Batch Volume Research Articles

A do-it-yourself benchtop device for highly scalable flow synthesis of protein-based nanoparticles

Synthesis of nanoparticles is typically carried out in batch procedures, which offer limited control of parameters, and a narrow range of possible batch volumes. In contrast, flow synthesis systems, usually having a microfluidic chip as a crucial part, are devoid of these drawbacks. However, large scale devices – millifluidic systems – may offer several advantages over microfluidic systems, such as easier and cheaper production, enhanced throughput, and reduced channel clogging. Here we report a millifluidic system for the generation of protein nanoparticles, using the flow format of the original swift thermal formation technology (STF), which can process batch volume ranging from 100 µl to any practically significant amount. Capabilities of the system are demonstrated with model synthesis of Epirubicin-encapsulated BSA nanoparticles. A better degree of scalability of the synthesis over batch procedure is shown: with a 10-fold working volume increase, hydrodynamic diameter and loading capacity changed by only 10 % and 1 % respectively, compared to 60 % and 30 % for the batch synthesis. Additionally, we provide all engineering drawings, electrical circuits, programming code and nuances of assembly and operation, so that our findings can be easily reproduced. The ease of construction of the device and the superior characteristics of the resulting nanoparticles compared to the batch method indicate application potential in both the biomedical research and industrial spheres.

A Comprehensive Review of Fine Chemical Production Using Metal-Modified and Acidic Microporous and Mesoporous Catalytic Materials

Fine chemicals are produced in small annual volume batch processes (often <10,000 tonnes per year), with a high associated price (usually >USD 10/kg). As a result of their usage in the production of speciality chemicals, in areas including agrochemicals, fragrances, and pharmaceuticals, the need for them will remain high for the foreseeable future. This review article assesses current methods used to produce fine chemicals with heterogeneous catalysts, including both well-established and newer experimental methods. A wide range of methods, utilising microporous and mesoporous catalysts, has been explored, including their preparation and modification before use in industry. Their potential drawbacks and benefits have been analysed, with their feasibility compared to newer, recently emerging catalysts. The field of heterogeneous catalysis for fine chemical production is a dynamic and ever-changing area of research. This deeper insight into catalytic behaviour and material properties will produce more efficient, selective, and sustainable processes in the fine chemical industry. The findings from this article will provide an excellent foundation for further exploration and a critical review in the field of fine chemical production using micro- and mesoporous heterogeneous catalysts.

Effect of Sonication Batch on Electrical Properties of Graphitic-Based PVDF-HFP Strain Sensors for Use in Health Monitoring.

In this study, flexible nanocomposites made from PVDF-HFP reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) are manufactured using a sonication and solvent casting method for monitoring purposes. More specifically, the effect of the volume batch under the sonication process is explored. For CNT-based composites, the electrical conductivity decreases as the batch volume increases due to less effective dispersion of the CNTs during the 30-min sonication. The maximum electrical conductivity achieved in this type of sensor is 1.44 ± 0.17 S/m. For the GNP-based nanocomposites, the lower the batch volume is, the more breakage of nanoplatelets is induced by sonication, and the electrical response decreases. This is also validated by AC analysis, where the characteristic frequencies are extracted. Here, the maximum electrical conductivity measured is 8.66 ± 1.76 S/m. The electromechanical results also show dependency on the batch volume. In the CNT-based nanocomposites, the higher gauge factor achieved corresponds to the batch size, where the sonication may be more effective because it leads to a dispersed pathway formed by aggregates connected by tunneling mechanisms. In contrast, in the CNT-based nanocomposites, the GF depends on the lateral size of the GNPs. The biggest GF of all sensors is achieved with the PVDF-HFP/GNP sensors, having a value of 69.36 × 104 at 35% of strain, while the highest GF achieved with a PVDF-HFP/CNT sensor is 79.70 × 103 at 70%. In addition, cycling tests show robust electromechanical response with cycling for two different strain percentages for each type of nanocomposite. The sensor with the highest sensitivity is selected for monitoring two joint movements as proof of the applicability of the sensors manufactured.

