Prolonged Life Research Articles

Flexible phase change material packages for green transportation vehicles

Green transportation with net-zero CO2 emissions can only be possible with electric cars that possess reliable long-life batteries. Current hybrid/electric vehicles come with Li-ion batteries that must be kept within certain temperature limits for their safe and economic operation. At higher ambient temperatures, thermal run-aways lead to battery fire risks. Operation temperatures can only be attained by incorporating a cost-effective battery thermal management (BTM) system. This work studies a new, versatile, and high-capacity phase change material (PCM) package for BTM. LiFePO4 battery packs have been tested for different ambient temperatures in typical urban battery charge/discharge cycles. Our findings indicate that such packs with flexible PCM packages operate efficiently. We succeeded in keeping the maximum operation temperatures about 10–15 °C below that of reference battery packs without PCMs. Our economic and environmental assessments conclude that they will become an indispensable smart and clean pathway for real passive BTMs. Flexible PCM packages present a promising alternative to current BTM applications. The energy savings that are achieved with 30% prolonged battery life can decrease CO2 emissions by 1215–1755 kg CO2 depending on the reference fuel for one medium sized vehicle. Green transportation is no longer a myth.

Regenerated Graphite-Derived Cellular-Inspired Polydopamine@NiO@Graphite toward Robust Lithium Storage

Although transition metal-based anodes for batteries are preferred owing to their higher energy density, the potential for structural collapse due to volume expansion has hindered their development. Herein, a simulated cellular structured anode composed of uniform nanoparticles and wrapped polydopamine is designed to direct the electronic/ionic diffusion channel and effectively address the volume expansion problem. The controlled-release effects of the polymer between the nano-interface protect the three-dimensional (3D) structures from collapsing during the electrochemical process. The constructed conductive networks along the NiO nanoparticle configurations effectively induce the transfer path and further accelerate the diffusion rate. Furthermore, interstitial filling unlocks the inactive component and triggers the deep delivery of electrons, which boosts battery performance. Therefore, the 3D structured PDA@NiO@G anode prepared from a recycled graphite conductive substrate exhibits excellent specific capacity (500 mAh g-1 at 0.1 A g-1) and significantly improved long-cycle performance (402 mAh g-1 after 500 cycles at 0.5 A g-1). The structure modulation strategy provides meaningful insight into transition metal anodes for the fabrication of high kinetics and prolonged life lithium-ion batteries, as well as the reuse of the spent graphite anode.

Performance of immobilized microalgal strains for biodesalination of real seawater

In this study, biodesalination was performed using four different microalgal strains (Euglena deses, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Trichormus variabilis, and Scenedesmus obliquus) in real seawater for the first time in immobilized method. Immobilized beads in the ratio of 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 (biomass to sodium alginate), were applied directly to real seawater in nutrient-deprivation conditions. The chloride ion reduction was measured for 15 days continuously. The other parameters investigated were pH, chlorophyll, absolute cell count, and oxygen microsensor. For Cl− ion, the highest elimination capacity on day 15 was measured to 18.1 g.m−3.hr−1 for C. reinhardtii (1:1), the highest among all the studied strains and ratios. Among all the strains, the highest chlorophyll content of 234 ± 0.43 mg·L−1 was measured for Trichormus variabilis (1:1) on the 15th day, and cell leaching was measured by flow cytometer analysis with ∼6.14 × 108 cells·mL−1 were released from the beads. In oxygen microsensor tests, oxygen content decreased as depth was increased, indicating that growth occurred closer to the surface. Immobilization increased algae's salt tolerance capacity, resulting in the prolonged cellular life span. Biomass harvesting is not required if the algae can be consumed in the immobilization technique. The performance of biodesalination using an immobilized treatment method with more efficient salt-removing microalgal strain is recommended.

