Plant Engineering Research Articles

Investigation of scaling inhibition and biofouling potential of different molecular weight fractions of a PAA antiscalant

This study investigates the scale inhibition performance of a commercial polyacrylic acid-based (PAA) antiscalant used for drinking water production and its molecular weight fractions (≤ 500 Da, ≥ 500 Da). The investigated antiscalant is used to prevent sulfate and carbonate scaling in treatment of drinking water sources by reverse osmosis or nanofiltration (RO/NF). Based on two complementary tests involving determination of induction time in a batch test and rate of flux decline in a lab-scale RO/NF plant, concordant results were obtained, proving that the overall performance of commercial PAA was controlled almost entirely by the higher molecular weight fraction. The low molecular weight fraction, which is potentially more permeable through the NF/RO membrane, showed poor inhibition against both sulfate and carbonate scalants. Furthermore, measurements on the assimilable organic carbon (AOC) by flow cytometry reveals that the low molecular weight PAA fraction has low biological stability, as its potential transport into the permeate of a NF270 nanofiltration membrane was inferred by elevated AOC values in the NF-permeate. These results are crucial information for water utilities, plant engineering, regulatory bodies and public authorities with respect to the possible operation of RO/NF especially in drinking water production.

Strategies, Achievements, and Potential Challenges of Plant and Microbial Chassis in the Biosynthesis of Plant Secondary Metabolites

Diverse secondary metabolites in plants, with their rich biological activities, have long been important sources for human medicine, food additives, pesticides, etc. However, the large-scale cultivation of host plants consumes land resources and is susceptible to pest and disease problems. Additionally, the multi-step and demanding nature of chemical synthesis adds to production costs, limiting their widespread application. In vitro cultivation and the metabolic engineering of plants have significantly enhanced the synthesis of secondary metabolites with successful industrial production cases. As synthetic biology advances, more research is focusing on heterologous synthesis using microorganisms. This review provides a comprehensive comparison between these two chassis, evaluating their performance in the synthesis of various types of secondary metabolites from the perspectives of yield and strategies. It also discusses the challenges they face and offers insights into future efforts and directions.

Biochemical characterization of acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase2 from the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum and its potential effect on LC-PUFAs biosynthesis in planta

BackgroundEicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), belonging to ω-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω3-LC-PUFAs), are essential components of human diet. They are mainly supplemented by marine fish consumption, although their native producers are oleaginous microalgae. Currently, increasing demand for fish oils is insufficient to meet the entire global needs, which puts pressure on searching for the alternative solutions. One possibility may be metabolic engineering of plants with an introduced enzymatic pathway producing ω3-LC-PUFAs.ResultIn this study we focused on the acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase2b (PtDGAT2b) from the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum, an enzyme responsible for triacylglycerol (TAG) biosynthesis via acyl-CoA-dependent pathway. Gene encoding PtDGAT2b, incorporated into TAG-deficient yeast strain H1246, was used to confirm its activity and conduct biochemical characterization. PtDGAT2b exhibited a broad acyl-CoA preference with both di-16:0-DAG and di-18:1-DAG, whereas di-18:1-DAG was favored. The highest preference for acyl donors was observed for 16:1-, 10:0- and 12:0-CoA. PtDGAT2b also very efficiently utilized CoA-conjugated ω-3 LC-PUFAs (stearidonic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid and EPA). Additionally, verification of the potential role of PtDGAT2b in planta, through its transient expression in tobacco leaves, indicated increased TAG production with its relative amount increasing to 8%. Its co-expression with the gene combinations aimed at EPA biosynthesis led to, beside elevated TAG accumulation, efficient accumulation of EPA which constituted even 25.1% of synthesized non-native fatty acids (9.2% of all fatty acids in TAG pool).ConclusionsThis set of experiments provides a comprehensive biochemical characterization of DGAT enzyme from marine microalgae. Additionally, this study elucidates that PtDGAT2b can be used successfully in metabolic engineering of plants designed to obtain a boosted TAG level, enriched not only in ω-3 LC-PUFAs but also in medium-chain and ω-7 fatty acids.

