Efficient Production Research Articles

Multivariate Modular Metabolic Engineering for the Enhanced Biosynthesis of Cytidine in Bacillus subtilis.

As a pyrimidine nucleoside, cytidine is widely used in the medicine and food fields. Therefore, it is important to construct a microbial cell factory for efficient and sustainable cytidine production. Here, we perform modular metabolic engineering modifications on Bacillus subtilis 168 to achieve efficient synthesis of cytidine. First, the cytidine titer reached 0.88 g/L by blocking cytidine degradation and enhancing the cytidine de novo synthesis pathway. Next, the central carbon metabolism was modulated by knocking down CcpA, but the cytidine titer decreased instead. Transcriptome analysis revealed that differential genes were mainly enriched in PTS, glycolysis, TCA cycle, PP pathway, pyrimidine metabolism, aspartate metabolism, and glutamate metabolism. Then, by enhancing the l-aspartate and glutamine synthesis pathways, the cytidine titer was increased to 3.83 g/L. By strengthening the PP pathway to increase PRPP synthesis, the cytidine titer was further increased to 7.03 g/L. Finally, the cytidine titer reached 31.41 g/L by fed-batch fermentation in a 5 L fermenter, which was 4.47-fold that of shake flask fermentation. Overall, the efficient production of cytidine was accomplished through modular metabolic engineering, opening new pathways for the production of cytidine and other nucleosides.

Testing for age- and sex- specific mitonuclear epistasis in Drosophila.

The need for efficient ATP production is predicted to result in the evolution of cooperation between the mitochondrial and nuclear encoded components of the electron transport system. Genotypes where mitochondrial and nuclear genomes from different geographic populations are combined (mismatched), are therefore predicted to result in negative fitness consequences. Such negative fitness effects are expected to be prominent in males, since maternal inheritance of mitochondria can lead to accumulation of male-harming mutations (the mother's curse hypothesis), and they may become more prevalent with ageing. To test these predictions, we measured fertility traits of females and males at different ages using a genetically diverse panel of 27 mitonuclear populations of Drosophila melanogaster with matched or experimentally mismatched mitonuclear genomes. We found no evidence that novel mitonuclear combinations had reduced fitness in females. In males, we found limited evidence of mitonuclear interactions affecting fitness in old age, however, not in the direction predicted. Novel mitonuclear combinations were associated with males that sired more offspring. Sex-specific advantages of mismatched males might arise if novel nuclear alleles compensate for deleterious mitochondrial alleles that have accumulated. If such compensatory effects of novel mitonuclear combinations increasing fitness occur in nature, they could represent a possible counterforce to the mother's curse.

Planar patterning design and energy storage performance comparison of laser-induced graphene flexible supercapacitors.

Laser-induced graphene (LIG) has attracted considerable attention for its efficient production, controllable process, versatile precursors, and patterning capabilities. However, LIG supercapacitors (LIG SCs) devices exhibit low operating voltages and varying performance. based on patterning. Moreover, laser power significantly affects device performance. Herein, the energy storage performance of LIG SCs devices in a variety of patterns and at different laser powers is investigated. The LIG SCs device based on the interdigital pattern shows best performance compared with the spiral pattern, mirror circular pattern and concentric circular pattern LIG device. This superior performance can be attributed to the extended ion transport pathways and limited kinetic properties in interdigital pattern. Whenthe laser power is 2.75 W, the area-specific capacitance of the interdigital LIG SCs is up to 10.78 mF cm⁻2 at 0.2 mA cm⁻2, wide operating voltage (1.8 V) and a maximum energy density of 4.85 μWh cm⁻2. Additionally, it maintained 84.1% of its capacitance after 8,000 charge-discharge cycles and achieved an area-specific capacitance of 8.33 mF cm⁻2 when bent at an angle of 60°, suggesting outstanding cycle stability and excellent flexibility of LIG SCs. This work also provides insights for developing patterned flexible supercapacitors.

