High Production Rate Research Articles

Metabolomics Reveals Rubiadin Accumulation and the Effects of Methyl Jasmonate Elicitation in Damnacanthus major Calli.

Callus suspension techniques have been considered attractive for improving bioactive metabolite productivity; methyl jasmonate (MeJA) is a widely used elicitor for stimulating synthetic pathways. In this study, a multivariate analysis-based metabolomics approach was employed to investigate the primary and specialized metabolites in the leaves, unelicited calli, and 100 or 200 μM MeJA elicited calli of Damnacanthus major. Rubiadin, a powerful anthraquinone with various therapeutic properties, was only identified in D. major calli, accumulating in a MeJA elicitation concentration-dependent manner. Callus cultures also contained high levels of amino acids, sugars, and phenolic compounds, indicating energy metabolism and metabolic adaptation responses for proliferation and stabilization. Regarding MeJA application, elicited calli contained higher amounts of quinic acid, kaempferol, and glucose with lower amounts of sucrose and raffinose than those in the unelicited control, which were closely related to protective mechanisms against MeJA. Moreover, excessive elicitation increased the asparagine, fructose, and raffinose levels and decreased the glucose and sucrose levels, which was ascribed to increased activation of the aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis pathway and wider utilization of glucose than of fructose after sucrose degradation. These results will be useful for optimizing plant cell culture techniques to achieve high production rates for valuable specialized metabolites.

Cr2O3- TiO2 nanocomposite made using plant (Oats) extract via impregnation technique for photocatalytic activity of hydrogen production

In this study an efficient photocatalyst of water splitting was developed. It's discussed. The Cr2O3 with TiO2nanoparticles (Cr2O3-TNPs) nanocomposite with (Oats extract) were created using ecologically friendly methods impregnation technique such TiO2 exhibits nanospherical (TNPs) shape structure. This nanocomposite material enhanced their ability to absorb ultraviolet light while also speeding up the recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes, according to the researchers. The TNPs and prepared Cr2O3-TNPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and UV-visible absorbance. The XRD of TNPs showed a Tetragonal phase with 8.9 nm of average crystallite size,. FE-SEM images showed that the average particles size in the range of 22.5 nm and UV-VIS absorbance have energy gaps are 3.9eV while the energy gaps of Cr2O3-TNPs smaller than that 3.6 eV. It was found that the performance of photocatalysts of the nanocomposite for hydrogen generation was superior, as it gave the highest rate of hydrogen production (6.3) ml at 80 min when exposed to ultraviolet light. Moreover, the nanocomposite revealed the high H2 production rate under ultraviolt light irradiation (λ < 400 nm), The Cr2O3-TNps have a high photocatalytic effectiveness due to their wide ultraviolt light photoresponse range and excellent separation of photogenerated electrons and holes.

Multi-needle blow-spinning technique for fabricating collagen nanofibrous nerve guidance conduit with scalable productivity and high performance

Nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) have been widely accepted as a promising strategy for peripheral nerve regeneration. Fabricating ideal NGCs with good biocompatibility, biodegradability, permeability, appropriate mechanical properties (space maintenance, suturing performance, etc.), and oriented topographic cues is still current research focus. From the perspective of translation, the technique stability and scalability are also an important consideration for industrial production. Recently, blow-spinning technique shows great potentials in nanofibrous scaffolds fabrication, possessing high quality, high fiber production rates, low cost, ease of maintenance, and high reliability. In this study, we proposed for the first time the preparation of a novel NGC via blow-spinning technique to obtain optimized performances and high productivity. A new collagen nanofibrous neuro-tube with the bilayered design was developed, incorporating inner oriented and outer random topographical cues. The bilayer structure enhances the mechanical properties of the conduit in dry and wet, displaying good radial support and suturing performance. The porous nature of the blow-spun collagen membrane enables good nutrient delivery and metabolism. The in vitro and in vivo evaluations indicated the bilayer-structure conduit could promoted Schwann cells growth, neurotrophic factors secretion, and axonal regeneration and motor functional recovery in rat.

