Current Biochemical Engineering (Discontinued) - Volume 6, Issue 3, 2020

Background: Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) came into existence with great success, thereby replacing the traditional methods used to simulate the problems related to the flow of fluid. First CFD utilitarian was introduced to the world in 1957, which was developed by a team at Los Alamos National Lab. For tremendous performance and to meet the expected results with ease for modern process conditions, engineers are now more inclined towards the use of simulation software rather than traditional methods. Hence, in the current scenario with the advancement of computer technologies, “CFD is recognized as an excellent tool for engineers to resolve real-world problems.” Introduction: CFD is defined as a branch of fluid dynamics which involves the use of numerical analysis and data structure to solve complications related to the flow of fluids (gasses or liquids). CFD is based on three major principles that are mass conservation, Newton's second law, and energy conservation. CFD has extended to a number of applications at an alarming rate in every field such as in aerospace, sports, food industry, engineering, hydraulics, HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, and Air conditioning), automotive, environmental, power generation, biomedical, pharmaceutical, and many more. Hence, a number of software like ANSYS, Open Foam, SimScale, Gerris, Auto desk simulation, Code_Saturne, etc, are beneficial in order to execute the operations, and to find the solution of realworld problems within a fraction of seconds. Methods: CFD analysis involves three major steps; pre-processing, solution, and post-processing. Preprocessing deals with defining model goals, identification of domain, designing, and creating the grid. Solution involves setting up the numerical model, computing, and monitoring the solution; whereas, post-processing includes results of the examination and revision of the model. Result: The review includes current challenges about the computational fluid dynamics. It is relevant in different areas of engineering to find answers for the problems occurring globally with the aid of a number of simulation-based software hereby, making the world free from complex problems in order to have a non-complicated scenario. Conclusion: Computational fluid dynamics are relevant in each, and every kind of problem related to the fluid flow, either existing in the human body or anywhere. In the contemporary era, there are enormous numbers of simulation-based software, which provide excellent results with just one click, thereby resolving the problems within microseconds. Hence, we cannot imagine our present and upcoming future without CFD, which has ultimately made the execution of work easier, leaving behind non-complicating scenarios. Lastly, we can conclude that “CFD is a faster, smarter, and lighter way in designing process.”

Background: Microbial phytases are added to animal feed to hydrolyze phytic acid (myoinositol hexakisphosphate, IP6) and phytate (salt of phytic acid) increasing phosphorus bioavailability. Novel phytases with enhanced bio-efficacy are being developed. Objective: To characterize the biochemical and enzymatic properties of a novel consensus bacterial 6- phytase and its variant (PhyG), produced in Trichoderma reesei. Methods: The in vitro specific activity, kinetic parameters, pH-activity profiles (relative to pH5.5), IP6 degradation, hydrolysis products and phosphate release of the phytases were determined using sodium phytate substrate. Melting point (Tm) was determined by differential scanning calorimetry and thermostability assessed by measuring residual activity at different temperatures. In vivo effects of PhyG supplementation at 0 to 1,000 FTU/kg on ileal IP6 digestibility and IP ester concentrations were determined in piglets. Results: Both phytases exhibited pH optima of 3.5-4.5, high relative activity over a wide pH range (pH2.0-5.0), and substantial relative activity at pH1.5. At pH3.0, the specific activity of the PhyG variant was 1487 U/mg protein and at pH3.5 the kinetic constants were 240 μM (Km) and 1873 s^-1 (Kcat). The hydrolysis of IP6 by both phytases was rapid. The major initial hydrolysis product was DLI( 1,2,3,4,5)P5, designating the phytases as bacterial 6-phytases (EC 3.1.3.26). Hydrolysis occurred at the D-3 (L-1) position in ~30% of instances, indicating a dual-specificity. Conclusion: Both phytases showed high thermostability compared to wild type and existing commercial bacterial 6-phytases; PhyG exhibited 95% residual activity after 20 min incubation at 85.4^ºC (pH5.5), Tm50 of ~93.2^ºC and Tm of 98.8^ºC. In vivo, PhyG at 1,000 FTU/kg achieved an ileal digestibility of IP6 of 89.3%.

