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A Study on the Potential of Valorizing Sargassum latifolium into Biofuels and Sustainable Value-Added Products
(International Journal of Biomaterials : wiley, 2024) Nour Sh. El-Gendy; Mohamed Hosny; Abdallah R. Ismail; Ahmad A. Radwan; Basma A. Ali; Hager R. Ali; Radwa A. El-Salamony; Khaled M. Abdelsalam; Manal Mubarak
To increase the limited commercial utility and lessen the negative environmental effects of the massive growth of brown macroalgae, this work illustrates the feasibility of valorizing the invasively proliferated Sargassum latifolium into different value-added products. The proximate analysis recommends its applicability as a solid biofuel with a sufficient calorific value (14.82 ± 0.5 MJ/kg). It contains 6.00 ± 0.07% N + P2O5 + K2O and 29.61 ± 0.05% organic C. Its nutritional analysis proved notable carbohydrate, ash, protein, and fiber contents with a rational amount of lipid and a considerable amount of beneficial macronutrients and micronutrients, with a low concentration of undesirable heavy metals. That recommends its application in the organic fertilizer, food, medicine, and animal fodder industries. A proposed eco-friendly sequential integrated process valorized its biomass into 77.6 ± 0.5 mg/g chlorophyll, 180 ± 0.5 mg/g carotenoids, 5.86 ± 0.5 mg/g fucoxanthin, 0.93 ± 0.5 mg/g β-carotene, 21.97 ± 0.5% (w/w) alginate, and 16.40 ± 0.5% (w/w) cellulose, with different industrial and bioprocess applications. Furthermore, Aspergillus galapagensis SBWF1, Mucor hiemalis SBWF2, and Penicillium oxalicum SBWF3 (GenBank accession numbers OR636487, OR636488, and OR636489) have been isolated from its fresh biomass. Those showed wide versatility for hydrolyzing and saccharifying its polysaccharides. A Gram-negative Stutzerimonas stutzeri SBB1(GenBank accession number OR764547) has also been isolated with good capabilities to ferment the produced pentoses, hexoses, and mannitol from the fungal saccharification, yielding 0.25 ± 0.014, 0.26 ± 0.018, and 0.37 ± 0.020 g ethanol/g algal biomass, respectively. Furthermore, in a pioneering step for valuing the suggested sequential biomass hydrolysis and bioethanol fermentation processes, the spent waste S. latifolium disposed of from the saccharification process has been valorized into C-dots with potent biocidal activity against pathogenic microorganisms.
Animal bone affluence in environmental reclamation: Biodiesel production, petro-diesel biodesulfurization and wastewater photo-treatment
(John Wiley and Sons Ltd, 3/3/2021) Nassar, Hussein N; Ismail, Abdallah R; El‐Salamony, Radwa A; Aboelazayem, Omar; Abu Amr, Salem A; El‐Gendy, Nour Sh
This study provides a new emphasis for research on the valorization of biowastes into nanocatalyst and biorefineries to be integrated with petroleum bioupgrading and polluted water treatment. The response surface optimized batch transesterification of waste-frying oil using methanol and sustainable animal bone valorized fluorapatite nanocatalyst (FAP) yielded approximately 97% biodiesel via a pseudo-second-order reaction with an efficient rate of 0.48 (mol L−1)−1min−1 and activation energy of 13.11 kJ mol−1. In a pioneering step, by-products of the starch industry and the biodiesel transesterification process; corn-steep liquor (CSL 0.2 g L−1) and bioglycerol (6.24 g L−1) as nitrogen and carbon sources, increased the dibenzothiophene biodesulfurization (BDS) efficiency of a novel biodesulfurizing Rhodococcus jialingiae strain HN3 (NCBI Gene Bank Accession No. MN173539) sixfold. Further, upon the application of such bioproducts in a batch BDS process (1/3 petro-diesel/water) of 96 h; HN3 desulfurized 82.26% of 0.62 wt.% sulfur without affecting the petro-diesel calorific value. In an attempt to reach zero waste, an auxiliary pioneering step was performed, where the spent waste FAP, after being efficiently used for four successive transesterification cycles, was applied to photo-remediate 4-nitrophenol polluted water under UV-irradiation. Advantageously, the fresh and spent waste FAP recorded the same photodegradation capabilities. Where they obeyed the Langmuir–Hinshelwood kinetic model (R2 ≥ 0.966) recording the same rate constants (kapp 0.032 min−1) and were efficiently reused for four successive polluted-water treatment cycles. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Animal bone affluence in environmental reclamation: Biodiesel production, petro‐diesel biodesulfurization and wastewater photo‐treatment
(John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 44258) Nassar, Hussein N; Ismail, Abdallah R; El‐Salamony, Radwa A; Aboelazayem, Omar; Abu Amr, Salem A; El‐Gendy, Nour Sh
