Article
Genetics & Heredity
Duo Chen, Xue Yuan, Xuehai Zheng, Jingping Fang, Gang Lin, Rongmao Li, Jiannan Chen, Wenjin He, Zhen Huang, Wenfang Fan, Limin Liang, Chentao Lin, Jinmao Zhu, Youqiang Chen, Ting Xue
Summary: This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the regulatory networks for fucoxanthin (Fx) biosynthesis in Isochrysis galbana, a potential bait for functional foods and nutraceuticals. A high-quality genome assembly of I. galbana LG007 was obtained, which revealed its phylogenetic relationship with other Haptophytes. Evolutionary analysis provided insights into the divergence time between I. galbana and Emiliania huxleyi. Gene family and metabolome analyses identified key genes and environmental factors influencing Fx content in I. galbana. These findings contribute to the understanding of Fx biosynthesis and regulation, providing valuable references for food and pharmaceutical applications.
GENOMICS PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Duo Chen, Huan Li, Jing Chen, Yuying Han, Xuehai Zheng, Yixin Xiao, Xupeng Chen, Tao Chen, Jiannan Chen, Youqiang Chen, Ting Xue
Summary: This study aimed to uncover the mechanism of fucoxanthin biosynthesis in Isochrysis galbana under green light. The results revealed that differentially accessible chromatin regions (DARs)-associated genes were enriched in carotenoid biosynthesis and photosynthesis-antenna protein formation. MYB family motifs were identified as candidates controlling metabolic regulation responses to green light. Differential expression analysis and WGCNA showed that genes related to carotenoid metabolism and photosynthesis exhibited a higher expression level under green light. Integrated analysis of ATAC-seq and RNA-seq identified specific genes for green light that may play a key role in fucoxanthin biosynthesis in I. galbana through a complex regulatory network.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
J. Camacho-Rodriguez, J. J. Gallardo-Rodriguez, M. C. Ceron-Garcia, F. Garcia-Camacho, E. Molina-Grima
Summary: The nutrient content of a commercial seawater culture medium for growing Isochrysis galbana was optimized using a genetic algorithm-based stochastic strategy, which significantly improved polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) productivity by 15% and increased carotenoids by 50% dry weight. The genetic algorithm approach also allowed for the reduction of nutrient requirements, such as N (25%), Mo (20%), Mn (60%), Co (60%), and Cu (60%).
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Daogui Li, Na Chen, Zhihua Zhou, Cairong Zhong, Jingping Fang, Luqiang Huang, Han Sun, Chengdeng Chi, Youcai Zhou, Yongjin He
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the ability of Isochrysis sp. to produce high-valued triacylglycerols (TAGs) and fucoxanthin through batch, fed-batch, and semi-continuous cultivation modes in large-scale photobioreactors. It was found that Isochrysis cells had different growth characteristics, nutrient consumption, and biochemical composition in each cultivation mode. The highest TAGs and fucoxanthin productivities were achieved in the semi-continuous cultivation mode with 10% renewable rate. The results also showed that the microalgal growth phase and nutrient levels had distinct impacts on the quality of TAGs produced. Overall, Isochrysis sp. is a promising marine microalga for the production of sustainable TAGs and fucoxanthin through semi-continuous cultivation in large-scale photobioreactors.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Shona J. Robinson, Pierre R. Berube
Summary: This research linked membrane ageing changes observed at bench-scale with changes observed in previous full-scale studies. The study found that while membrane chemistry changes were similar for bench-scale and full-scale ageing, performance differed. The complexity of membrane processes increases with bench-scale soaking, bench-scale cycled operation, and full-scale operation, with ageing progression differing depending on process complexity. Comparing the two bench-scale techniques with full-scale ageing findings revealed that irreversible foulants are critical components of full-scale ageing, with the impact of these foulants approximated to some extent by cycling membranes at bench-scale.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mukta Hardikar, Itzel Marquez, Tenzin Phakdon, A. Eduardo Saez, Andrea Achilli
Summary: This article presents a procedure for designing full-scale air gap membrane distillation (AGMD) processes and develops a mathematical model for simulating and designing AGMD elements. The experimental results confirm the feasibility of the proposed method and provide guidance for optimizing the conditions to improve water production and energy efficiency.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Marcos Oliveira Filho, Romain Mailler, Vincent Rocher, Yannick Fayolle, Christel Causserand
Summary: The study suggests that membrane ageing in full-scale MBR is more affected by operating conditions rather than chemical action, highlighting the importance of membrane autopsies for monitoring ageing. Additionally, continuous increase in intrinsic permeability may lead to irreversible fouling accumulation, necessitating more frequent chemical cleanings in full-scale MBRs.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Alexandre M. S. Jorge, Joao A. P. Coutinho, Jorge F. B. Pereira
