Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Dmitry D. Evtyugin, Antonio Prates, M. Rosario Domingues, Susana Casal, Dmitry V. Evtuguin
Summary: In this work, a new solvent-free and eco-friendly method for isolating ellagic acid (EA) from sulphite spent liquor and alkali extract of unbleached sulphite pulp is proposed. EA was recovered from sulphite pulping streams via crystallization from acidified solutions under preselected conditions. The purity of EA was significantly increased from approximately 55-70% (w/w) to 85-95% (w/w) through the washing process.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Bianca A. Brandt, Maria P. Garcia-Aparicio, Johann F. Gorgens, Willem H. van Zyl
Summary: The study enhanced inhibitor resistance phenotypes of xylose-capable Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains by rational engineering and adaptation in concentrated hardwood SSL, and evaluated them in fermentations under industrially relevant conditions. Adapted strains showed improved ethanol yields and inhibitor resistance, but exhibited a trade-off between resistance and ethanol productivity.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Federico Battista, Luca Zuliani, Fabio Rizzioli, Salvatore Fusco, David Bolzonella
Summary: This study explored a cascade biorefinery approach to produce biodiesel, fermentable sugars, and biomethane from spent coffee grounds, rich in high-value compounds. Transesterification and glycerol pretreatment were used to achieve high product performance. However, the low content of easily degradable compounds led to the need to search for better alternatives to improve methane production.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Sandra Magina, Ines S. F. Mendes, Antonio Prates, Dmitry Evtuguin
Summary: The re-profiling from paper-grade to dissolving pulp production is a common trend for acid sulfite cooking of wood, which leads to substantial changes in the composition of the spent sulfite liquor. These changes affect its potential in subsequent processing within the biorefinery concept.
JOURNAL OF WOOD CHEMISTRY AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Yuqi Bao, Jiatian Zhu, Fanyan Zeng, Jiao Li, Shanshan Wang, Chengrong Qin, Chen Liang, Caoxing Huang, Shuangquan Yao
Summary: Organic acid pretreatments can efficiently separate biomass-based hemicellulose and selectively produce hemicellulose-derived sugars. In this study, hemicellulose separation was achieved as xylose and oligosaccharides using palm acid in a hydrothermal pretreatment process for eucalyptus. The results showed higher separation selectivity and yield of hemicellulose-derived sugars compared to glycolic acid pretreatment, leading to residual solids with improved biological stability. This work presents a new method for biomass refining.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Erminta Tsouko, Aikaterini Papadaki, Seraphim Papanikolaou, Georgios P. Danezis, Constantinos A. Georgiou, Denise M. G. Freire, Apostolis Koutinas
Summary: Enzymatic production of isopropyl and 2-ethylhexyl esters using fungal oil from spent sulphite liquor was investigated. Transesterifications with isopropyl and 2-ethylhexyl alcohols showed high conversion yields, especially when neutral lipids fraction alone was used. The presence of glycolipids and sphingolipids in fungal oil hindered ester production.
BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shiqi Zhang, Jie Yang, Sheng Wang, H. P. Vasantha Rupasinghe, Quan (Sophia) He
Summary: Valorizing spent coffee grounds through hydrothermal liquefaction has potential for biocrude production. Extracting high-value polyphenols and polysaccharides under optimal conditions yields desirable results, and ultrasound-assisted extraction can impact feedstock composition. A temperature of 295 degrees C is found to be the most favorable for hydrothermal liquefaction.
FOOD AND BIOPRODUCTS PROCESSING
(2021)
Article
Electrochemistry
Ayorinde Emmanuel Ajiboye, Trevor L. Dzwiniel
Summary: The processing and extraction of critical metals from black mass is important for battery recycling. Solvent extraction experiments showed that selective extraction of Mn2+, Fe3+, Al3+, and Cu2+ from mixed metal solution can yield purified metal salts with high efficiency and minimal loss of other metals. The spent extractant can be regenerated using oxalic acid, allowing for recycling.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sophia F. Mendes, Jessica S. Rodrigues, Vitor Hugo de Lima, Vagner R. Botaro, Vicelma L. Cardoso, Miria H. M. Reis
Summary: Recovering lignin from black liquor is essential for producing valuable chemical products. Membrane filtration has been evaluated for lignin recovery, showing high efficiency in retaining solids and lignin from both the lignin-lean black liquor and precipitated lignin solution. However, different fouling mechanisms impact ultrafiltration process differently for the two fractions.