An integrated Metagenomic-Pangenomic strategy revealed native microbes and magnetic biochar cooperation in plasticizer degradation

There has been growing concern over the release of plasticizers from plastic products, and the high levels of plasticizers in the environment have led to a threat to ecological security. Although some plasticizers may naturally degrade, their slow removal and prolonged life cycle remain challenges. To address this, this study explored a unique hybrid strategy using native field microorganisms and magnetic biochar (MBC) to support the upstream degradation of plasticizers. Diethyl phthalate (DP) was used as the test subject. The study found that MBC treatment led to high level of total organic carbon (TOC) and various organic products, demonstrating the degradation of DP. Analysis of the hybrid metagenomic model showed that several species of Pseudomonas can degrade downstream phenylmethanal and Pseudomonas nitroreducens has the ability to cooperate well with MBC due to its iron receptor and transporter. Additionally, a Pigmentiphaga species was found to have the ability to fully mineralize DP. Analysis of the Pigmentiphaga pangenome revealed that genes related to DP biodegradation were shared by members of this genus. Although some members of Pseudomonas is known to be pathogenic, the species identified in the study may not be harmful as they lack virulence factors. The study provides evidence regarding the cooperation between native biodegraders and MBC in mineralizing plasticizers, offering a new solution for removing phthalate plasticizers from soil and surface water.

Inhibiting liquid permeation into silicone rubber by superhydrophobic coating for prolonged service life

AbstractLiquid permeation into silicone rubber (SR) may lead to the degradation or complete failure of the composite insulators. Aiming to inhibit liquid permeation, two kinds of superhydrophobic coatings are applied to the SR surface. The liquid permeation properties of SR with different types of liquids are investigated, and the Langmuir diffusion model is applied to analyse the experimental data. The results show that the composite superhydrophobic coating can effectively inhibit liquid permeation by reducing the contact area between the surface and liquid, and the stable structure of the composite coating can maintain the performance after the liquid permeation and effusion. However, the nano‐particle coating without the polymer binder experiences severe performance degradation during the immersion test, and it cannot restrain the liquid permeation anymore after it loses the superhydrophobicity. As a validation of the effective protection, the insulation resistivity change was measured. The resistivity decreases sharply for the pristine SR after water permeation; however, the decrease is much smaller for the coated SR. The current study not only provides new insight into the liquid permeation properties of SR with different surface wettability but also suggests an effective measure to prevent liquid permeation into SR.

Glyoxylic-Acetal-Based Electrolytes for Sodium-Ion Batteries and Sodium-Ion Capacitors.

A comprehensive study on the properties and implementation of glyoxylic-acetals in sodium-ion energy storage systems is presented. Electrolytes containing 1,1,2,2-tetramethoxyethane (tetramethoxyglyoxal, TMG), 1,1,2,2-tetraethoxyethane (tetraethoxyglyoxal, TEG) and a mixture of the latter with propylene carbonate (PC) exhibit increased thermal stabilities and higher flash points compared to classical electrolytes based on carbonates as solvents. Due to its favorable properties, 1 m NaTFSI in TEG/PC (3 : 7), has been selected and used for sodium-ion energy storage systems based on a Prussian Blue (PB) positive electrode and a hard carbon (HC) negative electrode. Compared to conventional electrolyte (based on a 1 : 1 mixture of ethylene carbonate, EC, and dimethyl carbonate, DMC), this glyoxylic-acetal electrolyte provides competitive capacity and prolonged cycle life. Postmortem XPS analysis indicates that the electrode-electrolyte interphases formed in presence of TEG are thicker and presumably more protective, inhibiting typical degradation processes of the electrodes. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the suitable properties of TEG on the cycling stability can also be exploited for the construction of highly stable sodium-ion capacitors.

Investigating the Environmental Benefits of Novel Films for the Packaging of Fresh Tomatoes Enriched with Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Compounds through Life Cycle Assessment

Food systems account for 21–37% of total net anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, in the European Union, the retail and consumption stages account for half of the total food waste produced across the entire food supply chain. For this, there is a continuous development of novel packaging materials to extend the shelf life of fresh products and thus reduce food waste produced at these stages. The aim of the present research is to examine the environmental performance of such materials enriched with antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds by considering their effect on the shelf-life extension of packed fresh tomatoes. In particular, two novel packaging films, a film with incorporated tomato leaf-stem extract and Flavomix through extrusion and a film coated with zein nanofibers containing the aforementioned bio-active compounds through electrospinning were studied for the packaging of fresh tomatoes and compared to conventional polypropylene packaging film. An antioxidant effect was recorded for both films achieving a shelf life prolongation of three days. Moreover, both films exhibited in vitro antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. In addition, antimicrobial activity was observed against yeast and molds and the total viable bacterial count in packed fresh tomatoes. The environmental benefits were evaluated using a life cycle assessment. The results indicated a decrease in the environmental impacts by 14% considering the entire food supply chain for both novel films. The environmental performance of novel film production by extrusion shows an increased impact of 31% compared to conventional film, while nanocoating shows an increased impact of 18%.

