TiO2 photocatalyst for water treatment applications

Recently, many water treatment technologies, such as biological treatment, coagulation/precipitation techniques, Fenton oxidation treatments, and advanced oxidation techniques, have been assessed to address the worsening clean water shortage. This review summarizes these technologies and provides the background and principle of photocatalysis for advanced oxidation technology. In particular, this paper focuses on semiconductor TiO₂ photocatalysts as well as the latest modifications of TiO₂ photocatalyst, such as the introduction of metals or heteroatoms onto TiO₂, physical modification of TiO₂ for a variety of morphologies, and hybrid TiO₂/nanocarbon composites, to improve the photocataytic activities for an advanced oxidation process. This review provides useful information to scientists and engineers in this field.     

Metallic surfaces with special wettability

Metals are important and irreplaceable engineered materials in our society. Nature is a school for scientists and engineers, which has long served as a source of inspiration for humans. Inspired by nature, a variety of metallic surfaces with special wettability have been fabricated in recent years through the combination of surface micro- and nanostructures and chemical composition. These metallic surfaces with special wettability exhibit important applications in anti-corrosion, microfluidic systems, oil-water separation, liquid transportation, and other fields. Recent achievements in the fabrication and application of metallic surfaces with special wettability are presented in this review. The research prospects and directions of this field are also briefly addressed. We hope this review will be beneficial to expand the practical applications of metals and offer some inspirations to the researchers in the fields of engineering, biomedicine, and materials science.     

Insights into Infusion-Based Targeted Drug Delivery in the Brain: Perspectives,Challenges and Opportunities

Targeted drug delivery in the brain is instrumental in the treatment of lethal brain diseases, such as glioblastoma multiforme, the most aggressive primary central nervous system tumour in adults. Infusion-based drug delivery techniques, which directly administer to the tissue for local treatment, as in convection-enhanced delivery (CED), provide an important opportunity; however, poor understanding of the pressure-driven drug transport mechanisms in the brain has hindered its ultimate success in clinical applications. In this review, we focus on the biomechanical and biochemical aspects of infusion-based targeted drug delivery in the brain and look into the underlying molecular level mechanisms. We discuss recent advances and challenges in the complementary field of medical robotics and its use in targeted drug delivery in the brain. A critical overview of current research in these areas and their clinical implications is provided. This review delivers new ideas and perspectives for further studies of targeted drug delivery in the brain.     

Ozone Technology of German Industrial Enterprises

The FIGAWA study group Ozone constituted in 1972 under the chairmanship of G.E. Kurzmann includes the manufacturers of Ozone producing and water treatment plants as well as scientists working in this field, experts and project engineers. Approximately 90% of the market volume are represented in this group.

On the occasion of its 25th anniversary the study group presents a summary of the development in German ozone techniques. This summary is supposed to show the activities of the manufacturers and equipment firms as well as the prominent position of ozone application in many fields of water engineering. The following figures and illustrations show the increasing number of application possibilities for ozone where it is impossible to replace this with other technologies for ecological and economic reasons.     

Chemotherapeutic engineering: Application and further development of chemical engineering principles for chemotherapy of cancer and other diseases

This review defines chemotherapeutic engineering as an engineering discipline that applies and further develops chemical engineering principles, techniques and devices for chemotherapy of cancer and other diseases. It provides new challenges as well as new opportunities for chemical engineering. Chemical engineering has substantially changed the human civilization through its services and products to improve the quality of life for human being. It is now time for chemical engineering to contribute to the most important aspect of the quality of life—human health care. Cancer and cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes for deaths. Chemotherapy is one of the most important treatments currently available for cancer and other diseases such as cardiovascular diseases. The present status of chemotherapy is far from being satisfactory. Its efficacy is limited and patients have to suffer from serious side effects, some of which are life-threatening. Chemotherapeutic engineering is emerging to help solving the problems in chemotherapy and to eventually develop an ideal way to conduct chemotherapy with the best efficacy and the least side effects. This review gives, from an engineering point of view, brief introductions to cancer and cancer treatment, chemotherapy and the problems involved in chemotherapy, and the possible roles of chemical engineering in solving the problems involved. Progress in developing various controlled and targeted drug delivery systems is reviewed with an emphasis on nanoparticles of biodegradable polymers and lipid bilayer vesicles (liposomes). Preparation, characterization, in vitro release, cell line experiments and animal testing of drug-loaded polymeric nanoparticles are described with paclitaxel as a prototype drug, which is one of the best anticancer drugs found in nature. A novel drug delivery system, liposomes-in-microspheres, is used as an example for possible combinations of the existing polymer- and lipid-based delivery systems. Research of molecular interactions between the drug and the cell membrane is also reviewed, with the lipid monolayer at the air-water or oil-water interface and bilayer vesicles as models for the cell membrane. Finally, mathematical modeling in chemotherapeutic engineering is discussed with typical examples in the literature. This review is a short introduction of chemotherapeutic engineering to chemical engineers, biomedical engineers, other engineers, clinical oncologists, and pharmaceutical scientists, who are interested in developing new dosage forms of drugs for chemotherapy of cancer and other diseases with the best efficacy and the least side effects.     

