The article presents a promising method for biodiesel production using Fe3O4-chitosan immobilized E. coli cells, yet critical issues undermine its reliability. Key concerns include insufficient methodological transparency, particularly in the reproducibility of Fe3O4-chitosan microsphere synthesis and methanol resistance experiments, which rely on indirect or poorly substantiated claims. Statistical analysis via RSM appears robust, but a lack of replicates, error bars, and outlier handling casts doubt on the model’s reliability. Discrepancies in citations, with outdated or tangentially relevant references, weaken the foundation of some claims, such as superior catalyst performance and environmental benefits, which lack lifecycle analysis support. Comparisons with prior work appear selective, omitting data from systems with comparable or better performance, which could mislead readers. Additionally, graphical data often lack confidence intervals, obscuring variability. Mechanistic explanations, such as the claimed protective role of chitosan against methanol inactivation, are speculative and unverified.