Potential of Radioactive Isotopes Production in DEMO for Commercial Use

There is widespread use of nuclear radiation for medical imagery and treatments. Worldwide, almost 40 million treatments are performed per year. There are also applications of radiation sources in other commercial fields, e.g., for weld inspection or steelmaking processes, in consumer products, in the food industry, and in agriculture. The large number of neutrons generated in a fusion reactor such as DEMO could potentially contribute to the production of the required radioactive isotopes. The associated commercial value of these isotopes could mitigate the capital investments and operating costs of a large fusion plant. The potential of producing various radioactive isotopes was studied from material pieces arranged inside a DEMO equatorial port plug. In this location, they are exposed to an intensive neutron spectrum suitable for a high isotope production rate. For this purpose, the full 3D geometry of one DEMO toroidal sector with an irradiation chamber in the equatorial port plug was modeled with an MCNP code to perform neutron transport simulations. Subsequent activation calculations provide detailed information on the quality and composition of the produced radioactive isotopes. The technical feasibility and the commercial potential of the production of various isotopes in the DEMO port are reported.

Corrosion response of steels fabricated through arc directed energy deposition additive manufacturing: a review.

Steels exhibit distinct properties that underscore their pivotal role in critical industries, such as maritime, aerospace, automotive, petrochemical, and biomedicine. In recent times, there has been an increasing trend towards manufacturing near-net-shape steel components through various additive manufacturing (AM) modalities, utilizing intricate 3D model data. Initially, powder bed fusion (PBF) technology garnered significant attention for the fabrication of steel components. Nonetheless, arc-directed energy deposition (arc-DED), also known as wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) technology, is progressively gaining prominence in the AM enterprise due to its high production rate, the ability to print large-scale components, and notably, reduced capital investment. While early research on WAAM-fabricated steels primarily focused on microstructural and mechanical characteristics, there is an increasing emphasis on the corrosion performance of WAAM steel components. These components often encounter exposure to corrosive environments in their intended applications. The existing literature lacks a comprehensive review that delves into the nuanced factors influencing the corrosion behavior of WAAM-fabricated steels and the primary corrosion mechanisms governing their degradation. Therefore, this review is dedicated to exploring the corrosion properties of WAAM-fabricated steels, identifying key parameters influencing their degradation behavior. Moreover, it offers an in-depth examination and discussion of the underlying mechanisms governing corrosion-induced deterioration. Furthermore, this review meticulously scrutinizes the microstructural features and WAAM technologies, providing clarity and organization regarding details relevant to the corrosion of WAAM steel components. To conclude, the paper highlights the existing research gaps related to the corrosion of WAAM steel, delineating potential avenues for future research.

Optimization of dynamic characteristics of the hydraulic drive system of the cultivator

Enhancement of technological processes’ efficiency in agriculture can be achieved through the optimization of technological, structural, and performance characteristics of agricultural machinery. Modern machinery should have high productivity rate, ease of operation, high level of standardization and minimal expenditures of energy resources. The paper gives examples of the implementation of flow-dividing valves for the maintenance of the requested level of synchronization in the hydraulic drive of the agricultural equipment using the example of folding cultivator. The improved calculation hydraulic model of the cultivator and scheme of throttling flow-driving valve of non-spool type with plunger setting device are presented. The article gives the numerical scheme of the hydromechanical drive system of the cultivator which gives consideration to the volume coefficient of stiffness. It contributes to the exact accuracy of calculations and analysis.

Surface microstructuring by Ultrasonic Vibration Assisted Deformational Machining (UVADM) – Simulation and experimental results

Polymer-metal hybrids are a lightweight solution for many industrial applications, especially in the automotive or aircraft sector. However, due to their poor chemical bonding the manufacturing of such compounds requires the use of adhesive layers or the conditioning of the metallic surface to achieve form closure and high joint strength. Ultrasonic Vibration Assisted Deformational Machining (UVADM) is a novel process that generates functional microstructures with high production rates, aiming to form defined burr structures with undercuts, that have a significant impact on the interlaminar strength of polymer-metal hybrids (PMH). A 3D FEM simulation using Abaqus/Explicit software was applied to design and analyze process conditions including tool geometry. Material deformation was described by the Johnson-Cook model. Simulation results were validated experimentally using two different MCD tools. For the UVADM experiments, specimens of the aluminum alloy EN AW-6082 were used. In the tests, a constant ultrasonic frequency (20.42 kHz), machining speed (100 m/min and 200 m/min), and peak-to-peak amplitude (7 µm) were used. Geometrical surface properties were analyzed by optical methods and SEM. The study demonstrates a conformity between simulated and experimental results, highlighting the potential of UVADM for an increased productivity in the surface conditioning for polymer-metal hybrids.

