Conversion efficiency of glucose/xylose mixtures for ethanol production using Saccharomyces cerevisiae ITV01 and Pichia stipitis NRRL Y‐7124

BACKGROUND: Efficient conversion of glucose/xylose mixtures from lignocellulose is necessary for commercially viable ethanol production. Oxygen and carbon sources are of paramount importance for ethanol yield. The aim of this work was to evaluate different glucose/xylose mixtures for ethanol production using S. cerevisiae ITV‐01 (wild type yeast) and P. stipitis NRRL Y‐7124 and the effect of supplying oxygen in separate and co‐culture processes. RESULTS: The complete conversion of a glucose/xylose mixture (75/30 g L^?1) was obtained using P. stipitis NRRL Y‐7124 under aerobic conditions (0.6 vvm), the highest yield production being Y_p/s = 0.46 g g^?1, volumetric ethanol productivity Q_pmax = 0.24 g L^?1 h^?1 and maximum ethanol concentration P_max = 34.5 g L^?1. In the co‐culture process and under aerobic conditions, incomplete conversion of glucose/xylose mixture was observed (20.4% residual xylose), with a maximum ethanol production of 30.3 g L^?1, ethanol yield of 0.4 g g^?1 and Q_pmax = 1.26 g L^?1 h^?1. CONCLUSIONS: The oxygen present in the glucose/xylose mixture promotes complete sugar consumption by P. stipitis NRRL Y‐7124 resulting in ethanol production. However, in co‐culture with S. cerevisiae ITV‐01 under aerobic conditions, incomplete fermentation occurs that could be caused by oxygen limitation and ethanol inhibition by P. stipitis NRRL Y‐7124; nevertheless the volumetric ethanol productivity increases fivefold compared with separate culture. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Thermal stability of HfO2-on-GaAs nanopatterns

We have evaluated the effect of thermal annealing on the morphology, crystalline phase and elemental composition of high-k dielectric HfO(2)-on-GaAs nanopatterns at 500-620 °C by using atomic force microscopy (AFM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). While the HfO(2)-GaAs interface continues to be atomically abrupt at 620 °C, we have found a gradual shrinkage in the pattern linewidth and period with increasing temperature. Facet formation triggered by a nanoscale-modulated sequence of tensile and compressive stresses on the GaAs substrate, observed at 620 °C, has been attributed to a volumetric expansion of the HfO(2) nanostructures, caused by the tetragonal/cubic to monoclinic HfO(2) phase transformation and, to a lesser extent, by solid-state diffusion of As into HfO(2).     

Temperature stimuli-responsive nanoparticles from chitosan-graft-poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) as a drug delivery system

This work describes the preparation of thermosensitive chitosan-graft-poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) nanoparticles by ionic gelation and their potential use as a controlled drug delivery system, using doxorubicin as a model drug. A systematic study of the effect of the main processing parameters on both the size and thermoresponsive behavior of nanoparticles was investigated. The size of the particles is strongly dependent on the length of the poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) grafted chains and the concentration of the copolymer and crosslinking agent solutions. The molecular structure of the copolymer plays an essential role in the phase transition temperature of the particles, which decreases with the length of PVCL grafted chain. The system displayed proper drug-association parameters, and the drug-loaded nanoparticles exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity. A significant increase in the doxorubicin delivery rate was observed above the phase transition temperature (40 °C). These features indicate that these nanoparticles are suitable for the development of a new thermally controlled anti-cancer drug delivery system. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 47831.     

Recent research progress on bio-oil conversion into bio-fuels and raw chemicals: a review

Recent advances in lignocellulosic biomass valorization for producing fuels and commodities (olefins and BTX aromatics) are gathered in this paper, with a focus on the conversion of bio-oil (produced by fast pyrolysis of biomass). The main valorization routes are: (i) conditioning of bio-oil (by esterification, aldol condensation, ketonization, in situ cracking, and mild hydrodeoxygenation) for its use as a fuel or stable raw material for further catalytic processing; (ii) production of fuels by deep hydrodeoxygenation; (iii) ex situ catalytic cracking (in line) of the volatiles produced in biomass pyrolysis, aimed at the selective production of olefins and aromatics; (iv) cracking of raw bio-oil in units designed with specific objectives concerning selectivity; and (v) processing in fluidized bed catalytic cracking (FCC) units. This review deals with the technological evolution of these routes, in terms of catalysts, reaction conditions, reactors, and product yields. A study has been carried out on the current state-of-knowledge of the technological capacity, advantages and disadvantages of the different routes, as well as on the prospects for the implementation of each route within the scope of the Sustainable Refinery. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry     

