Scalable Production Method Research Articles

Hyperreflective photonic crystals created by shearing colloidal dispersions at ultrahigh volume fraction

Colloidal crystallization serves as one of the most economic and scalable production methods for photonic crystals. However, insufficient optical performance, nonuniformity and low reproducibility remain challenges for advanced high-value applications. In this study, we optimally formulate a photocurable dispersion of silica particles and apply shear flow to unify the orientation of the colloidal crystals, ensuring high optical performance and uniformity. The silica particles experience strong repulsion at ultrahigh volume fractions of 50% but demonstrate low mobility, leading to polycrystalline structures. Applying shear flow to the dispersions allows the silica particles to rearrange into larger crystalline domains with a unidirectional orientation along the flow. This shear-induced structural change produces absolute reflectivity at the stopband as high as 90% and a high transparency of 90% at off-resonant wavelengths with minimal diffusive scattering. Furthermore, the strong interparticle repulsion ensures a uniform volume fraction of particles throughout the dispersion, reducing deviations in the optical properties. We intricately micropattern the photocurable dispersions using photolithography. Additionally, the photonic films and patterns can be stacked to form multiple layers, displaying mixed structural colors and multiple reflectance peaks without sacrificing reflectivity. These superior photonic materials hold promise for various optical applications, including optical components and anticounterfeiting patches.

Scale to Measure the Attitude of Fish Farmers Towards the APART Project in Assam

A scale was constructed and standardized to measure the attitude of fish farmers towards scientific technologies demonstrated by “Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project (APART)” from May 2021 to September 2022 in APART-fishery operated districts of Assam using the ‘Scale Product Method’. Sixty-five (65) experts responded unbiased to the 50 attitude statements related to recommended technologies of fish farming by the project. On the basis of scale values and Q values, only 28 statements were incorporated in the final attitude scale. When administered in a non-sample area, the reliability coefficient of the whole test was 0.90 using Rulon’s formula. Moreover, when the constructed attitude scale was administered among 180 APART beneficiaries during July, 2022 to September, 2022, majority i.e. 87.22 per cent of the respondents had most favourable attitude towards technologies demonstrated by APART project which is depicts the impact of the development programme. This attitude scale can be applied practically for measuring the attitude of fish farmers under similar programmes which will aid policy-makers in right decision-making.

A comprehensive review of challenges and advances in exosome-based drug delivery systems.

Exosomes or so-called natural nanoparticles have recently shown enormous potential for targeted drug delivery systems. Several studies have reported that exosomes as advanced drug delivery platforms offer efficient targeting of chemotherapeutics compared to individual polymeric nanoparticles or liposomes. Taking structural constituents of exosomes, viz., proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, into consideration, exosomes are the most promising carriers as genetic messengers and for treating genetic deficiencies or tumor progression. Unfortunately, very little attention has been paid to the factors like source, scalability, stability, and validation that contribute to the quality attributes of exosome-based drug products. Some studies suggested that exosomes were stable at around -80 °C, which is impractical for storing pharmaceutical products. Currently, no reports on the shelf-life and in vivo stability of exosome formulations are available. Exosomes are quickly cleared from blood circulation, and their in vivo distribution depends on the source. Considering these challenges, further studies are necessary to address major limitations such as poor drug loading, reduced in vivo stability, a need for robust, economical, and scalable production methods, etc., which may unlock the potential of exosomes in clinical applications. A few reports based on hybrid exosomes involving hybridization between different cell/tumor/macrophage-derived exosomes with synthetic liposomes through membrane fusion have shown to overcome some limitations associated with natural or synthetic exosomes. Yet, sufficient evidence is indispensable to prove their stability and clinical efficacy.