Nucleation of highly uniform AlN thin films by high volume batch ALD on 200 mm platform

Nucleation of highly uniform AlN thin films by high volume batch ALD on 200 mm platform

A highly tuneable inverse emulsion polymerization for the synthesis of stimuli-responsive nanoparticles for biomedical applications.

Polymeric nanomaterials have seen widespread use in biomedical applications as they are highly tuneable to achieve the desired stimuli-responsiveness, targeting, biocompatibility, and degradation needed for fields such as drug delivery and biosensing. However, adjustments to composition and the introduction of new monomers often necessitate reoptimization of the polymer synthesis to achieve the target parameters. In this study, we explored the use of inverse emulsion polymerization to prepare a library of polymeric nanoparticles with variations in pH and temperature response and examined the impact of overall batch volume and the volume of the aqueous phase on nanoparticle size and composition. We were able to prepare copolymeric nanoparticles using three different nonionic and three different anionic comonomers. Varying the non-ionizable comonomers, acrylamide (AAm), 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM), was found to alter the mass percentage of methacrylic acid (MAA) incorporated (from 26.7 ± 3.5 to 45.8 ± 1.8 mass%), the critical swelling pH (from 5.687 ± 0.194 to 6.637 ± 0.318), and the volume swelling ratio (from 1.389 ± 0.064 to 2.148 ± 0.037). Additionally, the use of NIPAM was found to allow for temperature-responsive behavior. Varying the ionizable comonomers, MAA, itaconic acid, and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPSA), was found to significantly alter the critical swelling pH and, in the case of AMPSA, remove the pH-responsive behavior entirely. Finally, we found that for the base P(AAm-co-MAA) formulation, the pH-responsive swelling behavior was independent of the scale of the reaction; however, variations in the aqueous volume relative to the volume of the continuous phase significantly affected both the nanoparticle size and the critical swelling pH.

Sequencing of operations and repeatable machines in smart manufacturing

In traditional manufacturing, a machine is treated as having one operation function, but in smart manufacturing, each machine can have more than one operation function. Traditional group technology (GT) focuses on whether a part has been operated on by a machine, but this study focuses on the sequencing of operations for a part, the volume (batch) of a part, and repeatable machines. This study proposes two algorithms based on the close-neighbor concept and takes into account these three factors. One of the algorithms considers volume (batch); the other does not. A GT efficiency measurement is proposed that considers part movement, machine movement, part volume, and group size, the last three being factors commonly excluded from the literature on GT efficiency calculations and operation sequence. Six numerical examples, which demonstrate the algorithm’s implementation, are compared with solutions generated by other algorithms from the literature, and the proposed algorithm is shown to have superior GT efficiency. Although increasing the number of groups can increase the GT efficiency, it can also, due to the effect of group size, increase the movements of the parts and/or the machines. All the resolutions can be used by managers making plant layout decisions.

Manual single lumen alternating micro-batch dialysis achieves reliable clearance via diffusion.

Acute kidney injury is a cause of preventable deaths in low resource settings due to lack of dialysis access and cost. A manual single lumen alternating micro-batch (mSLAMB) dialysis technique performs kidney replacement therapy using single lumen access, low-cost bags/tubing, intravenous fluids, anda filter without electricity, a battery, or a pump. We propose a protocol whereby mSLAMB can perform diffusive clearance simply and efficiently to bring dialysis to underserved populations. Expired packed red blood cells mixed with crystalloid solution were spiked with urea and anticoagulated with heparin. A Static diffusion Technique (with short flushes of fluid before each filter pass) was compared to a Dynamic diffusion Technique (with fluid running through the filter during the forward pass) to assess urea and potassium clearance. Passive ultrafiltration was the difference between the 200 mL batch volume and volume returned to the blood bag per cycle. Five cycles achieved urea reduction ratios (URR) between 17-67% and potassium clearance of 18-60%, with higher percentagesachieved from higher proportions of batch volume dialyzed to patient volume. Dynamic Technique increased clearance over the Static Technique. Passive ultrafiltration volumes were 2.5-10% of batch volume. mSLAMB dialysis performs diffusive clearance and passive ultrafiltration efficiently, while preserving resources and available manpower. mSLAMB is a dialysis technique that can perform efficient diffusive clearance and passive ultrafiltration without electricity, batteries, or a pump. With basic medical supplies and limited manpower, mSLAMB is a cost-effective means of providing emergency dialysis in low resource areas. We propose a basic algorithm for safe and cost-effective dialysis for people of different ages and sizes.