Attracting Female Engineers: A Qualitative Analysis in Mechanical Engineering in Germany

The number of women working as engineers in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in Germany has risen to eleven percent in 2023 – remaining at humble levels. In higher positions, the share is even lower. While around 20 % of engineering students at German universities are female, these women do not seem to be entering the sector or they are leaving it again. The question arises as to what companies in the mechanical and plant engineering sector can do to attract female engineers after graduation. This study was conducted in cooperation with the German Engineering Association. The aim was to qualitatively explore the reasons why women enter, stay or leave the engineering sector and to include the industry’s perspective to obtain a holistic view of the situation. Therefore, on the one hand the perspective of female engineers was investigated and, on the other hand, combined with the perspective of companies. We provide insights from focus groups and interviews with 49 female engineers across all career levels, from an analysis of 90 online company websites and social media pages as well as from three on-site visits at exemplary companies. The findings point to unresolved issues in recruitment and beyond: highlighting role models of successful women in engineering, the need for companies to actively attract and support women in engineering, e. g. through recruiting strategies focusing on women, insights into the working culture, and transparency regarding career options. Overall, the study suggests that companies should embed gender diversity and group specific recruitment as important issues in their organizations. Consequently, the study provides recommendations for action for companies seeking to become a more inclusive and diverse industry. Limitations are discussed and further implications are presented.

Activation of the native PHYTOENE SYNTHASE 1 promoter by modifying near-miss cis-acting elements induces carotenoid biosynthesis in embryogenic rice callus.

Modification of silent latent endosperm-enabled promoters (SLEEPERs) allows the ectopic activation of non-expressed metabolic genes in rice callus Metabolic engineering in plants typically involves transgene expression or the mutation of endogenous genes. An alternative is promoter modification, where small changes in the promoter sequence allow genes to be switched on or off in particular tissues. To activate silent genes in rice endosperm, we screened native promoters for near-miss cis-acting elements that can be converted to endosperm-active regulatory motifs. We chose rice PHYTOENE SYNTHASE 1 (PSY1), encoding the enzyme responsible for the first committed step in the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway, because it is not expressed in rice endosperm. We identified six motifs within a 120-bp region, upstream of the transcriptional start site, which differed from endosperm-active elements by up to four nucleotides. We mutated four motifs to match functional elements in the endosperm-active BCH2 promoter, and this promoter was able to drive GFP expression in callus and in seeds of regenerated plants. The 4M promoter was not sufficient to drive PSY1 expression, so we mutated the remaining two elements and used the resulting 6M promoter to drive PSY1 expression in combination with a PDS transgene. This resulted in deep orange callus tissue indicating the accumulation of carotenoids, which was subsequently confirmed by targeted metabolomics analysis. PSY1 expression driven by the uncorrected or 4M variants of the promoter plus a PDS transgene produced callus that lacked carotenoids. These results confirm that the adjustment of promoter elements can facilitate the ectopic activation of endogenous plant promoters in rice callus and endosperm and most likely in other tissues and plant species.

Analyze of Education and Training Using Ship Engine Simulators at STIP Jakarta Indonesia

On this research paper, we analyze Cadet Engineer, junior engineer, senior level Operational engineers, and senior management level engineers will carry out experiments using speed data from various scenarios on the ship engine simulator and then the experimental results will use educational and training analysis on the ship engine simulator to find out the right time. Later analysis also revealed that human errors occur due to the following reasons: Lack of knowledge of the overall system and fundamental operations, Insufficient confirmation of operations and Incomplete knowledge of the sequence of operations. the role of the instructor will be explained to reduce the causes of human error  and to improve educational performance according to the implementation and development of each scenario based on expert justification and reference to IMO and SOLAS Standards. various safety procedure scenarios for all Engineers in the hope of minimizing accidents that cause loss of life at sea. For the purpose of training engine plant operations using a PC-based Engine Room Simulator (ERS), describe the features of human errors by incompetent trainees in marine engine plant operations and demonstrate the necessary improvements in training to reduce such errors from an educational technology point of view. Examination of these data has shown that errors occur primarily due to errors of omission and inadvertent action. Further analysis was carried out on these errors by the engineer trainees to determine the characteristics of errors caused in the process of acquiring procedural knowledge for operations according to the implemented development of various safety scenarios.