Construction and Validation of Research Satisfaction Scale (RSS) for Post-Research Analysis of Graduates

A better understanding of the researcher’s attitude starts with knowing their satisfaction level, which helps the agricultural universities understand research graduates and make necessary improvement plans. Absence of such a specific scale, forced to draft present piece in 2022 focusing on developing the Research Satisfaction Scale using the scale product method. Initially, 63 items were pooled, scrutinized, and reduced to 57 based on the rules of Edward and Kilpatrick and segregated into three groups as: ‘Before, while performing, and after performing research.’ Scale and Quartile values were calculated, and the statements with an S-value less than the Q-value were eliminated, bringing the number of statements to 53. For validation – Content Validity Index (CVI), both item and scale were used and Cronbach’s alpha for measuring reliability. The score of Item- CVI <0.70 were eliminated, making the total number of statements 36. The Scale – CVI was 0.92, with an internal consistency value of 0.792, making the developed scale with 36 items valid and reliable. Research studies can be formulated by ICAR and SAUs to understand the contentment the graduates attained with their undertaken research activity.

A TOOL TO MEASURE ATTITUDE OF FARMERS TOWARDS PRADHAN MANTRI FASAL BIMA YOJANA

The study was conducted to develop and standardize a reliable and valid scale to measure attitude of the farmers towards Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. From the available methods to develop attitude scale, ‘Scale product method’ was used. This method combines Thurston and Likert techniques. Total 52 statements were selected for judgment; a team of 100 judges was appealed to give the score for each statement on five point continuum. Based on the Scale (median) and Q values, twenty four statements were finally selected to constitute the scale to measure attitude of the farmers towards Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.

A SCALE TO MEASURE THE ATTITUDE OF VETERINARY PROFESSIONALS TOWARDS ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE

At present antimicrobial resistance appears as a global threat to animal as well as human populations. It affects the health of animals and humans as well as acts as an economic burden to animal owners due to high treatment costs and production failure. This scenario can be changed by altering the attitude of key stakeholders - veterinary professionals towards antimicrobial resistance and its stewardship programme. Thus it is essential to study the attitude of veterinary professionals towards antimicrobial resistance. A scale has been constructed to measure the attitude of veterinary professionals towards antimicrobial resistance by using Scale Product Method, which combines Thurston’s equal appearing technique for items selection and Likert’s technique of summated rating. The process began with identifying the aspects, reviewing literature and collecting item statements, followed by its analysis and checking of reliability and content validity for consistency and accuracy of the result. A total of 25 statements were selected, out of which 20 statements were finally included in the scale to measure the attitude of veterinary professionals towards antimicrobial resistance. The scale contains twenty statements, of which fourteen are positive, and six are negative. The constructed scale was found to be highly reliable and valid.

A SCALE TO MEASURE THE ATTITUDE OF AGRO-INPUT DEALERS TOWARDS THEIR OCCUPATION

In India, agro-input dealers play a crucial indirect role in enhancing farm productivity and income. Due to their locational advantage and easy accessibility, they serve as important sources of agricultural information, offering guidance on technologies, recommendations, and input supply, contributing to farmers’ decision-making processes. This study was conducted to develop a valid and reliable statements to be used for measuring attitude of agro-input dealers towards their occupation. The scale-product method is used to develop the scale. This method is a combination of Likert and Thurston technique. 28 statements were assessed by 50 judges on a 5 point continuum. Then, after comparing S and Q value 16 statements were selected to form a scale to measure attitude towards occupation. The reliability coefficient (r) was determined to be 0.86, indicating reliability, using the split-half method. A questionnaire- based proportionate random sampling survey was conducted on 120 agro-input dealers in Anand district of Gujarat state. The statistical measures, such as SPSS and Microsoft excel were used and nearly two-third (67.50 per cent) of the agro-input dealers had favourable attitude towards their occupation.