Background: Ionic liquids (ILs) are claimed as green solvents and have demonstrated ability in the dissolution of several biomaterials and polymers, thus promoting their applications in wide scope. The aim of this study was to evaluate the yeast cells in the ionic liquid (IL), choline acetate [Cho]OAc as an eco-friendlier IL for their growth and ability of fermentation of the empty fruit bunch (EFB) biomass for ethanol production via monitoring the cell growth curve and kinetics. Methods: The Saccharomyces cerevisiae was cultured for five days on yeast extract-peptone-dextrose (YPD) agar and the sub-culturing was carried out every two weeks to evaluate the growth of yeast in [Cho]OAc at different concentrations; 5%, 10%, and 20%, where it was pre-cultivated for 24 h at 30 ^°C and 150 rpm in a shaking incubator as a control culture. Yeast cell number was determined by counting using a hemocytometer. Also, the kinetic growth of yeast during the fermentation of EFB was evaluated. Result: Cell concentration increased, ethanol production increased along with the optical density with the peak reached at 72 h, then declined. Enzymatic hydrolysis process followed by fermentation of EFB using [Cho][OAc] improved the yield of sugar, saccharification and ethanol around 1.938, 2.879, and 2.165 times in comparison with untreated EFB with IL. Furthermore, values of specific growth rates obtained in IL-medium and non-IL-medium are applicable for ethanol production to take place. The results showed the ability of yeast cells for fermentation even in the presence of IL. Conclusion: The results showed that the presence of the IL did not suppress the growth of the yeast cells and did not impair the fermentation productivity.

Background: In the long run, synthetic tints were found to be harmful to the chemicals. As a result natural tints have come to be used for their many intrinsic values. The main reason being, then availability of local plants as the main source of natural colorants. Their easy availability in the country being zero cost - effective and planted for other purposes are the main reasons for utilizing them as natural tints. Almost all the parts of the plants, namely stem, leaves, fruits, seeds, barks etc. are used for extracting natural colour. In addition, they are antimicrobial antifungal, insect - repellant deodorant, disinfectant having medicinal values. Methods: Sweet Indrajao leaves were cleaned by washing with water and dried under direct sunlight and ground as fine powder. A fine strainer was used to remove the wastages. After all these processes, 1-kilogram leaves weighed 318 grams. Then, it is put in 75% ethanol 25% water and heated in a breaker which in kept over a water bath for 2 hours. After this, the contents were filtered and kept in a separate beaker. Bleached fleece draperies stained with stain extract were made to become wet and put into different stain baths which contain the required amount of stain extract and water. Acetic acid was added to it after 20 minutes. The fleece drapery was stained for about one hour at 60^°C. The draperies thus stained were removed, squeezed, and put to treatment with metal salts without washing. Different metal salts were used for the treatment using 3% of any one of the chemical mordants like alum, stannous chloride, potassium dichromate, ferrous sulphate, nickel sulphate, copper sulphate and natural mordants such as myrobolan, turmeric, cow dung, Banana sap juice at 60^°C for 30 minutes with MLR of 1:30. The stained draperies were washed repeatedly in all the three methods in water and dried in air. At last, the stained draperies were put to soap with soap solution at 60°C for 10 minutes. The draperies were repeatedly washed in water and dried under the sun. Results: Sweet Indrajao leaves discharged colour easily in alcoholic water. The fleece draperies were stained with chemical and natural mordants. It was observed that the stain uptake was found to be good in post-mordanting method. Ultrasonication has clearly improved the stainability of the draperies at pH 3 and 3.5 values. The pH decreases the stain ability under both Conventional and Ultrasonic conditions. The colour strength increases with an increase in staining temperature in both cases of US and CH methods. Conclusion: Sweet Indrajao.L has been found to have good ultrasonic potential as a stain plant. The stain uptake as well as the fastness properties of the fleece drapery were found to enhance when metal mordant was used in conjugation with ultra-sonication for the extract of Sweet Indrajao. It was also found that the enhancement of staining ability was better without mordant draperies. The dye extract showed good antibacterial activity against the three bacterial pathogens. Among the three bacterial pathogens, dye extract showed more effective against Escherichia coli pathogens and dye extract showed more effective against Aspergillus pathogens. Hence, the ultrasonic method of drapery staining may be appropriate and beneficial for society at large in future.

Background: Validamycin A (Val-A) is one of the most widely used agricultural antibiotics in East Asia especially for controlling rice sheath blight disease. Fermentation contamination of the industrial Val-A producing strain is a common occurrence. Methods: Fermentation culture of S. hygroscopicus 5008 has a special smell that could be distinguished from other tainted samples. The change of the volatiles in untainted and tainted samples was characterized using headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) combined with gas chromatography- mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results: Seventy-one volatile compounds (including alkanes, amines, alcohols, esters, aldehydes and others) were identified and there were significant differences in the composition of volatiles among different samples. Principal component analysis (PCA) based on the GC-MS data was used to identify the important volatile compounds that contributed to the differentiation of the fermentation samples under different fermentation stages, as well as among different pollution species and fermentation media. Contamination could be discovered in time irrespective of the stage of fermentation and the contaminating bacteria in broth. Conclusion: It is the first report to detect contamination by volatile compounds in the antibiotic fermentation and it was proved that HS-SPME/GC-MS is an effective contamination detection method in Val-A production.