Support Matrices Research Articles

Sequencing batch biofilm reactor (SBBR) for the treatment of effluents from Penaeus vannamei cultivated under biofloc conditions

The present study evaluated two mechanically agitated 19 L-sequencing batch biofilm reactors (SBBRs) using low-cost biological support, oyster shells (R1) and plastic matrices filled with polyurethane foam (R2), for treating wastewater from intensive P. vannamei culture. The treatment process consisted of batches with a 7-day cycle that alternated phases without and with aeration. An SBBR for wastewater treatment was feasible. Ammon-N was reduced by approximately 93 % in both bioreactors, with effluents of 0.26 and 0.24 mg L−1, which were efficiently obtained after 6 and 24 h for R1 and R2, respectively. Nitrite was present at 0.03 mg L–1 in R1 and 0.0 mg L–1 in R2, whereas nitrate was not significantly reduced. Carbon reduction (measured as chemical oxygen demand (COD)) was observed in R2, with an efficiency of 84 %, an effluent value of 19 mg L–1, as well as phosphorus solubilization in both bioreactors. The results obtained in this study indicate that both support materials can be used in SBBR bioreactors to treat wastewater from shrimp farming.

The green approach of chitosan/Fe2O3/ZnO-nanocomposite synthesis with an evaluation of its biological activities

Biopolymers embedded with nanoparticles of metal oxides (MOs) demonstrate a wide range of bio-functions. Chitosan-incorporated MOs are an interesting class of support matrices for enhancing the biological function, compared to other support matrices. Therefore, the importance of this study lies in exploiting chitosan as a carrier not of one metal as in previous studies, but of two metals in the form of a nanocomposite to carry out several biological functions. The coprecipitation approach was employed to synthesize chitosan/Fe2O3/ZnO-nanocomposite in the present research. The characterization of chitosan/Fe2O3/ZnO-nanocomposite was performed to find out the morphology and dispersion properties of chitosan/Fe2O3/ZnO-nanocomposite. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) investigation revealed that these were crystalline. Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectrum bands were viewed at 400/cm and 900/cm, due to the stretching vibration of Fe and Zn oxygen bond. TEM showed that chitosan/Fe2O3/ZnO-nanocomposite was of 20–95 nm in size. chitosan/Fe2O3/ZnO-nanocomposite exhibited inhibitory potential against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans with inhibition zones of 25 ± 0.1, 28 ± 0.2, 27 ± 0.1, and 27 ± 0.2 mm, respectively while didn’t inhibited Aspergillus niger. MIC value of nanocomposite was 15.62 ± 0.33 µg/mL for C. albicans, B. subtilis and E. coli, while it was 62.50 ± 0.66 µg/mL for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Ranged values of nanocomposite MBC (15.62 ± 0.33 to 125 ± 1 µg/mL) were attributed to all tested bacteria. Different concentrations of chitosan/Fe2O3/ZnO-nanocomposite MBC (25, 50, and 75%) reflected anti-biofilm activity against E. coli (85.0, 93.2, and 96.0%), B. subtilis (84.88, 92.21, and 96.99%), S. aureus 81.64, 90.52, and 94.64%) and P. aurogenosa (90.11, 94.43, and 98.24%), respectively. The differences in the levels of antimicrobial activities may depend on the type of examined microbes. Antioxidant activity of chitosan/Fe2O3/ZnO-nanocomposite was recorded with excellent IC50 values of 16.06 and 32.6 µg/mL using DPPH and ABTS scavenging, respectively. Wound heal by chitosan/Fe2O3/ZnO-nanocomposite was achieved with 100% compared to the untreated cells (76.75% of wound closer). The cytotoxicity outcomes showed that the IC50 of the chitosan/Fe2O3/ZnO-nanocomposite was 564.32 ± 1.46 µg/mL normal WI-38 cells. Based on the achieved findings, the chitosan/Fe2O3/ZnO-nanocomposite is a very promising agent for perform pharmacological activities.