(Invited) Facile and Scalable Production of an Intermetallic Nanocatalyst for High-Power Proton-Exchange-Membrane Fuel Cell

With universal attention to sustainable development, the eco-friendly generation of energy has been emerging as one of the most important tasks. Proton-exchange-membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) are one of the key solutions to this urgent problem due to their clean energy generation. However, a complicated reaction environment has been limiting its power performance for industrial applications, such as 1) catalytic activity, 2) oxygen mass transfer, and 3) proton conduction at the cathode catalyst layer. To handle all these critical factors, a holistic design and elaborate synthesis of catalyst are imperative without compromising the scalability of synthesis. Here, we present a straightforward but exquisite synthetic approach that addresses the aforementioned practical issues and demonstrate an excellent PEMFC power performance. The crystalline ionic compound ([Co(bpy)3]2+[PtCl6]2-, bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) enabled a carbon shell-protected growth of intermetallic nanoparticles with N-doping on the entire mesoporous carbon support via a simple thermal annealing process. The overall structure of the catalyst simultaneously tackled the critical issues in PEMFC, including ORR kinetics (by strained Pt-skin surface on intermetallic Pt-Co core), oxygen mass transfer (by high ECSA and mesoporous N-doped carbon support), and proton conduction (by stabilized Co species in intermetallic core and Pt-skin) with desirable durability. This study highlights the importance of meeting all the critical parameters to achieve much higher fuel cell power performance through the development of a facile and scalable production method of catalyst.

Industrial Waste-Derived Carbon Materials as Advanced Electrodes for Supercapacitors.

Strategically upcycling industrial wastes such as petroleum coke and dye wastewater into value-added materials through scalable and economic processes is an effective way to simultaneously tackle energy and environmental issues. Doping carbon electrodes with heteroatoms proves effective in significantly enhancing electrochemical performance through alterations in electrode wettability and electrical conductivity. This work reports the use of dye wastewater as the sole dopant source to synthesize N and S co-doped petroleum coke-based activated carbon (NS-AC) by the one-step pyrolysis method. More importantly, our wastewater and petroleum coke-derived activated carbon produced on a large scale (20 kg/batch) shows a specific surface area of 2582 m2 g-1 and an energy density of about 95 Wh kg-1 in a soft-packaged full cell with 1 M TEATFB/PC as the electrolyte. The scalable production method, together with the green and sustainable process, can be easily adopted and scaled by industry without the need for complex processes and/or units, which offers a convenient and green route to produce functionalized carbons from wastes at a low cost.

Scalable Method for Production of Supported Catalysts

Scalable Method for Production of Supported Catalysts

Exploring key aspects: Structure, properties, production, and oil & gas applications of graphene and its nanoribbons − A comprehensive review

Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) have emerged as a versatile class of nanomaterials with unique structural and electronic properties, holding immense promise for a wide range of applications. This comprehensive review paper explores the multifaceted aspects of GNRs, with a specific focus on their structural characteristics, distinctive properties, scalable production methods, and the burgeoning applications that make them particularly compelling for the oil and gas industry. The paper begins with an in-depth examination of the structural variations of Graphite, Graphene, and GNRs, delving into their width-dependent bandgap tunability, edge configurations, and atomic-level arrangements. A crucial aspect of this review is the discussion of various production methods for GNRs, encompassing bottom-up approaches like chemical vapor deposition (CVD), surface-assisted synthesis, and solution-based techniques, as well as top-down methods such as nanotube unzipping and exfoliation. The challenges and opportunities associated with scalable GNR production are thoroughly analyzed, addressing the crucial need for cost-effective and large-scale manufacturing. The primary focus then shifts to the potential applications of GNRs in the oil and gas industry. GNRs' capacity for corrosion resistance, gas sensing, catalysis, and enhanced oil recovery is scrutinized. The paper underscores their role in revolutionizing the industry by offering innovative solutions for corrosion protection, early leak detection, and improved oil extraction techniques. By bridging the gap between fundamental research and practical industry applications, it offers valuable insights for researchers, engineers, and stakeholders interested in harnessing the unique attributes of GNRs to address challenges and drive innovation in the oil and gas domain.