Effectiveness of salvage catheters in home parenteral nutrition: A single-center study and systematic literature review

There are sparse data regarding the rate of catheter salvage and long-term effectiveness of antibiotic lock treatment outcome after central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI). Objectives were to analyze the effectiveness of central venous catheter (CVC) rescue strategy and its impact on catheter lifespan. Secondary objective included effectiveness of taurolidine+4% citrate in primary prevention, compared to a secondary prevention strategy, by analyzing infection incidence during two successive periods. Real-life 5-year observational study assessing CLABSI occurrence and CVC salvage outcomes in adult patients requiring Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN) managed in a single-center Intestinal Failure Unit. Over the 5-year period, there were 106 confirmed infections (63/143 patients (44%)). Infection incidence was 0.92/1000 catheter-days. Incidence was 1.02/1000 catheter-days during the taurolidine+4% citrate period while lower at 0.84/1000 catheter-days (p=0.034) during the systematic taurolidine lock period. Of the total number of infections, 89 CVCs were immediately removed and 17 were salvaged. The success rate of catheter salvage with antibiotic lock was 82.4%, with 53% remaining CLABSI-free at one year. The salvage strategy extended catheter lifespan by a median 165 days (IQR 50-214). However, the rate of new infection was significantly higher in instances of salvage (71.4%) vs. removal (36%). Parenteral Nutrition (PN) ≥12 months (p=0.002), PN (vs. hydroelectrolytic support) (p=0.028) and self-management by patients (p=0.049) were independent risk factors of CLABSI. Catheter salvage appears to be an effective long-term strategy with >50% of CVCs remaining CLABSI-free at one year and a prolonged catheter life, although may expose to a more frequent and earlier infection recurrence. Cohort approved by the French CNIL (National Committee for Data Protection, authorization number CNIL 2015-25). referred to as "observational research", "non-interventional", or«non-RIPH ».

Porous Organic Cage as a Sulfur Host for Upgrading Capacity and Longevity of Li–S Batteries

Suffering from the severe shuttle effect, constructing high-performance lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries with high capacity and prolonged cycling life remains a great challenge. Developing porous host materials for sulfur loading remains a tendency. Porous organic cages (POCs), as a kind of porous material, exhibit potential in energy storage and conversion because of their inherent cavities and plentiful active sites. Herein, two POC materials of CPOC-301 and HPOC-401 with large octahedral cavities and abundant N and O heteroatoms were explored as host materials for loading a high sulfur content of 84 wt % in Li–S batteries. The resulting CPOC-301-S and HPOC-401-S cathodes exhibit improved electrochemical performances with high specific capacity (1302 and 1109 mA h g–1 at 0.05 C, respectively) and excellent cycling reversibility and stability (a low average capacity fading rate of 0.015% for 2500 cycles at 5 C for CPOC-301-S). Moreover, the interconversion of keto-enamine in CPOC-301 could accelerate the redox kinetics. This work provides the blueprint for POC families applied as promising host materials for advanced Li–S batteries.

Corrosion resistance of graphene/basalt flake modified waterborne epoxy zinc-rich primer

Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of graphene, basalt flakes and their synergy on the corrosion resistance of zinc-rich coatings. As the important heavy-duty anticorrosion coatings, zinc-rich coatings provided cathodic protection for the substrate. However, to ensure cathodic protection, a large number of zinc powder made the penetration resistance known as the weakness of zinc-rich coatings. Therefore, graphene and basalt flakes were introduced into zinc-rich coatings to coordinate its cathodic protection and shielding performance. Design/methodology/approach Three kinds of coatings were prepared; they were graphene modified zinc-rich coatings, basalt flakes modified zinc-rich coatings and graphene-basalt flakes modified zinc-rich coatings. The anticorrosion behavior of painted steel was studied by using the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique in chloride solutions. The equivalent circuit methods were used for EIS analysis to obtain the electrode process structure of the coated steel system. Simultaneously, the corrosion resistance of the three coatings was evaluated by water resistance test, salt water resistance test and salt spray test. Findings The study found that the addition of a small amount of graphene and basalt flakes significantly improved the anticorrosion performance of coatings by enhancing their shielding ability against corrosive media and increasing the resistance of the electrochemical reaction. The modified coatings exhibited higher water resistance, salt water resistance and salt spray resistance. The graphene-basalt flakes modified zinc-rich coatings demonstrated the best anticorrosion effect. The presence of basalt scales and graphene oxide in the coatings significantly reduced the water content and slowed down the water penetration rate in the coatings, thus prolonging the coating life and improving anticorrosion effects. The modification of zinc-rich coatings with graphene and basalt flakes improved the utilization rate of zinc powder and the shielding property of coatings against corrosive media, thus strengthening the protective effect on steel structures and prolonging the service life of anticorrosion coatings. Originality/value The significance of developing graphene-basalt flakes modified zinc-rich coatings lies in their potential to offer superior performance in corrosive environments, leading to prolonged service life of metallic structures, reduced maintenance costs and a safer working environment. Furthermore, such coatings can be used in various industrial applications, including bridges, pipelines and offshore structures, among others.

Abnormal thermal expansion coefficients in (Nd1−xDyx)2Zr2O7pyrochlore: The effect of low-lying optical phonons

Chemical doping is a normal strategy to tune thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) of ceramics in engineering applications, but the resultant TEC values usually follow Vegard’s law, as doping does not modify the nature of chemical bonding in ceramics and its anharmonicity. In this paper, we report abnormal TEC behavior in (Nd_1−<i>x</i>Dy_<i>x</i>)₂Zr₂O₇ ceramics, where the TEC values remarkably exceed the values predicted by Vegard’s law and even exceed the values obtained for two constituents Nd₂Zr₂O₇ and Dy₂Zr₂O₇. In addition to a reduction in lattice energy with an increasing molar fraction of Dy (<i>x</i>) value, we attribute the additional increase in the TEC to the high concentration of Dy dopants in a pyrochlore (P) region, which can soften low-lying optical phonon modes and induce strongly avoided crossing with acoustic phonon branches and enhanced anharmonicity. We believe that this finding can provide a new route to break through the restriction imposed by the conventional Vegard’s law on the TEC values and bring new opportunities for thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) or ceramic/metal composites towards realizing minimized thermal mismatch and prolonged service life during thermal cycling.

Long ant life span is maintained by a unique heat shock factor.

Eusocial insect reproductive females show strikingly longer life spans than nonreproductive female workers despite high genetic similarity. In the ant Harpegnathos saltator (Hsal), workers can transition to reproductive "gamergates," acquiring a fivefold prolonged life span by mechanisms that are poorly understood. We found that gamergates have elevated expression of heat shock response (HSR) genes in the absence of heat stress and enhanced survival with heat stress. This HSR gene elevation is driven in part by gamergate-specific up-regulation of the gene encoding a truncated form of a heat shock factor most similar to mammalian HSF2 (hsalHSF2). In workers, hsalHSF2 was bound to DNA only upon heat stress. In gamergates, hsalHSF2 bound to DNA even in the absence of heat stress and was localized to gamergate-biased HSR genes. Expression of hsalHSF2 in Drosophila melanogaster led to enhanced heat shock survival and extended life span in the absence of heat stress. Molecular characterization illuminated multiple parallels between long-lived flies and gamergates, underscoring the centrality of hsalHSF2 to extended ant life span. Hence, ant caste-specific heat stress resilience and extended longevity can be transferred to flies via hsalHSF2. These findings reinforce the critical role of proteostasis in health and aging and reveal novel mechanisms underlying facultative life span extension in ants.

