Bioconversion reactor

DOEpatents

McCarty, Perry L.; Bachmann, Andre

1992-01-01

A bioconversion reactor for the anaerobic fermentation of organic material. The bioconversion reactor comprises a shell enclosing a predetermined volume, an inlet port through which a liquid stream containing organic materials enters the shell, and an outlet port through which the stream exits the shell. A series of vertical and spaced-apart baffles are positioned within the shell to force the stream to flow under and over them as it passes from the inlet to the outlet port. The baffles present a barrier to the microorganisms within the shell causing them to rise and fall within the reactor but to move horizontally at a very slow rate. Treatment detention times of one day or less are possible.

Accelerated design of bioconversion processes using automated microscale processing techniques.

PubMed

Lye, Gary J; Ayazi-Shamlou, Parviz; Baganz, Frank; Dalby, Paul A; Woodley, John M

2003-01-01

Microscale processing techniques are rapidly emerging as a means to increase the speed of bioprocess design and reduce material requirements. Automation of these techniques can reduce labour intensity and enable a wider range of process variables to be examined. This article examines recent research on various individual microscale unit operations including microbial fermentation, bioconversion and product recovery techniques. It also explores the potential of automated whole process sequences operated in microwell formats. The power of the whole process approach is illustrated by reference to a particular bioconversion, namely the Baeyer-Villiger oxidation of bicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-6-one for the production of optically pure lactones.

Preliminary investigations into the bioconversion of gamma irradiated agricultural waste by Pleurotus spp.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gbedemah, C. M.; Obodai, M.; Sawyerr, L. C.

1998-06-01

The application of gamma irradiation for pretreatment of lignocellulosic materials for their hydrolysis and to increase their digestibility for rumen animal have been reported in the literature. Gamma irradiation of corn stover in combination with sodium hydroxide for bioconversion of polysaccharide into protein by Pleurotus spp has also been reported. In this study experiments were designed to find out whether gamma radiation could serve both as a decontaminating agent as well as hydrolytic agent of sawdust for the bioconversion of four varieties of Pleurotus spp. Preliminary results indicate that a dose of 20kGy of gamma irradiation increase the yield of Pleurotus eous var ET-8 whilst decreasing the yield of other varieties.

Comparative study of the bioconversion process using R-(+)- and S-(-)-limonene as substrates for Fusarium oxysporum 152B.

PubMed

Molina, Gustavo; Bution, Murillo L; Bicas, Juliano L; Dolder, Mary Anne Heidi; Pastore, Gláucia M

2015-05-01

This study compared the bioconversion process of S-(-)-limonene into limonene-1,2-diol with the already established biotransformation of R-(+)-limonene into α-terpineol using the same biocatalyst in both processes, Fusarium oxysporum 152B. The bioconversion of the S-(-)-isomer was tested on cell permeabilisation under anaerobic conditions and using a biphasic system. When submitted to permeabilisation trials, this biocatalyst has shown a relatively high resistance; still, no production of limonene-1,2-diol and a loss of activity of the biocatalyst were observed after intense cell treatment, indicating a complete loss of cell viability. Furthermore, the results showed that this process can be characterised as an aerobic system that was catalysed by limonene-1,2-epoxide hydrolase, had an intracellular nature and was cofactor-dependent because the final product was not detected by an anaerobic process. Finally, this is the first report to characterise the bioconversion of R-(+)- and S-(-)-limonene by cellular detoxification using ultra-structural analysis. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Can we use short rotation coppice poplar for sugar based biorefinery feedstock? Bioconversion of 2-year-old poplar grown as short rotation coppice.

PubMed

Dou, Chang; Marcondes, Wilian F; Djaja, Jessica E; Bura, Renata; Gustafson, Rick

2017-01-01

Feedstock cost is a substantial barrier to the commercialization of lignocellulosic biorefineries. Poplar grown using a short rotation coppice (SRC) system has the potential to provide a low-cost feedstock and economically viable sugar yields for fuels and chemicals production. In the coppice management regime, poplars are harvested after 2 years' growth to develop the root system and establish the trees. The biomass from these 2-year-old trees is very heterogeneous, and includes components of leaf, bark, branch, and wood chip. This material is quite different than the samples that have been used in most poplar bioconversion research, which come from mature trees of short rotation forestry (SRF) plantations. If the coppice management regime is to be used, it is important that feedstock growers maximize their revenue from this initial harvest, but the heterogeneous nature of the biomass may be challenging for bioconversion. This work evaluates bioconversion of 2-year-old poplar coppice and compares its performance to whitewood chips from 12-year-old poplar. The 2-year-old whole tree coppice (WTC) is comprised of 37% leaf, 9% bark, 12% branch, and 42% wood chip. As expected, the chemical compositions of each component were markedly different. The leaf has a low sugar content but is high in phenolics, ash, and extractives. By removing the leaves, the sugar content of the biomass increased significantly, while the phenolic, ash, and extractives contents decreased. Leaf removal improved monomeric sugar yield by 147 kg/tonne of biomass following steam pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis. Bioconversion of the no-leaf coppice (NLC) achieved a 67% overall sugar recovery, showing no significant difference to mature whitewood from forestry plantation (WWF, 71%). The overall sugar yield of NLC was 135 kg/tonne less than that of WWF, due to the low inherent sugar content in original biomass. An economic analysis shows the minimum ethanol selling price required to cover the operating cost of NLC bioconversion was $1.69/gallon. Leaf removal resulted in significant improvement in overall monomeric sugar production from SRC biomass. Leaf removal is essential to achieve good yields in bioconversion of poplar. Economic analysis suggests the NLC could be a reasonable feedstock provided it can be obtained at a discounted price.

Microbial community structures in algae cultivation ponds for bioconversion of agricultural wastes from livestock industry for feed production

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Dynamics of seasonal microbial community compositions in algae cultivation ponds are complex. There is very limited knowledge on community compositions that may play significant roles in the bioconversion of manure nu¬trients to animal feed. Algae production is an alternative where land area for pro...

Systematic metabolic profiling and bioactivity assays for bioconversion of Aceraceae family.

PubMed

Park, Jinyong; Suh, Dong Ho; Singh, Digar; Lee, Sarah; Lee, Jong Seok; Lee, Choong Hwan

2018-01-01

Plants are an important and inexhaustible source of bioactive molecules in food, medicine, agriculture, and industry. In this study, we performed systematic liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based metabolic profiling coupled with antioxidant assays for indigenous plant family extracts. Partial least-squares discriminant analysis of LC-MS datasets for the extracts of 34 plant species belonging to the families Aceraceae, Asteraceae, and Rosaceae showed that these species were clustered according to their respective phylogenies. In particular, seven Aceraceae species were clearly demarcated with higher average antioxidant activities, rationalizing their application for bioconversion studies. On the basis of further evaluation of the interspecies variability of metabolic profiles and antioxidant activities among Aceraceae family plants, we found that Acer tataricum (TA) extracts were clearly distinguished from those of other species, with a higher relative abundance of tannin derivatives. Further, we detected a strong positive correlation between most tannin derivatives and the observed higher antioxidant activities. Following Aspergillus oryzae-mediated fermentative bioconversion of Acer plant extracts, we observed a time-correlated (0-8 days) linear increase in antioxidant phenotypes for all species, with TA having the highest activity. Temporal analysis of the MS data revealed tannin bioconversion mechanisms with a relatively higher abundance of gallic acid (m/z 169) accumulated at the end of 8 days, particularly in TA. Similarly, quercetin precursor (glycoside) metabolites were also transformed to quercetin aglycones (m/z 301) in most Acer plant extracts. The present study underscores the efficacy of fermentative bioconversion strategies aimed at enhancing the quality and availability of bioactive metabolites from plant extracts.

Bioconversion of woody biomass to biofuel and lignin co-product using sulfite pretreatment to overcome the recalcitrance of lignocelluloses (SPORL)

Treesearch

Junyong Zhu; Chao Zhang; Roland Gleisner; Carl Houtman; Xuejun Pan

2016-01-01

Sulfite pretreatment to overcome the recalcitrance of lignocelluloses (SPORL) promises to provide efficient bioconversion of woody biomass into bioethanol and lignin co-products. Results from several laboratory and pilot-scale studies are presented to demonstrate SPORL performance, with comparisons to competing technologies. Excellent ethanol yields of up to...

Behavior of spores of Penicillium roquefortii during fed-batch bioconversion of octanoic acid into 2-heptanone

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Larroche, C.; Besson, I.; Gros, J.B.

1994-09-05

The bioconversion of octanoic acid into 2-heptanone by spores of Penicillium roquefortii is performed using a fed-batch technique with pH control by addition of the liquid substrate itself. The early stage of this process takes place with a high bioconversion rate and high yield. These values then decrease as a result of germination and growth of the biocatalyst. An optimization strategy for the process would thus be to improve the characteristics of this first period, i.e., increase its duration and the reaction rate. An increase in duration is evidenced in two cases: (1) under oxygen limitation; and (2) when themore » spore content in the medium is less than 10[sup 7] spores/mL. These conditions give insufficient overall bioconversion rates; better optimization should be achieved without oxygen limitation and with high spore content. Characterization of the first period by material and bioenergetic balances suggests that an increase in the ethanol content of the medium, which acts as an energy source and a permeabilizer, and the use of a specific inhibitor of the Krebs cycle, may be a way to further improve the biocatalyst performance and stability.« less

Bioconversion of D-glucose into D-glucosone by glucose 2-oxidase from Coriolus versicolor at moderate pressures.

PubMed

Karmali, Amin; Coelho, José

2011-04-01

Glucose 2-oxidase (pyranose oxidase, pyranose:oxygen-2-oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.3.10) from Coriolus versicolor catalyses the oxidation of D-glucose at carbon 2 in the presence of molecular O₂ producing D-glucosone (2-keto-glucose and D-arabino-2-hexosulose) and H₂O₂. It was used to convert D-glucose into D-glucosone at moderate pressures (i.e. up to 150 bar) with compressed air in a modified commercial batch reactor. Several parameters affecting biocatalysis at moderate pressures were investigated as follows: pressure, [enzyme], [glucose], pH, temperature, nature of fluid and the presence of catalase. Glucose 2-oxidase was purified by immobilized metal affinity chromatography on epoxy-activated Sepharose 6B-IDA-Cu(II) column at pH 6.0. The rate of bioconversion of D-glucose increased with the pressure since an increase in the pressure with compressed air resulted in higher rates of conversion. On the other hand, the presence of catalase increased the rate of reaction which strongly suggests that H₂O₂ acted as inhibitor for this reaction. The rate of bioconversion of D-glucose by glucose 2-oxidase in the presence of either nitrogen or supercritical CO₂ at 110 bar was very low compared with the use of compressed air at the same pressure. The optimum temperature (55 °C) and pH (5.0) of D-glucose bioconversion as well as kinetic parameters for this enzyme were determined under moderate pressure. The activation energy (E (a)) was 32.08 kJ mol⁻¹ and kinetic parameters (V(max), K(m), K(cat) and K(cat)/K(m)) for this bioconversion were 8.8 U mg⁻¹ protein, 2.95 mM, 30.81 s⁻¹ and 10,444.06 s⁻¹ M⁻¹, respectively. The biomass of C. versicolor as well as the cell-free extract containing glucose 2-oxidase activity were also useful for bioconversion of D-glucose at moderate pressures. The enzyme was apparently stable at moderate pressures since such pressures did not affect significantly the enzyme activity.

Biomass pyrolysis liquid to citric acid via 2-step bioconversion.

PubMed

Yang, Zhiguang; Bai, Zhihui; Sun, Hongyan; Yu, Zhisheng; Li, Xingxing; Guo, Yifei; Zhang, Hongxun

2014-12-31

The use of fossil carbon sources for fuels and petrochemicals has serious impacts on our environment and is unable to meet the demand in the future. A promising and sustainable alternative is to substitute fossil carbon sources with microbial cell factories converting lignocellulosic biomass into desirable value added products. However, such bioprocesses require tolerance to inhibitory compounds generated during pretreatment of biomass. In this study, the process of sequential two-step bio-conversion of biomass pyrolysis liquid containing levoglucosan (LG) to citric acid without chemical detoxification has been explored, which can greatly improve the utilization efficiency of lignocellulosic biomass. The sequential two-step bio-conversion of corn stover pyrolysis liquid to citric acid has been established. The first step conversion by Phanerochaete chrysosporium (P. chrysosporium) is desirable to decrease the content of other compounds except levoglucosan as a pretreatment for the second conversion. The remaining levoglucosan in solution was further converted into citric acid by Aspergillus niger (A. niger) CBX-209. Thus the conversion of cellulose to citric acid is completed by both pyrolysis and bio-conversion technology. Under experimental conditions, levoglucosan yield is 12% based on the feedstock and the citric acid yield can reach 82.1% based on the levoglucosan content in the pyrolysis liquid (namely 82.1 g of citric acid per 100 g of levoglucosan). The study shows that P. chrysosporium and A. niger have the potential to be used as production platforms for value-added products from pyrolyzed lignocellulosic biomass. Selected P. chrysosporium is able to decrease the content of other compounds except levoglucosan and levoglucosan can be further converted into citric acid in the residual liquids by A. niger. Thus the conversion of cellulose to citric acid is completed by both pyrolysis and bio-conversion technology.

Advanced Effect of Moringa oleifera Bioconversion by Rhizopus oligosporus on the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis: Preliminary Study

PubMed Central

Hur, Sang-sun; Choi, Suk-won; Lee, Dong-ryul; Park, Jong-hwan

2018-01-01

This study was conducted to determine if topical application of Moringa oleifera extracts and its bioconversion product fermented by Rhizopus oligosporus has therapeutic properties enhancement for treatment of atopic dermatitis. Rhizopus oligosporus (KCCM 11232P) was used to ferment Moringa leaves' extracts in this study. Comparison of organic acids and flavonols in Moringa simple extracts and their fermented product by HPLC analysis revealed that concentration of organic acids and flavonols of bioconversion product was lower than that of hot water extracts. The fermentation process is used as a nutrient for isolation of each component by microorganisms and growth of microorganisms. The results demonstrated that MF extracts effectively reduced clinical features based on macrography, scratching count, and severity scores, as well as model's serum IgE level, including histopathological analyses. PMID:29576799

Immobilization on graphene oxide improves the thermal stability and bioconversion efficiency of D-psicose 3-epimerase for rare sugar production.

PubMed

Dedania, Samir R; Patel, Manisha J; Patel, Dijit M; Akhani, Rekha C; Patel, Darshan H

2017-12-01

D-Psicose (D-ribo-2-hexulose or D-allulose), an epimer of D-fructose is considered as a rare low-calorie sugar displaying important physiological functions. Enzymatic production using ketose 3-epimerases is the feasible process for the production of D-Psicose. However, major drawbacks in application of ketose 3-epimerases are bioconversion efficiency and reusability of the enzyme. We have attempted immobilization of ketose 3-epimerases from Agrobacterium tumefaciens (agtu) D-psicose 3-epimerase (DPEase) on graphene oxide. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the enzyme was successfully immobilized on the graphene oxide. Graphene oxide immobilized agtu-DPEase (GO-agtu-DPEase) shows pH optima at 7.5 and 60°C as higher working temperature. Significant improvement in thermal stability was observed which showed half-life of 720min at 60°C whereas Agrobacterium tumefaciens (agtu) DPEase displayed 3.99min. At equilibrium, 40:60 (D-psicose: D-fructose) the bioconversion efficiency was accounted for Graphene oxide immobilized DPEase which is higher than the agtu-DPEase. Graphene oxide immobilized DPEase showed bioconversion efficiency up to 10 cycles of reusability. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Designer biomass for next-generation biorefineries: leveraging recent insights into xylan structure and biosynthesis.

PubMed

Smith, Peter J; Wang, Hsin-Tzu; York, William S; Peña, Maria J; Urbanowicz, Breeanna R

2017-01-01

Xylans are the most abundant noncellulosic polysaccharides in lignified secondary cell walls of woody dicots and in both primary and secondary cell walls of grasses. These polysaccharides, which comprise 20-35% of terrestrial biomass, present major challenges for the efficient microbial bioconversion of lignocellulosic feedstocks to fuels and other value-added products. Xylans play a significant role in the recalcitrance of biomass to degradation, and their bioconversion requires metabolic pathways that are distinct from those used to metabolize cellulose. In this review, we discuss the key differences in the structural features of xylans across diverse plant species, how these features affect their interactions with cellulose and lignin, and recent developments in understanding their biosynthesis. In particular, we focus on how the combined structural and biosynthetic knowledge can be used as a basis for biomass engineering aimed at developing crops that are better suited as feedstocks for the bioconversion industry.

Bioconversion of R-(+)-limonene to perillic acid by the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica

PubMed Central

Ferrara, Maria Antonieta; Almeida, Débora S.; Siani, Antonio C.; Lucchetti, Leonardo; Lacerda, Paulo S.B.; Freitas, André; Tappin, Marcelo R.R.; Bon, Elba P.S.

2013-01-01

Perillyl derivatives are increasingly important due to their flavouring and antimicrobial properties as well as their potential as anticancer agents. These terpenoid species, which are present in limited amounts in plants, may be obtained via bioconversion of selected monoterpene hydrocarbons. In this study, seventeen yeast strains were screened for their ability to oxidize the exocyclic methyl group in the p-menthene moiety of limonene into perillic acid. Of the yeast tested, the highest efficiency was observed for Yarrowia lipolytica ATCC 18942. The conversion of R (+)-limonene by Y. lipolytica was evaluated by varying the pH (3 to 8) and the temperature (25 to 30 °C) in a reaction medium containing 0.5% v/v limonene and 10 g/L of stationary phase cells (dry weight). The best results, corresponding to 564 mg/L of perillic acid, were obtained in buffered medium at pH 7.1 that was incubated at 25 °C for 48 h. The stepwise addition of limonene increased the perillic acid concentration by over 50%, reaching 855 mg/L, whereas the addition of glucose or surfactant to the reaction medium did not improve the bioconversion process. The use of Y. lipolytica showed promise for ease of further downstream processing, as perillic acid was the sole oxidised product of the bioconversion reaction. Moreover, bioprocesses using safe and easy to cultivate yeast cells have been favoured in industry. PMID:24688495

Influence of dietary spices on the in vivo absorption of ingested β-carotene in experimental rats.

PubMed

Veda, Supriya; Srinivasan, Krishnapura

2011-05-01

Animal studies were conducted to evaluate the influence of dietary spice compounds, piperine, capsaicin and ginger, on the absorption of orally administered β-carotene and its conversion to vitamin A. In rats maintained on these spice-containing diets for 8 weeks, concentrations of β-carotene and retinol were determined in the serum, liver and intestine 4 h after a single oral administration of β-carotene. β-Carotene concentration was significantly increased in the serum, liver and intestine of piperine- and ginger-fed rats, suggesting improved absorption of β-carotene. However, retinol concentration was not significantly changed in these animals, suggesting that the bioconversion of β-carotene to vitamin A was not similarly influenced. Between the two enzymes involved in the bioconversion of β-carotene to vitamin A, the activity of intestinal and hepatic β-carotene 15,15'-dioxygenase was either unaffected or lowered by these spice treatments. The activity of intestinal and hepatic retinal reductase was unaffected by the dietary spices. Activities of these two enzymes involved in the bioconversion of β-carotene to retinal were inhibited by the test spices in vitro, thus corroborating with the in vivo observation. Although the bioconversion of β-carotene was not promoted, increased absorption and tissue levels of β-carotene by the dietary spices may contribute to a higher antioxidant protection.

Bioconversion of dilute-acid pretreated sorghum bagasse to ethanol by Neurospora crassa.

PubMed

Dogaris, Ioannis; Gkounta, Olga; Mamma, Diomi; Kekos, Dimitris

2012-07-01

Bioethanol production from sweet sorghum bagasse (SB), the lignocellulosic solid residue obtained after extraction of sugars from sorghum stalks, can further improve the energy yield of the crop. The aim of the present work was to evaluate a cost-efficient bioconversion of SB to ethanol at high solids loadings (16 % at pretreatment and 8 % at fermentation), low cellulase activities (1-7 FPU/g SB) and co-fermentation of hexoses and pentoses. The fungus Neurospora crassa DSM 1129 was used, which exhibits both depolymerase and co-fermentative ability, as well as mixed cultures with Saccharomyces cerevisiae 2541. A dilute-acid pretreatment (sulfuric acid 2 g/100 g SB; 210 °C; 10 min) was implemented, with high hemicellulose decomposition and low inhibitor formation. The bioconversion efficiency of N. crassa was superior to S. cerevisiae, while their mixed cultures had negative effect on ethanol production. Supplementing the in situ produced N. crassa cellulolytic system (1.0 FPU/g SB) with commercial cellulase and β-glucosidase mixture at low activity (6.0 FPU/g SB) increased ethanol production to 27.6 g/l or 84.7 % of theoretical yield (based on SB cellulose and hemicellulose sugar content). The combined dilute-acid pretreatment and bioconversion led to maximum cellulose and hemicellulose hydrolysis 73.3 % and 89.6 %, respectively.

A novel process for enhancing oil production in algae biorefineries through bioconversion of solid by-products.

PubMed

Trzcinski, Antoine P; Hernandez, Ernesto; Webb, Colin

2012-07-01

This paper focuses on a novel process for adding value to algae residue. In current processes oleaginous microalgae are grown and harvested for lipid production leaving a lipid-free algae residue. The process described here includes conversion of the carbohydrate fraction into glucose prior to lipid extraction. This can be fermented to produce up to 15% additional lipids using another oleaginous microorganism. It was found that in situ enzymes can hydrolyze storage carbohydrates in the algae into glucose and that a temperature of 55 °C for about 20 h gave the best glucose yield. Up to 75% of available carbohydrates were converted to a generic fermentation feedstock containing 73 g/L glucose. The bioconversion step was found to increase the free water content by 60% and it was found that when the bioconversion was carried out prior to the extraction step, it improved the solvent extractability of lipids from the algae. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Bio-conversion of apple pomace into ethanol and acetic acid: Enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation.

PubMed

Parmar, Indu; Rupasinghe, H P Vasantha

2013-02-01

Enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose present in apple pomace was investigated using process variables such as enzyme activity of commercial cellulase, pectinase and β-glucosidase, temperature, pH, time, pre-treatments and end product separation. The interaction of enzyme activity, temperature, pH and time had a significant effect (P<0.05) on release of glucose. Optimal conditions of enzymatic saccharification were: enzyme activity of cellulase, 43units; pectinase, 183units; β-glucosidase, 41units/g dry matter (DM); temperature, 40°C; pH 4.0 and time, 24h. The sugars were fermented using Saccharomyces cerevisae yielding 19.0g ethanol/100g DM. Further bio-conversion using Acetobacter aceti resulted in the production of acetic acid at a concentration of 61.4g/100g DM. The present study demonstrates an improved process of enzymatic hydrolysis of apple pomace to yield sugars and concomitant bioconversion to produce ethanol and acetic acid. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fungal Bioconversion of Lignocellulosic Residues; Opportunities & Perspectives

PubMed Central

Dashtban, Mehdi; Schraft, Heidi; Qin, Wensheng

2009-01-01

The development of alternative energy technology is critically important because of the rising prices of crude oil, security issues regarding the oil supply, and environmental issues such as global warming and air pollution. Bioconversion of biomass has significant advantages over other alternative energy strategies because biomass is the most abundant and also the most renewable biomaterial on our planet. Bioconversion of lignocellulosic residues is initiated primarily by microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria which are capable of degrading lignocellulolytic materials. Fungi such as Trichoderma reesei and Aspergillus niger produce large amounts of extracellular cellulolytic enzymes, whereas bacterial and a few anaerobic fungal strains mostly produce cellulolytic enzymes in a complex called cellulosome, which is associated with the cell wall. In filamentous fungi, cellulolytic enzymes including endoglucanases, cellobiohydrolases (exoglucanases) and β-glucosidases work efficiently on cellulolytic residues in a synergistic manner. In addition to cellulolytic/hemicellulolytic activities, higher fungi such as basidiomycetes (e.g. Phanerochaete chrysosporium) have unique oxidative systems which together with ligninolytic enzymes are responsible for lignocellulose degradation. This review gives an overview of different fungal lignocellulolytic enzymatic systems including extracellular and cellulosome-associated in aerobic and anaerobic fungi, respectively. In addition, oxidative lignocellulose-degradation mechanisms of higher fungi are discussed. Moreover, this paper reviews the current status of the technology for bioconversion of biomass by fungi, with focus on mutagenesis, co-culturing and heterologous gene expression attempts to improve fungal lignocellulolytic activities to create robust fungal strains. PMID:19774110

Reverse membrane bioreactor: Introduction to a new technology for biofuel production.

PubMed

Mahboubi, Amir; Ylitervo, Päivi; Doyen, Wim; De Wever, Heleen; Taherzadeh, Mohammad J

2016-01-01

The novel concept of reverse membrane bioreactors (rMBR) introduced in this review is a new membrane-assisted cell retention technique benefiting from the advantageous properties of both conventional MBRs and cell encapsulation techniques to tackle issues in bioconversion and fermentation of complex feeds. The rMBR applies high local cell density and membrane separation of cell/feed to the conventional immersed membrane bioreactor (iMBR) set up. Moreover, this new membrane configuration functions on basis of concentration-driven diffusion rather than pressure-driven convection previously used in conventional MBRs. These new features bring along the exceptional ability of rMBRs in aiding complex bioconversion and fermentation feeds containing high concentrations of inhibitory compounds, a variety of sugar sources and high suspended solid content. In the current review, the similarities and differences between the rMBR and conventional MBRs and cell encapsulation regarding advantages, disadvantages, principles and applications for biofuel production are presented and compared. Moreover, the potential of rMBRs in bioconversion of specific complex substrates of interest such as lignocellulosic hydrolysate is thoroughly studied. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pilot scale repeated fed-batch fermentation processes of the wine yeast Dekkera bruxellensis for mass production of resveratrol from Polygonum cuspidatum.

PubMed

Kuo, Hsiao-Ping; Wang, Reuben; Lin, Yi-Sheng; Lai, Jinn-Tsyy; Lo, Yi-Chen; Huang, Shyue-Tsong

2017-11-01

Resveratrol has long been used as an ingredient in functional foods. Currently, Polygonum cuspidatum extract is the greatest natural source for resveratrol because of high concentrations of glycosidic-linked resveratrol. Thus, developing a cost-effective procedure to hydrolyze glucoside could substantially enhance resveratrol production from P. cuspidatum. This study selected Dekkera bruxellensis from several microorganisms based on its bioconversion and enzyme-specific activities. We demonstrated that the cells could be reused at least nine times while maintaining an average of 180.67U/L β-glucosidase activity. The average resveratrol bioconversion efficiency within five rounds of repeated usage was 108.77±0.88%. This process worked effectively when the volume was increased to 1200L, a volume at which approximately 35mgL -1 h -1 resveratrol per round was produced. This repeated fed-batch bioconversion process for resveratrol production is comparable to enzyme or cell immobilization strategies in terms of reusing cycles, but without incurring additional costs for immobilization. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Bioconversion of D-psicose to D-tagatose and D-talitol by Mucoraceae fungi.

PubMed

Yoshihara, Kazutoshi; Shinohara, Yoshihiro; Hirotsu, Takahiro; Izumori, Ken

2006-03-01

Rhizopus oryzae MYA-2483, which cannot utilize D-psicose as a sole source of carbon, converted D-psicose to two other compounds. These compounds were identified by NMR and IR as D-tagatose and D-talitol. In this study, we describe for the first time the bioconversion of D-psicose to D-tagatose. Various strains of Mucoraceae fungi, to which R. oryzae MYA-2483 belongs, exhibited conversion activity similar to that of R. oryzae MYA-2483. There is the possibility that a considerable number of fungi belonging to Mucoraceae possess such D-psicose conversion activity.

Enzymes and microorganisms in food industry waste processing and conversion to useful products: a review of the literature

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Carroad, P.A.; Wilke, C.R.

1976-12-01

Bioconversion of food processing wastes is receiving increased attention with the realization that waste components represent an available and utilizable resource for conversion to useful products. Liquid wastes are characterized as dilute streams containing sugars, starches, proteins, and fats. Solid wastes are generally cellulosic, but may contain other biopolymers. The greatest potential for economic bioconversion is represented by processes to convert cellulose to glucose, glucose to alcohol and protein, starch to invert sugar, and dilute waste streams to methane by anaerobic digestion. Microbial or enzymatic processes to accomplish these conversions are described.

Limitations of in silico predictability of specificity of co-immobilised cytochromes P450 and mimics in food-bioprocessing.

PubMed

Wiseman, Alan

2003-04-01

Cytochromes P450 (EC 1.14.14.1) are mixed function oxidases (oxygenases) that can catalyse redox bioconversions of food components. Also, efficacious removal of undesirable components can be achieved using solid-support immobilised enzyme (IME) of a selection from 2700 isoforms of cytochromes P450 (CYP). Cytochromes P450 co-immobilised with other enzymes, or protein receptors, may be used to confer a secondary order of regio- or stereo-specificity of chiral bioconversion: these can be predictable in silico by utilisation of QSARs (quantitative structure/activity relationships).

Molecular characterization and expression analysis of heat shock protein 70 and 90 from Hermetia illucens reared in a food waste bioconversion pilot plant.

PubMed

Giannetto, Alessia; Oliva, Sabrina; Mazza, Lorenzo; Mondello, Giovanni; Savastano, Domenico; Mauceri, Angela; Fasulo, Salvatore

2017-09-05

Two full-length cDNAs of heat shock protein (HSP) genes (Hihsp70 and Hihsp90) were cloned from the black soldier fly (BSF) Hermetia illucens larvae reared in a food waste bioconversion pilot plant. The Hihsp70 and Hihsp90 transcripts were 2243 and 2507bp long, contained 1923 and 2166bp open reading frames encoding proteins of 640 and 721 amino acids with a molecular mass of 69.8 and 83kDa, respectively. Comparative analysis of protein sequences revealed the presence of the conserved HSP motifs in both proteins, showing high homology to their counterparts in other insect species from six different orders. Hihsp70 and Hihsp90 transcriptional expression profiles during two key developmental stages in the bioconversion process were evaluated by quantitative real time PCR showing that both genes were modulated during larval development. HiHsp70 mRNA expression levels during the II instar larvae was higher in respect to the V instar larvae. A similar difference in mRNA expression levels, but in a less extent, was found for the Hihsp90. Moreover, a diverse transcript level between the two genes at the V larval stage was observed where Hihsp90 was up-regulated compared to Hihsp70. These results suggested the involvement of Hsp70 and Hsp90 in H. illucens development and provide further evidences on the ecological and evolutionary importance of HSPs in the insect developmental processes together with valuable information on molecular features of adaptability to peculiar rearing conditions during food waste bioconversion. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Selection for high muscle fat in rainbow trout induces potentially higher chylomicron synthesis and PUFA biosynthesis in the intestine.

PubMed

Kamalam, Biju Sam; Panserat, Stephane; Aguirre, Peyo; Geurden, Inge; Fontagné-Dicharry, Stéphanie; Médale, Françoise

2013-02-01

Two lines of rainbow trout divergently selected for muscle fat content, fat line (F) and lean line (L) were used to investigate the effect of genetic selection on digestion, intestinal nutrient transport and fatty acid bioconversion, in relation to dietary starch intake. This study involved a digestibility trial for 2 weeks using Cr(2)O(3) as inert marker, followed by a feeding trial for 4 weeks. For the entire duration, juvenile trout from the two lines were fed diets with or without gelatinized starch. Blood, pyloric ceca, midgut and hindgut were sampled at 24 h after the last meal. Transcripts of the proteins involved in nutrient transport and fatty acid bioconversion were abundant in the proximal intestine. GLUT2 transcripts were slightly higher in the F line ceca than in the L line. Dietary starch intake did not enhance the transcription of intestinal glucose transporters, SGLT1 and GLUT2; but it was associated with the higher expression of ApoA1 and PepT1 in the midgut. Significantly, the F line exhibited higher intestinal mRNA levels of MTP, ApoA4, Elovl2, Elovl5 and D6D than the L line, linked to chylomicron assembly and fatty acid bioconversion. Apparent digestibility coefficients of protein, lipid and starch were high in both lines, but not significantly different between them. In conclusion, we found a higher potential of chylomicron synthesis and fatty acid bioconversion in the intestine of F line, but no adaptive transcriptional response of glucose transporters to dietary starch and no genotypic differences in nutrient digestibility. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Bioconversion of low quality lignocellulosic agricultural waste into edible protein by Pleurotus sajor-caju (Fr.) Singer

PubMed Central

Mane, Vijay Panjabrao; Patil, Shyam Sopanrao; Syed, Abrar Ahmed; Baig, Mirza Mushtaq Vaseem

2007-01-01

Pleurotus sajor-caju (Fr.) Singer was cultivated on selected agro wastes viz. cotton stalks, groundnut haulms, soybean straw, pigeon pea stalks and leaves and wheat straw, alone or in combinations. Cotton stalks, pigeon pea stalks and wheat straw alone or in combination were found to be more suitable than groundnut haulms and soybean straw for the cultivation. Organic supplements such as groundnut oilseed cake, gram powder and rice bran not only affected growth parameters but also increased yields. Thus bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass by P. sajor-caju offers a promising way to convert low quality biomass into an improved human food. PMID:17910118

Growth, bioconversion of isoflavones and probiotic properties of parent and subsequent passages of Lactobacillus upon ultraviolet radiation.