Microplastics in soils: a review of possible sources,analytical methods and ecological impacts

Microplastics are emerging persistent pollutants that have been extensively detected in aqueous environments. Yet, scientists have little knowledge of microplastic pollution in soils. This study reviewed over 60 articles, with the following objectives: (i) to discuss sources and the global distribution of microplastics in soils; (ii) to evaluate current extraction techniques and analytical methods for microplastics in soils; and (iii) to comprehensively assess their adverse impacts on soils and soil organisms. Moreover, this review highlights the lack of research into microplastic contamination in soils as a significant knowledge gap. Research into the fate, sources and analytical techniques of soil microplastics and the interactions between soil organisms, soils and microplastics is essential in order to underpin management decisions aimed at safeguarding the ecological integrity of our soils. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry     

Studying the Impact of Persistent Organic Pollutants Exposure on Human Health by Proteomic Analysis: A Systematic Review

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are organic chemical substances that are widely distributed in environments around the globe. POPs accumulate in living organisms and are found at high concentrations in the food chain. Humans are thus continuously exposed to these chemical substances, in which they exert hepatic, reproductive, developmental, behavioral, neurologic, endocrine, cardiovascular, and immunologic adverse health effects. However, considerable information is unknown regarding the mechanism by which POPs exert their adverse effects in humans, as well as the molecular and cellular responses involved. Data are notably lacking concerning the consequences of acute and chronic POP exposure on changes in gene expression, protein profile, and metabolic pathways. We conducted a systematic review to provide a synthesis of knowledge of POPs arising from proteomics-based research. The data source used for this review was PubMed. This study was carried out following the PRISMA guidelines. Of the 742 items originally identified, 89 were considered in the review. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the most recent research and available solutions to explore proteomics datasets to identify new features relevant to human health. Future perspectives in proteomics studies are discussed.     

Generation characteristics of fungal spore and fragment bioaerosols by airflow control over fungal cultures

We investigated the generation characteristics of airborne fungal fragments and spores by means of a newly developed fungal bioaerosol generation system that directs airflow to the fungal cultures horizontally. By controlling the airflow over the fungal cultures inside the generation system, we can produce three aerosolization modes of fungal bioaerosols: (i) fungal spores only, (ii) fungal fragments only, and (iii) a mixture of fragments and spores. As concerns over fungal fragments and spores have grown due to the adverse health effects of fungal bioaerosols, this generation study can be applied to develop techniques for controlling airborne fungal particles through means such as antifungal material tests, fungal bioaerosol filtering or sampling tests, and fungal bioaerosol inactivation tests. In addition, the generation system presented here simulates the environmental dispersal of fungal bioaerosols. Therefore, the results of this study can be interpreted as equivalent to the natural dispersal characteristics of fungal bioaerosols.     

Catalytic Aspects of Synthetic Fuels from Coal

It is appropriate that this symposium honoring Dr. Henry H. Storch should focus on catalysis, a field in which he made so many contributions and in which he published widely, most recently posthumously in the comprehensive review with Wu [1]. One of Dr. Storch's greater contribution was in attracting to the Bureau of Mines and training highly competent scientists and engineers who still constitute a research resource of great present national value and who, in a real sense, are continuing his research efforts.     

Applications of Genomic Tools in Plant Breeding: Crop Biofortification

Crop breeding has mainly been focused on increasing productivity, either directly or by decreasing the losses caused by biotic and abiotic stresses (that is, incorporating resistance to diseases and enhancing tolerance to adverse conditions, respectively). Quite the opposite, little attention has been paid to improve the nutritional value of crops. It has not been until recently that crop biofortification has become an objective within breeding programs, through either conventional methods or genetic engineering. There are many steps along this long path, from the initial evaluation of germplasm for the content of nutrients and health-promoting compounds to the development of biofortified varieties, with the available and future genomic tools assisting scientists and breeders in reaching their objectives as well as speeding up the process. This review offers a compendium of the genomic technologies used to explore and create biodiversity, to associate the traits of interest to the genome, and to transfer the genomic regions responsible for the desirable characteristics into potential new varieties. Finally, a glimpse of future perspectives and challenges in this emerging area is offered by taking the present scenario and the slow progress of the regulatory framework as the starting point.     

