Central composite rotatable design (CCRD)

Effect of 4 independent variables-temperature (50-90°C), particle size (0.42-0.85 mm), mixing time (10-50 min) and solvent (ethanol) to meal ratio (10-50) on curcumin yield from turmeric (Curcuma longa L) was studied using central composite rotatable design. The experimental value of curcumin yield ranged between 4.49 and 12.89%. The second order model obtained for curcumin yield revealed a coeffi cient of determination (R 2) of 0.78 and standard error of 0.72. The linear, square and interaction terms were signifi cant at p <0.05 while lack of fi t was non-signifi cant at p >0.05. Surface graphs were plotted to optimize the curcumin extraction. The maximum curcumin yield was obtained when temperature, particle size, mixing time and solvent to meal ratio were 60°C, 0.42 mm, 30 min and 50, respectively.

Ready-to-eat potato-soy snacks were developed with high temperature short time air puffing process followed by oven toasting for increasing crispness. Oven toasting experiments were conducted with varying temperature (85.86-114.14°C) and time (12.69-35.31 min) based on central composite rotatable design. The final product was evaluated in terms of quality attributes such as crispness, moisture content, ascorbic acid loss, colour (L and DE) values and overall acceptability. The optimum product qualities in terms of crispness (38.7), moisture content (3.35%, db), ascorbic acid loss (20.87%, db), L value (52.03), DE (8.60) and overall acceptability (7.8) were obtained at temperature of 104.4°C and time of 27.9 min.

The formability of AA-2024 sheets, an aerospace grade material, in the annealed and pre-aged conditions has been investigated in the single-point incremental forming (SPIF) process. The major operating parameters, namely step size, tool radius, and forming speed, of SPIF process were varied over wide ranges, and their effect on the formability was quantified through a response surface method called as central composite rotational design. It was found that the interaction of step size and tool radius is very significant on the formability. Moreover, a variation in the forming speed does not affect the formability of annealed AA-2024 sheet. However, the formability of preaged AA-2024 sheet decreases with the increase in the forming speed. Furthermore, the annealed sheet shows higher formability than the pre-aged sheet.

The objective of this work was to study the effect of initial pH and carbon and nitrogen content, supplied as glucose and malt extract (ME) respectively, on the production and composition of exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by the medicinal fungus Ganoderma lucidum (Curtis) P. Karst in submerged culture. The experiment was carried out in flasks with 100 mL of the medium during 15 days at 28 ºC in an orbital shaker at 150 rev min-1. A central composite design with a minimal number of 20 runs was used [1]. All three studied factor were found to influence significantly the EPS production (and mycelial biomass). The maximum EPS production (594.3 mg L-1) was obtained for initial pH of 5.84 and initial contents of 33.6 and 4.48 g L-1 of glucose and ME respectively. Higher initial pH (6.68), glucose (40.95 g L-1) and ME (5.58 g L) contents on the culture medium lead to an increase of mycelial biomass but to a decrease in EPS, and consequently to a decrease in the production efficiency. Th...

The goal of this project was to utilize pea pod powder in development of nutrient rich gluten free rusk. Dried pea pod was grinded to powder form. The experiment was designed to optimize the broken rice flour, defatted soy flour and pea pod powder proportion for the development of gluten free rusk with high protein, fibre and to maximize the acceptability by the application of central composite rotatable design (CCRD) of Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The independent variables for rusk were in the proportions of broken rice flour (40-100g/100g), defatted soy flour (5-20g/100g and pea pod powder (5-20g/100g). The predicted responses were protein, crude fiber and hardness of rusk. The optimum level of broken rice flour, defatted soy flour and pea pod powder was found 84.66g, 16.95g and 16.95g respectively. Optimized gluten free rusk had 15.99%protein and 4.88% crude fibre which is significantly (p < 0.01) higher than control rusk.

Rabadi, prepared by fermenting pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoideum (L.)) (PM) flour with butter milk, is a traditional popular beverage of North-Western states of India. A process for PM based Rabadi-like fermented milk beverage was attempted. Skim milk and flour of 24 h germinated PM grains (FGG-24 h) were used as sources of solids. FGG-24 h was mixed in skim milk before fermentation and level of flour and water were determined using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with central composite rotatable design (CCRD). The product developed using 5.3% flour and 72% water on the basis of curd gave the most acceptable product. For further stabilization during storage, pectin and/or carboxy methyl cellulose were tried at different levels and a level of 0.6% pectin was selected. The standardized product was packaged in glass bottles and stored under refrigeration (5-7°C). The shelflife of the product was 7 days.