Catalytic behaviour of thermally aged Ce/Zr mixed oxides for the purification of chlorinated VOC-containing gas streams

In the present paper the thermal deactivation of a series of Ce/Zr mixed oxides (CeO₂, Ce_0.8Zr_0.2O₂, Ce_0.68Zr_0.32O₂, Ce_0.5Zr_0.5O₂, Ce_0.15Zr_0.85O₂ and ZrO₂) was investigated. In order to simulate long-term operation, samples were calcined at three different temperatures, namely 550, 750 and 1000 °C in air for 4 h. Structural, morphological and physico-chemical changes caused by high-temperature treatment were analysed by X-ray diffraction, BET measurements, NH₃-temperature-programmed desorption and temperature-programmed reduction with hydrogen, and the behaviour in the oxidation of chlorinated volatile organic compounds (1,2-dichloroethane and trichloroethylene). The catalytic properties of Ce/Zr mixed oxides could be accounted for on the basis of their promoted redox, as characterised by the percentage of oxygen vacancies, and acidic properties due to the incorporation of zirconium in the ceria lattice. An increase in the calcination temperature led to a progressive decrease in the catalytic activity as a result of the modifications provoked by induced thermal aging (decrease in surface area, larger crystal sizes, reducibility at higher temperatures and loss of acid sites). Ce_0.15Zr_0.85O₂ and Ce_0.5Zr_0.5O₂ showed the best resistance to deactivation with combustion temperatures still notably lower in comparison with the homogeneous reaction even after calcination at 1000 °C. Also slight changes in selectivity were evident resulting in favoured yields of hydrogen chloride, which was environmentally beneficial, and incomplete combustion products such as carbon monoxide and chlorinated intermediates.     

7,8-Dihydroxiflavone Protects Adult Rat Axotomized Retinal Ganglion Cells through MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT Activation

We analyze the 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (DHF)/TrkB signaling activation of two main intracellular pathways, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/ERK and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/AKT, in the neuroprotection of axotomized retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Methods: Adult albino Sprague-Dawley rats received left intraorbital optic nerve transection (IONT) and were divided in two groups. One group received daily intraperitoneal DHF (5 mg/kg) and another vehicle (1%DMSO in 0.9%NaCl) from one day before IONT until processing. Additional intact rats were employed as control (n = 4). At 1, 3 or 7 days (d) after IONT, phosphorylated (p)AKT, p-MAPK, and non-phosphorylated AKT and MAPK expression levels were analyzed in the retina by Western blotting (n = 4/group). Radial sections were also immunodetected for the above-mentioned proteins, and for Brn3a and vimentin to identify RGCs and Müller cells (MCs), respectively (n = 3/group). Results: IONT induced increased levels of p-MAPK and MAPK at 3d in DHF- or vehicle-treated retinas and at 7d in DHF-treated retinas. IONT induced a fast decrease in AKT in retinas treated with DHF or vehicle, with higher levels of phosphorylation in DHF-treated retinas at 7d. In intact retinas and vehicle-treated groups, no p-MAPK or MAPK expression in RGCs was observed. In DHF- treated retinas p-MAPK and MAPK were expressed in the ganglion cell layer and in the RGC nuclei 3 and 7d after IONT. AKT was observed in intact and axotomized RGCs, but the signal intensity of p-AKT was stronger in DHF-treated retinas. Finally, MCs expressed higher quantities of both MAPK and AKT at 3d in both DHF- and vehicle-treated retinas, and at 7d the phosphorylation of p-MAPK was higher in DHF-treated groups. Conclusions: Phosphorylation and increased levels of AKT and MAPK through MCs and RGCs in retinas after DHF-treatment may be responsible for the increased and long-lasting RGC protection afforded by DHF after IONT.     