Engineering Plant Cell Fates and Functions for Agriculture and Industry.

Many plant species are grown to enable access to specific organs or tissues, such as seeds, fruits, or stems. In some cases, a value is associated with a molecule that accumulates in a single type of cell. Domestication and subsequent breeding have often increased the yields of these target products by increasing the size, number, and quality of harvested organs and tissues but also via changes to overall plant growth architecture to suit large-scale cultivation. Many of the mutations that underlie these changes have been identified in key regulators of the cellular identity and function. As key determinants of yield, these regulators are key targets for synthetic biology approaches to engineering new forms and functions. However, our understanding of many plant developmental programs and cell-type specific functions is still incomplete. In this Perspective, we discuss how advances in cellular genomics together with synthetic biology tools such as biosensors and DNA-recording devices are advancing our understanding of cell-specific programs and cell fates. We then discuss advances and emerging opportunities for cell-type-specific engineering to optimize plant morphology, responses to the environment, and the production of valuable compounds.

Auto-Routing Systems (ARSs) with 3D Piping for Sustainable Plant Projects Based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digitalization of 2D Drawings and Specifications

The engineering sector is undergoing digital transformation (DT) alongside shifts in labor patterns. This study concentrates on piping design within plant engineering, aiming to develop a system for optimal piping route design using artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The objective is to overcome limitations related to time and costs in traditional manual piping design processes. The ultimate aim is to contribute to the digitalization of engineering processes and improve project performance. Initially, digital image processing was utilized to digitize piping and instrument diagram (P&ID) data and establish a line topology set (LTS). Subsequently, three-dimensional (3D) modeling digital tools were employed to create a user-friendly system environment that visually represents piping information. Dijkstra’s algorithm was implemented to determine the optimal piping route, considering various priorities during the design process. Finally, an interference avoidance algorithm was used to prevent clashes among piping, equipment, and structures. Hence, an auto-routing system (ARS), equipped with a logical algorithm and 3D environment for optimal piping design, was developed. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed model, a comparison was made between the bill of materials (BoM) from Company D’s chemical plant project and the BoM extracted from the ARS. The performance evaluation revealed that the accuracy in matching pipe weight and length was 105.7% and 84.9%, respectively. Additionally, the accuracy in matching the weight and quantity of fittings was found to be 99.7% and 83.9%, respectively. These findings indicate that current digitalized design technology does not ensure 100% accurate designs. Nevertheless, the results can still serve as a valuable reference for attaining optimal piping design. This study’s outcomes are anticipated to enhance work efficiency through DT in the engineering piping design sector and contribute to the sustainable growth of companies.

The Impact of Innovative Research Methods for Enhancing Agricultural Plants for Sustainable Development in The Future

In the pursuit of sustainable agricultural practices, the role of innovative research methods in enhancing agricultural plants is paramount. This abstract delineates the profound impact of such methodologies on sustainable development in the foreseeable future. Cutting-edge techniques such as genomic sequencing, molecular markers, and genome editing technologies revolutionize plant breeding by identifying and manipulating genes responsible for desirable traits, including disease resistance and drought tolerance. Omics technologies, encompassing transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, provide comprehensive insights into gene expression patterns and metabolic pathways, thereby facilitating targeted breeding strategies aimed at enhancing plant resilience and productivity. High-throughput phenotyping platforms enable rapid and accurate characterization of plant traits, empowering breeders to select superior varieties with enhanced performance under diverse environmental conditions. Concurrently, bioinformatics tools and data analytics play a pivotal role in deciphering complex genomic datasets, aiding in the identification of key genes and regulatory networks governing important agronomic traits. Biotechnology and synthetic biology approaches offer novel avenues for genetic manipulation, allowing for the design and engineering of plants with optimized traits, such as improved nutritional content and stress tolerance. Additionally, the integration of climate modeling with systems biology provides valuable insights into the interaction between genotype and environment, facilitating the development of climate-resilient crop varieties tailored to specific agroecosystems. Through the synergistic application of these innovative research methods, agricultural scientists and breeders can accelerate the pace of crop improvement while simultaneously promoting sustainability by fostering resilience, resource efficiency, and environmental stewardship. This transformative paradigm in agricultural research promises to address the complex challenges of food security, climate change, and environmental degradation, thereby laying the foundation for a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future.