Mathematical Optimization of Vertical Farm Locations Advancing Sustainable Agriculture in Saudi Arabia

The increasing demand for food production in dry regions requires innovative agricultural practices. Vertical farming presents a sustainable solution by optimizing space and resource utilization while addressing food security challenges. This study examines the feasibility of vertical farming in Saudi Arabia, using mathematical optimization to determine the most suitable locations for vertical farms in the country. A mixed-integer linear programming model was developed using AIMMS software, incorporating key parameters such as infrastructure compatibility, water availability, and energy consumptions. Data from government records and geospatial analysis were integrated to enhance model accuracy. The results identify seven optimal locations in five cities—Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Tabuk, and Khamis Mushait—ensuring efficient lettuce production at minimized costs. Findings highlight the potential of vertical farming in urban settings, reducing water consumption and enhancing food accessibility. However, challenges such as high energy requirements and initial investment costs persist. Future recommendations include decentralized container-based farming, renewable energy integration, and advanced automation. By implementing these solutions, vertical farming can transition from a niche agricultural practice to a mainstream, sustainable solution for food security in Saudi Arabia. This research provides a strategic framework for policymakers and investors to promote sustainable urban agriculture in the Kingdom.

DETAILED UNDERSTANDING OF THE GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURE OF TERRIGENOUS DEPOSITS BASED ON THE RESULTS OF A COMPREHENSIVE LITHOFACIES ANALYSIS

The lithological and facies characteristics of productive deposits significantly influence the production of oil reserves. The geological heterogeneity of a reservoir is largely determined by the conditions of sedimentation, the nature of the medium for sediment transport, and the dynamics of these changes over time. The nature of sedimentation determines a wide range of characteristics of terrigenous sediment, including the degree of sorting and sedimentation of sediments, the distribution of filtering and capacitive properties, structural and textural features, and the geometry and position of sandstone layers in terms of area and section. These complex variations in reservoir properties directly affect the nature of oil production reserves, including the geometry of fluid flow paths, the relationship between injection and production zones, and the formation of under-drained zones with residual reserves. Modern research shows that considering lithological and facies features can significantly reduce the risks of inefficient development. An integrated approach to studying these features, including the integration of geological, geophysical, and field data, allows for more reliable models of oil reservoirs and optimized development processes. The study of lithological and facies characteristics is an essential part of efficient oil production. Correct analysis of sediment features not only affects the success of current operations but also the development of future strategies in hydrocarbon extraction. A detailed facies analysis requires a thorough study of sediment material to identify its composition, structure, and texture. This information is crucial for understanding the behavior of hydrocarbons in the reservoir and optimizing extraction methods. The data obtained allowed us to establish the main characteristics of the sedimentary environment and form patterns of facies distribution in the productive interval. Based on lithological macro- and microscopic descriptions of the core samples, X-ray structural analysis of sediments and material laboratory testing, a generalization of the obtained data was carried out, and the features of sedimentation conditions in the productive strata of the study area were identified. The developed conceptual lithofacies model of productive formations allowed us to refine our understanding of the geological structure of the deposit and clarify reasons for uneven oil production.

Engineering Compartmentalization and Cofactor Regulation for 10-Hydroxy-2-decenoic Acid Biosynthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

10-Hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA), a bioactive component of royal jelly, exhibits significant pharmacological value in various applications. To date, its biosynthesis has been reported exclusively in endotoxin-prone Escherichia coli, which limits its biomedical utility. In this study, we successfully engineered the Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a biosynthetic platform for producing 10-HDA, thereby addressing the limitations associated with E. coli systems. By rewiring the β-oxidation pathway, combining compartmentalization with chaperone-assisted P450 folding in mitochondria, and enhancing NADPH supply, a yield of 40.50 mg/L of 10-HDA was achieved using 100 mg/L decanoic acid as the substrate. Finally, to mitigate substrate toxicity, fed-batch fermentation using ethyl decanoate increased production 7.5-fold, reaching 298.6 mg/L, which is the highest titer reported in yeast to date. This GRAS-compliant platform not only facilitates the safe and efficient production of 10-HDA but also establishes a novel paradigm for the functional expression of prokaryotic P450 enzymes in yeast.

A Dynamic Prediction Model for Water Accumulation Volume Based on Bed-Separation Development Discrimination

During the development of coal resources in China, mine bed-separation water damage has become a new type of disaster in recent years, bringing severe casualties and economic losses to mining areas. This study aims to solve the limitations of the existing bed-separation calculation methods. It proposes a new method of bed-separation discrimination based on the bending deflection of rock strata and a spatial volumetric calculation model that considers the development stage of bed separation. The improved stepwise comparison combination method (ISCCM) was combined with the theory of thin elastic plates to determine the developmental stage of the bed separation, which was able to predict the location of the bed separation and its volume more accurately. An example analysis of the 21301 working face in Cui mu Coal Mine, Shaanxi Province, shows that the proposed method exhibits higher accuracy and reliability in predicting the location of bed-separation development and the water inrush risk. The study shows that changes in the morphology of bed-separation development significantly affect the amount of water accumulation, and the traditional calculation method may produce a significant error after long-distance coal mining. This research result helps to improve the early warning ability and management effect of water damage in the mine bed separation. It provides technical support for the safe and efficient production of the mine.