Immobilization of l-asparaginase on genipin cross-linked chitosan beads shows better acrylamide diminution in cassava chips: Process optimization and characterization.

Glutaraldehyde is the conventionally used cross-linker for the activation and cross-linking of support matrices used in enzyme immobilization. However, the toxic nature of glutaraldehyde makes it unsafe for food applications, propelling the need for nontoxic cross-linkers. Genipin reacts with the primary and secondary amines generating a dark-blue colored pigment and is an attractive alternative to glutaraldehyde as a cross-linker for enzyme immobilization. Apart from its excellent cross-linking properties, genipin possesses added advantages over glutaraldehyde such as proven health benefits, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. The present study explores the application of chitosan beads cross-linked with the natural and nontoxic agent, genipin, for immobilizing l-asparaginase, aimed at its subsequent use in mitigating acrylamide formation in food products. The immobilized l-asparaginase exhibited improved functionalities such as stability, reusability, and reduction in acrylamide formation in deep-fried cassava chips. One of the limitations observed during application in the food process was the mechanical fragility of the chitosan beads during speedy stirring. This can be overcome by increasing the concentration and time of contact of the coagulant bath during the formation of chitosan beads. The drying of the enzyme-bound chitosan beads will also lead to shrinkage and prevent breakage during stirring. This study conclusively demonstrated the applicability of immobilizing l-asparaginase on genipin cross-linked chitosan beads in food-related processes.

A Review of Life Cycle Assessment of Nanomaterials-Based Adsorbent for Environmental Remediation

<p>Nanomaterials, known for their exceptional physicochemical properties, are used in electronics, skincare, catalysts, agriculture, and water treatment. Their small size and large surface area enable high adsorption capacities and rapid adsorption rates, effectively removing organic and inorganic pollutants from water. Designed as composites, nanomaterials enhance adsorption capacity, improve mechanical strength, and provide support matrices for retaining nanoparticles. Nanoadsorbents are particularly effective in removing toxic metals from wastewater and drinking water, targeting low concentrations of metals like arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury, crucial given stringent discharge regulations. However, the widespread use of nanomaterials poses potential health and environmental risks, as their production involves significant energy and material inputs, generating pollutants. Most research focuses on functionalities without considering life cycle environmental impacts. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a comprehensive tool for evaluating these impacts, assessing products from cradle to grave, including raw material extraction, processing, manufacturing, distribution, use, maintenance, and disposal or recycling. LCA, based on the ISO 14040 series, includes four phases: goal and scope definition, life cycle inventory, life cycle impact assessment, and life cycle interpretation. This study categorizes existing research based on the four LCA phases, aiming to highlight current practices, challenges, and progress. The findings provide insights and recommendations for future research to ensure the sustainable development of nanomaterials.</p>

Immobilization study of a monomeric oleate hydratase from Rhodococcus erythropolis

AbstractThe chemical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries are currently confronted with the challenge of transitioning from traditional chemical processes to more sustainable biocatalytic methods. To support that aim, we developed various heterogeneous biocatalysts for an industrially relevant enzyme called oleate hydratase that converts oleic acid to 10-hydroxystearic acid, a fatty emollient substance useful for various technical applications. We used cheap support matrices such as silica, chitosan, cellulose, and agarose for further scale-up and economic feasibility at the industrial level alongside more sophisticated supports like metal–organic frameworks. Different physical and chemical binding approaches were employed. Particularly, by immobilizing oleate hydrates on a 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane surface-functionalized cellulose matrix, we developed an enzyme immobilizate with almost 80% activity of the free enzyme. The long-term goal of this work was to be able to use the developed heterogeneous biocatalyst for multiple reuse cycles enabling profitable biocatalysis. Despite high initial conversion rate by the developed cellulose-based immobilizate, a depletion in enzyme activity of immobilized oleate hydratase was observed over time. Therefore, further enzyme modification is required to impart stability, the optimization of operational conditions, and the development of carrier materials that enable economical and sustainable enzymatic conversion of oleic acid to meet the commercial demand. Graphical abstract

Protocol for the Growth and Maturation of hiPSC-Derived Kidney Organoids using Mechanically Defined Hydrogels.