Summary: This study investigates the hydrodynamics of three cholinium chloride-based aqueous biphasic systems (ABS) through analyzing the relationship between mixing time and phase settling time. The results show that phase settling time is independent of mixing time and is influenced by the nature of the phase-forming compounds. The study also defines the best operating region within the liquid-liquid region of [Ch]Cl/salt-based ABS.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fanchao Xu, Huixin Li, Huiting Liu, He Cui, Yao Qu, Daqiang Yin, Xiaolei Qu
Summary: Prediction models for organic fouling of ultrafiltration membranes were established based on the hydrophobicity of dissolved organic matter (DOM), and their accuracy was validated through experiments. It was found that the hydrophobicity of DOM played an important role in the organic fouling of the membranes, and the pH value also had an impact on the fouling.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Xiaobin Tang, Tiecheng Guo, Haiqing Chang, Xiao Yue, Jinlong Wang, Haikuan Yu, Binghan Xie, Xuewu Zhu, Guibai Li, Heng Liang
Summary: A chemically enhanced backwashing (CEB) process was developed using different cleaning reagents to alleviate the membrane fouling caused by algae in ultrafiltration (UF) for drinking water treatment. The study found that sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) was the most effective reagent in alleviating membrane fouling, followed by sodium chloride (NaCl). Combining NaClO with NaCl, sodium hydroxide (NaOH), or sodium citrate did not significantly improve the alleviation of membrane fouling compared to NaClO alone. The optimized dosage and dosing frequency of NaClO were determined to be 10 mg/L, used twice per day. Long-term pilot-scale and full-scale experiments confirmed the feasibility of the CEB process in relieving algae-derived membrane fouling. The CEB process effectively removed organic foulants through oxidization, weakening the cohesive forces between the foulants and the membrane surface.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Robbe Demets, Lore Gheysen, Ann Van Loey, Imogen Foubert
Summary: Microalgae rich in omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA) have the potential for developing functional food and offer a sustainable alternative to fish stock. The presence of endogenous carotenoids in microalgae contributes to the oxidative stability of enriched products. However, further research is needed to understand the antioxidative role of carotenoids and its impact on selecting microalgae for enrichment.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lirong Nie, Ziwei Zheng, Mingxia Lu, Shun Yao, Dong Guo
Summary: This article summarizes the phase behavior of IL-based ATPSs in chemical reactions and separation processes, and highlights the possible future directions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Weronika Tabaka, Sebastian Timme, Tobias Lauterbach, Lilian Medina, Lars A. Berglund, Federico Carosio, Sophie Duquesne, Bernhard Schartel
Summary: This study introduces a bench-scale test method for evaluating the impact of different fire protection systems on the structural integrity of CFRPs. Different fire protection systems can extend the failure time of CFRPs by up to 43 times.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Francisco Regis Machado Nascimento, Aldemar Martinez Gonzalez, Electo Eduardo Silva Lora, Albert Ratner, Jose Carlos Escobar Palacio, Rafaela Reinaldo
Summary: Thermochemical conversion through gasification is an important technology for energy recovery from solid fuel, with higher conversion efficiency than combustion and pyrolysis. The most common technologies for this conversion involve fluidized bed or bubbling fluidized bed systems, operating at isothermal temperatures to promote chemical reactions and gas-solid contact. High gasification temperatures improve carbon conversion efficiency but may increase the risk of bed agglomeration, especially with alkali-rich biomasses.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Alicio Wagner Vieira, Keycianne da Cruz Silva, Aparecida Barbosa Mageste, Guilherme Dias Rodrigues, Leandro Rodrigues de Lemos
Summary: This study characterized new ATPS formed by PVP10K with different salts and water, with findings showing that temperature and pH had minimal influence on the phase region, sodium sulfate was more efficient than zinc sulfate, and the partition of lycopene in ATPS was driven enthalpically.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2021)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Kuldeep Dhama, Khan Sharun, Mudasir B. Gugjoo, Ruchi Tiwari, Mahmoud Alagawany, Mohd. Iqbal Yatoo, Pallavi Thakur, Hafiz M. N. Iqbal, Wanpen Chaicumpa, Izabela Michalak, Shaaban S. Elnesr, Mayada R. Farag
Summary: Ocimum basilicum, also known as sweet basil, is a herb with multiple beneficial health effects and medicinal values. It has the potential for treating various ailments and diseases in both humans and animals.
