Greener Path Research Articles

In-silico identification of lysine residue for lysozyme immobilization on dialdehyde cellulose

In the realm of enzymes, the Enzyme Immobilization technique can be extremely beneficial. More research into computational approaches could lead to a better understanding as well as lead us in the direction of a more environmentally friendly and greener path. In this study, molecular modelling techniques were used to collect information regarding the immobilization of Lysozyme (EC 3.2.1.17) on Dialdehyde Cellulose (CDA). Lysine, being the most nucleophilic, is most likely to interact with dialdehyde cellulose. Enzyme substrate interactions have been studied with and without the refinement of modified lysozyme molecules. A total of six CDA-modified lysine residues were selected for the study. The docking process for all modified lysozymes was carried out using four distinct docking programs: Autodock Vina, GOLD, Swissdock, and iGemdock.The binding affinity (−7.8 & −8.0 kcal mol−1 in case of non-refinement and −4.7 & −5.0 kcal mol−1 in case of refinement), calculated from Autodock vina, as well as the interaction similarity of Lys116 immobilized lysozyme with its substrate, were found to be 75 % (W/o simulation) & 66.7 % (With simulation) identical with the reference case (unmodified lysozyme) if Lys116 is bound to Dialdehyde Cellulose. The approach described here is utilized to identify amino acid residues that are used in the immobilization of lysozyme.

Bottom-up perovskite spits out NH3

Perovskites, materials that share the ABX3 stoichiometry and calcium titanate (CaTiO3) crystal structure, are well known in solar cells. Scientists have found that by replacing the oxygen in perovskites with other ions, they can tune the properties of these cheap materials and use them in other applications. By swapping in N3- and H-, Hideo Hosono, Masaaki Kitano, and coworkers at the Tokyo Institute of Technology synthesized a BaCeO3−xNyHz perovskite that makes ammonia via a greener path than the traditional Haber-Bosch process (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2019, DOI: 10.1021/jacs.9b10726). “Our catalysts show very high activity in the range of 240–400 °C at 0.9 MPa,” says Kitano—much milder conditions than the traditional Haber-Bosch process, which runs at around 500 °C and 20 MPa. The researchers took a bottom-up approach to make the perovskite, flowing ammonia over barium amide and cerium dioxide at 300–600 °C for about 6 h. Conventional methods for making

Effect of concentrated solar radiation on the morphology of the silver nanoparticles and its antibacterial activity

ABSTRACTIn the present work, concentrated solar radiation (CSR) was utilised as a greener path for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) with different size and explore its antibacterial potential. Citric acid and polyvinylpyrrolidone were used as a reducing agent and capping agent respectively in the reaction. The reaction was accelerated by CSR, resulting in a reduction in the reaction time. Different coloured cellophane papers were used to filter the light from the lens to check the efficacy of the radiation energy system on the synthesis of Ag NPs. UV Spectrophotometer was used to characterise Ag NPs and to optimise reaction time, while X-ray diffraction studies confirmed the synthesised particles to be Ag NPs. With the aid of particle size analyser, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy results, the effect of wavelength on the size of the nanoparticles was realised. Intensity calculations depicted maximum intensity of CSR was obtained when the yellow colour filter was draped around Fresnel lens. The synthesised Ag NPs has found particle size ranged from 11 to 40 nm and remarkable antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas putida and Escherichia coli was noticed. This work strives to develop a greener process for the synthesis of Ag NPs with different morphology using CSR.

Dynamic Border Carbon Taxes to Enhance Green Growth

This paper theoretically analyzes the growth and welfare impacts of dynamic Border Carbon Taxes (BCT) across trading countries. I build a trade model with dynamic investment decisions using a Ramsey growth model. The government in each country can invest either in costly nonpolluting capital or in cheap polluting capital. The model is solved numerically for an open loop Nash equilibrium to study different configurations of BCTs across countries. I find that a unilateral BCT is welfare enhancing for the country that applies it and an effective tool to shift the growth of the other country towards greener path even when countries are not concerned about the environment. Results show that a bilateral BCT becomes welfare enhancing for both countries if governments care sufficiently about the environmental quality of their consumers. Moreover, the asymmetry in initial development levels across countries induces a slower growth for the initially poorer country only if the other country is richer in the polluting capital. Furthermore, the model shows that trade openness should be achieved gradually along the development path of countries.