Increased paclitaxel recovery from Taxus baccata vascular stem cells using novel in situ product recovery approaches

In this study, several approaches were tested to optimise the production and recovery of the widely used anticancer drug Taxol® (paclitaxel) from culturable vascular stem cells (VSCs) of Taxus baccata, which is currently used as a successful cell line for paclitaxel production. An in situ product recovery (ISPR) technique was employed, which involved combining three commercial macro-porous resin beads (HP-20, XAD7HP and HP-2MG) with batch and semi-continuous cultivations of the T. baccata VSCs after adding methyl jasmonate (Me-JA) as an elicitor. The optimal resin combination resulted in 234 ± 23 mg of paclitaxel per kg of fresh-weight cells, indicating a 13-fold improved yield compared to the control (with no resins) in batch cultivation. This resin treatment was further studied to evaluate the resins’ removal capacity of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can cause poor cell growth or reduce product synthesis. It was observed that the ISPR cultivations had fourfold less intracellular ROS concentration than that of the control; thus, a reduced ROS concentration established by the resin contributed to increased paclitaxel yield, contrary to previous studies. These paclitaxel yields are the highest reported to date using VSCs, and this scalable production method could be applied for a diverse range of similar compounds utilising plant cell culture.Graphical

An Efficient and Scalable Method for the Production of Immunogenic SARS-CoV-2 Virus-like Particles (VLP) from a Mammalian Suspension Cell Line.

The rapid evolution of new SARS-CoV-2 variants poses a continuing threat to human health. Vaccination has become the primary therapeutic intervention. The goal of the current work was the construction of immunogenic virus-like particles (VLPs). Here, we describe a human cell line for cost-efficient and scalable production of immunogenic SARS-CoV-2 VLPs. The modular design of the VLP-production platform facilitates rapid adaptation to new variants. Methods: The N, M-, and E-protein genes were integrated into the genome of Expi293 cells (ExpiVLP_MEN). Subsequently, this cell line was further modified for the constitutive expression of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The resulting cell line (ExpiVLP_SMEN) released SARS-CoV-2 VLP upon exposure to doxycycline. ExpiVLP_SMEN cells were readily adapted for VLP production in a 5 L bioreactor. Purified VLPs were quantified by Western blot, ELISA, and nanoparticle tracking analysis and visualized by electron microscopy. Immunogenicity was tested in mice. Results: The generated VLPs contained all four structural proteins, are within the size range of authentic SARS-CoV-2 virus particles, and reacted strongly and specifically with immunoserum from naturally infected individuals. The VLPs were stable in suspension at 4 °C for at least 10 weeks. Mice immunized with VLPs developed neutralizing antibodies against lentiviruses pseudotyped with the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The flexibility of the VLP-production platform was demonstrated by the rapid switch of the spike protein to a new variant of concern (BA.1/Omicron). The present study describes an efficient, scalable, and adaptable production method of immunogenic SARS-CoV-2 VLPs with therapeutic potential.

Scalable mesh microelectrode arrays for neural spheroids and organoids

Abstract Introduction: Neural organoids promise to help understand the human brain and develop treatments for neurological diseases. Electrophysiological recordings are essential in neural models to evaluate the activity of neural circuits. Mesh microelectrode arrays (MEAs) have been demonstrated to be suitable for organoids and spheroids, and there is demand for easy-to-use devices that can be manufactured at scale. Methods: We present a new mesh MEA device with an easyto- use design. We produce mesh MEA chips on 100 mm carrier wafers and connect individual chips to PCBs by wirebonding. The devices are completed by assembly of a twopiece well and a glass cover slip. Results: Each device contains a suspended hammock-like mesh with 64 microelectrodes. The square grid’s pitch of 200 μm makes the mesh suitable for typical organoid sizes while spreading the electrodes across a 1.4 mm region. The well is designed for fluid handling by pipetting or pump systems. Impedance measurements indicate a high yield of functional microelectrodes, although further effort is needed to produce consistent low impedances. The devices are compatible with commercial amplifiers, while adaptation of the PCB to other formats will be straightforward. Conclusions: Using scalable production methods, we have developed a mesh MEA device design that offers improved ease-of-use. Next steps will include biological validation in collaboration with partners.