Vom Verein zum Unternehmen?

Abstract Using the example of the German Mechanical and Plant Engineering Association (Verband Deutscher Maschinen- und Anlagenbau, VDMA), this paper examines the viability of corporate history approaches in the history of the associations. The VDMA, one of the largest trade associations in the Federal Republic of Germany, faced increasing criticism from its member companies in the late 60s. The complex organisation, which had to reconcile the interests of some three dozen branches of industry and various regional groups, was considered inefficient and lacking in profile. The reaction was to launch a reform programme with rationalisation measures, a modern image policy and an expansion of the range of services on offer that showed certain traits of entrepreneurial behaviour. At the same time, the dues system was reformed, but the introduction of a splitting of the dues to the association’s headquarters and the branches was dispensed in order not to endanger the cohesion of interests. Both areas of reform thus demonstrate the imits of entrepreneurial logic in the organisation of an association.

Triacylglycerol stability limits futile cycles and inhibition of carbon capture in oil-accumulating leaves.

Engineering plant vegetative tissue to accumulate triacylglycerols (TAG, e.g., oil) can increase the amount of oil harvested per acre to levels that exceed current oilseed crops. Engineered tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) lines that accumulate 15% to 30% oil of leaf dry weight resulted in starkly different metabolic phenotypes. In-depth analysis of the leaf lipid accumulation and 14CO2 tracking describe metabolic adaptations to the leaf oil engineering. An oil-for-membrane lipid tradeoff in the 15% oil line (referred to as HO) was surprisingly not further exacerbated when lipid production was enhanced to 30% (LEC2 line). The HO line exhibited a futile cycle that limited TAG yield through exchange with starch, altered carbon flux into various metabolite pools and end products, and suggested interference of the glyoxylate cycle with photorespiration that limited CO2 assimilation by 50%. In contrast, inclusion of the LEAFY COTYLEDON 2 (LEC2) transcription factor in tobacco improved TAG stability, alleviated the TAG-to-starch futile cycle, and recovered CO2 assimilation and plant growth comparable to wild type but with much higher lipid levels in leaves. Thus, the unstable production of storage reserves and futile cycling limit vegetative oil engineering approaches. The capacity to overcome futile cycles and maintain enhanced stable TAG levels in LEC2 demonstrated the importance of considering unanticipated metabolic adaptations while engineering vegetative oil crops.

Recent Activity of the Public Plant Engineering Technical Committee

Recent Activity of the Public Plant Engineering Technical Committee

Combined Pre-Treatment Technologies for Cleaning Biogas before Its Upgrading to Biomethane: An Italian Full-Scale Anaerobic Digester Case Study

Biogas produced by anaerobic digestion contains different types of contaminants, and it is preferable to eliminate those contaminants before biogas’ energetic valorization or upgrading to biomethane as they are harmful to human health and detrimental to combustion engines. This study presents the biogas cleanup system optimized by an Italian full-scale anaerobic digester treating food waste (FW) and represented by micro-oxygenation, chemical scrubber, cooling, and activated carbon sections. The cleaned biogas is upgraded to biomethane using a membrane-based upgrading unit and injected into the natural gas network for transport sector use. H2S and volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration in raw biogas was reduced from an annual average value of 1207 ppmv and 895 mg/Nm3, respectively, to below 0.1 mg/Nm3 in the final biomethane. In the summer, the H2S average content in raw biogas was 833 ppmv due to a greater presence of low-sulfur-containing vegetables in FW, while in the winter it was an average of 1581 ppmv due to a larger portion of protein-containing FW. On the other hand, raw biogas VOC content in the winter was an average of 1149 mg/Nm3, with respect to 661 mg/Nm3 in the summer, due to the greater consumption of citrus fruits containing high amount of terpene compounds. The concentration of other trace contaminants, such as HCl, NH3, and siloxanes, was lowered from 17, 36, and 0.6 mg/Nm3 in raw biogas, respectively, to below 0.1 mg/Nm3 in the final biomethane. All the considerations and evaluations underlying the technological and plant engineering choices together with the individuation of the best operating conditions are discussed.