Effect of operational and geometric parameters on the hydrodynamics of a Wurster coater: A CFD-DEM study

A coupled CFD-DEM method was used to study the hydrodynamics of a Wurster coater. Firstly, the CFD part of the model was validated by the accurate prediction of the pressure drops over a pseudo-2D fluidized bed under various gas velocities. The effect of gas velocity, gap height, tube length and batch volume of the particles on the cycle time and the residence time of the particles was thoroughly investigated. The central jet gas velocity u1 was found to speed up the particle cycle but undermine the coating efficiency. The gas velocity at the horizontal transport zone u2 was able to promote the horizontal transport of the particles but should not be too high, otherwise, it would obstruct the normal falling back of the particles in the downward zone. Big gap heights would decrease the coating efficiency but tube length had little impact on that. The increment of batch volume would commonly abase the cycle time and the working efficiency under a given u1. The de-fluidization problem arose when the batch volume increased to 550 mL. However, this problem could be swept out by the optimization of u1 and u2. In a mixture of different sizes, the coarse particles enjoyed higher coating efficiency and could travel closer to the nozzles. This may shield the fine particles from getting enough coating liquids, and thus coarse particles and fine particles were not recommended to get coated in the same batch.

Flash flaming is a valid seed enhancement for a diverse range of species and seed morphologies

Flash flaming has shown promise as a seed enhancement technology that improves the handling properties of bulky or irregularly shaped seed material, which in turn benefits logistical and ecological aspects of large-scale direct seeding. To date, only a small number of grass species, that possess similar morphological characteristics, have been tested. This paper describes the application of flash flaming to diaspores (i.e. the dispersal unit comprising the seed and any surrounding or attached tissues) of 19 diverse dryland species from the Amaranthaceae, Asteraceae, Chenopodiaceae and Poaceae critical to ecological restoration in the mining intensive Pilbara region of Western Australia. Flash flaming parameters for each species were tested to identify and maximise volume and mass reduction, reduce particle cohesiveness and maximise flow through a mechanical seeding device, whilst maximising germination. Flaming of all species resulted in reductions in batch volume and mass, and improvements to flow characteristics. For 17 species, flaming either benefited or did not impact on germinability. For two species in the Amaranthaceae, flaming with the settings tested here resulted in a reduction in germinability; however, flaming enabled the diaspores to pass through a mechanical seeding device enabling mechanical distribution which is critical if the species are to be used in large scale restoration.

Manual Single-Lumen Alternating Micro-Batch Device as Renal Replacement Therapy in Austere Environments

