Article
Engineering, Chemical
Rita Carapito, Sandra C. Bernardo, Matheus M. Pereira, Marcia C. Neves, Mara G. Freire, Fani Sousa
Summary: Nucleic acids, especially RNA, have been explored as potential biopharmaceuticals for gene therapy. However, their labile nature poses challenges in their production and purification. This study investigates the use of chromatographic silica-based supports functionalized with ionic liquids for RNA purification. The results show promising potential for the development of a more efficient and safer method for RNA isolation.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Mengmeng Liu, Shoudi Tong, Zhihan Tong, Yuewen Guan, Yinan Sun
Summary: Boosting renewable resource utilization and exploiting biodegradable materials instead of petrochemical plastics is crucial and significant. Waste paper, mainly composed of cellulose, is an abundant, renewable, and biodegradable resource. Converting waste paper into cellulose-based bioplastic membranes not only reduces environmental pressure but also presents immense economic benefits.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Duc Hoa Tran, Mathias Ulbricht
Summary: Research and development towards sustainable chemistry involves the development of new materials and exploration of new fabrication methods. In this study, composite membranes made from biodegradable cellulose were fabricated using a simple and scalable process. The use of dimethylsulfoxide as impregnation liquid improved the membrane separation performance and lamination strength. The thickness of the barrier layer could be reduced to a few micrometers, and the membrane performance could be adjusted by varying the cellulose concentration and co-solvent fraction. The cellulose-cellulose composite membranes showed potential as a sustainable alternative material for various separations.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Jing Chen, Bing Yu, Hailin Cong, Youqing Shen
Summary: Membrane chromatography is recognized as an effective alternative to column chromatography for protein and biological macromolecule separation and purification, as it significantly improves chromatography from affinity, hydrophobicity, and ion exchange.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Theivasanthi Thiruganasambanthan, Rushdan Ahmad Ilyas, Mohd Nor Faiz Norrrahim, Thiagamani Senthil Muthu Kumar, Suchart Siengchin, Muhammad Syukri Mohamad Misenan, Mohammed Abdillah Ahmad Farid, Norizan Mohd Nurazzi, Muhammad Rizal Muhammad Asyraf, Sharifah Zarina Syed Zakaria, Muhammad Rizal Razman
Summary: Biomimetics is a field that draws inspiration from nature for applications in science, engineering, and medicine. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) are bio-based nanomaterials with excellent characteristics that show promising potential for biomimetic applications. Recent studies have shown that CNCs possess unique optical and chemical properties and can be used to fabricate liquid crystals. CNC-based solvent-free liquid crystals exhibit both solid and liquid characteristics and display birefringence in anisotropic media. Additionally, CNC films exhibit iridescent colors, making them suitable for applications in photonics, electro-optical devices, and flat panel displays.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Hamed Farzi-Khajeh, Sayna Toraby, Mostafa Akbarzadeh-Khiavi, Azam Safary, Mohammad Hossein Somi
Summary: The study focuses on the role of aryl substituents in triazine-based affinity ligands on the purification of immunoglobulin G (IgG). The findings suggest that using specific substituents can enhance the purification of IgG with high yield and purity.
JOURNAL OF CHROMATOGRAPHY A
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Volkan Eyupoglu, Asuman Unal, Emrah Polat, Beytullah Eren, Recep Ali Kumbasar
Summary: In this study, a membrane for efficient recovery of cobalt ions was developed, and its potential for cobalt recovery and determination was confirmed through morphological and structural analysis.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kristof Bozovicar, Barbara Jenko Bizjan, Anze Meden, Jernej Kovac, Tomaz Bratkovic
Summary: The development of a selective short linear peptide ligand of the IgG Fc region, capable of capturing all four IgG subclasses, was reported. This ligand was discovered through in vitro directed evolution and displayed high affinity for IgG, comparable to commercially employed protein A-based resin, after characterization and validation.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lukas Marcos Celada, Judith Martin, Sergey V. Dvinskikh, Peter Olsen
Summary: Biopolymers, especially cellulose, play a vital role in transitioning to a circular economy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. However, modifying cellulose hydroxyls is a challenge due to the similarity of their chemical features with water. To address this, we developed bio-based ionic liquids that can activate cellulose without disturbing its crystalline ordering. One specific ionic liquid showed high activation in heterogeneous conditions, resulting in over 30% conversion of cellulose hydroxyls. This work opens new perspectives for cellulose derivatization while maintaining sustainability.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Imran Khan Swati, Qazi Sohaib, Shuyun Cao, Mohammad Younas, Dan Liu, Jianzhou Gui, Mashallah Rezakazemi
Summary: Four ionic liquids were synthesized for the separation of gases CO2/N-2 and CO2/CH4 through supported ionic liquid membranes (SILMs), with [BSmim][tos] showing the highest solubility coefficient and permeability, as well as the highest selectivity values. The ILs synthesized for this work can be ranked as [BSmim][tos] > [BSmpy][tos] > [Bmim][Cl] > [Bpy][Cl], indicating their potential use for CO2 separation through SILMs.