Genetic dissection of mutagenic repair and T-DNA capture at CRISPR-induced DNA breaks in Arabidopsis thaliana.

A practical and powerful approach for genome editing in plants is delivery of CRISPR reagents via Agrobacterium tumefaciens transformation. The double-strand break (DSB)-inducing enzyme is expressed from a transferred segment of bacterial DNA, the T-DNA, which upon transformation integrates at random locations into the host genome or is captured at the self-inflicted DSB site. To develop efficient strategies for precise genome editing, it is thus important to define the mechanisms that repair CRISPR-induced DSBs, as well as those that govern random and targeted integration of T-DNA. In this study, we present a detailed and comprehensive genetic analysis of Cas9-induced DSB repair and T-DNA capture in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. We found that classical nonhomologous end joining (cNHEJ) and polymerase theta-mediated end joining (TMEJ) are both, and in part redundantly, acting on CRISPR-induced DSBs to produce very different mutational outcomes. We used newly developed CISGUIDE technology to establish that 8% of mutant alleles have captured T-DNA at the induced break site. In addition, we find T-DNA shards within genomic DSB repair sites indicative of frequent temporary interactions during TMEJ. Analysis of thousands of plant genome-T-DNA junctions, followed up by genetic dissection, further reveals that TMEJ is responsible for attaching the 3' end of T-DNA to a CRISPR-induced DSB, while the 5' end can be attached via TMEJ as well as cNHEJ. By identifying the mechanisms that act to connect recombinogenic ends of DNA molecules at chromosomal breaks, and quantifying their contributions, our study supports the development of tailor-made strategies toward predictable engineering of crop plants.

Genetic Transformation of Potato without Antibiotic-Assisted Selection

The genetic engineering of plants often relies on the use of antibiotic or herbicide resistance genes for the initial selection of primary transgenic events. Nevertheless, the commercial release of genetically modified crops containing any marker gene encounters several challenges stemming from the lack of consumer acceptance. The development of strategies enabling the generation of marker-free transgenic plants presents an alternative to address public concerns regarding the safety of biotech crops. This study examined the capabilities of highly regenerative potato cultivars to develop transgenic plants without the presence of selective substances in their media. Internodal segments of in vitro potato plants were inoculated with the Agrobacterium strain AGL0 carrying plasmids, which contained the GFP or RFP gene driven by the CaMV 35S promoter to monitor the transformation process by observing in vivo green or red fluorescence. Despite the absence of selective pressure, inoculated explants demonstrated comparable or even higher transient expression compared to experiments based on antibiotic assistant selection. Consequently, under non-selective conditions, non-transgenic, chimeric, and fully fluorescent potato plantlets were concurrently developed. Among the five tested cultivars, the regeneration efficiency of non-chimeric transgenic plants varied from 0.9 (‘Chicago’) to 2.7 (#12-36-42) plants per 100 detached plantlets. Depending on the regenerative characteristics of potato varieties (early, intermediate, or late), a specific time interval can be determined when a blind collection of transgenic plantlets is more successful, streamlining the transformation procedure. The results indicate that the outlined procedure is simple and reproducible, consistently achieving the transformation efficiency of 7.3–12.0% (per 100 inoculated explants) in potato cultivars without selective pressure. The described transformation procedure holds the potential for obtaining cisgenic or intragenic potato plants with new valuable traits that do not carry marker genes.

