Phase evolution and microstructural studies in CaZrTi2O7 (zirconolite)–Sm2Ti2O7 (pyrochlore) system

From the characterization of a series compositions with general stoichiometry as Ca_1−xZr_1−xSm_2xTi₂O₇ (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 1.00), the phase evolution between zirconolite (CaZrTi₂O₇) and pyrochlore type Sm₂Ti₂O₇ has been elucidated. All the compositions were prepared by high temperature solid state reaction and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron probe for microanalyses (EPMA). Three major phase fields, namely two layer (2-M) or four layer (4-M) monoclinic zirconolite and cubic pyrochlore structure types were observed in this system. In addition, a feeble amount of perovskite type phase is found to coexist with zirconolite phase. 4-M zirconolite phase is observed as single phase field at the composition with x = 0.30 and 0.35, while cubic pyrochlore phase is observed as single phase at the compositions with x ≥ 0.60. Further, the composition and microstructure of coexisting phases are verified by back scattered electron image and EPMA studies.     

One‐Pot Lipase Entrapment Within Silica Particles to Prepare a Stable and Reusable Biocatalyst for Transesterification

In order to enhance the reusability, Rhizomucor miehei lipase was entrapped in a single step within silica particles having an oleic acid core (RML@SiO₂). Characterization of RML@SiO₂ by scanning and transmission electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared studies supported the lipase immobilization within silica particles. The immobilized enzyme was employed for transesterification of cottonseed oil with methanol and ethanol. Under the optimum reaction conditions of a methanol‐to‐oil molar ratio of 12:1 or ethanol‐to‐oil molar ratio of 15:1, stirring speed of 250 revolutions/min (flask radius = 3 cm), reaction temperature of 40 °C, and biocatalyst concentration of 5 wt% (with respect to oil), more than 98 % alkyl ester yield was achieved in 16 and 24 h of reaction duration in case of methanolysis and ethanolysis, respectively. The immobilized enzyme did not require any buffer solution or organic solvent for optimum activity; hence, the produced biodiesel and glycerol were free from metal ion or organic molecule contamination. The activation energies for the immobilized enzyme‐catalyzed ethanolysis and methanolysis were found to be 34.9 ± 1.6 and 19.7 ± 1.8 kJ mol^?1, respectively. The immobilized enzyme was recovered from the reaction mixture and reused in 12 successive runs without significant loss of activity. Additionally, RML@SiO₂ demonstrated better reusability as well as stability in comparison to the native enzyme as the former did not lose the activity even upon storage at room temperature (25–30 °C) over an 8‐month period.     

Preparation of a Cu(II)-PVA/PA6 Composite Nanofibrous Membrane for Enzyme Immobilization

PVA/PA6 composite nanofibers were formed by electrospinning. Cu(II)-PVA/PA6 metal chelated nanofibers, prepared by the reaction between PVA/PA6 composite nanofibers and Cu²⁺ solution, were used as the support for catalase immobilization. The result of the experiments showed that PVA/PA6 composite nanofibers had an excellent chelation capacity for Cu²⁺ ions, and the structures of nanofibers were stable during the reaction with Cu²⁺ solution. The adsorption of Cu(II) onto PVA/PA6 composite nanofibers was studied by the Langmuir isothermal adsorption model. The maximum amount of coordinated Cu(II) (q_m) was 3.731 mmol/g (dry fiber), and the binding constant (K_l) was 0.0593 L/mmol. Kinetic parameters were analyzed for both immobilized and free catalases. The value of V_max (3774 μmol/mg·min) for the immobilized catalases was smaller than that of the free catalases (4878 μmol/mg·min), while the K_m for the immobilized catalases was larger. The immobilized catalases showed better resistance to pH and temperature than that of free form, and the storage stabilities, reusability of immobilized catalases were significantly improved. The half-lives of free and immobilized catalases were 8 days and 24 days, respectively.     