Selective hydrogenolysis of furfural to 1,2-pentanediol over a Pt–Fe/MT catalyst under mild conditions

A Pt–Fe bimetallic catalyst is developed to produce 1,2-pentanediol from furfural under mild conditions of 140 °C and 0.1 MPa H2, affording by far the highest production rate.

Catalyst-free contact-electro-catalytic H2O2 synthesis via simple combination of a poly(tetrafluoroethylene) stir bar and ultrasound.

Herein, we present a catalyst-free contact-electro-catalytic method for synthesizing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) by combining continuous agitation with a poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) stir bar and ultrasonication. A high H2O2 production rate of 256.6 μM h-1 is achieved under ambient conditions without adding particle catalysts and sacrificial agents, which is competitive with recent advancements in redox technology. Eco-friendliness, convenience and efficiency make this process a promising alternative method for H2O2 synthesis.

A rationally designed 3DTiO2@CdZnS heterojunction photocatalyst for effectively enhanced visible-light-driven hydrogen evolution.

Hydrogen production with higher efficiency and lower cost is of great significance for the sustainable development of energy. Zinc cadmium sulfide (CZS) is gaining more attention owing to its excellent photocatalytic properties. However, its development is greatly limited due to photogenerated charge recombination. In this work, an innovative design with a unique 3D morphology was introduced by integrating 3DTiO2 into CZS to form a novel 3DTiO2/CZS heterojunction photocatalyst. As a result, the optimized composite achieved a very high hydrogen production rate of 75.38 mmol h-1 g-1 under visible light, which is 2.4 times higher than that of the original CZS. It can also be greatly demonstrated through photoelectrochemical tests that this unique 3D morphology contributes to the effective separation of electrons and holes, thus dramatically improving the photocatalytic activity of 3DTiO2/CZS composites. The 3DTiO2/CZS composite has a rational energy band structure, which makes it more favorable for the hydrogen precipitation reaction. It is believed that such a modification strategy based on 3DTiO2 can be applied to other similar photocatalysts as well for boosting hydrogen evolution.

A cyclic trinuclear silver complex for photosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide.

The development of metal complexes for photosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) from pure water and oxygen using solar energy, especially in the absence of any additives (e.g., acid, co-catalysts, and sacrificial agents), is a worthwhile pursuit, yet still remains highly challenging. More importantly, the O2 evolution from the water oxidation reaction has been impeded by the classic bottleneck, the photon-flux-density problem of sunlight that could be attributed to rarefied solar radiation for a long time. Herein, we reported synthesis of boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY)-based cyclic trinuclear silver complexes (Ag-CTC), and they exhibited strong visible-light absorption ability, a suitable energy bandgap, excellent photochemical properties and efficient charge separation ability. The integration of BODIPY motifs as oxygen reduction reaction sites and silver ions as water oxidation reaction sites allows Ag-CTC to photosynthesize H2O2 either from pure water or from sea water in the absence of any additives with a high H2O2 production rate of 183.7 and 192.3 μM h-1, which is higher than that of other reported metal-based photocatalysts. The photocatalytic mechanism was systematically and ambiguously investigated by various experimental analyses and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Our work represents an important breakthrough in developing a new Ag photocatalyst for the transformation of O2 into H2O2 and H2O into H2O2.