Introduction: Electrolyte derangements, acidosis, and volume overload remain life-threatening emergencies in people with acute kidney injury in austere environments. A single-lumen alternating micro-batch (SLAMB) dialysis technique was designed to perform renal replacement therapy using a single-lumen access, low-cost disposable bags and tubing, widely available premade fluids, and a dialysis filter. A manual variation (mSLAMB) works without electricity, battery, or a pump. We modeled mSLAMB dialysis and predicted it could achieve adequate small solute clearance, blood flow rates, and ultrafiltration accuracy. Methods: A 25- to 30-kg pediatric patient’s blood volume was simulated by a 2-L bag of expired blood and spiked with 5 g of urea initially, then with 1–2 g between experiments. Experiments had 8 cycles totaling prescription volumes of 800–2,400 mL and were conducted with different ratios of hemofiltration fluid to blood volume. Concentrations of urea and potassium, final effluent volumes, and cycle duration were measured at the end of each cycle to determine clearance, ultrafiltration accuracy, and blood flow rates. Results: Each cycle lasted 70–145 s. Experiments achieved a mean urea reduction ratio of 27.4 ± 7.1% and a mean potassium reduction of 23.4 ± 9.3%. The largest urea and potassium reduction percentage occurred with the first cycle. Increased hemofiltration fluid to blood volume ratio did not increase clearance. Mean (+/− standard deviation) blood flow ranged from 79.7 +/− 4.4 mL/min to 90.8 +/− 6.5 mL/min and increased with larger batch volume and height difference between reservoirs. Ultrafiltration accuracy ranged from 0 to 2.4% per cycle. Discussion: mSLAMB dialysis is a simple, manual, cost-effective mode of dialysis capable of providing clearance and accurate ultrafiltration. With further refinement of technique, we believe this can be a potentially lifesaving treatment in austere conditions and low-resource settings.

Production optimization, scale-up, and characterization of biodiesel from marine fishmeal plant oil using Portunus sanguinolentus crab shell derived heterogeneous catalyst

The current article primarily focuses on utilizing Portunus sanguinolentus crab shells to prepare a heterogeneous base catalyst for the transesterification of marine fishmeal plant (MFMP) oil. A heterogeneous catalyst (powder) was prepared by calcination of crab shell at 900 °C for 4 h. X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis unveiled that crab shell-derived catalyst powder was crystalline mesoporous and predominantly comprising of CaO with a total surface area of 3.654 (m2/g). The central composite design of response surface methodology performed at varying levels of four factors such as oil to methanol molar ratio (7.5–10.5 mol/mol), calcined crab shell catalyst concentration (2–4 wt% of oil), reaction temperature (55–65 °C) and reaction time (45–75 min) was chosen for optimization. Maximum biodiesel yield of 88.56 wt% was obtained at 1:9 (mol/mol) oil to methanol molar ratio, 3 wt% calcined crab shell catalyst concentration, 60 °C reaction temperature, and 60 min reaction time. Further, biodiesel production was scaled to a 50 L oil volume batch using the optimized condition at flask level and achieved a yield of 87.47 wt%. The physicochemical characteristics of biodiesel from the optimization study and scale-up study endorsed that the biodiesel quality was feasible. Moreover, the catalyst reusability study showed good reusability potential up to 4 cycles with 10% catalytic activity loss, thereby ensuring its significance for sustainable biodiesel production. Therefore, the MFMP oil and calcined crab shell catalyst could be employed as a new alternative feedstock and catalyst source for sustainable biodiesel production.

Towards Sustainable Wastewater Treatment: Bioindication as a Technique for Supporting Treatment Efficiency Assessment.

Constructed wetlands (CWs) are a promising alternative for conventional methods of wastewater treatment. However, the biggest challenge in wastewater treatment is the improvement of the technology used so that it is possible to remove micropollutants without additional costs. The impact of wastewater treatment in CWs on toxicity towards Aliivibrio fischeri, Daphnia magna and Lemna minor was investigated. The effects of feeding regime (wastewater fed in five batches per week at a batch volume of 1 L, or twice per week at a batch volume of 2.5 L) and the presence of pharmaceuticals (diclofenac and sulfamethoxazole), as well as the presence of Miscantus giganteus plants in CW columns (twelve of the 24 columns that were planted) were analyzed. A reduction in toxicity was observed in all experimental setups. The effluents from constructed wetlands were classified as moderately toxic (average TU for A. fischeri, D. magna and L. minor was 0.9, 2.5 and 5.5, respectively). The feeding regime of 5 days of feeding/2 days of resting resulted in a positive impact on the ecotoxicological and chemical parameters of wastewater (removal of TOC, N-NH4 and pharmaceuticals). Extended exposure of Miscantus giganteus to the wastewater containing pharmaceuticals resulted in elevated activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase and superoxide dismutase) in leaf material.

Automatic Microtitrator for Small Volume Samples.