This study provides a new emphasis for research on the valorization of biowastes into nanocatalyst and biorefineries to be integrated with petroleum bioupgrading and polluted water treatment. The response surface optimized batch transesterification of waste‐frying oil using methanol and sustainable animal bone valorized fluorapatite nanocatalyst (FAP) yielded approximately 97% biodiesel via a pseudo‐second‐order reaction with an efficient rate of 0.48 (mol L−1)−1min−1 and activation energy of 13.11 kJ mol−1. In a pioneering step, by‐products of the starch industry and the biodiesel transesterification process; corn‐steep liquor (CSL 0.2 g L−1) and bioglycerol (6.24 g L−1) as nitrogen and carbon sources, increased the dibenzothiophene biodesulfurization (BDS) efficiency of a novel biodesulfurizing Rhodococcus jialingiae strain HN3 (NCBI Gene Bank Accession No. MN173539) sixfold. Further, upon the application of such bioproducts in a batch BDS process (1/3 petro‐diesel/water) of 96 h; HN3 desulfurized 82.26% of 0.62 wt.% sulfur without affecting the petro‐diesel calorific value. In an attempt to reach zero waste, an auxiliary pioneering step was performed, where the spent waste FAP, after being efficiently used for four successive transesterification cycles, was applied to photo‐remediate 4‐nitrophenol polluted water under UV‐irradiation. Advantageously, the fresh and spent waste FAP recorded the same photodegradation capabilities. Where they obeyed the Langmuir–Hinshelwood kinetic model (R2 ≥ 0.966) recording the same rate constants (kapp 0.032 min−1) and were efficiently reused for four successive polluted‐water treatment cycles. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Bio-and oxo-degradable plastics: Insights on facts and challenges
(wiley online library, 2021-02) Abdelmoez, Wael; Dahab, Islam; Ragab, Esraa M; Abdelsalam, Omnia A; Mustafa, Ahmad
The global accumulation of single-use plastic bags made from nonbiodegradable plastics is the most concerning environmental issue nowadays. The utilization of biodegradable materials is a choice to reduce the environmental impact resulting from the use of plastic products. The utilization of renewable resources to produce fully biodegradable plastics is among the technologies used to overcome petroleum plastic's negative impact. On the other hand, the utilization of oxo-biodegradable plastics where prodegradant additives are incorporated in conventional plastics to promote their degradation under certain conditions has recently received much attention. This review discusses the types and challenges that face the implementation of biodegradable plastics technology that uses renewable resources. This review also covers the debate addressed in the literature about the biodegradability fate of oxobiodegradable plastic in the air, compost, soil, landfill, and marine. A comparative study included the potential published literature in the last 10 years was performed. Based on the discussed evidence in this review, it can be concluded that all literature agrees that the addition of pro-oxidant/prodegradants can accelerate the degradation of oxo-plastics to small fragments. However, the complete biodegradation of oxo-plastics by microorganisms remains in doubt. On the other hand, biopolymers produced from natural resources seem to be the future direction for plastics manufacturing especially single-use plastic bags
Biodesulfurization of refractory sulfur compounds in petro-diesel by a novel hydrocarbon tolerable strain Paenibacillus glucanolyticus HN4
(Springer, 44105) Nassar, Hussein N.; Abu Amr, Salem S.; El-Gendy, Nour Sh.
One of the main precursors of air pollution and acid rains is the presence of the recalcitrant thiophenic compounds, for example dibenzothiophene (DBT) and its derivatives in transportation fuels. In an attempt to achieve the worldwide regulations of ultra- low sulfur transportation fuels without affecting its hydrocarbon skeleton, a biphasic medium containing 100 mg/L DBT dissolved in n-hexadecane (1/4 oil/water v/v) used for enrichment and isolation of selective biodesulfurizing bacterium from an oil-polluted sediment sample collected from Egyptian Red Sea shoreline. The isolated bacterium is facultative anaerobe, motile, spore-former, and mesophile. It is genetically identified as Paenibacillus glucanolyticus strain HN4 (NCBI Gene Bank Accession No. MT645230). HN4 desulfurized DBT as a model of the recalcitrant thiophenic compounds without affecting its hydrocarbon skeleton via the 4S-pathway producing 2-hydroxybiphenyl (2-HBP) as a dead end product. HN4 substantiated to be a hydrocarbon tolerant, biosurfactants(s) producer, and endorsed unique enzymatic system capable of desulfurizing broad range of thiophenic compounds and expressed an efficient desulfurization activity against the recalcitrant alkylated DBTs. As far our knowledge, it is the first reported BDS study using P. glucanolyticus. Statistical optimization based on One-Factor-At-A-Time (OFAT) technique and response surface methodology (RSM) applied for elucidation of mathematical model correlations de- scribing and optimizing the effect of different physicochemical parameters on batch biphasic BDS process. That illustrated an approximate increase in BDS efficiency by 1.34 fold and recorded 94% sulfur removal in biphasic batch process at optimum operation conditions of 120 h, 0.14 wt% S-content model oil (DBT dissolved in n-hexadecane), 33.5 °C, pH7 and 1/1 oil/water phase ratio, and 147 rpm. Resting cells of HN4 in a biphasic reactor (1/1 v/v) decreased the sulfur content of a refractory thiophenic model oil (thiophene, benzothiophene, DBT, and alkylated DBT dissolved in n-hexadecane) from 0.14 to 0.027 wt%, and petro-diesel from 0.2 to 0.04 wt%, within 120 h, keeping the calorific value of the treated fuel intact. Consequently, that novel strain could be recommended as a promising candidate for BDS as complementary to hydrodesulfurization process in oil refinery.