FOOD REVIEWS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Keshia F. Castillo-Romero, Arlette Santacruz, Jose Gonzalez-Valdez
Summary: Bacterial membrane vesicles (BMVs) are bi-layered nanostructures derived from Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and play critical roles in intercellular communication. Despite their potential in therapeutic applications, the successful isolation and purification of BMVs face challenges in terms of purity, yield, and scalability. This review discusses current technologies and methodologies for BMV production and purification, such as ultracentrifugation, density-gradient centrifugation, size-exclusion chromatography, ultrafiltration, and precipitation. The review also highlights the challenges in BMV isolation, large-scale production, storage, and stability, and proposes strategies to overcome these challenges. Furthermore, ongoing applications of BMVs in the biotechnological field are summarized.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nimra Ismail, Muhammad Imran, Muhammad Ramzan, Ayesha Anwar, Ibrahim A. Alsafari, Muhammad Asgher, Hafiz M. N. Iqbal
Summary: This work synthesized a functional porous material, aspartic acid-functionalized graphene oxide-zinc oxide, and studied its potential to remove levofloxacin (LFXN). The adsorbent was characterized using various techniques and found to have an average crystallite size of 17.30 nm. Batch adsorption studies were conducted to understand the adsorption process for LFXN. The kinetics and mechanism were analyzed using different models, revealing that the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-first-order kinetic model were the most fitting. The GO/Asp-ZnO composite showed promising efficiency in removing LFXN.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zohaib Saddique, Muhammad Imran, Ayesha Javaid, Nayab Batool Rizvi, Muhammad Nadeem Akhtar, Hafiz M. N. Iqbal, Muhammad Bilal
Summary: Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are multi-dimensional network of crystalline material held together by bonding of metal atoms and organic ligands. MOFs have been used for enzyme immobilization in different catalytic processes, including degradation of antibiotics. Enzyme@MOFs offer enhanced stability, catalytic activity, reusability, and selectivity, making them more effective for antibiotic degradation in environmental remediation. This review focuses on the catalytic degradation of antibiotics by enzyme@MOFs, discussing their synthesis approaches, characterization, and degradation mechanisms. The significance of enzyme@MOFs system for antibiotics degradation and environmental remediation is highlighted, along with current challenges and future research perspective.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sobhan Ghanbari, Ali Fatehizadeh, Afshin Ebrahimi, Bijan Bina, Ensiyeh Taheri, Hafiz M. N. Iqbal
Summary: In this study, natural manganese-containing mineral (NMM) was used as a catalyst for heterogeneous catalytic ozonation. The catalytic activity of NMM and H-NMM, which were modified by hydro-thermal aging process, was evaluated for the degradation of 4-chlorophenol (4-CP). The synergistic effect of NMM and H-NMM in the ozonation process showed promising potential for mitigating environmentally related pollutants.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Sana Rauf, Jingting Luo, Hafiz Imran Ahmad Qazi, Muhammad Sohail, Ran Tao, Chen Fu, Sajid Rauf, Ishtiaq Ahmad, Hafiz M. N. Iqbal, Honglang Li
Summary: A highly sensitive leaky surface acoustic wave (LSAW) biosensor was proposed for detecting protein kinase A (PKA) activity. The biosensor utilized peptide-templated copper nanoclusters for signal enhancement. The biosensor showed great potential use in drug discovery and disease diagnosis by screening protein kinase inhibitors and detecting protein kinase activity in drug-stimulated complex cell lysates.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Zanib Ahmed, Arooj Arshad, Muhammad Bilal, Hafiz M. N. Iqbal, Ishtiaq Ahmed
Summary: Cellulases are versatile enzymes with various applications in industrial processes. However, they often face challenges such as instability and low recoverability. Immobilization using nanobiocatalysts has emerged as a promising strategy to address these concerns and enhance the efficiency of cellulases. Different materials, including chitosan, alginates, silica gel, magnetic nanoparticles, and carbon nanotubes, have been explored as effective supports for immobilizing cellulases. This work provides insights into the characteristics, applications, and potential industrial uses of immobilized cellulases.