Background: The present study is aimed at investigating the degradation of azo dye solution of AR 274 by wet air oxidation conditions. The central composite design matrix and response surface methodology were applied in designing the experiments to evaluate the interactive effects of the three most important operating variables. Thus, the interactive effects of oxygen pressure (3.0 to 5.0 MPa), temperature (100°C to 250°C), and time (30 to 90 min) on the degradation of dye were investigated. Results: The predicted values were found to be in good agreement with the experimental values (R 2 = 0.9981 and Adj-R 2 = 0.9965), which define the propriety of the model and the achievement of CCD in the optimization of WAO process. Conclusions: Intermediates of dye degradation were detected by GC-MS, the possible degradation mechanism for the WAO of dye was discussed, and the probable degradation pathway was deduced.

Response surface methodology was used to determine the optimum processing conditions that yield maximum water loss and weight reduction and minimum solid gain and water activity during osmotic dehydration of potatoes. Temperature (20–60 °C), processing time (0.5–8 h), sucrose (40–60% w/w) and salt (0–15% w/w) concentrations were the factors investigated with respect to water loss (WL), solid gain (SG), weight reduction (WR) and water activity (aw). Experiments were designed according to Central Composite Rotatable Design with these four factors each at five different levels, including central and axial points. Experiments were conducted in a shaker (Thermoshake-Gerthardt) with constant agitation of 200 rpm and solution to sample ratio of 5/1 (w/w). With respect to water loss, solid gain, weight reduction and water activity, both linear and quadratic effects of four variables were found to be significant. For each response, second order polynomial models were developed using multiple linear regression analysis. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to check the adequacy and accuracy of the fitted models. The response surfaces and contour maps showing the interaction of process variables were constructed. Applying desirability function method, optimum operating conditions were found to be temperature of 22 °C, sucrose concentration of 54.5%, salt concentration of 14% and treatment time of 329 min. At this optimum point, water loss, solid gain, weight reduction and water activity were found to be 59.1 (g/100 g initial sample), 6.0 (g/100 g initial sample), 52.9 (g/100 g initial sample) and 0.785, respectively.

Siliceous materials such as rice husk ash (RHA) have potential to be utilized as high performance sorbents for the flue gas desulfurization process in small-scale industrial boilers. This study presents findings on identifying the key factor for high desulfurization activity in sorbents prepared from RHA. Initially, a systematic approach using central composite rotatable design was used to develop a mathematical model that correlates the sorbent preparation variables to the desulfurization activity of the sorbent. The sorbent preparation variables studied are hydration period, x 1 (6-16 h), amount of RHA, x 2 (5-15 g), amount of CaO, x 3 (2-6 g), amount of water, x 4 (90-110 mL), and hydration temperature, x 5 (150-250°C). The mathematical model developed was subjected to statistical tests and the model is adequate for predicting the SO 2 desulfurization activity of the sorbent within the range of the sorbent preparation variables studied. Based on the model, the amount of RHA, amount of CaO, and hydration period used in the preparation step significantly influenced the desulfurization activity of the sorbent. The ratio of RHA and CaO used in the preparation mixture was also a significant factor that influenced the desulfurization activity of the sorbent. A RHA to CaO ratio of 2.5 leads to the formation of specific reactive species in the sorbent that are believed to be the key factor responsible for high desulfurization activity in the sorbent. Other physical properties of the sorbent such as pore size distribution and surface morphology were found to have insignificant influence on the desulfurization activity of the sorbent.

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) was dried to a moisture level of 0.1 g water/g dry matter using a microwave-assisted hot air dryer. Response surface methodology was used to optimize the drying conditions based on specific energy consumption and quality of dried okra. The drying experiments were performed using a central composite rotatable design for three variables: air temperature (40-70°C), air velocity (1-2 m/s) and microwave power level (0.5-2.5 W/g). The quality of dried okra was determined in terms of color change, rehydration ratio and hardness of texture. A second-order polynomial model was well fitted to all responses and high R 2 values (>0.8) were observed in all cases. The color change of dried okra was found higher at high microwave power and air temperatures. Rehydration properties were better for okra samples dried at higher microwave power levels. Specific energy consumption decreased with increase in microwave power due to decrease in drying time. The drying conditions of 1.51 m/s air velocity, 52.09°C air temperature and 2.41 W/g microwave power were found optimum for product quality and minimum energy consumption for microwave-convective drying of okra.