Biodiesel Sustainability: Challenges and Perspectives
(Wiely, 2021-09) Nassar, Hussein N; Ismail, Abdallah R; El-Gendy, Nour Sh
The worldwide depletion of high‐quality oil reserves and the immense stringent environmental regulations force decision makers towards alternative biofuels. However, that comes in parallel with the worldwide water scarcity and food versus fuel problems. So for achieving secured economy, sustainable clean energy, overcoming the problem of climate change, ensuring safe lands for food, and preserving oil crops for humans, it is important to produce such biofuels using non‐edible feedstock. This chapter discusses in brief the history of biodiesel development as an example of ecofriendly, biodegradable, non‐toxic and sustainable biofuels. It emphasizes the production of biodiesel from waste oils and fats using sustainable heterogeneous catalysts. It ends with the challenges and opportunities for reaching a feasible transesterification process producing high yield of qualified biodiesel suitable to be used as alternative and/or complementary to the conventional petro‐diesel without affecting engine performance.
Biokinetic Aspects for Biocatalytic Remediation of Xenobiotics Polluted Seawater
(NIH, 2020) Younis, S A; El-Gendy, N Sh; Nassar, H N
Aims: This research was conducted to investigate the biocatalytic remediation of xenobiotics polluted seawater using two biocatalysts; whole bacterial cells of facultative aerobic halotolerant Corynebacterium variabilis Sh42 and its extracted crude enzymes. Methods and results: One-Factor-at-A-Time technique and statistical analysis were applied to study the effect of initial substrate concentrations, pH, temperature, and initial biocatalyst concentrations on the batch biocatalytic degradation of three xenobiotic pollutants (2-hydroxybiphenyl (2-HBP), catechol and benzoic acid) in artificial seawater (salinity 3·1%). HPLC and gas-chromatography mass spectroscopy analyses were utilized to illustrate the quantitative removal of the studied aromatic xenobiotic pollutants and their catabolic pathway. The results revealed that the microbial and enzymatic cultures followed substrate inhibition kinetics. Yano and Koga's equation showed the best fit for the biokinetic degradation rates of 2-HBP and benzoic acid, whereas Haldane biokinetic model adequately expressed the specific biodegradation rate of catechol. The biokinetic results indicated the good efficiency and tolerance of crude enzyme for biocatalytic degradation of extremely high concentrations of aromatic pollutants than whole C. variabilis Sh42 cells. The monitored by-products indicated that the catabolic degradation pathway followed an oxidation mechanism via a site-specific monooxygenase enzyme. Benzoic acid and catechol were identified as major intermediates in the biodegradation pathway of 2-HBP, which were then biodegraded through meta-cleavage to 2-hydroxymuconic semialdehyde. With time elapsed, the semialdehyde product was further biodegraded to acetaldehyde and pyruvic acid, which would be further metabolized via the bacterial TCA cycle. Conclusion: The batch enzymatic bioreactors performed superior-specific biocatalytic degradation rates for all the studied xenobiotic pollutants. Significance and impact of the study: The enzymatic system of C. variabilis Sh42 is tolerable for toxic xenobiotics and different physicochemical environmental parameters. Thus, it can be recommended as an effective biocatalyst for biocatalytic remediation of xenobiotics polluted seawater
Biorefnery practice for valorizing Mediterranean bloomed Pterocladia capillacea into valued and sustainable bioproducts with numerous green solicitations
(Springer Nature, 2025-03-04) N. Sh. El‑Gendy; H. N. Nassar; A. R. Ismail; H. R. Ali; B. A. Ali; K. M. Abdelsalam; M. Mubarak
As a solution for ecosystem bioremediation from the gigantic red seaweed proliferation across the Mediterranean shorelines, this work investigates the efective utilization of Pterocladia capillacea to produce diferent esteemed and viable bioproducts. The nutritional composition of approximately 6.88±0.31%, 20.15±0.2%, 42.16±0.3%, and 2.51±0.05% (w:w) protein, fber, carbohydrate, and lipid, respectively, promotes its application in the human food and animal fodder industries. Its N+ P2O5+ K2O, undesirable heavy metals, organic carbon, and organic matter contents of 5.48±0.07%, 2.82±0.15 mg/ kg, 16.11±0.15%, and 27.71±0.26% are all within the ranges allowed by the Egyptian standard for organic fertilizer. Its calorifc value of 16.16±0.5 MJ/kg and relatively low ash and heavy metals contents are in accordance with the international standards for primary solid biofuel. Its relatively high holocellulose content of 44±0.5% (w/w) recommends its applicability in the liquid biofuels sector. Further, via a pioneering practice, a sequential, eco-friendly, and fully integrated bioprocess Pt. capillacea biomass is valorized into natural pigments of approximately 5.05±0.05 mg/g total chlorophyll, 2.12±0.05 mg/g carotenoids, phycobiliproteins of approximately 1.33±0.05 mg/g phycocyanin, 3.07±0.05 mg/g allophycocyanin, and 0.97±0.05 mg/g phycoerythrin, hydrocolloids of approximately 28.21±2.5% carrageenan and 20.46±1.5% agar, and fnally cellulose of approximately 20.15±1.5%. Additionally, the extracted carrageenan proved an efcient antimicrobial action against pathogenic microorganisms that supports its use for water densifcation, food packing, and wound dressing.
