Microalgae are photosynthetic microorganisms that have a rapid growth cycle and carbon fixation ability. They have diverse cellular structures, ranging from prokaryotic cyanobacteria to more complex eukaryotic forms, which enable them to thrive in a variety of environments and support biomass production. They utilize both photosynthesis and heterotrophic pathways, indicating their ecological importance and potential for biotechnological applications. Reproducing primarily through asexual means, microalgae have complex cell cycles that are crucial for their growth and ability to adapt to changing conditions. Additionally, microalgae possess bioactive compounds that make them both nutritious and functional. Thanks to their content of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, they play an important role in the development of functional food products, particularly by enhancing nutritional content and product quality. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated that algae and algal bioactive compounds support cardiovascular health, immune function, and gut health, especially in relation to obesity and other metabolic diseases. They also contribute to skin health and cognitive functions, including memory. This review article explores the biological, nutritional, and functional properties of microalgae based on the studies conducted.

Bioethanol production from renewable biomass sources has garnered significant interest due to its potential as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. In this study, we investigated the optimization of bioethanol production from molasses, a by-product of the sugar production process using Saccharomyces cerevisiae through Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Initially, the fermentation process was optimized using RSM, considering four independent variables: substrate concentration, pH, temperature, and fermentation time. Subsequently, the effects of these variables on bioethanol yield were evaluated, and a quadratic model was developed to predict the optimum conditions. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated a high coefficient of determination (R²) for the model, suggesting its adequacy for prediction. The optimized conditions for bioethanol production were determined as follows: substrate concentration of 200 g L⁻¹, pH of 5.0, temperature of 30 °C and fermentation time of 72 h. Under these conditions, the predicted bioethanol yield was 84%. Overall, this study demonstrates the successful application of RSM for optimizing bioethanol production from molasses using S. cerevisiae, highlighting its potential as a promising feedstock for biofuel production.

Lactoferrin (Lf) occurs predominantly within milk, coexisting with measurable levels across different glandular products and body fluids. Lf exhibits variation in relative molecular mass, influenced by its biological source and glycosylation profile; nevertheless, it is a close to 80 kDa glycoprotein. Provided that its bioactive structure is preserved, Lf performs a spectrum of physiological roles, comprising antioxidant, antifungal, antiviral, antiapoptotic, and antimicrobial actions. To sustain its bioactivity after isolation and ensure its effectiveness in subsequent applications, optimal conditions must be established throughout the optimization protocol, since inadequate optimization of parameters such as pH, temperature, ion balance, and protease activity may lead to aggregation, denaturation, and deterioration in functional regions, including the iron-binding domains. This review offers a comprehensive framework that associates isolation methodologies with structural integrity, preservation of iron-binding domains, and antimicrobial performance. Ion-exchange, affinity-based, and membrane-based approaches are systematically evaluated from analytical and functional perspectives, thereby yielding a synthesis that facilitates procedure selection and optimization for Lf isolation. In addition, the objectives of analytical characterization techniques implemented following isolation and the broadening scope of biotechnological applications of Lf are outlined.

In the quest for optimal asphaltene conversion, this study investigated a range of cost-effective and easily accessible catalyst precursors, targeting both high yields of lighter products and minimal coke formation. The hydrocracking experiments were conducted within a 10 ml bomb-type reactor equipped with a reciprocating stirrer operating at a reciprocation rate of 200 times per minute. The experiments were performed at a temperature of 425°C for a duration of 90 minutes, with an initial hydrogen pressure of 100 bar. The outcomes of each experiment were assessed in terms of liquid products, coke production and C5- gas products. To analyze the Iranian heavy asphaltene, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR), Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) and elemental analysis were employed. Gas products were characterized using Gas Chromatography (GC). The investigation aimed to identify the catalyst precursor mixture that would maximize asphaltene conversion while minimizing coke production. A series of catalyst precursors, encompassing FeSO4·H2O, its binary mixtures with metal oxides (Fe2O3, Al2O3, CaO, SiO2), and combinations of Fe2O3, Al2O3, and SiO2 with elemental sulfur, were evaluated. The experimental results demonstrated that the toluene-soluble fraction (TSF), which includes the middle distillate portion, could be increased to a maximum of 56% while concurrently reducing the coke yield to 19%, down from the initial 36.9% when no precursor was used.

In this study, effective and easily accessible cheap catalysts that assist converting heavy oil residue to lighter products with high yield are investigated. Hydrocracking experiments were carried out in a 10 ml stainless steel bomb-type reactor with up and down stirrer at 200 times of reciprocation per minute. The catalyst mixture provided the minimum coke yield was investigated. FeSO4.H2O, the binary mixtures of FeSO4.H2O with metal oxides (Fe2O3, Al2O3, CaO, SiO2) and the mixtures Fe2O3, Al2O3 and SiO2 with elementary sulphur were used as catalyst. Experiments were conducted at 425 0C for 90 minutes with the initial pressure 100 bar H2. The amount of coke, liquid products and C5- gas products were calculated for each experiment. Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR) and elemental analysis were used for Iranian heavy oil residue. Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) was used to analyze the catalyst. According to the results, minimum coke yield is achieved by FeSO4.H2O+SiO2 catalyst. Although minimum coke yield achieved with FeSO4.H2O+SiO2, middle distillate containing toluene soluble fraction (TSF) was maximized with Fe2O3+Al2O3+Sulphur catalyst mixture. In addition, the product selectivity in the reactions with the least coke formation showed selectivity in the direction of the formation of gas and light products, not in the direction of liquid product formation.