APPLIED BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Alok Kumar Nayak, Niharbala Devi, Kadambini Sarangi
Summary: This study investigated the extraction of Mo(VI) and V(V) from the simulated leach liquor of hydrodesulfurization spent catalyst using Cyanex 572 as the extractant. Different pH conditions affected the extraction rates of Mo(VI) and V(V). Adjusting the H2SO4 concentration and Cyanex 572 concentration could modulate the extraction efficiency.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Xue Kong, Heng'e Qiu, Danni Meng, Xiaoxue Tang, Senlin Yang, Wanying Guo, Ye Zhang, Lin Kong, Yanfeng Zhang, Zefang Zhang
Summary: This study developed a new method for the synthesis of all-silica CHA membranes, which not only reduced material costs but also improved membrane performance.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Junlian Wang, Lu Liu, Wen Xu, Hui Liu, Guodong Xu, Kun Huang, Fengshan Yu, Guoyong Huang
Summary: This study investigates the potential of using Monothio-Cyanex 272 and Trioctylamine (TOA) for the successful separation of Pd and Pt from highly acidic leach liquor of spent automobile catalysts. Monothio-Cyanex 272 exhibits strong extractability and specific selectivity for Pd, allowing for the recovery of over 99.9% of Pd in just one stage of extraction. TOA, on the other hand, shows strong extractability for Pt and Fe. Both Pd and Pt can be efficiently stripped from the loaded extractants using appropriate acidic thiourea and NaOH solutions, respectively.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MINERALS METALLURGY AND MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hengcheng Zhou, Peihai Ju, Shaowei Hu, Lili Shi, Wenjing Yuan, Dongdong Chen, Yujie Wang, Shaoyuan Shi
Summary: In this study, different anion exchange membranes were used to separate hydrochloric acid from rare earth oxalic acid precipitation mother liquor by electrodialysis. The results showed that selective anion exchange membrane (SAEM) could effectively separate the hydrochloric acid from simulated and real mother liquor, with a purity of over 91.5% in the concentrate chamber of electrodialysis.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Roberto Castro-Munoz, Octavio Garcia-Depraect
Summary: This review provides an overview of recent research developments in harvesting microalgae using membrane-based technologies over the past three years. It highlights the novel achievements in improving filtration performance and reducing fouling, as well as the advantages of applying membrane technologies for extracting high added-value compounds from microalgae cells.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Tejay Lanjewar, Prashil Badwaik, Mahesh N. Varma
Summary: The study focused on the selective separation of water from spent acid, and investigated the efficiency of different SiC ceramic membranes. Characterization and analysis revealed that the sandwich membrane with TiO2 coating exhibited the highest selectivity for water, albeit with a decrease in the overall flux of the system.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Susana Farinha, Claudia Moura, Maria Dina Afonso, Joao Henriques
Article
Infectious Diseases
Joana Goncalves, Angelo Luis, Ana Gradillas, Antonia Garcia, Jose Restolho, Nicolas Fernandez, Fernanda Domingues, Eugenia Gallardo, Ana Paula Duarte
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Y. Simao, Joana Goncalves, Ana Gradillas, Antonia Garcia, Jose Restolho, Nicolas Fernandez, Jesus M. Rodilla, Mario Barroso, Ana Paula Duarte, Ana C. Cristovao, Eugenia Gallardo
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joana Goncalves, Miguel Castilho, Tiago Rosado, Angelo Luis, Jose Restolho, Nicolas Fernandez, Eugenia Gallardo, Ana Paula Duarte
Summary: This study investigated the bioavailability and bioaccessibility of compounds in Ayahuasca, showing that they were released and absorbed during digestion and cell incubation without exhibiting cytotoxicity. The integrity and permeability of the cell monolayer were maintained.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elisa Veridiani Soares, Alexandre Giacobbo, Marco Antonio Siqueira Rodrigues, Maria Norberta de Pinho, Andrea Moura Bernardes
Summary: The study found that different conditions, such as operating pressure and solution pH, significantly affect the performance of nanofiltration membranes in removing Atenolol. Solution pH plays an important role in membrane performance.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Miguel Minhalma, Maria Norberta de Pinho, Joaquin R. Dominguez
Summary: The study found that soft ozonation pretreatment can reduce phenolic content in wastewater, decrease membrane fouling and concentration polarization, and increase permeate fluxes and mass transfer coefficients.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Liliana C. Tome, Diogo M. F. Santos, Svetlozar Velizarov, Isabel M. Coelhoso, Adelio Mendes, Joao G. Crespo, Maria Norberta de Pinho
Summary: Membrane research in Portugal is aligned with global concerns for sustainable development, with a focus on natural resources and renewable energy. This article provides a historical perspective on the pioneer work in membrane science and technology by research groups from Instituto Superior Tecnico-Universidade de Lisboa (IST), NOVA School of Science and Technology-Universidade Nova de Lisboa (FCT NOVA), and Faculdade de Engenharia-Universidade do Porto (FEUP), and presents an overview of recent trends and challenges in membrane processes and materials in Portugal.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vanessa A. Botelho, Marilia Mateus, Jose C. C. Petrus, Maria Norberta de Pinho
Summary: This study integrated selective mass transport and enzymatic synthesis using a membrane bioreactor to simultaneously synthesize and fractionate galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS). The presence of high-molecular-weight solutes and high total sugar concentration resulted in complex selective mass transfer characteristics. This approach increased GOS production by 60% compared to reactions without permeation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Miguel P. da Silva, Maria J. Beira, Isabel D. Nogueira, Pedro J. Sebastiao, Joao L. Figueirinhas, Maria Norberta de Pinho
