Cell Architecture Research Articles

Regulation of mitochondrial network architecture and function in mesenchymal stem cells by micropatterned surfaces

Abstract Mitochondrial network architecture, which is closely related to mitochondrial function, is mechanically sensitive and regulated by multiple stimuli. However, the effects of microtopographic cues on mitochondria remain poorly defined. Herein, polycaprolactone (PCL) surfaces were used as models to investigate how micropatterns regulate mitochondrial network architecture and function in rat adipose-derived stem cells (rASCs). It was found that large pit (LP) induced rASCs to form larger and more complex mitochondrial networks. Consistently, the expression of key genes related to mitochondrial dynamics revealed that mitochondrial fusion (MFN1 and MFN2) and midzone fission (DRP1 and MFF) were increased in rASCs on LP. In contrast, the middle pit (MP) enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis, as evidenced by the larger mitochondrial area and higher expression of PGC-1. Both LP and MP promoted ATP production in rASCs. It is likely that LP increased ATP levels through modulating mitochondrial network architecture while MP stimulated mitochondria biogenesis to do so. Our study clarified the regulation of micropatterned surfaces on mitochondria, highlighting the potential of LP and MP as a simple platform to stimulate mitochondria and the subsequent cellular function of MSCs.

Numerical simulation of a highly efficient perovskite solar cell based on FeSi2 photoactive layer

AbstractThe primary aim of this work is to investigate the use iron di‐silicide (FeSi2) as a photoactive layer in order to achieve superior performance in the solar cell architecture—ITO/TiO2/FeSi2/CuSCN/Ni. The optimum thickness of the absorber layer was found to be 1000 nm, which gave optimal properties of the proposed cell—a short‐circuit current density (Jsc) of 51.41 mAm−2, an open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.93 V, a fill factor (FF) of 77.99%, and power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 37.17%. The introduction of an ultrathin interfacial layer between the electron transport layer (ETL), the perovskite interface, and the hole transport layer (HTL) enhanced the electrical output of the proposed solar cell. The Jsc increased to 51.86 mAcm−2, Voc rose to 0.97 V, while FF and PCE increased to 82.86% and 41.84%, respectively. Accordingly, the proposed cell architecture is promising and can be introduced into the manufacturing workflow for commercial applications. Moreover, because of its exceptional photon absorption capabilities, FeSi2 is a potentially excellent photoactive material for solar cell fabrication. The detailed findings of this study have therefore indicated that high‐performance FeSi2‐based solar can be achieved in future.

Abstract PO3-28-09: Does Diffusely Infiltrating Lobular Carcinoma of the Breast Arise from Epithelial-Mesenchymal Hybrid Cells?

Abstract Classic diffusely infiltrating lobular carcinoma has imaging features divergent from the breast cancers originating from the terminal ductal lobular units and from the major lactiferous ducts. Although the term “invasive lobular carcinoma” implies a site of origin within the breast lobular epithelium, we were unable to find evidence supporting this assumption. Exceptional excess of fibrous connective tissue and the unique cell architecture combined with the aberrant features at breast imaging suggest that this breast malignancy has not originated from cells lining the breast ducts and lobules. The only remaining relevant component of the fibroglandular tissue is the mesenchyme. The cells freshly isolated and cultured from diffusely infiltrating lobular carcinoma cases contained epithelial–mesenchymal hybrid cells with both epithelial and mesenchymal properties. The radiologic and histopathologic features of the tumours and expression of the mesenchymal stem cell positive markers CD73, CD90, and CD105 all suggest development in the direction of mesenchymal transition. These hybrid cells have tumour-initiating potential and have been shown to have poor prognosis and resistance to therapy targeted for malignancies of breast epithelial origin. Our work emphasizes the need for new approaches to the diagnosis and therapy of this highly fatal breast cancer subtype. Citation Format: Andras Voros, Laszlo Tabar, Renata Bozo, Orsolya Olah, Katalin Ormandi, Zoltan Vereb, Istvan Nemeth, Peter B. Dean, Olga Puchkova, Ming-Fang Yen, Li-Sheng Chen. Does Diffusely Infiltrating Lobular Carcinoma of the Breast Arise from Epithelial-Mesenchymal Hybrid Cells? [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO3-28-09.

