Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zhipeng Wang, Fengfeng Li, Xueyu Wang, Bin Li, Lianjun Song, Xiuying Yang, Qian Xiao, Hongbin Tang, Songdong Ding
Summary: A novel NTAAMIDE process based on a non-heterocyclic N-donor NTAamide(n-Oct) extraction system was developed for the effective separation of trivalent lanthanides and actinides. The process showed rapid extraction of Am3+ and Eu3+, high loading capacity, acid tolerance, and irradiation stability, demonstrating promising application prospects in An(3+)/Ln(3+) separation.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
B. Sreenivasulu, A. Suresh, C. V. S. Brahmananda Rao, N. Sivaraman
Summary: The study showed that Tri-iso-amyl Phosphate (TiAP) solvent has a good extraction performance for aqueous reprocessing of U-Zr alloy fuels, with quantitative extraction of uranium and minimal extraction of zirconium. The flowsheets designed in this study are useful for the aqueous reprocessing of U-Zr alloy fuels.
JOURNAL OF RADIOANALYTICAL AND NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Junxin Chen, Caijin Zhou, Bingqi Xie, Jisong Zhang
Summary: In this study, a novel design of a tube-in-tube microextractor relying on a poly tetra fluoroethylene membrane to construct a stable interface was proposed for continuous counter-current extraction. The extraction kinetics and efficiency were measured for different systems and flow rate ratios, and a mathematical model was established to predict the results. The experimental and predicted results showed good agreement, demonstrating the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed microextractor.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Holger Bolze, Juliane Riewe, Heike Bunjes, Andreas Dietzel, Thomas P. Burg
Summary: An ultrasound-assisted process has been successfully established for the precipitation of lipid nanoparticles in a microfluidic mixer, allowing for the production of nanoparticles without clogging over several hours. The analysis shows a small number of micron-sized particles, but they do not disrupt the process, improving the reliability of microfluidic precipitation and preventing the buildup of precipitates in the channels.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tania Sierra, Ilhoon Jang, Eka Noviana, Agustin G. Crevillen, Alberto Escarpa, Charles S. Henry
Summary: A pump-free microfluidic device for the electrochemical determination of AGP was proposed and demonstrated to be successful. The device allows all analytical steps to be carried out inside, with a wide linear range, low detection limit, and applicability to commercial serum samples.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nico Lingg, Markus Mozgovicz, Theresa Schaufler, Alexander Prokup, Amy Carruthers, David Boerema, Laura Keigher, Nathan Brinkman, Alois Jungbauer
Summary: Currently, IVIG is manufactured in batch through cold ethanol precipitation, which leads to a slow process with high space requirements. We have developed a continuous method using a tubular reactor to replace the batch precipitation method. This reactor, filled with static mixers for efficient cooling, allows for complete precipitation with the same yield and purity even with a residence time of only one minute. A tubular reactor with specific dimensions can process 4000 L of plasma per day, providing an opportunity to reduce the plant footprint or intensify existing manufacturing plants.
PROCESS BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Sunil Goswami, Subhankar Manna, Santosh K. Suman, Vijay K. Sharma, Santosh K. Satpati, Manharan L. Sahu, Harish J. Pant
Summary: In this study, the residence time distribution (RTD) of the aqueous phase in mixer-settler units was measured using iodine-131 as a radiotracer. Suitable flow models were proposed based on the measured RTD curves, and the results were valuable for optimizing the operation of mixer-settler units.
APPLIED RADIATION AND ISOTOPES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Chuang Wang, Yusheng Fu, Jiuchuan Guo, Jinhong Guo
Summary: This article introduces a new clinical biochemical detection system based on a centrifugal microfluidic chip for rapid detection of renal function indices. The system is portable, easy to operate, and exhibits good stability and accuracy, showing great potential for future point-of-care testing.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Md Ehtashamul Haque, Alvaro J. J. Conde, William N. N. MacPherson, Stephen R. R. Knight, Richard M. M. Carter, Maiwenn Kersaudy-Kerhoas
Summary: A finger-actuated blood lysate preparation device based on acoustofluidic micromixer is developed for effective red blood cell lysis, which has potential applications in various blood-based diagnostic tests. The device features innovative design and user-friendly operation, offering opportunities for the development of low-cost microfluidic-based diagnostics.