Summary: This work characterizes the water order and dynamics in hydrated films of asymmetric cellulose acetate (CA)/silica membranes using deuterium nuclear magnetic resonance (DNMR) relaxation. The study found that post-treatment by solvent exchange caused membrane shrinkage and significantly enhanced the DNMR relaxation observables, while conditioning with surfactant solutions had a weaker effect on the permeation properties.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Sofia Figueiredo, Ana Maria Ferraria, Ana Maria Botelho do Rego, Silvia Monteiro, Ricardo Santos, Miguel Minhalma, Maria Guadalupe Sanchez-Loredo, Rosa Lina Tovar-Tovar, Maria Norberta de Pinho
Summary: The antibacterial properties of cellulose acetate/silver nanoparticles (AgNP) ultrafiltration membranes were studied and the results showed that the distinct features of each side of the membranes, the active and porous layers surfaces, played a role in the antibacterial activity. The composition and structure of the membranes affected the accessibility of the silver to Escherichia coli (E. coli), leading to different levels of growth inhibition. The findings suggest that the membrane design and silver distribution can be optimized to enhance the antibacterial performance.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joao Cunha, Miguel P. P. da Silva, Maria J. J. Beira, Marta C. C. Corvo, Pedro L. L. Almeida, Pedro J. J. Sebastiao, Joao L. Figueirinhas, Maria Norberta de Pinho
Summary: This study presents the characterization of water dynamics in cellulose acetate-silica asymmetric membranes and demonstrates the influence of pore structure and post-treatment on water ordering and dynamics. The findings highlight the potential of using NMR techniques to study porous media and differentiate between ultrafiltration and nanofiltration membrane systems.
Article
Mechanics
Daniela Martins Marum, Maria Dina Afonso, Brian Bernardo Ochoa
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jaime A. Arboleda Mejia, Arianna Ricci, Ana S. Figueiredo, Andrea Versari, Alfredo Cassano, Giuseppina P. Parpinello, Maria N. De Pinho
Article
Engineering, Petroleum
Daniela Martins Marum, Maria Dina Afonso, Brian Bernardo Ochoa
SPE DRILLING & COMPLETION
(2020)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ana Y. Simao, Joana Goncalves, Debora Caramelo, Tiago Rosado, Mario Barroso, Jose Restolho, Nicolas Fernandez, Jesus Rodilla, Ana P. Duarte, Ana C. Cristovao, Eugenia Gallardo
SN APPLIED SCIENCES
(2020)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
G. Grasa, I. Martinez, R. Murillo
Summary: Gasification kinetics of six chars from residual origin were studied under relatively low temperature, low CO2, and high H2O partial pressures. The Random Pore Model (RPM) showed the best fit to experimental results, but the selection of the reaction model depended on the ash composition, specifically the presence of alkali and alkaline earth metals. Chars with ash content higher than 30% wt. were modeled with the RPM model, while chars with the highest K/Si ratio required modified versions of the RPM to accurately predict reaction rates. Textural properties played a key role in determining reaction parameters, such as the pre-exponential factor and activation energy, for chars with similar ash content and composition.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2024)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
V. Godvin Sharmila, Surya Prakash Shanmugavel, J. Rajesh Banu
Summary: Proper treatment and disposal of biomass waste is crucial to prevent environmental deposition and its negative impacts. Biofuel has emerged as a potential alternative to fossil fuels, reducing carbon emissions and meeting global energy demands. This review examines different biomass waste conversion techniques and explores the production of biofuels with zero carbon emissions. Research on anaerobic treatment, metabolic engineering, and artificial intelligence has been conducted to enhance biofuel production efficiency.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2024)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Selvakumar Periyasamy, Adane Asefa Adego, P. Senthil Kumar, G. G. Desta, T. Zelalem, V. Karthik, J. Beula Isabel, Mani Jayakumar, Venkatesa Prabhu Sundramurthy, Gayathri Rangasamy
Summary: Valorizing agricultural waste into valuable products is crucial for environmental protection and bioeconomy advancement. Preprocessing of agricultural waste is a critical step to convert free carbohydrate molecules for final conversion, and factors such as biomass nature, feed loading, pH, temperature, and time influence the process. This review provides comprehensive information on agricultural waste availability, preprocessing techniques, and factors influencing performance.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Aqueel Ahmad, Ashok Kumar Yadav, Achhaibar Singh, Dinesh Kumar Singh
Summary: The study focuses on predicting and optimizing the yield of biogas production in an anaerobic digester using co-digestion. Experimental data was used to develop a machine learning-based prognostic model, and the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize the parameters. The results demonstrate that RSM coupled with machine learning is an effective technique for modeling, predicting, and optimizing biogas production yield.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Yijing Zhong, Wenxiang Zhai, Xinli Wei
Summary: This paper studies the thermal stability and decomposition of cork materials with and without silica aerogel filler. The results show that the decomposition is inhibited and the pyrolysis is significantly reduced with the addition of silica aerogel. This finding suggests that silica aerogel-infused cork may be a promising raw material for biofuel production with reduced environmental pollution.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2024)