IMPROVEMENT OF THRESHERS FOR THRESHING AND SEPARATION OF GRAIN LEGUMES

Justification. Based on the analysis and systematization of scientific research and advanced experience in the field of creation and application of machines and technologies, the emphasis is placed on solving the urgent problem - increasing the efficiency and quality of operation of threshing and separating devices (TSD) of stationary threshers and mobile combines for harvesting grain legumes and other crops, using innovative machines and technologies. Particular attention is paid to overcoming problems associated with non-compliance with agrotechnical, economic and other requirements, as well as insufficient quality indicators demonstrated by serial models of equipment. The new mechanization system ensures more efficient production of crop products according to the calculated technical and economic indicators. Materials and methods. Based on an extensive array of scientific data and progressive experience in the field of development and application of equipment and technologies in crop production, in particular, in seed production, an attempt was made to study and identify existing problems, as well as to determine a strategy for improving the quality of products compared to current requirements. The key research tool is the analysis and systematization of existing achievements in the field of improving machine technologies in seed production. Results. The analysis of the obtained data and arguments in favor of the conclusions made demonstrate that the most promising devices are threshing machines, the operating principle of which is based on a combination of the impact of the working bodies and grinding with the use of elastic elements, which allows to minimize mechanical damage to seeds during threshing and separation, that is, to increase the efficiency of separating grain for the intended purpose. Conclusion. This paper studies and evaluates the efficiency of threshing devices used in combines designed specifically for harvesting leguminous crops. The purpose of the analysis was to determine the optimal design solutions and process parameters that ensure minimal grain losses during threshing and maximum productivity. Various types of threshing machines, their design features and impact on the quality of threshing are considered. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of factors affecting grain injury during threshing, as well as ways to reduce this damage. The results of the study can be used to improve the design of grain and leguminous combines and increase the efficiency of harvesting.

Efficient biogas production from food waste utilizing Ag@ZnONPs catalyst and inoculum immobilization within anaerobic digestion reactors

Efficient biogas production from food waste utilizing Ag@ZnONPs catalyst and inoculum immobilization within anaerobic digestion reactors

Multiscale design of CFRPC sandwich structures with foam core: Microcellular optimization and compressive property evaluation

AbstractMicrocellular foam cores are commonly incorporated into composite sandwich structures in aerospace and automotive applications due to superior energy absorption properties, contributing to lightweight design. However, traditional manufacturing techniques, like mold pressing and hot‐press molding, entail multiple stages, require intricate tooling, and incur high costs, constraining the designs of advanced sandwich structures. This study aims to develop a novel manufacturing technique that facilitates the integration of microcellular foam cores and continuous fiber‐reinforced polymer composite panels or reinforcements for sandwich structures. First, integrating in‐situ microcellular foaming and CFRPC with additive manufacturing facilitates the efficient and effective production of sandwich structures with complex designs. Then, the design incorporated three scales: macroscopic sandwich structures, unit‐cells, and microcellular. Subsequently, various unit‐cell configurations (honeycomb, square, rhombus, and re‐entrant honeycomb) were manufactured, and compressive properties were evaluated through experimentation. Finally, the study revealed the effect of temperature on foam density and compression modulus, finding that 230 °C optimizes foam expansion, improving properties. A 10 mm rhombus unit‐cell structure exhibited the highest compression modulus (40.38 MPa) and specific energy absorption (59.02 mJ·m3/kg), making it the optimal choice for load‐bearing applications. Lattice‐web reinforcements within the foam core significantly enhance compressive strength and energy absorption. The findings suggest that the proposed multiscale design and production methodologies facilitate the development of innovative and high‐performance multiscale sandwich structures and reinforcements, which are unattainable through conventional techniques. These structures have potential applications in the aerospace and automotive industries, where lightweight, energy‐absorbing materials are crucial.Highlights CFRP AM integrates online foaming and unit‐cell design for multiscale sandwiches. High‐throughput tests modeled parameters, controlling microcellular foam. Rhombus‐10 maximized stiffness; re‐entrant absorbed energy efficiently. Vertical/Y lattices improved stiffness; cylindrical reduced foam crush. A process‐structure–property method supports multiscale sandwich composites.