PubMed

Yeo, Siok-Koon; Liong, Min-Tze

2012-11-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation (UVB; 90 J/m²) on growth, bioconversion of isoflavones and probiotic properties of parent and subsequent passages of L. casei FTDC 2113. UV radiation significantly enhanced (P < 0.05) the growth of parent cells in mannitol-soymilk fermented at 37°C for 24 h. This had led to an enhanced intracellular and extracellular β-glucosidase activity with a subsequent increase in bioconversion of isoflavones in mannitol-soymilk (P < 0.05). UV radiation also promoted (P < 0.05) the tolerance of parent cells towards acidic condition (pH 2 and 3) and intestinal bile salts (oxgall, taurocholic and cholic acid). In addition, parent treated cells also exhibited better (P < 0.05) adhesion ability to mucin and antimicrobial activity compared to that of the control. All these positive effects of UV radiation were only prevalent in the parent cells without inheritance by first, second and third passage of cells. Although temporary, our results suggested that UV radiation could enhance the bioactive and probiotic potentials of L. casei FTDC 2113, and thus could be applied for the production of probiotic products with enhanced bioactivity.

Fast Microwave-assisted Pretreatment for Bioconversion of Sawdust Lignocellulose to Glucose

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nyoman Sudiana, I.; Mitsudo, Seitaro; Endang Susilowati, Prima; Ketut Sutiari, Desak; Widana Arsana, Made; Zamrun Firihu, Muhammad; Ode Ngkoimani, La; Aba, La; Sahaluddin Hasan, Erzam; Cahyono, Edi; Sabchevski, Svilen; Aripin, Haji; Gde Suastika, Komang

2017-05-01

A preliminary study of application microwave energy for bioconversion of cellulosic sawdust to glucose was performed. The effects of the microwave were compared to those of the conventional method for each solvent. It was expected that a broader mechanism responsible for the microwave effects on the chemical processes, especially the pretreatment on the hydrolysis of cellulose can be explained. Reagents used were an acid (HCl), an alkali (NaOH), and distilled water (H2O). The experimental results showed that the microwave-assisted pretreatment on the lignocellulosic sawdust faster than by using conventional heating (hotplate). Moreover by using microwave a higher glucose content compared to the conventional method was found. With microwave during hydrolisis, high temperatures and high reagent concentrations were not required. Pretreatment with a microwave at 800 Watt and solvent NaOH 22,50 mg/mL at a temperature of 120°c appeared to be most efficient found in this experiment. These results indicate that microwave effective for bioconversion of cellulosic sawdust to glucose. The microstructure evaluation by using SEM and XRD should be performed to understand more detail the effect especially on their cellulosic structural evolution.

Biofilm reactors for industrial bioconversion processes: employing potential of enhanced reaction rates

PubMed Central

Qureshi, Nasib; Annous, Bassam A; Ezeji, Thaddeus C; Karcher, Patrick; Maddox, Ian S

2005-01-01

This article describes the use of biofilm reactors for the production of various chemicals by fermentation and wastewater treatment. Biofilm formation is a natural process where microbial cells attach to the support (adsorbent) or form flocs/aggregates (also called granules) without use of chemicals and form thick layers of cells known as "biofilms." As a result of biofilm formation, cell densities in the reactor increase and cell concentrations as high as 74 gL-1 can be achieved. The reactor configurations can be as simple as a batch reactor, continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR), packed bed reactor (PBR), fluidized bed reactor (FBR), airlift reactor (ALR), upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor, or any other suitable configuration. In UASB granular biofilm particles are used. This article demonstrates that reactor productivities in these reactors have been superior to any other reactor types. This article describes production of ethanol, butanol, lactic acid, acetic acid/vinegar, succinic acid, and fumaric acid in addition to wastewater treatment in the biofilm reactors. As the title suggests, biofilm reactors have high potential to be employed in biotechnology/bioconversion industry for viable economic reasons. In this article, various reactor types have been compared for the above bioconversion processes. PMID:16122390

Grass Lignocellulose

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akin, Danny E.

Grass lignocelluloses are limited in bioconversion by aromatic constituents, which include both lignins and phenolic acids esters. Histochemistry, ultraviolet absorption microspectrophotometry, and response to microorganisms and specific enzymes have been used to determine the significance of aromatics toward recalcitrance. Coniferyl lignin appears to be the most effective limitation to biodegradation, existing in xylem cells of vascular tissues; cell walls with syringyl lignin, for example, leaf sclerenchyma, are less recalcitrant. Esterified phenolic acids, i.e., ferulic and p-coumaric acids, often constitute a major chemical limitation in nonlignified cell walls to biodegradation in grasses, especially warm-season species. Methods to improve biodegradability through modification of aromatics include: plant breeding, use of lignin-degrading white-rot fungi, and addition of esterases. Plant breeding for new cultivars has been especially effective for nutritionally improved forages, for example, bermudagrasses. In laboratory studies, selective white-rot fungi that lack cellulases delignified the lignocellulosic materials and improved fermentation of residual carbohydrates. Phenolic acid esterases released p-coumaric and ferulic acids for potential coproducts, improved the available sugars for fermentation, and improved biodegradation. The separation and removal of the aromatic components for coproducts, while enhancing the availability of sugars for bioconversion, could improve the economics of bioconversion.

Metabolic pathway reconstruction of eugenol to vanillin bioconversion in Aspergillus niger

PubMed Central

Srivastava, Suchita; Luqman, Suaib; Khan, Feroz; Chanotiya, Chandan S; Darokar, Mahendra P

2010-01-01

Identification of missing genes or proteins participating in the metabolic pathways as enzymes are of great interest. One such class of pathway is involved in the eugenol to vanillin bioconversion. Our goal is to develop an integral approach for identifying the topology of a reference or known pathway in other organism. We successfully identify the missing enzymes and then reconstruct the vanillin biosynthetic pathway in Aspergillus niger. The procedure combines enzyme sequence similarity searched through BLAST homology search and orthologs detection through COG & KEGG databases. Conservation of protein domains and motifs was searched through CDD, PFAM & PROSITE databases. Predictions regarding how proteins act in pathway were validated experimentally and also compared with reported data. The bioconversion of vanillin was screened on UV-TLC plates and later confirmed through GC and GC-MS techniques. We applied a procedure for identifying missing enzymes on the basis of conserved functional motifs and later reconstruct the metabolic pathway in target organism. Using the vanillin biosynthetic pathway of Pseudomonas fluorescens as a case study, we indicate how this approach can be used to reconstruct the reference pathway in A. niger and later results were experimentally validated through chromatography and spectroscopy techniques. PMID:20978605

Enantioselectivity of the bioconversion of chiral citronellal during the inhibition of wheat seeds germination.

PubMed

Cavalieri, Andrea; Fischer, Ravit; Larkov, Olga; Dudai, Nativ

2014-03-01

Citronellal is one of the most prominent monoterpenes present in many essential oils. Low persistence of essential oils as bioherbicides has often been addressed because of the high volatility of these compounds. Bioconversion of citronellal by wheat seeds releases less aggressive and injurious compounds as demonstrated by their diminished germination. We demonstrated that optically pure citronellal enantiomers were reduced to optically pure citronellol enantiomers with retention of the configuration both in isolated wheat embryos and endosperms. Our findings reveal the potential of essential oils as allelopathic agents providing an insight into their mechanism of action and persistence. Copyright © 2014 Verlag Helvetica Chimica Acta AG, Zürich.

Enhanced biocatalytic production of L-cysteine by Pseudomonas sp. B-3 with in situ product removal using ion-exchange resin.

PubMed

Wang, Pu; He, Jun-Yao; Yin, Jiang-Feng

2015-03-01

Bioconversion of DL-2-amino-Δ(2)-thiazoline-4-carboxylic acid (DL-ATC) catalyzed by whole cells of Pseudomonas sp. was successfully applied for the production of L-cysteine. It was found, however, like most whole-cell biocatalytic processes, the accumulated L-cysteine produced obvious inhibition to the activity of biocatalyst and reduced the yield. To improve L-cysteine productivity, an anion exchange-based in situ product removal (ISPR) approach was developed. Several anion-exchange resins were tested to select a suitable adsorbent used in the bioconversion of DL-ATC for the in situ removal of L-cysteine. The strong basic anion-exchange resin 201 × 7 exhibited the highest adsorption capacity for L-cysteine and low adsorption for DL-ATC, which is a favorable option. With in situ addition of 60 g L(-1) resin 201 × 7, the product inhibition can be reduced significantly and 200 mmol L(-1) of DL-ATC was converted to L-cysteine with 90.4 % of yield and 28.6 mmol L(-1 )h(-1) of volumetric productivity. Compared to the bioconversion without the addition of resin, the volumetric productivity of L-cysteine was improved by 2.27-fold using ISPR method.

Novel Halomonas sp. B15 isolated from Larnaca Salt Lake in Cyprus that generates vanillin and vanillic acid from ferulic acid.

PubMed

Vyrides, Ioannis; Agathangelou, Maria; Dimitriou, Rodothea; Souroullas, Konstantinos; Salamex, Anastasia; Ioannou, Aristostodimos; Koutinas, Michalis

2015-08-01

Vanillin is a high value added product with many applications in the food, fragrance and pharmaceutical industries. A natural and low-cost method to produce vanillin is by microbial bioconversions through ferulic acid. Until now, limited microorganisms have been found capable of bioconverting ferulic acid to vanillin at high yield. This study aimed to screen halotolerant strains of bacteria from Larnaca Salt Lake which generate vanillin and vanillic acid from ferulic acid. From a total of 50 halotolenant/halophilic strains 8 grew in 1 g/L ferulic acid and only 1 Halomonas sp. B15 and 3 Halomonas elognata strains were capable of bioconverting ferulic acid to vanillic acid at 100 g NaCl/L. The highest vanillic acid (365 mg/L) at these conditions generated by Halomonas sp. B15 which corresponds to ferulic acid bioconversion yield of 36.5%. Using the resting cell technique with an initial ferulic acid concentration of 0.5 g/L at low salinity, the highest production of vanillin (245 mg/L) took place after 48 h, corresponding to a bioconversion yield of 49%. This is the first reported Halomonas sp. with high yield of vanillin production from ferulic acid at low salinity.

Bioconversion of Sugarcane Biomass into Ethanol: An Overview about Composition, Pretreatment Methods, Detoxification of Hydrolysates, Enzymatic Saccharification, and Ethanol Fermentation

PubMed Central

Canilha, Larissa; Chandel, Anuj Kumar; Suzane dos Santos Milessi, Thais; Antunes, Felipe Antônio Fernandes; Luiz da Costa Freitas, Wagner; das Graças Almeida Felipe, Maria; da Silva, Silvio Silvério

2012-01-01

Depleted supplies of fossil fuel, regular price hikes of gasoline, and environmental damage have necessitated the search for economic and eco-benign alternative of gasoline. Ethanol is produced from food/feed-based substrates (grains, sugars, and molasses), and its application as an energy source does not seem fit for long term due to the increasing fuel, food, feed, and other needs. These concerns have enforced to explore the alternative means of cost competitive and sustainable supply of biofuel. Sugarcane residues, sugarcane bagasse (SB), and straw (SS) could be the ideal feedstock for the second-generation (2G) ethanol production. These raw materials are rich in carbohydrates and renewable and do not compete with food/feed demands. However, the efficient bioconversion of SB/SS (efficient pretreatment technology, depolymerization of cellulose, and fermentation of released sugars) remains challenging to commercialize the cellulosic ethanol. Among the technological challenges, robust pretreatment and development of efficient bioconversion process (implicating suitable ethanol producing strains converting pentose and hexose sugars) have a key role to play. This paper aims to review the compositional profile of SB and SS, pretreatment methods of cane biomass, detoxification methods for the purification of hydrolysates, enzymatic hydrolysis, and the fermentation of released sugars for ethanol production. PMID:23251086

[Phase transfer catalyzed bioconversion of penicillin G to 6-APA by immobilized penicillin acylase in recyclable aqueous two-phase systems with light/pH sensitive copolymers].

PubMed

Jin, Ke-ming; Cao, Xue-jun; Su, Jin; Ma, Li; Zhuang, Ying-ping; Chu, Ju; Zhang, Si-liang

2008-03-01

Immobilized penicillin acylase was used for bioconversion of penicillin PG into 6-APA in aqueous two-phase systems consisting of a light-sensitive polymer PNBC and a pH-sensitive polymer PADB. Partition coefficients of 6-APA was found to be about 5.78 in the presence of 1% NaCl. Enzyme kinetics showed that the reaction reached equilibrium at roughly 7 h. The 6-APA mole yields were 85.3% (pH 7.8, 20 degrees C), with about 20% increment as compared with the reaction of single aqueous phase buffer. The partition coefficient of PG (Na) varied scarcely, while that of the product, 6-APA and phenylacetic acid (PA) significantly varied due to Donnan effect of the phase systems and hydrophobicity of the products. The variation of the partition coefficients of the products also affected the bioconversion yield of the products. In the aqueous two-phase systems, the substrate, PG, the products of 6-APA and PA were biased in the top phase, while immobilized penicillin acylase at completely partitioned at the bottom. The substrate and PG entered the bottom phase, where it was catalyzed into 6-APA and PA and entered the top phase. Inhibition of the substrate and products was removed to result in improvement of the product yield, and the immobilized enzyme showed higher efficiency than the immobilized cells and occupied smaller volume. Compared with the free enzyme, immobilized enzyme had greater stability, longer life-time, and was completely partitioned in the bottom phase and recycle. Bioconversion in two-phase systems using immobilized penicillin acylase showed outstanding advantage. The light-sensitive copolymer forming aqueous two-phase systems could be recovered by laser radiation at 488 nm or filtered 450 nm light, while pH-sensitive polymer PADB could be recovered at the isoelectric point (pH 4.1). The recovery of the two copolymers was between 95% and 99%.

Temperature Increase Negatively Affects the Fatty Acid Bioconversion Capacity of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Fed a Linseed Oil-Based Diet

PubMed Central

Mellery, Julie; Geay, Florian; Tocher, Douglas R.; Kestemont, Patrick; Debier, Cathy; Rollin, Xavier; Larondelle, Yvan

2016-01-01

Aquaculture is meant to provide fish rich in omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA). This objective must be reached despite (1) the necessity to replace the finite and limited fish oil in feed production and (2) the increased temperature of the supply water induced by the global warming. The objective of the present paper was to determine to what extent increased water temperature influences the fatty acid bioconversion capacity of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed a plant-derived diet. Fish were fed two diets formulated with fish oil (FO) or linseed oil (LO) as only added lipid source at the optimal water temperature of 15°C or at the increased water temperature of 19°C for 60 days. We observed that a temperature increase close to the upper limit of the species temperature tolerance range negatively affected the feed efficiency of rainbow trout fed LO despite a higher feed intake. The negative impact of increased water temperature on fatty acid bioconversion capacity appeared also to be quite clear considering the reduced expression of fatty acid desaturase 2 in liver and intestine and the reduced Δ6 desaturase enzymatic activity in intestinal microsomes. The present results also highlighted a negative impact of increased temperature on the apparent in vivo enzymatic activity of Δ5 and Δ6 desaturases of fish fed LO. Interestingly, this last parameter appeared less affected than those mentioned above. This study highlights that the increased temperature that rainbow trout may face due to global warming could reduce their fatty acid bioconversion capacity. The unavoidable replacement of finite fish oil by more sustainable, readily available and economically viable alternative lipid sources in aquaculture feeds should take this undeniable environmental issue on aquaculture productivity into account. PMID:27736913

A Two-Step Bioconversion Process for Canolol Production from Rapeseed Meal Combining an Aspergillus niger Feruloyl Esterase and the Fungus Neolentinus lepideus

PubMed Central

Odinot, Elise; Fine, Frédéric; Sigoillot, Jean-Claude; Navarro, David; Laguna, Oscar; Bisotto, Alexandra; Peyronnet, Corinne; Lecomte, Jérôme; Faulds, Craig B.

2017-01-01

Rapeseed meal is a cheap and abundant raw material, particularly rich in phenolic compounds of biotechnological interest. In this study, we developed a two-step bioconversion process of naturally occurring sinapic acid (4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxycinnamic acid) from rapeseed meal into canolol by combining the complementary potentialities of two filamentous fungi, the micromycete Aspergillus niger and the basidiomycete Neolentinus lepideus. Canolol could display numerous industrial applications because of its high antioxidant, antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic properties. In the first step of the process, the use of the enzyme feruloyl esterase type-A (named AnFaeA) produced with the recombinant strain A. niger BRFM451 made it possible to release free sinapic acid from the raw meal by hydrolysing the conjugated forms of sinapic acid in the meal (mainly sinapine and glucopyranosyl sinapate). An amount of 39 nkat AnFaeA per gram of raw meal, at 55 °C and pH 5, led to the recovery of 6.6 to 7.4 mg of free sinapic acid per gram raw meal, which corresponded to a global hydrolysis yield of 68 to 76% and a 100% hydrolysis of sinapine. Then, the XAD2 adsorbent (a styrene and divinylbenzene copolymer resin), used at pH 4, enabled the efficient recovery of the released sinapic acid, and its concentration after elution with ethanol. In the second step, 3-day-old submerged cultures of the strain N. lepideus BRFM15 were supplied with the recovered sinapic acid as the substrate of bioconversion into canolol by a non-oxidative decarboxylation pathway. Canolol production reached 1.3 g/L with a molar yield of bioconversion of 80% and a productivity of 100 mg/L day. The same XAD2 resin, when used at pH 7, allowed the recovery and purification of canolol from the culture broth of N. lepideus. The two-step process used mild conditions compatible with green chemistry. PMID:29036919

Temperature Increase Negatively Affects the Fatty Acid Bioconversion Capacity of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Fed a Linseed Oil-Based Diet.

PubMed

Mellery, Julie; Geay, Florian; Tocher, Douglas R; Kestemont, Patrick; Debier, Cathy; Rollin, Xavier; Larondelle, Yvan

2016-01-01

Aquaculture is meant to provide fish rich in omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA). This objective must be reached despite (1) the necessity to replace the finite and limited fish oil in feed production and (2) the increased temperature of the supply water induced by the global warming. The objective of the present paper was to determine to what extent increased water temperature influences the fatty acid bioconversion capacity of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed a plant-derived diet. Fish were fed two diets formulated with fish oil (FO) or linseed oil (LO) as only added lipid source at the optimal water temperature of 15°C or at the increased water temperature of 19°C for 60 days. We observed that a temperature increase close to the upper limit of the species temperature tolerance range negatively affected the feed efficiency of rainbow trout fed LO despite a higher feed intake. The negative impact of increased water temperature on fatty acid bioconversion capacity appeared also to be quite clear considering the reduced expression of fatty acid desaturase 2 in liver and intestine and the reduced Δ6 desaturase enzymatic activity in intestinal microsomes. The present results also highlighted a negative impact of increased temperature on the apparent in vivo enzymatic activity of Δ5 and Δ6 desaturases of fish fed LO. Interestingly, this last parameter appeared less affected than those mentioned above. This study highlights that the increased temperature that rainbow trout may face due to global warming could reduce their fatty acid bioconversion capacity. The unavoidable replacement of finite fish oil by more sustainable, readily available and economically viable alternative lipid sources in aquaculture feeds should take this undeniable environmental issue on aquaculture productivity into account.

Sulfur deficiency changes mycosporine-like amino acid (MAA) composition of Anabaena variabilis PCC 7937: a possible role of sulfur in MAA bioconversion.

PubMed

Singh, Shailendra P; Klisch, Manfred; Sinha, Rajeshwar P; Häder, Donat-Peter

2010-01-01

In the present investigation we show for the first time that bioconversion of a primary mycosporine-like amino acid (MAA) into a secondary MAA is regulated by sulfur deficiency in the cyanobacterium Anabaena variabilis PCC 7937. This cyanobacterium synthesizes the primary MAA shinorine (RT = 2.2 min, lambda(max) = 334 nm) under normal conditions (PAR + UV-A + UV-B); however, under sulfur deficiency, a secondary MAA palythine-serine (RT = 3.9 min, lambda(max) = 320 nm) appears. Addition of methionine to sulfur-deficient cultures resulted in the disappearance of palythine-serine, suggesting the role of primary MAAs under sulfur deficiency in recycling of methionine by donating the methyl group from the glycine subunit of shinorine to tetrahydrofolate to regenerate the methionine from homocysteine. This is also the first report for the synthesis of palythine-serine by cyanobacteria which has so far been reported only from corals. Addition of methionine also affected the conversion of mycosporine-glycine into shinorine, consequently, resulted in the appearance of mycosporine-glycine (RT = 3.6 min, lambda(max) = 310 nm). Our results also suggest that palythine-serine is synthesized from shinorine. Based on these results we propose that glycine decarboxylase is the potential enzyme that catalyzes the bioconversion of shinorine to palythine-serine by decarboxylation and demethylation of the glycine unit of shinorine.

Analysis, pretreatment and enzymatic saccharification of different fractions of Scots pine.

PubMed

Normark, Monica; Winestrand, Sandra; Lestander, Torbjörn A; Jönsson, Leif J

2014-03-19

Forestry residues consisting of softwood are a major lignocellulosic resource for production of liquid biofuels. Scots pine, a commercially important forest tree, was fractionated into seven fractions of chips: juvenile heartwood, mature heartwood, juvenile sapwood, mature sapwood, bark, top parts, and knotwood. The different fractions were characterized analytically with regard to chemical composition and susceptibility to dilute-acid pretreatment and enzymatic saccharification. All fractions were characterized by a high glucan content (38-43%) and a high content of other carbohydrates (11-14% mannan, 2-4% galactan) that generate easily convertible hexose sugars, and by a low content of inorganic material (0.2-0.9% ash). The lignin content was relatively uniform (27-32%) and the syringyl-guaiacyl ratio of the different fractions were within the range 0.021-0.025. The knotwood had a high content of extractives (9%) compared to the other fractions. The effects of pretreatment and enzymatic saccharification were relatively similar, but without pretreatment the bark fraction was considerably more susceptible to enzymatic saccharification. Since sawn timber is a main product from softwood species such as Scots pine, it is an important issue whether different parts of the tree are equally suitable for bioconversion processes. The investigation shows that bioconversion of Scots pine is facilitated by that most of the different fractions exhibit relatively similar properties with regard to chemical composition and susceptibility to techniques used for bioconversion of woody biomass.

Bioconversion of Airborne Methylamine by Immobilized Recombinant Amine Oxidase from the Thermotolerant Yeast Hansenula polymorpha

PubMed Central

Sigawi, Sasi; Nitzan, Yeshayahu

2014-01-01

Aliphatic amines, including methylamine, are air-pollutants, due to their intensive use in industry and the natural degradation of proteins, amino acids, and other nitrogen-containing compounds in biological samples. It is necessary to develop systems for removal of methylamine from the air, since airborne methylamine has a negative effect on human health. The primary amine oxidase (primary amine : oxygen oxidoreductase (deaminating) or amine oxidase, AMO; EC 1.4.3.21), a copper-containing enzyme from the thermotolerant yeast Hansenula polymorpha which was overexpressed in baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, was tested for its ability to oxidize airborne methylamine. A continuous fluidized bed bioreactor (CFBR) was designed to enable bioconversion of airborne methylamine by AMO immobilized in calcium alginate (CA) beads. The results demonstrated that the bioreactor with immobilized AMO eliminates nearly 97% of the airborne methylamine. However, the enzymatic activity of AMO causes formation of formaldehyde. A two-step bioconversion process was therefore proposed. In the first step, airborne methylamine was fed into a CFBR which contained immobilized AMO. In the second step, the gas flow was passed through another CFBR, with alcohol oxidase from the yeast H. polymorpha immobilized in CA, in order to decompose the formaldehyde formed in the first step. The proposed system provided almost total elimination of the airborne methylamine and the formaldehyde. PMID:24672387

Direct conversion of starch to ethanol using recombınant Saccharomyces cerevisiae containing glucoamylase gene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Purkan, P.; Baktir, A.; Puspaningsih, N. N. T.; Ni'mah, M.

2017-09-01

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is known for its high fermentative capacity, high ethanol yield and its high ethanol tolerance. The yeast is inability converting starch (relatively inexpensive substrate) into biofuel ethanol. Insertion of glucoamylase gene in yeast cell of Saccharomyces cerevisiae had been done to increase the yeast function in ethanol fermentation from starch. Transformation of yeast of S. cerevisiae with recombinant plasmid yEP-GLO1 carrying gene encoding glucoamylase (GLO1) produced the recombinant yeast which enable to degrade starch. Optimizing of bioconversion process of starch into ethanol by the yeast of recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae [yEP-GLO1] had been also done. Starch concentration which could be digested by recombinant yeast of S. cerevisiae [yEP-GLO1] was 10% (w/v). Bioconversion of starch having concentration 10% (b/v) using recombinant yeast of S. cerevisiae BY5207 [yEP-GLO1] could result ethanol as 20% (v/v) to alcoholmeter and 19,5% (v/v) to gas of chromatography. Otherwise, using recombinant yeast S. cerevisiae S. cerevisiae AS3324 [yEP-GLO1] resulted ethanol as 17% (v/v) to alcoholmeter and 17,5% (v/v) to gas of chromatography. The highest ethanol in starch bioconversion using both recombinant yeasts BY5207 and AS3324 could be resulted on 144 hours of fermentation time as well as in pH 5.

[Organic waste treatment by earthworm vermicomposting and larvae bioconversion: review and perspective].

PubMed

Zhang, Zhi-jian; Liu, Meng; Zhu, Jun

2013-05-01

There is a growing attention on the environmental pollution and loss of potential regeneration of resources due to the poor handling of organic wastes, while earthworm vermicomposting and larvae bioconversion are well-known as two promising biotechnologies for sustainable wastes treatments, where earthworms or housefly larvae are employed to convert the organic wastes into humus like material, together with value-added worm product. Taken earthworm ( Eisenia foetida) and housefly larvae ( Musca domestica) as model species, this work illustrates fundamental definition and principle, operational process, technical mechanism, main factors, and bio-chemical features of organisms of these two technologies. Integrated with the physical and biochemical mechanisms, processes of biomass conversion, intestinal digestion, enzyme degradation and microflora decomposition are comprehensively reviewed on waste treatments with purposes of waste reduction, value-addition, and stabilization.

Nitrile bioconversion by Microbacterium imperiale CBS 498-74 resting cells in batch and ultrafiltration membrane bioreactors.

PubMed

Cantarella, M; Cantarella, L; Gallifuoco, A; Spera, A

2006-03-01

The biohydration of acrylonitrile, propionitrile and benzonitrile catalysed by the NHase activity contained in resting cells of Microbacterium imperiale CBS 498-74 was operated at 5, 10 and 20 degrees C in laboratory-scale batch and membrane bioreactors. The bioreactions were conducted in buffered medium (50 mM Na(2)HPO(4)/NaH(2)PO(4), pH 7.0) in the presence of distilled water or tap-water, to simulate a possible end-pipe biotreatment process. The integral bioreactor performances were studied with a cell loading (dry cell weight; DCW) varying from 0.1 mg(DCW) per reactor to 16 mg(DCW) per reactor, in order to realize near 100% bioconversion of acrylonitrile, propionitrile and benzonitrile without consistent loss of NHase activity.

Effects of moisture content of food waste on residue separation, larval growth and larval survival in black soldier fly bioconversion.

PubMed

Cheng, Jack Y K; Chiu, Sam L H; Lo, Irene M C

2017-09-01

In order to foster sustainable management of food waste, innovations in food waste valorization technologies are crucial. Black soldier fly (BSF) bioconversion is an emerging technology that can turn food waste into high-protein fish feed through the use of BSF larvae. The conventional method of BSF bioconversion is to feed BSF larvae with food waste directly without any moisture adjustment. However, it was reported that difficulty has been experienced in the separation of the residue (larval excreta and undigested material) from the insect biomass due to excessive moisture. In addition to the residue separation problem, the moisture content of the food waste may also affect the growth and survival aspects of BSF larvae. This study aims to determine the most suitable moisture content of food waste that can improve residue separation as well as evaluate the effects of the moisture content of food waste on larval growth and survival. In this study, pre-consumer and post-consumer food waste with different moisture content (70%, 75% and 80%) was fed to BSF larvae in a temperature-controlled rotary drum reactor. The results show that the residue can be effectively separated from the insect biomass by sieving using a 2.36mm sieve, for both types of food waste at 70% and 75% moisture content. However, sieving of the residue was not feasible for food waste at 80% moisture content. On the other hand, reduced moisture content of food waste was found to slow down larval growth. Hence, there is a trade-off between the sieving efficiency of the residue and the larval growth rate. Furthermore, the larval survival rate was not affected by the moisture content of food waste. A high larval survival rate of at least 95% was achieved using a temperature-controlled rotary drum reactor for all treatment groups. The study provides valuable insights for the waste management industry on understanding the effects of moisture content when employing BSF bioconversion for food waste recycling. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

evaluation of the bioconversion of genetically modified switchgrass using simultaneous saccharification and fermentation ans a consolidated bioprocessing approach

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yee, Kelsey L; Rodriguez, Jr., Miguel; Tschaplinski, Timothy J

2012-01-01

Abstract Background: The inherent recalcitrance of lignocellulosic biomass is one of the major economic hurdles for the production of fuels and chemicals from biomass. Additionally, lignin is recognized as having a negative impact on enzymatic hydrolysis of biomass, and as a result much interest has been placed on modifying the lignin pathway to improve bioconversion of lignocellulosic feedstocks. Results: Previous results showed down-regulation of the caffeic acid 3-O-methyl transferase (COMT) gene in the lignin pathway yielded switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) that was more susceptible to bioconversion after dilute acid pretreatment. Here we examined the response of these plant lines to mildermore » pretreatment conditions with yeast-based SSF, CBP with Clostridium thermocellum, and fermentations with the cellulolytic extreme thermophiles, Caldicellulosiruptor bescii and Caldicellulosiruptor obsidiansis. Unlike the S. cerevisiae SSF conversions, fermentations of pretreated down-regulated COMT transgenic switchgrass with C. thermocellum showed an apparent inhibition of fermentation not observed in the wild-type switchgrass. This inhibition can be eliminated by hot water extraction of the pretreated biomass which resulted in superior conversion yield with transgenic versus wild-type switchgrass for C. thermocellum, also exceeding the yeast-based SSF yield. Further fermentation evaluation of the transgenic switchgrass indicated differential inhibition for the Caldicellulosiruptor strains, which could not be rectified by additional processing conditions. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry metabolite profiling was used to examine the fermentation broth to elucidate the relative abundance of lignin derived aromatic compounds. The types and abundance of fermentation-derived lignin constituents varied between C. thermocellum and each of the Caldicellulosiruptor strains. Conclusions: The down-regulation of the COMT gene improves the bioconversion of switchgrass relative to the wild-type regardless of the pretreatment condition or fermentation microorganism. However, bacterial fermentations demonstrated strain-dependent sensitivity to the COMT transgenic biomass, likely due to additional soluble lignin pathway-derived constituents resulting from the COMT gene disruption. Removal of these inhibitory constituents permitted completion of fermentation by C. thermocellum, but not by the Caldicellulosiruptor strains. The reason for this difference needs to be explored further.« less

Final Scientific/Technical Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liang, Yanna

To increase our understanding of coal biogasification and move this technology closer toward field scale demonstration, we have thoroughly investigated coal bioconversion both ex situ and in situ. Specifically, we have screened a total of 12 parameters and identified those that exert statistically positive influence on coal biogasification. Based on these evaluations, a recipe for a nutrient solution was developed. With the addition of this nutrient solution, methane yield from Illinois coal was enhanced dramatically. In addition, we have demonstrated that coal bioconversion can be sustained over a long period of time as long as suitable conditions were maintained. Furthermore,more » biogasification of coal was tested under pressure simulating in situ conditions. Surprisingly, pressure was found to have no negative effects on microbial activities. Thus, the same recipe developed for ex situ may be used in situ as well.« less

Characterization of hydrocortisone bioconversion and 16S RNA gene in Synechococcus nidulans cultures.

PubMed

Rasoul-Amini, S; Ghasemi, Y; Morowvat, M H; Ghoshoon, M B; Raee, M J; Mosavi-Azam, S B; Montazeri-Najafabady, N; Nouri, F; Parvizi, R; Negintaji, N; Khoubani, S

2010-01-01

A unicellular cyanobacterium, Synechococcus nidulans (Pringsheim) Komárek, was isolated from paddy-fields and applied in the biotransformation experiment of hydrocortisone (1). This strain has not been previously tested for steroid bioconversion. Fermentation was carried out in BG-11 medium supplemented with 0.05% substrate at 25 degrees C for 14 days of incubation. The obtained products were chromatographically purified followed by their characterization using spectroscopic methods. 11beta,17beta-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (2), 11beta-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3,17-dione (3), and androst-4-ene-3,17-dione (4) were the main bioproducts in the hydrocortisone bioconversion. The observed bioreaction characteristics were the side chain degradation of the substrate to prepare compounds (2) and (3) following the 11beta-dehydroxylation for accumulation of the compound (4). Time course study showed the accumulation of the product (2) from the second day of the fermentation and compounds (3) and (4) from the third day. All the metabolites reached their maximum concentration in seven days. Cyanobacterial 16S rRNA gene was also amplified by PCR. Sequences were amplified using the universal prokaryotic primers which amplify a approximately 400-bp region of the 16S rRNA gene. PCR products were sequenced to confirm their authenticity as 16S rRNA gene of cyanobacteria. The result of PCR blasted with other sequenced cyanobacteria in NCBI showed 99% identity to the 16S small subunit rRNA of seven Synechococcus species.