With recent advances in the reprogramming of somatic cells into induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs), gene editing technologies, and protocols for the directed differentiation of stem cells into heterogeneous tissues, iPSC-derived kidney organoids have emerged as a useful means to study processes of renal development and disease. Considerable advances guided by knowledge of fundamental renal developmental signaling pathways have been made with the use of exogenous morphogens to generate more robust kidney-like tissues in vitro. However, both biochemical and biophysical microenvironmental cues are major influences on tissue development and self-organization. In the context of engineering the biophysical aspects of the microenvironment, the use of hydrogel extracellular scaffolds for organoid studies has been gaining interest. Two families of hydrogels have recently been the subject of significant attention: self-assembling peptide hydrogels (SAPHs), which are fully synthetic and chemically defined, and gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogels, which are semi-synthetic. Both can be used as support matrices for growing kidney organoids. Based on our recently published work, we highlight methods describing the generation of human iPSC (hiPSC)-derived kidney organoids and their maturation within SAPHs and GelMA hydrogels. We also detail protocols required for the characterization of such organoids using immunofluorescence imaging. Together, these protocols should enable the user to grow hiPSC-derived kidney organoids within hydrogels of this kind and evaluate the effects that the biophysical microenvironment provided by the hydrogels has on kidney organoid maturation. © 2024 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Directed differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into kidney organoids and maturation within mechanically tunable self-assembling peptide hydrogels (SAPHs) Alternate Protocol: Encapsulation of day 9 nephron progenitor aggregates in gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogels. Support Protocol 1: Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) culture. Support Protocol 2: Organoid fixation with paraformaldehyde (PFA) Basic Protocol 2: Whole-mount immunofluorescence imaging of kidney organoids. Basic Protocol 3: Immunofluorescence of organoid cryosections.

Construction and investigation of multi-enzyme immobilized matrix for the production of HFCS.

Enzymes are biological molecules that act as catalysts and speed up the biochemical reactions. The world's biotechnological ventures are development of enzyme productiveness, and advancement of novel techniques for thriving their shelf existence. Nowadays, the most burning questions in enzyme technology are how to improve the enzyme productivity and reuse them. The immobilization of enzymes provides an excellent scope to reuse the enzymes several times to increase productivity. The main aim of the present study is the establishment of an immobilized multi-enzyme bio-system engineering process for the production of High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) with an industrial focus. In this study, multi-enzyme such as α-amylase, glucoamylase and glucose isomerase were immobilized in various support matrices like sodium alginate, sawdust, sugarcane bagasse, rice bran and combination of alginate with cellulosic materials. The activities of the immobilized multi-enzyme system for the production of HFCS from the starch solution were determined. The multi-enzyme immobilized in sodium alginate shows better fructose conversion than free enzyme. Among the support matrices, multi-enzyme immobilized in sawdust produced total 80.74 mg/mL of fructose from starch solution and it was able to be used in several production cycles. On the other hand, multi-enzyme immobilized in combination of sodium alginate and sawdust produced the maximum amount of fructose (total 84.82 mg/mL). The free enzyme produced 17.25 mg/mL of fructose from the starch solution in only a single cycle. In this study a new fixed bed immobilized multi-enzyme bioreactor system was developed for the production of HFCS directly from starch. This finding will create a new opportunity for the application of immobilized multi-enzyme systems in many sectors of industrial biotechnology.

A silver cluster-assembled material as a matrix for enzyme immobilization towards a highly efficient biocatalyst.

