Production and Characterization of Endocylanase from Bacillus Pumilus Using Solidstate Fermentation and its Application in 'Paper Pulp Processing

In the present studies it is clear that Bacillus pumilus xylanase is having the characteristic suited for an industrial enzyme (xylanases that are active and stable at elevated temperatures and alkaline pH are needed). SSF production of xylanases and its application appears to be an innovative technology where the fermented substrate is the enzyme source that is used directly in the bleaching process without a prior downstream processing. The direct use of SSF enzymes in bleaching is a relatively new biobleaching approach. This can certainly benefit the bleaching process to lower the xylanase production costs and improve the economics and viability of the biobleaching technology. The application of enzymes to the bleaching process has been considered as an environmentally friendly approach that can reduce the negative impact on the environment exerted by the use of chlorine-based bleaching agents. It has been demonstrated that pretreatment of kraft pulp with xylanase prior to bleaching (biobleaching) can facilitate subsequent removal of lignin by bleaching chemicals, thereby, reducing the demand for elemental chlorine or improving final paper brightness. Using this xylanase pre-treatment, has resulted in an increased of brightness (8.5 Unit) when compared to non-enzymatic treated bleached pulp prepared using identical conditions. Reduction of the consumption of active chlorine can be achieved which results in a decrease in the toxicity, colour, chloride and absorbable organic halogen (AOX) levels of bleaching effluents. The xylanase treatment improves drainage, strength properties and the fragility of pulps, and also increases the brightness of pulps. This positive result shows that enzyme pre-treatment facilitates the removal of chromophore fragments of pulp there by making the process more environment friendly

Alkaline protease production by marine fungus engyodontium BTMFS 10

The thesis entitled “Alkaline Protease Production by Marine Fungus Engyodontium BTMFS 10”.Proteases are the single class of enzymes, which occupy a pivotal position with respect to their application in both physiological and commercial filed. Protease in the industrial market is expected to increase further in the coming year. The current trend is to use microbial enzymes since they provide a greater diversity of catalytic activities and can be produced more economically. Main objective of theses studies are the optimization of various physicochemical factors in the solid state fermentation for the production of alkaline protease enzyme, characterization of the enzyme, evaluation of the enzyme for various industrial application. The result obtained the during the course of theses study indicate the scope for the utilization of this study Marine Fungus E. Album for extra cellular protease production employing solid state fermentation

Production, purification, genetic characterization and application studies of tannase enzyme from marine fungus Aspergillus awamori

Marine fungi remain totally unexplored as a source of industrial enzyme and prospective applications. Further tannase production by a marine organism has so far not been established. The primary objective of this study included the evaluation of the potential of Aspergillus awamori isolated from sea water as part of an earlier study and available in the culture collection of the Microbial technology laboratory for tannase production through different fermentation methods, optimization of bioprocess variables by statistical methods, purification and characterization of the enzyme, genetic study, and assessment of its potential applications.

Optimization of carbon and nitrogen sources and growth factors for the production of an aquaculture probiotic (Pseudomonas MCCB 103) using response surface methodology

Aim: To develop a new medium for enhanced production of biomass of an aquaculture probiotic Pseudomonas MCCB 103 and its antagonistic phenazine compound, pyocyanin. Methods and Results: Carbon and nitrogen sources and growth factors, such as amino acids and vitamins, were screened initially in a mineral medium for the biomass and antagonistic compound of Pseudomonas MCCB 103. The selected ingredients were further optimized using a full-factorial central composite design of the response surface methodology. The medium optimized as per the model for biomass contained mannitol (20 g l)1), glycerol (20 g l)1), sodium chloride (5 g l)1), urea (3Æ3 g l)1) and mineral salts solution (20 ml l)1), and the one optimized for the antagonistic compound contained mannitol (2 g l)1), glycerol (20 g l)1), sodium chloride (5Æ1 g l)1), urea (3Æ6 g l)1) and mineral salts solution (20 ml l)1). Subsequently, the model was validated experimentally with a biomass increase by 19% and fivefold increase of the antagonistic compound. Conclusion: Significant increase in the biomass and antagonistic compound production could be obtained in the new media. Significance and Impact of the Study: Media formulation and optimization are the primary steps involved in bioprocess technology, an attempt not made so far in the production of aquaculture probiotics.

