In Focus: India Editorial
The growing economic influence of India is a phenomenon of worldwide significance and this is partly reflected in the quality and quantity of its scientific and technological output, not least in chemical technology and biotechnology. The importance of these latter fields is recognised by The Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology which is pleased and proud to publish quality papers from authors in India. The In Focus in this issue is a small collection of papers that exemplifies the range of challenges that currently attract the attention of scientists and technologists in India. It is timed to coincide with the launch of SCI India, which has been established in Mumbai to operate on a national basis and as an SCI platform into Southern Asia. It will further SCI's objectives of knowledge transfer, bringing science and business together and promoting innovation and discovery. SCI India's Trustees include Dr R Mashelker, Professor MM Sharma, Dr Rama Roa and Dr Swaminathan Sivaram, some of India's most eminent molecular scientists.
The first of the papers, by Yadav and Sajgure (University Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai), describes a novel synthesis in non-aqueous media of the anti-tubercular drug isoniazid using immobilised lipase. Under the influence of microwave radiation this resulted in improved process yields compared to conventional heating. A kinetic model has been developed that describes the enzyme catalysis under microwave irradiation.
The paper by Saravanabhavan et al. (Central Leather Research Institute, Chennai) emphasises the growing need to develop eco-efficient manufacturing processes that reduce wastewater pollution. They describe an improved tanning process that utilises resources efficiently and has reduced environmental impact compared to traditional tanning, without compromising leather quality.
Bromelain is an industrially important protease derived from pineapple stem. Hemavathi et al. (Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore) present a novel extraction and primary purification of bromelain from a pineapple stem extract using a reverse micellar system of ionic surfactants. The process is not only efficient but the reverse micellar components are readily recovered for reuse, contributing favourably to process economics.
Membranes are becoming more important in separation processes and the paper by Devi et al. (collaboration