GinExtraMed: Focus on Rosa canina L. Extract Encapsulated into Glycethosomes and Allanthosomes for Accelerating Skin Wound Healing

Background/Objectives: Over the last decade, the development of innovative wound products has continued to be a focus of intense research to meet the huge demand of patients. The aim of this work was to develop novel medicated Spanish broom wound dressings capable of releasing Rosa canina extract, recognized for its high antioxidant activity. Methods:Rosa canina extract was encapsulated in two different nanocarriers, namely glycethosomes and allanthosomes. The physico-chemical and functional characteristics of the obtained vesicles were described, including their size, particle size distribution, ζ potential, and encapsulation efficiency (EE). In addition, vesicles cytotoxicity and cell proliferation were evaluated on human fibroblasts. Furthermore, loaded vesicles were sunk into Spanish broom dressings, analyzed by confocal microscopy, and, finally, evaluated for their wound healing ability by scratch test. Results: Both carriers are nanometric in size, with a good EE (>70%), and a negative ζ potential. Additionally, vesicles are biosafe, non-cytotoxic, and lead to complete closure of the scratch in about 30 h. Conclusions: The findings showed that the developed Spanish broom dressings have the potential to be an efficient and innovative wound care product for accelerating skin wounds.

Efficient Production of (R)-3-Aminobutyric Acid by Biotransformation of Recombinant E. coli

(R)-3-aminobutyric acid is an important raw material for dolutegravir production, which is a key antiretroviral medicine for AIDS treatment. Currently, the industrial production of (R)-3-aminobutyric acid relies on chiral resolution methods, which are plagued by high pollution and low yield efficiency. Here, we report an efficient pathway for (R)-3-aminobutyric acid production via engineered aspartase-driven biotransformation in recombinant E. coli. The engineered aspartase mutants, obtained through rational design based on catalytic mechanisms, were specifically employed to catalyze the production of (R)-3-aminobutyric acid from crotonic acid. The engineered T187L/N142R/N326L aspartase mutant exhibited the highest enzyme activity of 1516 U/mg. Through cell permeabilization, the system achieved (R)-3-aminobutyric acid yield of 287.6 g/L (96% productivity) within 24 h. Subsequent scale-up in a 7 L fermenter achieved a final product yield of 284 g/L (95% productivity) within 24 h. Economic balance showed that the cost of industrial production (¥116.21/kg) is about 1/4 of the laboratory production (¥479.76/kg). In summary, the engineered aspartase-mediated bioconversion pathway using recombinant E. coli offers an industrially viable approach for (R)-3-aminobutyric acid production, featuring mild reaction conditions, environmental sustainability, streamlined processing, high yield, and cost-effective substrates.

NO Activates the Triterpenoid Biosynthetic Pathway in Inonotus obliquus Through Multilevel Signaling Regulation to Enhance Its Production

Triterpenoids are the bioactive components in Inonotus obliquus with extensive medicinal prospects, but their low content in fermentation production is the main limiting factor for their application. This study focuses on nitric oxide (NO), an important signaling molecule within organisms, aiming to explore its inducing effect on the synthesis of triterpenes in I. obliquus and the potential signaling transduction mechanisms involved. Compared with the control group, the content of representative triterpenoid betulin increased by 70.59% after adding the NO donor sodium nitroprusside. Gene expression level detection revealed that NO mainly promotes its biosynthesis by activating the transcription of key enzyme genes in the downstream pathway of betulin biosynthesis, thereby increasing its abundance. Tracing upstream, the NO signal was found to induce the upregulation of genes related to cellular antioxidant and calcium ion signaling pathways. Notably, IoCAMP responded strongly to the NO signal, participating in the regulation of cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration by altering the Ca2+ concentration of mitochondria together with IoCATP and IoCALM. Additionally, the signaling of changes in Ca2+ concentrations is likely to crosstalk with the reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling pathway. The increase in enzyme activity of IoNOX after NO induction confirmed the activation of the ROS signaling pathway. It works in synergy with IoSOD and IoCAT to reduce oxidative damage and promote downstream triterpenoid biosynthesis. This study not only contributes to clarify the signaling pathways regulating NO-mediated triterpenoid biosynthesis but also provides a theoretical basis for the efficient production of triterpenoid active components in I. obliquus.