Traditional Indian unleavened bread (chapati) was prepared by incorporating wheat bran (insoluble fiber) and oat bran (soluble fiber) at different levels into whole wheat flour. Central composite rotatable design with 2 independent variables (wheat bran and oat bran) at 5 levels (wheat bran 3–9, oat bran 6–12%) was used to design the experiments. The flour samples containing different concentration of bran were analysed for pasting and mixing characteristics. Wheat bran had a negative (p ≤ 0.05) effect on peak viscosity, break down and final viscosity, whereas oat bran had a positive (p ≤ 0.05) effect on set back and final viscosity. Among mixing characteristics, the peak value was negatively affected (p ≤ 0.05) with increase in the level of both variables. Both variables had positive (p ≤ 0.05) effect on hardness of chapati while the cohesiveness, chewiness and overall acceptability scores were negatively affected. Based on compromise optimization, it is recommended to incorporate 5.5 g wheat bran and 9.7 g oat bran per 100 g flour for making optimally acceptable fiber rich chapati.

An extracellular xylanase was purified from Aspergillus niger DFR-5 up to absolute homogeneity using (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 fractionation (30-65%), size exclusion (Sephadex G-100) and ion-exchange (DEAE-cellulose) chromatography. The preparation yielded a single peak in RP-HPLC confirming its purity. Molecular mass of xylanase as revealed by gel filtration and SDS-PAGE was ∼32 kDa confirming its monomeric nature. Various kinetic parameters of xylanase towards thermo-inactivation were calculated. H • , S • and G • of thermal denaturation suggested that enzyme undergoes significant processes of aggregation instead of unfolding during denaturation. A central composite rotatable design was used to study the interactive effects of temperature, pH and time on xylanase stability which revealed the existence of significant interactions between them. A regression equation was developed to deduce the residual activity of xylanase under any conditions of experimental parameters within the domain. The findings will be useful while applying the enzyme in different juice clarification where pH varies considerably.

The conditions for the preparation of activated carbon from flamboyant pods treated with NaOH were optimized through response surface methodology (RSM) and central composite rotatable design (CCRD). The effects of the activation temperature, activation time, and impregnation ratio were studied from the BET surface area, micropore volume, and yield results. The results showed that the activation temperature and the impregnation ratio are the factors that most influence the activated carbon production. Activation temperature of 761.70 • C, activation time of 0.86 h, and impregnation ratio (NaOH:char) of 3.46 led to BET surface area, micropore volume, and yield values of 2854 m 2 g −1 , 1.44 cm 3 g −1 , and 10.80%, respectively. Porosity parameters and scanning electron microscopy were used to investigate the activated carbon obtained under optimal conditions.

Response surface methodology was employed to study the effects of carbon source (soy oil, olive oil and glucose) and nitrogen source concentrations (corn steep liquor and NH 4 NO 3 ) on the lipase production by Geotrichum sp. The experiment included a 2 4 central composite rotatable design (CCRD) and four others 2 3 CCRD. According to the responses from the experimental designs, the effects of each variable were calculated and the interactions between them were determined. The response surface methodology was applied for the optimization of the nutrient concentrations in the culture medium for the enzyme production, at 30°C. The optimum medium composition for lipase production by Geotrichum sp. was ammonium nitrate 2.1-2.5%, corn steep liquor 13-15% and soy oil 0.6% as carbon source, which lead to a lipase activity of about 20 U/ml. Using olive oil as carbon source, the optimum composition was ammonium nitrate 0.8-1%, corn steep liquor 13-15% and olive oil 0.6%, leading to an activity of 17 U/ml.

Extraction of polyethylene glycol (PEG) from metal injection molding compact has been investigated at various powder loadings, leaching temperatures and times, referred as independent variables. Central composite rotatable design (CCRD) of experiments is used to study the effect of these independent variables on the brown body's strength, or a dependent variable. This paper reports the use of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) technique to optimize the processing factors for solvent debinding gas atomized 316L stainless steel (of average size 11.2 µm-fine and 19.6 µm-coarse) for maximum brown strength. For fine powder (11.2 µm), to achieve maximum brown strength of 5.6 MPa, the optimised values were as follow; powder loading 64% volume, debinding temperature of 60 o C and debinding time at 2 hours. Meanwhile from the optimized values of powder loading (64% volume), debinding temperature (59 o C) and debinding times (3 hours), the maximum brown strength for coarse powder obtained was 5 MPa. This protocol provides improved opportunities for solvent debinding techniques particularly to extract PEGs from the moulded components mathematically without experimentation.