Analysis, pretreatment and enzymatic saccharification of different fractions of Scots pine

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Forestry residues consisting of softwood are a major lignocellulosic resource for production of liquid biofuels. Scots pine, a commercially important forest tree, was fractionated into seven fractions of chips: juvenile heartwood, mature heartwood, juvenile sapwood, mature sapwood, bark, top parts, and knotwood. The different fractions were characterized analytically with regard to chemical composition and susceptibility to dilute-acid pretreatment and enzymatic saccharification. Results All fractions were characterized by a high glucan content (38-43%) and a high content of other carbohydrates (11-14% mannan, 2-4% galactan) that generate easily convertible hexose sugars, and by a low content of inorganic material (0.2-0.9% ash). The lignin content was relatively uniform (27-32%) and the syringyl-guaiacyl ratio of the different fractions were within the range 0.021-0.025. The knotwood had a high content of extractives (9%) compared to the other fractions. The effects of pretreatment and enzymatic saccharification were relatively similar, but without pretreatment the bark fraction was considerably more susceptible to enzymatic saccharification. Conclusions Since sawn timber is a main product from softwood species such as Scots pine, it is an important issue whether different parts of the tree are equally suitable for bioconversion processes. The investigation shows that bioconversion of Scots pine is facilitated by that most of the different fractions exhibit relatively similar properties with regard to chemical composition and susceptibility to techniques used for bioconversion of woody biomass. PMID:24641769

Directed evolution of toluene dioxygenase from Pseudomonas putida for improved selectivity toward cis-indandiol during indene bioconversion.

PubMed

Zhang, N; Stewart, B G; Moore, J C; Greasham, R L; Robinson, D K; Buckland, B C; Lee, C

2000-10-01

Toluene dioxygenase (TDO) from Pseudomonas putida F1 converts indene to a mixture of cis-indandiol (racemic), 1-indenol, and 1-indanone. The desired product, cis-(1S,2R)-indandiol, is a potential key intermediate in the chemical synthesis of indinavir sulfate (Crixivan), Merck's HIV-1 protease inhibitor for the treatment of AIDS. To reduce the undesirable byproducts 1-indenol and 1-indanone formed during indene bioconversion, the recombinant TDO expressed in Escherichia coli was evolved by directed evolution using the error-prone polymerase chain reaction (epPCR) method. High-throughput fluorometric and spectrophotometric assays were developed for rapid screening of the mutant libraries in a 96-well format. Mutants with reduced 1-indenol by-product formation were identified, and the individual indene bioconversion product profiles of the selected mutants were confirmed by HPLC. Changes in the amino acid sequence of the mutant enzymes were identified by analyzing the nucleotide sequence of the genes. A mutant with the most desirable product profile from each library, defined as the most reduced 1-indenol concentration and with the highest cis-(1S,2R)-indandiol enantiomeric excess, was used to perform each subsequent round of mutagenesis. After three rounds of mutagenesis and screening, mutant 1C4-3G was identified to have a threefold reduction in 1-indenol formation over the wild type (20% vs 60% of total products) and a 40% increase of product (cis-indandiol) yield.

Microplate-Based Evaluation of the Sugar Yield from Giant Reed, Giant Miscanthus and Switchgrass after Mild Chemical Pre-Treatments and Hydrolysis with Tailored Trichoderma Enzymatic Blends.

PubMed

Cianchetta, Stefano; Bregoli, Luca; Galletti, Stefania

2017-11-01

Giant reed, miscanthus, and switchgrass are considered prominent lignocellulosic feedstocks to obtain fermentable sugars for biofuel production. The bioconversion into sugars requires a delignifying pre-treatment step followed by hydrolysis with cellulase and other accessory enzymes like xylanase, especially in the case of alkali pre-treatments, which retain the hemicellulose fraction. Blends richer in accessory enzymes than commercial mix can be obtained growing fungi on feedstock-based substrates, thus ten selected Trichoderma isolates, including the hypercellulolytic strain Trichoderma reesei Rut-C30, were grown on giant reed, miscanthus, or switchgrass-based substrates. The produced enzymes were used to saccharify the corresponding feedstocks, compared to a commercial enzymatic mix (6 FPU/g). Feedstocks were acid (H 2 SO 4 0.2-2%, w/v) or alkali (NaOH 0.02-0.2%, w/v) pre-treated. A microplate-based approach was chosen for most of the experimental steps due to the large number of samples. The highest bioconversion was generally obtained with Trichoderma harzianum Or4/99 enzymes (78, 89, and 94% final sugar yields at 48 h for giant reed, miscanthus, and switchgrass, respectively), with significant increases compared to the commercial mix, especially with alkaline pre-treatments. The differences in bioconversion yields were only partially caused by xylanases (maximum R 2  = 0.5), indicating a role for other accessory enzymes.

Largely enhanced bioethanol production through the combined use of lignin-modified sugarcane and xylose fermenting yeast strain.

PubMed

Ko, Ja Kyong; Jung, Je Hyeong; Altpeter, Fredy; Kannan, Baskaran; Kim, Ha Eun; Kim, Kyoung Heon; Alper, Hal S; Um, Youngsoon; Lee, Sun-Mi

2018-05-01

The recalcitrant structure of lignocellulosic biomass is a major barrier in efficient biomass-to-ethanol bioconversion processes. The combination of feedstock engineering via modification in the lignin synthesis pathway of sugarcane and co-fermentation of xylose and glucose with a recombinant xylose utilizing yeast strain produced 148% more ethanol compared to that of the wild type biomass and control strain. The lignin reduced biomass led to a substantially increased release of fermentable sugars (glucose and xylose). The engineered yeast strain efficiently co-utilized glucose and xylose for fermentation, elevating ethanol yields. In this study, it was experimentally demonstrated that the combined efforts of engineering both feedstock and microorganisms largely enhances the bioconversion of lignocellulosic feedstock to bioethanol. This strategy will significantly improve the economic feasibility of lignocellulosic biofuels production. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Integrated waste management for rural development in Egypt.

PubMed

Shehata, S M; El Shimi, S A; Elkattan, M H; Ali, B E; El-Housseini, M; El Sayad, S A; Mahmoud, M S; Zaki, A M; Hamdi, Y A; El-Nawawy, A S

2004-01-01

Rural areas generate a large amount of plant and animal residues that can be recycled and utilized instead of relocation and/or burning. This will lead to increasing the benefits from agricultural sector in rural communities and ensuring a better environment. To increase the economic output and environmental benefits of recycling agricultural residues, integrated system should be considered, e.g., energy--compost-recycled water system; composting--co-composting system; food-feed compost system, ensilage of crop residues. The present work was a pilot study for optimizing integrated systems for bioconversion agricultural residues completed by establishing a Training Center for Recycling Agricultural Residues (TCRAR) thereby ensuring the dissemination of the technical, environmental, and socioeconomic aspects to farmers, live stock producers, extensions service staff, and private sector. Three integrated subsystems for bioconversion of agricultural residues were developed. They were based on (i) energy--manure-recycled water system, (ii) composting and co-composting system, and (iii) food-feed/compost system.

Hydroxylative activity of Aspergillus niger towards androst-4-ene and androst-5-ene steroids.

PubMed

Świzdor, Alina; Panek, Anna; Milecka-Tronina, Natalia

2017-10-01

Aspergillus niger, one of fungal species most frequently used for experimental and industrial-scale biotransformations of various organic compounds, is generally known to transform steroids at 16β position. In this work, application of the strain A. niger KCH910 to bioconversion of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androstenediol and testosterone is described, with emphasis on the metabolic steps leading to the products. Evidence from this study indicated that incubated 5-ene steroids underwent bioconversion within two metabolic pathways: oxidation by the action of 3β-HSD (3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase) to 4-ene steroids, and minor allylic hydroxylation to epimeric 7-alcohols. Further transformation of the 3-oxo-4-ene metabolites resulted in non-selective 16-hydroxylation. It is the first report on an A. niger strain able to introduce not only 16β- but also 16α-hydroxyl function into steroids. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Green methods of lignocellulose pretreatment for biorefinery development.

PubMed

Capolupo, Laura; Faraco, Vincenza

2016-11-01

Lignocellulosic biomass is the most abundant, low-cost, bio-renewable resource that holds enormous importance as alternative source for production of biofuels and other biochemicals that can be utilized as building blocks for production of new materials. Enzymatic hydrolysis is an essential step involved in the bioconversion of lignocellulose to produce fermentable monosaccharides. However, to allow the enzymatic hydrolysis, a pretreatment step is needed in order to remove the lignin barrier and break down the crystalline structure of cellulose. The present manuscript is dedicated to reviewing the most commonly applied "green" pretreatment processes used in bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomasses within the "biorefinery" concept. In this frame, the effects of different pretreatment methods on lignocellulosic biomass are described along with an in-depth discussion on the benefits and drawbacks of each method, including generation of potentially inhibitory compounds for enzymatic hydrolysis, effect on cellulose digestibility, and generation of compounds toxic for the environment, and energy and economic demand.

Bioconversion Using Lactic Acid Bacteria: Ginsenosides, GABA, and Phenolic Compounds.

PubMed

Lee, Na-Kyoung; Paik, Hyun-Dong

2017-05-28

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are used as fermentation starters in vegetable and dairy products and influence the pH and flavors of foods. For many centuries, LAB have been used to manufacture fermented foods; therefore, they are generally regarded as safe. LAB produce various substances, such as lactic acid, β-glucosidase, and β-galactosidase, making them useful as fermentation starters. Existing functional substances have been assessed as fermentation substrates for better component bioavailability or other functions. Representative materials that were bioconverted using LAB have been reported and include minor ginsenosides, γ-aminobutyric acid, equol, aglycones, bioactive isoflavones, genistein, and daidzein, among others. Fermentation mainly involves polyphenol and polysaccharide substrates and is conducted using bacterial strains such as Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Bifidobacterium sp. In this review, we summarize recent studies of bioconversion using LAB and discuss future directions for this field.

[Induction and regulation of cellulase expression in filamentous fungi: a review].

PubMed

Zhang, Fei; Bai, Fengwu; Zhao, Xinqing

2016-11-25

Production of bioenergy and bio-based chemicals by using fermentable sugars released from low-cost renewable lignocellulosic biomass has received great attention. Efficient cellulolytic enzymes are crucial for lignocellulose bioconversion, but high cellulase production cost is limiting the bioconversion efficiency of cellulosic biomass and industrial applications of lignocellulose biorefinery. Studies on induction and regulation of cellulase in filamentous fungi will help to further develop superior fungal strains for efficient cellulase production and reduce cellulase production cost. With the advances in high-throughput sequencing and gene manipulation technology using fungal strains, an in-depth understanding of cellulase induction and regulation mechanisms of enzyme expression has been achieved. We reviewed recent progresses in the induction and regulation of cellulase expression in several model filamentous fungi, emphasizing sugar transporters, transcription factors and chromatin remodeling. Future prospects in application of artificial zinc finger proteins for cellulase induction and regulation in filamentous fungi were discussed.

Metabolic Engineering toward Sustainable Production of Nylon-6.

PubMed

Turk, Stefan C H J; Kloosterman, Wigard P; Ninaber, Dennis K; Kolen, Karin P A M; Knutova, Julia; Suir, Erwin; Schürmann, Martin; Raemakers-Franken, Petronella C; Müller, Monika; de Wildeman, Stefaan M A; Raamsdonk, Leonie M; van der Pol, Ruud; Wu, Liang; Temudo, Margarida F; van der Hoeven, Rob A M; Akeroyd, Michiel; van der Stoel, Roland E; Noorman, Henk J; Bovenberg, Roel A L; Trefzer, Axel C

2016-01-15

Nylon-6 is a bulk polymer used for many applications. It consists of the non-natural building block 6-aminocaproic acid, the linear form of caprolactam. Via a retro-synthetic approach, two synthetic pathways were identified for the fermentative production of 6-aminocaproic acid. Both pathways require yet unreported novel biocatalytic steps. We demonstrated proof of these bioconversions by in vitro enzyme assays with a set of selected candidate proteins expressed in Escherichia coli. One of the biosynthetic pathways starts with 2-oxoglutarate and contains bioconversions of the ketoacid elongation pathway known from methanogenic archaea. This pathway was selected for implementation in E. coli and yielded 6-aminocaproic acid at levels up to 160 mg/L in lab-scale batch fermentations. The total amount of 6-aminocaproic acid and related intermediates generated by this pathway exceeded 2 g/L in lab-scale fed-batch fermentations, indicating its potential for further optimization toward large-scale sustainable production of nylon-6.

Thermochemical pretreatments for enhancing succinic acid production from industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.).

PubMed

Gunnarsson, Ingólfur B; Kuglarz, Mariusz; Karakashev, Dimitar; Angelidaki, Irini

2015-04-01

The aim of this study was to develop an efficient thermochemical method for treatment of industrial hemp biomass, in order to increase its bioconversion to succinic acid. Industrial hemp was subjected to various thermochemical pretreatments using 0-3% H2SO4, NaOH or H2O2 at 121-180°C prior to enzymatic hydrolysis. The influence of the different pretreatments on hydrolysis and succinic acid production by Actinobacillus succinogenes 130Z was investigated in batch mode, using anaerobic bottles and bioreactors. Enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation of hemp material pretreated with 3% H2O2 resulted in the highest overall sugar yield (73.5%), maximum succinic acid titer (21.9 g L(-1)), as well as the highest succinic acid yield (83%). Results obtained clearly demonstrated the impact of different pretreatments on the bioconversion efficiency of industrial hemp into succinic acid. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Encapsulates for Food Bioconversions and Metabolite Production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Breguet, Véronique; Vojinovic, Vojislav; Marison, Ian W.

The control of production costs in the food industry must be very strict as a result of the relatively low added value of food products. Since a wide variety of enzymes and/or cells are employed in the food industry for starch processing, cheese making, food preservation, lipid hydrolysis and other applications, immobilization of the cells and/or enzymes has been recognized as an attractive approach to improving food processes while minimizing costs. This is due to the fact that biocatalyst immobilization allows for easier separation/purification of the product and reutilization of the biocatalyst. The advantages of the use of immobilized systems are many, and they have a special relevance in the area of food technology, especially because industrial processes using immobilized biosystems are usually characterized by lower capital/energy costs and better logistics. The main applications of immobilization, related to the major processes of food bioconversions and metabolite production, will be described and discussed in this chapter.

Bioconversion of waste biomass to useful products

DOEpatents

Grady, J.L.; Chen, G.J.

1998-10-13

A process is provided for converting waste biomass to useful products by gasifying the biomass to produce synthesis gas and converting the synthesis gas substrate to one or more useful products. The present invention is directed to the conversion of biomass wastes including municipal solid waste, sewage sludge, plastic, tires, agricultural residues and the like, as well as coal, to useful products such as hydrogen, ethanol and acetic acid. The overall process includes the steps of gasifying the waste biomass to produce raw synthesis gas, cooling the synthesis gas, converting the synthesis gas to the desired product or products using anaerobic bioconversion, and then recovering the product or products. In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, waste biomass is converted to synthesis gas containing carbon monoxide and, then, the carbon monoxide is converted to hydrogen by an anaerobic microorganism ERIH2, Bacillus smithii ATCC No. 55404. 82 figs.

Bioconversion of waste biomass to useful products

DOEpatents

Grady, James L.; Chen, Guang Jiong

1998-01-01

A process is provided for converting waste biomass to useful products by gasifying the biomass to produce synthesis gas and converting the synthesis gas substrate to one or more useful products. The present invention is directed to the conversion of biomass wastes including municipal solid waste, sewage sludge, plastic, tires, agricultural residues and the like, as well as coal, to useful products such as hydrogen, ethanol and acetic acid. The overall process includes the steps of gasifying the waste biomass to produce raw synthesis gas, cooling the synthesis gas, converting the synthesis gas to the desired product or products using anaerobic bioconversion, and then recovering the product or products. In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, waste biomass is converted to synthesis gas containing carbon monoxide and, then, the carbon monoxide is converted to hydrogen by an anaerobic microorganism ERIH2, bacillus smithii ATCC No. 55404.

Influence of ultrasonication on anaerobic bioconversion of sludge.

PubMed

Mao, Taohong; Show, Kuan-Yeow

2007-04-01

The influence of ultrasonication on hydrolysis, acidogenesis, and methanogenesis in anaerobic decomposition of sludge was investigated. The sonicated sludge exhibited prehydrolysis and preacidogenesis effects in the anaerobic decomposition process. First-order hydrolysis rates increased from 0.0384 day(-1) in the control digester to 0.0672 day(-1) in the digester fed, with sludge sonicated at 0.52 W/mL. The sonication appeared to be ineffective in relation to acidogenesis reaction rates, but it provided a better buffering capacity to diminish the adverse effect of acidification. Digesters fed with sonicated sludge demonstrated enhanced methanogenesis over the control unit. Determination by coenzyme F420 verified that sonication is able to promote the growth of methanogenic biomass and facilitate a positive methanogenic microbial development in suppressing the initial methanogenesis limitation. The results suggest that ultrasonication could enhance anaerobic decomposition of sludge, resulting in an accelerated bioconversion, improved organics degradation, improved biogas production, and increased methane content.

Application of Taguchi Design and Response Surface Methodology for Improving Conversion of Isoeugenol into Vanillin by Resting Cells of Psychrobacter sp. CSW4.

PubMed

Ashengroph, Morahem; Nahvi, Iraj; Amini, Jahanshir

2013-01-01

For all industrial processes, modelling, optimisation and control are the keys to enhance productivity and ensure product quality. In the current study, the optimization of process parameters for improving the conversion of isoeugenol to vanillin by Psychrobacter sp. CSW4 was investigated by means of Taguchi approach and Box-Behnken statistical design under resting cell conditions. Taguchi design was employed for screening the significant variables in the bioconversion medium. Sequentially, Box-Behnken design experiments under Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used for further optimization. Four factors (isoeugenol, NaCl, biomass and tween 80 initial concentrations), which have significant effects on vanillin yield, were selected from ten variables by Taguchi experimental design. With the regression coefficient analysis in the Box-Behnken design, a relationship between vanillin production and four significant variables was obtained, and the optimum levels of the four variables were as follows: initial isoeugenol concentration 6.5 g/L, initial tween 80 concentration 0.89 g/L, initial NaCl concentration 113.2 g/L and initial biomass concentration 6.27 g/L. Under these optimized conditions, the maximum predicted concentration of vanillin was 2.25 g/L. These optimized values of the factors were validated in a triplicate shaking flask study and an average of 2.19 g/L for vanillin, which corresponded to a molar yield 36.3%, after a 24 h bioconversion was obtained. The present work is the first one reporting the application of Taguchi design and Response surface methodology for optimizing bioconversion of isoeugenol into vanillin under resting cell conditions.

Bioconversion of Gibberellin Fermentation Residue into Feed Supplement and Organic Fertilizer Employing Housefly (Musca domestica L.) Assisted by Corynebacterium variabile.

PubMed

Yang, Sen; Xie, Jiufeng; Hu, Nan; Liu, Yixiong; Zhang, Jiner; Ye, Xiaobin; Liu, Ziduo

2015-01-01

The accumulation of a considerable quantity of gibberellin fermentation residue (GFR) during gibberellic acid A3 (GA3) production not only results in the waste of many resources, but also poses a potential hazard to the environment, indicating that the safe treatment of GFR has become an urgent issue for GA3 industry. The key to recycle GFR is converting it into an available resource and removing the GA3 residue. To this end, we established a co-bioconversion process in this study using house fly larvae (HFL) and microbes (Corynebacterium variabile) to convert GFR into insect biomass and organic fertilizer. About 85.5% GA3 in the GFR was removed under the following optimized solid-state fermentation conditions: 60% GFR, 40% rice straw powder, pH 8.5 and 6 days at 26 °C. A total of 371 g housefly larvae meal and 2,064 g digested residue were bio-converted from 3,500 g raw GFR mixture contaning1, 400 g rice straw in the unit of (calculated) dry matter. HFL meal derived from GFR contained 56.4% protein, 21.6% fat, and several essential amino acids, suggesting that it is a potential alternative animal feed protein source. Additionally, the digested GFR could be utilized as an organic fertilizer with a content of 3.2% total nitrogen, 2.0% inorganic phosphorus, 1.3% potassium and 91.5% organic matter. This novel GFR bio-conversion method can mitigate potential environmental pollution and recycle the waste resources.

Production of dihydrodaidzein and dihydrogenistein by a novel oxygen-tolerant bovine rumen bacterium in the presence of atmospheric oxygen.

PubMed

Zhao, Hui; Wang, Xiu-Ling; Zhang, Hong-Lei; Li, Chao-Dong; Wang, Shi-Ying

2011-11-01

The original bovine rumen bacterial strain Niu-O16, capable of anaerobically bioconverting isoflavones daidzein and genistein to dihydrodaidzein (DHD) and dihydrogenistein (DHG), respectively, is a rod-shaped obligate anaerobic bacterium. After a long-term domestication, an oxygen-tolerant bacterium, which we named Aeroto-Niu-O16 was obtained. Strain Aeroto-Niu-O16, which can grow in the presence of atmospheric oxygen, differed from the original obligate anaerobic bacterium Niu-O16 by various characteristics, including a change in bacterial shape (from rod to filament), in biochemical traits (from indole negative to indole positive and from amylohydrolysis positive to negative), and point mutations in 16S rRNA gene (G398A and G438A). We found that strain Aeroto-Niu-O16 not only grew aerobically but also converted isoflavones daidzein and genistein to DHD and DHG in the presence of atmospheric oxygen. The bioconversion rate of daidzein and genistein by strain Aeroto-Niu-O16 was 60.3% and 74.1%, respectively. And the maximum bioconversion capacity for daidzein was 1.2 and 1.6 mM for genistein. Furthermore, when we added ascorbic acid (0.15%, m/v) in the cultural medium, the bioconversion rate of daidzein was increased from 60.3% to 71.7%, and that of genistein from 74.1% to 89.2%. This is the first reported oxygen-tolerant isoflavone biotransforming pure culture capable of both growing and executing the reductive activity under aerobic conditions. © Springer-Verlag 2011

Bioconversion of Gibberellin Fermentation Residue into Feed Supplement and Organic Fertilizer Employing Housefly (Musca domestica L.) Assisted by Corynebacterium variabile

PubMed Central

Yang, Sen; Xie, Jiufeng; Hu, Nan; Liu, Yixiong; Zhang, Jiner; Ye, Xiaobin; Liu, Ziduo

2015-01-01

The accumulation of a considerable quantity of gibberellin fermentation residue (GFR) during gibberellic acid A3 (GA3) production not only results in the waste of many resources, but also poses a potential hazard to the environment, indicating that the safe treatment of GFR has become an urgent issue for GA3 industry. The key to recycle GFR is converting it into an available resource and removing the GA3 residue. To this end, we established a co-bioconversion process in this study using house fly larvae (HFL) and microbes (Corynebacterium variabile) to convert GFR into insect biomass and organic fertilizer. About 85.5% GA3 in the GFR was removed under the following optimized solid-state fermentation conditions: 60% GFR, 40% rice straw powder, pH 8.5 and 6 days at 26°C. A total of 371g housefly larvae meal and 2,064g digested residue were bio-converted from 3,500g raw GFR mixture contaning1, 400g rice straw in the unit of (calculated) dry matter. HFL meal derived from GFR contained 56.4% protein, 21.6% fat, and several essential amino acids, suggesting that it is a potential alternative animal feed protein source. Additionally, the digested GFR could be utilized as an organic fertilizer with a content of 3.2% total nitrogen, 2.0% inorganic phosphorus, 1.3% potassium and 91.5% organic matter. This novel GFR bio-conversion method can mitigate potential environmental pollution and recycle the waste resources. PMID:25992605

Production of raw starch-degrading enzyme by Aspergillus sp. and its use in conversion of inedible wild cassava flour to bioethanol.

PubMed

Moshi, Anselm P; Hosea, Ken M M; Elisante, Emrode; Mamo, Gashaw; Önnby, Linda; Nges, Ivo Achu

2016-04-01

The major bottlenecks in achieving competitive bioethanol fuel are the high cost of feedstock, energy and enzymes employed in pretreatment prior to fermentation. Lignocellulosic biomass has been proposed as an alternative feedstock, but because of its complexity, economic viability is yet to be realized. Therefore, research around non-conventional feedstocks and deployment of bioconversion approaches that downsize the cost of energy and enzymes is justified. In this study, a non-conventional feedstock, inedible wild cassava was used for bioethanol production. Bioconversion of raw starch from the wild cassava to bioethanol at low temperature was investigated using both a co-culture of Aspergillus sp. and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and a monoculture of the later with enzyme preparation from the former. A newly isolated strain of Aspergillus sp. MZA-3 produced raw starch-degrading enzyme which displayed highest activity of 3.3 U/mL towards raw starch from wild cassava at 50°C, pH 5.5. A co-culture of MZA-3 and S. cerevisiae; and a monoculture of S. cerevisiae and MZA-3 enzyme (both supplemented with glucoamylase) resulted into bioethanol yield (percentage of the theoretical yield) of 91 and 95 at efficiency (percentage) of 84 and 96, respectively. Direct bioconversion of raw starch to bioethanol was achieved at 30°C through the co-culture approach. This could be attractive since it may significantly downsize energy expenses. Copyright © 2015 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Valorization of industrial waste and by-product streams via fermentation for the production of chemicals and biopolymers.

PubMed

Koutinas, Apostolis A; Vlysidis, Anestis; Pleissner, Daniel; Kopsahelis, Nikolaos; Lopez Garcia, Isabel; Kookos, Ioannis K; Papanikolaou, Seraphim; Kwan, Tsz Him; Lin, Carol Sze Ki

2014-04-21

The transition from a fossil fuel-based economy to a bio-based economy necessitates the exploitation of synergies, scientific innovations and breakthroughs, and step changes in the infrastructure of chemical industry. Sustainable production of chemicals and biopolymers should be dependent entirely on renewable carbon. White biotechnology could provide the necessary tools for the evolution of microbial bioconversion into a key unit operation in future biorefineries. Waste and by-product streams from existing industrial sectors (e.g., food industry, pulp and paper industry, biodiesel and bioethanol production) could be used as renewable resources for both biorefinery development and production of nutrient-complete fermentation feedstocks. This review focuses on the potential of utilizing waste and by-product streams from current industrial activities for the production of chemicals and biopolymers via microbial bioconversion. The first part of this review presents the current status and prospects on fermentative production of important platform chemicals (i.e., selected C2-C6 metabolic products and single cell oil) and biopolymers (i.e., polyhydroxyalkanoates and bacterial cellulose). In the second part, the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of waste and by-product streams from existing industrial sectors are presented. In the third part, the techno-economic aspects of bioconversion processes are critically reviewed. Four case studies showing the potential of case-specific waste and by-product streams for the production of succinic acid and polyhydroxyalkanoates are presented. It is evident that fermentative production of chemicals and biopolymers via refining of waste and by-product streams is a highly important research area with significant prospects for industrial applications.

Sulfite pretreatment to overcome recalcitrance of lignocellulose (SPORL) for robust enzymatic saccharification of hardwoods

Treesearch

G. S. Wang; X. J. Pan; Junyong Zhu; Roland Gleisner; D. Rockwood

2009-01-01

This study demonstrates sulfite pretreatment to overcome recalcitrance of lignocellulose (SPORL) for robust bioconversion of hardwoods. With only about 4% sodium bisulfite charge on aspen and 30-min pretreatment at temperature 180[...

Saccharification of rice straw by cellulase from a local Trichoderma harzianum SNRS3 for biobutanol production.

PubMed

Rahnama, Nooshin; Foo, Hooi Ling; Abdul Rahman, Nor Aini; Ariff, Arbakariya; Md Shah, Umi Kalsom

2014-12-12

Rice straw has shown to be a promising agricultural by-product in the bioconversion of biomass to value-added products. Hydrolysis of cellulose, a main constituent of lignocellulosic biomass, is a requirement for fermentable sugar production and its subsequent bioconversion to biofuels such as biobutanol. The high cost of commercial enzymes is a major impediment to the industrial application of cellulases. Therefore, the use of local microbial enzymes has been suggested. Trichoderma harzianum strains are potential CMCase and β-glucosidase producers. However, few researches have been reported on cellulase production by T. harzianum and the subsequent use of the crude cellulase for cellulose enzymatic hydrolysis. For cellulose hydrolysis to be efficiently performed, the presence of the whole set of cellulase components including exoglucanase, endoglucanase, and β-glucosidase at a considerable concentration is required. Biomass recalcitrance is also a bottleneck in the bioconversion of agricultural residues to value-added products. An effective pretreatment could be of central significance in the bioconversion of biomass to biofuels. Rice straw pretreated using various concentrations of NaOH was subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis. The saccharification of rice straw pretreated with 2% (w/v) NaOH using crude cellulase from local T. harzianum SNRS3 resulted in the production of 29.87 g/L reducing sugar and a yield of 0.6 g/g substrate. The use of rice straw hydrolysate as carbon source for biobutanol fermentation by Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824 resulted in an ABE yield, ABE productivity, and biobutanol yield of 0.27 g/g glucose, 0.04 g/L/h and 0.16 g/g glucose, respectively. As a potential β-glucosidase producer, T. harzianum SNRS3 used in this study was able to produce β-glucosidase at the activity of 173.71 U/g substrate. However, for cellulose hydrolysis to be efficient, Filter Paper Activity at a considerable concentration is also required to initiate the hydrolytic reaction. According to the results of our study, FPase is a major component of cellulose hydrolytic enzyme complex system and the reducing sugar rate-limiting enzyme. Our study revealed that rice straw hydrolysate served as a potential substrate for biobutanol production and FPase is a rate-limiting enzyme in saccharification.

Bioproduction of D-Tagatose from D-Galactose Using Phosphoglucose Isomerase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1.

PubMed

Patel, Manisha J; Patel, Arti T; Akhani, Rekha; Dedania, Samir; Patel, Darshan H

2016-07-01

Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 phosphoglucose isomerase was purified as an active soluble form by a single-step purification using Ni-NTA chromatography that showed homogeneity on SDS-PAGE with molecular mass ∼62 kDa. The optimum temperature and pH for the maximum isomerization activity with D-galactose were 60 °C and 7.0, respectively. Generally, sugar phosphate isomerases show metal-independent activity but PA-PGI exhibited metal-dependent isomerization activity with aldosugars and optimally catalyzed the D-galactose isomerization in the presence of 1.0 mM MnCl2. The apparent Km and Vmax for D-galactose under standardized conditions were calculated to be 1029 mM (±31.30 with S.E.) and 5.95 U/mg (±0.9 with S.E.), respectively. Equilibrium reached after 180 min with production of 567.51 μM D-tagatose from 1000 mM of D-galactose. Though, the bioconversion ratio is low but it can be increased by immobilization and enzyme engineering. Although various L-arabinose isomerases have been characterized for bioproduction of D-tagatose, P. aeruginosa glucose phosphate isomerase is distinguished from the other L-arabinose isomerases by its optimal temperature (60 °C) for D-tagatose production being mesophilic bacteria, making it an alternate choice for bulk production.

Nanostructure enzyme assemblies for biomass conversion

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Biomass represents a vast resource for production of the world’s fuel and chemical feedstock needs. The use of enzymes to effect these bioconversions offers an alternative that is potentially more specific and environmentally-friendly than harsher chemical methodologies. Some species of anaerobic ...

Bioconversion of oxygen-pretreated Kraft lignin to microbial lipid with oleaginous Rhodococcus opacus DSM 1069

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wei, Zhen; Zeng, Guangming; Huang, Fang

2015-04-09

Kraft lignin (KL) from black liquor is an abundantly available, inexpensive aromatic resource that is regarded as a low value compound by the pulp and paper industry, necessitating the development of new applications.

Science and Technology in a Conserving Society.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Press, Frank

1979-01-01

The science and technology advisor to the President of the United States presents the challenges facing Americans today in the fields of science and technology. The major topics focused on are people and development, agriculture, biomass and bioconversion, and regulation. (SA)

BIOCONVERSION AND MASS TRANSFER OF PESTICIDES IN A MODEL WETLANDS SYSTEM

EPA Science Inventory

The widespread use of agrichemicals over the years has impaired the nation's water quality through contamination of soil and of surface and groundwaters. A constructed wetlands environment has natural restorative processes which are attractive methods for improving water qu...

Bioconversion of giant reed (Arundo donax L.) hemicellulose hydrolysate to ethanol by Scheffersomyces stipitis CBS6054

Treesearch

Danilo Scordia; Salvatore L. Cosentino; Jae-Won Lee; Thomas W. Jeffries

2012-01-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the production of ethanol by Scheffersomyces (Pichia) stipitis CBS6054, a native xylose fermenting yeast, from sugars contained in the giant reed (Arundo donax L.) hemicellulosic hydrolysate.

Bioconversion of Agave tequilana fructans by exo-inulinases from indigenous Aspergillus niger CH-A-2010 enhances ethanol production from raw Agave tequilana juice.