Application of nanotechnology and proteomic tools in crop development towards sustainable agriculture

AbstractThe increase in global population which translates to increased demand for food called for urgent attention from key players and policy makers in agricultural sector. Also, the effects of climate change and its consequent biotic and abiotic stresses in plants has greatly affect the sustainability of agriculture and production of food. These challenges require novel and sustainable approaches to improve the quality and yield of crops. The vast application of nanoparticles in different fields of study is attributed to their distinct chemical and physical characteristics. However, in agriculture, their application is limited because of their safety concern. Currently, research is tailored to study the response of plants to various nanoparticle treatments; however, these studies are inconclusive due to limited knowledge on the mechanisms of plant–nanoparticle interactions. Recently, studies on nanobiotechnology have taken a new dimension from preliminary bioassay experiments to more complex, research-oriented studies using various omics tools. Changes in protein expression caused by plant–nanoparticle interaction at any developmental stages, or tissue types may be investigated using suitable proteomics techniques. This review discussed the various applications of nanotechnology and proteomic tools in plant growth and development. Plant–nanoparticle interactions and the application of nanoparticles and proteomic tools in genetic engineering of plants to attain agricultural sustainability and food safety are also discussed. Informative and thorough understanding of plant–nanoparticle interaction will serve as a blueprint that will enable plant scientist and genetic engineers to develop plant biomarkers and explore their potential application for crop improvement.

Earthworms and plants can decrease soil greenhouse gas emissions by modulating soil moisture fluctuations and soil macroporosity in a mesocosm experiment.

Earthworms can stimulate microbial activity and hence greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from soils. However, the extent of this effect in the presence of plants and soil moisture fluctuations, which are influenced by earthworm burrowing activity, remains uncertain. Here, we report the effects of earthworms (without, anecic, endogeic, both) and plants (with, without) on GHG (CO2, N2O) emissions in a 3-month greenhouse mesocosm experiment simulating a simplified agricultural context. The mesocosms allowed for water drainage at the bottom to account for the earthworm engineering effect on water flow during two drying-wetting cycles. N2O cumulative emissions were 34.6% and 44.8% lower when both earthworm species and only endogeic species were present, respectively, and 19.8% lower in the presence of plants. The presence of the endogeic species alone or in combination with the anecic species slightly reduced CO2 emissions by 5.9% and 11.4%, respectively, and the presence of plants increased emissions by 6%. Earthworms, plants and soil water content interactively affected weekly N2O emissions, an effect controlled by increased soil dryness due to drainage via earthworm burrows and mesocosm evapotranspiration. Soil macroporosity (measured by X-ray tomography) was affected by earthworm species-specific burrowing activity. Both GHG emissions decreased with topsoil macropore volume, presumably due to reduced moisture and microbial activity. N2O emissions decreased with macropore volume in the deepest layer, likely due to the presence of fewer anaerobic microsites. Our results indicate that, under experimental conditions allowing for plant and earthworm engineering effects on soil moisture, earthworms do not increase GHG emissions, and endogeic earthworms may even reduce N2O emissions.

Prognozowanie procesu emisji wodoru z obudowy turbogeneratora z powstawaniem palnych mieszanin wodorowo-powietrznych i spalaniem pochodni

