The dynamics of microbial growth and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB)] production in growth/ non-growth phases of Azhohydromonas lata MTCC 2311 were studied using a maintenance-energy-dependent mathematical model. The values of calculated model kinetic parameters were: m s1 = 0.0005 h-1, k = 0.0965, µmax = 0.25 h-1 for glucose; m s1 = 0.003 h-1, k = 0.1229, µmax = 0.27 h-1 for fructose; and m s1 = 0.0076 h-1, k = 0.0694, µmax = 0.25 h-1 for sucrose. The experimental data of biomass growth, substrate consumption, and P(3HB) production on different carbon substrates were mathematically fitted using non-linear least square optimization technique and similar trends, but different levels were observed at varying initial carbon substrate concentration. Further, on the basis of substrate assimilation potential, cane molasses was used as an inexpensive and renewable carbon source for P(3HB) production. Besides, the physico-chemical, thermal, and material properties of synthesized P(3HB) were determined which reveal its suitability in various applications.

The effects of blockage ratio on the combined free and forced convection from a long heated square obstacle confined in a horizontal channel are investigated in this work. The numerical computations are performed in the steady regime for Reynolds number = 1 - 30, Richardson number = 0 - 1 for blockage ratios of 0.125 and 0.25 for the fixed Prandtl number of 0.7 (air). The governing equations, along with appropriate boundary conditions, are solved by using a semi-explicit finite volume method implemented on the collocated grid arrangement. The total drag and lift coefficients, local and average Nusselt numbers and the representative streamline, vorticity and isotherm patterns are presented to elucidate the role of blockage ratio on the cross-buoyancy across a confined square cylinder. The asymmetry in the flow and temperature fields decreases with increasing value of the blockage ratio. Similar to forced convection, the total drag coefficient increases with increasing value of the blockage ratio for the fixed values of the Reynolds and Richardson numbers.