PubMed

Huitrón, Carlos; Pérez, Rosalba; Gutiérrez, Luís; Lappe, Patricia; Petrosyan, Pavel; Villegas, Jesús; Aguilar, Cecilia; Rocha-Zavaleta, Leticia; Blancas, Abel

2013-01-01

Agave tequilana fructans are the source of fermentable sugars for the production of tequila. Fructans are processed by acid hydrolysis or by cooking in ovens at high temperature. Enzymatic hydrolysis is considered an alternative for the bioconversion of fructans. We previously described the isolation of Aspergillus niger CH-A-2010, an indigenous strain that produces extracellular inulinases. Here we evaluated the potential application of A. niger CH-A-2010 inulinases for the bioconversion of A. tequilana fructans, and its impact on the production of ethanol. Inulinases were analyzed by Western blotting and thin layer chromatography. Optimal pH and temperature conditions for inulinase activity were determined. The efficiency of A. niger CH-A-2010 inulinases was compared with commercial enzymes and with acid hydrolysis. The hydrolysates obtained were subsequently fermented by Saccharomyces cerevisiae to determine the efficiency of ethanol production. Results indicate that A. niger CH-A-2010 predominantly produces an exo-inulinase activity. Optimal inulinase activity occurred at pH 5.0 and 50 °C. Hydrolysis of raw agave juice by CH-A-2010 inulinases yielded 33.5 g/l reducing sugars, compared with 27.3 g/l by Fructozyme(®) (Novozymes Corp, Bagsværd, Denmark) and 29.4 g/l by acid hydrolysis. After fermentation of hydrolysates, we observed that the conversion efficiency of sugars into ethanol was 97.5 % of the theoretical ethanol yield for enzymatically degraded agave juice, compared to 83.8 % for acid-hydrolyzed juice. These observations indicate that fructans from raw Agave tequilana juice can be efficiently hydrolyzed by using A. niger CH-A-2010 inulinases, and that this procedure impacts positively on the production of ethanol.

A n-3 PUFA depletion applied to rainbow trout fry (Oncorhynchus mykiss) does not modulate its subsequent lipid bioconversion capacity.

PubMed

Mellery, Julie; Brel, Jonathan; Dort, Junio; Geay, Florian; Kestemont, Patrick; Francis, David S; Larondelle, Yvan; Rollin, Xavier

2017-01-01

Nutritional strategies are currently developed to produce farmed fish rich in n-3 long-chain PUFA (LC-PUFA) whilst replacing fish oil by plant-derived oils in aquafeeds. The optimisation of such strategies requires a thorough understanding of fish lipid metabolism and its nutritional modulation. The present study evaluated the fatty acid bioconversion capacity of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fry previously depleted in n-3 PUFA through a 60-d pre-experimental feeding period with a sunflower oil-based diet (SO) followed by a 36-d experimental period during which fish were fed either a linseed oil-based diet (LO) (this treatment being called SO/LO) or a fish oil-based diet (FO) (this treatment being called SO/FO). These treatments were compared with fish continuously fed on SO, LO or FO for 96 d. At the end of the 36-d experimental period, SO/LO and SO/FO fish recovered >80 % of the n-3 LC-PUFA reported for LO and FO fish, respectively. Fish fed on LO showed high apparent in vivo elongation and desaturation activities along the n-3 biosynthesis pathway. However, at the end of the experimental period, no impact of the fish n-3 PUFA depletion was observed on apparent in vivo elongation and desaturation activities of SO/LO fish as compared with LO fish. In contrast, the fish n-3 PUFA depletion negatively modulated the n-6 PUFA bioconversion capacity of fish in terms of reduced apparent in vivo elongation and desaturation activities. The effects were similar after 10 or 36 d of the experimental period, indicating the absence of short-term effects.

Effect of initial moisture content and chip size on the bioconversion efficiency of softwood lignocellulosics.

PubMed

Cullis, Ian F; Saddler, John N; Mansfield, Shawn D

2004-02-20

Previous optimization strategies for the bioconversion of lignocellulosics by steam explosion technologies have focused on the effects of temperature, pH, and treatment time, but have not accounted for changes in severity brought about by properties inherent in the starting feedstock. Consequently, this study evaluated the effects of chip properties, feedstock size (40-mesh, 1.5 x 1.5 cm, 5 x 5 cm), and moisture content (12% and 30%) on the overall bioconversion process, and more specifically on the efficacy of removal of recalcitrant lignin from the lignocellulosic substrates following steam explosion. Increasing chip size resulted in an improvement in the solids recovery, with concurrent increases in the water soluble, hemicellulose-derived sugar recovery (7.5%). This increased recovery is a result of a decrease in the "relative severity" of the pretreatment as chip size increases. Additionally, the decreased relative severity minimized the condensation of the recalcitrant residual lignin and therefore increased the efficacy of peroxide fractionation, where a 60% improvement in lignin removal was possible with chips of larger initial size. Similarly, increased initial moisture content reduced the relative severity of the pretreatment, generating improved solids and hemicellulose-derived carbohydrate recovery. Both increased chip size and higher initial moisture content results in a substrate that performs better during peroxide delignification, and consequently enzymatic hydrolysis. Furthermore, a post steam-explosion refining step increased hemicellulose-derived sugar recovery and was most effectively delignified (to as low as 6.5%). The refined substrate could be enzymatically hydrolyzed to very high levels (98%) and relatively fast rates (1.23 g/L/h). Copyright 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Biosolids accumulation and biodegradation of domestic wastewater treatment plant sludge by developed liquid state bioconversion process using a batch fermenter.

PubMed

Alam, Md Zahangir; Fakhru'l-Razi, A; Molla, Abul H

2003-09-01

The biosolids accumulation and biodegradation of domestic wastewater treatment plant (DWTP) sludge by filamentous fungi have been investigated in a batch fermenter. The filamentous fungi Aspergillus niger and Penicillium corylophilum isolated from wastewater and DWTP sludge was used to evaluate the treatment performance. The optimized mixed inoculum (A. niger and P. corylophilum) and developed process conditions (co-substrate and its concentration, temperature, initial pH, inoculum size, and aeration and agitation rate) were incorporated to accelerate the DWTP sludge treatment process. The results showed that microbial treatment of higher strength of DWTP sludge (4% w/w of TSS) was highly influenced by the liquid state bioconversion (LSB) process. In developed bioconversion processes, 93.8 g/kg of biosolids was enriched with fungal biomass protein of 30 g/kg. Enrichment of nutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), potassium (K) in biosolids was recorded in 6.2% (w/w), 3.1% (w/w) and 0.15% (w/w) from its initial values of 4.8% (w/w), 2.0% (w/w) and 0.08% (w/w) respectively after 10 days of fungal treatment. The biodegradation results revealed that 98.8% of TSS, 98.2% of TDS, 97.3% of turbidity, 80.2% of soluble protein, 98.8% of reducing sugar and 92.7% of COD in treated DWTP sludge supernatant were removed after 8 days of microbial treatment. The specific resistance to filtration (SRF) in treated sludge (1.4x10(12) m/kg) was decreased tremendously by the microbial treatment of DWTP sludge after 6 days of fermentation compared to untreated sample (85x10(12) m/kg).

Modification of Alternan by Dextranase

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Alternan is a unique glucan with a backbone structure of alternating alpha-(1=-6) and alpha-(1=-3) linkages. Previously, we isolated strains of Penicillium sp. that modify native, high molecular weight alternan in a novel bioconversion process to a lower molecular weight form with solution viscosit...

Science Packets.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maine Audubon Society, Falmouth.

This publication is an energy guide for teachers. It contains discussions and illustrations of five major topics: the sun's radiant energy, solar collection, solar cells, bioconversion (wood, grains, waste), and wind. Each section includes a listing of the concepts contained within and a brief discussion-explanation section. There is a short…

Digital image processing based identification of nodes and internodes of chopped biomass stems

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Chemical composition of biomass feedstock is an important parameter for optimizing the yield and economics of various bioconversion pathways. Although understandably, the chemical composition of biomass varies among species, varieties, and plant components, there is distinct variation even among ste...

Using isolated cell wall xylan to identify recalcitrant oligosaccharides

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Herbaceous biomass is a renewable source of carbohydrates with potential for use in microbial conversion to biofuels. Xylan comprises 20-40% of herbaceous biomass cell wall material and its full depolymerization benefits the economics of bioconversion. To understand the limitations of commercial enz...

Bioconversion of marine carotenoids and their health functions

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Fucoxanthin (FX), found in edible brown seaweeds, exhibits anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects. In the body, FX is converted to fucoxanthinol (FXOH) and amarouciaxanthin A and accumulates in adipose tissue and other tissues. It was suggested that FXOH and amarouciaxanthin A were active metaboli...

Physiological activities of hydroxyl fatty acids

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

In the search of value-added products from surplus soybean oil, we produced many new hydroxy fatty acids through microbial bioconversion. Hydroxy fatty acids are used in a wide range of industrial products, such as resins, waxes, nylons plastics, lubricants, cosmetics, and additives in coatings and...

Combined submerged and solid substrate fermentation for the bioconversion of lignocellulose

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Viesturs, U.E.; Strikauska, S.V.; Leite, M.P.

1987-01-01

A novel two-stage bioreactor has been designed for a combined submerged (SF) and solid substrate fermentation (SSF) of wheat straw. The straw was pretreated with steam, and cellulases from the culture fluid of Trichoderma reesei were adsorbed on it for increased bio-convertibility. SSF was conducted in the top part of the bioreactor by inoculating the straw with a 36-h mycelial culture of T. reesei, or Coriolus versicolor. In the bottom part of the fermenter, Endomycopsis fibuliger was grown in SF. The SF liquor was recirculated through the SSF stage at 24 hour intervals to remove glucose and other metabolites thatmore » may inhibit growth, and to maintain optimum moisture level and temperature. The removed glucose and other metabolites provided nutrients for the yeast in the SF stage. The combined fermentation resulted in overall higher biomass yield, increased bioconversion, increased cellulase production, and increased digestibility compared with single SSF or SF. (Refs. 16).« less

Bioconversion of distillers’ grains hydrolysates to advanced biofuels by an Escherichia coli co-culture

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Fang; Wu, Weihua; Tran-Gyamfi, Mary B.

Here, the first generation bioethanol production utilizes the starch fraction of maize, which accounts for approximately 60% of the ash-free dry weight of the grain. Scale-up of this technology for fuels applications has resulted in a massive supply of distillers’ grains with solubles (DGS) coproduct, which is rich in cellulosic polysaccharides and protein. It was surmised that DGS would be rapidly adopted for animal feed applications, however, this has not been observed based on inconsistency of the product stream and other logistics-related risks, especially toxigenic contaminants. Therefore, efficient valorization of DGS for production of petroleum displacing products will significantly improvemore » the techno-economic feasibility and net energy return of the established starch bioethanol process. In this study, we demonstrate ‘one-pot’ bioconversion of the protein and carbohydrate fractions of a DGS hydrolysate into C4 and C5 fusel alcohols through development of a microbial consortium incorporating two engineered Escherichia coli biocatalyst strains.« less

Development of rapid bioconversion with integrated recycle technology for ethanol production from extractive ammonia pretreated corn stover.

PubMed

Jin, Mingjie; Liu, Yanping; da Costa Sousa, Leonardo; Dale, Bruce E; Balan, Venkatesh

2017-08-01

High enzyme loading and low productivity are two major issues impeding low cost ethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass. This work applied rapid bioconversion with integrated recycle technology (RaBIT) and extractive ammonia (EA) pretreatment for conversion of corn stover (CS) to ethanol at high solids loading. Enzymes were recycled via recycling unhydrolyzed solids. Enzymatic hydrolysis with recycled enzymes and fermentation with recycled yeast cells were studied. Both enzymatic hydrolysis time and fermentation time were shortened to 24 h. Ethanol productivity was enhanced by two times and enzyme loading was reduced by 30%. Glucan and xylan conversions reached as high as 98% with an enzyme loading of as low as 8.4 mg protein per g glucan. The overall ethanol yield was 227 g ethanol/kg EA-CS (191 g ethanol/kg untreated CS). Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 1713-1720. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Fed-batch hydrolysate addition and cell separation by settling in high cell density lignocellulosic ethanol fermentations on AFEX™ corn stover in the Rapid Bioconversion with Integrated recycling Technology process.

PubMed

Sarks, Cory; Jin, Mingjie; Balan, Venkatesh; Dale, Bruce E

2017-09-01

The Rapid Bioconversion with Integrated recycling Technology (RaBIT) process uses enzyme and yeast recycling to improve cellulosic ethanol production economics. The previous versions of the RaBIT process exhibited decreased xylose consumption using cell recycle for a variety of different micro-organisms. Process changes were tested in an attempt to eliminate the xylose consumption decrease. Three different RaBIT process changes were evaluated in this work including (1) shortening the fermentation time, (2) fed-batch hydrolysate addition, and (3) selective cell recycling using a settling method. Shorting the RaBIT fermentation process to 11 h and introducing fed-batch hydrolysate addition eliminated any xylose consumption decrease over ten fermentation cycles; otherwise, decreased xylose consumption was apparent by the third cell recycle event. However, partial removal of yeast cells during recycle was not economical when compared to recycling all yeast cells.

Bioconversion of distillers’ grains hydrolysates to advanced biofuels by an Escherichia coli co-culture

DOE PAGES

Liu, Fang; Wu, Weihua; Tran-Gyamfi, Mary B.; ...

2017-11-09

Here, the first generation bioethanol production utilizes the starch fraction of maize, which accounts for approximately 60% of the ash-free dry weight of the grain. Scale-up of this technology for fuels applications has resulted in a massive supply of distillers’ grains with solubles (DGS) coproduct, which is rich in cellulosic polysaccharides and protein. It was surmised that DGS would be rapidly adopted for animal feed applications, however, this has not been observed based on inconsistency of the product stream and other logistics-related risks, especially toxigenic contaminants. Therefore, efficient valorization of DGS for production of petroleum displacing products will significantly improvemore » the techno-economic feasibility and net energy return of the established starch bioethanol process. In this study, we demonstrate ‘one-pot’ bioconversion of the protein and carbohydrate fractions of a DGS hydrolysate into C4 and C5 fusel alcohols through development of a microbial consortium incorporating two engineered Escherichia coli biocatalyst strains.« less

Integrated bioconversion of syngas into bioethanol and biopolymers.

PubMed

Lagoa-Costa, Borja; Abubackar, Haris Nalakath; Fernández-Romasanta, María; Kennes, Christian; Veiga, María C

2017-09-01

Syngas bioconversion is a promising method for bioethanol production, but some VFA remains at the end of fermentation. A two-stage process was set-up, including syngas fermentation as first stage under strict anaerobic conditions using C. autoethanogenum as inoculum, with syngas (CO/CO 2 /H 2 /N 2 , 30/10/20/40) as gaseous substrate. The second stage consisted in various fed-batch assays using a highly enriched PHA accumulating biomass as inoculum, where the potential for biopolymer production from the remaining acetic acid at the end of the syngas fermentation was evaluated. All of the acetic acid was consumed and accumulated as biopolymer, while ethanol and 2,3-butanediol remained basically unused. It can be concluded that a high C/N ratio in the effluent from the syngas fermentation stage was responsible for non-consumption of alcohols. A maximum PHA content of 24% was reached at the end of the assay. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Glucose bioconversion profile in the syngas-metabolizing species Clostridium carboxidivorans.

PubMed

Fernández-Naveira, Ánxela; Veiga, María C; Kennes, Christian

2017-11-01

Some clostridia produce alcohols (ethanol, butanol, hexanol) from gases (CO, CO 2 , H 2 ) and others from carbohydrates (e.g., glucose). C. carboxidivorans can metabolize both gases as well as glucose. However, its bioconversion profile on glucose had not been reported. It was observed that C. carboxidivorans does not follow a typical solventogenic stage when grown on glucose. Indeed, at pH 6.2, it produced first a broad range of acids (acetic, butyric, hexanoic, formic, and lactic acids), several of which are generally not found, under similar conditions, during gas fermentation. Medium acidification did not allow the conversion of fatty acids into solvents. Production of some alcohols from glucose was observed in C. carboxidivorans but at high pH rather than under acidic conditions, and the total concentration of those solvents was low. At high pH, formic acid was produced first and later converted to acetic acid, but organic acids were not metabolized at low pH. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Bioconversion of rice straw into a soil-like substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Chengying; Liu, Hong; Xing, Yidong; Manukovsky, N. S.; Kovalev, V. S.; Gurevich, Yu. L.

To increase the closure of bioregenerative life support systems (BLSS), the bioconversion of rice straw into a soil-like substrate (SLS) by mushrooms and worms has been studied. The results showed that rice straw could be treated better by aerobic fermentation and succeeding growth of mushrooms Pleurotus ostreatus. In this process the total content of lignocellulose in the straw was removed by 37.74%. Furthermore, 46.68 g (fresh weight) of mushrooms could be produced from 100.0 g (dry weight) of rice straw. During the conversion of rice straw into a starting SLS by mushrooms and worms, the matter loss was 77.31%. The lettuce has been planted in the SLS and the yield when lettuce was cultivated on the SLS (8.77gm-2day-1) was comparable to the yield obtained on the nutrient solution. In addition, the silicon in the SLS ash can reach upto 32% and the circulation of it is expected during the growth of rice.

Evaluation energy efficiency of bioconversion knot rejects to ethanol in comparison to other thermochemically pretreated biomass.

PubMed

Wang, Zhaojiang; Qin, Menghua; Zhu, J Y; Tian, Guoyu; Li, Zongquan

2013-02-01

Rejects from sulfite pulp mill that otherwise would be disposed of by incineration were converted to ethanol by a combined physical-biological process that was comprised of physical refining and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF). The energy efficiency was evaluated with comparison to thermochemically pretreated biomass, such as those pretreated by dilute acid (DA) and sulfite pretreatment to overcome recalcitrance of lignocelluloses (SPORL). It was observed that the structure deconstruction of rejects by physical refining was indispensable to effective bioconversion but more energy intensive than that of thermochemically pretreated biomass. Fortunately, the energy consumption was compensated by the reduced enzyme dosage and the elevated ethanol yield. Furthermore, adjustment of disk-plates gap led to reduction in energy consumption with negligible influence on ethanol yield. In this context, energy efficiency up to 717.7% was achieved for rejects, much higher than that of SPORL sample (283.7%) and DA sample (152.8%). Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Isolation and Characterization of a Novel Rebaudioside M Isomer from a Bioconversion Reaction of Rebaudioside A and NMR Comparison Studies of Rebaudioside M Isolated from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni and Stevia rebaudiana Morita

PubMed Central

Prakash, Indra; Bunders, Cynthia; Devkota, Krishna P.; Charan, Romila D.; Ramirez, Catherine; Priedemann, Christopher; Markosyan, Avetik

2014-01-01

A minor product, rebaudioside M2 (2), from the bioconversion reaction of rebaudioside A (4) to rebaudioside D (3), was isolated and the complete structure of the novel steviol glycoside was determined. Rebaudioside M2 (2) is considered an isomer of rebaudioside M (1) and contains a relatively rare 1→6 sugar linkage. It was isolated and characterized with NMR (1H, 13C, COSY, HSQC-DEPT, HMBC, 1D-TOCSY, and NOESY) and mass spectral data. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of 1D and 2D NMR techniques when identifying complex steviol glycosides. Numerous NMR spectroscopy studies of rebaudioside M (1), rebaudioside D (3), and mixture of 1 and 3 led to the discovery that SG17 which was previously reported in literature, is a mixture of rebaudioside D (3), rebaudioside M (1), and possibly other related steviol glycosides. PMID:24970220

Bioaugmentation with Clostridium tyrobutyricum to improve butyric acid production through direct rice straw bioconversion.

PubMed

Chi, Xue; Li, Jianzheng; Wang, Xin; Zhang, Yafei; Leu, Shao-Yuan; Wang, Ying

2018-05-02

One-pot bioconversion is an economically attractive biorefinery strategy to reduce enzyme consumption. Direct conversion of lignocellulosic biomass for butyric acid production is still challenging because of competition among microorganisms. In a consolidated hydrolysis/fermentation bioprocessing (CBP) the microbial structure may eventually prefer the production of caproic acid rather than butyric acid production. This paper presents a new bioaugmentation approach for high butyric acid production from rice straw. By dosing 0.03 g/L of Clostridium tyrobutyricum ATCC 25755 in the CBP, an increase of 226% higher butyric acid was yielded. The selectivity and concentration also increased to 60.7% and 18.05 g/L, respectively. DNA-sequencing confirmed the shift of bacterial community in the augmented CBP. Butyric acid producer was enriched in the bioaugmented bacterial community and the bacteria related to long chain acids production was degenerated. The findings may be useful in future research and process design to enhance productivity of desired bio-products. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Isolation and Characterization of a Human Intestinal Bacterium Eggerthella sp. AUH-JLD49s for the Conversion of (-)-3'-Desmethylarctigenin.

PubMed

Wang, Ye; Yu, Fei; Liu, Ming-Yue; Zhao, Yi-Kai; Wang, Dong-Ming; Hao, Qing-Hong; Wang, Xiu-Ling

2017-05-24

Arctiin is the most abundant bioactive compound contained in the Arctium lappa plant. In our previous study, we isolated one single bacterium capable of bioconverting arctigenin, an aglycone of arctiin, to 3'-desmethylarctigenin (3'-DMAG) solely. However, to date, a specific bacterium capable of producing other arctiin metabolites has not been reported. In this study, we isolated one single bacterium, which we named Eggerthella sp. AUH-JLD49s, capable of bioconverting 3'-DMAG under anaerobic conditions. The metabolite of 3'-DMAG by strain AUH-JLD49s was identified as 3'-desmethyl-4'-dehydroxyarctigenin (DMDH-AG) based on electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and 1 H and 13 C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The bioconversion kinetics and bioconversion capacity of strain AUH-JLD49s were investigated. In addition, the metabolite DMDH-AG showed an inhibitory effect on cell growth of human colon cancer cell line HCT116 and human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231.

Analytical Methods for Biomass Characterization during Pretreatment and Bioconversion

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pu, Yunqiao; Meng, Xianzhi; Yoo, Chang Geun

2016-01-01

Lignocellulosic biomass has been introduced as a promising resource for alternative fuels and chemicals because of its abundance and complement for petroleum resources. Biomass is a complex biopolymer and its compositional and structural characteristics largely vary depending on its species as well as growth environments. Because of complexity and variety of biomass, understanding its physicochemical characteristics is a key for effective biomass utilization. Characterization of biomass does not only provide critical information of biomass during pretreatment and bioconversion, but also give valuable insights on how to utilize the biomass. For better understanding biomass characteristics, good grasp and proper selection ofmore » analytical methods are necessary. This chapter introduces existing analytical approaches that are widely employed for biomass characterization during biomass pretreatment and conversion process. Diverse analytical methods using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy for biomass characterization are reviewed. In addition, biomass accessibility methods by analyzing surface properties of biomass are also summarized in this chapter.« less

Life cycle evaluation of emerging lignocellulosic ethanol conversion technologies.

PubMed

Spatari, Sabrina; Bagley, David M; MacLean, Heather L

2010-01-01

Lignocellulosic ethanol holds promise for addressing climate change and energy security issues associated with personal transportation through lowering the fuel mixes' carbon intensity and petroleum demand. We compare the technological features and life cycle environmental impacts of near- and mid-term ethanol bioconversion technologies in the United States. Key uncertainties in the major processes: pre-treatment, hydrolysis, and fermentation are evaluated. The potential to reduce fossil energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions varies among bioconversion processes, although all options studied are considerably more attractive than gasoline. Anticipated future performance is found to be considerably more attractive than that published in the literature as being achieved to date. Electricity co-product credits are important in characterizing the GHG impacts of different ethanol production pathways; however, in the absence of near-term liquid transportation fuel alternatives to gasoline, optimizing ethanol facilities to produce ethanol (as opposed to co-products) is important for reducing the carbon intensity of the road transportation sector and for energy security.

Yeast metabolic engineering for hemicellulosic ethanol production

Treesearch

Jennifer Van Vleet; Thomas W. Jeffries

2009-01-01

Efficient fermentation of hemicellulosic sugars is critical for the bioconversion of lignocellulosics to ethanol. Efficient sugar uptake through the heterologous expression of yeast and fungal xylose/glucose transporters can improve fermentation if other metabolic steps are not rate limiting. Rectification of cofactor imbalances through heterologous expression of...

The acid-tolerant L-arabinose isomerase from the mesophilic Shewanella sp. ANA-3 is highly active at low temperatures

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background L-arabinose isomerases catalyse the isomerization of L-arabinose into L-ribulose at insight biological systems. At industrial scale of this enzyme is used for the bioconversion of D-galactose into D-tagatose which has many applications in pharmaceutical and agro-food industries. The isomerization reaction is thermodynamically equilibrated, and therefore the bioconversion rates is shifted towards tagatose when the temperature is increased. Moreover, to prevent secondary reactions it will be of interest to operate at low pH. The profitability of this D-tagatose production process is mainly related to the use of lactose as cheaper raw material. In many dairy products it will be interesting to produce D-tagatose during storage. This requires an efficient L-arabinose isomerase acting at low temperature and pH values. Results The gene encoding the L-arabinose isomerase from Shewanella sp. ANA-3 was cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. The purified protein has a tetrameric arrangement composed by four identical 55 kDa subunits. The biochemical characterization of this enzyme showed that it was distinguishable by its maximal activity at low temperatures comprised between 15-35°C. Interestingly, this biocatalyst preserves more than 85% of its activity in a broad range of temperatures from 4.0 to 45°C. Shewanella sp. ANA-3 L-arabinose isomerase was also optimally active at pH 5.5-6.5 and maintained over 80% of its activity at large pH values from 4.0 to 8.5. Furthermore, this enzyme exhibited a weak requirement for metallic ions for its activity evaluated at 0.6 mM Mn2+. Stability studies showed that this protein is highly stable mainly at low temperature and pH values. Remarkably, T268K mutation clearly enhances the enzyme stability at low pH values. Use of this L-arabinose isomerase for D-tagatose production allows the achievement of attractive bioconversion rates of 16% at 4°C and 34% at 35°C. Conclusions Here we reported the purification and the biochemical characterization of the novel Shewanella sp. ANA-3 L-arabinose isomerase. Determination of the biochemical properties demonstrated that this enzyme was highly active at low temperatures. The generated T268K mutant displays an increase of the enzyme stability essentially at low pH. These features seem to be very attractive for the bioconversion of D-galactose into D-tagatose at low temperature which is very interesting from industrial point of view. PMID:22074172

Lactobacillus acidophilus Metabolizes Dietary Plant Glucosides and Externalizes Their Bioactive Phytochemicals.

PubMed

Theilmann, Mia C; Goh, Yong Jun; Nielsen, Kristian Fog; Klaenhammer, Todd R; Barrangou, Rodolphe; Abou Hachem, Maher

2017-11-21

Therapeutically active glycosylated phytochemicals are ubiquitous in the human diet. The human gut microbiota (HGM) modulates the bioactivities of these compounds, which consequently affect host physiology and microbiota composition. Despite a significant impact on human health, the key players and the underpinning mechanisms of this interplay remain uncharacterized. Here, we demonstrate the growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus on mono- and diglucosyl dietary plant glycosides (PGs) possessing small aromatic aglycones. Transcriptional analysis revealed the upregulation of host interaction genes and identified two loci that encode phosphotransferase system (PTS) transporters and phospho-β-glucosidases, which mediate the uptake and deglucosylation of these compounds, respectively. Inactivating these transport and hydrolysis genes abolished or severely reduced growth on PG, establishing the specificity of the loci to distinct groups of PGs. Following intracellular deglucosylation, the aglycones of PGs are externalized, rendering them available for absorption by the host or for further modification by other microbiota taxa. The PG utilization loci are conserved in L. acidophilus and closely related lactobacilli, in correlation with versatile growth on these compounds. Growth on the tested PG appeared more common among human gut lactobacilli than among counterparts from other ecologic niches. The PGs that supported the growth of L. acidophilus were utilized poorly or not at all by other common HGM strains, underscoring the metabolic specialization of L. acidophilus These findings highlight the role of human gut L. acidophilus and select lactobacilli in the bioconversion of glycoconjugated phytochemicals, which is likely to have an important impact on the HGM and human host. IMPORTANCE Thousands of therapeutically active plant-derived compounds are widely present in berries, fruits, nuts, and beverages like tea and wine. The bioactivity and bioavailability of these compounds, which are typically glycosylated, are altered by microbial bioconversions in the human gut. Remarkably, little is known about the bioconversion of PGs by the gut microbial community, despite the significance of this metabolic facet to human health. Our work provides the first molecular insights into the metabolic routes of diet relevant and therapeutically active PGs by Lactobacillus acidophilus and related human gut lactobacilli. This taxonomic group is adept at metabolizing the glucoside moieties of select PG and externalizes their aglycones. The study highlights an important role of lactobacilli in the bioconversion of dietary PG and presents a framework from which to derive molecular insights into their metabolism by members of the human gut microbiota. Copyright © 2017 Theilmann et al.

Switchgrass biomass composition traits and their effects on its digestion by ruminants and bioconversion to ethanol

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Six generations of divergent breeding in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) for forage in vitro digestibility (IVDMD) resulted in significant changes in 20 biomass composition traits. Stepwise multi-regression was used to determine which of the 20 composition traits had largest significant effects on...

A Comparative Study of Dilute acid and Ionic Liquid Pretreatment of Biomass and Model Lignocellulosics

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Lignocellulosic biomass has the great potential to serve as the low cost and abundant feedstock for bioconversion into fermentable sugars, which can be further utilized for biofuel production. However, high lignin content, crystalline cellulose structure and the presence of ester linkages between l...

Fungal Bioconversion of Bio-Solids and Chicken Manure to Increase Soil Quality

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The utilization of agro-chemical products such as pesticides and fertilizers has allowed the increase in food production. Poultry manure and manure from different animals have been used as alternative to improve soil quality, and therefore, helped increase crop production. Nevertheless, removal of t...

Biological Life Support Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1997-01-01

Session MP2 includes short reports on: (1) Crew Regenerative Life Support in Long Duration Space Missions; (2) Bioconversion Systems for Food and Water on Long Term Space Missions; (3) Novel Laboratory Approaches to Multi-purpose Aquatic Biogenerative Closed-Loop Food Production Systems; and (4) Artificial Neural Network Derived Plant Growth Models.

Assessing the specific energy consumption and physical properties of comminuted Douglas-fir chips for bioconversion

Treesearch

Yalan Liu; Jinwu Wang; Michael P. Wolcott

2016-01-01

Size reduction homogenizes the bulk biomass and facilitates downstream feedstock handling, transportation, and storage. Effects of feeding rate, mill-type (hammer and knife mill), screen size, and moisture content on comminution energy consumption of commercial Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) pulp chips were quantified. The resulting particles...

Pretreatment of microbial sludges

DOEpatents

Rivard, Christopher J.; Nagle, Nicholas J.

1995-01-01

Methods are described for pretreating microbial sludges to break cells and disrupt organic matter. One method involves the use of sonication, and another method involves the use of shear forces. The pretreatment of sludge enhances bioconversion of the organic fraction. This allows for efficient dewatering of the sludge and reduces the cost for final disposal of the waste.

Biomass Feedstocks | Bioenergy | NREL

Science.gov Websites

publications. Photo of a group of smiling men and women posing in a casual office setting. Thermochemical xylose) from bioconversion of pelleted and non-pelleted corn stover (CS), Switchgrass (SWG), and Hybrid Variety on the x-axis, showing Non-pelleted (yellow) and Pelleted (orange) results for five groups of data

Lignosulfonate-mediated cellulase adsorption: enhanced enzymatic saccharification of lignocellulose through weakening nonproductive binding to lignin

Treesearch

Zhaojiang Wang; JY Zhu; Yingjuan Fu; Menghua Qin; Zhiyong Shao; Jungang Jiang; Fang Yang

2013-01-01

Thermochemical pretreatment of lignocellulose is crucial to bioconversion in the fields of biorefinery and biofuels. However, the enzyme inhibitors in pretreatment hydrolysate make solid substrate washing and hydrolysate detoxification indispensable prior to enzymatic hydrolysis. Sulfite pretreatment to overcome recalcitrance of lignocelluloses (SPORL) is a relatively...

Bioethanol production from corn stover using aqueous ammonia pretreatment and two-phase simultaneouos saccharification and fermentation (TPSSF)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

An integrated bioconversion process was developed to convert corn-stover derived pentose and hexose to ethanol effectively. In this study, corn stover was pretreated by soaking in aqueous ammonia (SAA), which resulted in high retention of glucan (~100%) and xylan (>80%) in the solids. The pretreated...

UPTAKE, DISTRIBUTION, AND BIOCONVERSION OF FLUORESCENT LIPID ANALOGS IN THE OYSTER PROTOZOAN PARASITE, PERKINSUS MARINUS

EPA Science Inventory

It has been established that host lipids play a unique role for long term survival and life cycle completion in endogenous parasites. Parasites exploit fatty acids and lipids from the host, not only for membrane synthesis, but also for modification of their surface integrity to a...

Pretreatment and fractionation of wheat straw for production of fuel ethanol and value-added co-products in a biorefinery

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

An integrated process has been developed for a wheat straw biorefinery. In this process wheat straw was pretreated by soaking in aqueous ammonia (SAA), which extensively removed lignin but preserved high percentages of the carbohydrate fractions for subsequent bioconversion. The pretreatment condi...

