanoparticles. The prepared nanochitosan was mixed with polyvinyl pyrollidone to create binary blends with ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1. The polymeric blends were interpreted by using the analytical tools FTIR, XRD and SEM. The results of the FTIR and XRD confirm the formation of binary blends with strong electrostatic interaction. The study aims to investigate the compatibility of the prepared blend as tissue regenerative material. The blends were evaluated in-vitro using fluorscent spectroscopy, MTT assay, NRR assay and ALP assay to study its biocompatibility and cell viability. The results revealed that the quick multiplication followed by a moderate increment in cell number of MC3T3-E1 as cells reacted to the prepared material and hence the materials can be used in the regenerative medicine

Emission and Performance Characteristics of a Diesel Engine Using Copper Oxide Nanoparticles in Palm Oil Biodiesel-Diesel Blends

In the present experimental study, the influence of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles on emissions and performance of a 4.4 kW diesel engine powered by palm oil biodiesel have been analyzed. Palm oil biodiesel of 20% by volume was blended with diesel fuel and the resulting blend is termed as B20. The B20 test fuel blends were doped with CuO nanoparticles with concentrations of 25 ppm, 50 ppm, and 75 ppm. Experiments were carried out at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% engine loads at a constant speed (1,500 rpm). Performance parameters such as brake thermal efficiency (BTE) and brake specific energy consumption (BSEC), emission parameters such as carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrocarbons (HC), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and smoke opacity were analysed. It was observed that when CuO nanoparticles were used as additives for the B20 blend, BTE increased significantly by about 1.18%-7.69% and BSEC decreased considerably by about 4.12% - 6.76%. In addition, when CuO nanoparticles were added, there were also substantial reductions in CO (2.21% - 8.86%). Furthermore, there was a noticeable increase in HC (0.3% - 9.78%), CO2 (2.38% - 5.97%), and NOx emission levels (1.75% - 5.27%) when compared to the B20 blend. However, in comparison to diesel fuel, all the emission levels were lower for all biodiesel blends except for NOx emissions. Overall, it was concluded that CuO nanoparticles could be considered as an appropriate petroleum additive for palm oil biodiesel blends

Production of marine algae methyl esters and evaluation of its engine performance and emission characteristics

A number of critical factors influence the competitiveness of any biodiesel, including feedstock availability, production costs, byproducts produced, and government subsidies. In this situation, a cost-effective and environmentally acceptable supply of biodiesel is required. When compared to other non-edible oil sources, algal oil is a significant emerging non-edible biodiesel source. The current study includes tests on pure diesel and its three algae oil blends. When the properties of the biodiesel made from the oils were tested, the results were within the acceptable limits. The engine test results show that, aside from NOX emissions, biodiesel blends emit very little carbon when compared to diesel. When biodiesel blends were used, the engine required more fuel. The results of the performance tests revealed that the biodiesel blends had better and more complete combustion. This research shows that biodiesel blends of up to 20 % can be a better substitute for pure diesel fuel and can be used in CI engines without modification

Opportunities for Biodiesel Compatibility as a Modern Combustion Engine Fuel

This chapter summarizes the feasibility of effective utilization of biodiesel in modern vehicle engines. The parameters discussed in this chapter include diesel engine characterization and diagnostics including performance, emissions, and combustion behavior. The lifecycle and economic analyses with future scope of biodiesel are also described. From the review, it is conferred that a huge proportion of biodiesel is produced from edible vegetable oils, which is a threat to the food supply. Biodiesel sources are focused upon non-edible oils and other feedstocks that do not compete with the food crops. Therefore, the selection of appropriate feedstock is essential to confirm the low-cost production of biodiesel. Concerning the engine characteristics and combustion diagnostics, it can be ensured that biodiesel improves engine performance and emission characteristics with little engine modifications such as injection timing, pressure, exhaust gas recirculation, etc. The review holds well on the possibility of using biodiesel in diesel engines, but still it is not economically viable and needs more research and technology advancements to make it competitive with other conventional fuels in the marke