Biosynthesized magnetite nanoparticles as an environmental opulence and sustainable wastewater treatment
(Elsevier, 2021-02) El-Gendy, Nour Sh.; Nassar, Hussein N.
This review emphasizes the win-win one-pot valorization process of different waste biomass that composed of many biological macromolecules (e.g. polysaccharides, polyphenols, carbohydrates, lipids, enzymes, proteins, etc.) and other biomolecules (e.g. alkaloids, terpenoids, tannins, phenolics, carotenoids, amino acids, sugars, vitamins, etc.) into biofunctionalized magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (BMNPs). It illustrates the sustainable recruitment of microbial intra- and extra-cellular metabolites, proteins, and/or enzymes in the biosynthesis of BMNPs. It elucidates the environmental affluence of such sustainable, cost-effective, and ecofriendly BMNPs as an antimicrobial agent for water disinfection, photo-degrader, and adsorbent for different xenobiotics, organic and inorganic water pollutants. It confers the future environmental aspects of BMNPs in biofuels production from lipids and lignocellulosic wastes, biosensors manufacturing and bio-upgrading of petroleum fractions, etc. It discusses the circular economy, challenges, and opportunities for scaling up the zero-waste green synthesis of MNPs. Nevertheless, imminent investigations are still needed to elucidate the exact rule of biological macro- and micro- molecules in BMNPs synthesis and mechanisms involved in its microbicidal and photodegradation activities. Accentuated researches are more required on the toxicity and/or biosafety of the green synthesized BMNPs to humans and other non-target organisms to ensure its eco-safety upon environmental applications.
Biovalorization of mandarin waste peels into silver nanoparticles and activated carbon
(Springer, 44081) Omran, B. A. ; Aboelazayem, O. ; Nassar, H. N. ; El‑Salamony, R. A. ; El‑Gendy, N. Sh.
This work aims to upcycle mandarin (Citrus reticulum) waste peels into valuable compounds with diferent applications. The one-factor-at-a-time method was applied to optimize the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using the hot water extract of mandarin peels’ waste. The maximum production reached 2.5 g L−1 in a 4-h, pH9, 100 rpm continuous stirring batch process, operating at 30 °C, under fuorescent illumination of 36 W/6400 K, using 3000 mg L−1 extract solution and 2 mmol AgNO3. Dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, X-ray difraction, energy-dispersive X-ray, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, feld emission scanning electron microscope and high-resolution transmission electron microscope were employed to char- acterize the prepared silver nanoparticles, which revealed highly stable, uniformly distributed, nonagglomerated crystalline silver nanoparticles, with spherical/oval shapes and a size range of 10–19 nm. The preliminary cost analysis proved the cost- efectiveness of the valorization of mandarine peels into silver nanoparticles, which costs approximately 7.6 US$/g green synthesized silver nanoparticles with good savings relative to the global prices of the chemically synthesized ones. Moreover, to reach the point of zero waste and maximize the proftability of the valorization, the mandarin spent waste disposed from the batch process were upcycled to activated carbon which has diferent applications.