Factors associated with suffering from dying in patients with cancer: a cross-sectional analytical study among bereaved caregivers

BackgroundIn Colombia, cancer incidence is increasing, as is the demand for end-of-life care. Understanding how patients who die from cancer experience this phase will allow the identification of factors associated with greater suffering and actions to improve end-of-life care. We aimed to explore associations between the level of suffering of patients who died from cancer and were cared for in three Colombian hospitals with patient, tumor, treatment, and care characteristics and provided information.MethodsData on the last week of life and level of suffering were collected through proxies: Bereaved caregivers of patients who died from cancer in three participating Colombian hospitals. Bereaved caregivers participated in a phone interview and answered a series of questions regarding the last week of the patient’s life. An ordinal logistic regression model explored the relationship between the level of suffering reported by bereaved caregivers with the patient’s demographic and clinical characteristics, the bereaved caregivers, and the care received. Multivariate analyses were adjusted for place of death, treatments to prolong of life, prolongation of life during the dying process, suffering due to prolongation of life, type of cancer, age, if patient had partner, rural/urban residence of patient, importance of religion for the caregiver, caregivers´ relationship with the patient, and co-living with the patient.ResultsA total of 174 interviews were included. Median age of the deceased patients was 64 years (IQR 52–72 years), and 93 patients were women (53.4%). Most caregivers had rated the level of suffering of their relative as “moderately to extremely” (n = 139, 80%). In multivariate analyses, factors associated with a higher level of suffering were: unclear information about the treatment and the process before death Odds Ratio (OR) 2.26 (90% CI 1.21–4.19), outpatient palliative care versus home care OR 3.05 (90% CI 1.05–8.88), procedures inconsistent with the patient’s wishes OR 2.92 (90% CI 1.28–6.70), and a younger age (18–44 years) at death versus the oldest age group (75–93 years) OR 3.80 (90% CI 1.33–10.84, p = 0.04).ConclusionEnd-of-life care for cancer patients should be aligned as much as possible with patients´ wishes, needs, and capacities. A better dialogue between doctors, family members, and patients is necessary to achieve this.

Flexible Hierarchical Co‐Doped NiS2@CNF‐CNT Electron Deficient Interlayer with Grass‐Roots Structure for Li–S Batteries

AbstractThe key means to improve the performance of lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) is to reduce the internal resistance by building an electronic/ionic pathway and to accelerate the conversion kinetics of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) through modulation of interface functions. Herein, inspired by a grass root system, a flexible hierarchical CNF‐CNT (carbon nanofiber‐carbon nanotube) membrane decorated with Co‐doped NiS2nanoparticles (Co‐NiS2@CNF‐CNT) is designed as an interlayer for LSBs, in which the in situ grown CNTs (root hairs) are wound on CNF (roots). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that Co doping introduces electron‐deficient regions at the doping sites in NiS2, thus improving chemical adsorption and catalytic activities toward LiPSs. The cell pairs with the Co‐NiS2@CNF‐CNT interlayer exhibit a high rate performance of 951.4 mAh g−1at 3 C, a reversible capacity of 944.1 mAh g−1after 500 cycles at 0.2 C, and a prolonged cycle life of 3000 cycles at 5 C. More importantly, an areal capacity of 7.96 mAh cm−2is achieved with a sulfur loading of 9.6 mg cm−2. This work provides a strategy for enhancing the electrochemical performance of LSBs by combining 3D hierarchical conductive skeletons and electron‐deficient functional adsorption and catalysis materials.

Abstract LB330: FHND5071: a selective RET inhibitor with unique pharmacokinetic profile