Agricultural residues and energy crops as potentially economical and novel substrates for microbial production of butanol (a biofuel)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This review describes production of acetone butanol ethanol (ABE) from a variety of agricultural residues and energy crops employing biochemical or fermentation processes. A number of organisms are available for this bioconversion including Clostridium beijerinckii P260, C. beijerinckii BA101, C. a...

Microbial Production of Xylitol from L-arabinose by Metabolically Engineered Escherichia coli

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

An Escherichia coli strain, ZUC99(pATX210), which can produce xylitol from L-arabinose at a high yield has been created by introducing a new bioconversion pathway into cells. This pathway consists of three enzymes: L-arabinose isomerase, which converts L-arabinose to L-ribulose; D-psicose 3-epimer...

Metabolic engineering for improved fermentation of pentoses by yeasts

Treesearch

T. W. Jeffries; Jin. Y.-S.

2004-01-01

The fermentation of xylose is essential for the bioconversion of lignocellulose to fuels and chemicals, but wild-type strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae do not metabolize xylose, so researchers have engineered xylose metabolism in this yeast. Glucose transporters mediate xylose uptake, but no transporter specific for xylose has yet been identified. Over-expressing...

Pretreatment of microbial sludges

DOEpatents

Rivard, C.J.; Nagle, N.J.

1995-01-10

Methods are described for pretreating microbial sludges to break cells and disrupt organic matter. One method involves the use of sonication, and another method involves the use of shear forces. The pretreatment of sludge enhances bioconversion of the organic fraction. This allows for efficient dewatering of the sludge and reduces the cost for final disposal of the waste.

Bioconversion of 7-hydroxyflavanone: isolation, characterization and bioactivity evaluation of twenty-one phase I and phase II microbial metaboites

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Microbial metabolism of 7-hydroxyflavanone (1) with fungal culture Cunninghamella blakesleeana (ATCC 8688a), yielded flavanone 7-sulfate (2), 7,4’-dihydroxyflavanone (3), 6,7-dihydroxyflavanone (4), 6-hydroxyflavanone 7-sulfate (5), and 7-hydroxyflavanone 6-sulfate (6). Mortierella zonata (ATCC 1330...

Cellulosic butanol production from agricultural biomass and residues: Recent advances in technology

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This chapter details the recent advances made on bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass to butanol, a superior biofuel that can be used in internal combustion engines or transportation industry. It should be noted that butanol producing cultures cannot tolerate or produce more than 20-30 g/L of ac...

Optimal Production of 7,10-dihydroxy-8(E)-hexadecenoic Acid from Palmitoleic Acid by Pseudomonas aeruginosa PR3

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The hydroxylation of unsaturated fatty acids by bacterial strains is one type of value-adding bioconversion process. This process generates new hydroxy fatty acids (HFA) carrying special properties such as higher viscosity and reactivity compared with normal fatty acids. Among microbial strains te...

Pilot-scale demonstration of SPORL for bioconversion of lodgepole pine to bioethanol and lignosulfonate

Treesearch

Haifeng Zhou; Junyong Zhu; Roland Gleisner; Xueqing Qiu; Eric Horn; Jose Negron

2016-01-01

The process sulfite pretreatment to overcome recalcitrance of lignocelluloses (SPORL) has been the focus of this study. Pilot-scale (50 kg) pretreatment of wood chips of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Douglas ex Loudon) killed by mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins) were conducted at 165°C...

Sulfite pretreatment (SPORL) for robust enzymatic saccharification of spruce and red pine

Treesearch

J.Y. Zhu; X.J. Pan; G.S. Wang; R. Gleisner

2009-01-01

This study established a novel process using sulfite pretreatment to overcome recalcitrance of lignocellulose (SPORL) for robust and efficient bioconversion of softwoods. The process consists of sulfite treatment of wood chips under acidic conditions followed by mechanical size reduction using disk refining. The results indicated that after the SPORL pretreatment of...

Second generation bioethanol production from Saccharum spontaneum L. ssp. aegyptiacum (Willd.) Hack.

Treesearch

Danilo Scordia; Salvatore L. Consentino; Thomas W. Jeffries

2010-01-01

Saccharum (Saccharum spontaneum L. ssp. aegyptiacum (Willd.) Hack.), is a rapidly growing, wide ranging high-yield perennial, suitable for second generation bioethanol production. This study evaluated oxalic acid as a pretreatment for bioconversion. Overall sugar yields, sugar degradation products, enzymatic glucan hydrolysis and ethanol production were studied as...

Ethanol and thermotolerance in the bioconversion of xylose by yeasts

Treesearch

Thomas W. Jeffries; Yong-Su Jin

2000-01-01

The mechanisms underlying ethanol and heat tolerance are complex. Many different genes are involved, and the exact basis is not fully understood. The integrity of cytoplasmic and mitochondrial membranes is critical to maintain proton gradients for metabolic energy and nutrient uptake. Heat and ethanol stress adversely affect membrane integrity. These factors are...

Biocatalytic material comprising multilayer enzyme coated fiber

DOEpatents

Kim, Jungbae [Richland, WA; Kwak, Ja Hun [Richland, WA; Grate, Jay W [West Richland, WA

2009-11-03

The present invention relates generally to high stability, high activity biocatalytic materials and processes for using the same. The materials comprise enzyme aggregate coatings having high biocatalytic activity and stability useful in heterogeneous environment. These new materials provide a new biocatalytic immobilized enzyme system with applications in bioconversion, bioremediation, biosensors, and biofuel cells.

Biological conversion system

DOEpatents

Scott, C.D.

A system for bioconversion of organic material comprises a primary bioreactor column wherein a biological active agent (zymomonas mobilis) converts the organic material (sugar) to a product (alcohol), a rejuvenator column wherein the biological activity of said biological active agent is enhanced, and means for circulating said biological active agent between said primary bioreactor column and said rejuvenator column.

Biodegradation and bioconversion of coals by fungi. Quarterly progress report No. 1, October 1-December 31, 1985. [Candida sp. and T. versicolor

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ward, B.

1985-01-01

Following a month-long start-up period during which the principal investigator traveled to several sites of lignite outcrops to collect samples, efforts were begun to isolate new strains of coal-bioconverting fungal strains. Out of about thirty different organisms isolated from weathered samples of three different types of lignite, three isolates exhibited biosolubilization of the one lignite tested to date. These organisms have not yet been identified but they appear to be new strains of lignite-degrading fungi. We have observed that degree of biosolubilization varies among apparently similar samples of the same lignite. Weathered lignite is more readily solubilized than is previouslymore » unexposed lignite, but even tests on weathered coal have not been consistently repeatable. We have begun experiments designed to identify one or more factors of weathering which render coal more readily attacked by fungi. We hope to establish methods whereby consistently repeatable assays can be performed on bioconversion of coals. 2 refs., 1 fig., 1 tab.« less

Methanogenic degradation of toilet-paper cellulose upon sewage treatment in an anaerobic membrane bioreactor at room temperature.

PubMed

Chen, Rong; Nie, Yulun; Kato, Hiroyuki; Wu, Jiang; Utashiro, Tetsuya; Lu, Jianbo; Yue, Shangchao; Jiang, Hongyu; Zhang, Lu; Li, Yu-You

2017-03-01

Toilet-paper cellulose with rich but refractory carbon sources, are the main insoluble COD fractions in sewage. An anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) was configured for sewage treatment at room temperature and its performance on methanogenic degradation of toilet paper was highlighted. The results showed, high organic removal (95%), high methane conversion (90%) and low sludge yield (0.08gVSS/gCOD) were achieved in the AnMBR. Toilet-paper cellulose was fully biodegraded without accumulation in the mixed liquor and membrane cake layer. Bioconversion efficiency of toilet paper approached 100% under a high organic loading rate (OLR) of 2.02gCOD/L/d and it could provide around 26% of total methane generation at most of OLRs. Long sludge retention time and co-digestion of insoluble/soluble COD fractions achieving mutualism of functional microorganisms, contributed to biodegradation of toilet-paper cellulose. Therefore the AnMBR successfully implemented simultaneously methanogenic bioconversion of toilet-paper cellulose and soluble COD in sewage at room temperature. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Functional characterization of CYP52G3 from Aspergillus oryzae and its application for bioconversion and synthesis of hydroxyl flavanone and steroids.

PubMed

Uno, Tomohide; Yanase, Takeshi; Imaishi, Hiromasa

2017-05-01

Aspergillus oryzae is a fungus widely used in traditional Japanese fermentation industries. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) proteins are ubiquitously distributed in nature and display a broad range of enzymatic activities. A novel CYP52 (CYP52G3) gene was found in A. oryzae. In this study, we report the functional characterization of CYP52G3. The recombinant protein was expressed heterologously in Escherichia coli, and its membrane fraction isolated. CYP52G3 showed activities for 7-ethoxycoumarin and α-naphtoflavone. Furthermore, CYP52G3 hydroxylated flavanone at the 4' and 6 position and metabolized some hydroxyl-flavanones and steroids. Bioconversion experiments indicated that CYP52G3 could convert flavanone and testosterone in a synthetic medium. The conversion rates of flavanone and testosterone at 24 H were 50% and 70%, respectively. These results support that CYP52G3 could prove a useful enzyme for the efficient production of new compounds from flavonoids and steroids. © 2016 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Metabolic engineering for improved microbial pentose fermentation.

PubMed

Fernandes, Sara; Murray, Patrick

2010-01-01

Global concern over the depletion of fossil fuel reserves, and the detrimental impact that combustion of these materials has on the environment, is focusing attention on initiatives to create sustainable approaches for the production and use of biofuels from various biomass substrates. The development of a low-cost, safe and eco-friendly process for the utilization of renewable resources to generate value-added products with biotechnological potential as well as robust microorganisms capable of efficient fermentation of all types of sugars are essential to underpin the economic production of biofuels from biomass feedstocks. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the most established fermentation yeast used in large scale bioconversion strategies, does not however metabolise the pentose sugars, xylose and arabinose and bioengineering is required for introduction of efficient pentose metabolic pathways and pentose sugar transport proteins for bioconversion of these substrates. Our approach provided a basis for future experiments that may ultimately lead to the development of industrial S. cerevisiae strains engineered to express pentose metabolising proteins from thermophilic fungi living on decaying plant material and here we expand our original article and discuss the strategies implemented to improve pentose fermentation. © 2010 Landes Bioscience

Construction of a highly efficient Bacillus subtilis 168 whole-cell biocatalyst and its application in the production of L-ornithine.

PubMed

Wang, Meizhou; Xu, Meijuan; Rao, Zhiming; Yang, Taowei; Zhang, Xian

2015-11-01

L-Ornithine, a non-protein amino acid, is usually extracted from hydrolyzed protein as well as produced by microbial fermentation. Here, we focus on a highly efficient whole-cell biocatalyst for the production of L-ornithine. The gene argI, encoding arginase, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of L-arginine to L-ornithine and urea, was cloned from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens B10-127 and expressed in GRAS strain Bacillus subtilis 168. The recombinant strain exhibited an arginase activity of 21.9 U/mg, which is 26.7 times that of wild B. subtilis 168. The optimal pH and temperature of the purified recombinant arginase were 10.0 and 40 °C, respectively. In addition, the recombinant arginase exhibited a strong Mn(2+) preference. When using whole-cell biocatalyst-based bioconversion, a hyper L-ornithine production of 356.9 g/L was achieved with a fed-batch strategy in a 5-L reactor within 12 h. This whole-cell bioconversion study demonstrates an environmentally friendly strategy for L-ornithine production in industry.

Development of the University of Washington Biofuels and Biobased Chemicals Process Laboratory

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gustafson, Richard

2014-02-04

The funding from this research grant enabled us to design and build a bioconversion steam explosion reactor and ancillary equipment such as a high pressure boiler and a fermenter to support the bioconversion process research. This equipment has been in constant use since its installation in 2012. Following are research projects that it has supported: • Investigation of novel chip production method in biofuels production • Investigation of biomass refining following steam explosion • Several studies on use of different biomass feedstocks • Investigation of biomass moisture content on pretreatment efficacy. • Development of novel instruments for biorefinery process controlmore » Having this equipment was also instrumental in the University of Washington receiving a $40 million grant from the US Department of Agriculture for biofuels development as well as several other smaller grants. The research that is being done with the equipment from this grant will facilitate the establishment of a biofuels industry in the Pacific Northwest and enable the University of Washington to launch a substantial biofuels and bio-based product research program.« less

Quantifying pretreatment degradation compounds in solution and accumulated by cells during solids and yeast recycling in the Rapid Bioconversion with Integrated recycling Technology process using AFEX™ corn stover.

PubMed

Sarks, Cory; Higbee, Alan; Piotrowski, Jeff; Xue, Saisi; Coon, Joshua J; Sato, Trey K; Jin, Mingjie; Balan, Venkatesh; Dale, Bruce E

2016-04-01

Effects of degradation products (low molecular weight compounds produced during pretreatment) on the microbes used in the RaBIT (Rapid Bioconversion with Integrated recycling Technology) process that reduces enzyme usage up to 40% by efficient enzyme recycling were studied. Chemical genomic profiling was performed, showing no yeast response differences in hydrolysates produced during RaBIT enzymatic hydrolysis. Concentrations of degradation products in solution were quantified after different enzymatic hydrolysis cycles and fermentation cycles. Intracellular degradation product concentrations were also measured following fermentation. Degradation product concentrations in hydrolysate did not change between RaBIT enzymatic hydrolysis cycles; the cell population retained its ability to oxidize/reduce (detoxify) aldehydes over five RaBIT fermentation cycles; and degradation products accumulated within or on the cells as RaBIT fermentation cycles increased. Synthetic hydrolysate was used to confirm that pretreatment degradation products are the sole cause of decreased xylose consumption during RaBIT fermentations. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Genetic improvement of native xylose-fermenting yeasts for ethanol production.

PubMed

Harner, Nicole K; Wen, Xin; Bajwa, Paramjit K; Austin, Glen D; Ho, Chi-Yip; Habash, Marc B; Trevors, Jack T; Lee, Hung

2015-01-01

Lignocellulosic substrates are the largest source of fermentable sugars for bioconversion to fuel ethanol and other valuable compounds. To improve the economics of biomass conversion, it is essential that all sugars in potential hydrolysates be converted efficiently into the desired product(s). While hexoses are fermented into ethanol and some high-value chemicals, the bioconversion of pentoses in hydrolysates remains inefficient. This remains one of the key challenges in lignocellulosic biomass conversion. Native pentose-fermenting yeasts can ferment both glucose and xylose in lignocellulosic biomass to ethanol. However, they perform poorly in the presence of hydrolysate inhibitors, exhibit low ethanol tolerance and glucose repression, and ferment pentoses less efficiently than the main hexoses glucose and mannose. This paper reviews classical and molecular strain improvement strategies applied to native pentose-fermenting yeasts for improved ethanol production from xylose and lignocellulosic substrates. We focus on Pachysolen tannophilus, Scheffersomyces (Candida) shehatae, Scheffersomyces (Pichia) stipitis, and Spathaspora passalidarum which are good ethanol producers among the native xylose-fermenting yeasts. Strains obtained thus far are not robust enough for efficient ethanol production from lignocellulosic hydrolysates and can benefit from further improvements.

The Influence of Sugar Cane Bagasse Type and Its Particle Size on Xylose Production and Xylose-to-Xylitol Bioconversion with the Yeast Debaryomyces hansenii.

PubMed

Aghcheh, Razieh Karimi; Bonakdarpour, Babak; Ashtiani, Farzin Zokaee

2016-11-01

In the present study, the effect of the type of sugar cane bagasse (non-depithed or depithed) and its particle size on the production of xylose and its subsequent fermentation to xylitol by Debaryomyces hansenii CBS767 was investigated using a full factorial experimental design. It was found that the particle size range and whether bagasse was depithed or not had a significant effect on the concentration and yield of xylose in the resulting hemicellulose hydrolysate. Depithed bagasse resulted in higher xylose concentrations compared to non-depithed bagasse. The corresponding detoxified hemicellulose hydrolysates were used as fermentation media for the production of xylitol. The hemicellulose hydrolysate prepared from depithed bagasse also yielded meaningfully higher xylitol fermentation rates compared to non-depithed bagasse. However, in the case of non-depithed bagasse, the hemicellulose hydrolysate prepared from larger particle size range resulted in higher xylitol fermentation rates, whereas the effect in the case of non-depithed bagasse was not pronounced. Therefore, depithing of bagasse is an advantageous pretreatment when it is to be employed in bioconversion processes.

Pilot-scale bioconversion of rice and sunflower agro-residues into medicinal mushrooms and laccase enzymes through solid-state fermentation with Ganoderma lucidum.

PubMed

Postemsky, P D; Bidegain, M A; González-Matute, R; Figlas, N D; Cubitto, M A

2017-05-01

Solid-state fermentation was evaluated at the pilot-scale for the bioconversion and valorization of rice husks and straw (RSH), or sunflower seed hulls (SSH), into medicinal mushrooms and crude extracts, with laccase activity. The average mushroom yield was 56kg dry weight per ton of agro-residues. Laccase activity in crude aqueous extracts showed its maximum value of 10,927Ukg -1 in RSH (day 10, Exudate phase) and 16,442Ukg -1 in SSH (day 5, Full colonization phase), the activity at the Residual substrate phase being 511Ukg -1 in RSH and 803Ukg -1 in SSH, respectively. Crude extracts obtained with various protocols revealed differences in the extraction yields. Lyophilization followed by storage at 4°C allowed the preservation of laccase activity for more than one month. It is proposed that standard mushroom farms could increase their profits by obtaining laccase as a byproduct during the gaps in mycelium running. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hydrocarbon bio-jet fuel from bioconversion of poplar biomass: life cycle assessment.

PubMed

Budsberg, Erik; Crawford, Jordan T; Morgan, Hannah; Chin, Wei Shan; Bura, Renata; Gustafson, Rick

2016-01-01

Bio-jet fuels compatible with current aviation infrastructure are needed as an alternative to petroleum-based jet fuel to lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Cradle to grave life cycle analysis is used to investigate the global warming potential and fossil fuel use of converting poplar biomass to drop-in bio-jet fuel via a novel bioconversion platform. Unique to the biorefinery designs in this research is an acetogen fermentation step. Following dilute acid pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis, poplar biomass is fermented to acetic acid and then distilled, hydroprocessed, and oligomerized to jet fuel. Natural gas steam reforming and lignin gasification are proposed to meet hydrogen demands at the biorefineries. Separate well to wake simulations are performed using the hydrogen production processes to obtain life cycle data. Both biorefinery designs are assessed using natural gas and hog fuel to meet excess heat demands. Global warming potential of the natural gas steam reforming and lignin gasification bio-jet fuel scenarios range from CO2 equivalences of 60 to 66 and 32 to 73 g MJ(-1), respectively. Fossil fuel usage of the natural gas steam reforming and lignin gasification bio-jet fuel scenarios range from 0.78 to 0.84 and 0.71 to 1.0 MJ MJ(-1), respectively. Lower values for each impact category result from using hog fuel to meet excess heat/steam demands. Higher values result from using natural gas to meet the excess heat demands. Bio-jet fuels produced from the bioconversion of poplar biomass reduce the global warming potential and fossil fuel use compared with petroleum-based jet fuel. Production of hydrogen is identified as a major source of greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel use in both the natural gas steam reforming and lignin gasification bio-jet simulations. Using hog fuel instead of natural gas to meet heat demands can help lower the global warming potential and fossil fuel use at the biorefineries.

Isolation and characterization of Bacillus subtilis strain BY-3, a thermophilic and efficient cellulase-producing bacterium on untreated plant biomass.

PubMed

Meng, F; Ma, L; Ji, S; Yang, W; Cao, B

2014-09-01

Bioconversion of biomass, particularly crop wastes, into biofuels is being developed as an alternative approach in meeting the high energy demand. In this study, a thermophilic bacterial strain BY-3 that exhibits cellulolytic potential was isolated from faecal samples of Tibetan pigs; this strain was identified as Bacillus subtilis. The strain can produce cellulase when grown on various substrates, including carboxymethyl cellulose, rice straw, corn stover, soluble starch and wheat bran. The maximum cellulase activity of the strain was up to 4·323 ± 0·065 U ml(-1) when cultivated in the medium containing corn stover (30 g l(-1) ) for 24 h. The results demonstrated that corn stover is the most suitable substrate for cellulase production by the strain BY-3. The crude cellulase of strain BY-3 was most active at pH 5·5 and 60°C, and the enzyme in acetate buffer (50 mmol l(-1) ) demonstrated a good stability at 60°C for at least 1 h. The crude cellulase exhibited a strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The strain can be used in cost-efficient cellulase production for bioconversion of agricultural residual biomass into biofuels. The increased consumption of fossil fuels has caused serious energy crisis and environmental problem. Thus, an alternative energy source is necessary. Bioconversion of biomass, particularly agricultural residuals, into value-added bioproducts, such as biofuels and chemical solvents, has received considerable attention. In this study, the newly isolated thermophilic Bacillus subtilis strain BY-3 produces cellulase efficiently with the use of untreated corn stover as a sole carbon source. This strain possesses the thermostable cellulase that is active with diverse crop wastes with a broad pH range and is a highly promising candidate for agricultural waste management. © 2014 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Combinatorial pretreatment and fermentation optimization enabled a record yield on lignin bioconversion.

PubMed

Liu, Zhi-Hua; Xie, Shangxian; Lin, Furong; Jin, Mingjie; Yuan, Joshua S

2018-01-01

Lignin valorization has recently been considered to be an essential process for sustainable and cost-effective biorefineries. Lignin represents a potential new feedstock for value-added products. Oleaginous bacteria such as Rhodococcus opacus can produce intracellular lipids from biodegradation of aromatic substrates. These lipids can be used for biofuel production, which can potentially replace petroleum-derived chemicals. However, the low reactivity of lignin produced from pretreatment and the underdeveloped fermentation technology hindered lignin bioconversion to lipids. In this study, combinatorial pretreatment with an optimized fermentation strategy was evaluated to improve lignin valorization into lipids using R. opacus PD630. As opposed to single pretreatment, combinatorial pretreatment produced a 12.8-75.6% higher lipid concentration in fermentation using lignin as the carbon source. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed that combinatorial pretreatment released more aromatic monomers, which could be more readily utilized by lignin-degrading strains. Three detoxification strategies were used to remove potential inhibitors produced from pretreatment. After heating detoxification of the lignin stream, the lipid concentration further increased by 2.9-9.7%. Different fermentation strategies were evaluated in scale-up lipid fermentation using a 2.0-l fermenter. With laccase treatment of the lignin stream produced from combinatorial pretreatment, the highest cell dry weight and lipid concentration were 10.1 and 1.83 g/l, respectively, in fed-batch fermentation, with a total soluble substrate concentration of 40 g/l. The improvement of the lipid fermentation performance may have resulted from lignin depolymerization by the combinatorial pretreatment and laccase treatment, reduced inhibition effects by fed-batch fermentation, adequate oxygen supply, and an accurate pH control in the fermenter. Overall, these results demonstrate that combinatorial pretreatment, together with fermentation optimization, favorably improves lipid production using lignin as the carbon source. Combinatorial pretreatment integrated with fed-batch fermentation was an effective strategy to improve the bioconversion of lignin into lipids, thus facilitating lignin valorization in biorefineries.

Simultaneous bioconversion of barley straw to butanol and product recovery: use of concentrated sugar solution and process integration

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

As a result of increased gasoline prices, we focused on the production of butanol which contains more energy than ethanol on per gallon (or kg) basis from cellulosic agricultural biomass such as wheat straw using two different systems: i) separate hydrolysis, fermentation, and recovery (SHFR), and ...

Cofermentation of Glucose, Xylose, and Cellobiose by the Beetle-Associated Yeast Spathaspora passalidarum

Treesearch

Tanya M. Long; Yi-Kai Su; Jennifer Headman; Alan Higbee; Laura B. Willis; Thomas W. Jeffries

2012-01-01

Fermentation of cellulosic and hemicellulosic sugars from biomass could resolve food-versus-fuel conflicts inherent in the bioconversion of grains. However, the inability to coferment glucose and xylose is a major challenge to the economical use of lignocellulose as a feedstock. Simultaneous cofermentation of glucose, xylose, and cellobiose is problematic for most...

Quantitative predictions of bioconversion of aspen by dilute acid and SPORL pretreatments using a unified combined hydrolysis factor (CHF)

Treesearch

W. Zhu; Carl J. Houtman; J.Y. Zhu; Roland Gleisner; K.F. Chen

2012-01-01

A combined hydrolysis factor (CHF) was developed to predict xylan hydrolysis during pretreatments of native aspen (Populus tremuloides) wood chips. A natural extension of previously developed kinetic models allowed us to account for the effect of catalysts by dilute acid and two sulfite pretreatments at different pH values....

Evaluation energy efficiency of bioconversion knot rejects to ethanol in comparison to other thermochemically pretreated biomass

Treesearch

Zhaojiang Wang; Menghua Qin; J.Y. Zhu; Guoyu Tian; Zongquan Li

2013-01-01

Rejects from sulfite pulp mill that otherwise would be disposed of by incineration were converted to ethanol by a combined physical–biological process that was comprised of physical refining and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF). The energy efficiency was evaluated with comparison to thermochemically pretreated biomass, such as those pretreated by...

Genome sequence of the lignocellulose-bioconverting and xylose-fermenting yeast Pichia stipitis

Treesearch

Thomas W. Jeffries; Igor V. Grigroriev; Jane Grimwood; Jose M. Laplaza; Andrea Aerts; Asaf Salamov; Jeremy Schmutz; Erika Lindquist; Paramvir Dehal; Harris Shapiro; Yong-Su Jin; Volkmar Passoth; Paul M. Richardson

2007-01-01

Xylose is a major constituent of plant lignocellulose, and its fermentation is important for the bioconversion of plant biomass to fuels and chemicals. Pichia stipitis is a well-studied, native xylose-fermenting yeast. The mechanism and regulation of xylose metabolism in P. stipitis have been characterized and genes from P. stipitis have been used to engineer xylose...

Bioconversion of Cyanidin-3-Rutinoside to Cyanidin-3-Glucoside in Black Raspberry by Crude α-L-Rhamnosidase from Aspergillus Species.

PubMed

Lim, Taehwan; Jung, Hana; Hwang, Keum Taek

2015-11-01

Cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) has been known to be more bioavailable than cyanidin-3- rutinoside (C3R), the most abundant anthocyanin in black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis). The aim of this study was to enhance the bioavailability of anthocyanins in black raspberry by cleaving L-rhamnose in C3R using crude enzyme extracts (CEEs) from Aspergillus usamii KCTC 6956, A. awamori KCTC 60380, A. niger KCCM 11724, A. oryzae KCCM 12698, and A. kawachii KCCM 32819. The enzyme activities of the CEEs were determined by a spectrophotometric method using rho-nitrophenyl-rhamnopyranoside and rho-nitrophenyl-glucopyranoside. The CEE from A. usamii had the highest α-L-rhamnosidase activity with 2.73 U/ml at 60°C, followed by those from A. awamori and A. niger. When bioconversion of C3R to C3G in black raspberry was analyzed by HPLC-DAD, the CEEs from A. usamii and A. awamori hydrolyzed 95.7% and 95.6% of C3R to C3G, respectively, after 2 h incubation. The CEEs from A. kawachii and A. oryzae did not convert C3R to C3G in black raspberry.

Hydrogel Film-Immobilized Lactobacillus brevis RK03 for γ-Aminobutyric Acid Production

PubMed Central

Hsueh, Yi-Huang; Liaw, Wen-Chang; Kuo, Jen-Min; Deng, Chi-Shin

2017-01-01

Hydrogels of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate/polyethylene glycol diacrylate (HEMA/PEGDA) have been extensively studied for their use in biomedical and pharmaceutical applications owing to their nontoxic and highly hydrophilic characteristics. Recently, cells immobilized by HEMA/PEGDA hydrogels have also been studied for enhanced production in fermentation. Hydrogel films of HEMA/PEGDA copolymer were generated by Ultraviolet (UV)-initiated photopolymerization. The hydrogel films were used to immobilize viable Lactobacillus brevis RK03 cells for the bioconversion of monosodium glutamate (MSG) to γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The mechanical properties and fermentation yields of the L. brevis RK03 cells immobilized on polyacrylate hydrogel films with different monomeric formulations were investigated. Fermentation was carried out in 75 mL de Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) medium containing various concentrations of MSG. We found that HEMA (93%)/PEGDA (3%) hydrogels (sample H) maximized GABA production. The conversion rate of MSG to GABA reached a maximum value of 98.4% after 240 h. Bioconversion activity gradually declined after 420 h to 83.8% after five cycles of semi-continuous fermentation. Our results suggest that HEMA (93%)/PEGDA (3%) hydrogels have great potential for use in GABA production via semi-continuous fermentation. PMID:29099794

Characterization and enzymatic hydrolysis of wood from transgenic Pinus taeda engineered with syringyl lignin or reduced lignin content

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Edmunds, Charles W.; Peralta, Perry; Kelley, Stephen S.

Softwood is an abundant resource; however, currently its utilization for bioconversion to obtain platform sugars is limited. Pinus taeda trees which were genetically modified to either produce S lignin or to decrease lignin content were characterized with a suite of analytic techniques. Syringyl lignin was visualized in the secondary xylem of one genetic line with Maule staining. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance identified the S lignin units were coupled into the lignin through β-O-4 linkages, and thioacidolysis measured approximately 13% S lignin content in the same sample. Reductions of the lignin of as much as 33% were observed in the transgenics.more » To better understand how these modifications affect bioconversion, their amenability to hot water and dilute acid pretreatments and enzymatic hydrolysis was evaluated. Lignin reductions resulted in 1.9-3.2-fold increases in glucose release compared to the control. However, no apparent benefit was observed by S lignin incorporation at the concentrations reported in this study. Finally, these results highlight the potential for softwood cell wall properties to be improved for bioenergy/biochemical applications.« less

Bioconversion of fish solid waste into PHB using Bacillus subtilis based submerged fermentation process.

PubMed

Mohapatra, S; Sarkar, B; Samantaray, D P; Daware, A; Maity, S; Pattnaik, S; Bhattacharjee, S

2017-12-01

Currently, one of the major problem affecting the world is solid waste management, predominantly petroleum-based plastic and fish solid waste (FSW). However, it is very difficult to reduce the consumption of plastic as well as fish products, but it is promising to convert FSW to biopolymer to reduce eco-pollution. On account of that, the bioconversion of FSW extract to polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) was undertaken by using Bacillus subtilis (KP172548). Under optimized conditions, 1.62 g/L of PHB has been produced by the bacterium. The purified compound was further characterized by advanced analytical technologies to elucidate its chemical structure. Results indicated that the biopolymer was found to be PHB, the most common homopolymer of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). This is the first report demonstrating the efficacy of B. subtilis to utilize FSW extract to produce biopolymer. The biocompatibility of the PHB against murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7 demonstrated that, it was comparatively less toxic, favourable for surface attachment and proliferation in comparison with poly-lactic acid (PLA) and commercially available PHB. Thus, further exploration is highly indispensable to use FSW extract as a substrate for production of PHB at pilot scale.

Elimination of sulphur odours at landfills by bioconversion and the corona discharge plasma technique.

PubMed

Xia, Fangfang; Liu, Xin; Kang, Ying; He, Ruo; Wu, Zucheng

2015-01-01

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) contributes a lot to odours at landfills, which is a threat to the environment and the health of the staff therein. To mitigate its emission, the bioconversion within landfill cover soils (LCSs) was introduced. H2S emission and concentration both in the field air above the landfill and in microcosm testing were surveyed. Results indicated that H2S emission and concentration in the landfill varied with landfill seasons and sites. There existed relationship between H2S concentration and fluxes spatially and temporally. To characterize and assess the spatial and temporal diversity of sulphur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) and sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in the LCSs, the terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique was employed. Using the functional genes of dsrB and soxB, SOB, including Halothiobacillus, Rhodothalassium, Paracocccus, Allochromatium, and Thiobacillus, and SRB, including Desulfovibrio, Syntrophobacter, Desulfomonile and Desulfobacca, were identical and exhibited the dominant role in the LCSs. By employing an alternative available corona reactor, more than 90% removal efficiencies of sulphides were demonstrated, suggesting that the LCSs for eliminating odours in a lower concentration would be feasible.

Characterization and enzymatic hydrolysis of wood from transgenic Pinus taeda engineered with syringyl lignin or reduced lignin content

DOE PAGES

Edmunds, Charles W.; Peralta, Perry; Kelley, Stephen S.; ...

2017-02-22

Softwood is an abundant resource; however, currently its utilization for bioconversion to obtain platform sugars is limited. Pinus taeda trees which were genetically modified to either produce S lignin or to decrease lignin content were characterized with a suite of analytic techniques. Syringyl lignin was visualized in the secondary xylem of one genetic line with Maule staining. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance identified the S lignin units were coupled into the lignin through β-O-4 linkages, and thioacidolysis measured approximately 13% S lignin content in the same sample. Reductions of the lignin of as much as 33% were observed in the transgenics.more » To better understand how these modifications affect bioconversion, their amenability to hot water and dilute acid pretreatments and enzymatic hydrolysis was evaluated. Lignin reductions resulted in 1.9-3.2-fold increases in glucose release compared to the control. However, no apparent benefit was observed by S lignin incorporation at the concentrations reported in this study. Finally, these results highlight the potential for softwood cell wall properties to be improved for bioenergy/biochemical applications.« less

Effect of irradiation, as a pretreatment, on bioconversion of corn stover into protein-rich mycelial biomass of Pleurotus sajor-caju

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Awafo, V. A.; Chahal, D. S.; Charbonneau, R.