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Yunhao Liang, James E. Hawkins, Michael E. Ries, Peter J. Hine
Summary: This study investigated the dissolution of cotton fibres in the ionic liquid [C2mim][OAc], showing that the resulting coagulated fraction had a crystal structure predominantly of cellulose II. Despite differences in growth patterns of the coagulated fraction for three distinct fibre arrangements, all could be shifted to form master curves using Time-Temperature Superposition, with very similar activation energies determined.
Review
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Katherine S. Lefroy, Brent S. Murray, Michael E. Ries
Summary: Microgel particles, particularly cellulose microgels, have shown promise as alternative emulsion stabilisers with environmental advantages. The ability of microgels to swell and rearrange on interfaces makes them suitable for long-term stabilization in various industries. However, challenges such as cellulose insolubility and surface activity hinder their full potential as emulsion stabilisers.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Shen Zhang, Brett Larsen, Karen Colwill, Cassandra J. Wong, Ji-Young Youn, Anne-Claude Gingras
Summary: In this study, a simple and robust approach called turboDDA was developed to improve interactome analysis of affinity-purified samples. By eliminating the dynamic exclusion step and optimizing acquisition parameters, turboDDA detected more interactors and provided better sensitivity compared to standard DDA methods.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sung-Joon Park, Myung-Seok Lee, Heewoong Yoon, Jae Hong Kim, Sungkwon Jeon, Seung Su Shin, Minuk Yang, Jieun Choi, Jiwon Seo, Jung-Hyun Lee
Summary: A biofouling-resistant and high-performance polyamide thin-film composite membrane was successfully fabricated by adding a biomimetic antimicrobial peptoid during the interfacial polymerization process. The resulting membrane exhibited superior separation performance and long-term stability.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Zhen Xu, Qiwen Zhou, Lixiang Wang, Guangmei Xia, Xingxiang Ji, Jinming Zhang, Jun Zhang, Haq Nawaz, Jie Wang, Jianfeng Peng
Summary: Utilizing used paper cups to produce cellulose-based films with good thermal property, hydrophobicity, and mechanical strength, demonstrates their potential as packaging materials, providing a solution for recycling and valorization of waste paper cups.
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Claudia S. M. Fernandes, Ana Sofia Pina, Ana Cecilia A. Roque
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Carina Esteves, Susana I. C. J. Palma, Henrique M. A. Costa, Claudia Alves, Goncalo M. C. Santos, Efthymia Ramou, Ana Luisa Carvalho, Vitor Alves, Ana C. A. Roque
Summary: This study successfully developed humidity sensors or humidity-tolerant VOC sensors by controlling the effects of humidity on electrical and optical sensors through the design of gelatin formulations. The combination of new materials formulations and sensing mechanisms improved the accuracy and reliability of VOC sensing under different humidity conditions.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Clarinda Costa, Hugo Anselmo, Rita Ferro, Ana Sofia Matos, Teresa Casimiro, Ana Aguiar-Ricardo
Summary: Grapevine pruning residue is a rich source of natural antioxidants, but their bioavailability is limited. This study developed model dry powder formulations using SASD technology to encapsulate phenolic compounds in hydroxypropyl cellulose. The results showed excellent performance, preserving antioxidation potential and improving bioavailability.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Ines P. Moreira, Carina Esteves, Susana I. C. J. Palma, Efthymia Ramou, Ana L. M. Carvalho, Ana C. A. Roque
Summary: Silk fibroin ionogels exhibit excellent physical properties and biocompatibility, and can play an important role in soft and flexible electronics.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Carlos F. S. Costa, Armenio J. M. Barbosa, Ana Margarida G. C. Dias, Ana Cecilia A. Roque
Summary: This article summarizes natural, engineered, and designed affinity ligands targeting the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, emphasizing key points in molecular recognition, and highlighting the importance of lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic in protein engineering.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2022)
Correction
