Researchers from Brazil conducted an experiment to evaluate the antimicrobial actions of sodium hypochlorite and castor oil solutions against specific microorganisms. Acrylic 
resin specimens were obtained, sterilized and contaminated with important bacterial and Candida species.
Results showed that sodium hypochlorite solutions completely eliminated all microorganisms while castor oil solution provided moderate efficacy and performed differently on tested species.
Researchers from Spain used castor oil as a matrix material to prepare biocompatible and biodegradable nanocomposite films filled with chitosan modified ZnO nanoparticles for wound healing. The biocomposites were prepared by solution mixing and casting method. The morphology, structure and wound healing properties of the films were analysed. The antibacterial activity of the films were investigated in the presence and absence of UV light.
Results showed that the antibacterial activity was stronger against gram positive bacteria. Composites with nanoparticle loading enabled faster wound healing thus showing the potential to be applied as antibacterial wound dressings.
CastorOil.in brings you the weekly report of castor seed price at NCDEX.
Check out the table and the graphical data.
A decrease in price of castor seed was observed at the end of the week.
| Price Date | Rupees Per Quintal |
| 18 Aug | 4075 |
| 19 Aug | 4079.15 |
| 20 Aug | 4067.6 |
| 21 Aug | 4050 |
Researchers from China performed an experiment to synthesize and characterize waterborne nitrocellulose dispersion that was modified with castor oil. Castor oil modified waterborne nitrocellulose dispersion (CWNC) was 
synthesized by self-emulsification and reaction among isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) trimer, dimethylol propionic acid (DMPA), nitrocellulose (NC) and castor oil.
The characterization of CWNC was carried out with FTIR and thermal gravity analysis (TGA). TGA results showed that CWNC film had better thermal resistance.
Castor seed prices increased due to strong demand and restricted supply. Castor seed futures also gained on speculative buying by traders.
The price of castor seed in Gujarat increased by Rs. 5 to Rs. 780 – 790 per 20 kg. On the Rajkot Commodity Exchange (RCX), castor September futures was up Rs. 7 to Rs. 4,115 per quintal and RCX spot was traded up by Rs. 12.50 to Rs. 3,912.50.
CastorOil.in brings you the weekly report of castor seed price at NCDEX.
Check out the table and the graphical data.
An increase in price of castor seed was observed at the end of the week.
| Price Date | Rupees Per Quintal |
| 10 Aug | 3970.35 |
| 11 Aug | 3977.8 |
| 12 Aug | 3975 |
| 13 Aug | 4005.75 |
| 14 Aug | 4036.25 |
Researchers from Malaysia performed an experiment to analyse the efficiency
of biodiesel conversion from crude castor oil to castor oil biodiesel. Acid-base catalysed transesterification reaction was carried out under different reaction conditions to obtain high yield of castor biodiesel.
Diesel engine performance and emission tests with different castor biodiesel blends showed that B20 blend of castor biodiesel had same engine power output as other mineral diesel with lower average percentage of change in CO and HC emissions. Thus, B20 blend of castor biodiesel could be a suitable alternative to diesel.
Scientists performed an experiment to analyze the effect of catalysis pyrolysis of castor seed on the yield of oil. Catalytic pyrolysis was carried out at 400°C for different ratios of catalyst to biomass using zeolite as catalyst.
Results showed that compared to thermal pyrolysis of castor seed, catalytic pyrolysis decreased the yield of oil and that the bio oil contained compounds with carbon chain length in the range of C4-C24 that is similar to most of the fuels used.
CastorOil.in brings you the weekly report of castor seed price at NCDEX.
Check out the table and the graphical data.
A fluctuation in price of castor seed was observed throughout the week.
| Price Date | Rupees Per Quintal |
| 03 Aug | 3985 |
| 04 Aug | 4000 |
| 05 Aug | 3994.25 |
| 06 Aug | 3989.05 |
| 07 Aug | 3992.9 |
Castor seed futures edged higher on NCDEX after speculators enlarged their positions driven by increasing demand in the spot market.
The contract for August delivery was trading at Rs 3987.00/Quintal, while the contract for September delivery was trading at Rs 4052.00/quintal. The open interest of the September contract stood at 255210 lots on NCDEX.