Optimization of Preparation Techniques and Dielectric Study of Polyanilines in the Microwave & High Frequency Field

The thesis deals with the preparation and dielectric characterization of Poly aniline and its analogues in ISM band frequency of 2-4 GHz that includes part of the microwave region (300 MHz to 300 GHz) of the electromagnetic spectrum and an initial dielectric study in the high frequency [O.05MHz-13 MHz]. PolyaniIine has been synthesized by an in situ doping reaction under different temperature and in the presence of inorganic dopants such as HCl H2S04, HN03, HCl04 and organic dopants such as camphorsulphonic acid [CSA], toluenesulphonic acid {TSA) and naphthalenesulphonic acid [NSA]. The variation in dielectric properties with change in reaction temperature, dopants and frequency has been studied. The effect of codopants and microemulsions on the dielectric properties has also been studied in the ISM band. The ISM band of frequencies (2-4 GHz) is of great utility in Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) applications. Microwave heating is a very efficient method of heating dielectric materials and is extensively used in industrial as well as household heating applications.

Process Optimization for Mass Production of Marine Yeast Candida sp. S 27 and its Nutritional Characterization

The main source of protein for human and animal consumption is from the agricultural sector, where the production is vulnerable to diseases, fluctuations in climatic conditions and deteriorating hydrological conditions due to water pollution. Therefore Single Cell Protein (SCP) production has evolved as an excellent alternative. Among all sources of microbial protein, yeast has attained global acceptability and has been preferred for SCP production. The screening and evaluation of nutritional and other culture variables of microorganisms are very important in the development of a bioprocess for SCP production. The application of statistical experimental design in bioprocess development can result in improved product yields, reduced process variability, closer confirmation of the output response to target requirements and reduced development time and overall cost.The present work was undertaken to develop a bioprocess technology for the mass production of a marine yeast, Candida sp.S27. Yeasts isolated from the offshore waters of the South west coast of India and maintained in the Microbiology Laboratory were subjected to various tests for the selection of a potent strain for biomass production. The selected marine yeast was identified based on ITS sequencing. Biochemical/nutritional characterization of Candida sp.S27 was carried out. Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) the process parameters (pH, temperature and salinity) were optimized. For mass production of yeast biomass, a chemically defined medium (Barnett and Ingram, 1955) and a crude medium (Molasses-Yeast extract) were optimized using RSM. Scale up of biomass production was done in a Bench top Fermenter using these two optimized media. Comparative efficacy of the defined and crude media were estimated besides nutritional evaluation of the biomass developed using these two optimized media.

Production of Alkaline Protease by Free and Immobilised Cells of VIBRIO sp. Under Different Fermentation Systems and Its Application on Deproteinisation of Prawn Shell Waste for Chitin Recovery

This thesis presents a detailed account of a cost - effective approach towards enhanced production of alkaline protease at profitable levels using different fermentation designs employing cheap agro-industrial residues. It involves the optimisation of process parameters for the production of a thermostable alkaline protease by Vibrio sp. V26 under solid state, submerged and biphasic fermentations, production of the enzyme using cell immobilisation technology and the application of the crude enzyme on the deproteinisation of crustacean waste.The present investigation suggests an economic move towards Improved production of alkaline protease at gainful altitudes employing different fermentation designs utilising inexpensive agro-industrial residues. Moreover, the use of agro-industrial and other solid waste substrates for fermentation helps to provide a substitute in conserving the already dwindling global energy resources. Another alternative for accomplishing economically feasible production is by the use of immobilisation technique. This method avoids the wasteful expense of continually growing microorganisms. The high protease producing potential of the organism under study ascertains their exploitation in the utilisation and management of wastes. However, strain improvement studies for the production of high yielding variants using mutagens or by gene transfer are required before recommending them to Industries.Industries, all over the world, have made several attempts to exploit the microbial diversity of this planet. For sustainable development, it is essential to discover, develop and defend this natural prosperity. The Industrial development of any country is critically dependent on the intellectual and financial investment in this area. The need of the hour is to harness the beneficial uses of microbes for maximum utilisation of natural resources and technological yields. Owing to the multitude of applications in a variety of industrial sectors, there has always been an increasing demand for novel producers and resources of alkaline proteases as well as for innovative methods of production at a commercial altitude. This investigation forms a humble endeavour towards this perspective and bequeaths hope and inspiration for inventions to follow.