Mechanical and piezoresistive performance of additively manufactured carbon fiber/PA12 hybrid honeycombs

This study investigates a novel self-sensing honeycomb composite structure composed of two distinct cellular layers with differing unit cell architectures, specifically hexagonal and re-entrant designs. Short carbon fiber (CF)/polyamide 12 (PA12) composite filaments with 0, 5 or 15 wt.% CF content were utilized to additively manufacture the honeycomb structures via Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), and their mechanical and piezoresistive self-sensing characteristics were experimentally investigated under quasi-static in-plane and out-of-plane compression at both room temperature and elevated temperatures. The results reveal that the hybrid hexagonal/re-entrant (HR) honeycombs mechanically outperform their non-hybrid double-layer and single-layer counterparts under in-plane loading, reporting an increase in collapse strength and energy absorption by factors of 1.64 and 2.25, respectively. These improvements are attributed to the mechanical interactions occurring at the interface between the auxetic and non-auxetic layers within the hybrid structure, effectively enhancing its structural attributes. Furthermore, the double-layer honeycombs display excellent strain-sensing capabilities within the elastic regime, with gauge factors reaching values as high as 146. Mechanical tests conducted at elevated temperatures reveal that the CF/PA12 honeycombs retain a significant portion of their elastic modulus, strength and energy absorption even at 125°C, while maintaining high gauge factors of up to 72.4. These honeycombs also exhibit pronounced thermoresistive behavior, evidenced by a decrease in electrical resistance of up to 41.3% with increasing temperatures from 25 to 125°C. Considering their exceptional combination of thermo-mechanical, thermoresistive and piezoresistive characteristics, these hybrid double-layered CF/PA12 honeycombs hold promise for potential applications in multifunctional lightweight structures, offering integrated temperature and strain-sensing capabilities.

Interdigitated‐back‐contacted silicon heterojunction solar cells featuring novel MoOx‐based contact stacks

AbstractThe fabrication process of interdigitated‐back‐contacted silicon heterojunction (IBC‐SHJ) solar cells has been significantly simplified with the development of the so‐called tunnel‐IBC architecture. This architecture utilizes a highly conductive (p)‐type nanocrystalline silicon (nc‐Si:H) layer deposited over the full substrate area comprising pre‐patterned (n)‐type nc‐Si:H fingers. In this context, the (p)‐type nc‐Si:H layer is referred to as blanket layer. As both electrodes are connected to the same blanket layer, the high lateral conductivity of (p)nc‐Si:H layer can potentially lead to relatively low shunt resistance in the device, thus limiting the performance of such solar cells. To overcome such limitation, we introduce a thin (<2 nm) full‐area molybdenum oxide (MoOx) layer as an alternative to the (p)nc‐Si:H blanket layer. We demonstrate that the use of such a thin MoOx minimizes the shunting losses thanks to its low lateral conductivity while preserving the simplified fabrication process. In this process, a novel (n)‐type nc‐Si:H/MoOx electron collection contact stack is implemented within the proposed solar cell architecture. We assess its transport mechanisms via electrical simulations showing that electron transport, unlike in the case of tunnel‐IBC, occurs in the conduction band fully. Moreover, the proposed contact stack is evaluated in terms of contact resistivity and integrated into a proof‐of‐concept front/back‐contacted (FBC) SHJ solar cells. Contact resistivity as low as 100 mΩcm2 is achieved, and fabricated FBC‐SHJ solar cells obtain a fill factor above 81.5% and open‐circuit voltage above 705 mV. Lastly, the IBC‐SHJ solar cells featuring the MoOx blanket layer are fabricated, exhibiting efficiencies up to 21.14% with high shunt resistances above 150 kΩcm2. Further optimizations in terms of layer properties and fabrication process are proposed to improve device performance and realize the efficiency potential of our novel IBC‐SHJ solar cell architecture.

Extensive long-range polycomb interactions and weak compartmentalization are hallmarks of human neuronal 3D genome.

Chromatin architecture regulates gene expression and shapes cellular identity, particularly in neuronal cells. Specifically, polycomb group (PcG) proteins enable establishment and maintenance of neuronal cell type by reorganizing chromatin into repressive domains that limit the expression of fate-determining genes and sustain distinct gene expression patterns in neurons. Here, we map the 3D genome architecture in neuronal and non-neuronal cells isolated from the Wernicke's area of four human brains and comprehensively analyze neuron-specific aspects of chromatin organization. We find that genome segregation into active and inactive compartments is greatly reduced in neurons compared to other brain cells. Furthermore, neuronal Hi-C maps reveal strong long-range interactions, forming a specific network of PcG-mediated contacts in neurons that is nearly absent in other brain cells. These interacting loci contain developmental transcription factors with repressed expression in neurons and other mature brain cells. But only in neurons, they are rich in bivalent promoters occupied by H3K4me3 histone modification together with H3K27me3, which points to a possible functional role of PcG contacts in neurons. Importantly, other layers of chromatin organization also exhibit a distinct structure in neurons, characterized by an increase in short-range interactions and a decrease in long-range ones.