A central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was applied to study the response pattern for monitoring aroma quality of sweet chocolate bars. The two parameters varied were pH adjustment before distillation of chocolate and the distillate volume obtained after steam distillation. Aroma was qualitatively evaluated in three commercial chocolates and in their distilled extracts. Based on the responses for UV absorption, number of peaks on chromatograms and sensorial aroma values, response surface methodology (RSM) revealed that higher scores were obtained for each of these responses at a lower range (1.5-3) of pH and distilled volume (5-10 ml). It was also possible to distinguish between products of different manufacturers when a pH of 2.5 was adjusted for distillation and a distillate of 10 ml used. These conditions are considered optimum for monitoring the overall aroma quality in cocoa products.

Two different procedures were used to isolate chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) and acorn (Quercus suber) starch. Starch was extracted from the flour of these dried fruits by: (i) low shear at alkaline pH and successively using three sieves (A3S) at different centrifugation conditions (velocity and time) and (ii) enzymatic treatment at low shear (ENZ) at a different amount/digestion time of protease. In both cases a Central Composite Rotatable Design (CCRD) was used as an experimental design. Results were treated through the Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Based on maximum yield values and the degree of purity, the best modified conditions encountered were applied in a new trial and mass balance was established for both isolation procedures. The best centrifugation conditions encountered for the A3S isolation method were 800 × g during 15 min, and for the ENZ method 900 units of protease despite the incubation time, for the same centrifugation terms. The yields reached with these experimental conditions for the A3S and ENZ methods were 83.9% and 79.9% for chestnut and 88.5% and 86.9% for acorn, respectively. Isolated starches shown to be higher in purity, presented values of 98.3% and 96.3% for chestnut and 98.1% and 97.6% for acorn, respectively for the A3S and ENZ methods.

The purpose of this work was to study the effects of spray-drying conditions on the physicochemical characteristics of blackberry powder using a central composite rotatable design. Inlet air temperature (140–180°C) and maltodextrin concentration (5–25%) were employed as independent variables. Moisture content, hygroscopicity, anthocyanin retention, color, powder morphology, and particle size were analyzed. A higher inlet air temperature significantly increased the hygroscopicity of the powder, decreased its moisture content, and led to the formation of larger particles with smooth surfaces. Powders produced with higher maltodextrin concentrations were less hygroscopic, slightly lighter and less red, and had a lower moisture content. Anthocyanin retention was mainly affected by drying temperature due to the heat sensitivity of the pigment. The optimal processing conditions were an inlet air temperature of 140–150°C and maltodextrin concentration of 5–7%. Overall, these results indicate that good quality powders can be obtained by spray drying, with potential applications for the food industry.

The objective of this study was to extract oil and tocopherols from almond seeds using supercritical carbon dioxide and to compare this extraction with a traditional solvent method. Oil and tocopherol extraction rates were determined as functions of the pressure (350-550 bar), temperature (35-50 • C) and CO 2 flow rate (10-30 kg h −1 ), using a 10-l vessel. The effects of matrix particle size on extraction yield were also studied and it was demonstrated that extraction yield is greatly influenced by particle size. Maximum recovery was obtained in the first 2-3 h of extraction at a pressure of 420 bar, a temperature of 50 • C and a flow rate of 30 kg h −1 CO 2 . These results suggest that the elevated initial oil and tochopherol solubility is related to the increased proportion of fatty acids in the initial extract. The results were compared with those obtained when hexane/methanol was used as a solvent.

Optimization of pretreatments -blanching and additives was carried out for frozen pineapple slices using response surface methodology (RSM). The effect of pre-treatments viz. blanching medium (10-20 Brix sucrose solution), calcium chloride (1000-2000 ppm) and ascorbic acid (200-400 ppm) was studied on hardness (N), colour (L*), syneresis (%) and sensory attributes (colour, aroma, taste, overall acceptability) of the frozen slices after thawing. A Central Composite Rotatable Design (CCRD) was used with six experiments at the central point. The data obtained were analysed employing multiple regression technique to generate suitable mathematical models. Quadratic models were found to fit well (R 2 , 96.72-99.99%) in describing the effect of variables on the responses studied. Optimization of the pretreatments was carried out by maximizing the hardness, L* and sensory responses while keeping the syneresis at minimum level. Compromised optimum values for blanching medium, calcium chloride and ascorbic acid levels were found to be 17 Brix, 1493 ppm and 300 ppm; respectively. The experimental and predicted values showed high correlation coefficients. The optimized pretreatment was found to be helpful in maintaining the quality of frozen pineapple slices in terms of texture, colour and syneresis.