Silver cluster-assembled materials (SCAMs) epitomize well-defined extended crystalline frameworks that combine the ingenious designability at the atomic/molecular level and high structural robustness. They have captivated the interest of the scientific fraternity because of their modular construction which enables to systematically tailor their functions, and their capacity to not only inherit the characteristics of component building units but also introduce their uniqueness in endowing the final material with extraordinary properties. Herein, we demonstrate the synthesis of a novel (3,6)-connected two-dimensional (2D) SCAM [Ag12(StBu)6(CF3COO)6(THIT)6]n (described as TUS 5, THIT = 2,4,6-tri(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazine) composed of Ag12 cluster nodes and tritopic imidazolyl linkers. We have leveraged, for the first time, this precisely architected extended SCAM structure as a support matrix for enzyme immobilization. The electrostatic attraction between the negatively charged amano lipase PS and positively charged TUS 5 as well as the surface hydrophobicity of TUS 5 catered to great binding of lipase onto the TUS 5 matrix, in addition to boosting the activity of lipase via interfacial activation. Capitalizing on the cooperative benefits of organic and inorganic support matrices wherein organic supports impart with cost-efficiency, biocompatibility, and improved enzyme stability and reusability and inorganic supports confer high thermal, mechanical and microbial resistance, we have utilized the immobilized lipase on TUS 5 SCAM (lipase@TUS 5) for the kinetic resolution of (R,S)-1-phenylethanol by transesterification reaction. Importantly, lipase@TUS 5 could attain appreciably higher conversion into (R)-1-phenylethyl acetate, besides featuring superior thermal stability, solvent tolerance and recyclability, over the native lipase.

Ground tire rubber/activated carbon/expanded graphite aerogels and foams as support material for the preparation of polyethylene glycol composite phase change materials for thermal energy storage applications

The 3 “Rs” of trash management, reduce, reuse, and recycle, lead to a theoretical topic. Techniques for waste management should reprocess these waste products into new functional materials. In the area of thermal energy storage, phase change material (PCM) is another hot topic due to its high latent heat. Unfortunately, it is constrained by issues such as simple leakage and poor heat conductivity. Herein, we integrate waste material and phase change material by preparing composite phase change material in which aerogels and foams serve as 3D support matrices that were made using ground tire rubber, activated carbon and expanded graphite additives to successfully overcome the aforementioned disadvantages of phase change material via Porogen leaching and freeze drying techniques. Experiment findings demonstrated that the CPCM has excellent shape stability. TAA5 and TAE5 had the highest melting enthalpies, at 146.21 and 148.23 J/g respectively. After 500 thermal test cycles and 25 photothermal test cycles, the prepared CPCMs exhibit strong thermal reliability as evidenced by a small decrease in enthalpy value. In addition, the thermal conductivity of TAE15 was remarkable at 1.18 W/(mK), which was 5.36 times greater than that of PEG 0.22 W/(mK). The use of AC and EG as additives boosted TAE15's photothermal conversion efficiency to 93 %. Hence, CPCMs offer a significant deal of potential in fields such as thermal energy storage, solar energy, and building energy savings.

Visible Light-Assisted Degradation of Sulfamethoxazole on 2D/0D Sulfur-Doped Bi2O3/MnO2 Z-Scheme Heterojunction Immobilized Photocatalysts.