TOPICS IN CATALYSIS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Applied
Hafiz M. N. Iqbal, Muhammad Bilal, Jiandong Cui
TOPICS IN CATALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laura E. Parra Daza, Lina Suarez Medina, Albert E. Tafur Rangel, Miguel Fernandez-Nino, Luis Alberto Mejia-Manzano, Jose Gonzalez-Valdez, Luis H. Reyes, Andres Fernando Gonzalez Barrios
Summary: The molecule (2S)-naringenin is currently produced through chemical synthesis and plant isolation, but heterologous biosynthesis is emerging as a viable alternative. This study designed and assembled a bio-factory for (2S)-naringenin production, utilizing specific genes for the biosynthetic pathway. The effect of oxygen transfer on (2S)-naringenin production was evaluated, and the highest titer was obtained at bench scale.
Review
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Ayesha Anwar, Muhammad Imran, Hafiz M. N. Iqbal
Summary: Enzymes are extensively researched for their selectivity, efficiency, and environmental friendliness, but their lack of stability and reusability hinders their applications. Nano biocatalysts, which combine biotechnology and nanotechnology, offer attractive possibilities for enhancing enzyme activity, stability, and engineering performances. Carbon-based nanostructures coated with polymeric materials have been studied as carriers for enzyme immobilization in various fields, and co-immobilization of multiple enzymes has been highlighted. This study comprehensively analyzes immobilization techniques, carriers, biocatalytic matrices, and the influence of carrier characteristics on biocatalyst performance, as well as discussing the challenges and potential of using nanostructures for enzyme immobilization.
COORDINATION CHEMISTRY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Beatriz E. de los Santos-Gonzalez, Celeste C. Ibarra-Herrera, Jesus A. Valencia-Gallegos, Marco A. Mata-Gomez, Jose Gonzalez-Valdez
Summary: In this study, a new monolithic stationary phase with hyperbranched nanostructures was synthesized and used for the separation of PEGylated protein mixtures. The support exhibited low mass transfer resistance and successfully separated mono-PEG ribonuclease A from the PEGylation mixture. In addition, the support was able to separate individual PEGylated species when high ammonium sulfate concentrations were used.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ammara Nazir, Muhammad Imran, Farah Kanwal, Shoomaila Latif, Ayesha Javaid, Tak H. Kim, Grzegorz Boczkaj, Ashwag Shami, Hafiz Iqbal
Summary: Lanthanum ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized using a simple co-precipitation method with two different templates, sorbitol and mannitol, to tune their properties. The nanoparticles were characterized using various techniques and it was found that sorbitol resulted in smaller bandgap, different phases, and better distribution compared to mannitol. Sorbitol also exhibited higher photocatalytic efficiency and recyclability. These findings highlight the importance of template selection in tailoring the properties of lanthanum ferrite nanoparticles for environmental remediation applications.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Saul Antonio Hernandez Martinez, Elda M. Melchor-Martinez, Reyna Berenice Gonzalez-Gonzalez, Juan Eduardo Sosa-Hernandez, Rafael G. Araujo, Jesus Alfredo Rodriguez-Hernandez, Damia Barcelo, Roberto Parra-Saldivar, Hafiz M. N. Iqbal
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in the use of psychiatric drugs, which are difficult to degrade and pose potential ecological and toxicological risks. Biocatalysis-assisted techniques can efficiently remove these drugs from water. There are differences in waste management policies for the drug industry between high- and low-income countries.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Karina G. Coronado-Apodaca, Sofia E. Rodriguez-De Luna, Rafael G. Araujo, Mariel Araceli Oyervides-Munoz, Georgia Maria Gonzalez-Meza, Lizeth Parra-Arroyo, Juan Eduardo Sosa-Hernandez, Hafiz M. N. Iqbal, Roberto Parra-Saldivar
Summary: Emerging pollutants are a diverse group of contaminants released into the environment through human activities, such as hormones, pesticides, heavy metals, and drugs. Due to inadequate wastewater treatment, these pollutants can enter groundwater and have potentially harmful effects on living organisms. Recent efforts have focused on developing technology to detect and quantify emerging pollutants in real-time, as well as remove them from groundwater.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lizeth Parra-Arroyo, Reyna Berenice Gonzalez-Gonzalez, Rocio A. Chavez-Santoscoy, Elda A. Flores-Contreras, Roberto Parra-Saldivar, Elda M. Melchor Martinez, Hafiz M. N. Iqbal
Summary: Magnetic nanoparticles have wide-ranging applications in biotechnology, environmental science, and biomedicine. They are effective for magnetic separation and improving catalysis by immobilizing enzymes. By using iron oxide and graphene oxide as magnetic materials, nanobiocatalysis can efficiently degrade pollutants in water. This review focuses on the synthesis methods of magnetic nanoparticles and their performance in nanobiocatalysis for water pollutant degradation.