Purpose: This paper describes prediction of weld penetration as influenced by FCAW process parameters of welding current , arc voltage , nozzle-to-plate distance, electrode-to -work angle and welding speed . Optimization of these parameters to maximize weld penetration is also investigated Design/methodology/approach: It deals with the statistical technique of central composite rotatable design to develop a mathematical model for predicting weld penetration as a function of welding process parameters. The constrained optimization method is then applied to this model to optimize process parameters for maximizing weld penetration Findings: The result obtained from the developed model indicates that the model predicts the weld penetration adequately. The optimization result also shows that weld penetration attains its maximum value when welding current, arc voltage , nozzle-to-plate distance and electrode-to-work angle are maximum and welding speed is minimum Research limitations/implications: The statistical technique of developing a model for prediction of weld penetration is valid only within the specified limits of welding process parameters and hence maximization of penetration is also valid within these limits. This technique can be modified to include other parameters such as plate thickness affecting penetration. Practical implications: The statistical method for modeling and the optimization method used have found increasing applications in a variety of fields for investigation because through these methods research becomes economical , fast and versatile. Originality/value: The methods described in this paper for weld penetration prediction and optimization can eliminate the need for performing experiments on the basis of the conventional trial and error method which is time consuming and economically not justifiable.

Response surface methodology (RSM) based on central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was used to optimize the three important reaction variables-methanol quantity (M), acid concentration (C) and reaction time (T) for reduction of free fatty acid (FFA) content of the oil to around 1% as compared to methanol quantity (M 0 ) and reaction time (T 0 ) and for carrying out transesterification of the pretreated oil. Using RSM, quadratic polynomial equations were obtained for predicting acid value and transesterification. Verification experiments confirmed the validity of both the predicted models. The optimum combination for reducing the FFA of Jatropha curcas oil from 14% to less than 1% was found to be 1.43% v/v H 2 SO 4 acid catalyst, 0.28 v/v methanol-to-oil ratio and 88-min reaction time at a reaction temperature of 60 1C as compared to 0.16 v/v methanol-to-pretreated oil ratio and 24 min of reaction time at a reaction temperature of 60 1C for producing biodiesel. This process gave an average yield of biodiesel more than 99%. The fuel properties of jatropha biodiesel so obtained were found to be comparable to those of diesel and confirming to the American and European standards. r

Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) was employed to extract oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) from chia seeds, and the physicochemical properties of the oil were determined. A central composite rotatable design was used to analyze the impact of temperature (40 °C, 60 °C and 80 °C), pressure (250 bar, 350 bar and 450 bar) and time (60 min, 150 min and 240 min) on oil extraction yield, and a response surface methodology (RSM) was applied. The extraction time and pressure had the greatest effects on oil. The highest oil yield was 92.8% after 300 min of extraction time at 450 bar. The FA composition varied depending on operating conditions but had a high content of α-linolenic acid (44.4–63.4%) and linoleic acid (19.6–35.0%). The rheological evaluation of the oils indicated a Newtonian behavior. The viscosity of the oil decreased with the increase in temperature following an Arrhenius-type relationship.

Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO 2 ) as a medium for esterification of free fatty acids (FFA) of hydrolyzed soy deodorizer distillate (DOD) with butanol, has been studied using Mucor miehei lipase as a biocatalyst. Process conditions (pressure, temperature, butanol and enzyme concentration and incubation time) were optimized by conducting experiments at five different levels using a central composite rotatable design (CCRD) method. A second order polynomial response surface equation was developed indicating the effect of variables on ester yield. Contour maps generated using the response surface equation, showed that all the experimental variables significantly affected the yield of fatty acid butyl esters (FABE). The reaction variables influenced the yield of esters both independently and in combination. A pressure of 122 bar, temperature 36 • C, butanol concentration 1.2 M, enzyme concentration 15% (w/w) and incubation time of 3 h were predicted to be the optimal for the maximum yield of 100% FABE, which was validated by an experiment to yield 95% of FABE. SC-CO 2 is a potential medium for the biomodification of soy DOD by esterification of free fatty acids with butanol.