Spatiotemporal architecture of immune cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma.

High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC), the deadliest form of ovarian cancer, is typically diagnosed after it has metastasized and often relapses after standard-of-care platinum-based chemotherapy, likely due to advanced tumor stage, heterogeneity, and immune evasion and tumor-promoting signaling from the tumor microenvironment. To understand how spatial heterogeneity contributes to HGSOC progression and early relapse, we profiled an HGSOC tissue microarray of patient-matched longitudinal samples from 42 patients. We found spatial patterns associated with early relapse, including changes in T cell localization, malformed tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS)-like aggregates, and increased podoplanin-positive cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Using spatial features to compartmentalize the tissue, we found that plasma cells distribute in two different compartments associated with TLS-like aggregates and CAFs, and these distinct microenvironments may account for the conflicting reports about the role of plasma cells in HGSOC prognosis.

Exploring the potential of tin-based perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells through numerical analysis: A pathway to sustainable energy innovation

“Necessity is the mother of invention.” The global imperative to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, driven by the pressing issue of climate change, highlights the significance of advancing solar energy technologies. While single junction solar cells have reached a peak efficiency of approximately 31 %, the pursuit of higher efficiency has led to the exploration of tandem solar cell architectures, including perovskite-silicon and all-perovskite configurations. However, the widespread use of lead in perovskite structures raises environmental and health concerns. In response to these challenges, this study proposes a novel approach by integrating a tin-based wide bandgap absorber layer with a silicon HIT solar cell (Heterojunction with Intrinsic Layer). The investigation consists of an extensive exploration of six different carrier transport layers (CTL) for the top perovskite layer, considering variations in thickness and defect density. A comprehensive analysis of charge carrier dynamics within the device is conducted to understand the role of defect density in influencing solar cell performance parameters. Simulation results show that the overall tandem device gives an encouraging PCE of 32.12 % in 2 T configuration due to its excellent high value of current density matching 17.63 mA/cm2 and open-circuit voltage of 2.19V. We sincerely hope that our work will open new avenues in the field of Solar Photovoltaics paving the way for future innovations.

Numerical optimization of interface engineering parameters for a highly efficient HTL-free perovskite solar cell

Decarbonizing the world’s energy system has set the stage in favor of renewable energy alternatives such as the more reliable, abundant, inexhaustible, and sustainable solar energy. However, the photovoltaic technology faces significant stability, longevity, and scalability challenges. These difficulties can be overcome by judicious optimization of interfacial engineering of the solar cell architecture that will decrease the cost of fabrication and enhance the solar cell performance and durability. Herein, a comprehensive analysis of a novel high-performance hole transport layer-free (HTL-free) perovskite solar cell (PSC) of the configuration, ITO/PC61BM/CH3NH3SnI3/Pt, was investigated by device simulation while optimizing electron transport materials, metal back contacts, front contact materials, and buffer layers. The focus is on enhancing device performance by introducing various types of buffer layers, such as cadmium sulphide (CdS) in the proposed solar cell model. By fine-tuning the ETL layers and manipulating perovskite acceptor and donor densities, better device performance was achieved. Furthermore, the Mott-Schottky capacitance analysis yielded critical insights into the interface properties and dynamics of charge carriers within the solar cell structure. Optimizing back contacts also play a critical role in charge extraction and reduced recombination losses. Leveraging a sophisticated simulation platform, SCAPS-1D, the study assesses how design strategies impact photovoltaic electrical outcomes such as open-circuit voltage (Voc), power conversion efficiency (PCE), short-circuit current density (Jsc), and Fill factor (FF). The proposed HTL-free device posted remarkable results – PCE of 38.11 %, Jsc of 35.32 mAcm−2, FF of 88.67 %, and Voc of 1.2168 V. Accordingly, this work inspires the promising prospects of HTL-free PSCs in achieving robust solar harvesting capabilities while streamlining device affordability. Therefore, the proposed device architecture stimulates the journey towards affordable and high-performance scalable solar cell modules.