Optimization of Two Stage Process for the Growth of In2S3 , CuInSe2 and CuIn (Sel-xSx)2Thin Films for Solar Cell Application

Two stage processes consisting of precursor preparation by thermal evaporation followed by chalcogenisation in the required atmosphere is found to be a feasible technique for the PV materials such as n-Beta In2S3, p-CulnSe2, p-CulnS2 and p-CuIn(Sel_xSx)2. The growth parameters such as chalcogenisation temperature and duration of chalcogenisation etc have been optimised in the present study.Single phase Beta-In2S3 thin films can be obtained by sulfurising the indium films above 300°C for 45 minutes. Low sulfurisation temperatures required prolonged annealing after the sulfurisation to obtain single phase Beta-1n2S3, which resulted in high material loss. The maximum band gap of 2.58 eV was obtained for the nearly stoichiometric Beta-In2S3 film which was sulfurised at 350°C. This wider band gap, n type Beta-In2S3 can be used as an alternative to toxic CdS as window layer in photovoltaics .The systematic study on the structural optical and electrical properties of CuInSe2 films by varying the process parameters such as the duration of selenization and the selenization temperature led to the conclusion that for the growth of single-phase CuInSe2, the optimum selenization temperature is 350°C and duration is 3 hours. The presence of some binary phases in films for shorter selenization period and lower selenization temperature may be due to the incomplete reaction and indium loss. Optical band gap energy of 1.05 eV obtained for the films under the optimum condition.In order to obtain a closer match to the solar spectrum it is desirable to increase the band gap of the CulnSe2 by a few meV . Further research works were carried out to produce graded band gap CuIn(Se,S)2 absorber films by incorporation of sulfur into CuInSe2. It was observed that when the CulnSe2 prepared by two stage process were post annealed in sulfur atmosphere, the sulfur may be occupying the interstitial positions or forming a CuInS2 phase along with CuInSe2 phase. The sulfur treatment during the selenization process OfCu11 ln9 precursors resulted in Culn (Se,S)2 thin films. A band gap of 1.38 eV was obtained for the CuIn(Se,S)2.The optimised thin films n-beta 1n2S3, p-CulnSe2 and p-Culn(Sel-xSx)2 can be used for fabrication of polycrystalline solar cells.

Analysis and Optimization of Machining Process Using Evolutionary Algorithms

To ensure quality of machined products at minimum machining costs and maximum machining effectiveness, it is very important to select optimum parameters when metal cutting machine tools are employed. Traditionally, the experience of the operator plays a major role in the selection of optimum metal cutting conditions. However, attaining optimum values each time by even a skilled operator is difficult. The non-linear nature of the machining process has compelled engineers to search for more effective methods to attain optimization. The design objective preceding most engineering design activities is simply to minimize the cost of production or to maximize the production efficiency. The main aim of research work reported here is to build robust optimization algorithms by exploiting ideas that nature has to offer from its backyard and using it to solve real world optimization problems in manufacturing processes.In this thesis, after conducting an exhaustive literature review, several optimization techniques used in various manufacturing processes have been identified. The selection of optimal cutting parameters, like depth of cut, feed and speed is a very important issue for every machining process. Experiments have been designed using Taguchi technique and dry turning of SS420 has been performed on Kirlosker turn master 35 lathe. Analysis using S/N and ANOVA were performed to find the optimum level and percentage of contribution of each parameter. By using S/N analysis the optimum machining parameters from the experimentation is obtained.Optimization algorithms begin with one or more design solutions supplied by the user and then iteratively check new design solutions, relative search spaces in order to achieve the true optimum solution. A mathematical model has been developed using response surface analysis for surface roughness and the model was validated using published results from literature.Methodologies in optimization such as Simulated annealing (SA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Conventional Genetic Algorithm (CGA) and Improved Genetic Algorithm (IGA) are applied to optimize machining parameters while dry turning of SS420 material. All the above algorithms were tested for their efficiency, robustness and accuracy and observe how they often outperform conventional optimization method applied to difficult real world problems. The SA, PSO, CGA and IGA codes were developed using MATLAB. For each evolutionary algorithmic method, optimum cutting conditions are provided to achieve better surface finish.The computational results using SA clearly demonstrated that the proposed solution procedure is quite capable in solving such complicated problems effectively and efficiently. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is a relatively recent heuristic search method whose mechanics are inspired by the swarming or collaborative behavior of biological populations. From the results it has been observed that PSO provides better results and also more computationally efficient.Based on the results obtained using CGA and IGA for the optimization of machining process, the proposed IGA provides better results than the conventional GA. The improved genetic algorithm incorporating a stochastic crossover technique and an artificial initial population scheme is developed to provide a faster search mechanism. Finally, a comparison among these algorithms were made for the specific example of dry turning of SS 420 material and arriving at optimum machining parameters of feed, cutting speed, depth of cut and tool nose radius for minimum surface roughness as the criterion. To summarize, the research work fills in conspicuous gaps between research prototypes and industry requirements, by simulating evolutionary procedures seen in nature that optimize its own systems.