The synthesis of wax ester using refined, bleached and deodorized (RBD) palm oil and oleyl alcohol catalyzed by lipozyme IM was carried out. Response surface methodology (RSM) based on a five-level, four-variable central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was used to evaluate the interactive effects of synthesis, of reaction time (2.5-10 h), temperature (30-70 • C), amount of enzyme (0.1-0.2 g) and substrate molar ratio (palm oil to oleyl alcohol, 1:1-1:5) on the percentage yield of wax esters. The optimum conditions derived via RSM were: reaction time 7.38 h, temperature 53.9 • C, amount of enzyme 0.149 g, and substrate molar ratio 1:3.41. The actual experimental yield was 84.6% under optimum condition, which compared well to the maximum predicted value of 85.4%.

Response surface methodology was employed to study the effects of carbon source (soy oil, olive oil and glucose) and nitrogen source concentrations (corn steep liquor and NH 4 NO 3 ) on the lipase production by Geotrichum sp. The experiment included a 2 4 central composite rotatable design (CCRD) and four others 2 3 CCRD. According to the responses from the experimental designs, the effects of each variable were calculated and the interactions between them were determined. The response surface methodology was applied for the optimization of the nutrient concentrations in the culture medium for the enzyme production, at 30°C. The optimum medium composition for lipase production by Geotrichum sp. was ammonium nitrate 2.1-2.5%, corn steep liquor 13-15% and soy oil 0.6% as carbon source, which lead to a lipase activity of about 20 U/ml. Using olive oil as carbon source, the optimum composition was ammonium nitrate 0.8-1%, corn steep liquor 13-15% and olive oil 0.6%, leading to an activity of 17 U/ml.

A simple approach for the formation of 2-oxo-4-phenylbutanoic acid (OPBA), which might find important use as substrate for production of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor drug precursor, was studied. With the appropriate choice of solvent and base, it was possible to produce pure OPBA in good yields. In this study, optimization of OPBA synthesis was investigated. Response surface methodology (RSM) and 4-factor central-composite rotatable design (CCRD) were employed to evaluate the effects of synthesis parameters, such as reaction temperature (40-70 • C), reaction time (5-13 h), choice of solvent (dried tetrahydrofuran or diglyme) and base (sodium methoxide or sodium hydride) on product yield. On the basis of numerical optimization, the optimum conditions for synthesis were: reaction time 6 h, reaction temperature 65 • C, using dried tetrahydrofuran as solvent and sodium methoxide as the base. The yield obtained was 98%. Comparison of predicted and experimental values revealed good correspondence, implying that empirical models derived from RSM can be used to adequately describe the relationship between the factors and response in OPBA synthesis.

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Foam expansion and foam stability of the bael (Aegle marmelos L.) fruit pulp foam was studied. Foams were prepared from various pulp concentrations (PC) by adding different concentration of glycerol monostearate (GMS) and methyl cellulose (MC) at different whipping time (WT). Response surface methodology was used to predict the foam stability and expansion. Thirty experiments were carried out using a central composite rotatable design with four independent variables (GMS, MC, PC, and WT). Second-order polynomial equations were developed after removing insignificant terms for predicting foam expansion (R 2 =0.85) and stability (R 2 =0.95). The optimum conditions achieved after the numerical and graphical optimization for maximum foam expansion and stability was: GMS (3.10 g/100 g pulp), MC (0.32 g/100 g pulp), PC (13.2°Bx), and WT (2 min). The desirability of 0.712 was achieved at this optimum point. The predicted values of foam density and foam drainage volume were 0.658 gcm −3 and 1.75 mL, respectively, at optimum parameters while the experimental values were 0.635± 0.02 gcm −3 and 1.75±0.12 mL, respectively.

Tetracycline belongs to one of the extracellular produced polyketide antibiotics having hydrophilic properties. Statistical based optimization, Plackett–Burman design (PBD) and response surface methodology (RSM) were occupied to screen and optimize the medium conditions for the production of tetracycline from Streptomyces aureofaciens NCIM 2417, using solid state fermentation. pineapple peel waste was used as both the curious solid support and carbon and nitrogen sources and inorganic salts for the growth of Streptomyces aureofaciens NCIM 2417. Based on the positive influence of the half normal plot obtained from PBD on tetracycline production, three medium conditions – peanut meal, incubation period and soluble starch were screened. Central composite design (CCD) was occupied using these three medium conditions at five levels, for advance optimization, and the second order polynomial equation was derived, based on the experimental data. Response surface methodology showed that the conditions of peanut meal (0.4%), incubation period (day 2) and soluble starch (2%) were the optimal levels for maximal tetracycline production (17.98 mg/g substrate) which were validated through experiments.