Clean production of isopropyl myristate: A cutting-edge enzymatic approach with a holistic techno-economic evaluation
(Elsevier Ltd, 2024-03) ., M. Shaaban Sadek a , Ahmad Mustafa b,c,* , N.A. Mostafa a,* , Luigi di Bitonto d , Muhamad Mustafa e ,f , Carlo Pastore d
This work aims to develop a simple, clean, and energy-efficient lipase-catalyzed method for the synthesis of isopropyl myristate (IPM). The enzymatic esterification between isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid was catalyzed using immobilized Candida Antarctica lipase. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was applied to study the interactive effect of reaction conditions on IPM yield. The maximum experimental and predicted conversions were 92.4 % and 92.0 %, respectively. The optimized conditions were as follows: molar ratio of isopropyl alcohol to myristic acid molar ratio of 8:1, molecular sieves of 12.5 % w/w, a catalyst load of 4 % w/w, at a temperature of 60 ◦C and a reaction time of 2.5 h. Isopropyl myristate synthesized was isolated and fully characterized by GC–MS, FTIR, 1 H and 13C NMR. Finally, to support the applicability perspective of this proposed method, a process diagram (PSD) was created using ASPEN PLUS software to simulate the production of IPM under the optimized conditions. The economic assessment of the whole process produced a positive net present value (NPV) of $44,797,732, return on investment (ROI) of 716.17 %, internal rate of return (IRR) of 110 %, payback period of 1.61, and a levelized cost of production (LCOP) of $1,777 per ton over a 14-year project lifespan. These results strongly suggest low-risk and high-profitability benefits to investing in this green route. Finally, the environmental impact was also assessed by calculating the quantity of CO2 generated from the proposed enzymatic process. The results showed a reduced emission rate of 0.25 ton CO2 eq. per ton of IPM produced. This underscores the lower environmental impact of this technology compared to traditional methods. Importantly, this study stands out as the first to conduct a comprehensive techno-economic assessment of the enzymatic synthesis of IPM, providing valuable insights into the economic viability and potential benefits of adopting this innovative and sustainable approach in the chemical manufacturing industry.
A cleaner enzymatic approach for producing non-phthalate plasticiser to replace toxic-based phthalates
(Springer Verlag, 2020) Hosney H.; Al-Sakkari E.G.; Mustafa A.; Ashour I.; Mustafa I.; El-Shibiny A.; Chemical Engineering Department; Faculty of Engineering; Minia University; El-Minia; Egypt; Chemical Engineering Department; Faculty of Engineering; Cairo University; Giza; 12613; Egypt; Environmental Engineering Program; Zewail City of Science and Technology; October Gardens; 6th of October; Giza; 12578; Egypt; Faculty of Engineering; October University for Modern Sciences and Arts; MSA; Giza; Egypt; Center of Excellence; October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA); Giza; Egypt; Biomedical Engineering Department; Faculty of Engineering; Helwan University; Cairo; Egypt; Center for Microbiology and Phage Therapy; Zewail City of Science and Technology; October Gardens; 6th of October; Giza; 12578; Egypt
Abstract: Dioctyl phthalate (DOP) is industrially commonly used as a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plasticiser. As DOP does not form a chemical link with PVC, it migrates from flexible PVC segments into the media in contact, a matter that arose concerns due to its noxious effect. Despite the introduction of several non-DOP-based plasticisers recently, most of these new plasticisers are petroleum derived, which is a non-renewable resource. Accordingly, this research aims to produce a natural-based plasticiser using clean production method. Epoxidised 2-ethylhexyl oleate (E-2-EHO) was produced through an esterification and epoxidation reaction between oleic acid and 2-ethyl hexanol; both reactions occur simultaneously, in the presence of hydrogen peroxide as oxygen donor in a solvent-free environment. Candida antarctica lipase (Novozym 435) was used as a cleaner biocatalyst. Several reaction parameters that affect the synthesis of (E-2-EHO) were analysed using response surface methodology based on full factorial central composite design for four variables. The maximum experimental conversion was 94.2% while the value of the predicted conversion was 95.3%. The operation conditions were a temperature of 65��C, enzyme load of 4 wt%, alcohol-to-oleic acid molar ratio of 4:1, hydrogen peroxide-to-C=C molar ratio of 0.5:1, molecular sieve/g acid of 0.425�g and reaction time of 2�h. In addition, the plasticising effectiveness of (E-2-EHO) to substitute toxic DOP was studied. Comparison with conventional DOP highlighted that (E-2-EHO) had superior and significantly reduced glass transition temperature (tg) and improved mechanical properties. In the proposed study, (E-2-EHO) was proved to be an efficient substitute to DOP by replacing up to 80% of the total plasticiser. Moreover, the product yield obtained in a short time reaction along with the proven stability of Novozym 435 during operation both showed that this ecofriendly and maintainable alternative is favourable when used in large-scale applications. Graphic abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]. � 2019, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.