Retrieving the spent photocatalysts from the reaction system is always a challenging task. Therefore, the present work is focused on immobilizing sulfur-doped-Bi2O3/MnO2 (S-BOMO) heterojunction photocatalysts over different support matrices and evaluating their performance for the removal of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) in water under visible light. Our findings revealed S-BOMO coated clay beads (S-BOMO CCB) achieving more than 86% (240 min) SMX degradation ∼3, ∼1.3, and ∼2 times higher compared to S-BOMO coated on the different substrates, including glass beads, floating stones, and polymer material substrates, respectively. Mott-Schottky measurements confirmed the construction of the Z-scheme heterojunction involving MnO2 and 2S-Bi2O3. This Z-scheme mechanism, along with its narrow band gap of 1.58 eV, resulted in a rapid spatial transfer of the photogenerated charge carriers between the semiconductors and is believed to enhance the overall photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposite. Radical trapping and electron paramagnetic resonance results clearly established the active role of hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide in the degradation of SMX. Further, the 2S-BOMO CCB demonstrated excellent stability and photocatalytic activity over multiple runs. According to the sensitivity analysis and the results of anion effect experiments, phosphate and sulfate ions exhibit a significant impact on sulfamethoxazole degradation. Toxicity analysis revealed that 2S-BOMO CCB and sulfamethoxazole degradation byproducts were apparently innocuous. Additionally, the practical applicability of 2S-BOMO CCB was examined in various real water matrices, with the degradation efficiency followed the order: tap water < groundwater < surface water < hospital wastewater < municipal wastewater < pharmaceutical industry wastewater. The economic assessment revealed the reduction in the overall cost of the immobilized 2S-BOMO following the recovery process. Overall, the findings of this work provided critical insights into the synthesis and performance of incredibly effective and stable immobilized photocatalysts for the degradation of pharmaceutical pollutants.

Synthesis, characterization and determination of thermal properties of shape stabilized n-pentadecane based composite phase change materials including graphitic carbon nitride/alumina fillers for latent heat storage applications

Recently, Phase Change Materials (PCMs) has attracted significant interest for thermal energy storage (TES), which is a rational and convenient energy storage method. In the present work, new composite PCMs were prepared by performing easy impregnation process in which n-pentadecane was selected as PCM. For this, emulsion templated porous polymer composites were synthesized and employed as the frameworks to obtain new composite PCMs. To improve the heat transfer characteristics, the support matrices were prepared by loading of 1 wt% thermal conduction enhancer fillers namely, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), graphitic carbon nitride/alumina (g-C3N4/Al2O3) and alumina (Al2O3). The chemical structure, thermal stability and specific surface area characteristics of the frameworks were examined by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetry (TG) and Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET) surface area analyses. Furthermore, the morphology and distribution of the fillers were explored with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Additionally, improvements in the thermal conduction properties of the composite matrices were determined through the tests performed based on the T-history method. Moreover, the examinations on the thermal properties of the obtained composite PCMs were carried out using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). It was found that the reductions in supercooling temperatures (ΔT) were observed for the synthesized composite PCMs compared to degree of supercooling of pristine n-pentadecane. According to the obtained results, the synthesized composite PCMs can be employed in the cold thermal energy storage (TES) applications considering their appropriate properties and favorable TES capacities between 79.49 kJ/kg and 121.50 kJ/kg.

Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) Methodologies for Information Systems Project Management

The software development life cycle (SDLC) is a framework for planning, analyzing, designing, developing, testing, and deploying software. There are many different SDLC methodologies available, each with its advantages and disadvantages. The best methodology for a particular project will depend on factors such as the size and complexity of the project, the availability of resources, and the preferences of the project team. This paper provides an in-depth overview of the different SDLC methodologies used in the industry for IS project management. The paper discusses five significant SDLC methodologies: Waterfall, V-Model, Iterative, Agile, and Hybrid. It also compares and contrasts the traditional SDLC and Agile methodology and discusses using decision support matrices for selecting SDLC methodologies. By providing this comprehensive overview, the paper will help IS practitioners and project managers make informed decisions about the best approach for their specific projects.

Denitrifying Woodchip Bioreactors: A Microbial Solution for Nitrate in Agricultural Wastewater-A Review.