1995-09-01

Application of irradiation for food preservation, for pretreatment of lignocellulosic materials for their hydrolysis and to increase the digestibility of lignocellulosic materials for rumen animals have been reported in the literature. In the present study, irradiation (100 KGy to 1.7 MGy) of corn stover as a pretreatment to make it susceptible for its bioconversion into protein-rich mycelial biomass of Pleurotus sajor-caju NRRL 18757 has been compared with that of mild alkali treatment (0.01 to 0.15 g NaOH/g corn stover), the most commonly used pretreatment. Protein synthesis increased with the increase in doses of irradiation as well as with the increase in concentration of NaOH. Combination pretreatment with NaOH and γ-irradiation reduced the quantity of NaOH and doses of irradiation required to get optimum yields of protein indicating a strong synergistic effect. The highest protein content of the final product, mycelial biomass, was about 45% on dry weight basis. More than 90% utilization of corn stover polysaccharides for the synthesis of protein-rich mycelial biomass of P. sajor-caju was recorded

Bioconversion of Lignocellulosic Biomass to Fermentable Sugars by Immobilized Magnetic Cellulolytic Enzyme Cocktails.

PubMed

Periyasamy, Karthik; Santhalembi, Laishram; Mortha, Gérard; Aurousseau, Marc; Boyer, Agnès; Subramanian, Sivanesan

2018-06-05

Enzyme cocktails of reusable, highly stable cellulolytic enzymes play an inevitable role in bioconversion of biomass to biofuels economically. Cellulase, xylanase and β-1,3-glucanase bound silica-amine functionalized iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (ISN-CLEAs) were prepared and used as the biocatalyst for the depolymerization of cellulosic biomass into monomeric sugar in the present study. The Fe 3 O 4 -NPs and Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 -NH 2 -NPs and ISN-CLEAs had an average hydrodynamic size of 82.2, 86.4, and 976.9 nm, respectively, which was confirmed by dynamic light scattering (DLS). About 97% of protein binding was achieved with 135 mM glutaraldehyde at 10 h of cross-linking time and successful binding was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The ISN-CLEAs exhibited the highest thermal stability of 95% at 50 °C for 2 h and retained extended storage stability of 97% compared to 60% of its free counterpart. Besides, cross-linking allowed ISN-CLEAs reuse for at least eight consecutive cycles retaining over 70% of its initial activity. ISN-CLEAs exhibited approximately 15% increase in carbohydrate digestibility on sugar cane bagasse and eucalyptus pulp than the free enzyme.

Effect of cell-surface hydrophobicity on bacterial conversion of water-immiscible chemicals in two-liquid-phase culture systems.

PubMed

Hamada, Takahiro; Maeda, Yusuke; Matsuda, Hiroyuki; Sameshima, Yuka; Honda, Kohsuke; Omasa, Takeshi; Kato, Junichi; Ohtake, Hisao

2009-08-01

The effect of bacterial cell-surface hydrophobicity on the bioconversion of water-immiscible chemicals in an aqueous-organic (A/O) two-liquid-phase culture system was investigated. Escherichia coli JM109 and Rhodococcus opacus B-4 were used as hydrophilic and hydrophobic whole-cell catalysts, respectively. Hydroxylation reactions of monoaromatics, including toluene (log P(ow)=2.9), ethylbenzene (3.1), n-propylbenzene (3.4), and sec-butylbenzene (3.7), were employed as model conversions. When the todC1C2BA genes encoding Pseudomonas putida toluene dioxygenase were expressed in E. coli JM109, the yield of hydroxylated monoaromatics decreased with increasing substrate hydrophobicity. By contrast, R. opacus transformants, which expressed the todC1C2BA genes, showed high performance in the hydroxylation of monoaromatics, irrespective of substrate hydrophobicity. When the R. opacus transformants were examined for their ability to hydroxylate monoaromatics in an aqueous single-liquid-phase culture, the reaction velocity was markedly lower than that observed in the A/O two-liquid-phase culture. These results suggested that R. opacus B-4 accessed the hydrophobic substrates in the oil phase, thus making it more effective for the bioconversion reactions.

Production of chemicals from C1 gases (CO, CO2) by Clostridium carboxidivorans.

PubMed

Fernández-Naveira, Ánxela; Abubackar, Haris Nalakath; Veiga, María C; Kennes, Christian

2017-03-01

Bioprocesses in conventional second generation biorefineries are mainly based on the fermentation of sugars obtained from lignocellulosic biomass or agro-industrial wastes. An alternative to this process consists in gasifying those same feedstocks or even other carbon-containing materials to obtain syngas which can also be fermented by some anaerobic bacteria to produce chemicals or fuels. Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydrogen, which are the main components of syngas, are also found in some industrial waste gases, among others in steel industries. Clostridium carboxidivorans is able to metabolise such gases to produce ethanol and higher alcohols, i.e. butanol and hexanol, following the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway. This does simultaneously allow the removal of volatile pollutants involved in climate change. The bioconversion is a two step process in which organic acids (acetate, butyrate, hexanoate) are produced first, followed by the accumulation of alcohols; although partial overlap in time of acids and alcohols production may sometimes take place as well. Several parameters, among others pH, temperature, or gas-feed flow rates in bioreactors, affect the bioconversion process. Besides, the accumulation of high concentrations of alcohols in the fermentation broth inhibits the growth and metabolic activity of C. carboxidivorans.

Novel Magnetic Cross-Linked Cellulase Aggregates with a Potential Application in Lignocellulosic Biomass Bioconversion.

PubMed

Jia, Junqi; Zhang, Weiwei; Yang, Zengjie; Yang, Xianling; Wang, Na; Yu, Xiaoqi

2017-02-10

The utilization of renewable biomass resources to produce high-value chemicals by enzymatic processes is beneficial for alternative energy production, due to the accelerating depletion of fossil fuels. As immobilization techniques can improve enzyme stability and reusability, a novel magnetic cross-linked cellulase aggregate has been developed and applied for biomass bioconversion. The crosslinked aggregates could purify and immobilize enzymes in a single operation, and could then be combined with magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), which provides easy separation of the materials. The immobilized cellulase showed a better activity at a wider temperature range and pH values than that of the free cellulase. After six cycles of consecutive reuse, the immobilized cellulase performed successful magnetic separation and retained 74% of its initial activity when carboxylmethyl cellulose (CMC) was used as the model substrate. Furthermore, the structure and morphology of the immobilized cellulase were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Moreover, the immobilized cellulase was shown to hydrolyze bamboo biomass with a yield of 21%, and was re-used in biomass conversion up to four cycles with 38% activity retention, which indicated that the immobilized enzyme has good potential for biomass applications.

Bioconversion of petroleum hydrocarbons in soil using apple filter cake

PubMed Central

Medaura, M. Cecilia; Ércoli, Eduardo C.

2008-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using apple filter cake, a fruit-processing waste to enhance the bioremediation of petroleum contaminated soil. A rotating barrel system was used to study the bioconversion of the xenobiotic compound by natural occurring microbial population. The soil had been accidentally polluted with a total petroleum hydrocarbon concentration of 41,000 ppm. Although this global value was maintained during the process, microbial intervention was evidenced through transformation of the petroleum fractions. Thus, fractions that represent a risk for the environment (GRO, Gasoline Range Organics i.e., C6 to C10–12; DRO, Diesel Range Organics i.e., C8–12 to C24–26 and RRO, Residual Range Organics i.e., C25 to C35) were significantly reduced, from 2.95% to 1.39%. On the contrary, heavier weight fraction from C35 plus other organics increased in value from 1.15% to 3.00%. The noticeable diminution of low molecular weight hydrocarbons content and hence environmental risk by the process plus the improvement of the physical characteristics of the soil, are promising results with regard to future application at large scale. PMID:24031241

Bioconversion of beetle-killed lodgepole pine using SPORL: Process scale-up design, lignin co-product, and high solids fermentation without detoxification

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Mountain pine beetle killed Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Douglas ex Loudon) wood chips were pretreated using an acidic sulfite solution of approximately pH = 2.0 at a liquor to wood ratio of 3 and sodium bisulfite loading of 8 wt % on wood. The combined hydrolysis factor (CHF), formulated from rea...

Structural insight into catalytic mechanism of PET hydrolase.

PubMed

Han, Xu; Liu, Weidong; Huang, Jian-Wen; Ma, Jiantao; Zheng, Yingying; Ko, Tzu-Ping; Xu, Limin; Cheng, Ya-Shan; Chen, Chun-Chi; Guo, Rey-Ting

2017-12-13

PET hydrolase (PETase), which hydrolyzes polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into soluble building blocks, provides an attractive avenue for the bioconversion of plastics. Here we present the structures of a novel PETase from the PET-consuming microbe Ideonella sakaiensis in complex with substrate and product analogs. Through structural analyses, mutagenesis, and activity measurements, a substrate-binding mode is proposed, and several features critical for catalysis are elucidated.

Engineering a Synthetic Microbial Consortium for Comprehensive Conversion of Algae Biomass into Terpenes for Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wu, Weihua; Wu, Benjamin Chiau-Pin; Davis, Ryan Wesley

Recent strategies for algae-based biofuels have primarily focused on biodiesel production by exploiting high algal lipid yields under nutrient stress conditions. However, under conditions supporting robust algal biomass accumulation, carbohydrate and proteins typically comprise up to ~80% of the ash-free dry weight of algae biomass. Therefore, comprehensive utilization of algal biomass for production of multipurpose intermediate- to high-value bio-based products will promote scale-up of algae production and processing to commodity volumes. Terpenes are hydrocarbon and hydrocarbon-like (C:O>10:1) compounds with high energy density, and are therefore potentially promising candidates for the next generation of value added bio-based chemicals and “drop-in” replacementsmore » for petroleum-based fuels. In this study, we demonstrated the feasibility of bioconversion of proteins into sesquiterpene compounds as well as comprehensive bioconversion of algal carbohydrates and proteins into biofuels. To achieve this, the mevalonate pathway was reconstructed into an E. coli chassis with six different terpene synthases (TSs). Strains containing the various TSs produced a spectrum of sesquiterpene compounds in minimal medium containing amino acids as the sole carbon source. The sesquiterpene production was optimized through three different regulation strategies using chamigrene synthase as an example. The highest total terpene titer reached 166 mg/L, and was achieved by applying a strategy to minimize mevalonate accumulation in vivo. The highest yields of total terpene were produced under reduced IPTG induction levels (0.25 mM), reduced induction temperature (25°C), and elevated substrate concentration (20 g/L amino acid mixture). A synthetic bioconversion consortium consisting of two engineering E. coli strains (DH1-TS and YH40-TS) with reconstructed terpene biosynthetic pathways was designed for comprehensive single-pot conversion of algal carbohydrates and proteins to sesquiterpenes. The consortium yielded the highest total terpene yields (187 mg/L) at an inoculum ratio 2:1 of strain YH40-TS: DH1-TS, corresponding to 31 mg fuel/g algae biomass ash free dry weight. This study therefore demonstrates a feasible process for comprehensive algal biofuel production.« less

Responsive polymer-based colloids for drug delivery and bioconversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kudina, Olena

Responsive polymer-based colloids (RPBC) are the colloidal structures containing responsive polymeric component which is able to adapt its physico-chemical properties to the environment by undergoing chemical and/or conformational changes. The goal of the dissertation is to develop and characterize several groups of RPBC with different morphological complexity and explore their potential in drug delivery and bioconversion. The role of RPBC morphology for these specific applications is discussed in details. Three groups of RPBC were fabricated: i. polymeric micelles; ii. mixed polymeric micelles; iii. hybrid polymer-inorganic particles. All fabricated RPBCs contain polymeric component in their structure. The dissertation investigates how the changes of the responsive polymeric component properties are reflected in morphologies of RPBC. The first group of RPBC, polymeric micelles, was formed by the self-assembly of amphiphilic invertible polymers (AIPs) synthesized in our group. AIPs self-assemble into invertible micellar assemblies (IMAs) in solvents of different polarity. In this work, IMAs ability to invert the structure as a response to the change in solvent polarity was demonstrated using 1H NMR spectroscopy and SANS. It was shown that the IMAs incorporate hydrophobic cargo either in the core or in the shell, depending on the chemical structure of cargo molecules. Following in vitro study demonstrates that loaded with drug (curcumin) IMAs are cytotoxic to osteosarcoma cells. Mixed polymeric micelles represent another, more complex, RPBC morphologies studied in the dissertation. Mixed micelles were fabricated from AIPs and amphiphilic oligomers synthesized from pyromellitic dianhydride, polyethylene glycol methyl ethers, and alkanols/cholesterol. The combination of selected AIP and oligomers based on cholesterol results in mixed micelles with an increased drug-loading capacity (from 10% w/w loaded curcumin in single component IMAs to 26%w/w in mixed micelles). Even more complex colloids are hybrid polymer-inorganic particles, the third RPBC group studied in dissertation. Material was designed as core--shell particles with superparamagnetic core engulfed by grafted polymer brushes. These particles were loaded with enzymes (cellulases), thus, are turned into enzymogels for cellulose bioconversion. The study demonstrates that such RPBCs can be used multiple times during hydrolysis and provide an about four-fold increase in glucose production in comparison to free enzymes.

Bioconversion of biodiesel-derived crude glycerol into lipids and carotenoids by an oleaginous red yeast Sporidiobolus pararoseus KM281507 in an airlift bioreactor.

PubMed

Manowattana, Atchara; Techapun, Charin; Watanabe, Masanori; Chaiyaso, Thanongsak

2018-01-01

Here we tested the bioconversion of biodiesel-derived crude glycerol by the oleaginous red yeast Sporidiobolus pararoseus KM281507 in two bioreactors types (stirred-tank and airlift). High production yields (biomass, 10.62 ± 0.21 g/L; lipids, 3.26 ± 0.13 g/L; β-carotene, 30.64 ± 0.05 mg/L; total carotenoids, 46.59 ± 0.07 mg/L) were achieved in a 3.0 L airlift bioreactor under uncontrolled pH regimes (initial pH 5.63). Under optimized conditions (6.0 vvm aeration rate; 60 ± 5% constant dissolved oxygen [DO] maintained by flushing pure oxygen [O 2 ] into the vessel; 10,000 Lux light irradiation) volumetric production in the airlift bioreactor was further increased (biomass, 19.30 ± 1.07 g/L; lipids, 6.61 ± 0.04 g/L, β-carotene, 109.75 ± 0.21 mg/L; total carotenoids 151.00 ± 2.71 mg/L). Production was also recorded at a S. pararoseus KM281507 growth rate of 0.16 ± 0.00 h -1 (lipids, 0.94 ± 0.04 g/L/d; β-carotene, 15.68 ± 0.40 mg/L/d; total carotenoids, 21.56 ± 0.20 mg/L/d). Lipids from S. pararoseus KM281507 had a high unsaturated fatty acid content, with oleic acid (C18:1) accounting for 80% of all fatty acids. This high oleic acid content makes S. pararoseus KM281507 well-suited as a third generation biodiesel feedstock. Our findings show that airlift bioreactors are suitable for bioconversion of crude glycerol into lipids and carotenoids using S. pararoseus KM281507. This approach is advantageous because of its ease of operation, cost efficiency, and low energy consumption. Copyright © 2017 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

High-level expression of thermostable cellulolytic enzymes in tobacco transplastomic plants and their use in hydrolysis of an industrially pretreated Arundo donax L. biomass.

PubMed

Castiglia, Daniela; Sannino, Lorenza; Marcolongo, Loredana; Ionata, Elena; Tamburino, Rachele; De Stradis, Angelo; Cobucci-Ponzano, Beatrice; Moracci, Marco; La Cara, Francesco; Scotti, Nunzia

2016-01-01

Biofuels production from plant biomasses is a complex multi-step process with important economic burdens. Several biotechnological approaches have been pursued to reduce biofuels production costs. The aim of the present study was to explore the production in tobacco plastome of three genes encoding (hemi)cellulolytic enzymes from thermophilic and hyperthermophilic bacterium and Archaea, respectively, and test their application in the bioconversion of an important industrially pretreated biomass feedstock (A. donax) for production of second-generation biofuels. The selected enzymes, endoglucanase, endo-β-1,4-xylanase and β-glucosidase, were expressed in tobacco plastome with a protein yield range from 2 % to more than 75 % of total soluble proteins (TSP). The accumulation of endoglucanase (up to 2 % TSP) gave altered plant phenotypes whose severity was directly linked to the enzyme yield. The most severe seedling-lethal phenotype was due to the impairment of plastid development associated to the binding of endoglucanase protein to thylakoids. Endo-β-1,4-xylanase and β-glucosidase, produced at very high level without detrimental effects on plant development, were enriched (fourfold) by heat treatment (105.4 and 255.4 U/mg, respectively). Both plastid-derived biocatalysts retained the main features of the native or recombinantly expressed enzymes with interesting differences. Plastid-derived xylanase and β-glucosidase resulted more thermophilic than the E. coli recombinant and native counterpart, respectively. Bioconversion experiments, carried out at 50 and 60 °C, demonstrated that plastid-derived enzymes were able to hydrolyse an industrially pretreated giant reed biomass. In particular, the replacement of commercial enzyme with plastid-derived xylanase, at 60 °C, produced an increase of both xylose recovery and hydrolysis rate; whereas the replacement of both xylanase and β-glucosidase produced glucose levels similar to those observed with the commercial cocktails, and xylose yields always higher in the whole 24-72 h range. The very high production level of thermophilic and hyperthermophilic enzymes, their stability and bioconversion efficiencies described in this study demonstrate that plastid transformation represents a real cost-effective production platform for cellulolytic enzymes.

Pretreatment of corn stover by low moisture anhydrous ammonia (LMMA) in a pilot-scale reactor and bioconversion to fuel ethanol and industrial chemicals

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Corn stover (CS) adjusted to 50%, 66% and 70% moisture was pretreated by the low moisture anhydrous ammonia (LMAA) process in a pilot-scale ammoniation reactor. After ammoniation, the 70% moisture CS was treated at 90 degree C and 100 degree C whereas the others were treated at 90 degree C only. The...

Using sulfite chemistry for robust bioconversion of Douglas-fir forest residue to bioethanol at high titer and lignosulfonate: A pilot-scale evaluation

Treesearch

J.Y. Zhu; M. Subhosh Chandra; Feng Gu; Roland Gleisner; J.Y. Zhu; John Sessions; Gevan Marrs; Johnway Gao; Dwight Anderson

2015-01-01

This study demonstrated at the pilot-scale (50 kg) use of Douglas-fir forest harvest residue, an underutilized forest biomass, for the production of high titer and high yield bioethanol using sulfite chemistry without solid–liquor separation and detoxification. Sulfite Pretreatment to Overcome the Recalcitrance of Lignocelluloses (SPORL) was directly applied to the...

Bioconversion of Beetle-Killed Lodgepole Pine Using SPORL: Process Scale-up Design, Lignin Coproduct, and High Solids Fermentation without detoxification

Treesearch

Haifeng Zhou; J.Y. Zhu; Xiaolin Luo; Shao-Yuan Leu; Xiaolei Wu; Roland Gleisner; Bruce S. Dien; Ronald E. Hector; Dongjie Yang; Xueqing Qiu; Eric Horn; Jose Negron

2013-01-01

Mountain pine beetle killed Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Douglas ex Loudon) wood chips were pretreated using an acidic sulfite solution of approximately pH = 2.0 at a liquor to wood ratio of 3 and sodium bisulfite loading of 8 wt % on wood. The combined hydrolysis factor (CHF), formulated from reaction kinetics, was used to design a scale-up...

Changes in pore structure of coal caused by coal-to-gas bioconversion

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Rui; Liu, Shimin; Bahadur, Jitendra

Microbial enhanced coalbed methane (ME-CBM) recovery is critically examined as a viable technology for natural gas recovery from coalbed methane (CBM) reservoirs. Since the majority of gas-in-place (GIP) is stored as an adsorbed phase in fine pores of coal matrix, the nano-pore structure directly influences gas storage and transport properties. Only limited studies have quantified the alteration of the nano-pore structure due to ME-CBM treatment. This study examines the evolution of the pore structure using a combination of small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), low-pressure N 2 and CO 2 adsorption (LPGA) and high-pressure methane adsorption methods. The results show thatmore » the surface fractal dimension decreases for the two bioconverted coals compared to the untreated coal. After bio-treatment, the mesopore surface area and pore volume decrease with the average pore diameter increases, while the micropore surface area increases with pore volume decreases. Both inaccessible meso-/micropore size distributions decrease after bioconversion, while the accessible micropore size distribution increases, making a portion of closed micropore network accessible. In addition, the methane adsorption capacities increase after bio-treatment, which is confirmed by the increase of micropore surface area. A conceptual physical model of methanogenesis is proposed based on the evolution of the pore structure.« less

Changes in pore structure of coal caused by coal-to-gas bioconversion

DOE PAGES

Zhang, Rui; Liu, Shimin; Bahadur, Jitendra; ...

2017-06-19

Microbial enhanced coalbed methane (ME-CBM) recovery is critically examined as a viable technology for natural gas recovery from coalbed methane (CBM) reservoirs. Since the majority of gas-in-place (GIP) is stored as an adsorbed phase in fine pores of coal matrix, the nano-pore structure directly influences gas storage and transport properties. Only limited studies have quantified the alteration of the nano-pore structure due to ME-CBM treatment. This study examines the evolution of the pore structure using a combination of small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), low-pressure N 2 and CO 2 adsorption (LPGA) and high-pressure methane adsorption methods. The results show thatmore » the surface fractal dimension decreases for the two bioconverted coals compared to the untreated coal. After bio-treatment, the mesopore surface area and pore volume decrease with the average pore diameter increases, while the micropore surface area increases with pore volume decreases. Both inaccessible meso-/micropore size distributions decrease after bioconversion, while the accessible micropore size distribution increases, making a portion of closed micropore network accessible. In addition, the methane adsorption capacities increase after bio-treatment, which is confirmed by the increase of micropore surface area. A conceptual physical model of methanogenesis is proposed based on the evolution of the pore structure.« less

Optimization of Eisenia fetida stocking density for the bioconversion of rock phosphate enriched cow dung-waste paper mixtures.

PubMed

Unuofin, F O; Mnkeni, P N S

2014-11-01

Vermitechnology is gaining recognition as an environmental friendly waste management strategy. Its successful implementation requires that the key operational parameters like earthworm stocking density be established for each target waste/waste mixture. One target waste mixture in South Africa is waste paper mixed with cow dung and rock phosphate (RP) for P enrichment. This study sought to establish optimal Eisenia fetida stocking density for maximum P release and rapid bioconversion of RP enriched cow dung-paper waste mixtures. E. fetida stocking densities of 0, 7.5, 12.5, 17.5 and 22.5 g-worms kg(-1) dry weight of cow dung-waste paper mixtures were evaluated. The stocking density of 12.5 g-worms kg(-1) resulted in the highest earthworm growth rate and humification of the RP enriched waste mixture as reflected by a C:N ratio of <12 and a humic acid/fulvic acid ratio of >1.9 in final vermicomposts. A germination test revealed that the resultant vermicompost had no inhibitory effect on the germination of tomato, carrot, and radish. Extractable P increased with stocking density up to 22.5 g-worm kg(-1) feedstock suggesting that for maximum P release from RP enriched wastes a high stocking density should be considered. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

A metabolic pathway for catabolizing levulinic acid in bacteria

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rand, Jacqueline M.; Pisithkul, Tippapha; Clark, Ryan L.

Microorganisms can catabolize a wide range of organic compounds and therefore have the potential to perform many industrially relevant bioconversions. One barrier to realizing the potential of biorefining strategies lies in our incomplete knowledge of metabolic pathways, including those that can be used to assimilate naturally abundant or easily generated feedstocks. For instance, levulinic acid (LA) is a carbon source that is readily obtainable as a dehydration product of lignocellulosic biomass and can serve as the sole carbon source for some bacteria. Yet, the genetics and structure of LA catabolism have remained unknown. Here, we report the identification and characterizationmore » of a seven-gene operon that enables LA catabolism in Pseudomonas putida KT2440. When the pathway was reconstituted with purified proteins, we observed the formation of four acyl-CoA intermediates, including a unique 4-phosphovaleryl-CoA and the previously observed 3-hydroxyvaleryl-CoA product. Using adaptive evolution, we obtained a mutant of Escherichia coli LS5218 with functional deletions of fadE and atoC that was capable of robust growth on LA when it expressed the five enzymes from the P. putida operon. Here, this discovery will enable more efficient use of biomass hydrolysates and metabolic engineering to develop bioconversions using LA as a feedstock.« less

A metabolic pathway for catabolizing levulinic acid in bacteria

DOE PAGES

Rand, Jacqueline M.; Pisithkul, Tippapha; Clark, Ryan L.; ...

2017-09-25

Microorganisms can catabolize a wide range of organic compounds and therefore have the potential to perform many industrially relevant bioconversions. One barrier to realizing the potential of biorefining strategies lies in our incomplete knowledge of metabolic pathways, including those that can be used to assimilate naturally abundant or easily generated feedstocks. For instance, levulinic acid (LA) is a carbon source that is readily obtainable as a dehydration product of lignocellulosic biomass and can serve as the sole carbon source for some bacteria. Yet, the genetics and structure of LA catabolism have remained unknown. Here, we report the identification and characterizationmore » of a seven-gene operon that enables LA catabolism in Pseudomonas putida KT2440. When the pathway was reconstituted with purified proteins, we observed the formation of four acyl-CoA intermediates, including a unique 4-phosphovaleryl-CoA and the previously observed 3-hydroxyvaleryl-CoA product. Using adaptive evolution, we obtained a mutant of Escherichia coli LS5218 with functional deletions of fadE and atoC that was capable of robust growth on LA when it expressed the five enzymes from the P. putida operon. Here, this discovery will enable more efficient use of biomass hydrolysates and metabolic engineering to develop bioconversions using LA as a feedstock.« less

Quantitative investigation of non-hydrolytic disruptive activity on crystalline cellulose and application to recombinant swollenin.

PubMed

Wang, Yuguo; Tang, Rentao; Tao, Jin; Gao, Gui; Wang, Xiaonan; Mu, Ying; Feng, Yan

2011-09-01

For the efficient degradation and bioconversion of cellulosic biomass, it is important to efficiently disrupt and convert crystalline regions of cellulose into easily hydrolyzable regions than to simply hydrolyze cellulose. Expansin-like proteins such as swollenins have disruptive functions on lignocellulose, including crystalline cellulose, via non-hydrolytic mechanisms. In this work, we produced the swollenin from Trichoderma asperellum in Escherichia coli. The recombinant protein was then refolded into the bioactive form with simultaneous purification via a novel cellulose-assisted process. We devised a novel, simple, and efficient method to quantitatively determine the non-hydrolytic disruptive activity of swollenin on crystalline cellulose. This method is based on the synergism of the swollenin and the endoglucanase FnCel5A from Fervidobacterium nodosum. The change from crystalline regions into easily hydrolyzable forms, due to non-hydrolytic disruption, might be slight and not easily be observed. However, disrupted regions of cellulose could be hydrolyzed by FnCel5A, and reducing sugars were formed by the synergism. The disruptive function of the swollenin was quantitatively characterized by measuring the release of reducing sugars. These methods and processes will be useful for further research on non-hydrolytic disruptive bioactivities and provide novel approaches for the efficient and economical bioconversion of cellulosic biomass.

Bioconversion of 6-(N-methyl-N-phenyl)aminomethyl androstane steroids by Nocardioides simplex.

PubMed

Sukhodolskaya, Galina; Fokina, Victoria; Shutov, Andrei; Nikolayeva, Vera; Savinova, Tatiana; Grishin, Yuri; Kazantsev, Alexey; Lukashev, Nikolay; Donova, Marina

2017-02-01

The newly synthesized (α/β)-diastereomers of 6-(N-methyl-N-phenyl)aminomethylandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione (5) and 6-(N-methyl-N-phenyl)aminomethylandrost-4-en-17β-ol-3-one (6) were firstly investigated as substrates for the whole cells of Nocardioides simplex VKM Ac-2033D in comparison with their unsubstituted analogs, - androst-4-ene-3,17-dione (1) and androst-4-en-17β-ol-3-one (2). 1(2)-Dehydroderivatives were identified as the major bioconversion products from all the substrates tested. When using the mixtures of (α/β)-stereoisomers of 5 and 6 as the substrates, only β-stereoisomers of the corresponding 1,4-diene-steroids were formed. Along with 1(2)-dehydrogenation, N. simplex VKM Ac-2033D promoted oxidation of the hydroxyl group at C-17 position of 6: both 6(α) and 6(β) were transformed to the corresponding 17-keto derivatives. No steroid core destruction was observed during the conversion of the 6-substituted androstanes 5 and 6, while it was significant when 1 or 2 was used as the substrate. The results suggested high potentials of N. simplex VKM Ac-2033D for the generation of novel 1(2)-dehydroanalogs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The modeling of ethanol production by Kluyveromyces marxianus using whey as substrate in continuous A-Stat bioreactors.

PubMed

Gabardo, Sabrina; Pereira, Gabriela Feix; Rech, Rosane; Ayub, Marco Antônio Záchia

2015-09-01

We investigated the kinetics of whey bioconversion into ethanol by Kluyveromyces marxianus in continuous bioreactors using the "accelerostat technique" (A-stat). Cultivations using free and Ca-alginate immobilized cells were evaluated using two different acceleration rates (a). The kinetic profiles of these systems were modeled using four different unstructured models, differing in the expressions for the specific growth (μ) and substrate consumption rates (r s), taking into account substrate limitation and product inhibition. Experimental data showed that the dilution rate (D) directly affected cell physiology and metabolism. The specific growth rate followed the dilution rate (μ≈D) for the lowest acceleration rate (a = 0.0015 h(-2)), condition in which the highest ethanol yield (0.52 g g(-1)) was obtained. The highest acceleration rate (a = 0.00667 h(-2)) led to a lower ethanol yield (0.40 g g(-1)) in the system where free cells were used, whereas with immobilized cells ethanol yields increased by 23 % (0.49 g g(-1)). Among the evaluated models, Monod and Levenspiel combined with Ghose and Tyagi models were found to be more appropriate for describing the kinetics of whey bioconversion into ethanol. These results may be useful in scaling up the process for ethanol production from whey.

Screening tests for assessing the anaerobic biodegradation of pollutant chemicals in subsurface environments

USGS Publications Warehouse

Suflita, Joseph M.; Concannon, Frank

1995-01-01

Screening methods were developed to assess the susceptibility of ground water contaminants to anaerobic biodegradation. One method was an extrapolation of a procedure previously used to measure biodegradation activity in dilute sewage sludge. Aquifer solids and ground water with no additional nutritive media were incubated anaerobically in 160-ml serum bottles containing 250 mg·l−1 carbon of the substrate of interest. This method relied on the detection of gas pressure or methane production in substrateamended microcosms relative to background controls. Other screening procedures involved the consumption of stoichiometrically required amounts of sulfate or nitrate from the same type of incubations. Close agreement was obtained between the measured and calculated amounts of substrate bioconversion based on the measured biogas pressure in methanogenic microcosms. Storage of the microcosms for up to 6 months did not adversely influence the onset or rate of benzoic acid mineralization. The lower detection limits of the methanogenic assay were found to be a function of the size of the microcosm headspace, the mean oxidation state of the substrate carbon, and the method used to correct for background temperature fluctuations. Using these simple screening procedures, biodegradation information of regulatory interest could be generated, including, (i) the length of the adaptation period, (ii) the rate of substrate decay and (iii) the completeness of the bioconversion.

Enzymatic saccharification and fermentation of cellulosic date palm wastes to glucose and lactic acid.

PubMed

Alrumman, Sulaiman A

2016-01-01

The bioconversion of cellulosic wastes into high-value bio-products by saccharification and fermentation processes is an important step that can reduce the environmental pollution caused by agricultural wastes. In this study, enzymatic saccharification of treated and untreated date palm cellulosic wastes by the cellulases from Geobacillus stearothermophilus was optimized. The alkaline pre-treatment of the date palm wastes was found to be effective in increasing the saccharification percentage. The maximum rate of saccharification was found at a substrate concentration of 4% and enzyme concentration of 30 FPU/g of substrate. The optimum pH and temperature for the bioconversions were 5.0 and 50°C, respectively, after 24h of incubation, with a yield of 31.56mg/mL of glucose at a saccharification degree of 71.03%. The saccharification was increased to 94.88% by removal of the hydrolysate after 24h by using a two-step hydrolysis. Significant lactic acid production (27.8mg/mL) was obtained by separate saccharification and fermentation after 72h of incubation. The results indicate that production of fermentable sugar and lactic acid is feasible and may reduce environmental pollution by using date palm wastes as a cheap substrate. Copyright © 2015 Sociedade Brasileira de Microbiologia. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Highly Selective Bioconversion of Ginsenoside Rb1 to Compound K by the Mycelium of Cordyceps sinensis under Optimized Conditions.