Self-assembled,Programmable DNA Nanodevices for Biological and Biomedical Applications

The broad field of structural DNA nanotechnology has diverged into various areas of applications ranging from computing, photonics, synthetic biology, and biosensing to in-vivo bioimaging and therapeutic delivery, to name but a few. Though the field began to exploit DNA to build various nanoscale architectures, it has now taken a new path to diverge from structural DNA nanotechnology to functional or applied DNA nanotechnology. More recently a third sub-branch has emerged-biologically oriented DNA nanotechnology, which seeks to explore the functionalities of combinatorial DNA devices in various biological systems. In this review, we summarize the key developments in DNA nanotechnology revealing a current trend that merges the functionality of DNA devices with the specificity of biomolecules to access a range of functions in biological systems. This review seeks to provide a perspective on the evolution and biological applications of DNA nanotechnology, where the integration of DNA structures with biomolecules can now uncover phenomena of interest to biologists and biomedical scientists. Finally, we conclude with the challenges, limitations, and perspectives of DNA nanodevices in fundamental and applied research.     

Performance of an Electrostatic Precipitator with Superhydrophobic Surface when Collecting Airborne Bacteria

Modern bioaerosol sampling and analysis techniques that enable rapid detection of low bioagent concentrations in various environments are needed to help us understand the causal relationship between adverse health effects and bioaerosol exposures and also to enable the timely biohazard detection in case of intentional release.

We have developed a novel bioaerosol sampler, an electrostatic precipitator with superhydrophobic surface (EPSS), where a combination of electrostatic collection mechanism with superhydrophobic collection surface allows for efficient particle collection, removal, and concentration in water droplets as small as 5 μ L. The sampler's performance at different sampling flow rates and sampling times was tested with two common bacteria: Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis. The collection efficiency was determined using the traditional method of microscopic counting as well as the whole-cell quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay (QPCR). The tests indicated that the new sampler achieves collection efficiency as high as 72%. A combination of the satisfactory collection efficiency and the small collecting water droplet volumes allowed achieving sample concentration rates that exceed 1 × 10 ⁶ . In addition, the collection efficiency for both bacteria obtained by the two different methods was not statistically different, indicating the sampler's compatibility with the PCR-based sample analysis techniques. In addition, the whole-cell QPCR does not require DNA extraction prior to the PCR reaction which offers faster sample processing.

Very high concentration rates achieved with the new sampler as well as its compatibility with the QPCR methodology point toward its suitability for detecting low concentrations of airborne bacterial agents in various environments.     

Shaping futures: A dialogue on chemical engineering education

Engineering as a discipline, profession, practice, and area of study continues to add substantial value in an increasingly complex world. With continually evolving complexity around the planet, such as the need for massive energy transition, global health technologies, or sustainable food systems, how might engineering education practices and theory be considered within these rapid and necessary changes? This paper presents an experiment of co-creation through experiential reflection about the state of chemical engineering education. Four chemical engineering professors engaged in a dialogue, facilitated by a researcher in education, through collaborative and actionable research. This dialogue uncovered innovative possibilities, educational themes, experiences, and opportunities for others in the profession to consider. The process of dialogue also encouraged the development of an imaginative future sense-making, known as futuring, through a collective experience. The findings reveal instructive perspectives on the shape of chemical engineering education that should be of value not only to engineers, but also other professionals, practitioners, or those in various science, technology, and math fields.     

Factors Influencing Rapid Detection of Bioaerosols by Surface Plasmon Resonance-Based Technique

In bioaerosol monitoring applications, technologies allowing rapid and precise detection of airborne pathogens are highly demanded. One of such technologies, based on the immunoreaction-operating principle in nearly real-time mode without any specific labeling, is known as surface plasmon resonance (SPR). In previous studies, we have shown applicability of the SPR technology for rapid and selective detection of viral and bacterial aerosols where successful combination of the SPR machine with our earlier produced personal bioaerosol sampler opened new prospects in development of portable bioaerosol monitors. The current study is a logical continuation of our previous research dedicated to the technology development for rapid bioaerosol detection. Here, we focus on one of the main factors possibly influencing the SPR-based bioaerosol monitoring; the SPR performance on target bioaerosol detection was evaluated at conditions of substantial air contamination with different nontargeted microorganisms, commonly presented in the air. Besides, different compositions of sampling liquids were tested in regards to the SPR results interference. Our findings clearly verified high specificity of the technology even in cases of highly contaminated air environments with aerosols of biological and mineral origins. It was found that both nontargeted bioaerosols and nanosized aerosols of mineral background do not have significant influence on the specific SPR detection of targeted bioaerosols.