Abstract Background: Gene rearrangements (fusions) and mutations in RET have the potential to be oncogenic drivers and have been observed in a variety of tumors types. Selective RET inhibitors selpercatinib and pralsetinib have been approved for patients with RET-altered cancers. FHND5071 is a novel kinase inhibitor which specifically targets RET activated forms and has unique pharmacokinetic profile. Methods: The pharmacological profile of FHND5071 have been confirmed in in vitro and in vivo evaluations, including enzyme and cell-based assays, PK/PD study, and RET-dependent tumor models. Results: In enzymatic assays, FHND5071 potently inhibited RET wild type, RET fusions and mutations with the IC50 of 4.47~19.26 nM and demonstrated 89-fold selectivity over KDR (VEGFR-2). FHND5071-M2, the active metabolite identified in pre-clinical pharmacokinetics, had the same potency as FHND5071. In cellular settings, FHND5071 inhibited the proliferation of Ba/F3 engineered cells (RET WT, RET V804M, RET M918T) and inhibited RET phosphorylation in HEK-293 engineered cells (WT, V804M, RET M918T, KIF5B-RET, CCDC6-RET) with the similar potency compared with selpercatinib. In PK/PD study (Ba/F3 KIF5B-RET allograft model), compared with selpercatinib, FHND5071 had longer Tmax and MRT in plasma and tumor tissue. FHND5071 preferred to be distributed into tissues. The exposure of FHND5071 in tumor tissue (AUC0-t) was ~28 times that of selpercatinib and the concentration of FHND5071 in brain tissue was ~33 times that of selpercatinib at 4 h after dosing. Meanwhile, after FHND5071 administration, RET phosphorylation and the downstream signaling protein (pAKT, pErk1/2) were significantly inhibited in tumor tissue and the inhibition was maintained for 24 h at least. But the duration of inhibition with selpercatinib was shorter than that of FHND5071. In tumor models, FHND5071 exhibited significant anti-tumor efficacy in Ba/F3 KIF5B-RET model at oral dose levels ≥3 mg/kg once daily (QD) without inducing significant toxicity. FHND5071 QD exhibited similar anti-tumor activity as selpercatinib administrated twice a day (BID) at 30 mg/kg. 30 mg/kg FHND5071 (QD) demonstrated significant anti-tumor efficacy with 100% TGI in patient-derived xenograft models (colorectal cancer with CCDC6-RET and ovarian cancer with NCOA4-RET). In CCDC6-RET intracranial xenograft model, 30 mg/kg FHND5071 (QD) significant prolonged life time of model mice. The median survival time was 56 days and the increase in life-span was 51% (p&amp;lt;0.005 compared with the vehicle group). Conclusions: FHND5071 demonstrated excellent selectivity and anti-tumor efficacy. The unique pharmacokinetic profile of FHND5071 supported the frequency of once-a-day dosing and better efficacy in target organ and brain tumor in clinical. FHND5071 has received IND approval from NMPA and FDA. It is currently in the dose-escalation segment of a first-in-human phase 1 trial for patients with RET-driven solid tumors. Citation Format: Yongqiang Zhu, Jia Wang, Minghong Shang. FHND5071: a selective RET inhibitor with unique pharmacokinetic profile [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 2 (Clinical Trials and Late-Breaking Research); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(8_Suppl):Abstract nr LB330.

The Plasma Ozonizer System for Mangosteen Storage Container to Preserve the Quality of Mangosteen

This research aims to produce ozone using a dielectric barrier discharge to extend the shelf life and preserve the quality of mangosteen. The optimum condition of this system was a minimum breakdown voltage of about 6 kVp-p, a resonance frequency of 224 kHz, and an oxygen flow rate of 2 L/min. The findings demonstrate that the maximal ethylene concentration value of treated fruit with ozone from oxygen flow rates 2 L/min lower than untreated fruit was approximately 11-fold. The L*, a*, b*, weight loss percentage, pericarp firmness value, and sensory evaluation were used to assess the quality of mangosteen. Compared to control fruit at 15 °C, fruit treated with ozone can have a prolonged shelf life of 9 days. Furthermore, assessing the quality and sensory score indicates that ozonation preserves the sensory quality of mangosteen. The weight loss percentage and pericarp firmness of fruit-treated ozone compared with the control were decreased by 3.34% and increased by 11.18 N, respectively. The sensory score of the fruit treated with ozone was higher than the control fruit, significantly different (p &lt; 0.05).

Biochar-derived flower-like Co-Mo2C spheres/g-C3N4 photocatalyst: Engineering morphology configuration and electronic structure tuning

As a class of highly recalcitrant water contaminants, pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) have raised considerable concerns. Here, we develop a biochar-derived flower-like Co-Mo2C sphere/g-C3N4 (CMCN) heterostructure photocatalyst for typical PPCPs degradation. The flower-like Co-Mo2C nanostructure is derived from biochar, an inexpensive and ubiquitous plant byproduct. The open-up nanoflake structure with sharp edges can induce the fast charge collection and separation. DFT calculations and experimental characterizations are conducted to fundamentally understand the enhanced intrinsic photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared CMCN photocatalysts, especially the role of Co atoms. The delocalized charge density of CMCN could be rational tailored via the increasing density of state and the difference in work functions between g-C3N4 and Co-Mo2C. The electron density of Mo 3d in CMCN is increased through integrating it with Co atoms, which possess numerous delocalized electrons. Compared with the Mo2C/g-C3N4 (MCN) bulk, the CMCN catalyst displays superior photocatalytic activity for the typical PPCPs degradation, mainly arising from the multifaceted open-up surfaces of Co-Mo2C nanoflower, the higher density of electron and more efficient charge transfer ability, as well as the prolonged life time of photogenerated charge carriers. This work provides a cheap and mild route for synthesizing Co-doped Mo2C nanoflower catalyst and expands the scope of constructing high active g-C3N4 based heterostructure.