Nitrate (NO3-) is highly water-soluble and considered to be the main nitrogen pollutants leached from agricultural soils. Its presence in aquatic ecosystems is reported to cause various environmental and public health problems. Bioreactors containing microbes capable of transforming NO3- have been proposed as a means to remediate contaminated waters. Woodchip bioreactors (WBRs) are continuous flow, reactor systems located below or above ground. Below ground systems are comprised of a trench filled with woodchips, or other support matrices. The nitrate present in agricultural drainage wastewater passing through the bioreactor is converted to harmless dinitrogen gas (N2) via the action of several bacteria species. The WBR has been suggested as one of the most cost-effective NO3--removing strategy among several edge-of-field practices, and has been shown to successfully remove NO3- in several field studies. NO3- removal in the WBR primarily occurs via the activity of denitrifying microorganisms via enzymatic reactions sequentially reducing NO3- to N2. While previous woodchip bioreactor studies have focused extensively on its engineering and hydrological aspects, relatively fewer studies have dealt with the microorganisms playing key roles in the technology. This review discusses NO3- pollution cases originating from intensive farming practices and N-cycling microbial metabolisms which is one biological solution to remove NO3- from agricultural wastewater. Moreover, here we review the current knowledge on the physicochemical and operational factors affecting microbial metabolisms resulting in removal of NO3- in WBR, and perspectives to enhance WBR performance in the future.

Colorimetric pH indicators based on well-defined amylose and amylopectin matrices enriched with anthocyanins from red cabbage

This study aimed to prepare a novel colorimetric indicator film from virtually pure (99 %) amylose (AM) and anthocyanins extracted from red cabbage (RCA). The AM used was a unique engineered bulk material extracted from transgenic barley grains. Films produced by solution casting were compared to normal barely starch (NB) and pure barley amylopectin (AP), with amylose contents of 30 % and 0 %, respectively. The pH-indicator films were produced by incorporation of RCA into the different starch support matrices with different amylose contents. Barrier, thermal, and mechanical properties, photo degradation stability, and release behavior data revealed that RCA interact differently through the glucan matrices. Microstructural observations showed that RCA were evenly dispersed in the glucan matrix, and AM+RCA indicator films showed high UV-barrier and mechanical performance over normal starch. FTIR revealed that RCA was properly affected by the AM matrix. Moreover, the AM+RCA films showed sensitive color changes in the pH range (2–11) and a predominant Fickian diffusion release mechanism for RCA. This study provides for the first time data regarding AM films with RCA and their promising potential for application as support matrices in responsive food and other industrial biodegradable packaging materials.

Fermentation of biodiesel-derived crude glycerol to 1,3-propanediol with bio-wastes as support matrices: Polynomial prediction model

Biodiesel production from used cooking oil is sustainable alternative, for bio-energy production. The process generates residual crude glycerol (RCG) as the major energy-rich waste which can be used to produce various bio-based chemicals like 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) through biotechnological interventions. This RCG contains several impurities like methanol, soap, organic materials, salts non-transesterified fatty acids and metals in varied concentrations. These impurities significantly affect yield and productivity of the bio-process due to their marked microbial toxicity. In this work, previously isolated Clostridium butyricum L4 was immobilized on various abundantly available cheap bio-wastes (like rice straw, activated carbon and corn cob) to explore advantages offered and improve tolerance to various feed impurities. Amongst these, shredded rice straw was found most suitable candidate for immobilization and results in maximum improvement in 1,3-PDO production (18.4%) with highest porosity (89.28%), lowest bulk density (194.48Kg/m3), and highest cellular biofilm density (CFU/g-8.4 ×1010) amongst the three matrices. For practical purposes, recyclability was evaluated and it was concluded that even after reusing for five successive cycles the production retained to ∼82.4%. Subsequently, polynomial model was developed using 30 runs central composite factorial design experiments having coefficient of regression (R²) as 0.9520, in order to predict yields under different immobilization conditions for 1,3-PDO production. Plackett-Burman was employed (Accuracy= 99.17%) to screen significant toxic impurities. Based on statistical analysis six impurities were found to be significantly influential on PDO production in adverse manner. With negative coefficient of estimate (COE) varying in decreasing order: Linoleic acid >Oleic acid >Stearic acid >NaCl>K2SO4 >KCl. The study illustrates practical application for repurposing waste glycerol generated from biodiesel plants, thus developing improved agnostic process along with yield production models.