Article
Nuclear Science & Technology
M. Suba, Falix Lawrenec
Summary: Fast reactor spent fuel plants reprocess plutonium-rich fuel to recover nuclear-grade uranium and plutonium using centrifugal extractors or mixer settler solvent extraction equipment. However, the high plutonium content in the spent fuel can lead to the formation of a third phase during the process, causing flooding and posing a risk of nuclear criticality or explosion in the evaporators. Therefore, continuous monitoring of the solvent extraction equipment is necessary to detect the onset of the third phase.
PROGRESS IN NUCLEAR ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Seito Shijo, Daiki Tanaka, Tetsushi Sekiguchi, Jun-ichi Ishihara, Hiroki Takahashi, Masashi Kobayashi, Shuichi Shoji
Summary: We developed a microfluidic device that utilizes dielectrophoresis to selectively trap and extract droplets from multiple trapping pockets. The device includes a main microchannel, five droplet-trapping pockets with side channels, and drive electrode pairs positioned around the trapping pockets. Agarose droplets containing biological samples were successfully trapped in the pockets due to flow resistance differences. Under an applied voltage of 500 V, target droplets were selectively extracted using dielectrophoretic force. The device allows for the screening of encapsulated single cells and the targeted extraction of desired droplets.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
B. Sreenivasulu, S. Rajeswari, A. Suresh, N. Sivaraman
Summary: The study demonstrated the feasibility of aqueous reprocessing of U-Zr and U-Pu-Zr metallic alloy fuels using TBP as the extractant in an ejector mixer-settler. Continuous counter-current mixer settler runs showed quantitative extraction of U and U + Pu within five stages for U-Zr and U-Pu-Zr feed solutions, respectively. The proposed flow sheets suggest that the PUREX-based method for aqueous reprocessing of metallic fuels is achievable.
SOLVENT EXTRACTION AND ION EXCHANGE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yiwei Zhou, Zhuo Chen, An Chen, Jingwei Zhang, Xingjiang Wu, Jianhong Xu
Summary: With the expansion of the lithium-ion battery market, the need for comprehensive recycling of cathode materials has increased. This study presents a comprehensive recovery system for the leachate from spent NCM cathode materials using microextraction equipment. A co-extraction method was developed to separate the MnCo-Ni from Li ions in the leachate. The extraction effects of different extractants were investigated, and a co-extraction pattern using a mixed extractant was established. The mechanism of saponification and extraction with the mixed extractant was explained using IR spectral results. The lithium ion was recovered via precipitation, resulting in regenerated lithium carbonate with high purity. The study successfully established a comprehensive extractive recovery process for Mn-Co-Ni with high recovery efficiencies.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yiwei Zhou, Zhuo Chen, An Chen, Jingwei Zhang, Xingjiang Wu, Jianhong Xu
Summary: With the market scale of lithium-ion batteries expanding, the comprehensive recycling of lithium-ion battery cathode materials has become increasingly important. This research established an economic and efficient extraction method for the recovery of Mn, Co, Ni, and Li, achieving high purity regenerated lithium carbonate.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Younes Amini, Amin Hassanvand, V. Ghazanfari, Mohammad Mahdi Shadman, Mehran Heydari, Zahra Sayah Alborzi
Summary: In this study, novel solvent extraction and microfluidic technology were combined to effectively separate and extract Ca2+ ions. A serpentine microfluidic device was utilized to achieve complete separation of aqueous and organic phases. The extraction performance reached 23.40% at a residence time of 4.2 s. Optimization using the Box-Behnken design approach yielded an extraction performance of 62.34% for Ca2+ under the optimum conditions of pH 6.25, DC18C6 concentration of 0.015 M, and aqueous phase flow rate of 20 mu l/min. The experimental efficiency and microfluidic extraction in the novel serpentine microchannel were found to be superior to similar studies conducted under the same conditions.
INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS IN HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mirna Gonzalez-Gonzalez, Guillermo Pico, Alvaro Silva Lima, Cassamo Ussemane Mussagy, Jorge Fernando Brandao Pereira, Hector Marcelo Fernandez-Lahore, Juan A. Asenjo, Marco Rito-Palomares
Summary: Aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) are a simple and robust bioprocessing technology with high efficiency for concentration, enrichment, recovery, and purification of biological molecules. Four relevant countries in Latin America have played important roles in the practical evolution of ATPS. Novel applications of ATPS are being explored for visionary therapeutic tasks in healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceutical sectors, and environmental purposes.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mirna Gonzalez-Gonzalez, Marco Rito-Palomares
Summary: Bioseparation is a crucial process in obtaining biological products, with researchers focusing on optimizing upstream and downstream processes leading to a technological revolution. This perspective article summarises recent advances, challenges, and future trends in bioseparation, and proposes a classification of different technologies.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
David Mastrascusa, Patricia Vazquez-Villegas, Jose Ignacio Huertas, Esther Perez-Carrillo, Roberto Nevarez
Summary: This study identified the relevant physic characteristics of pizzas and established instrumental methods to evaluate their quality and acceptability. Different oven technologies were used to produce well-accepted pizzas, with the proposed method sensitive enough to detect quality differences. However, these variations were not recognized by non-trained panelists in the sensory test conducted.
JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-MYSORE
(2022)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Margarita Ortiz-Martinez, Mirna Gonzalez-Gonzalez, Alexandro J. Martagon, Victoria Hlavinka, Richard C. Willson, Marco Rito-Palomares
Summary: Diabetes mellitus is a complex chronic illness characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, with poor control leading to various complications. Type 2 diabetes represents the most common form and its incidence is increasing globally, particularly among children and young adults due to lifestyle factors. Early detection through cost-effective screening strategies and development of new biomarkers is crucial to prevent life-threatening complications.
CURRENT DIABETES REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Patricia Vazquez-Villegas, Marli Sanchez, Erick Heredia-Olea, Esther Perez-Carrillo
Summary: Interest in clean label products and decrease of effluents have increased. Nixtamalized maize flour (NMF) residues could be used as by-products that modify NMF properties without the need for other additives. The use of pericarp as an ingredient for cereal products has detrimental effects.
Article
Education & Educational Research
Luis Alberto Mejia-Manzano, Gabriela Sirkis, Juan-Carlos Rojas, Katherina Gallardo, Patricia Vazquez-Villegas, Claudia Camacho-Zuniga, Jorge Membrillo-Hernandez, Patricia Caratozzolo
Summary: The Fourth Industrial Revolution necessitates global, structural, and technological changes across all economic sectors. Generation Z individuals bear the greatest responsibility in adapting to these changes within organizations. International reports from the World Economic Forum and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development highlight the need for developing thinking diversity and lifelong learning skills among these individuals. This study examines the education required for future skills that enable successful careers, considering the anticipated changes in the coming years. Using futures studies methodology, various scenarios are proposed to facilitate the adaptation of Generation Z to the changing work, workplace, and workforce dynamics in higher education institutions, industries, and companies. The findings underscore the significant impact of skills and attitudes such as self-esteem, self-efficacy, initiative, emotions, and motivation on self-managed development throughout one's professional life.
EDUCATION SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Education & Educational Research
Patricia Vazquez-Villegas, Luis Alberto Mejia-Manzano, Juan Carlos Sanchez-Rangel, Jorge Membrillo-Hernandez
Summary: The evolution of curricula in recent decades has led to diverse teaching approaches in the field of experimental science, promoting the development of research skills. However, the scientific method is rarely mentioned and more commonly referred to as a set of steps or structures for problem-solving, challenges, investigations, or assigned tasks. Problem-solving and critical thinking were identified as the most important skills developed through the knowledge and practice of the scientific method. There is a gap in the literature regarding the use of the scientific method and the development of research skills in non-STEM fields, highlighting the need for further studies to examine the effectiveness of teaching the scientific method in enhancing research skills in STEM and non-STEM areas.
EDUCATION SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Luis Alberto Mejia-Manzano, Patricia Vazquez-Villegas, Anthony Smith, Alfredo Soeiro, Aniko Kalman, Tamer Atabarut, Nicolas Otaduy-Rivera, Jorge Membrillo-Hernandez, Patricia Caratozzolo
Summary: Understanding the concept of sustainability and its implementation is important for today’s societies, and Higher Education Institutions have a responsibility in this regard. There are various rankings, such as the University of Indonesia Green Metric and the Times Higher Education Impact Ranking, that aim to standardize and validate sustainable practices. This research reviews the actions of the top ten universities in these rankings, along with organizational initiatives, to clarify key measures and actions taken by universities towards sustainability and their participation in achieving the SDGs.
Article
Education, Scientific Disciplines
Jorge Membrillo-Hernandez, William J. Cuervo-Bejarano, Luis A. Mejia-Manzano, Patricia Caratozzolo, Patricia Vazquez-Villegas
Summary: One of the popular strategies to develop skills like collaborative work, critical thinking, and problem-solving is the application of COIL through a Global Shared Learning Classroom. In this classroom, professors from different universities and cultures collaborate to solve real-life challenges using digital communication tools.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING PEDAGOGY
(2023)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Antoine van den Beemt, Patricia Vazquez-Villegas, Sonia Gomez Puente, Fiona O'Riordan, Clare Gormley, Feng-Kuang Chiang, Chuntao Leng, Patricia Caratozzolo, Genaro Zavala, Jorge Membrillo-Hernandez
Summary: Teaching strategies in universities are shifting towards skills development and experiential learning. Challenge-Based Learning (CBL) is an advanced approach where students collaborate to solve real-life problems. This educational advancement is global and produces graduates with international skills. Obstacles exist in the transformation towards CBL, but it is a promising pathway in educational developments.