Copyright 2014 American Association for Aerosol Research     

Transparent metal oxide nanowire transistors

With the features of high mobility, a high electric on/off ratio and excellent transparency, metal oxide nanowires are excellent candidates for transparent thin-film transistors, which is one of the key technologies to realize transparent electronics. This article provides a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art research activities that focus on transparent metal oxide nanowire transistors. It begins with the brief introduction to the synthetic methods for high quality metal oxide nanowires, and the typical nanowire transfer and printing techniques with emphasis on the simple contact printing methodology. High performance transparent transistors built on both single nanowires and nanowire thin films are then highlighted. The final section deals with the applications of transparent metal oxide nanowire transistors in the field of transparent displays and concludes with an outlook on the current perspectives and future directions of transparent metal oxide nanowire transistors.     

Computer Simulations of Deep Eutectic Solvents: Challenges,Solutions, and Perspectives

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are one of the most rapidly evolving types of solvents, appearing in a broad range of applications, such as nanotechnology, electrochemistry, biomass transformation, pharmaceuticals, membrane technology, biocomposite development, modern 3D-printing, and many others. The range of their applicability continues to expand, which demands the development of new DESs with improved properties. To do so requires an understanding of the fundamental relationship between the structure and properties of DESs. Computer simulation and machine learning techniques provide a fruitful approach as they can predict and reveal physical mechanisms and readily be linked to experiments. This review is devoted to the computational research of DESs and describes technical features of DES simulations and the corresponding perspectives on various DES applications. The aim is to demonstrate the current frontiers of computational research of DESs and discuss future perspectives.     

Recent advances in magnetic hydrogels

Smart hydrogels that respond to magnetic fields have attracted increasing interest in recent years. This is as a result of their numerous potential applications such as tunable delivery vehicles, magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents, hyperthermal therapy agents, etc. In this review, we summarize the methods for preparing magnetic hydrogels. Then we give an overview of magnetic hydrogels with various applications. Finally, the current limitations in the preparation and application of magnetic hydrogels are discussed and perspectives will be proposed for the next generation of hydrogels. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry     

Application of Antimicrobial Peptides on Biomedical Implants: Three Ways to Pursue Peptide Coatings

Biofilm formation and inflammations are number one reasons of implant failure and cause a severe number of postoperative complications every year. To functionalize implant surfaces with antibiotic agents provides perspectives to minimize and/or prevent bacterial adhesion and proliferation. In recent years, antimicrobial peptides (AMP) have been evolved as promising alternatives to commonly used antibiotics, and have been seen as potent candidates for antimicrobial surface coatings. This review aims to summarize recent developments in this field and to highlight examples of the most common techniques used for preparing such AMP-based medical devices. We will report on three different ways to pursue peptide coatings, using either binding sequences (primary approach), linker layers (secondary approach), or loading in matrixes which offer a defined release (tertiary approach). All of them will be discussed in the light of current research in this area.     

Particles and suspensions in chemical engineering: Accomplishments and prospects

The role of particles and suspensions in many process of technologies and how chemical engineers encounter them are briefly described. Trends in academic chemical engineering research are discussed where it is argued that a focus on fundamentals has driven choice of research problems away from technology. Examples of contributions by chemical engineers to advances in basic understanding and technologies are given. The paper concludes with suggestions of current and future problem areas where chemical engineering research will have an impact.     

Impact of Chemical Endocrine Disruptors and Hormone Modulators on the Endocrine System

There is growing concern regarding the health and safety issues of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Long-term exposure to EDCs has alarming adverse health effects through both hormone-direct and hormone-indirect pathways. Non-chemical agents, including physical agents such as artificial light, radiation, temperature, and stress exposure, are currently poorly investigated, even though they can seriously affect the endocrine system, by modulation of hormonal action. Several mechanisms have been suggested to explain the interference of EDCs with hormonal activity. However, difficulty in quantifying the exposure, low standardization of studies, and the presence of confounding factors do not allow the establishment of a causal relationship between endocrine disorders and exposure to specific toxic agents. In this review, we focus on recent findings on the effects of EDCs and hormone system modulators on the endocrine system, including the thyroid, parathyroid glands, adrenal steroidogenesis, beta-cell function, and male and female reproductive function.