Nitrogen-fixing organelle in a marine alga.

Symbiotic interactions were key to the evolution of chloroplast and mitochondria organelles, which mediate carbon and energy metabolism in eukaryotes. Biological nitrogen fixation, the reduction of abundant atmospheric nitrogen gas (N2) to biologically available ammonia, is a key metabolic process performed exclusively by prokaryotes. Candidatus Atelocyanobacterium thalassa, or UCYN-A, is a metabolically streamlined N2-fixing cyanobacterium previously reported to be an endosymbiont of a marine unicellular alga. Here we show that UCYN-A has been tightly integrated into algal cell architecture and organellar division and that it imports proteins encoded by the algal genome. These are characteristics of organelles and show that UCYN-A has evolved beyond endosymbiosis and functions as an early evolutionary stage N2-fixing organelle, or "nitroplast."

Sheet Resistance Optimization in (Al)GaInP Solar Cells for Concentrator Quadruple–Junction Solar Cells

The reduction of the series resistance in multi‐junction solar cells is of high importance for attaining peak efficiencies in concentrator photovoltaics. This study showcases strategies to reduce the sheet resistance of the uppermost subcell of a direct wafer bonded four–junction devices, since it contributes significantly to the series resistance. Therefore, electron mobilities in n–type AlGaInP, lattice matched to GaAs, are investigated across bandgap energies between 1.9 eV and 2.1 eV and for various doping concentrations. The sheet resistances for AlGaInP rear heterojunction cells are determined for the integration in a two terminal four‐junction solar cell. The rear heterojunction cell architecture effectively addresses the sheet resistance optimization because it features a thick n‐type doped absorption layer. The sheet resistance of our current world record quadruple‐junction solar cell with 47.6% efficiency under the 665‐fold concentrated AM1.5d spectrum is 550 Ωsq–1. Here, we show how optimizing the n‐absorption layer in the 1.90 eV GaInP top cell can reduce the sheet resistance to 250 Ωsq–1 without deteriorating the short–circuit current density and current matching. This reduction corresponds to a 5 mΩcm2 improvement in specific series resistance, which would elevate the efficiency of this device to 48.2%.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Interstitial macrophages are a focus of viral takeover and inflammation in COVID-19 initiation in human lung.

Early stages of deadly respiratory diseases including COVID-19 are challenging to elucidate in humans. Here, we define cellular tropism and transcriptomic effects of SARS-CoV-2 virus by productively infecting healthy human lung tissue and using scRNA-seq to reconstruct the transcriptional program in "infection pseudotime" for individual lung cell types. SARS-CoV-2 predominantly infected activated interstitial macrophages (IMs), which can accumulate thousands of viral RNA molecules, taking over 60% of the cell transcriptome and forming dense viral RNA bodies while inducing host profibrotic (TGFB1, SPP1) and inflammatory (early interferon response, CCL2/7/8/13, CXCL10, and IL6/10) programs and destroying host cell architecture. Infected alveolar macrophages (AMs) showed none of these extreme responses. Spike-dependent viral entry into AMs used ACE2 and Sialoadhesin/CD169, whereas IM entry used DC-SIGN/CD209. These results identify activated IMs as a prominent site of viral takeover, the focus of inflammation and fibrosis, and suggest targeting CD209 to prevent early pathology in COVID-19 pneumonia. This approach can be generalized to any human lung infection and to evaluate therapeutics.

A Redox-Electrodialysis Model with Zero Fitting Parameters: Insights into Process Limitations, Design, and Material Interventions

Abstract Redox-Electrodialysis (r-ED) is an electrochemical desalination cell architecture that has recently received considerable interest, due to its low energy demand relative to electrochemical desalination technologies that rely on electrode-based ion removal. To further improve the energy efficiency of r-ED, we developed a lumped mathematical model with no adjustable parameters to investigate the various sources of overpotential within the cell. Existing models of electrodialysis and r-ED cells either do not accurately incorporate all phenomena contributing to the overpotential or utilize empirical fitting parameters. The model developed here indicates that ohmic overpotentials, especially in the diluate chamber, are the most significant contributors to energy losses. Based on this insight, we hypothesized that adding an ion exchange resin wafer in the diluate compartment would increase the ionic conductivity and decrease the energy demand. Experimental results showed an 18% reduction in specific energy use while achieving the same degree of salt removal (20mM to 12mM). Furthermore, the resin wafer enabled complete desalination to potable drinking levels at a current density previously unachievable within practical operating voltage limits (4.93 mA/cm2). We also expanded the model to explore differences in r-ED energy use between configurations using multiple stacks and a single stack with increased area.