A multi-objective optimization workflow of ring-rolling process parameters based on production energy and time

Our industrial era is characterized by a significant attention to environmental aspects and production sustainability. Under this point of view, the minimization of the process energy represents a milestone leading to a consistent reduction of pollution. However, to promptly react to the high production rate market request, companies employ time saving manufacturing strategies, often in contrast with this principle. Considering this, an optimization concerning the reduction of both production time and energy, results to be strategical, especially when energy-intensive processes, such as ring rolling, are considered. Ring rolling is a shaping process performed by a dedicated equipment, composed of a driving roll, an idle roll, and a couple of axial rolls, allowing to obtain seamless rings while simultaneously reducing their height and thickness, while enlarging diameter. The kinematics of each component of the equipment can be set independently. This leads to several process conditions influencing quality, energy, and times, and makes it difficult the selection of the most suitable configuration. In this paper, a multi-objective optimization workflow is presented. Starting from validated FEM simulation campaign results, the proposed methodology allowed to individuate the best process parameters combination for limiting energy and time, encouraging its application to a wider range of energy-consuming processes.

Exfoliation of graphite to turbostratic graphene

Here, we exfoliated high-quality turbostratic graphene with a clean interface at a high production rate (10 g h−1) directly from graphite using an industrial-friendly technique i.e. plasma spraying, catching note of its growing global interest. The reduction of the (002) x-ray diffraction peak and the transparent scanning electron microscope image are used to characterize the exfoliation. The thickness of exfoliated graphene layers is measured using an atomic force microscope. Turbostratic nature (twist) in graphene is identified based on the appearance of three Raman combination bands (TS1, TS2, and TS3) between 1800 cm−1 and 2300 cm−1. The twist between the layers is precisely measured using selected area electron diffraction (SAED), and the turbostratic nature is confirmed by observing a moiré pattern utilizing a high-resolution transmission electron microscope. The produced turbostratic graphene exhibited large variability in twist angles (2°–30°) with a visible moiré pattern. The high crystalline quality and clean interface between single layers of graphene were confirmed by the moiré pattern and SAED. Later, we demonstrated the mechanism underlying the twist in our exfoliated graphene, which could open the way for the production of high-quality turbostratic graphene with clean interfaces.

Enhanced Preservation of Climacteric Fruit with a Cellulose Nanofiber-Based Film Coating.

Bananas are a typical climacteric fruit with high respiration and ethylene production rates after harvest, and they show rapid ripening-senescence phenotypes. Here, we demonstrate that carboxymethylcellulose nanofibers (CM-CNFs) and red cabbage extracts (RCE) can be used as a unique film coating formulation for enhancement of the shelf-life of fruit. A CM-CNF suspension solution is created through a process involving chemical modification, followed by mechanical grinding. It has a high aspect ratio that allows for the creation of a thin and transparent film on the surface of bananas. The cross-linked CM-CNF hydrogel forms a dense film layer on the banana surface during dehydration and prevents respiration and weight loss. RCE contains polyphenols acting as antioxidants, which prevent the appearance of black dots on the banana peels. It serves to mitigate the browning of banana skins and also hinders the respiration process, consequently slowing the aging of bananas.

Establishment of an In Vitro Micropropagation Protocol for Hibiscus moscheutos L. ‘Berry Awesome’

Hibiscus moscheutos L. ‘Berry Awesome’ is a complex hybrid of the new Proven Winners Summerific series of varieties with highly ornamental characteristics. Micropropagation of highly ornamental varieties is important for mass production of planting material for commercial purposes. The traditional methods for propagating Hibiscus varieties, such as cuttings or seed propagation, however, do not guarantee high rates of production of high-quality seedlings. To solve this problem, an attempt was made to develop protocols for micropropagation of Hibiscus moscheutos L. ‘Berry Awesome’ in vitro on agar and liquid medium using a bioreactor system, followed by ex vitro adaptation of the regenerants. The optimal method for sterilization of nodal explants as well as the optimal composition of the initiation medium for shoot proliferation and rooting were determined. For micropropagation on a liquid medium, a rocker-type bioreactor was used, and its advantages over micropropagation on an agar medium were demonstrated. The results showed that the best sterilization method for nodal segment explants was as follows: pretreatment by rinsing with running tap water, sterile water, and distilled water for 70 min and soaking for 5 min in a mixture of solutions of ethyl alcohol (96%), hydrogen peroxide (38%), and water in a ratio of 1:1:2. In this case, live and sterile explants accounted for 62.6%. The optimal initiation medium for axillary buds in nodal segments was the Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 0.1 mg L−1 N-(2-chloro-4-pyridinyl)-N’-phenylurea (CPPU), which resulted in 73.3% of axillary buds being induced. The optimal solid proliferation medium was MS medium supplemented with 0.1 mg L−1 CPPU with a proliferation coefficient of 5.8. In a liquid medium, the optimal concentration of CPPU was 0.05 mg L−1 with a proliferation coefficient of 9.2. The best medium for rooting/shoots with agar and in bioreactors was MS medium with the addition of 0.1 mg L−1 indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The highest rooting rate was 99.0% in both types of media, and the survival rate of plantlets was 88.7% in solid media and 98.7% in the bioreactor.