Electroanalytical sensors for point-of-care biomedical or point-of-use environmental sample analysis are gaining popularity due to low limits of detection, ease of miniaturization, convenience, and ability to work with small sample volumes. Since pH must be tightly controlled for optimum electrochemical performance, adjustment of pH in these samples is often a necessity. Yet manual titration is time-consuming and can be especially challenging for small volumes. End point determination can also be difficult. Current commercial automatic pH titrators are generally designed for large volume (>1 mL) batch titrations, while the existing microvolume titrators are semiautomatic at best, still relying on multiple manual steps. To address the gap, we developed an automatic microtitration system suitable for small volume samples. The system was validated using digested whole blood microsamples, successfully demonstrating accurate and rapid pH adjustment for samples as small as 100 μL. The simple modular construction of the system makes it compatible with acid washing for trace metal detection and other cleaning or sample preparation steps. The electrochemical detection of manganese heavy metal in blood at the parts per billion level showed no detectable contamination induced by the system. Ultimately, our simple, accurate, user-friendly automatic microtitration system can be used in the pH adjustment of microvolume samples and can potentially be extended to other pH end point analysis.

In-vial printing and drying of biologics as a personalizable approach

This study addressed the need for a flexible (personalizable) production of biologics, allowing their stabilization in the solid state and processing of small batch volumes. Therefore, inkjet printing into vials followed by a gentle vacuum drying step at ambient temperature was investigated by screening different formulations with a 22-full factorial design of experiments regarding printability. Human Serum Albumin (HSA) was used as a model protein in a wide range of concentrations (5 to 50 mg/ml), with (10 w/v%) and without the surfactant polysorbate 80 (PS80). PS80 was identified to positively affect the formulations by increasing the Ohnesorge number and stabilizing the printing process. The dispensed volumes with a target dose of 0.5 mg HSA were dried and analyzed concerning their residual moisture (RM) and protein aggregation. All investigated formulations showed an RM < 10 wt% and no significant induced protein aggregation as confirmed by Size Exclusion Chromatography (<2.5%) and Dynamic Light Scattering (Aggregation Index ≤ 2.5). Additionally, long-term printability and the available final dose after reconstitution were investigated for two optimized formulations. A promising formulation providing ∼93% of the targeted dose and a reconstitution time of 30 s was identified.

Kinetics of low‐temperature catalytic combustion of ethylene at wet conditions for postharvest storage applications

AbstractThe study addresses the reduction of ethylene levels in postharvest storage applications using a selected Pd‐Zn‐Sn/TiO2 catalyst (US Patent 11065579) capable of reacting trace concentrations of ethylene at temperatures as low as 278 K and relative humidity as high as 90%. The rate law is derived from data collected using a constant volume batch reactor, and a model for a storage room with an associated isothermal packed bed reactor is developed. The amount of catalyst required to maintain an ethylene concentration of 0.1 ppmv in a room containing 20 tons of fruit having an ethylene metabolism of 0.1 μl/kg h was calculated as a function of air temperature and water content. While the catalyst can continuously remove ethylene from saturated, refrigerated air, the amount of catalyst required can be reduced significantly by incorporating conventional air conditioning solutions upstream of the catalyst bed. Such combined systems and their functions are discussed.

Continuous time and volume batch formulation for the multiproduct pipeline network scheduling problem

The pipeline is one of the most reliable and economical modes of transport. It is mainly used for petroleum products transportation over long distance. In this paper, we are interested in the multiproduct pipeline network scheduling problem in the context of mining industry. The considered pipeline network is part of OCP's pipeline network for the transportation of phosphate products. A MILP model based on continuous time and volume batch formulation is proposed. It aims to schedule a set of batches to be transported from the main pipeline to intermediate storage groups before delivered to Clients using secondary pipelines. Each batch can be composed of several blocks. The objective is to maximize the main pipeline utilization rate with smallest number of blocks to satisfy all clients’ demands. A set of short-term plan horizon instances are generated and the results show that the proposed model gives effectively optimal or near-optimal solutions of these instances.