Enhancing the Performance of the Mesoporous TiO2 Film in Printed Perovskite Photovoltaics through High‐Speed Imaging and Ink Rheology Techniques

AbstractMesoscopic carbon‐based perovskite solar cells (C‐PSCs) have the potential to be manufactured at an industrial scale by utilizing screen‐printing, a simple, affordable, and commercially mature process. As such, many recent publications have focused on enhancing performance through modifying cell architecture and perovskite chemistries. This work examines how ink rheology can be tuned to optimize cell performance through reducing the occurrence of common print defects to create higher quality m‐TiO2 films. Inks with different solvent dilutions and rheological profiles are assessed using high‐speed imaging through the screen‐printing visualization (SPV) technique, to investigate the impact of the viscosity and elasticity on ink separation mechanisms. The resultant film quality and its influence on device performances are then assessed. Ink separation lengths are minimized, and the formation of filaments ceases during printing, leading to improved TiO2 film topography and homogenous infiltration of the perovskite precursor. Consequently, PCE is improved by over 10% of the original efficiency in cells and 224 cm2 active area modules due to enhanced Voc and FF. These results not only provide key insights into tailoring ink rheology, to achieve improved print homogeneity and higher performing cells, but also aid further work on enhancing the performance of other screen‐printed functional films.

How Artificial Intelligence Unravels the Complex Web of Cancer Drug Response.

The intersection of precision medicine and artificial intelligence (AI) holds profound implications for cancer treatment, with the potential to significantly advance our understanding of drug responses based on the intricate architecture of tumor cells. A recent study by Park and colleagues titled "A deep learning model of tumor cell architecture elucidates response and resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors," epitomizes this intersection by leveraging an interpretable deep learning model grounded in a comprehensive map of multiprotein assemblies in cancer, known as Nested Systems in Tumors (NeST). This study not only elucidates mechanisms underlying the response to CDK4/6 inhibitors in breast cancer therapy but also highlights the critical role of model interpretability leading to new mechanistic insights.

Fine-tuned combination of cell and electrode designs unlocks month-long stable low temperature Cu-based CO2 electrolysis

The urgency of achieving green chemical production through Cu-based CO2 electroreduction necessitates a rapid transition towards technical maturity and commercialization in the pursuit of addressing the global imperative of decarbonization. Surprisingly, limited emphasis has been placed on exploration of readily scalable cell and electrode designs, which are pivotal in ushering in the era of stable and selective CO2 electrolyzers, showcasing the innovative potential within this area. Herein, we report a breakthrough in achieving month-long stability in the production of C2H4, representing an unprecedented milestone in low-temperature CO2 to C2+ electrolysis. Initial investigations involved the evaluation of five distinct cell architectures for Cu-based CO2 electrolyzers, guided by considerations of cell potentials, scalability with current technology, and CO2 crossover. An innovative multilayer Gas Diffusion Electrode (GDE), featuring an anion exchange ionomer and metal oxide layer, is introduced for CEM-based zero-gap cells, enabling C2H4 formation despite acidic surroundings. However, selectivity towards C2H4 proved suboptimal for extended stability testing. Conversely, the tailored multilayer GDE for one-gap cell architecture achieves a commendable 54 % faradaic efficiency (FE) towards C2+ products at 300 mA/cm2. Remarkably, chronopotentiometric tests demonstrate 720 h of stability (FEC2H4 > 20 %) at 100 mA/cm2. At higher current densities (300 mA/cm2), stability is reduced to 75 h, with detailed analyses revealing distinct degradation mechanisms. At 100 mA/cm2, salt formation predominates, while at 300 mA/cm2, catalyst layer restructuring degrades catalytic activity towards C2H4. Our research underscores the potential for stable, high C2+ selectivity through innovative electrode design and scalable cell architectures, advancing sustainable CO2 utilization.

Nuclear Rac1 controls nuclear architecture and cell migration of glioma cells

Rac1 (Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1) protein has been found in the cell nucleus many years ago, however, its nuclear functions are still poorly characterized but some data suggest its nuclear accumulation in cancers. We investigated nuclear Rac1 in glioma cancer cells nuclei and compared its levels and activity to normal astrocytes, and also characterized the studied cells on various nuclear properties and cell migration patterns.Nuclear Rac1 indeed was found accumulated in glioma cells, but only a small percentage of the protein was in active, GTP-bound state in comparison to healthy control. Altering the nuclear activity of Rac1 influenced chromatin architecture and cell motility in GTP-dependent and independent manner. This suggests that the landscape of Rac1 nuclear interactions might be as complicated and wide as its well-known, non-nuclear signaling.