Predicting the process of hydrogen emission from the turbogenerator housing with the formation of flammable hydrogen-air mixtures and flare combustion The operation of turbogenerators of nuclear and thermal power plants is accompanied by the release of heat, which contributes to the heating of generator components and can lead to an emergency situation (fire). Since As turbogenerators operate for long periods of time, the process of continuous cooling of generator equipment plays an important role, as its overheating can lead to emergency chain reactions, fires, explosions, etc. Analysis of statistical data on the occurrence of emergency situations (fires) related to hydrogen leaks from process equipment indicates insufficient operational qualifications of operational personnel, poor quality of equipment repair, errors of repair personnel and their violation of technical requirements for repairing equipment and their systems, design defects in equipment and systems that ensure its operation. It has been established that the causes of emergency situations are: hydrogen leakage due to leaks in equipment, spontaneous ignition of hydrogen, the presence of air space in turbogenerator equipment, violation of technological regulations, contamination of hydrogen with moisture and pollution, unhermetization of the generator body. Modeling of the hydrogen combustion process during its release from the casing of a turbine-generator was carried out using the example of a power plant engine room. The study showed that the longest hydrogen combustion time will occur when hydrogen is released through holes with geometric size d0 in the range of 0.05--0.1 m (50--100 mm). At larger values of the geometric size of the hole d0 > 0.1 m, the hydrogen burning time is insignificant, and at values of d0 < 0.005 m, the length of the flame burner L does not exceed 1.15 m. The results of the study confirm that hydrogen flame torch combustion can occur as a result of turbogenerator failure. The calculations established the need for fire protection of the supporting metal structures of the engine room to ensure a fire resistance limit of at least 45 minutes under the hydrocarbon curve.

RcMYB8 enhances salt and drought tolerance in rose (Rosa chinensis) by modulating RcPR5/1 and RcP5CS1

Plant Myeloblastosis (MYB) proteins function crucially roles upon variegated abiotic stresses. Nonetheless, their effects and mechanisms in rose (Rosa chinensis) are not fully clarified. In this study, we characterized the effects of rose RcMYB8 under salt and drought tolerances. For induction of the RcMYB8 expression, NaCl and drought stress treatment were adopted. Rose plants overexpressing RcMYB8 displayed enhanced tolerance to salinity and drought stress, while silencing RcMYB8 resulted in decreased tolerance, as evidenced by lowered intra-leaf electrolyte leakage and callose deposition, as well as photosynthetic sustainment under stressed conditions. Here, we further show that RcMYB8 binds similarly to the promoters of RcPR5/1 and RcP5C51 in vivo and in vitro. Inhibiting RcP5CS1 by virus-induced gene silencing led to decreased drought tolerance through the reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostatic regulation. RcP5CS1-silenced plants showed an increase in ion leakage and reduce of proline content, together with the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) increased, lowered activities of Catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Our study highlights the transcriptional modulator role of RcMYB8 in drought and salinity tolerances, which bridges RcPR5/1 and RcP5CS1 by promoting ROS scavenging. Besides, it is probably applicable to the rose plant engineering for enhancing their abiotic stress tolerances.Graphical

Pilot scale production of biodiesel from Azolla oil via heterogeneous catalysis and diesel engine analysis: kinetic and techno-economic analysis considerations

ABSTRACT The use of Azolla pinnata oil for the production of biodiesel, coupled with the use of industrial waste dolomite as a catalyst, represents a novel approach with significant potential. This innovative process offers several key advantages, such as utilizing a non-edible feedstock, reducing waste generation, and providing an alternative to fossil fuels. This research aims to investigate the viability of creating biodiesel using Azolla pinnata oil and evaluate its technical and economic appropriateness for large-scale manufacturing. A pilot plant reactor with a 10 L biodiesel capacity carries out the transesterification reaction, using dolomite from industrial waste as a heterogeneous catalyst. The reaction was conducted for 4 h at a temperature of 70°C, and biodiesel yielded approximately 99.14%. Aspen Plus is employed to simulate and design a biodiesel plant, with the reaction kinetics derived from the pilot plant reaction and inputted into Aspen Plus. Plant optimization and economic analysis are performed using the Aspen Economic Analyzer. The biodiesel blends (Azolla 20, Azolla 40, and Azolla 60) were tested in a CI engine and compared with diesel results. Based on the engine test results, the Azolla 20 blend provides less HC (12.9%), CO (13.07%), and smoke (10%) emissions; therefore, it can serve as a better alternative to neat diesel. The primary units of the proposed plant have been designed, and the process’s economic viability was determined. It was discovered that the total capital investment needed is approximately 5.054 million USD, which will be repaid within 1.97 years of operation. This research encompasses pilot plant experiments, process simulation, engine testing, and economic analysis, demonstrating the novelty, technical feasibility, and potential socio-economic impact of this biodiesel production process.