Enhancement of Antibacterial Activity of and Identification of N-(1-Carboxy-ethyl)-phthalamic Acid as the Main Bioactive Compound.

The aim of this study was to determine the combined effect of fermentation parameters and enhance the production of cellular biomass and antibacterial compounds from SMBg3 using the response surface methodology (RSM). Eight variables were screened to assess the effects of fermentation parameters on growth and metabolite production by Taguchi experimental design. Among these, the initial pH, temperature, and the percentage of MgSO·7HO in the medium were found to be most influential.

Technological properties of milk gels produced by chymosin and wild cardoon rennet optimized by response surface methodology.

The aim of this paper was to optimize extraction conditions of C. cardunculus rennet by response surface methodology, in order to maximize its milk-clotting activity (MCA). The second objective was to examine the effect of different amounts of the optimized extract and the type of milk, on technological characteristics of the obtained gels.

Multistage process for the production of bioethanol from almond shell.

This work describes the feasibility of using almond shell as feedstock for bioethanol production. A pre-treatment step was carried out using 4% NaOH for 60min at 121°C followed by 1% sulfuric acid for 60min at 121°C. Enzymatic saccharification of the pre-treated almond shell was performed using Penicillium occitanis enzymes.

Optimization of proteins and minerals removal from shrimp shells to produce highly acetylated chitin.

Chitin and derivatives used for biomedical or pharmaceutical applications require a high level of purity and quality that are difficult to achieve. In this study, we propose to optimize the extraction of chitin in order to obtain pure product keeping a structure as close as possible to the native form. Thus, demineralization step was firstly optimized using response surface methodology.

Use of a fractional factorial design to study the effects of experimental factors on the chitin deacetylation.

Chitosan is obtained by deacetylation of chitin. Chitosan versatility is directly related to the polymer's characteristics depending on the deacetylation process. The aim of this research was to study the parameters influencing deacetylation and to elucidate their effect on acetylation degree (DA) and molecular weight (MW).

Optimization of chitin extraction from shrimp waste with Bacillus pumilus A1 using response surface methodology.

Chitin extraction from shrimp shells by biological treatment, using the Bacilli Bacillus pumilus A1, is a non-polluting method and offers the opportunity to preserve the exceptional qualities of chitin and its derivatives. However, the major disadvantage of the fermentative way is the low efficiency of demineralization and deproteinization. The aim of this study is to improve the yield of extraction which depends on many factors, such as the medium composition and the physical parameters.

Improvement of the composition of Tunisian myrtle berries (Myrtus communis L.) alcohol extracts.

Different extracts from myrtle berries were obtained using alcohol-water mixtures as an extraction medium in the range of 60-90% (v/v) to study the extraction efficiency in the preparation of myrtle liqueur. Flavonoids and anthocyanins were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with electrospray mass spectrometry and quantified during the maceration period by HPLC coupled with ultraviolet/visible detection. The antioxidant activity was tested by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay.

Enzymatic synthesis of eugenol benzoate by immobilized Staphylococcus aureus lipase: optimization using response surface methodology and determination of antioxidant activity.

The ability of a non-commercial immobilized Staphylococcus aureus lipase to catalyze the esterification of eugenol with benzoic acid was checked and the antioxidant power of the ester formed was evaluated. Response surface methodology based on four variables (the reaction temperature, the amount of lipase, the benzoic acid/eugenol molar ratio and the volume of solvent) was used to optimize the experimental conditions of eugenol benzoate synthesis. The maximum conversion yield (75%) was obtained using 240 IU of immobilized lipase, a benzoic acid/eugenol molar ratio of 1.

Improvement of alpha-L: -arabinofuranosidase production by Talaromyces thermophilus and agro-industrial residues saccharification.

This study is an application of an experimental design methodology for the optimization of the culture conditions of alpha-L: -arabinofuranosidase production by Talaromyces thermophilus. Wheat bran and yeast extract were first selected as the best carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively, for enzyme production. A Plackett-Burman design was then used to evaluate the effects of eight variables.