离子液体修饰超顺磁性纳米颗粒用于青霉素G酰化酶固定化(英文)

Functionalized ionic liquids containing ethyoxyl groups were synthesized and immobilized on magnetic silica nanoparticles(MSNP) prepared by two steps,i.e.,Fe3O4 synthesis and silica shell growth on the surface.This magnetic nanoparticle supported ionic liquid(MNP-IL) were applied in the immobilization of penicillin G acylase(PGA).The MSNPs and MNP-ILs were characterized by the means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),transmission electron microscopy(TEM),and vibrating sample magnetometer(VSM).The results showed that the average size of magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles and MSNPs were ~10 and ~90 nm,respectively.The saturation magnetizations of magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles and MNP-ILs were 63.7 and 26.9 A?m2?kg?1,respectively.The MNP-IL was successfully applied in the immobilization of PGA.The maximum amount of loaded enzyme was about 209 mg?g?1(based on carrier),and the highest enzyme activity of immobilized PGA(based on ImPGA) was 261 U?g?1.Both the amount of loaded enzyme and the activity of ImPGA are at the same level of or higher than that in previous reports.After 10 consecutive operations,ImPGA still main-tained 62% of its initial activity,indicating the good recovery property of ImPGA activity.The ionic liquid modified magnetic particles integrate the magnetic properties of Fe3O4 and the structure-tunable properties of ionic liquids,and have extensive potential uses in protein immobilization and magnetic bioseparation.This work may open up a novel strategy to immobilize proteins by ionic liquids.     

Coalescence/Filtration of an Oil-In-Water Emulsion in an Immobilized Mucor rouxii Biomass Bed

Breakdown mechanisms and flow characteristics involved in an immobilized M. rouxii biomass bed treating oil-in-water emulsion were investigated. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the applicability of the well-known Carman-Kozeny filtration equation to a 1000 mm immobilized M. rouxii biomass bed treating a standard mineral oil-in-water emulsion at six different flow rates (12, 16, 20, 24, 28, and 32 mL/min). The specific permeability coefficient, the Carman-Kozeny constant, and the shape factor of immobilized M. rouxii bed were found to be 2.135 × 10^?8 m², 5.03, and 1.13, respectively. The coalescence efficiency decreased with an increase in bed depth (from 15.9% at 200 mm to 4.0% at 1000 mm depth for a flow rate of 12 mL/min). Results indicated possible sequential occurrence of coalescence and filtration in the immobilized M. rouxii biomass bed.     

Hybrid Properties of Alginate‐PEI Adsorbent for Chromium (VI) Removal from Aqueous Solutions

Abstract

An adsorbent consisting of polyethyleneimine (PEI) immobilized in calcium alginate gel beads was synthesized and evaluated for Cr⁶⁺ removal. An evaluation of the synthesis process showed the importance of the PEI molecular weight on the immobilization efficiency. Polyethyleneimine of 70,000 Da molecular weight displayed the highest immobilization percentage at 52%. Batch kinetics and equilibrium tests showed that alginate‐PEI (APEI) resin displayed considerable affinity for negatively charged Cr⁶⁺ complexes at low pH conditions ranging from pH 1.5‐pH 3. The results also indicated the reduction of Cr⁶⁺ to less toxic Cr³⁺ species by the APEI adsorbent. The column adsorption experiments showed the ability of APEI resin to treat a 10 mg/L Cr⁶⁺ solution with pH influent adjustment from pH 1.5 to pH 3 to concentrations that satisfy effluent standards for Cr⁶⁺ (<0.1 mg/L) and total Cr (<0.5 mg/L). Finally, comparisons with a highly aminated commercial resin Chitopearl CS‐03 highlighted the unique ability of the hybrid APEI beads with its amine and carboxylic groups for the adsorption of Cr⁶⁺ as well as the retention of generated Cr³⁺ ions.     

Development of nanofiber based immunosorbent surface for the removal of fluoxetine from breast milk

Abstract

In this study, novel bioactive material has been identified for the removal of fluoxetine from breast milk. For this purpose, the poly (vinyl alcohol)/poly (acrylic acid) based nanofiber with an antibody immobilized has been developed. The efficiency of this nanofiber was compared with the control pore glass (CPG) either in milk. The bioactive nanofiber removed fluoxetine significantly higher than the CPG. The efficiency of the fluoxetine removal with the nanofiber was 98% in breast milk. In conclusion, the nanofiber based immunosorbent surface that is developed in this study was found to be efficient for chemical sensing of fluoxetine.