Comparative Rhyolite Systems: Inferences From Vent Patterns and Eruptive Episodicities: Eastern California and Laguna del Maule

AbstractDistilling my experience in having field mapped in detail the volcanic fields at Laguna del Maule and Long Valley and having worked out their time‐volume‐composition magmatic histories, I compare and contrast the postglacial rhyolites of the former with six multi‐vent eruptive sequences of rhyolite in California. Compilations and discussions are made of volcanic‐field areas and longevities, their compositions, vent distributions, individual batch and total volumes, eruptive episodicities, and tectonic influences. Growth of long‐lived pluton‐scale reservoirs of granitic crystal mush, from which the rhyolite melts separated, are interpreted in terms of conceptual models I published previously—(1) fundamentally basaltic transcrustal magmatism, 1981; (2) the deep‐crustal MASH zone model, 1988; and (3) the rhyolite‐melt crystal‐mush model, 2001. Inferences and speculations are advanced concerning processes and timescales of rhyolite‐melt separation from granitic mush and of prompt or long‐delayed subsequent eruption.

Fluidization regimes for alginate aerogel particles in a laboratory scale Wurster fluidized bed

Fluidization regimes for alginate aerogel particles with two different particle sizes were characterized in a laboratory scale Wurster fluidized bed both in the annular zone and the tube zone. For both particle sizes, minimum fluidization and bubbling regimes were observed in both of the zones whereas pneumatic regimes existed only in the tube zone. Moreover, a new regime which was horizontal circular motion was identified for large particles in the tube zone. There existed two other regimes in the bed which were turbulent and circulatory particle motion regimes. All fluidization regimes were mapped on Kunii and Levenspiel diagrams. Circulatory particle motion regime was given on these diagrams for the first time. Furthermore, effects of particle size, batch volume, Wurster tube size, perforated plate geometry and partition gap height on the boundaries of each fluidization regime were investigated by measuring superficial air velocities at the onset and the end of each regime.

Insights into Terminal Sterilization Processes of Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications.

Nanoparticles possess a huge potential to be employed in numerous biomedical purposes; their applications may include drug delivery systems, gene therapy, and tissue engineering. However, the in vivo use in biomedical applications requires that nanoparticles exhibit sterility. Thus, diverse sterilization techniques have been developed to remove or destroy microbial contamination. The main sterilization methods include sterile filtration, autoclaving, ionizing radiation, and nonionizing radiation. Nonetheless, the sterilization processes can alter the stability, zeta potential, average particle size, and polydispersity index of diverse types of nanoparticles, depending on their composition. Thus, these methods may produce unwanted effects on the nanoparticles’ characteristics, affecting their safety and efficacy. Moreover, each sterilization method possesses advantages and drawbacks; thus, the suitable method’s choice depends on diverse factors such as the formulation’s characteristics, batch volume, available methods, and desired application. In this article, we describe the current sterilization methods of nanoparticles. Moreover, we discuss the advantages and drawbacks of these methods, pointing out the changes in nanoparticles’ biological and physicochemical characteristics after sterilization. Our main objective was to offer a comprehensive overview of terminal sterilization processes of nanoparticles for biomedical applications.

Experiment Study on Hardening Behavior of Slab Cold Roll-Beating Forming

New production technologies have been developed over these last few years as answers in response to new market needs, such as higher production flexibility, lower volume batches, more complex shapes for final pieces and new materials. Cold roll-beating is an advanced precision plastic forming technology to better meet the current requirements. To investigate a material’s behavior in cold roll-beating forming operations, in this paper the principal of slab cold roll-beating was briefly introduced and slab cold roll-beating experiments were carried out, and results of the analysis conducted on the produced pieces in terms of metallographic structure and hardness distributions were reported. Our results show that the cold roll-beating forming can cause the metal surface to harden while improving the mechanical properties of the material, which is interesting in order to understand a material’s behavior when it is subjected to this peculiar deformation process; furthermore, it is of great guiding significance for further applications of the new forming technology.