PubMed

Wang, Wei-Nan; Yan, Bing-Xiong; Xu, Wen-Di; Qiu, Ye; Guo, Yun-Long; Qiu, Zhi-Dong

2015-10-23

Compound K (CK), a highly active and bioavailable derivative obtained from protopanaxadiol ginsenosides, displays a wide variety of pharmacological properties, especially antitumor activity. However, the inadequacy of natural sources limits its application in the pharmaceutical industry. In this study, we firstly discovered that Cordyceps sinensis was a potent biocatalyst for the biotransformation of ginsenoside Rb1 into CK. After a series of investigations on the biotransformation parameters, an optimal composition of the biotransformation culture was found to be lactose, soybean powder and MgSO₄ without controlling the pH. Also, an optimum temperature of 30 °C for the biotransformation process was suggested in a range of 25 °C-50 °C. Then, a biotransformation pathway of Rb1→Rd→F2→CK was established using high performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-Q-TOF-MS). Our results demonstrated that the molar bioconversion rate of Rb1 to CK was more than 82% and the purity of CK produced by C. sinensis under the optimized conditions was more than 91%. In conclusion, the combination of C. sinensis and the optimized conditions is applicable for the industrial preparation of CK for medicinal purposes.

Enzymatic saccharification and fermentation of cellulosic date palm wastes to glucose and lactic acid

PubMed Central

Alrumman, Sulaiman A.

2016-01-01

The bioconversion of cellulosic wastes into high-value bio-products by saccharification and fermentation processes is an important step that can reduce the environmental pollution caused by agricultural wastes. In this study, enzymatic saccharification of treated and untreated date palm cellulosic wastes by the cellulases from Geobacillus stearothermophilus was optimized. The alkaline pre-treatment of the date palm wastes was found to be effective in increasing the saccharification percentage. The maximum rate of saccharification was found at a substrate concentration of 4% and enzyme concentration of 30 FPU/g of substrate. The optimum pH and temperature for the bioconversions were 5.0 and 50 °C, respectively, after 24 h of incubation, with a yield of 31.56 mg/mL of glucose at a saccharification degree of 71.03%. The saccharification was increased to 94.88% by removal of the hydrolysate after 24 h by using a two-step hydrolysis. Significant lactic acid production (27.8 mg/mL) was obtained by separate saccharification and fermentation after 72 h of incubation. The results indicate that production of fermentable sugar and lactic acid is feasible and may reduce environmental pollution by using date palm wastes as a cheap substrate. PMID:26887233

Anaerobic digestion as a waste disposal option for American Samoa

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rivard, C

1993-01-01

Tuna sludge and municipal solid waste (MSW) generated on Tutuila Island, American Samoa, represent an ongoing disposal problem as well as an emerging opportunity for use in renewable fuel production. This research project focuses on the biological conversion of the organic fraction of these wastes to useful products including methane and fertilizer-grade residue through anaerobic high solids digestion. In this preliminary study, the anaerobic bioconversion of tuna sludge with MSW appears promising.

Engineering Ligninolytic Consortium for Bioconversion of Lignocelluloses to Ethanol and Chemicals.

PubMed

Bilal, Muhammad; Nawaz, Muhammad Zohaib; Iqbal, Hafiz M N; Hou, Jialin; Mahboob, Shahid; Al-Ghanim, Khalid A; Cheng, Hairong

2018-01-01

Rising environmental concerns and recent global scenario of cleaner production and consumption are leading to the design of green industrial processes to produce alternative fuels and chemicals. Although bioethanol is one of the most promising and eco-friendly alternatives to fossil fuels yet its production from food and feed has received much negative criticism. The main objective of this study was to present the noteworthy potentialities of lignocellulosic biomass as an enormous and renewable biological resource. The particular focus was also given on engineering ligninolytic consortium for bioconversion of lignocelluloses to ethanol and chemicals on sustainable and environmentally basis. Herein, an effort has been made to extensively review, analyze and compile salient information related to the topic of interest. Several authentic bibliographic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Elsevier, Springer, Bentham Science and other scientific databases were searched with utmost care, and inclusion/ exclusion criterion was adopted to appraise the quality of retrieved peer-reviewed research literature. Bioethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass can largely satisfy the possible inconsistency of first-generation ethanol since it utilizes inedible lignocellulosic feedstocks, primarily sourced from agriculture and forestry wastes. Two major polysaccharides in lignocellulosic biomass namely, cellulose and hemicellulose constitute a complex lignocellulosic network by connecting with lignin, which is highly recalcitrant to depolymerization. Several attempts have been made to reduce the cost involved in the process through improving the pretreatment process. While, the ligninolytic enzymes of white rot fungi (WRF) including laccase, lignin peroxidase (LiP), and manganese peroxidase (MnP) have appeared as versatile biocatalysts for delignification of several lignocellulosic residues. The first part of the review is mainly focused on engineering ligninolytic consortium. In the second part, WRF and its unique ligninolytic enzyme-based bio-delignification of lignocellulosic biomass, enzymatic hydrolysis, and fermentation of hydrolyzed feedstock are discussed. The metabolic engineering, enzymatic engineering, synthetic biology aspects for ethanol production and platform chemicals production are comprehensively reviewed in the third part. Towards the end information is also given on futuristic viewpoints. In conclusion, given the present unpredicted scenario of energy and fuel crisis accompanied by global warming, lignocellulosic bioethanol holds great promise as an alternative to petroleum. Apart from bioethanol, the simultaneous production of other value-added products may improve the economics of lignocellulosic bioethanol bioconversion process. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Soymilk residue (okara) as a natural immobilization carrier for Lactobacillus plantarum cells enhances soymilk fermentation, glucosidic isoflavone bioconversion, and cell survival under simulated gastric and intestinal conditions

PubMed Central

Xiudong, Xia; Ying, Wang; Xiaoli, Liu; Ying, Li

2016-01-01

Cell immobilization is an alternative to microencapsulation for the maintenance of cells in a liquid medium. However, artificial immobilization carriers are expensive and pose a high safety risk. Okara, a food-grade byproduct from soymilk production, is rich in prebiotics. Lactobacilli could provide health enhancing effects to the host. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of okara as a natural immobilizer for L. plantarum 70810 cells. The study also aimed to evaluate the effects of okara-immobilized L. plantarum 70810 cells (IL) on soymilk fermentation, glucosidic isoflavone bioconversion, and cell resistance to simulated gastric and intestinal stresses. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to show cells adherence to the surface of okara. Lactic acid, acetic acid and isoflavone analyses in unfermented and fermented soymilk were performed by HPLC with UV detection. Viability and growth kinetics of immobilized and free L. plantarum 70810 cells (FL) were followed during soymilk fermentation. Moreover, changes in pH, titrable acidity and viscosity were measured by conventional methods. For in vitro testing of simulated gastrointestinal resistance, fermented soymilk was inoculated with FL or IL and an aliquot incubated into acidic MRS broth which was conveniently prepared to simulate gastric, pancreatic juices and bile salts. Survival to simulated gastric and intestinal stresses was evaluated by plate count of colony forming units on MRS agar. SEM revealed that the lactobacilli cells attached and bound to the surface of okara. Compared with FL, IL exhibited a significantly higher specific growth rate, shorter lag phase of growth, higher productions of lactic and acetic acids, a faster decrease in pH and increase in titrable acidity, and a higher soymilk viscosity. Similarly, IL in soymilk showed higher productions of daizein and genistein compared with the control. Compared with FL, IL showed reinforced resistance to simulatedgastric and intestinal stresses in vitro that included low pH, low pH plus pepsin, pancreatin, and bile salt. Our results indicate that okara is a new potential immobilization carrier to enhance the growth and glucosidic isoflavone bioconversion activities of L. plantarum in soymilk and improve cell survivability following simulated gastric and intestinal conditions. PMID:27867770

Characterization of hemicellulase and cellulase from the extremely thermophilic bacterium Caldicellulosiruptor owensensis and their potential application for bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass without pretreatment.

PubMed

Peng, Xiaowei; Qiao, Weibo; Mi, Shuofu; Jia, Xiaojing; Su, Hong; Han, Yejun

2015-01-01

Pretreatment is currently the common approach for improving the efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis on lignocellulose. However, the pretreatment process is expensive and will produce inhibitors such as furan derivatives and phenol derivatives. If the lignocellulosic biomass can efficiently be saccharified by enzymolysis without pretreatment, the bioconversion process would be simplified. The genus Caldicellulosiruptor, an obligatory anaerobic and extreme thermophile can produce a diverse set of glycoside hydrolases (GHs) for deconstruction of lignocellulosic biomass. It gives potential opportunities for improving the efficiency of converting native lignocellulosic biomass to fermentable sugars. Both of the extracellular (extra-) and intracellular (intra-) enzymes of C. owensensis cultivated on corncob xylan or xylose had cellulase (including endoglucanase, cellobiohydrolase and β-glucosidase) and hemicellulase (including xylanase, xylosidase, arabinofuranosidase and acetyl xylan esterase) activities. The enzymes of C. owensensis had high ability for degrading hemicellulose of native corn stover and corncob with the conversion rates of xylan 16.7 % and araban 60.0 %. Moreover, they had remarkable synergetic function with the commercial enzyme cocktail Cellic CTec2 (Novoyzmes). When the native corn stover and corncob were respectively, sequentially hydrolyzed by the extra-enzymes of C. owensensis and CTec2, the glucan conversion rates were 31.2 and 37.9 %,which were 1.7- and 1.9-fold of each control (hydrolyzed by CTec2 alone), whereas the glucan conversion rates of the steam-exploded corn stover and corncob hydrolyzed by CTec2 alone on the same loading rate were 38.2 and 39.6 %, respectively. These results show that hydrolysis by the extra-enzyme of C. owensensis made almost the same contribution as steam-exploded pretreatment on degradation of native lignocellulosic biomass. A new process for saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass by sequential hydrolysis is demonstrated in the present research, namely hyperthermal enzymolysis (70-80 °C) by enzymes of C. owensensis followed with mesothermal enzymolysis (50-55 °C) by commercial cellulase. This process has the advantages of no sugar loss, few inhibitors generation and consolidated with sterilization. The enzymes of C. owensensis demonstrated an enhanced ability to degrade the hemicellulose of native lignocellulose. The pretreatment and detoxification steps may be removed from the bioconversion process of the lignocellulosic biomass by using the enzymes from C. owensensis.

Soymilk residue (okara) as a natural immobilization carrier for Lactobacillus plantarum cells enhances soymilk fermentation, glucosidic isoflavone bioconversion, and cell survival under simulated gastric and intestinal conditions.

PubMed

Xiudong, Xia; Ying, Wang; Xiaoli, Liu; Ying, Li; Jianzhong, Zhou

2016-01-01

Cell immobilization is an alternative to microencapsulation for the maintenance of cells in a liquid medium. However, artificial immobilization carriers are expensive and pose a high safety risk. Okara, a food-grade byproduct from soymilk production, is rich in prebiotics. Lactobacilli could provide health enhancing effects to the host. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of okara as a natural immobilizer for L. plantarum 70810 cells. The study also aimed to evaluate the effects of okara-immobilized L. plantarum 70810 cells (IL) on soymilk fermentation, glucosidic isoflavone bioconversion, and cell resistance to simulated gastric and intestinal stresses. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to show cells adherence to the surface of okara. Lactic acid, acetic acid and isoflavone analyses in unfermented and fermented soymilk were performed by HPLC with UV detection. Viability and growth kinetics of immobilized and free L. plantarum 70810 cells (FL) were followed during soymilk fermentation. Moreover, changes in pH, titrable acidity and viscosity were measured by conventional methods. For in vitro testing of simulated gastrointestinal resistance, fermented soymilk was inoculated with FL or IL and an aliquot incubated into acidic MRS broth which was conveniently prepared to simulate gastric, pancreatic juices and bile salts. Survival to simulated gastric and intestinal stresses was evaluated by plate count of colony forming units on MRS agar. SEM revealed that the lactobacilli cells attached and bound to the surface of okara. Compared with FL, IL exhibited a significantly higher specific growth rate, shorter lag phase of growth, higher productions of lactic and acetic acids, a faster decrease in pH and increase in titrable acidity, and a higher soymilk viscosity. Similarly, IL in soymilk showed higher productions of daizein and genistein compared with the control. Compared with FL, IL showed reinforced resistance to simulatedgastric and intestinal stresses in vitro that included low pH, low pH plus pepsin, pancreatin, and bile salt. Our results indicate that okara is a new potential immobilization carrier to enhance the growth and glucosidic isoflavone bioconversion activities of L. plantarum in soymilk and improve cell survivability following simulated gastric and intestinal conditions.

CNRS interdisciplinary research program for solar energy development

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

The contributions of CNRS to the French national solar energy R and D program are reviewed. The three principal processes in which solar radiation is converted into other, directly usable energy forms are discussed in detail. These include thermodynamic conversion, photovoltaic conversion, and bioconversion to produce a substitute fuel. Related research on insolation and the weather is mentioned and relations with the industrial sector are considered. French collaboration with other countries in solar energy is discussed.

Fungal synthesis of size-defined nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zielonka, Aleksandra; Klimek-Ochab, Magdalena

2017-12-01

Fungi with metabolic capacities can efficiently synthesize a wide range of nanoparticles (NPs). This biotransformation process and its product have extensive applications especially for industry, agriculture and medicine, where NPs size and shape is essential and can be defined by specific analytical methods. Fungi cultivation and further bioconversion can be fully controlled to obtain the desired nanoparticles. Additionally, this review provides information about the fungus F. oxysporum, which is able to synthesize the largest amount of different types of NPs.

Direct bioconversion of brown algae into ethanol by thermophilic bacterium Defluviitalea phaphyphila.

PubMed

Ji, Shi-Qi; Wang, Bing; Lu, Ming; Li, Fu-Li

2016-01-01

Brown algae are promising feedstocks for biofuel production with inherent advantages of no structural lignin, high growth rate, and no competition for land and fresh water. However, it is difficult for one microorganism to convert all components of brown algae with different oxidoreduction potentials to ethanol. Defluviitalea phaphyphila Alg1 is the first characterized thermophilic bacterium capable of direct utilization of brown algae. Defluviitalea phaphyphila Alg1 can simultaneously utilize mannitol, glucose, and alginate to produce ethanol, and high ethanol yields of 0.47 g/g-mannitol, 0.44 g/g-glucose, and 0.3 g/g-alginate were obtained. A rational redox balance system under obligate anaerobic condition in fermenting brown algae was revealed in D. phaphyphila Alg1 through genome and redox analysis. The excess reducing equivalents produced from mannitol metabolism were equilibrated by oxidizing forces from alginate assimilation. Furthermore, D. phaphyphila Alg1 can directly utilize unpretreated kelp powder, and 10 g/L of ethanol was accumulated within 72 h with an ethanol yield of 0.25 g/g-kelp. Microscopic observation further demonstrated the deconstruction process of brown algae cell by D. phaphyphila Alg1. The integrated biomass deconstruction system of D. phaphyphila Alg1, as well as its high ethanol yield, provided us an excellent alternative for brown algae bioconversion at elevated temperature.

Uncovering the Potential of Termite Gut Microbiome for Lignocellulose Bioconversion in Anaerobic Batch Bioreactors

PubMed Central

Auer, Lucas; Lazuka, Adèle; Sillam-Dussès, David; Miambi, Edouard; O'Donohue, Michael; Hernandez-Raquet, Guillermina

2017-01-01

Termites are xylophages, being able to digest a wide variety of lignocellulosic biomass including wood with high lignin content. This ability to feed on recalcitrant plant material is the result of complex symbiotic relationships, which involve termite-specific gut microbiomes. Therefore, these represent a potential source of microorganisms for the bioconversion of lignocellulose in bioprocesses targeting the production of carboxylates. In this study, gut microbiomes of four termite species were studied for their capacity to degrade wheat straw and produce carboxylates in controlled bioreactors. All of the gut microbiomes successfully degraded lignocellulose and up to 45% w/w of wheat straw degradation was observed, with the Nasutitermes ephratae gut-microbiome displaying the highest levels of wheat straw degradation, carboxylate production and enzymatic activity. Comparing the 16S rRNA gene diversity of the initial gut inocula to the bacterial communities in lignocellulose degradation bioreactors revealed important changes in community diversity. In particular, taxa such as Spirochaetes and Fibrobacteres that were highly abundant in the initial gut inocula were replaced by Firmicutes and Proteobacteria at the end of incubation in wheat straw bioreactors. Overall, this study demonstrates that termite-gut microbiomes constitute a reservoir of lignocellulose-degrading bacteria that can be harnessed in artificial conditions for biomass conversion processes that lead to the production of useful molecules. PMID:29312279

Tapping the Bioactivity Potential of Residual Stream from Its Pretreatments May Be a Green Strategy for Low-Cost Bioconversion of Rice Straw.

PubMed

Chen, Xingxuan; Wang, Xiahui; Xue, Yiyun; Zhang, Tian-Ao; Hu, Jiajun; Tsang, Yiu Fai; Gao, Min-Tian

2018-04-16

In this study, it was found that the residual stream from pretreatments of rice straw exhibited high antioxidant activity. Assays based on the Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric method confirmed that the residual stream contained large amounts of phenolic compounds. Three antioxidant assays were employed to evaluate the bioactivity of the residual stream. Strong linear correlations existed among the release of phenolic compounds, saccharification efficiency, and antioxidant activity. The alkaline pretreatment provided a much greater release of phenolic compounds, especially phenolic acids, compared to the acid pretreatment, and consequently, it had stronger linear correlations than the acid pretreatment. Antibacterial experiments demonstrated the ability of the phenolic compounds in the residual stream to inhibit the growth of microorganisms, indicating the potential of these compounds as antimicrobial agents. To discuss the possibility of the co-production of antimicrobial agents and biofuels/biochemicals, both acid and alkaline pretreatments were optimized using response surface methodology. Under the optimal conditions, 285.7 g glucose could be produced from 1 kg rice straw with the co-production of 3.84 g FA and 6.98 g p-CA after alkaline pretreatment. These results show that the recovery of phenolic compounds from the residual stream could be a green strategy for the low-cost bioconversion of rice straw.

Bioconversion of natural gas to liquid fuel: opportunities and challenges.

PubMed

Fei, Qiang; Guarnieri, Michael T; Tao, Ling; Laurens, Lieve M L; Dowe, Nancy; Pienkos, Philip T

2014-01-01

Natural gas is a mixture of low molecular weight hydrocarbon gases that can be generated from either fossil or anthropogenic resources. Although natural gas is used as a transportation fuel, constraints in storage, relatively low energy content (MJ/L), and delivery have limited widespread adoption. Advanced utilization of natural gas has been explored for biofuel production by microorganisms. In recent years, the aerobic bioconversion of natural gas (or primarily the methane content of natural gas) into liquid fuels (Bio-GTL) by biocatalysts (methanotrophs) has gained increasing attention as a promising alternative for drop-in biofuel production. Methanotrophic bacteria are capable of converting methane into microbial lipids, which can in turn be converted into renewable diesel via a hydrotreating process. In this paper, biodiversity, catalytic properties and key enzymes and pathways of these microbes are summarized. Bioprocess technologies are discussed based upon existing literature, including cultivation conditions, fermentation modes, bioreactor design, and lipid extraction and upgrading. This review also outlines the potential of Bio-GTL using methane as an alternative carbon source as well as the major challenges and future research needs of microbial lipid accumulation derived from methane, key performance index, and techno-economic analysis. An analysis of raw material costs suggests that methane-derived diesel fuel has the potential to be competitive with petroleum-derived diesel. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Characterization of hydrocortisone biometabolites and 18S rRNA gene in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii cultures.

PubMed

Ghasemi, Younes; Rasoul-Amini, Sara; Morowvat, Mohammad Hossein; Raee, Mohammad Javad; Ghoshoon, Mohammad Bagher; Nouri, Fatemeh; Negintaji, Narges; Parvizi, Rezvan; Mosavi-Azam, Seyed Bagher

2008-10-31

A unicellular microalga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, was isolated from rice paddy-field soil and water samples and used in the biotransformation of hydrocortisone (1). This strain has not been previously tested for steroid bioconversion. Fermentation was carried out in BG-11 medium supplemented with 0.05% substrate at 25 degrees C for 14 days of incubation. The products obtained were chromatographically purified and characterized using spectroscopic methods. 11b,17 beta-Dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (2), 11 beta-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3,17-dione (3), 11 beta,17 alpha,20 beta,21-tetrahydroxypregn-4-en-3-one (4) and prednisolone (5) were the main products of the bioconversion. The observed bioreaction features were the side chain degradation of the substrate to give compounds 2 and 3 and the 20-ketone reduction and 1,2-dehydrogenation affording compounds 4 and 5, respectively. A time course study showed the accumulation of product 2 from the second day of the fermentation and of compounds 3, 4 and 5 from the third day. All the metabolites reached their maximum concentration in seven days. Microalgal 18S rRNA gene was also amplified by PCR. PCR products were sequenced to confirm their authenticity as 18S rRNA gene of microalgae. The result of PCR blasted with other sequenced microalgae in NCBI showed 100% homology to the 18S small subunit rRNA of two Chlamydomonas reinhardtii spp.

Developments toward large-scale bacterial bioprocesses in the presence of bulk amounts of organic solvents.

PubMed

Schmid, A; Kollmer, A; Mathys, R G; Witholt, B

1998-08-01

Many pseudomonads and other bacteria can grow on aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons that occur in the environment. We are examining the potential of such organisms as biocatalysts for the oxidation of a variety of substituted aliphatic and aromatic compounds. To attain a high production rate of oxidation products via such biotransformations, we have focused on two-liquid phase culture systems. In these systems, cells are grown in liquid media consisting of an aqueous phase containing water-soluble growth substrates and droplets of a water-immicible organic solvent containing bioconversion substrates and products. For industrial applications of such two-liquid phase processes, several questions remain. What are the maximum rates at which apolar compounds can be transferred from the apolar phase to cells growing in the aqueous phase, i.e., what are the maximum space-time yields attainable in two-liquid phase fermentations under practical conditions? What does an efficient downstream processing of two-liquid phase medium involve? What safety regimes should be considered in working with flammable organic solvents? Can elevated pressure be used to increase oxygen transfer? Based on answers to these questions, we have recently developed a high-pressure, explosion-proof bioreactor system with Bioengineering AG (Wald, Switzerland), which will be installed in our pilot plant and used to explore two-liquid phase bioconversions at a pilot scale.

Grain sorghum is a viable feedstock for ethanol production.

PubMed

Wang, D; Bean, S; McLaren, J; Seib, P; Madl, R; Tuinstra, M; Shi, Y; Lenz, M; Wu, X; Zhao, R

2008-05-01

Sorghum is a major cereal crop in the USA. However, sorghum has been underutilized as a renewable feedstock for bioenergy. The goal of this research was to improve the bioconversion efficiency for biofuels and biobased products from processed sorghum. The main focus was to understand the relationship among "genetics-structure-function-conversion" and the key factors impacting ethanol production, as well as to develop an energy life cycle analysis model (ELCAM) to quantify and prioritize the saving potential from factors identified in this research. Genetic lines with extremely high and low ethanol fermentation efficiency and some specific attributes that may be manipulated to improve the bioconversion rate of sorghum were identified. In general, ethanol yield increased as starch content increased. However, no linear relationship between starch content and fermentation efficiency was found. Key factors affecting the ethanol fermentation efficiency of sorghum include protein digestibility, level of extractable proteins, protein and starch interaction, mash viscosity, amount of phenolic compounds, ratio of amylose to amylopectin, and formation of amylose-lipid complexes in the mash. A platform ELCAM with a base case showed a positive net energy value (NEV) = 25,500 Btu/gal EtOH. ELCAM cases were used to identify factors that most impact sorghum use. For example, a yield increase of 40 bu/ac resulted in NEV increasing from 7 million to 12 million Btu/ac. An 8% increase in starch provided an incremental 1.2 million Btu/ac.

Biosynthesis of tert-butyl (3R,5S)-6-chloro-3,5-dihydroxyhexanoate by carbonyl reductase from Rhodosporidium toruloides in mono and biphasic media.

PubMed

Liu, Zhi-Qiang; Wu, Lin; Zheng, Ling; Wang, Wen-Zhong; Zhang, Xiao-Jian; Jin, Li-Qun; Zheng, Yu-Guo

2018-02-01

tert-Butyl (3R,5S)-6-chloro-3,5-dihydroxyhexanoate ((3R,5S)-CDHH) is the key intermediate for synthesis of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin. Carbonyl reductase exhibits excellent activity toward tert-butyl (S)-6-chloro-5-hydroxy-3-oxohexanoate ((S)-CHOH) to synthesize (3R,5S)-CDHH. In this study, a whole cell biosynthesis reaction system to produce (3R,5S)-CDHH was constructed in organic solvents. A solution of 10% (v/v) Tween-80 was introduced to the reaction system as a co-solvent, which greatly enhanced biotransformation process, giving 98.9% yield, >99% ee and 1.8-fold higher space time yield in 5 h bioconversion of 1 M (S)-CHOH, compared with 98.7% yield and >99% ee in 9 h bioconversion of a purely aqueous reaction system. Moreover, a water-octanol biphasic reaction system was built and 20% of octanol was added as reservoir of substrate resulting in 98% yield, >99% ee and 4.08 mmol L -1  h -1  g -1 (wet cell weight) space time yield. This study paved a way for the whole cell biosynthesis of (3R,5S)-CDHH in mono and biphasic media. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of process performance, energy consumption and microbiota characterization in a ceramic membrane bioreactor for ex-situ biomethanation of H2 and CO2.

PubMed

Alfaro, Natalia; Fdz-Polanco, María; Fdz-Polanco, Fernando; Díaz, Israel

2018-06-01

The performance of a pilot ceramic membrane bioreactor for the bioconversion of H 2 and CO 2 to bioCH 4 was evaluated in thermophilic conditions. The loading rate was between 10 and 30 m 3  H 2 /m 3 reactor  d and the system transformed 95% of H 2 fed. The highest methane yield found was 0.22 m 3  CH 4 /m 3  H 2 , close to the maximum stoichiometric value (0.25 m 3  CH 4 /m 3  H 2 ) thus indicating that archaeas employed almost all H 2 transferred to produce CH 4 . k L a value of 268 h -1 was reached at 30 m 3  H 2 /m 3 reactor  d. DGGE and FISH revealed a remarkable archaeas increase related to the selection-effect of H 2 on community composition over time. Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus was the archaea found with high level of similarity. This study verified the successful application of membrane technology to efficiently transfer H 2 from gas to the liquid phase, the development of a hydrogenotrophic community from a conventional thermophilic sludge and the technical feasibility of the bioconversion. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Bioconversion of Natural Gas to Liquid Fuel. Opportunities and Challenges

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fei, Qiang; Guarnieri, Michael T.; Tao, Ling

2014-05-01

Natural gas is a mixture of low molecular weight hydrocarbon gases that can be generated from either fossil or anthropogenic resources. Although natural gas is used as a transportation fuel, constraints in storage, relatively low energy content (MJ/L), and delivery have limited widespread adoption. Advanced utilization of natural gas has been explored for biofuel production by microorganisms. In recent years, the aerobic bioconversion of natural gas (or primarily the methane content of natural gas) into liquid fuels (Bio-GTL) by biocatalysts (methanotrophs) has gained increasing attention as a promising alternative for drop-in biofuel production. Moreover, methanotrophic bacteria are capable of convertingmore » methane into microbial lipids, which can in turn be converted into renewable diesel via a hydrotreating process. In this paper, biodiversity, catalytic properties and key enzymes and pathways of these microbes are summarized. Bioprocess technologies are discussed based upon existing literature, including cultivation conditions, fermentation modes, bioreactor design, and lipid extraction and upgrading. Our review also outlines the potential of Bio-GTL using methane as an alternative carbon source as well as the major challenges and future research needs of microbial lipid accumulation derived from methane, key performance index, and techno-economic analysis. An analysis of raw material costs suggests that methane-derived diesel fuel has the potential to be competitive with petroleum-derived diesel.« less

Bioconversion of natural gas to liquid fuel: Opportunities and challenges

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fei, Q; Guarnieri, MT; Tao, L

2014-05-01

Natural gas is a mixture of low molecular weight hydrocarbon gases that can be generated from either fossil or anthropogenic resources. Although natural gas is used as a transportation fuel, constraints in storage, relatively low energy content (MJ/L), and delivery have limited widespread adoption. Advanced utilization of natural gas has been explored for biofuel production by microorganisms. In recent years, the aerobic bioconversion of natural gas (or primarily the methane content of natural gas) into liquid fuels (Bio-GTL) by biocatalysts (methanotrophs) has gained increasing attention as a promising alternative for drop-in biofuel production. Methanotrophic bacteria are capable of converting methanemore » into microbial lipids, which can in turn be converted into renewable diesel via a hydrotreating process. In this paper, biodiversity, catalytic properties and key enzymes and pathways of these microbes are summarized. Bioprocess technologies are discussed based upon existing literature, including cultivation conditions, fermentation modes, bioreactor design, and lipid extraction and upgrading. This review also outlines the potential of Bio-GTL using methane as an alternative carbon source as well as the major challenges and future research needs of microbial lipid accumulation derived from methane, key performance index, and techno-economic analysis. An analysis of raw material costs suggests that methane-derived diesel fuel has the potential to be competitive with petroleum-derived diesel. (C) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc.« less

Lipase-catalyzed production of short-chain acids terpenyl esters of interest to the food industry.

PubMed

Laboret, F; Perraud, R

1999-12-01

The production of low molecular weight esters as flavor compounds by biotechnological processes has a potential interest for the food industry. The use of natural available substrates and enzymes is an essential part of the process design, because the products may obtain natural label. In this study, direct esterification of citronellol and geraniol with short-chain fatty acids catalyzed by free lipase from Mucor miehei was performed with high yields in n-hexane. The effects of the acid:alcohol ratio on the bioconversion rate of increasing chain length esters was investigated. To reach the optimum yield, substrates and enzyme concentration were determined. The inhibiting effects of acid are strongly attenuated by reducing the quantity of acid and increasing the amount of enzyme in media following the optimum values. Improvements have been made to increase the ester purity. The consumption of excess substrate by adding calculated amounts of acid gives a 10% yield enhancement, and leads to 100% pure terpenyl esters. The first steps to a scale-up application were attempted using a reactor that allowed us to produce ester quantities up to 100 cm3. Separation and purification of the products were treated with success, underlining the lipase stability and efficiency under the conditions of this study. The ability to recover the enzyme, and reusing it in bioconversions, plays a major role in reducing the cost of the overall process.

Fermentation Products of Solvent Tolerant Marine Bacterium Moraxella spp. MB1 and Its Biotechnological Applications in Salicylic Acid Bioconversion

PubMed Central

Wahidullah, Solimabi; Naik, Deepak N.; Devi, Prabha

2013-01-01

As part of a proactive approach to environmental protection, emerging issues with potential impact on the environment is the subject of ongoing investigation. One emerging area of environmental research concerns pharmaceuticals like salicylic acid, which is the main metabolite of various analgesics including aspirin. It is a common component of sewage effluent and also an intermediate in the degradation pathway of various aromatic compounds which are introduced in the marine environment as pollutants. In this study, biotransformation products of salicylic acid by seaweed, Bryopsis plumosa, associated marine bacterium, Moraxella spp. MB1, have been investigated. Phenol, conjugates of phenol and hydroxy cinnamic acid derivatives (coumaroyl, caffeoyl, feruloyl and trihydroxy cinnamyl) with salicylic acid (3–8) were identified as the bioconversion products by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. These results show that the microorganism do not degrade phenolic acid but catalyses oxygen dependent transformations without ring cleavage. The degradation of salicylic acid is known to proceed either via gentisic acid pathway or catechol pathway but this is the first report of biotransformation of salicylic acid into cinnamates, without ring cleavage. Besides cinnamic acid derivatives (9–12), metabolites produced by the bacterium include antimicrobial indole (13) and β-carbolines, norharman (14), harman (15) and methyl derivative (16), which are beneficial to the host and the environment. PMID:24391802

Application of a chitosan-immobilized Talaromyces thermophilus lipase to a batch biodiesel production from waste frying oils.

PubMed

Romdhane, Ines Belhaj-Ben; Romdhane, Zamen Ben; Bouzid, Maha; Gargouri, Ali; Belghith, Hafedh

2013-12-01

Waste frying oil, which not only harms people's health but also causes environmental pollution, can be a good alternative to partially substitute petroleum diesel through transesterification reaction. This oil contained 8.8 % of free fatty acids, which cause a problem in a base-catalyzed process. In this study, synthesis of biodiesel was efficiently catalyzed by the covalently immobilized Talaromyces thermophilus lipase and allowed bioconversion yield up to 92 % after 24 h of reaction time. The optimal molar ratio was four to six parts of methanol to one part of oil with a biocatalyst loaded of 25 wt.% of oil. Further, experiments revealed that T. thermophilus lipase, immobilized by a multipoint covalent liaison onto activated chitosan via a short spacer (glutaraldehyde), was sufficiently tolerant to methanol. In fact, using the stepwise addition of methanol, no significant difference was observed from the one-step whole addition at the start of reaction. The batch biodiesel synthesis was performed in a fixed bed reactor with a lipase loaded of 10 g. The bioconversion yield of 98 % was attained after a 5-h reaction time. The bioreactor was operated successfully for almost 150 h without any changes in the initial conversion yield. Most of the chemical and physical properties of the produced biodiesel meet the European and USA standard specifications of biodiesel fuels.