The Role of Tumor Microenvironment and Impact of Cancer Stem Cells on Breast Cancer Progression and Growth

Abstract Breast cancer is not only a mass of genetically abnormal tissue in the breast. This is a well-organized system of a complex heterogeneous tissue. Cancer cells produce regulatory signals that stimulate stromal cells to proliferate and migrate; then, stromal elements respond to these signals by releasing components necessary for tumor development that provide structural support, vasculature, and extracellular matrices. Developing tumors can mobilize a variety of cell types from both local and distant niches via secret chemical factors derived from cancer cells themselves or neighboring cells disrupted by growing neo-plasm, such as fibroblasts, immune inflammatory cells, and endothelial cells. CSCs are a group of very few cells that are tumorigenic (able to form tumors) and are defined as those cells within a tumor that can selfrenew and lead to tumorigenesis. BCSCs represent a small population of cells that have stem cell characteristics and are related to breast cancer. There are different theories about the origin of BCSCs. BCSCs are responsible for breast carcinoma metastasis. Usually, there is a metastatic spread to the bones, and rarely to the lungs and liver. A phenomenon that allows BCSCs to make the transition from epithelial to mesenchymal expression and thus avoid the effect of cyto toxic agents is the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). During this process, cells change their molecular characteristics in terms of loss of epithelial characteristics taking the mesenchymal phenotype. This process plays a key role in the progression, invasion, and metastasis of breast tumors.

Development and properties of n-octadecane / kaolinite composites as form-stabilized phase change materials for energy storage

Thermal energy storage (TES) is one of the promising options applied for obtaining energy-saving possibilities. This goal can be attained by using phase change materials (PCMs) that allow storing/releasing latent heats without losses caused by temperature differences. However, in most cases these materials need to be encapsulated for various applications, especially to prevent contamination and/or loss of substance. In this work, incorporation of a kind of an organic PCM belonging to the paraffins was performed by one step impregnation method. For this purpose, n-octadecane (n-OD) having 191.7 kJ/kg latent heat of melting and 34.2 οC peak melting temperature was used. In here, Kaolinite clay (KC), which was modified with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide in order to enhance the incorporation amount of n-OD, was utilized as the support matrices and called as m-KC. The development of form-stable composite PCMs was carried out by applying different recipes with varying the amounts of n-OD impregnation. Among the obtained composite PCMs, m-KC/OD30 having m-KC/n-OD: 70/30 composition ratio, demonstrated the highest TES capacity without any leakage during the usage. Accordingly, TES capacity and latent heat of melting peak temperature of m-KC/OD30 were found as 81.8 kJ/kg and Tpm = 30.4 °C, respectively. Based on the appropriate phase transition temperatures and favorable latent heat of melting value, the obtained form-stable composite PCMs can be implemented for the regulation of ambient temperatures in the low-medium temperature application fields, thus a cleaner process can be implemented by realizing energy savings.

Quality Assurance and Cost Reduction in Histopathology Laboratories Using Tissue Microarrays

In the context of cost increases of both labor and consumables, cheaper and faster histopathology methods are needed. We implemented in our research laboratory the use of tissue microarrays (TMA) for the parallel processing and analysis of tissue samples. In this study, we used seven pre-processed, paraffinated biomimetic sectionable support matrices serving as "recipient" paraffin blocks to embed a total of 196 tissue cores from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples (serving as "donor" paraffin blocks) from seven different rabbit organs. These tissue samples were obtained using four different processing protocols: two 6 h protocols with xylene as the transition solvent, and two using butanol instead (one 10 h in duration and the other 72 h long). While the samples from protocols 1 and 2 (with xylene) quite regularly generated peeling of some of the cores from the slides (most likely because of substandard paraffin infiltration), butanol processing performed flawlessly for both processing protocols. Our proposed technique of using TMAs in the research laboratory brings with it a significant reduction in time and consumable costs (up to 77 and 64%, respectively), but also new challenges for all the upstream processes.

