Optimization of parameters affecting dealcoholization of anthocyanin extract by liquid emulsion membrane using response surface methodology

Colour is one of most important properties of foods and beverages and is a basis for their identification and acceptability. Anthocyanin from red cabbage was extracted using 50 % ethanol. The extract was dealcoholized by Liquid Emlusion Membrane technology (LEM). Parafin oil was used as a solvent, lecithin was used as a surfactant and water as stripping medium. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to design the experiments. A total of 30 experiments were conducted in accordance with central composite rotatable design. Design expert 8 was used to design the experiments. % extraction of alcohol in each case was determined. A suitable model was fitted to experimental data by regression analysis (R-square=0.93). Response surface plot were analysed and optimum parameters for dealcoholization were found to be speed=365.44 rpm, time=18.62 min, concentration of lecithin=2.84 %, feed to emulsion ratio=3.05. A maximum dealcoholisation of 18.63 % was observed under these conditions

Design of Experiment Approach for Fabrication Process of Electrospun Shellac Nanofibers Using Factorial Designs

Electrospun shellac nanofibers might be potentially used for wound dressing application due to its natural origin and excellent protective properties. In this study, a full factorial design with three replicated center points was performed in order to investigate the main and interaction effects of shellac content (35-40% w/w), applied voltage (9-27 kV) and flow rate (0.4-1.2 mL/hr) on the morphology of shellac nanofibers. A total of 11 experiments were conducted. The response variables were the diameter of nanofibers, the distribution of diameter and the amount of beads. The results showed that the concentration of shellac was the most significant impact on shellac nanofiber diameter, while applied voltage, interaction between shellac content and voltage, and feed rate were minor factors, respectively. Shellac content and applied voltage had negative relationships with bead amount. When reducing the concentration of shellac and voltage, the amount of beads was increased. However, the influence of these parameters on diameter distribution seemed to be not significant. Based on response surface plot, nanofibers with thinner diameter (~493 nm) and less number of beads (~0.47) could be obtained at the optimum conditions; the shellac content of 38.5% w/w, the voltage of 21 kV and the feed rate of 0.4 mL/hr.

FORMULATION AND OPTIMIZATION OF CEFIXIME TRIHYDRATE DISPERSIBLE TABLETS BY DIRECT COMPRESSION TECHNIQUE

The optimized formulation of cefixime dispersible tablets were developed using super disintegrants sodium starch glycolate and crospovidone. D-optimal design is used to optimize the formulation of cefixime dispersible tablet to study the effective concentration of independent variables SSG, crospovidone and MCC on responses (dependent variables) i.e. dispersion time, % drug release and % friability. Twelve formulations were prepared and evaluation of pre-compression and post compression parameters of tablets was perfomed. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) probability (p) < 0.05 for responses was found to be significant. A response surface plot is also presented graphically to represent the effect of the independent variables on the dispersion time, % friability and % drug release. Finally, a checkpoint batch is prepared to prove the validity of evolved method. The stability studies of the optimized formulation F13 were carried as per ICH guidelines proved that the optimized formulation was stable even after 2 months.

Optimal Central Composite Design for Manufacturing Simulation of 0.50 Caliber Projectile

Design and manufacturing simulations of critical components such as bullets are considered crucial, particularly, when it is associated with the expense and time constraint of the engineering projects. During the manufacturing, the projectile jacket is the component that faces the greatest strain or stress. In order to find an optimal manufacturing operation for the .50 caliber projectile, an experiment is performed using the Box-Wilson Central Composite Design (CCD) using a combination of two controlled factors, i.e., friction coefficients and hardening exponents, with three-levels of each. The sensitivity of the plastic strain to the hardening exponent and friction coefficients is analyzed. The response surface plot fits well to the second-order polynomial function and is able to provide relative the same plots when the model is extended up to the fourth-order. Furthermore, it is found that the greatest plasticity likely to occur in the jacket walls as the ironing process is performed. Based on the residual strain and stresses analysis, it is evident that the selected material used in the production of projectile is viable. Finally, the ductile fracture analysis confirms that the jacket design is considered safe for the selected manufacturing processes.