Top‐Down Electrochemical Synthesis of Nanoporous Metal Nanosheets from Nonlayered Alloy Precursors

Two‐dimensional (2D) nanomaterials are an attractive class of multifunctional materials owing to their unique chemical, electronic, and structural properties. Bottom‐up formation of 2D nanomaterials (solution processing, atomic‐layer deposition, chemical vapor deposition, etc.) affords direct control of material morphology and chemistry, tailoring their exhibited physicochemical properties. These methodologies, however, have limited throughput. The reduced output and expense of these bottom‐up methodologies limit their economic viability for mass production of multifunctional 2D nanomaterials. Top‐down approaches, through either exfoliation/delamination of a layered material or initiated targeted removal of a sacrificial component, are much more amenable to high production rates. Herein a unique electrochemical dealloying protocol is presented and analyzed for the synthesis of nanoporous iridium nanosheets (npIrx‐NS) from nonlayered, homogeneous alloy precursors. Through observations of combinatory effects of dealloying electrolyte and precursor alloy compositions, insights into the mechanism of formation and evolution of nanoporosity in free‐standing 2D flakes are gained.

Exploring an innovative approach to hydrogen generation for fuel cell energy production by integrating a dual organic Rankine system with an absorption chiller powered by geothermal energy

This study delved into the thermodynamic optimization of a geothermal system integrated with a fuel cell unit for energy storage during peak consumption. An innovative system was devised to simultaneously produce cooling, electricity, hydrogen, and freshwater by combining an absorption chiller, reverse osmosis, PEM Electrolyzer, and two double Organic Rankine Cycles. To assess the impact of local weather conditions, case studies were conducted in the cities of Hong Kong (China), Bandar Abbas (Iran), Tepic (Mexico), and Melbourne (Australia). Computational modeling employed EES software, and optimization using Response Surface Methodology aimed to enhance system performance and minimize costs. The geothermal system was engineered to meet the electricity demands of residential households during peak consumption. The optimal results demonstrated that the proposed geothermal system, in its most efficient configuration, could achieve an exergy efficiency of 73.17 % and an energy efficiency of 25.25 % while operating at a cost rate of 74.36 $/h. An economic analysis revealed that among the system components, ORC1 unit and PEME incurred the highest costs. Additionally, the PEME, evaporator, and absorption chiller were identified as the main contributors to exergy destruction. The total exergy destruction rate of the proposed geothermal system is 1840.7 kWh and the total cost rate of the system is 51.73 $/h. Lastly, the assessment of the suggested geothermal system across the studied cities indicated that it performed most effectively in Melbourne, Australia. The results of the study of the production capacity in the four study cities showed that Melbourne has the highest production rate with a rate of 14,573 MWh, Tepic with a rate of 13,425 MWh, and Hong Kong with a rate of 13,174 MWh. The lowest annual rate with the amount of 12,784 MWh belongs to the city of Bandar Abbas. The environmental results showed that by producing 14,573 megawatts of electricity in the city of Melbourne, it is possible to expand 14 hectares of green space per year. Also, prevented the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by 2972.8 tonsCO2/MWh at 71,349.4 $/tonsCO2. The analysis of the production power of the system showed that the electricity needs of 1533 people can be provided for one year by starting the geothermal system in Melbourne City.