Green oriented procurement for building projects: Preliminary findings from Malaysia

As Malaysia is planning an increasing number of construction projects in the near future, a major imperative is to embark on a ‘greener path’ to ensure a more sustainable future. One of the efforts currently being undertaken is the introduction of green procurement, which is part of the government’s MyHijau initiative and highlighted in the Malaysian economic planning program. Previous studies have found that the concept of green procurement is still very new to the Malaysian construction industry and accordingly have sought to address the low levels of knowledge in this area. This paper presents preliminary findings of green procurement practices in Malaysia based on a review of the existing literature as well as a pilot study utilising semi-structured interviews of experienced practitioners. Our findings indicate that, although the term ‘green procurement’ is not being used broadly across construction stakeholders, some green practices related to procurement are developing in the industry. These include the availability of green procurement guidelines and the inclusion of green criteria in the tender process, with due consideration given to green purchasing. The findings are encouraging and point to an increasing awareness, practices and implementation of green procurement by practitioners in Malaysia. It is envisaged that the paper will provide the basis for future research into green procurement practices for construction projects in Malaysia and beyond.

Antibacterial property of PLA textiles coated by nano-TiO2through eco-friendly low-temperature plasma

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to: investigate coating of polylactic acid by TiO2using low-temperature plasma technique, which is a clean and environmentally benign process; study the characteristics of the obtained samples; and survey the antibacterial effect of nano-TiO2. This method, as an eco-friendly technology used on the biodegradable polymer, would be benefited by industries which want to set feet on the greener path and reduce the social costs resulting from the harmful effects of pollutants.Design/methodology/approachTiO2was coated on a textile by DC magnetron sputtering. In this study titanium as a pure Ti anode is coated on the sample surface in the plasma reactor by entering argon gas (Ar). Then titanium oxide appears through entering oxygen (O2) into the reactor.FindingsScanning electron microscopy analysis is applied to show the morphology of the coated surface. The quantitative value of TiO2was evaluated as weight percentage using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and washing stability of the samples is measured using the XRF machine. The highest degree of antibacterial effects and washing stability are all observed in 10 min.Originality/valueIn this process, contrary to common methods, pure Ti is used for coating. Finishing of textiles via this method has been useful to be used as disposable hospital clothing due to its biodegradable and antibacterial properties. So it will be helpful in reducing negative environmental impacts.

Too little too late [smart meter

We need to increase the amount of energy we generate from renewable sources by more than 10 per cent in just over ten years. When you consider the length of time it takes to get new wind and solar farms through the public consultations, then design, build and connection phases, it's obvious that microgeneration is going to have to play a big part in enabling us to achieve that 10 per cent goal within that timescale. Renewable heat incentive may seem like a great tool to get the UK's households on a greener path, for microgeneration and smart metering to not be too little too late, the government needs to look at introducing yet another initiative that will enable us to install them in the first place.

Greener energy solutions for a sustainable future: issues and challenges for Malaysia

This paper examines the intricacy of energy policies, issues and challenges woven into the development of the energy sector in Malaysia. As highlighted in the Third Outline Perspective Plan (OPP3) and the Eighth Malaysia Plan (8MP) unveiled in April 2001, efforts will be intensified to moderate the growth of energy demand and to develop renewable energy as the fifth fuel in electricity generation. Whilst the general energy policy thrust for the next ten years remains unchanged, concerted efforts will be made to usher the energy sector development on a greener path. With a projected average economic growth rate of 7.5% per year in the 2001–2005 period, resource rich Malaysia would have to cater for the 7.8% yearly increase in final energy demand. Total primary energy supply is projected to grow at an average of 7.2% per year in the same period. Against the backdrop of a growing need for coal and piped natural gas imports and Malaysia becoming a net crude oil importer in 2008, greater challenges lie ahead for the energy sector. This implies that Peninsular Malaysia may become a net importer of fossil fuels (oil, gas and coal) sooner than expected. Higher utilization rate of natural gas as the ‘green’ fuel will be encouraged in electricity and non-electricity sectors. Furthermore, fiscal incentives in Budget 2001 to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency provide a timely boost for implementation of the new fifth fuel strategy. Although the overall approach in addressing energy issues and challenges hinges on the precautionary principle, the main thrust of energy sector development in Malaysia will continue to focus on adequacy, quality and security of energy supply and the promotion of its efficient utilization with minimum negative impacts on the environment.