Protective Cultures in Food Products: From Science to Market

An ultimate goal in food production is to guarantee food safety and security. Fermented food products benefit from the intrinsic capabilities of the applied starter cultures as they produce organic acids and bactericidal compounds such as hydrogen peroxide that hamper most food pathogens. In addition, highly potent small peptides, bacteriocins, are being expelled to exert antibiotic effects. Based on ongoing scientific efforts, there is a growing market of food products to which protective cultures are added exclusively for food safety and for prolonged shelf life. In this regard, most genera from the order Lactobacillales play a prominent role. Here, we give an overview on protective cultures in food products. We summarize the mode of actions of antibacterial mechanisms. We display the strategies for the isolation and characterization of protective cultures in order to have them market-ready. A survey of the growing market reveals promising perspectives. Finally, a comprehensive chapter discusses the current legislation issues concerning protective cultures, leading to the conclusion that the application of protective cultures is superior to the usage of defined bacteriocins regarding simplicity, economic costs, and thus usage in less-developed countries. We believe that further discovery of bacteria to be implemented in food preservation will significantly contribute to customer's food safety and food security, badly needed to feed world's growing population but also for food waste reduction in order to save substantial amounts of greenhouse gas emissions.

New developments in supercritical fluids as a green technology: Processing of β-glucanase with sub- and supercritical carbon dioxide

There is evidence that high pressure can lead to changes in the stability and activation of enzymes, even though the majority of cases reported the inactivation of harmful enzymes. Supercritical fluids have attracted attention recently in green biotechnological processes. In this study, the aim is to investigate the capability of supercritical carbon dioxide to positively alter the stability and activity of hydrolytic enzymes as an alternative technique. The effects of operational parameters such as pressure (60–300 bar), temperature (28–80 °C), CO2 flow rate (2–10 g/min) and time (60–180 min) were evaluated with respect to the activity and stability of β-glucanase. The highest activity of β-glucanase was measured as 18.39 μmol/mL/min at 240 bar, 90 min, 67 °C and 8 g/min flow rate with SC-CO2 applications. In addition, the most active processed enzyme was employed in 11 subsequent enzymatic reactions after being immobilized in NaY zeolite with 71 % efficiency. The increased activity of the enzyme and prolonged useful life by ensuring its reuse can create a competitive advantage in the industry.

An integrated architecture of mutually infiltrated nanoarray cathode and polymer electrolyte improves the performances of solid-state lithium−oxygen batteries

In solid-state lithium−oxygen (Li−O2) batteries, solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) usually cannot efficiently infiltrate into porous cathodes to form sufficient cathode/electrolyte/oxygen triple-phase interfaces for oxygen reduction reactions. The confined cathode/SPE interfaces in cathode/SPE/lithium anode sandwich-type cells only provide limited reaction sites accessible to lithium ion, electron, and oxygen gas. The resulted high interface resistances challenge the practical application of solid-state Li−O2 batteries. This work proposes an integrated architecture of mutually infiltrated nanoarray cathode and polymer electrolyte to produce more active sites and therefore lower the interface resistance. In detail, the integrated assemblies of cathode and SPE (Co3O4@CC-SPE) are prepared via partially infiltrating polymer and salt solution into Co3O4 nanosheets array (Co3O4@CC). The abundant cathode/SPE/oxygen triple-phase interfaces and the three-dimensional ion and electron-conducting networks in the Co3O4@CC-SPE assemblies achieve lower polarization, higher reversible capacity, and prolonged cycle life of solid-state Li−O2 batteries. The Co3O4@CC-SPE/Li cell shows a higher discharge capacity of 3.3 mA h cm−2 (6600 mA h g−1) and a higher 101 stable cycles than the 1.2 mA h cm−2 (2400 mA h g−1) and only 15 cycles of the sandwich-type counterparts. The present work provides new opportunities for developing practical solid-state Li−O2 batteries via the mutually infiltrated nanoarray cathode and polymer electrolyte.