A marine sponge-associated bacterium Bacillus megaterium MSBN04 was used for the production of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) under solid state culture (SSC). A central composite design (CCD) was employed to optimize the production medium and to find out the interactive effects of four independent variables, viz. tapioca industry waste, palm jaggery, horse gram flour and trace element solution on PHB production. The maximum yield of PHB 8.637 mg g −1 of substrate (tapioca industry waste) was achieved from biomass 15.203 mg g −1 of substrate, using statistically optimized medium. The horse gram flour (nitrogen source) and trace element solution were found to be critical control factors for PHB synthesis. The 1 H NMR analysis revealed that the polymer was a PHB monomer. PHB obtained from this study having high molecular weight (6.7 × 10 5 Da) with low polydispersity index (PDI) value (1.71) and produced PHB was used to synthesize PHB polymeric nanoparticles using solvent displacement approach. Therefore, B. megaterium MSBN04 is an ideal candidate that can be exploited biotechnologically for the commercial production of PHB under solid state culture.

High-temperature short time (HTST) air puffing has been found to be very useful process for production of potato–soy ready-to-eat snack food as it ideally produced highly porous and light texture. The process parameters considered viz. puffing temperature (185–255°C) and puffing time (20–60s) with constant initial moisture content of 36.74% and air velocity of 3.99m/s for potato–soy blend with varying soy

Statistics based optimization, Plackett–Burman design (PBD) and response surface methodology (RSM) were employed to screen and optimize the media components for the production of clavulanic acid from Streptomyces clavuligerus MTCC 1142, using solid state fermentation. jackfruit seed powder was used as both the solid support and carbon source for the growth of Streptomyces clavuligerus MTCC 1142. Based on the positive influence of the Pareto chart obtained from PBD on clavulanic acid production, five media components – yeast extract, beef extract, sucrose, malt extract and ferric chloride were screened. Central composite design (CCD) was employed using these five media components-yeast extract 2.5%, beef extract 0.5%, sucrose 2.5%, malt extract 0.25% and ferric chloride nutritional factors at three levels, for further optimization, and the second order polynomial equation was derived, based on the experimental data. Response surface methodology showed that the concentrations of yeast extract 2.5%, beef extract 0.5%, sucrose 2.5%, malt extract 0.25% and ferric chloride 2.5% were the optimal levels for maximal clavulanic acid production (19.37 mg /gds) which were validated through experiments.

This study aimed to develop an optimal continuous procedure of lipase-catalyzes transesterification of waste cooking palm oil in a packed bed reactor to investigate the possibility of large scale production further. Response surface methodology (RSM) based on central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was used to optimize the two important reaction variables packed bed height (cm) and substrate flow rate(ml/min) for the transesterification of waste cooking palm oil in a continuous packed bed reactor. The optimum condition for the transesterification of waste cooking palm oil was as follows: 10.53 cm packed bed height and 0.57 ml/min substrate flow rate. The optimum predicted fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) yield was 80.3% and the actual value was 79%. The above results shows that the RSM study based on CCRD is adaptable for FAME yield studied for the current transesterification system. The effect of mass transfer in the packed bed reactor has also been studied. Models for FAME yield have been developed for cases of reaction control and mass transfer control. The results showed very good agreement compatibility between mass transfer model and the experimental results obtained from immobilized lipase packed bed reactor operation, showing that in this case the FAME yield was mass transfer controlled.

Optimization of lipase-catalyzed production of industrially important isoamyl acetate was carried out by response surface methodology (RSM). Isoamyl alcohol which was distillated from fusel oil and acetic acid were used as the substrates. Immobilized lipase from Candida antarctica (Novozym 435) was catalyzed to this reaction in the solvent-free system. RSM based on five-level, four variable central composite rotatable design was used to evaluate the effects of important parameters on the production of isoamyl acetate. The parameters are acid/alcohol mole ratio (0.2-0.8), enzyme amount (4-12%, w/w), temperature (30-50 • C) and reaction time (4-8 h). It was found that the most effective parameter was acid/alcohol mole ratio. The model indicated the optimum conditions for maximum esterification (4.4 mmol ester/g mixture) in the acid/alcohol mole ratio of 0.8 for 12% (w/w) enzyme at 30 • C and after 8 h, which were in good agreement with the experimental value. The coefficient of determination (R 2) for the model is 0.9968. Probability value (P < 0.0001) demonstrates a very high significance for the regression model.

Clinical data management (CDM) is a vital cross-functional vehicle in clinical trials to ensure high-quality data are captured by sites staff through paper case report form (CRF) or electronic case report form (eCRF) and available for early review.