Extracellular beta-Glucosidase production by marine Aspergillus sydowii BTMFS 55

The beta-glucosidase enzyme purified from the marine fungus, Aspergillus sydowii BTMFS 55 showed a good yield of enzyme production under solid state fermentation. The statistical optimization of the media components revealed that moisture content, concentration of peptone and inoculum are the major parameters which supported the maximal enzyme production. The purified enzyme showed low pH activity and stability, glucose tolerance and activation by ethanol. It could produce ethanol from wheat bran and rice straw by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation with yeast.The glucosidase purified from Aspergillus sydowii BTMFS 55 shows great potential for several biotechnological applications such as the production of bio-ethanol from agricultural biomass and improvement in the aromatic character of wines and fruit juices through the hydrolysis of flavour glucosidic precursors. There is immense scope for the application of this marine fungus in the biofuel production besides in other industries provided further studies are pursued in exploiting this enzyme and the organism particularly scale up studies with respect to application. There is also ample scope for cloning of the gene encoding beta-glucosidase in domesticated hosts such as Pichia pastoris or S. cerevisiae that can produce ethanol directly from cellulosic biomass.

Carbon/Nitrogen Ratio Optimization and Periphyton Development on the Production and Sustainability of Penaeus Monodon(Fabricius)in Extensive Culture System

Controlling the inorganic nitrogen by manipulating carbon / nitrogen ratio is a method gaining importance in aquaculture systems. Nitrogen control is induced by feeding bacteria with carbohydrates and through the subsequent uptake of nitrogen from the water for the synthesis of microbial proteins. The relationship between addition of carbohydrates, reduction of ammonium and the production of microbial protein depends on the microbial conversion coefficient. The carbon / nitrogen ratio in the microbial biomass is related to the carbon contents of the added material. The addition of carbonaceous substrate was found to reduce inorganic nitrogen in shrimp culture ponds and the resultant microbial proteins are taken up by shrimps. Thus, part of the feed protein is replaced and feeding costs are reduced in culture systems.The use of various locally available substrates for periphyton based aquaculture practices increases production and profitability .However, these techniques for extensive shrimp farming have not so far been evaluated. Moreover, an evaluation of artificial substrates together with carbohydrate source based farming system in reducing inorganic nitrogen production in culture systems has not yet been carried-out. Furthermore, variations in water and soil quality, periphyton production and shrimp production of the whole system have also not been determined so-far.This thesis starts with a general introduction , a brief review of the most relevant literature, results of various experiments and concludes with a summary (Chapter — 9). The chapters are organised conforming to the objectives of the present study. The major objectives of this thesis are, to improve the sustainability of shrimp farming by carbohydrate addition and periphyton substrate based shrimp production and to improve the nutrient utilisation in aquaculture systems.

α-Galactosidase from Streptomyces griseoloalbus: an enzyme with versatile applications

The present study is focused on the production, purification and characterization of multiple thermostable α-galactosidases from a novel actinomycete strain Streptomyces griseoloalbus. The Chapter I of the thesis covers the wide literature regarding α-galactosidases from various sources and their potential applications. The Chapter 11 deals with the isolation of α-galactosidase- producing actinomycetes and selection of the best strain. The Chapters III and IV describe the optimization of α-galactosidase production under submerged fermentation and solid-state fermentation respectively. The Chapter V describes the purification and characterization of multiple α-galactosidases and also the obvious existence of a novel galactose-tolerant enzyme. The Chapter VI illustrates the potential applications of α-galactosidases from S. griseoloalbus followed by the Chapter VII summarizing and concluding the results of the present investigation.