3D-printed stretchable hybrid piezoelectric-triboelectric nanogenerator for smart tire: Onboard real-time tread wear monitoring system

An affordable yet highly promising device, friction-based triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) has attracted tremendous attention for harvesting energy from ambient mechanical forces and converting to scalable electrical power. However, the output power from TENG often appears insufficient to run self-powered electronics for the long term. While most research on high-output hybrid TENGs focused on ferroelectric particle-based polymer composites, we propose a coupled 3D-printing and transfer-printing based fabrication method for hybrid barium titanate (BTO)/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) bilayer film with adjustable piezoceramic layer thickness. An internally hybridized BTO/PDMS sensor (HTPENG) results in greater charge separation and more efficient impedance matching at the interface of BTO and PDMS elastomer, as opposed to composites. The higher reproducibility and scalable production method can also drive large-scale industrial production. The resulting power density of HTPENG appeared to be 2.20 mW/cm2, nearly twice that of non-hybrid PDMS (PTENG). For the application, the hybrid flexible sensor appears to be highly effective for tire tread wear monitoring systems (TWMS). The direct, onboard, self-powered HTPENG sensor can detect tire wear with very high precision and with detection accuracy of ≤ 1 mm. Moreover, HTPENG can additionally function as a force and pressure sensor with a wide detection range (500 N > F > 10 N). Advancing a step closer to smart tires, this proof-of-concept hybrid sensor is, therefore, expected to bring about a sustainable alternative for the manufacture of onboard TWMS devices and possible dashboard integration in the near future.

Optimizing and developing a scalable, chemically defined, animal component-free lentiviral vector production process in a fixed-bed bioreactor

Lentiviral vectors (LVVs) play a critical role in gene delivery for exvivo gene-modified cell therapies. However, the lack of scalable LVV production methods and the high cost associated with them may limit their use. In this work, we demonstrate the optimization and development of a scalable, chemically defined, animal component-free LVV production process using adherent human embryonic kidney 293T cells in a fixed-bed bioreactor. The initial studies focused on the optimization of the culture process in 2D static cultures. Process changes such as decreasing cell seeding density on day 0 from 2.5×104 to 5×103 cells/cm2, delaying the transient transfection from 24 to 120h post-seeding, reducing plasmid DNA to 167ng/cm2, and adding 5mM sodium butyrate 6h post-transfection improved functional LVV titers by 26.9-fold. The optimized animal component-free production process was then transferred to the iCELLis Nano bioreactor, a fixed-bed bioreactor, where titers of 1.2×106 TU/cm2 were achieved when it was operated in perfusion. In this work, comparable functional LVV titers were obtained with FreeStyle 293 Expression medium and the conventional Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum both at small and large scale.

SCALE TO MEASURE ORAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS FOR AGRICULTURAL PERSONNEL

The study was conducted to develop a reliable and valid scale, to measure oral communication skills for agricultural personnel. Appropriate statistical methods ‘Scale product method’ was used, which combines Thurston and Likert techniques. Thirty-three (33) statements were selected for judgment; a panel of 50 judges was requested to assign the score for each statement on a five-point continuum. Based on the scale (median) and Q values, ten (10) statements were finally selected to constitute oral communication skills for agricultural personnel.

