Investigations on ideal mode of cell disruption in extremely halophilic Actinopolyspora halophila (MTCC 263) for efficient release of glycine betaine and trehalose

Actinopolyspora halophila produces glycine betaine and trehalose intracellularly in considerable quantities. These biomolecules are commercially important as they have applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural sector. Development of an efficient cell disruption technique is an important step for the release of these biomolecules. In this study, various cell disruption methods such as chemical, enzymatic, physico-mechanical and physical methods were evaluated. Cell disruption by osmotic shock was found to be the best suited method for A. halophila which also has a potential to be industrially scaled up. Cell bursting pressure that is generated during osmotic shock in A. halophila was computed using Morse equation and was found to be π = 238.37 ± 29.54 atm or 2.35 ± 0.29 kPa. In addition, it was found that osmotic shock followed a first order release rate kinetics in A. halophila. The findings can be used for commercially important biomolecules from other halophilic and/or halotolerant microbes

Glycine betaine-mediated protection of peas (<em>Pisum sativum</em> L.) during blanching and frozen storage

<p>We used glycine betaine (5–20% w/v) for blanching green peas (100°C, 60 s), and their subsequent freezing and storage (–20°C, 90 days). Blanching after the addition of glycine betaine at ≥10% (w/v) followed by a 90 day storage period which resulted in the most desirable outcome: higher vitamin C levels, a superior green color, enhanced organoleptic quality and texture, and improved retention of peroxidase and lipoxygenase activity relative to control peas (no glycine betaine added). Microscopic characterizations of control and treated peas revealed that glycine betaine acts as a cryoprotectant which maintains cellular integrity. Glycine betaine (10% w/v) could be used commercially for production of frozen peas with better quality attributes.</p

Reuse options for coal fired power plant bottom ash and fly ash

International audienc

Closing the loop: As(V) adsorption onto goethite impregnated coal-combustion fly ash as integral building materials

Fly and bottom ash(es) are the most abundant generated by-products of coal combustion in thermal power plants. This investigation offers a sustainable solution of a double and circular use of industrial waste material in civil engineering practices; i.e., fly ash (FA) as an eco-efficiently, low-cost material for As(V) adsorption, as well as an additive in building materials. A goethite impregnated sample (FAG) was synthesized and optimized using the column precipitation procedure, then thoroughly, structurally and morphologically characterized using liquid nitrogen porosimetry (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Mossbauer spectroscopy (MS) techniques. The data from the equilibrium adsorption were fitted by linear and non-linear isotherm models; the optimal capacity of FAG/As(V) removal was calculated from the Langmuir model at 31.742 mg g(-1) for 45 degrees C. The kinetics of adsorption process has shown the pseudo-second-order kinetic model (PSO). The Weber-Morris model was applied to determine the intra-particle diffusion as a limiting step of reaction. The low pH dependant FAG leaching confirmed the efficient use of non-hazardous waste material in arsenic removal; furthermore, it also validated the new added value of the used/spent adsorbent as an adhesive in building materials possessing advanced mechanical properties