Application of Composite Drainage and Gas Production Synergy Technology in Deep Coalbed Methane Wells: A Case Study of the Jishen 15A Platform

The development of deep coalbed methane (CBM) wells faces challenges such as significant reservoir depth, low permeability, and severe liquid loading in the wellbore. Traditional drainage and gas recovery techniques struggle to meet the dynamic production demands. This study, using the deep CBM wells at the Jishen 15A platform as an example, proposes a “cyclic gas lift–wellhead compression-vent gas recovery” composite synergy technology. By selecting a critical liquid-carrying model, innovating equipment design, and dynamically regulating pressure, this approach enables efficient production from low-pressure, low-permeability gas wells. This research conducts a comparative analysis of different critical liquid-carrying velocity models and selects the Belfroid model, modified for well inclination angle effects, as the primary model to guide the matching of tubing production and annular gas injection parameters. A mobile vent gas rapid recovery unit was developed, utilizing a three-stage/two stage pressurization dual-process switching technology to achieve sealed vent gas recovery while optimizing pipeline frictional losses. By combining cyclic gas lift with wellhead compression, a dynamic wellbore pressure equilibrium system was established. Field tests show that after 140 days of implementation, the platform’s daily gas production increased to 11.32 × 104 m3, representing a 35.8% rise. The average bottom-hole flow pressure decreased by 38%, liquid accumulation was reduced by 72%, and cumulative gas production increased by 370 × 104 m3. This technology effectively addresses gas–liquid imbalance and liquid loading issues in the middle and late stages of deep CBM well production, providing a technical solution for the efficient development of low-permeability CBM reservoirs.

Efficient Production Strategy of a Novel Postbiotic Produced by Bacillus subtilis and Its Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Microbially synthesized postbiotics have unique properties and advantages; however, systematic studies on the efficient production and biological functions of postbiotics from Bacillus subtilis are limited, which greatly restricts their applications. In this study, we obtained a novel crude exopolysaccharide (EPS) postbiotic from Bacillus subtilis H4. We systematically optimized the EPS production strategy using single-factor analysis, Plackett–Burman design, the path of steepest ascent method, and response surface methodology. The optimized EPS yield was significantly improved, with a maximum yield of 15.01 g/L under the addition of 4.12% soy peptone, 8.99% sucrose, and 0.06% MnSO4. We found that EPS is a neutral, heterogeneous polysaccharide with a pyranose ring, with a molecular weight of 44,304.913 kDa and a melting point of 218 °C. It consists of glucose, galactose, arabinose, glucosamine, and mannose at a molar ratio of 58.85:19.81:14.75:10.89:6.58. EPS exhibits strong antioxidant capacities, scavenging ABTS and DPPH radicals with IC50 values of 1 and 6 mg/mL, respectively. Moreover, it shows notable anti-inflammatory properties, dramatically inhibiting the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced elevation of nitric oxide (NO) levels and over-activation of the TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway. These findings highlight the potential of EPS as a multifunctional bioactive compound, offering great promise for its application in the food, clinical, and feed industries.

Efficient hydrogen evolution via neutral water electrolysis using nanocrystalline TiO2 electrocatalyst

Significant efforts have been focused on the development of non-noble metal electrocatalysts for efficient production of green hydrogen using renewable energy sources such as water and sunlight. Various transition metal oxides have been explored as promising candidates for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER), attracting considerable attention in the field of water splitting. In this study, we report the synthesis of anatase phase TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) with a crystallite size of 6.94 nm, achieved through a co-precipitation method specifically for neutral water electrochemical HER applications. The as-synthesized anatase phase of TiO2 electrocatalyst have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and ultraviolet visible spectroscopy. Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that the average particle size of the TiO2 NPs was approximately 5.80 nm. The exceptional HER performance of these nanoparticles can be attributed to their optimal crystallite size, rapid charge transfer kinetics, and reduced band gap energy. The electrocatalyst demonstrated an overpotential of 470 mV to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in a 0.2 M Na2SO4 electrolyte. Furthermore, the electrode maintained stable HER activity over a continuous period of 50 h, indicating its potential for practical applications. These findings highlight the critical role of crystallite size optimization in enhancing HER activity, particularly in neutral electrolytes. By advancing the understanding of non-noble metal electrocatalysts, this study contributes to the ongoing efforts to develop efficient, sustainable methods for green hydrogen production, aligning with global goals for renewable energy utilization.