Acrylic fabric and nanomaterials to enhance α-amylase-based biocatalytic immobilized systems for industrial food applications

An innovative approach for immobilizing α-amylase was used in this investigation. The acrylic fabric was first treated with hexamethylene diamine (HMDA) and then coated with copper ions that were later reduced to copper nanoparticles (CuNPs). The corresponding materials obtained, Cu(II)@HMDA-TA and CuNPs@HMDA-TA, were employed as carriers for α-amylase, respectively. The structural and morphological characteristics of the produced support matrices before and after immobilization were assessed using various techniques, including FTIR, SEM, EDX, TG/DTG, DSC, and zeta potential. The immobilized α-amylase exhibited the highest level of activity at pH 7.0, with immobilization yields observed for CuNPs@HMDA-TA (81.7 %) (60 unit/g support) followed by Cu(II)@HMDA-TA (71.7 %) (49 unit/g support) and 75 % and 61 % of activity yields, and 91.7 % and 85 % of immobilization efficiency, respectively. Meanwhile, biochemical characterizations of the activity of the soluble and immobilized enzymes were carried out and compared. Optimal temperature, pH, kinetics, storage stability, and reusability parameters were optimized for immobilized enzyme activity. The optimal pH and temperature were recorded as 6.0 and 50 °C for soluble α-amylase while the two forms of immobilized α-amylase exhibit a broad pH of 6.0–7.0 and optimal temperature at 60 °C. After recycling 15 times, the immobilized α-amylase on CuNPs@HMDA-TA and Cu(II)@HMDA-TA preserved 63 % and 52 % of their activities, respectively. The two forms of immobilized α-amylase displayed high stability when stored for 6 weeks and preserved 85 % and 76 % of their activities, respectively. Km values were calculated as 1.22, 1.39, and 1.84 mg/mL for soluble, immobilized enzymes on CuNPs@HMDA-TA, and Cu(II)@HMDA-TA, and Vmax values were calculated as 36.25, 29.68, and 21.57 μmol/mL/min, respectively. The total phenolic contents of maize kernels improved 1.4 ± 0.01 fold after treatment by two immobilized α-amylases.

Fabrication of 1,4-alpha-D-glucan glucanohydrolase holding Gel-Scaffolds using Agar-Agar, a natural polysaccharide and Polyacrylamide, a synthetic organic polymer for continuous liquefaction of starch

1,4-alpha-D-glucan glucanohydrolase is among the most widely used commercial hydrolytic enzymes acting randomly on the glycosidic linkages of starch resulting in its saccharification and liquefaction. Its applicability in different industries can be improved by enhancing its stability and reusability. Therefore, in the present study attempts have been made to enhance the industrial applicability of 1,4-alpha-D-glucan glucanohydrolase from Bacillus subtilis KIBGE-HAR by adapting immobilization technology. The study developed mechanically stable, enzyme containing gel-frameworks using two support matrices including agar-agar, a natural polysaccharide and polyacrylamide gel, a synthetic organic polymer. These catalytic gel-scaffolds were compared with each other in terms of kinetics and stability of entrapped 1,4-α-D-glucan glucanohydrolase. In case of polyacrylamide gel, Km value for immobilized enzyme increased to 7.95 mg/mL, while immobilization in agar-agar resulted in decreased Km value i.e 0.277 mg/mL as compared to free enzyme. It was found that immobilized enzyme showed maximum activity at 70 °C in both the supports as compared to free enzyme having maximum activity at 60 °C. Immobilized 1,4-α-D-glucan glucanohydrolase exhibited no change in optimal pH 7.0 before and after entrapment in polyacrylamide gel and agar-agar. The enzyme containing gel-scaffold was found suitable for repeated batches of starch liquefaction in industrial processes. Agar-agar entrapped 1,4-α-D-glucanglucanohydrolase was capable to degrade starch up to seven repeated operational cycles whereas polyacrylamide entrapped enzyme conserved its activity up to sixth operational cycle.