Genetic Biomarkers in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: What Have We Learned So Far?

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is a rare malignant proliferative disease of the hematopoietic system, whose molecular hallmark is the Philadelphia chromosome (Ph). The Ph chromosome originates an aberrant fusion gene with abnormal kinase activity, leading to the buildup of reactive oxygen species and genetic instability of relevance in disease progression. Several genetic abnormalities have been correlated with CML in the blast phase, including chromosomal aberrations and common altered genes. Some of these genes are involved in the regulation of cell apoptosis and proliferation, such as the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), tumor protein p53 (TP53), or Schmidt-Ruppin A-2 proto-oncogene (SRC); cell adhesion, e.g., catenin beta 1 (CTNNB1); or genes associated to TGF-β, such as SKI like proto-oncogene (SKIL), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1) or transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGFB2); and TNF-α pathways, such as Tumor necrosis factor (TNFA) or Nuclear factor kappa B subunit 1 (NFKB1). The involvement of miRNAs in CML is also gaining momentum, where dysregulation of some critical miRNAs, such as miRNA-451 and miRNA-21, which have been associated to the molecular modulation of pathogenesis, progression of disease states, and response to therapeutics. In this review, the most relevant genomic alterations found in CML will be addressed.     

Capacitance properties of electrochemically deposited polyazulene films

Polyazulene films formed by electrochemical oxidation of azulene have been studied as active components in electrochemical capacitors. The film shows reversible electrochemical behavior in the positive potential range and exhibits p-doping properties. The influence of film formation conditions on the films electrochemical properties has been investigated. A strong effect of solvent on the polyazulene deposition has been observed. The highest yield of film deposition was found for dichloromethane. Polyazulene films also exhibit stable voltammetric properties in aprotic solvents. The voltammetric response of the film is affected by the size of the anion of the supporting electrolyte. In solutions containing tetra(alkyl)ammonium perchlorates, tetrafluoroborates or hexafluorophosphates, reversible oxidation of polyazulene is obtained. In the presence of large tetra(phenyl)borate anions, polyazulene is irreversibly oxidized upon electrochemical oxidation. The capacitance properties of these materials have been investigated by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The polyazulene film displays a relatively high specific capacitance close to 400 F g⁻¹. Such high value of C_s locates this material among very good polymeric redox pseudo-capacitors.     

Stereoselective Synthesis and Antiallodynic Activity of 3-Hydroxylated Paroxetines

The design, stereoselective synthesis and in vivo antiallodynic activity of four novel paroxetine analogs, named 3-hydroxy paroxetines (3HPXs), is reported herein. Among the novel synthesized compounds, three showed an antiallodynic effect, while (R,R)-3HPX was found to be 2.5 times more bioactive than (-)-paroxetine itself in neuropathic rats. Consequently, the current investigation not only discloses a novel promising analgesic drug, but also reveals that functionalization at the C3 position of paroxetine could be as effective as the common functionalization at either C4 or within the sesamol group.     

Comparative Genomics Reveals 13 Different Isoforms of Mytimycins (A-M) in Mytilus galloprovincialis

Mytimycins are cysteine-rich antimicrobial peptides that show antifungal properties. These peptides are part of the immune network that constitutes the defense system of the Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis). The immune system of mussels has been increasingly studied in the last decade due to its great efficiency, since these molluscs, particularly resistant to adverse conditions and pathogens, are present all over the world, being considered as an invasive species. The recent sequencing of the mussel genome has greatly simplified the genetic study of some of its immune genes. In the present work, we describe a total of 106 different mytimycin variants in 16 individual mussel genomes. The 13 highly supported mytimycin clusters (A–M) identified with phylogenetic inference were found to be subject to the presence/absence variation, a widespread phenomenon in mussels. We also identified a block of conserved residues evolving under purifying selection, which may indicate the “functional core” of the mature peptide, and a conserved set of 10 invariable plus 6 accessory cysteines which constitute a plastic disulfide array. Finally, we extended the taxonomic range of distribution of mytimycins among Mytilida, identifying novel sequences in M. coruscus, M. californianus, P. viridis, L. fortunei, M. philippinarum, M. modiolus, and P. purpuratus.