Reaction steady states and stationary states in modelling semi-batch enzyme hydrolysis

Dimensionless material balance equations describing an uninhibited enzyme hydrolysis process in a semi-batch reactor (i.e. fed-batch reactor) are formulated; numerical solution of these equations provided concentration profiles of the enzyme-substrate complex by using published kinetic parameters. The unrestricted values obtained are compared with estimates based separately on the reaction steady state and stationary state assumptions. Results are discussed in terms of the enzyme/substrate inventory used and it is found that the reaction steady state is a satisfactory approximation only when this ratio is sufficiently small. The stationary state may be a better approximation at other values, particularly when enzyme is added to substrate or when an empty tank is being filled. Reaction yields from semi-batch and batch operations are compared. Processing takes longer in the semi-batch operations and complete conversions are only practical in this mode when enzyme is added to substrate.     

Advancing controlled release packaging through smart blending

Researchers from Rutgers University and Clemson University have collaborated to develop a concept of using smart blending to generate functional packaging films for the controlled release of active compounds such as antimicrobials, antioxidants and flavour compounds to extend the shelf‐life of food. In this paper, literature results are reviewed to justify the significance of controlled release packaging (CRP) and the research gaps for further development are identified. A major research gap is the lack of packaging materials that can provide the release of active compounds at rates suitable for a wide range of food packaging applications. Smart blending is a promising technology for bridging this research gap. To fully realize the potentials of smart blending, a systematic approach for developing CRP using smart blending is also presented. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Screen‐printed biosensor for allergens

Allergen levels in indoor environments, leading to many diseases, eg asthma, rhinitis and conjunctivitis, affect a large and increasing fraction of the population. A quite effective and inexpensive method of a rough but very rapid overall assessment of total allergen level in the environment has been developed. The method involved estimation of protein in allergen extracts by screen‐printed electrodes using two different techniques. The biosensor comprised a rhodinised carbon working electrode, a silver/silver chloride reference electrode and a carbon counter electrode. In the first method the enzyme protease reacted with allergen protein to release amino acid, which produced hydrogen peroxide in the presence of amino acid oxidase. This was detected amperometrically. The second method used potassium bromide as electrolyte and the electrode was subjected to dual potential. Bromine, released due to electrolysis at higher potential, was consumed by the allergen protein at lower potential. In the first method, a unique technique was used to microencapsulate the enzyme protease and immobilise it on the surface of the electrode by in‐situ polymerisation to avoid contact with the amino acid oxidase. A total of seven allergens were tested and the results gave a good correlation with the standard protein measurement method. Environmental specimens from indoors, schools and workplaces can be evaluated for the aeroallergens produced by dust mites, animal hairs, cockroach debris, pollens, etc as a means of determining the exposure risk. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

基于二阶矩阵微分方程的机械振动系统线性二次型调节器设计

本文讨论机械振动系统线性二次型状态调节器（LQR）问题，直接针对系统二阶运动微分方程，性能指标为一个依赖于二阶导数的泛函。由欧拉-拉格朗日方程得出一个系统矩阵增广的二阶线性微分方程，指出该方程稳定的特征对就是最优控制振动系统闭环特征对，并给出求解最优控制状态反馈矩阵的方法，另外，由本文方法还可得出基于速度和加速度反馈的最优控制反馈矩阵。这里不涉及求解代数矩阵Riccati方程。     

Influence of residual milk-clotting enzyme and proteolysis on melting properties of soft cheese

In this work, we assessed the influence of coagulant residual activity and primary proteolysis on Cremoso Argentino cheese melting properties. For that purpose, we made Cremoso soft cheeses using different amounts of coagulant, and also obtained samples in which milk-clotting enzyme was inactivated. Primary proteolysis correlated with residual activity of coagulant in early stages of cheese ripening; however, it was similar in all cheeses after 30 days. The hydrolysis of caseins did not significantly affect the melting ability of the cheeses, expressed as the area increase after heating samples under standardized conditions. Samples with similar proximate composition showed some changes in meltability; those seemed related to pH evolution during ripening.     

聚丙烯催化剂的研发进展

综述了用于丙烯聚合的Ziegler-Natta催化剂在给电子体技术及催化剂制备工艺等方面,茂金属催化剂在制备丙烯均聚物、丙烯共聚物及特殊聚丙烯等方面,非茂单活性中心催化剂在丙烯活性聚合、丙烯与极性单体共聚及水介质聚合等方面的研发进展;讨论了聚丙烯催化剂的前景。     

结构滑模控制的一种指数趋近律方法

提出了一种指数趋近律 ,当正常运动段远离切换面时 ,能快速地趋向切换面 ;当运动接近切换面时 ,趋近速度又大大降低。这样与常用指数趋近律相比 ,过渡时间、系统的抖动以及所需控制力都能进一步减小。最后将这一理论应用到三层剪切型框架进行数值模拟 ,振动控制效果明显。     

Robustness analysis of responses of vibration control structures with uncertain parameters using interval algorithm

Variations in system parameters due to uncertainties may result in system performance deterioration. Uncertainties in modeling of structures are often considered to ensure that control system is robust with respect to response errors. Hence, the uncertain concept plays an important role in vibration control of the engineering structures. The paper discusses the robustness of responses of vibration control systems with the uncertain parameters. The vibration control problem of an uncertain system is approximated by a deterministic one. The uncertain parameters are described by interval variables. The uncertain state matrix is constructed directly using system physical parameters and avoided to use bounds in Euclidean norm. The feedback gain matrix is determined based on the deterministic systems, and then it is applied to the actual uncertain systems. A method to calculate the upper and lower bounds of responses of the closed-loop system with uncertain parameters is presented. The upper bounds of responses can be used to estimate the robustness of responses of the controlled system with uncertain parameters. Two numerical examples are given to illustrate the applications of the present approach.     

Development and evaluation of antimicrobial natamycin‐incorporated film in gorgonzola cheese conservation

Conservation of food products depends on product quality and packaging suitability. The objective of this work was to develop and evaluate the antimicrobial efficiency of natamycin‐incorporated film in the production process of Gorgonzola cheese. It aims to optimize the production process and increase shelf‐life and food safety for the consumer. Films with different concentrations of natamycin were produced and tested in Gorgonzola cheeses to evaluate its efficiency against Penicillium roqueforti on the cheese surface. Films with 2 and 4% natamycin presented satisfactory results for fungus inhibition and the amount of natamycin released to the cheese was below that allowed by the legislation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

活性炭吸附法脱除加氢催化柴油中的硫化物

采用5种活性炭对加氢催化柴油进行吸附脱硫,通过对活性炭的吸附效果及工艺参数的研究,探索了活性炭吸附脱硫最适宜的工艺条件。实验结果表明,分别选用比表面积为854.97,1 108.61 m2/g,相应微孔平均孔径为0.581 4,0.627 4 nm的活性炭,在粒度为40~80目,流速为0.25 mL/m in,吸附柱高径比为30/1的条件,可将不同原料油中有机硫含量分别从1 354.96,665.50μg/g降至360.40,69.61μg/g,脱硫率分别为73.40%和89.54%;在20~100℃时,随着温度的升高,活性炭吸附脱硫效果增强。