Enhancing Single-Cell Protein Yield Through Grass-Based Substrates: A Study of Lolium perenne and Kluyveromyces marxianus

This study evaluated Lolium perenne press juice as a sustainable substrate for Single-Cell Protein (SCP) production using Kluyveromyces marxianus. Key fermentation parameters were systematically optimized, including microbial reduction, dilution ratios, temperature, and nutrient supplementation. Pasteurization at 75 °C preserved essential nutrients better than autoclaving, resulting in a 27.8% increase in biomass yield. A 1:2 dilution of press juice enhanced fermentation efficiency, achieving 20.2% higher biomass despite a lower initial sugar content. Cultivation at 30 °C enabled sustained substrate utilization and outperformed 40 °C fermentation, increasing final biomass by 43.4%. Nutrient supplementation with yeast extract, peptone, and glucose led to the highest biomass yield, with a 71% increase compared to unsupplemented juice. Press juice from the tetraploid variety, Explosion, consistently outperformed the diploid Honroso, especially when harvested early, reaching up to 16.62 g·L−1 biomass. Early harvests promoted faster growth, while late harvests exhibited higher biomass yield coefficients due to improved sugar-to-biomass conversion. Compared to a conventional YM medium, fermentation with L. perenne press juice achieved up to a threefold increase in biomass yield. These findings highlight the potential of grass-based substrates for efficient SCP production and demonstrate how agricultural parameters like variety and harvest timing influence both quantity and quality. The approach supports circular bioeconomy strategies by valorising underutilized biomass through microbial fermentation.

Updating and 24 H Testing of State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization’s Thermochemical Iodine–Sulfur Cycle Water-Splitting Hydrogen Production System

This paper reports the latest update to and a 24 h continuous operation test of the CEU’s thermochemical iodine–sulfur cycle water-splitting system with a maximum H2 hydrogen production capacity of 1500 L/h. To address challenges such as high energy consumption and severe corrosion in traditional processes, the system was updated and optimized by introducing a small-cycle design, simulated using Aspen Plus software, achieving a thermal efficiency of 53%. Specifically, the key equipment improvements included a three-stage H2SO4 decomposition reactor and an HI decomposition reactor with heat recovery, resolving issues of severe corrosion when H2SO4 boils and reducing heat loss. During 24 h continuous operation in January 2025, the system achieved a peak hydrogen production rate of 1536 L/h and a long-term stable rate of approximately 300 L/h, with hydrogen purity reaching up to 98.75%. This study validates the potential for the scaling up of iodine–sulfur cycle hydrogen production technology, providing engineering insights for efficient and clean hydrogen energy production.

Influence of Algal Strain on Permeate Flux Rate in Crossflow Microfiltration

The separation of microalgae from a culture medium is a major cost and energy hurdle for the efficient production of algal biomass. Crossflow microfiltration has been found to be promising for the algal cell concentration process. Three algal strains with different cell sizes and morphology, namely Chlorella vulgaris, Nannochloris sp., and Scenedesmus sp., were studied. Analysis of the culture suspensions showed very different particle size distributions for the selected strains due to cell clustering. For a given membrane under the same operational conditions to achieve an equal volumetric reduction factor, Nannochloris sp., with the biggest particles and smallest cells, demonstrated the highest permeation flux, and in the same order of the particle sizes, it was followed by Chlorella vu. and Scenedesmus sp. For all the selected algal species, the highest dewatering rate (176–303 L/m2·h) was obtained by means of the membrane with the smallest pore size of 0.05 µm.

An Overview of Silver Nanowire Polyol Synthesis Using Millifluidic Flow Reactors for Continuous Transparent Conductive Film Manufacturing by Direct Ink Writing

Silver nanowires (AgNWs) have garnered significant attention in nanotechnology due to their unique mechanical and electrical properties and versatile applications. This review explores the synthesis of AgNWs, with a specific focus on the utilization of millifluidic flow reactors (MFRs) as a promising platform for controlled and efficient production. It begins by elucidating the exceptional characteristics and relevance of AgNWs in various technological domains and then delves into the principles and advantages of MFRs by showcasing their pivotal role in enhancing the precision and scalability of nanowire synthesis. Within this review, an overview of the diverse synthetic methods employed for AgNW production using MFRs is provided. Special attention is given to the intricate parameters and factors influencing synthesis and how MFRs offer superior control over these critical variables. Recent advances in this field are highlighted, revealing innovative strategies and promising developments that have emerged. As with any burgeoning field, challenges are expected, so future directions are explored, offering insights into the current limitations and opportunities for further exploration. In conclusion, this review consolidates the state-of-the-art knowledge in AgNW synthesis and emphasizes the critical role of MFRs in shaping the future of nanomaterial production and nanomanufacturing.