Research Papers

Spirulina in fish immunity development: find the black box

Mandal Shovon, ​Rana Masud, Kabita S.K
| 2024

In aquaculture studies, Spirulina can be used to replace fish meal in aquafeed to lower the cost of producing fish feed while adding therapeutic and health benefits. Proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, pigments, and fatty acids from Spirulina could enhance the cellular and humoral immunities of a variety of fish species.

Impact of Biodiesel Blending on Indian Oil Market by 2030

Jamal Faiz
| 2024

In the recent years, India’s demand for fuel and petroleum products has increased rapidly, leading to 87.3% reliance on imported crude in 2022-23, up from 85.5% in 2021-22 (PPAC, 2023). This further indicates the need for increased investment in domestic oil production alternatives to enhance energy security and reduce import dependence. As the nation seeks to transition towards a greener future, the adoption of biodiesel presents a promising area to reduce emissions and foster sustainable growth in the transport sector.

Unveiling the potential of cellulose nanofibre based nitrogen fertilizer and its transformative effect on Vigna radiata (Mung Bean): Nanofibre for sustainable agriculture

​Sharma Neha, Kochar Mandira , Allardyce Benjamin James , Rajkhowa Rangam, Agrawal Ruchi
| 2024

Fertilizer management is crucial to maintaining a balance between environmental health, plant health, and total crop yield. Farmers are overutilizing fertilizers with a mind set to enhance the productive capacity of the field, which adversely impacts soil fertility and causes serious environmental hazards. To mitigate the issues of over-utilization of fertilizers, controlled-release fertilizers were developed using nitrogen fertilizer (ammonium chloride) loaded on cellulose nanofibres (named CNF*N).

Biodegradable Cellulose and Cellulose Nanofibres‑Based Coating Materials as a Postharvest Preservative for Horticultural Products

Sharma Neha , Allardyce Benjamin James , Rajkhowa Rangam , Agrawal Ruchi
| 2023

Currently, the packaging material is composed of fossil fuel-based plastics, which are non-biodegradable. Therefore, the biodegradable coating material developed from cellulose can be explored for applications like packaging, cutlery, bowls, straws, etc. The aim of the present study was to develop an agro-waste-based sustainable coating material using a waste-towealth approach. The study focused on transforming cellulose and cellulose nanofibre (CNF) derived from rice straw into biodegradable polymeric coatings.

Filling in the gaps in second‑generation biorefineries: evaluating rice straw and its bioethanol residue for the production of biogenic silica nanoparticles

Kaur Prabhpreet , Singh Suneeti , Sharma Neha , Agrawal Ruchi
| 2023

In the present scenario of accelerated research on production of ecofriendly bioethanol, second-generation bioethanol generation has particularly gained wide attention. These utilize agricultural feedstock and industrial residues, therefore assisting in their management without presenting any competition for food supplies. Rice straw is one such abundantly generated agricultural residue with a great potential for sustainable production of bioethanol.

Monitoring of Spatio-Temporal Carbon Stock Variation in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, Uttar Pradesh, India using Remote Sensing and Machine Learning Based Approach

Ghosh Sayanta , Soni Aniruddh , Sharma Jitendra Vir
| 2023

Temporal variation in forest cover, the largest terrestrial ecosystem on Earth, influences the climate at both local, regional, and global scales through physical, chemical, and biological processes. At the same time, forests sequester and store more carbon dioxide than any other terrestrial ecosystem and act as a "natural brake" in climate variation. Here, we have made an attempt to assess the spaio-temporal variation in forest biomass combining field-based and remote sensing and machine learning approaches.

Rice straw‑derived cellulose: a comparative study of various pre‑treatment technologies and its conversion to nanofibres

Sharma Neha , Allardyce Benjamin James , Rangam Rajkhowa , Agrawal Ruchi
| 2023

Rice straw is a waste product generated after the harvesting of rice crops and is commonly disposed of by burning it off in open fields. This study explored the potential for the extraction and conversion of cellulose to cellulose nanofibres (CNFs) to be used as smart delivery systems for fertilizers applications. In this study, alkali, steam explosion, and organosolv treatments were investigated for cellulose extraction efficiency. The morphological characterization of cellulose showed smooth fibrillar structures.

Biodegradation of N‑fertilizer loaded on cellulose nanofibres to assess their potential use as a controlled‑release fertilizer

Sharma Neha , Kochar Mandira , Allardyce Benjamin James , Rangam Rajkhowa , Agrawal Ruchi
| 2023

Cellulose nanofibres (CNF) have emerged as advanced systems for controlled, smart delivery of N-fertilizer owing to their surface modification properties. However, to realize the true potential of this nanomaterial, its biodegradation analysis would be crucial to understanding its impact and fate when exposed to the environment. In this study, the main focus was to investigate the effect of N-fertilizer loaded CNF (electrostatic interaction between the negatively charged COO– group on CNF and the positively charged ammonium ion) on the microflora of the soil.

Simultaneous production of bio-crude bio-oil via hydrothermal liquefaction and carotenoids via supercritical extraction from Nannochloropsis oceanica and recycling effluent to establish circular processes

Nagi Gurpreet Kaur, Goel Mayurika, Tiwari Rahul, Bhawna, Gaur Suchitra, Mallick Nirupama, Mandal Shovon
| 2023

Commercial production of microalgae biofuel is not economically feasible since it cannot compete with the price of fossil fuels. Algal biofuel could be cost-effective if high-value co-products are produced from microalgal biomass before it is converted into biofuel. Thus, this research aims to demonstrate a circular biorefinery process of producing bio-crude bio-oil as well as high-value products like carotenoids from a marine microalga Nannochloropsis oceanica.

A brief mapping of patents in microalgae-based systems

Kaur Mehak , Peshwani Hishita , Goel Mayurika
| 2023

Microalgae-based systems are one of the most sustainable substitutes for naturally occurring compounds, such as pigments, lipids, fatty acids, carotenoids, and proteins, which are well known to have various applications. In the past few decades, vigorous research has been conducted in the field of microalgae-based commercial applications. Global market trends have flourished tremendously with the increase in research and development of microalgae-based systems, focusing on the innovation of processes and development of products.