Combustion enhancement and emission reduction in an IC engine by adopting ZnO nanoparticles with calophyllum biodiesel/diesel/propanol blend: A case study of General Regression Neural Network (GRNN) modelling
(Elsevier B.V., 2025-03-14) M. Srinivasarao; Ch. Srinivasarao; A. Swarna Kumari; Bikkavolu Joga Rao; Pullagura Gandhi; Seepana PraveenKumar; Olusegun D. Samuel; Ahmad Mustafa; Christopher C. Enweremadu; Noureddine Elboughdiri
Even though higher alcohols (HAs) and nanoparticles have the tendency to enhance engine behaviours (EBs), namely performance, emissions, and combustion characteristics, and ensure a greener environment, the absence of a reliable model to predict and model the appropriate HA dosage to blend with nanoparticles in green diesel (GD) has affected the biodiesel and automotive industries. For the first time, a study adopted a generalized regression neural network (GRNN) to investigate the influence of propanol-2 as one of the HAs, zinc oxide (ZnO) as one of the nanoparticles, and Calophyllum biodiesel (CB) as GD on EBs. The study focused on the effect of adding propanol-2 and ZnO fuel enhancers on the engine features and performance, combustion, and emissions of a CB blend (CB20) in an internal combustion (IC) engine. The results showed improved engine performance, with brake thermal efficiency increasing by 0.06 %, 1.71 %, and 3.91 %, and specific fuel consumption reduced by 5.83 %, 7.4 %, and 11.53 %, respectively, compared to CB20 fuel. The highest cylinder pressure of 70.84 bar was observed at the 120 ppm nano additive blend, while the highest heat release rate (HRR) of 36.65 J/℃A was observed at the same concentration of nano additives. Furthermore, the inclusion of ZnO nano condiments caused a decrease in carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbon (HC), nitrogen oxide (NOx), and smoke emissions by 38.7 %, 14.9 %, 4.8 %, and 2.48 %, respectively, at higher dosages of nano additives in the CB20 blend. A computational model based on a GRNN was constructed for further analysis of engine efficiency and emissions behaviour. The GRNN model accurately predicted output variables for various blends, with correlation coefficient (R) values varying from 0.98284 to 0.99959, with lesser RMSE and MAPE values within acceptable boundaries. The highest cylinder pressure of 70.84 bar was observed at the 120 ppm nano additive blend, while the highest heat release rate (HRR) of 36.65 J/℃A was observed at the same concentration of nano additives. Furthermore, the inclusion of ZnO nano condiments caused a decrease in carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbon (HC), nitrogen oxide (NOx), and smoke emissions by 38.7 %, 14.9 %, 4.8 %, and 2.48 %, respectively, at higher dosages of nano additives in the CB20 blend. A computational model based on a GRNN was constructed for further analysis of engine efficiency and emissions behaviour. The GRNN model accurately predicted output variables for various blends, with correlation coefficient (R) values varying from 0.98284 to 0.99959, with lesser RMSE and MAPE values within acceptable boundaries. The results also showed that the GRNN models are advantageous for network simplicity and require less data, making them reliable tools for predicting and modelling EP of the latest fuel for researchers and stakeholders in the automotive industry.
Comparison of the Techno-Economic and Environmental Assessment of Hydrodynamic Cavitation and Mechanical Stirring Reactors for the Production of Sustainable Hevea brasiliensis Ethyl Ester
(MDPI AG, 2023-12) Samuel, Olusegun David; Aigba, Peter A; Tran, Thien Khanh; Fayaz, H; Pastore, Carlo; Der, Oguzhan; Erçetin, Ali; Enweremadu, Christopher C; Mustafa, Ahmad
Even though the hydrodynamic cavitation reactor (HCR) performs better than the mechanical stirring reactor (MSR) at producing biodiesel, and the ethylic process of biodiesel production is entirely bio-based and environmentally friendly, non-homogeneous ethanol with the triglyceride of underutilized oil, despite the many technical advantages, has discouraged the biodiesel industry and stakeholders from producing ethylic biodiesel in HCRs. This study examines the generation of biodiesel from rubber seed oil (RSO) by comparing the ethyl-based HCR and MSR. Despite ethyl’s technical advantages and environmental friendliness, a lack of scalable protocols for various feedstocks hinders its global adoption. The research employs Aspen HYSYS simulations to investigate the ethanolysis process for RSO in both HCRs and MSRs. The HCR proves more productive, converting 99.01% of RSO compared to the MSR’s 94.85%. The HCR’s exergetic efficiency is 89.56% vs. the MSR’s 54.92%, with significantly lower energy usage. Removing catalytic and glycerin purification stages impacts both processes, with HC showing lower exergy destruction. Economic analysis reveals the HCR’s lower investment cost and higher net present value (USD 57.2 million) and return on investment (176%) compared to the MSR’s. The HCR also has a much smaller carbon footprint, emitting 7.2 t CO2 eq./year, while the MSR emits 172 t CO2 eq./year. This study provides database information for quickly scaling up the production of ethanolic biodiesel from non-edible and third-generation feedstocks in the HCR and MSR.