The main objective of this study was to understand the effects and relationship amongst four factors, which are reaction temperature, reaction time, enzyme load, and substrate mole ratio with the purpose of producing healthy functional cooking oil for long-term dietary treatment. Lipozyme RM IM lipase-catalyzed esterification of medium- and long-chain triacylglycerols (MLCT) from glycerol and mixtures of capric and oleic acid was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) with a five-level, four-factorial design. Reaction temperature, reaction time, and substrate mole ratio strongly affected MLCT synthesis (P P > 0.01) effect on MLCT yield. Comparison between predicted and experimental value from central composite rotatable design optimization procedures revealed good correlation, implying that the reduced cubic polynomial model with backward elimination statistically expressed the percent MLCT yield obtained. The optimum MLCT yield was 59.76% by using 10 wt% enzyme load, reaction temperature of 70°C, reaction time of 14 h, and substrate mole ratio of 3.5:1. Experiments to confirm the predicted results using the optimal parameters showed an MLCT yield of 56.35% (n = 2). The choice on the types of fatty acids used in MLCT optimization work greatly influenced the physical and chemical properties of MLCT oil produced. The refined MLCT oil characteristics study showed this oil is suitable to be used for cooking/frying purposes as a high-value added product.

This work presents the mathematical modeling of the cephalosporin C (CPC) adsorption process in a fixedbed column. The application of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm for parameter estimation was first considered, which shows to be a useful tool for parameter estimation in adsorption processes. Modeling and simulation of CPC purification showed a good performance during both estimation and validation step. After this, a central composite rotational design (CCRD) was conceived taking into account both the superficial velocity of liquid and column length as process variables with the responses obtained from the application of the model, which works as a process simulator affording a process answer from a given input. It has been shown that the response surface methodology was an efficient optimization tool, since few simulations were required to find the optimum region for independent variables.

A marine sponge-associated bacterium Bacillus megaterium MSBN04 was used for the production of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) under solid state culture (SSC). A central composite design (CCD) was employed to optimize the production medium and to find out the interactive effects of four independent variables, viz. tapioca industry waste, palm jaggery, horse gram flour and trace element solution on PHB production. The maximum yield of PHB 8.637 mg g −1 of substrate (tapioca industry waste) was achieved from biomass 15.203 mg g −1 of substrate, using statistically optimized medium. The horse gram flour (nitrogen source) and trace element solution were found to be critical control factors for PHB synthesis. The 1 H NMR analysis revealed that the polymer was a PHB monomer. PHB obtained from this study having high molecular weight (6.7 × 10 5 Da) with low polydispersity index (PDI) value (1.71) and produced PHB was used to synthesize PHB polymeric nanoparticles using solvent displacement approach. Therefore, B. megaterium MSBN04 is an ideal candidate that can be exploited biotechnologically for the commercial production of PHB under solid state culture.

Factorial design and response surface techniques were used in combination with mathematical modelling and computational simulation to optimise an innovative industrial bioprocess, the production of biobutanol employing the flash fermentation technology. A parametric analysis performed by means of a full factorial design at two levels determined the influence of operating variables on butanol yield and productivity. A second set of simulations were carried out based on the central composite rotatable design. This procedure generated simplified statistical models that describe butanol yield and productivity as functions of the significant operating variables. From these models, response surfaces were obtained and used to optimise the process. For a range of substrate concentration from 130 to 180 g/l, the optimum operating ranges ensure butanol productivity between 7.0 and 8.0 g/l h, butanol yield between 19 and 22%, substrate conversion above 90% and final butanol concentration around 25 g/l.

This work investigates the production of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) from Jatropha curcas oil using a variety of heterogeneous catalysts: resins, zeolites, clays, hydrotalcites, aluminas and niobium oxide. For this purpose, a catalyst screening was first conducted in a batch reactor at the following operating conditions: oil to methanol molar ratio of 1:9, 6 h of reaction, 5 wt% catalyst, at 333 and 393 K. From the screening step, KSF clay and Amberlyst 15 catalysts were selected to carry out a 2 3 full factorial central composite rotatable design so as to elucidate the effects of process variables on FAME yield. The optimum reaction conditions for both catalysts were found to be oil to methanol molar ratio of 1:12, 5 wt% of catalyst, 433 K and 6 h of reaction with a FAME yield of about 70 wt%. A kinetic study was then experimentally performed and a semi-empirical model was built to represent the experimental data. Finally, catalyst re-utilization in five successive batch experiments was evaluated at the optimized conditions.