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Efthymia Ramou, Susana I. . C. J. Palma, Ana Cecilia A. . Roque
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Joana R. R. Pereira, Marta C. C. Corvo, Andreia F. F. Peixoto, Ana Aguiar-Ricardo, M. Manuel B. Marques
Summary: In this study, sulfonic acid carbon-based and natural clays-based catalysts were prepared and investigated for the synthesis of amide bonds by a Ritter reaction. MWCNT-CSP was found to be an efficient catalyst with a yield of 75% using benzyl alcohol and acetonitrile as model substrates. The catalysts showed practical utility in synthesizing a diverse range of amides from alcohols and nitriles, and biomass derived platform alcohols were also tested as potential building blocks. The sulfonic acid catalysts proved to be a highly efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional acid catalysts in the Ritter reaction.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ana Margarida Goncalves Carvalho Dias, Cicero Cena, Viviane Lutz-Bueno, Raffaele Mezzenga, Ana Marques, Isabel Ferreira, Ana Cecilia Afonso Roque
Summary: Peptides possess high chemical diversity and versatile functions. Peptide-based spun fibers are of interest due to their high surface area and versatility, but applying synthetic polymer spinning processes to peptide fibers poses challenges. This study demonstrates the use of solution blow-spinning to produce peptide fibers and highlights the role of solvent modulation in obtaining different peptide submicrofibers.
FRONTIERS IN CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ana Rita Oliveira, Henrique M. A. Costa, Efthymia Ramou, Susana I. C. J. Palma, Ana Cecilia A. Roque
Summary: The study assessed the effect of matrix hydrophobic properties on the performance of hybrid gel materials for VOC sensing in humid conditions. The results showed that hybrid gels composed of a hydrophobic PDMS matrix and [BMIM][Cl] ionic liquid have better accuracy in VOC prediction and reduced sensitivity to humidity compared to gelatin-based gels. Therefore, the tunable formulation of hybrid gels offers the potential for designing complementary sensors for e-nose systems operable under different RH conditions.
Article
Physics, Applied
Efthymia Ramou, Ana Cecilia A. Roque
Summary: Liquid crystal-based materials with confined and ordered liquid crystal molecules can be tuned to exhibit various optical textures in response to physical and chemical stimuli. In this study, chiral liquid crystal formulations were constrained at an interface formed by ionic liquids, leading to the formation of immobilized ionic liquid/liquid crystal droplets on a gelatin matrix. These droplets display a rich variety of unique topological states, and their optical textures were categorized based on their relative chirality. Furthermore, their optical response in the presence of gas analytes was investigated, highlighting their potential as dynamic liquid crystal-based optical volatile organic compound sensors. The soft materials generated with semi-selective VOC sensing capabilities can be further employed in liquid crystal-based gas sensor arrays for complex gas sample analysis using artificial olfaction approaches.
APPLIED PHYSICS REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ana Rita Oliveira, Efthymia Ramou, Susana I. C. J. Palma, Carina Esteves, Armenio Barbosa, Ana Cecilia Afonso Roque
Summary: In this work, the effect of the ionic liquid moiety on generating ionogels and hybrid gels as gas sensors was assessed. Six ionic liquids with a constant anion (chloride) and different cationic head groups were used to generate ionogels and hybrid gels, which were further tested as gas sensors in customized electronic nose devices. Overall, ionogel-based sensors showed higher classification accuracies for standard volatile organic compounds compared to hybrid material-based sensors. Additionally, the high chemical diversity of ionic liquids translated into a high functional diversity in analyte molecular recognition and sensing.
Proceedings Paper
Chemistry, Analytical
Carina Esteves, Susana Palma, Henrique Costa, Claudia Alves, Goncalo Santos, Efthymia Ramou, Ana Cecilia Roque
Summary: The development of gas-sensing multicomponent hybrid materials for use in humidified and dried environments without the need for sample preconditioning or heavy signal processing is reported. The easy tunability and unique characteristics of these materials suggest their use in electronic nose systems in the near term.