Development and Evaluation of an Eco-Friendly Hand Sanitizer Formulation Valorized from Fruit Peels
(Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2023-12) Verma, J; Mishra, R; Mazumdar, A; Singh, R; El-Gendy, N. Sh
Hand sanitizer usage has proven to be a common and practical method for reducing the spread of infectious diseases which can be caused by many harmful pathogens. Tere is a need for alcohol-free hand sanitizers because most hand sanitizers on the market are alcohol-based, and regular use of them can damage the skin and can be hazardous. India is the world’s largest producer of fruits and one of the major problems after fruit consumption is their peels, causing waste management problems and contributing to the formation of greenhouse gases leading to air pollution and adding to the problem of climate change. Valorization of such wastes into other value-added products and their incorporation into formulations of eco-friendly alcohol-free hand sanitizers would solve these issues, save the environment, beneft the society, and help in achieving the sustainable development goals. Tus, this research focuses on formulating an efective natural alcohol-free hand sanitizer that harnesses the antimicrobial properties of the various types of bioactive components found in fruit peels of pomegranate, sweet lime, and lemon. Te peel extracts and the formulated sanitizer proved considerable antimicrobial activity against the pathogenic Escherichia coli and hand microfora. Molecular docking was also applied to examine ligand-protein interaction patterns and predict binding conformers and afnity of the sanitizer phytocompounds towards target proteins in COVID-19, infuenza, and pneumonia viruses. Te binding afnities and the protein-ligand interactions virtual studies revealed that the sanitizer phytocompounds bind with the amino acids in the target proteins’ active sites via hydrogen bonding interactions. As a result, it is possible to formulate a natural, alcohol-free hand sanitizer from fruit peels that is efective against pathogenic germs and viruses using the basic structure of these potential fndings.
Eco-Friendly Extraction of Sustainable and Valorized Value-Added Products From Ulva fasciata Macroalgae: A Holistic Technoeconomic Analysis
(Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2025-02-26) Nour Sh. El-Gendy; M. Shaaban Sadek; Hussein N. Nassar; Ahmad Mustafa
Te present work conducts a detailed technoeconomic analysis of an environmentally friendly zero-waste biorefnery process to valorize marine Ulva fasciata macroalgae into diferent sustainable value-added products. Te proposed sequential fully integrated process yielded 34.89% mineral-rich water extract (MRWE), 2.61 ± 0.5% chlorophyll, 0.41 ± 0.05% carotenoids, 12.55 ± 1.6% starch, 3.27 ± 0.7% lipids, 22.24 ± 1.8% ulvan, 13.37 ± 1.5% proteins, and 10.66 ± 0.9% cellulose. Te Aspen Plus software, utilizing the nonrandom two-liquid (NRTL) model, was applied for process design, simulation, and technoeconomic analysis. Key fndings include a positive net present value (NPV) of $49,755,544.90, a high return on investment (ROI) of 485%, and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 17%. Te anticipated payback period is 7 years, indicating a quick recovery of the initial investment. Tese fndings confrm that Ulva fasciata is a promising resource in the biorefnery industry, providing a viable and eco-friendly alternative for the production of bio-based products and a new market for seaweed-based products.
Effect of Heat Stress on Developmental Competence of In Vitro Matured Oocytes of Camelus Dromedaries with Different Qualities
(Scienceline Publication, 44190) Ashour, G; El-Sayed, Ashraf; Khalifa, M; Ghanem, Nasser
The deleterious effect of heat stress on cumulus-oocytes complexes (COCs) competence is well recognized in different livestock species. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of physiologically relevant heat stress on the developmental competence of camel COCs during in vitro maturation (IVM). A total of 1548 COCs were divided into six groups in this study. The groups were named K1 and K2 representing good and low-quality COCs incubated at 38.5oC for 30 hours. While K3 and k4 represent good and low-quality COCs exposed to 41oC for the first 6 hours of IVM. Finally, K5 and k6 represent the groups of good and low-quality COCs exposed to 42oC for the first 6 hours of IVM. After exposure of COCs to heat stress at 41°C and 42°C during the first 6 hours of in vitro maturation, the COCs were incubated at 38.5°C for 24 hours of IVM. The in vitro matured COCs were activated to cleave using ethanol followed by 4 mM 6-DMAP and developed embryos were cultured in vitro for 7 days post parthenogenetic activation. The results of this study indicated that heat stress at 42oC significantly decreased the Pb (polar body) extrusion rate in K4 and K6, compared to other groups. Additionally, the embryo cleavage rate was significantly lower for good and low-quality oocytes exposed to heat stress (K2, K3, K4, K5, and K6), compared to good quality COCs of the control group (K1). The cleavage rate was lower for low quality (K2; 63 ± 1.28) than good quality COCs (K1; 53 ± 1.85). The percentages of oocytes that developed to the blastocyst stage were lower for K2, K3, K4, K5, and K6 than K1. Moreover, the blastocyst rate was lower for K2 (9 ± 0.22) than K1 (15 ± 0.22). The results of this study indicated that exposure of camel oocytes to heat stress for 6 hours during in vitro maturation severely reduced extrusion of polar body, cleavage, and blastocyst rates. The low-quality camel COCs were reduced developmental capacity than good quality oocytes. © 2020, World''s Veterinary Journal. All Rights Reserved