EDUCATION SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Gabriela Ortiz-Martinez, Patricia Vazquez-Villegas, Maria Ileana Ruiz-Cantisani, Monica Delgado-Fabian, Danna A. Conejo-Marquez, Jorge Membrillo-Hernandez
Summary: Gender equity and quality education are important for sustainable development, especially in undergraduate STEM programs where there is a gender gap. A study in a private university in Mexico analyzed historical data and conducted a survey to understand the reasons behind women's persistence or abandonment in STEM careers. The study found that inspiring faculty, competitive and empathetic teaching environments, and educational innovations such as mentoring and digital platforms can influence women's decisions in STEM careers.
HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Mariajulia Martinez-Acosta, Patricia Vazquez-Villegas, Luis Alberto Mejia-Manzano, Gladis Valeria Soto-Inzunza, Karina Mayela Ruiz-Aguilar, Luis Kuhn Cuellar, Patricia Caratozzolo, Jorge Membrillo-Hernandez
Summary: This study investigates the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG12) in cities through the role of universities as laboratories for sustainability. The analysis includes a systematic review of literature on a global scale, an examination of initiatives at one Higher Education Institution (Tecnologico de Monterrey) on a local scale, and a survey among Faculty at the university on a micro-scale. The results indicate that higher education institutions focus on various aspects of SDG12, such as sustainable food, supply chains, community, infrastructure, technology, policies, energy consumption, the collaborative economy, smart cities, and curricula.
FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE CITIES
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Luis Alberto Mejia-Manzano, Patricia Vazquez-Villegas, Luis Vicente Prado-Cervantes, Kristeel Ximena Franco-Gomez, Susana Carbajal-Ocana, Daniela Lizeth Sotelo-Cortes, Valeria Atehortua-Benitez, Miguel Delgado-Rodriguez, Jorge Membrillo-Hernandez
Summary: Biofilms are living microorganism communities that pose a threat to the healthcare sector due to their association with health-related infections. This review provides an overview of biofilms and their formation, focusing on their relevance in biomedicine and advancements in materials to prevent or control biofilm formation. Biofilms are aggregates of cells in an extracellular matrix, offering protection to microorganisms in unfavorable environments. Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia spp., and Candida spp. are the most commonly reported microorganisms forming biofilms in medical implants and devices. In recent years, biofilms have been linked to health-associated infections and deaths globally. Smart, functional polymers show promise in combating biofilms through modification or synthesis of new materials.
Proceedings Paper
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Mariajulia Martinez-Acosta, Patricia Vazquez-Villegas, Patricia Caratozzolo, Vianney Lara-Prieto, Rebeca Garcia-Garcia, Jorge Membrillo-Hernandez
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in societal confinement and brought significant changes, such as reduced mobility, substantial changes in education with the development of distance learning and digital skills. Climate change and environmental pollution indicators decreased, but the quantification of the digital carbon footprint of remote work has not been systematically studied or calculated. This educational research aimed to determine the carbon footprint of digital activities in a company during the COVID-19 confinement by using Challenge-Based Learning methodology. The research program involved a one-semester academic program to develop energy auditing skills for students and validate evaluation instruments with a training partner. Data collection techniques, questionnaires, and analysis of energy consumption data were designed, allowing for the determination of the digital carbon footprint generated in the pilot company. Mitigation measures aligned with Sustainable Development Goals were proposed for a sustainable digital education trend.
LEARNING IN THE AGE OF DIGITAL AND GREEN TRANSITION, ICL2022, VOL 1
(2023)
Proceedings Paper
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Jorge Membrillo-Hernandez, William Javier Cuervo-Bejarano, Patricia Vazquez-Villegas
Summary: COIL is a popular strategy that develops skills through a global classroom and challenge-based learning. This study conducted a four-week global course between universities in Mexico and Colombia, allowing students to solve sustainability challenges and develop intercultural communication skills using digital tools.
LEARNING IN THE AGE OF DIGITAL AND GREEN TRANSITION, ICL2022, VOL 1
(2023)