2022 IEEE INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON OLFACTION AND ELECTRONIC NOSE (ISOEN 2022)
(2022)
Proceedings Paper
Chemistry, Analytical
Susana I. C. J. Palma, Jose Frazao, Rita Alves, Henrique M. A. Costa, Claudia Alves, Hugo Gamboa, Margarida Silveira, Ana C. A. Roque
Summary: In hybrid gels with immobilized liquid crystal droplets, accurate identification of distinct volatile organic compounds can be achieved by analyzing the optical texture variations of individual droplets using deep learning and analyzing the 1D optical signals from multiple droplets using machine learning.
2022 IEEE INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON OLFACTION AND ELECTRONIC NOSE (ISOEN 2022)
(2022)
Proceedings Paper
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Rita Alves, Joao Rodrigues, Efthymia Ramou, Susana Palma, Ana Roque, Hugo Gamboa
Summary: This study presents a novel approach using electronic noses and the morphology of sensing gel signals for VOC classification, achieving good classification results. This method shows the possibility of using descriptive sentences generated by text mining techniques for classification.
BIOSIGNALS: PROCEEDINGS OF THE 15TH INTERNATIONAL JOINT CONFERENCE ON BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES - VOL 4: BIOSIGNALS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Efthymia Ramou, Susana I. C. J. Palma, Ana Cecilia A. Roque
Summary: This study successfully prepared multicompartment nematic and smectic gels as chemical sensors by studying the effect of alkyl chain length of cyanobiphenyl LCs on molecular self-assembly. The dynamic phase transitions of LC structures yield optical signals that serve as optical fingerprints, and the materials with smectic compartments exhibit unexpected and rich optical textures. The sensing capability of the materials was tested using an electronic nose and machine learning algorithms, achieving high accuracy in classifying different gas analytes.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jiawei Hou, Shixuan Guo, Nigel Graham, Wenzheng Yu, Kening Sun, Ting Liu
Summary: A novel 2D composite membrane based on r-HGO and MXene materials was developed, demonstrating exceptional performance for water treatment in terms of permeability, pollutant rejection, and physical stability. The optimization of preparation conditions and material proportions can result in high water flux and efficient removal of pollutants.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Retraction
Engineering, Chemical
Chang Liu, Jinghong Liu, Liang Zhu, Shanfu Tang, Huixin Xiong
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Rui Gao, Caihong Liu, Andreia F. Faria, Qiang He, Chun Yang, Jun Ma
Summary: A novel copolymer architecture has been developed to address biofouling concerns in thin-film composite (TFC) membranes by integrating anti-fouling, bactericidal, and fouling-release functions. The multifunctional membrane demonstrates promising anti-adhesive properties, self-cleaning ability, and high flux recovery rate.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Alexander T. Bridge, Noah P. Wamble, Matthew S. Santoso, Joan F. Brennecke, Benny D. Freeman
Summary: This study demonstrates the reproducible preparation of high-flux defect-free asymmetric gas separation membranes using Cyrene(TM) as a majority dope formulation component. By adjusting the volume ratios of Cyrene(TM) and THF, as well as the concentrations of Matrimid(R) and the dry step time, optimal membrane performance is achieved.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Alessandra Imbrogno, Han Ya Lin, Babak Minofar, Andrea Iris Schaefer
Summary: In this study, a composite nanofiber membrane containing cross-linked beta-cyclodextrin-epichlorohydrin was prepared and evaluated for the removal of steroid hormones. The results showed that the membrane had high adsorption capacity and the ability to form a specific inclusion complex interaction with the hormones, indicating its potential application in hormone removal.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Bora Shin, Jaewon Shin, Yanuar Chandra Wirasembada, Ki Young Park, Jinwoo Cho
Summary: This study develops a mathematical model to estimate the initial flux of volatile fatty acids in the direct contact membrane distillation process. It identifies the parameters affecting the flux and their relationship with pH.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yi-Jui Yeh, Jr Rong Liou, Wei Lin, Kuo-Lun Tung, Wei-Hung Chiang