Exploring the potential of novel feedstock (Caesalpinia bonduc seeds) for circular biodiesel production using seed shell-derived green nanocatalysts
(Elsevier Ltd, 2025-04-02) Roshan Amjad; Mushtaq Ahmad; Shazia Sultana; Mamoona Munir; Muhammad Ishtiaq Ali; Mohamed M. El-Toony; Nizomova Maksuda Usmankulovna; Burkhan Avutkhanov; Ahmad Mustafa
Current work focuses on the investigation of newly explored Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) seed oil as an efficient and oil rich (45 % w/w) source for producing user friendly biodiesel during transesterification reaction. The whole process was facilitated using green nanocatalyst (K2O) synthesized from discarded Caesalpinia bonduc seed coat as reducing agent. About 98.27 % Caesalpinia biodiesel yield was attained with 1:6 oil to methanol, 0.15 (wt. %) K2O nanocatalyst at 120 ◦C temperature and 120 min interval. GCMS studies of Caesalpinia biodiesel depicts the presence of seven major peaks with retention time (12.640, 17.072, 18.722, 18.816, 18.981 and 23.921 min) confirms the successful conversion of Caesalpinia oil to corresponding biodiesel. The fuel properties of Caesalpinia biodiesel were 70 ◦C Flash point, 0.36 mgKOH/g Acid number, 0.89 kg/L Density, 3.52 Kinematic viscosity, 0.0063 % Sulphur, − 12 ◦C Pour point, − 8 ◦C Cloud Point are in excellent hormony with global bifuel standards. The green K2O nanocatalyst exhibits excellent reusability for up to 9th runs exhibiting its maximum reactivity up to three cycles. The outcomes of this investigation led to the conclusion that the non-conventional and non edible oil seeds of Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb and green K2O nanocatalyst is a viable, low-cost and sustainable and highly reactive contenders for future biodiesel industry with the potential to mitigate energy glitches along with positive and healther socio economic wellbeing of community at global level.
Glycolipid biosurfactants: Biosynthesis and related potential applications in food industry
(Elsevier, 2022-10) Ashby, Richard D; Zulkifli, Wan Nur Fatihah Wan Muhammad; Yatim, Abdul Rashid M; Ren, Kangzi; Mustafa, Ahmad
Applications of Next Generation Biosurfactants in the Food Sector 2023, Pages 307-334 Chapter 15 - Glycolipid biosurfactants: Biosynthesis and related potential applications in food industry☆ Author links open overlay panelRichard D.AshbyaWan Nur Fatihah Wan MuhammadZulkiflibAbdul Rashid M.YatimcKangziRendAhmadMustafae,f a United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Eastern Regional Research Center, Wyndmoor, PA, United States b Advanced Oleochemical Technology Division, Malaysian Palm Oil Board, Bandar Baru Bangi, Malaysia c Bioprocessing & Biotechnology Division, Eman Biodiscoveries Sdn Bhd, Sungai Petani, Malaysia d College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, Hunan, China e General Systems Engineering, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA), 6th of October, Egypt f Center of Excellence, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA), 6th of October, Egypt Available online 21 October 2022, Version of Record 21 October 2022. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-824283-4.00006-X Get rights and content Abstract Glycolipids are microbial surface-active molecules that are composed of a carbohydrate unit linked to a single or multiple fatty acid(s). They are receiving increased research interest due to their green production pathways and their environmental and application benefits. Rhamnolipids, trehalolipids, sophorolipids, and mannosylerythritol lipids are among the most well-characterized glycolipids. Their antibacterial and emulsifying properties impart great potential to glycolipids in areas such as cleaning, cosmetic, and food preservation and can serve as sustainable substitutes for many synthetic surfactants. In addition, the valorization of food wastes through their use as fermentation feedstocks to produce glycolipid biosurfactants has received considerable attention because the process allows the bioconversion of inexpensive renewable by-products to value-added compounds, which may help to decrease production costs. This chapter focuses on the status and future perspectives related to the economical production of glycolipid biosurfactants and their potential application in foods.
Green synthesis of isopropyl palmitate using immobilized Candida antarctica lipase: Process optimization using response surface methodology
(Elsevier, 2022-06) Mustafa, Ahmad; Niikura, Fumiya
This work aims to produce isopropyl palmitate (IPP), a common emollient ester in a solvent-free system. An esterification reaction between isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and palmitic acid (PA) was performed in a closed batch reactor using immobilized Candida antarctica lipase as a biocatalyst. Reaction conditions were optimized using response surface methodology based on a five-level, three-variable composite design. The interactive effects of conditions on the IPP yield were investigated in the following ranges: IPA-to-PA molar ratio of 3:1–15:1, 1%–4% (w/w) Novozym 435, and 1%–10% (w/w) molecular sieves. The optimum conditions were IPA-to-PA molar ratio of 15:1, 4% w/w of Novozym 435, and 10% w/w of molecular sieves at 60◦C and 150 RPM for 2.5 h. The maximum experimental and predicted conversion values were 90.00% and 90.92%, respectively. Moreover, Novozym 435 exhibited remarkable operational stability because it was used for 15 cycles without considerably losing its original activity. In studying the feasibility of the proposed method, a process flow diagram was suggested to perform the semicontinuous production of IPP in a solvent-free medium

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