Chromosome fusion and programmed DNA elimination shape karyotypes of nematodes.

An increasing number of metazoans undergo programmed DNA elimination (PDE), where a significant amount of DNA is selectively lost from the somatic genome during development. In some nematodes, PDE leads to the removal and remodeling of the ends of all germline chromosomes. In several species, PDE also generates internal breaks that lead to sequence loss and increased numbers of somatic chromosomes. The biological significance of these karyotype changes associated with PDE and the origin and evolution of nematode PDE remain largely unknown. Here, we assembled the single germline chromosome of the nematode Parascaris univalens and compared the karyotypes, chromosomal gene organization, and PDE features among other nematodes. We show that PDE in Parascaris converts an XX/XY sex-determination system in the germline into an XX/XO system in the somatic cells. Comparisons of Ascaris, Parascaris, and Baylisascaris ascarid chromosomes suggest that PDE existed in the ancestor of these nematodes, and their current distinct germline karyotypes were derived from fusion events of smaller ancestral chromosomes. The DNA breaks involved in PDE resolve these fused germline chromosomes into their pre-fusion karyotypes. These karyotype changes may lead to alterations in genome architecture and gene expression in the somatic cells. Cytological and genomic analyses further suggest that satellite DNA and the heterochromatic chromosome arms are dynamic and may play a role during meiosis. Overall, our results show that chromosome fusion and PDE have been harnessed in these ascarids to sculpt their karyotypes, altering the genome organization and serving specific functions in the germline and somatic cells.

Protein Disulfide Isomerase 4 Is an Essential Regulator of Endothelial Function and Survival.

Endothelial autophagy plays an important role in the regulation of endothelial function. The inhibition of endothelial autophagy is associated with the reduced expression of protein disulfide isomerase 4 (PDIA-4); however, its role in endothelial cells is not known. Here, we report that endothelial cell-specific loss of PDIA-4 leads to impaired autophagic flux accompanied by loss of endothelial function and apoptosis. Endothelial cell-specific loss of PDIA-4 also induced marked changes in endothelial cell architecture, accompanied by the loss of endothelial markers and the gain of mesenchymal markers consistent with endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). The loss of PDIA-4 activated TGFβ-signaling, and inhibition of TGFβ-signaling suppressed EndMT in PDIA-4-silenced endothelial cells in vitro. Our findings help elucidate the role of PDIA-4 in endothelial autophagy and endothelial function and provide a potential target to modulate endothelial function and/or limit autophagy and EndMT in (patho-)physiological conditions.

Hydrogen in aviation: A simulation of demand, price dynamics, and CO2 emission reduction potentials

Aviation contributes to anthropogenic climate change by emitting both carbon dioxide (CO2) and non-CO2 emissions through the combustion of fossil fuels. One approach to reduce the climate impact of aviation is the use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel. Two distinct technological options are presently under consideration for the implementation of hydrogen in aviation: hydrogen fuel cell architectures and the direct combustion of hydrogen. In this study, a hydrogen demand model is developed that considers anticipated advancements in liquid hydrogen aircraft technologies, forecasted aviation demand, and aircraft startup and retirement cycles. The analysis indicates that global demand for liquid hydrogen in aviation could potentially reach 17 million tons by 2050, leading to a 9% reduction in CO2 emissions from global aviation. Thus, the total potential of hydrogen in aviation extends beyond this, considering that the total market share of hydrogen aircraft on suitable routes in the model is projected to be only 27% in 2050 due to aircraft retirement cycles. Additionally, it is shown, that achieving the potential demand for hydrogen in aviation depends on specific market prices. With anticipated declines in current production costs, hydrogen fuel costs would need to reach about 70 EUR/MWh by 2050 to fulfill full demand in aviation, assuming biofuels provide the cheapest option for decarbonization alongside hydrogen. If e-fuels are the sole option for decarbonization alongside hydrogen, which is the more probable scenario, the entire hydrogen demand potential in aviation would be satisfied according to this study's estimates at significantly higher hydrogen prices, approximately 180 EUR/MWh.