Cross-plane thermal conductivity of h-BN thin films grown by pulsed laser deposition

The distinguished properties of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), specifically its atomically smooth surface, large critical electric field, and large electronic bandgap, make it ideal for thin film microelectronics and as an ultrawide bandgap semiconductor. Owing to weak van der Waals interactions between layers, h-BN exhibits a significant degree of anisotropic thermal conductivity. The in-plane thermal conductivity of h-BN has extensively been studied, yet the only measured data of cross-plane thermal conductivity (k⊥) are for exfoliated h-BN films. Exfoliation from bulk crystals is not a sustainable method for scalable production of h-BN due to its low repeatability, low yield, poor control of sample thickness, and limitation to small areas. Thus, it is necessary to investigate the thickness-dependence of k⊥ for thin films grown by a practical growth method, such as pulsed laser deposition (PLD), which enables the production of reliable and large-area h-BN films with a control of film thickness. We grew h-BN using PLD at 750 °C and observed a decreasing trend of k⊥ as thickness increases from 30 to 300 nm, varying from ∼1.5 to ∼0.2 W/(m K). We observed a relatively high k⊥ value for h-BN at a thickness of 30 nm, providing insight into the k⊥ of PLD-grown films suitable for electronics applications.

Continuous production of velvet bean-based bioactive peptides in membrane reactor with dual enzyme system

One of the main challenges hindering the commercialization of bioactive peptides is the lack of scalable and consistent production methods. To overcome this obstacle, an automated enzyme membrane reactor was used to continuously produce bioactive peptides from velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens). The optimum operating conditions were [E]/[S] = 5%, pH = 7.5, and τ = 12 h. The long-term continuous operation of the EMR system demonstrated its ability to maintain steady-state conditions. To minimize membrane fouling, an industrially viable strategy was employed, which combines operation at threshold flux and performing regular membrane cleaning. Further fractionation of the hydrolysates with a 2-kDa PES membrane resulted in the highest bioactivity. The IC50 values for antioxidant and ACE inhibition were 17.85 and 4.58 µg protein/mL, respectively. To map the overall bioactivities of the hydrolysates, LC-MS analysis coupled with BIOPEP-UWM database was performed and obtained DPP-4 and ACE inhibitors as the predominant bioactive activities.

Roll to roll triboelectric fiber manufacturing for smart-textile self-powered sensor and harvester

The integration of a multifunctional electronic textile-based triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) with miniaturized devices has opened up a new horizon in the field of wearable electronics. Unfortunately, the development of textile based TENG has enormous shortcomings, including shortcomings in durability, stability, washability, and compatibility with mass production. Thus, this work reports a cost-effective, simple fabrication, and industrially scalable production method of producing fiber TENG using silver conductor fiber encapsulated by polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). To produce continuous PDMS-coated silver fiber, a home-made coating technology was used, in which silver fiber was fed up through a nozzle filled with PDMS gel solution using a roll-to-roll continuous fabrication process. The feasibilities of TENG fiber production were demonstrated by the manufacturing of over 300-meter-long fibers and therefrom a half-meter-long TENG woven fabric of 20 cm width including the integration technique into wearable garments for self-powered sensors and harvesters. The maximum output open circuit voltage and short circuit current of the PDMS-coated silver triboelectric nanogenerator (PS-TENG) were ∼50 V and ∼8.0 μA from 50.0 cm-long and 0.55 mm diameter fiber. A PS-TENG coil harvester out of this fiber can easily light up 160 LEDs with simple hand tapping. We also demonstrated the PS-TENG integration on the heel of a shoe insole, which was also able to light up 25 LEDs in serial connection during walking. Furthermore, since the PS-TENG provides flexibility and excellent durability against washing, repeatable uses, rubbing, and stability in harsh chemical environments, we have also integrated the self-powered sensor fiber into various healthcare objects and wearable sports items, including hand gloves for cardiopulmonary resuscitation sensing (CPRS), a belt for respiration sensing, and a belt for football shoes and boxing gloves to evaluate the impact of kicking and boxing. All these advantages of PS-TENG not only enable small wearable electronics to be powered but also accelerate the development of industrially scalable energy harvesting through engineering design.