Energy Management in Wireless Sensor Networks: A Crosslayer,Channel Adaptive Approach Towards Performance Optimization

The proliferation of wireless sensor networks in a large spectrum of applications had been spurered by the rapid advances in MEMS(micro-electro mechanical systems )based sensor technology coupled with low power,Low cost digital signal processors and radio frequency circuits.A sensor network is composed of thousands of low cost and portable devices bearing large sensing computing and wireless communication capabilities. This large collection of tiny sensors can form a robust data computing and communication distributed system for automated information gathering and distributed sensing.The main attractive feature is that such a sensor network can be deployed in remote areas.Since the sensor node is battery powered,all the sensor nodes should collaborate together to form a fault tolerant network so as toprovide an efficient utilization of precious network resources like wireless channel,memory and battery capacity.The most crucial constraint is the energy consumption which has become the prime challenge for the design of long lived sensor nodes.

Optimization of Process Parameters for the Extraction of Gelatin from the Skin of Freshwater Fish and the Evaluation of Physical anal Chemical Characteristics

Faculty of Marine Sciences,Cochin University of Science and Technology

An Error-Localization, Validation and Optimization Tool for Embedded Code Augmentation: an Architecture Oriented Approach

Embedded systems are usually designed for a single or a specified set of tasks. This specificity means the system design as well as its hardware/software development can be highly optimized. Embedded software must meet the requirements such as high reliability operation on resource-constrained platforms, real time constraints and rapid development. This necessitates the adoption of static machine codes analysis tools running on a host machine for the validation and optimization of embedded system codes, which can help meet all of these goals. This could significantly augment the software quality and is still a challenging field.Embedded systems are usually designed for a single or a specified set of tasks. This specificity means the system design as well as its hardware/software development can be highly optimized. Embedded software must meet the requirements such as high reliability operation on resource-constrained platforms, real time constraints and rapid development. This necessitates the adoption of static machine codes analysis tools running on a host machine for the validation and optimization of embedded system codes, which can help meet all of these goals. This could significantly augment the software quality and is still a challenging field.Embedded systems are usually designed for a single or a specified set of tasks. This specificity means the system design as well as its hardware/software development can be highly optimized. Embedded software must meet the requirements such as high reliability operation on resource-constrained platforms, real time constraints and rapid development. This necessitates the adoption of static machine codes analysis tools running on a host machine for the validation and optimization of embedded system codes, which can help meet all of these goals. This could significantly augment the software quality and is still a challenging field.Embedded systems are usually designed for a single or a specified set of tasks. This specificity means the system design as well as its hardware/software development can be highly optimized. Embedded software must meet the requirements such as high reliability operation on resource-constrained platforms, real time constraints and rapid development. This necessitates the adoption of static machine codes analysis tools running on a host machine for the validation and optimization of embedded system codes, which can help meet all of these goals. This could significantly augment the software quality and is still a challenging field.This dissertation contributes to an architecture oriented code validation, error localization and optimization technique assisting the embedded system designer in software debugging, to make it more effective at early detection of software bugs that are otherwise hard to detect, using the static analysis of machine codes. The focus of this work is to develop methods that automatically localize faults as well as optimize the code and thus improve the debugging process as well as quality of the code.Validation is done with the help of rules of inferences formulated for the target processor. The rules govern the occurrence of illegitimate/out of place instructions and code sequences for executing the computational and integrated peripheral functions. The stipulated rules are encoded in propositional logic formulae and their compliance is tested individually in all possible execution paths of the application programs. An incorrect sequence of machine code pattern is identified using slicing techniques on the control flow graph generated from the machine code.An algorithm to assist the compiler to eliminate the redundant bank switching codes and decide on optimum data allocation to banked memory resulting in minimum number of bank switching codes in embedded system software is proposed. A relation matrix and a state transition diagram formed for the active memory bank state transition corresponding to each bank selection instruction is used for the detection of redundant codes. Instances of code redundancy based on the stipulated rules for the target processor are identified.This validation and optimization tool can be integrated to the system development environment. It is a novel approach independent of compiler/assembler, applicable to a wide range of processors once appropriate rules are formulated. Program states are identified mainly with machine code pattern, which drastically reduces the state space creation contributing to an improved state-of-the-art model checking. Though the technique described is general, the implementation is architecture oriented, and hence the feasibility study is conducted on PIC16F87X microcontrollers. The proposed tool will be very useful in steering novices towards correct use of difficult microcontroller features in developing embedded systems.