Experimental Investigation of Spirulina Microalgae Biodiesel with Metal Nanoadditive on Single-Cylinder Diesel Engine

Nanoparticles are an emerging concept for increasing fuel properties. The purpose of this research work is to determine the effect of magnesium oxide nanoparticles on the performance and emission characteristics of diesel engines that run on a spirulina microalgae biodiesel blend (B20) as a fuel. The ultrasonication was used to disperse MgO nanoparticles in B20 fuel at various concentrations (25, 50, 75, and 100 ppm). The significant findings indicated that B20+100 blends reduced specific fuel consumption by 20.1% and had a 5.09% higher brake thermal efficiency than B20. B20+100 blends reduced CO, hydrocarbon, and smoke emissions by a maximum of 32.02%, 30.03%, and 26.07%, respectively, compared to B20.

Future Clinical Application of β-galactosidase Stabilized by Magnesium oxide Nanoparticles

The present study demonstrates the application of freshly prepared neem leaf extract as a reducing agent for synthesizing magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO-NPs). In silico interaction of Aspergillus oryzae β-galactosidase with MgO-NPs was observed by using molecular docking program Dock v.6.5 while the visual analyses and illustration of protein–ligand complex were investigated by utilizing chimera v.1.6.2 and PyMOL v.1.3 softwares. The prepared nanomatrix provided 83% immobilization yield, and broadened the biocatalytic activity of immobilized β-galactosidase at higher pH and temperature ranges. Immobilized β-galactosidase exhibited greater activity even at 5.0% galactose concentration as compared to the soluble enzyme under similar experimental conditions. Hence, the use of green nanotechnology makes the process inexpensive, and therefore, immobilization of these enzymes on such nanoparticles can help to recover the enzyme, which ultimately decreases the cost of process.

Synthesis, Properties, and Selected Technical Applications of Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles: A Review

In the last few decades, there has been a trend involving the use of nanoscale fillers in a variety of applications. Significant improvements have been achieved in the areas of their preparation and further applications (e.g., in industry, agriculture, and medicine). One of these promising materials is magnesium oxide (MgO), the unique properties of which make it a suitable candidate for use in a wide range of applications. Generally, MgO is a white, hygroscopic solid mineral, and its lattice consists of Mg2+ ions and O2− ions. Nanostructured MgO can be prepared through different chemical (bottom-up approach) or physical (top-down approach) routes. The required resultant properties (e.g., bandgap, crystallite size, and shape) can be achieved depending on the reaction conditions, basic starting materials, or their concentrations. In addition to its unique material properties, MgO is also potentially of interest due to its nontoxicity and environmental friendliness, which allow it to be widely used in medicine and biotechnological applications.