Summary: This study demonstrates an effective plasma engineering method to create nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dot (NGQD)-inorganic nanocomposites for tunable molecular separation. The composite materials show high separation efficiency and controllable nanopore structures, making them potentially valuable for various applications.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Horacio Lopez-Marques, Kristofer L. Gleason, Manuel Aguilar-Vega, Rita Sulub-Sulub, J. Ehren Eichler, Hyeonji Oh, C. Buddie Mullins, Benny D. Freeman, Manish Kumar
Summary: In this study, water transport properties in Carbon Molecular Sieve (CMS) membranes were investigated. It was found that membranes synthesized at different pyrolysis temperatures exhibited varying water permeabilities. Compared to other polymeric materials, CMS membranes showed high water permeability, indicating potential for dehydration applications.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Dmitry A. Alentiev, Roman Yu. Nikiforov, Marina A. Rudakova, Danil P. Zarezin, Maxim A. Topchiy, Andrey F. Asachenko, Nikolay A. Belov, Maxim Bermeshev
Summary: A series of new norbornene-type monomers containing linear and branched substituents were synthesized, and robust thin membranes were prepared by vinyl-addition polymerization. Gas separation performance for the synthesized polymers was evaluated, and the structure of substituent side chains was found to significantly affect gas permeability and CO2 facilitated transport.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Lei Yan, Qi Zhang, Ze Zhang, Gui-Jie Li, Yi Jin, Xin-Lin Zhang, Yan-Yun Sun
Summary: In this study, a continuous, stable and fast ion transport channel was established through in-situ guided cross-linking of zinc alginate hydrogels on a porous membrane, overcoming the negative pore effect and effectively inhibiting the dendrite growth of zinc anodes and interfacial side reactions.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yuqing Zhang, Ailing Zhang, Huiyang He, Yuting Fan, Yongjiang Li, Song Wang, Sanxi Li
Summary: The Langmuir-Blodgett self-assembly process is used to create an ordered SPEEK membrane, which enhances the proton conductivity by three times compared to conventional solution casting method.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Hasan Ismaeel, David Gibson, Eleonora Ricci, Maria Grazia De Angelis
Summary: In this study, a machine learning-based group contribution method (ML-GC) was developed to predict pure polymer parameters and successfully applied to predict gas solubility and gas solubility isotherms in glassy polymeric membranes. The model showed satisfactory performance on a small dataset, but has the potential to provide more accurate predictions for a wider range of polymers as more data becomes available.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yi Ji, Yu Sun, Huilin Li, Qiang Fu, Yan Zhang
Summary: Previous studies have shown that vibration- or rotation-based techniques can effectively mitigate fouling during membrane filtration. However, it is difficult to incorporate these techniques with spiral wound modules (SWMs) widely used in water and wastewater treatment. This study developed a prototype membrane system to accommodate angular vibrations with a modified SWM, and experimental results showed that applying angular vibrations can effectively control algal fouling in an SWM with lower energy consumption compared to traditional methods.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Lakshmeesha Upadhayaya, Abaynesh Yihdego Gebreyohannes, Muhammad Wakil Shahzad, Usman T. Syed, Sandra L. Aristizabal, Radoslaw Gorecki, Suzana P. Nunes
Summary: Increasing temperatures worldwide pose a significant health risk, exacerbated by high humidity. Conventional air conditioners contribute heavily to carbon dioxide emissions, with dehumidification being a major factor. Membrane-based dehumidification system offers energy efficiency and non-toxic water vapor removal. This study demonstrates a membrane dehumidification system with polymeric hollow fibers coated with a green polyphenol coating, showing remarkable water vapor transport rate and selectivity. Long-term testing reveals minimal decline in vapor transport and a 4-5 times higher coefficient of performance (COP) compared to conventional dehumidifiers, making it a highly competitive, energy-saving device with reduced emissions and a smaller footprint.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zhengzhong Zhou, Xue Zhu, Yi Yuan, Shaoqiang Wang, Xiaoshan Meng, Taoli Huhe, Qian Wang
Summary: In this study, lignin, a biomass material, was chemically modified and utilized in the interfacial polymerization process to improve the performance of nanofiltration membranes. The modified membranes showed enhanced hydrophilicity and anti-fouling properties, and the optimization of membrane pore size increased permeability. The study also demonstrated the potential application of the membranes in biogas slurry valorization.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)