Exploring the multifaceted role of NRF2 in brain physiology and cancer: A comprehensive review.

Chronic oxidative stress plays a critical role in the development of brain malignancies due to the high rate of brain oxygen utilization and concomitant production of reactive oxygen species. The nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2 (NRF2), a master regulator of antioxidant signaling, is a key factor in regulating brain physiology and the development of age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Also, NRF2 is known to exert a protective antioxidant effect against the onset of oxidative stress-induced diseases, including cancer, along with its pro-oncogenic activities through regulating various signaling pathways and downstream target genes. In glioblastoma (GB), grade 4 glioma, tumor resistance, and recurrence are caused by the glioblastoma stem cell population constituting a small bulk of the tumor core. The persistence and self-renewal capacity of these cell populations is enhanced by NRF2 expression in GB tissues. This review outlines NRF2's dual involvement in cancer and highlights its regulatory role in human brain physiology and diseases, in addition to the development of primary brain tumors and therapeutic potential, with a focus on GB.

Solar Energy Is Effectively Converted to Electricity and Hydrogen Using Cyanobacteria

We present solar energy conversion for electricity generation and hydrogen production from water using Anabaena variabilis (A. variabilis), an oxygenic photosynthetic cyanobacterium. Electrons from water oxidation by the light reactions that take place in thylakoid membranes (TMs) undergo a series of electron transfer pathway called Z-schme. We devised a method in which electrons are directed to the external electrode. In order to extract electrons from TMs, we found that double mediators are very effective in transferring electrons to the electrode from TMs. Dimethylbenzoquinone, the first mediator, can take electrons from the Z-scheme and delivers them to ferricyanide, the second mediator. Thus transferred electrons move to the cathode where oxygen reduction reaction takes place. Figure shows how biosolar cell (BSC) is operating under illumination.Electricity generation was achieved by simply attaching an external load between the anode and the cathode. When A. variabilis was dispersed in solution, the maximum photocurrent up to 2.14 mA cm-2 upon one sun light intensity. A complete cell produced Pmaxof 160 mW cm-2 at 750 mA cm-2 with a quantum efficiency of 4.8% over a whole spectral range and turnover frequency of 17 per PSII for water molecule oxidation. The same concept was also applied to the hydrogen production. When operated in a double-chamber reactor under anaerobic condition, pure hydrogen gas was produced from water with high energy efficiencies and high production rates upon voltage bias. The maximum H2 production rate of 122 mmol H2(mg Chla)-1h-1 at anode potential of 0.4 V vs. Ag/AgCl was achieved. Energy efficiency exceeded 100% at lower anode potentials. We expect that this study opens a new way of utilizing cyanobacteria for appreciable electricity and hydrogen production. The same concept could be extended to other oxygenic cyanobacteria. Figure 1

Copper-Based Catalyst Yields Unusual Ammonia Yield in Nitrate Electroreduction

The electrochemical reduction of nitrate (NO3 -) ions into ammonia (NH3) provides an alternative method to produce highly valuable NH3 as well as eliminating harmful NO3 - pollutants. A variety of catalysts have been explored in recent times, however the NH3 production rate is far behind that of industrial Haber Bosch process which poses a major challenge for large scale synthesis. Herein, we have adopted an electrochemical synthetic route to produce highly porous copper nanoparticle enriched with (100) facets over copper foil containing which efficiently catalyzes NO3 - to NH3. Cu(100) rich electrocatalyst shows a significantly high NH3 production rate of greater than 1.0 mmol h-1 cm-2 even in the dilute NO3 - concentration of 14 mM, which is 4 to 5 times higher than the best reported values. Increasing the NO3 -concentration to 140 mM resulted in an NH3 production rate greater than 3.0 mmol h-1 cm-2, demonstrating that the catalyst is active in a wide range of NO3 - concentrations. Furthermore, durability test conducted in a flow system shows more than 100 h stability while maintaining a faradaic efficiency of greater than 98 %. Thus, we have successfully demonstrated the suitability of our catalyst at an industrially relevant scale.