[Effect of ensilage on bioconversion of switchgrass to ethanol based on liquid hot water pretreatment].

PubMed

Wu, Wentao; Ju, Meiting; Liu, Jinpeng; Liu, Boqun

2016-04-25

Ensilage is a traditional way of preserving fresh biomass. However, in order to apply ensilage to the ethanol biorefinery, two parameters need to be evaluated: quantity and quality changes of the biomass; and its effects on bioconversion process. To study these two aspects, switchgrass harvested on three different time points (Early, mid and late fall) were used as feedstock. The early fall harvested biomass was ensiled at 5 moisture levels ranging from 30% to 70%. Silage of 40% moisture and 3 other raw switchgrass were pretreated with liquid hot water, followed by enzymatic hydrolysis as well as simultaneous saccharification and fermentation. After 21 days storage pH values of all silages decreased below 4.0 and the dry matter losses were less than 2.0%, and structural sugars contents did not change dramatically. Liquid hot water caused more hemicellulose dissolution in the silage than in unensiled switchgrass. However, ensilage also increased the risk of releasing more sugar degradation products; After enzymatic hydrolysis, silage obtained higher total glucose, xylose and galactose yields than raw materials; After simultaneous saccharification and fermentation, ethanol concentration in silage was 12.1 g/L, higher than the unensiled switchgrass (10.3 g/L, 9.7 g/L and 10.6 g/L for early, mid and late fall respectively). Our results suggest that ensilage helps increase pretreatment efficiency and sugar yield, which increases final ethanol production.

Production of bioethanol by direct bioconversion of oil-palm industrial effluent in a stirred-tank bioreactor.

PubMed

Alam, Md Zahangir; Kabbashi, Nassereldeen A; Hussin, S Nahdatul I S

2009-06-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of producing bioethanol from palm-oil mill effluent generated by the oil-palm industries through direct bioconversion process. The bioethanol production was carried out through the treatment of compatible mixed cultures such as Thrichoderma harzianum, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Mucor hiemalis, and yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Simultaneous inoculation of T. harzianum and S. cerevisiae was found to be the mixed culture that yielded the highest ethanol production (4% v/v or 31.6 g/l). Statistical optimization was carried out to determine the operating conditions of the stirred-tank bioreactor for maximum bioethanol production by a two-level fractional factorial design with a single central point. The factors involved were oxygen saturation level (pO(2)%), temperature, and pH. A polynomial regression model was developed using the experimental data including the linear, quadratic, and interaction effects. Statistical analysis showed that the maximum ethanol production of 4.6% (v/v) or 36.3 g/l was achieved at a temperature of 32 degrees C, pH of 6, and pO(2) of 30%. The results of the model validation test under the developed optimum process conditions indicated that the maximum production was increased from 4.6% (v/v) to 6.5% (v/v) or 51.3 g/l with 89.1% chemical-oxygen-demand removal.

Bioconversion of lignocellulosic pretreatment effluent via oleaginous Rhodococcus opacus DSM 1069

DOE PAGES

Wells, Jr., Tyrone; Wei, Zhen; Ragauskas, Arthur J.

2014-11-26

Rhodococcus opacus DSM 1069 utilized pine organosolv pretreatment effluent as a sole carbon and energy source for 120 h at 1.5 w/v% solids concentration and accumulated a maximum of 26.99 ± 2.88% of its cellular dry weight in oils composed of oleic, palmitic, and stearic fatty acids. Here, these results establish the potential for lignocellulosic pretreatment effluent as a feedstock for microbial biodiesel production via oleaginous R. opacus and an interesting route for biorefinery waste stream optimization.

Interaction of Microbial and Abiotic Processes in Soil Leading to the (Bio)Conversion and Ultimate Attenuation of New Insensitive Munitions Compounds

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-12-30

Toxicity is expressed as percentage of toxicant- free activity 125 Figure 4.12-1. Panel A: (Bio)transformation pathways of DNAN in anaerobic incubations...O-demethylation of the methoxy group was confirmed by formation of formaldehye. Cell free extracts of the Bacillus culture yielded formation of 2...periodically until the production of methane became constant in the toxicant- free controls. The maximum specific methanogenic activity of the

Cofermentation of Glucose, Xylose, and Cellobiose by the Beetle-Associated Yeast Spathaspora passalidarum

PubMed Central

Long, Tanya M.; Su, Yi-Kai; Headman, Jennifer; Higbee, Alan; Willis, Laura B.

2012-01-01

Fermentation of cellulosic and hemicellulosic sugars from biomass could resolve food-versus-fuel conflicts inherent in the bioconversion of grains. However, the inability to coferment glucose and xylose is a major challenge to the economical use of lignocellulose as a feedstock. Simultaneous cofermentation of glucose, xylose, and cellobiose is problematic for most microbes because glucose represses utilization of the other saccharides. Surprisingly, the ascomycetous, beetle-associated yeast Spathaspora passalidarum, which ferments xylose and cellobiose natively, can also coferment these two sugars in the presence of 30 g/liter glucose. S. passalidarum simultaneously assimilates glucose and xylose aerobically, it simultaneously coferments glucose, cellobiose, and xylose with an ethanol yield of 0.42 g/g, and it has a specific ethanol production rate on xylose more than 3 times that of the corresponding rate on glucose. Moreover, an adapted strain of S. passalidarum produced 39 g/liter ethanol with a yield of 0.37 g/g sugars from a hardwood hydrolysate. Metabolome analysis of S. passalidarum before onset and during the fermentations of glucose and xylose showed that the flux of glycolytic intermediates is significantly higher on xylose than on glucose. The high affinity of its xylose reductase activities for NADH and xylose combined with allosteric activation of glycolysis probably accounts in part for its unusual capacities. These features make S. passalidarum very attractive for studying regulatory mechanisms enabling bioconversion of lignocellulosic materials by yeasts. PMID:22636012

Determination of optimal biomass pretreatment strategies for biofuel production: investigation of relationships between surface-exposed polysaccharides and their enzymatic conversion using carbohydrate-binding modules.

PubMed

Khatri, Vinay; Meddeb-Mouelhi, Fatma; Adjallé, Kokou; Barnabé, Simon; Beauregard, Marc

2018-01-01

Pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) is a key step for its efficient bioconversion into ethanol. Determining the best pretreatment and its parameters requires monitoring its impacts on the biomass material. Here, we used fluorescent protein-tagged carbohydrate-binding modules method (FTCM)-depletion assay to study the relationship between surface-exposed polysaccharides and enzymatic hydrolysis of LCB. Our results indicated that alkali extrusion pretreatment led to the highest hydrolysis rates for alfalfa stover, cattail stems and flax shives, despite its lower lignin removal efficiency compared to alkali pretreatment. Corn crop residues were more sensitive to alkali pretreatments, leading to higher hydrolysis rates. A clear relationship was consistently observed between total surface-exposed cellulose detected by the FTCM-depletion assay and biomass enzymatic hydrolysis. Comparison of bioconversion yield and total composition analysis (by NREL/TP-510-42618) of LCB prior to or after pretreatments did not show any close relationship. Lignin removal efficiency and total cellulose content (by NREL/TP-510-42618) led to an unreliable prediction of enzymatic polysaccharide hydrolysis. Fluorescent protein-tagged carbohydrate-binding modules method (FTCM)-depletion assay provided direct evidence that cellulose exposure is the key determinant of hydrolysis yield. The clear and robust relationships that were observed between the cellulose accessibility by FTCM probes and enzymatic hydrolysis rates change could be evolved into a powerful prediction tool that might help develop optimal biomass pretreatment strategies for biofuel production.

A novel bioconversion for value-added products from food waste using Musca domestica.

PubMed

Niu, Yi; Zheng, Dong; Yao, Binghua; Cai, Zizhe; Zhao, Zhimin; Wu, Shengqing; Cong, Peiqing; Yang, Depo

2017-03-01

Food waste, as a major part of the municipal solid waste has been generated increasingly worldwide. Efficient and feasible utilization of this waste material for productivity process is significant for both economical and environmental reasons. In the present study, Musca domestica larva was used as the carrier to conduct a bioconversion with food waste to get the value-added maggot protein, oil and organic fertilizers. Methods of adult flies rearing, culture medium adjuvant selection, maggot culture conditions, stocking density and the valorization of the waste have been explored. From the experimental results, every 1000g culture mediums (700g food waste and 300g adjuvant) could be disposed by 1.5g M. domestica eggs under proper culture conditions after emergence in just 4days, 42.95±0.25% of which had been consumed and the culture medium residues could be used as good organic fertilizers, accompanying with the food waste consumption, ∼53.08g dried maggots that contained 57.06±2.19% protein and 15.07±2.03% oil had been produced. The maggot protein for its outstanding pharmacological activities is regarded as a good raw material in the field of medicine and animal feeding. Meanwhile, the maggot oil represents a potential alternative feedstock for biodiesel production. In our study, the maggot biodiesel was obtained after the procedure of transesterification reaction with methanol and the productivity was 87.71%. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Biohydrogen production in a continuous stirred tank bioreactor from synthesis gas by anaerobic photosynthetic bacterium: Rhodopirillum rubrum.

PubMed

Younesi, Habibollah; Najafpour, Ghasem; Ku Ismail, Ku Syahidah; Mohamed, Abdul Rahman; Kamaruddin, Azlina Harun

2008-05-01

Hydrogen may be considered a potential fuel for the future since it is carbon-free and oxidized to water as a combustion product. Bioconversion of synthesis gas (syngas) to hydrogen was demonstrated in continuous stirred tank bioreactor (CSTBR) utilizing acetate as a carbon source. An anaerobic photosynthetic bacterium, Rhodospirillum rubrum catalyzed water-gas shift reaction which was applied for the bioconversion of syngas to hydrogen. The continuous fermentation of syngas in the bioreactor was continuously operated at various gas flow rates and agitation speeds, for the period of two months. The gas flow rates were varied from 5 to 14 ml/min. The agitation speeds were increasingly altered in the range of 150-500 rpm. The pH and temperature of the bioreactor was set at 6.5 and 30 degrees C. The liquid flow rate was kept constant at 0.65 ml/min for the duration of 60 days. The inlet acetate concentration was fed at 4 g/l into the bioreactor. The hydrogen production rate and yield were 16+/-1.1 mmol g(-1)cell h(-1) and 87+/-2.4% at fixed agitation speed of 500 rpm and syngas flow rate of 14 ml/min, respectively. The mass transfer coefficient (KLa) at this condition was approximately 72.8h(-1). This new approach, using a biocatalyst was considered as an alternative method of conventional Fischer-Tropsch synthetic reactions, which were able to convert syngas into hydrogen.

Cascade catalysis in membranes with enzyme immobilization for multi-enzymatic conversion of CO2 to methanol.

PubMed

Luo, Jianquan; Meyer, Anne S; Mateiu, R V; Pinelo, Manuel

2015-05-25

Facile co-immobilization of enzymes is highly desirable for bioconversion methods involving multi-enzymatic cascade reactions. Here we show for the first time that three enzymes can be immobilized in flat-sheet polymeric membranes simultaneously or separately by simple pressure-driven filtration (i.e. by directing membrane fouling formation), without any addition of organic solvent. Such co-immobilization and sequential immobilization systems were examined for the production of methanol from CO2 with formate dehydrogenase (FDH), formaldehyde dehydrogenase (FaldDH) and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). Enzyme activity was fully retained by this non-covalent immobilization strategy. The two immobilization systems had similar catalytic efficiencies because the second reaction (formic acid→formaldehyde) catalyzed by FaldDH was found to be the cascade bottleneck (a threshold substrate concentration was required). Moreover, the trade-off between the mitigation of product inhibition and low substrate concentration for the adjacent enzymes probably made the co-immobilization meaningless. Thus, sequential immobilization could be used for multi-enzymatic cascade reactions, as it allowed the operational conditions for each single step to be optimized, not only during the enzyme immobilization but also during the reaction process, and the pressure-driven mass transfer (flow-through mode) could overcome the diffusion resistance between enzymes. This study not only offers a green and facile immobilization method for multi-enzymatic cascade systems, but also reveals the reaction bottleneck and provides possible solutions for the bioconversion of CO2 to methanol. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Bioconversion of hybrid poplar to ethanol and co-products using an organosolv fractionation process: optimization of process yields.

PubMed

Pan, Xuejun; Gilkes, Neil; Kadla, John; Pye, Kendall; Saka, Shiro; Gregg, David; Ehara, Katsunobu; Xie, Dan; Lam, Dexter; Saddler, Jack

2006-08-05

An organosolv process involving extraction with hot aqueous ethanol has been evaluated for bioconversion of hybrid poplar to ethanol. The process resulted in fractionation of poplar chips into a cellulose-rich solids fraction, an ethanol organosolv lignin (EOL) fraction, and a water-soluble fraction containing hemicellulosic sugars, sugar breakdown products, degraded lignin, and other components. The influence of four independent process variables (temperature, time, catalyst dose, and ethanol concentration) on product yields was analyzed over a broad range using a small composite design and response surface methodology. Center point conditions for the composite design (180 degrees C, 60 min, 1.25% H(2)SO(4), and 60% ethanol), yielded a solids fraction containing approximately 88% of the cellulose present in the untreated poplar. Approximately 82% of the total cellulose in the untreated poplar was recovered as monomeric glucose after hydrolysis of the solids fraction for 24 h using a low enzyme loading (20 filter paper units of cellulase/g cellulose); approximately 85% was recovered after 48 h hydrolysis. Total recovery of xylose (soluble and insoluble) was equivalent to approximately 72% of the xylose present in untreated wood. Approximately 74% of the lignin in untreated wood was recovered as EOL. Other cooking conditions resulted in either similar or inferior product yields although the distribution of components between the various fractions differed markedly. Data analysis generated regression models that describe process responses for any combination of the four variables. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Helically agitated mixing in dry dilute acid pretreatment enhances the bioconversion of corn stover into ethanol

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Dry dilute acid pretreatment at extremely high solids loading of lignocellulose materials demonstrated promising advantages of no waste water generation, less sugar loss, and low steam consumption while maintaining high hydrolysis yield. However, the routine pretreatment reactor without mixing apparatus was found not suitable for dry pretreatment operation because of poor mixing and mass transfer. In this study, helically agitated mixing was introduced into the dry dilute acid pretreatment of corn stover and its effect on pretreatment efficiency, inhibitor generation, sugar production, and bioconversion efficiency through simultaneous saccharification and ethanol fermentation (SSF) were evaluated. Results The overall cellulose conversion taking account of cellulose loss in pretreatment was used to evaluate the efficiency of pretreatment. The two-phase computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model on dry pretreatment was established and applied to analyze the mixing mechanism. The results showed that the pretreatment efficiency was significantly improved and the inhibitor generation was reduced by the helically agitated mixing, compared to the dry pretreatment without mixing: the ethanol titer and yield from cellulose in the SSF reached 56.20 g/L and 69.43% at the 30% solids loading and 15 FPU/DM cellulase dosage, respectively, corresponding to a 26.5% increase in ethanol titer and 17.2% increase in ethanol yield at the same fermentation conditions. Conclusions The advantage of helically agitated mixing may provide a prototype of dry dilute acid pretreatment processing for future commercial-scale production of cellulosic ethanol. PMID:24387051

Bioconversion of Pinoresinol Diglucoside and Pinoresinol from Substrates in the Phenylpropanoid Pathway by Resting Cells of Phomopsis sp.XP-8

PubMed Central

Zhang, Yan; Shi, Junling; Liu, Laping; Gao, Zhenhong; Che, Jinxin; Shao, Dongyan; Liu, Yanlin

2015-01-01

Pinoresinol diglucoside (PDG) and pinoresinol (Pin) are normally produced by plant cells via the phenylpropanoid pathway. This study reveals the existence of a related pathway in Phomopsis sp. XP-8, a PDG-producing fungal strain isolated from the bark of the Tu-chung tree (Eucommiaulmoides Oliv.). After addition of 0.15 g/L glucose to Phomopsis sp. XP-8, PDG and Pin formed when phenylalanine, tyrosine, leucine, cinnamic acid, and p-coumaric acid were used as the substrates respectively. No PDG formed in the absence of glucose, but Pin was detected after addition of all these substrates except leucine. In all systems in the presence of glucose, production of PDG and/or Pin and the accumulation of phenylalanine, cinnamic acid, or p-coumaric acid correlated directly with added substrate in a time- and substrate concentration- dependent manner. After analysis of products produced after addition of each substrate, the mass flow sequence for PDG and Pin biosynthesis was defined as: glucose to phenylalanine, phenylalanine to cinnamic acid, then to p-coumaric acid, and finally to Pin or PDG. During the bioconversion, the activities of four key enzymes in the phenylpropanoid pathway were also determined and correlated with accumulation of their corresponding products. PDG production by Phomopsis sp. exhibits greater efficiency and cost effectiveness than the currently-used plant-based system and will pave the way for large scale production of PDG and/or Pin for medical applications. PMID:26331720

Oligosaccharides in feces of breast- and formula-fed babies.

PubMed

Albrecht, Simone; Schols, Henk A; van Zoeren, Diny; van Lingen, Richard A; Groot Jebbink, Liesbeth J M; van den Heuvel, Ellen G H M; Voragen, Alphons G J; Gruppen, Harry

2011-10-18

So far, little is known on the fate of oligosaccharides in the colon of breast- and formula-fed babies. Using capillary electrophoresis with laser induced fluorescence detector coupled to a mass spectrometer (CE-LIF-MS(n)), we studied the fecal oligosaccharide profiles of 27 two-month-old breast-, formula- and mixed-fed preterm babies. The interpretation of the complex oligosaccharide profiles was facilitated by beforehand clustering the CE-LIF data points by agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC). In the feces of breast-fed babies, characteristic human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) profiles, showing genetic fingerprints known for human milk of secretors and non-secretors, were recognized. Alternatively, advanced degradation and bioconversion of HMOs, resulting in an accumulation of acidic HMOs or HMO bioconversion products was observed. Independent of the prebiotic supplementation of the formula with galactooligosaccharides (GOS) at the level used, similar oligosaccharide profiles of low peak abundance were obtained for formula-fed babies. Feeding influences the presence of diet-related oligosaccharides in baby feces and gastrointestinal adaptation plays an important role herein. Four fecal oligosaccharides, characterized as HexNAc-Hex-Hex, Hex-[Fuc]-HexNAc-Hex, HexNAc-[Fuc]-Hex-Hex and HexNAc-[Fuc]-Hex-HexNAc-Hex-Hex, highlighted an active gastrointestinal metabolization of the feeding-related oligosaccharides. Their presence was linked to the gastrointestinal mucus layer and the blood-group determinant oligosaccharides therein, which are characteristic for the host's genotype. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enantioselective synthesis of (R)-phenylephrine by Serratia marcescens BCRC10948 cells that homologously express SM_SDR.

PubMed

Kuan, Yi-Chia; Xu, Yue-Bin; Wang, Wen-Ching; Yang, Ming-Te

2018-03-01

A short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase from Serratia marcescens BCRC10948, SM_SDR, has been cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli for the bioconversion of 1-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(methylamino) ethanone (HPMAE) to (R)-phenylephrine[(R)-PE]. However, only 5.11mM (R)-PE was obtained from 10mM HPMAE after a 9h conversion in the previous report. To improve the biocatalytic efficiency, the homologous expression of the SM_SDR in S. marcescens BCRC10948 was achieved using the T5 promoter for expression. By using 2% glycerol as carbon source, we found that 8.00±0.15mM of (R)-PE with more than 99% enantiomeric excess was produced from 10mM HPMAE after 12h conversion at 30°C and pH 7.0. More importantly, by using 50mM HPMAE as the substrate, 23.78±0.84mM of (R)-PE was produced after a 12h conversion with the productivity and the conversion yield of 1.98mmol (R)-PE/lh and 47.50%, respectively. The recombinant S. marcescens cells could be recycled 6 times for the production of (R)-PE, and the bioconversion efficiency remained at 85% when compared to that at the first cycle. Our data indicated that a high conversion efficiency of HPMAE to (R)-PE could be achieved using S. marcescens BCRC10948 cells that homologously express the SM_SDR. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Bioconversion of D-galactose to D-tagatose: continuous packed bed reaction with an immobilized thermostable L-arabinose isomerase and efficient purification by selective microbial degradation.

PubMed

Liang, Min; Chen, Min; Liu, Xinying; Zhai, Yafei; Liu, Xian-wei; Zhang, Houcheng; Xiao, Min; Wang, Peng

2012-02-01

The continuous enzymatic conversion of D-galactose to D-tagatose with an immobilized thermostable L-arabinose isomerase in packed-bed reactor and a novel method for D-tagatose purification were studied. L-arabinose isomerase from Thermoanaerobacter mathranii (TMAI) was recombinantly overexpressed and immobilized in calcium alginate. The effects of pH and temperature on D-tagatose production reaction catalyzed by free and immobilized TMAI were investigated. The optimal condition for free enzyme was pH 8.0, 60°C, 5 mM MnCl(2). However, that for immobilized enzyme was pH 7.5, 75°C, 5 mM MnCl(2). In addition, the catalytic activity of immobilized enzyme at high temperature and low pH was significantly improved compared with free enzyme. The optimum reaction yield with immobilized TMAI increased by four percentage points to 43.9% compared with that of free TMAI. The highest productivity of 10 g/L h was achieved with the yield of 23.3%. Continuous production was performed at 70°C; after 168 h, the reaction yield was still above 30%. The resultant syrup was then incubated with Saccharomyces cerevisiae L1 cells. The selective degradation of D-galactose was achieved, obtaining D-tagatose with the purity above 95%. The established production and separation methods further potentiate the industrial production of D-tagatose via bioconversion and biopurification processes.

Biotechnological production of pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals in plant cell and organ cultures.

PubMed

Hidalgo, Diego; Sanchez, Raul; Lalaleo, Liliana; Bonfill, Mercedes; Corchete, Purificacion; Palazon, Javier

2018-03-09

Plant biofactories are biotechnological platforms based on plant cell and organ cultures used for the production of pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals, although to date only a few of these systems have successfully been implemented at an industrial level. Metabolic engineering is possibly the most straightforward strategy to boost pharmaceutical production in plant biofactories, but social opposition to the use of GMOs means empirical approaches are still being used. Plant secondary metabolism involves thousands of different enzymes, some of which catalyze specific reactions, giving one product from a particular substrate, whereas others can yield multiple products from the same substrate. This trait opens plant cell biofactories to new applications, in which the natural metabolic machinery of plants can be harnessed for the bioconversion of phytochemicals or even the production of new bioactive compounds. Synthetic biological pipelines involving the bioconversion of natural substrates into products with a high market value may be established by the heterologous expression of target metabolic genes in model plants. To summarize the state of the art of plant biofactories and their applications for the pipeline production of cosme-, pharma- and biopharmaceuticals. In order to demonstrate the great potential of plant biofactories for multiple applications in the biotechnological production of pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals, this review broadly covers the following: plant biofactories based on cell and hairy root cultures; secondary metabolite production; biotransformation reactions; metabolic engineering tools applied in plant biofactories; and biopharmaceutical production. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Acute toxicity and genotoxicity of fermented traditional medicine oyaksungi-san.

PubMed

Park, Hwayong; Hwang, Youn-Hwan; Ma, Jin Yeul

2017-06-01

The traditional medicine oyaksungi-san (OY) has been prescribed in East Asia for hundreds of years for the treatment of stroke, paralysis, and ataxia. OY also has therapeutic effects on arthralgia, myalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis, and recent studies have shown its protective effects against apoptosis of hippocampal cells and its anti-inflammatory effects on the peripheral blood cells of patient with cerebral infarction. Many studies have explored the use of traditional medicine and herb materials in the development of safe, novel, and effective pharmaceuticals with fewer side effects. These efforts commonly adopt a bioconversion tool for fermentation with beneficial microbes. However, only pharmaceuticals with high levels of safety and low levels of toxicity can be used in healthcare system. OY water extract was fermented with Lactobacillus and assayed for acute toxicity and genotoxicity. Single dose acute toxicity, bacterial reverse mutation, chromosome aberrations, and micronucleus were observed and assayed in rats, histidine/tryptophan auxotrophic bacteria, Chinese hamster ovary fibroblast cells, and mice bone marrow cells, respectively. All the experimental animals showed no abnormal behavior, clinical signs, body weight increases, or mortality. In the bacterial cultures, no revertant colonies were observed. Morphological and numerical chromosomal aberrations were not found in all metaphases examined. Frequency of induced micronuclei was not significantly increased in all doses applied. As a whole, no acute toxicity or genotoxicity were observed in all the assays examined. Therefore, fermented OY is considered to be a safe material that can be used for development of complementary and alternative medicine using bioconversion.

Bridging the gap between feedstock growers and users: the study of a coppice poplar-based biorefinery.

PubMed

Dou, Chang; Gustafson, Rick; Bura, Renata

2018-01-01

In the biofuel industry, land productivity is important to feedstock growers and conversion process product yield is important to the biorefinery. The crop productivity, however, may not positively correlate with bioconversion yield. Therefore, it is important to evaluate sugar yield and biomass productivity. In this study, 2-year-old poplar trees harvested in the first coppice cycle, including one low-productivity hybrid and one high-productivity hybrid, were collected from two poplar tree farms. Through steam pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis, the bioconversion yields of low- and high-productivity poplar hybrids were compared for both sites. The low-productivity hybrids had 9-19% higher sugar yields than the high-productivity hybrids, although they have the similar chemical composition. Economic calculations show the impact on the plantation and biorefinery of using the two feedstocks. Growing a high-productivity hybrid means the land owner would use 11-26% less land (which could be used for other crops) or collect $2.53-$3.46 MM/year extra revenue from the surplus feedstock. On the other side, the biorefinery would receive 5-10% additional revenue using the low-productivity hybrid. We propose a business model based on the integration of the plantation and the biorefinery. In this model, different feedstocks are assessed using a metric of product tonnage per unit land per year. Use of this new economic metric bridges the gap between feedstock growers and users to maximize the overall production efficiency.

Valorization of CH4 emissions into high-added-value products: Assessing the production of ectoine coupled with CH4 abatement.

PubMed

Cantera, Sara; Lebrero, Raquel; Sadornil, Lidia; García-Encina, Pedro A; Muñoz, Raúl

2016-11-01

This study assessed an innovative strategy for the valorization of dilute methane emissions based on the bio-conversion of CH4 (the second most important greenhouse gas (GHG)) into ectoine by the methanotrophic ectoine-producing strain Methylomicrobium alcaliphilum 20 Z. The influence of CH4 (2-20%), Cu(2+) (0.05-50 μM) and NaCl (0-9%) concentration as well as temperature (25-35 °C) on ectoine synthesis and specific CH4 biodegradation rate was evaluated for the first time. Concentrations of 20% CH4 (at 3% NaCl, 0.05 μM Cu(2+), 25 °C) and 6% NaCl (at 4% CH4, 0.05 μM Cu(2+), 25 °C) supported the maximum intra-cellular ectoine production yield (31.0 ±1.7 and 66.9 ±4.2 mg g biomass(-1), respectively). On the other hand, extra-cellular ectoine concentrations of up to 4.7 ± 0.1 mg L(-1) were detected at high Cu(2+)concentrations (50 μM), despite this methanotroph has not been previously classified as an ectoine-excreting strain. This research demonstrated the feasibility of the bio-conversion of dilute emissions of methane into high-added value products in an attempt to develop a sustainable GHG bioeconomy. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Bioconversion of distillers' grains hydrolysates to advanced biofuels by an Escherichia coli co-culture.

PubMed

Liu, Fang; Wu, Weihua; Tran-Gyamfi, Mary B; Jaryenneh, James D; Zhuang, Xun; Davis, Ryan W

2017-11-09

First generation bioethanol production utilizes the starch fraction of maize, which accounts for approximately 60% of the ash-free dry weight of the grain. Scale-up of this technology for fuels applications has resulted in a massive supply of distillers' grains with solubles (DGS) coproduct, which is rich in cellulosic polysaccharides and protein. It was surmised that DGS would be rapidly adopted for animal feed applications, however, this has not been observed based on inconsistency of the product stream and other logistics-related risks, especially toxigenic contaminants. Therefore, efficient valorization of DGS for production of petroleum displacing products will significantly improve the techno-economic feasibility and net energy return of the established starch bioethanol process. In this study, we demonstrate 'one-pot' bioconversion of the protein and carbohydrate fractions of a DGS hydrolysate into C4 and C5 fusel alcohols through development of a microbial consortium incorporating two engineered Escherichia coli biocatalyst strains. The carbohydrate conversion strain E. coli BLF2 was constructed from the wild type E. coli strain B and showed improved capability to produce fusel alcohols from hexose and pentose sugars. Up to 12 g/L fusel alcohols was produced from glucose or xylose synthetic medium by E. coli BLF2. The second strain, E. coli AY3, was dedicated for utilization of proteins in the hydrolysates to produce mixed C4 and C5 alcohols. To maximize conversion yield by the co-culture, the inoculation ratio between the two strains was optimized. The co-culture with an inoculation ratio of 1:1.5 of E. coli BLF2 and AY3 achieved the highest total fusel alcohol titer of up to 10.3 g/L from DGS hydrolysates. The engineered E. coli co-culture system was shown to be similarly applicable for biofuel production from other biomass sources, including algae hydrolysates. Furthermore, the co-culture population dynamics revealed by quantitative PCR analysis indicated that despite the growth rate difference between the two strains, co-culturing didn't compromise the growth of each strain. The q-PCR analysis also demonstrated that fermentation with an appropriate initial inoculation ratio of the two strains was important to achieve a balanced co-culture population which resulted in higher total fuel titer. The efficient conversion of DGS hydrolysates into fusel alcohols will significantly improve the feasibility of the first generation bioethanol process. The integrated carbohydrate and protein conversion platform developed here is applicable for the bioconversion of a variety of biomass feedstocks rich in sugars and proteins.

Bioconversion of plant carotenoids to vitamin A in Filipino school-aged children varies inversely with vitamin A status.

PubMed

Ribaya-Mercado, J D; Solon, F S; Solon, M A; Cabal-Barza, M A; Perfecto, C S; Tang, G; Solon, J A; Fjeld, C R; Russell, R M

2000-08-01

It is important to understand the factors affecting strategies to improve the vitamin A status of populations. We reported previously that a 3-d deuterated-retinol-dilution (DRD) procedure might be used to indicate total body stores of vitamin A. We studied the ability of 3-d DRD to detect changes in the body pool size of vitamin A and the effect of vitamin A status on the bioconversion of plant carotenoids to vitamin A. Two separate, unrelated studies were conducted in 7-13-y-old children with poor or marginal serum retinol concentrations (0.32-0.93 micromol/L) by feeding them controlled diets daily for 5 d/wk for 12 wk, after treatment with an anthelmintic drug. In school 1 (n = 27), lunch and 2 snacks that were provided at school contained 2258 retinol equivalents/d (mostly from orange fruit and vegetables) and 5.3 MJ/d from 33 g fat, 37 g protein, and 209 g carbohydrates; in school 2 (n = 25), 2 snacks provided 2.5 MJ/d from 9.4 g fat, 9.6 g protein, and 119 g carbohydrates, but no carotenes. In school 1, mean serum beta-carotene increased from 0.12 to 0.62 micromol/L (P = 0.0001) and serum retinol increased from 0.68 to 1. 06 micromol/L (P = 0.0001). In school 2, serum beta-carotene increased from 0.06 to 0.11 micromol/L (P = 0.0001) and serum retinol increased from 0.66 to 0.86 micromol/L (P = 0.0001). In school 1, but not school 2, improvement in serum retinol varied inversely with baseline retinol (r = -0.38, P = 0.048). In both schools, 3-d DRD showed reductions in the ratio of serum deuterated to nondeuterated retinol (D:H retinol) postintervention, denoting improvements in vitamin A status; the higher D:H retinol (ie, the poorer the status) at baseline, the greater the reduction in D:H retinol postintervention (school 1: r = -0.99, P = 0.0001; school 2: r = -0.89, P = 0.0001). Three-day DRD can detect changes in the body pool size of vitamin A, although a predictive equation to quantitate total body stores of vitamin A with the use of 3-d data needs to be developed. Bioconversion of plant carotenoids to vitamin A varies inversely with vitamin A status; improvement in status after dietary interventions is strongly influenced by total body stores of vitamin A and is influenced little or not at all by serum retinol.

Process Design and Economics for the Conversion of Lignocellulosic Biomass to Hydrocarbons: Dilute-Acid and Enzymatic Deconstruction of Biomass to Sugars and Biological Conversion of Sugars to Hydrocarbons

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Davis, R.; Tao, L.; Tan, E. C. D.

2013-10-01

This report describes one potential conversion process to hydrocarbon products by way of biological conversion of lingnocellulosic-dervied sugars. The process design converts biomass to a hydrocarbon intermediate, a free fatty acid, using dilute-acid pretreatement, enzymatic saccharification, and bioconversion. Ancillary areas--feed handling, hydrolysate conditioning, product recovery and upgrading (hydrotreating) to a final blendstock material, wastewater treatment, lignin combusion, and utilities--are also included in the design.

Characterization and multi-step transketolase-ω-transaminase bioconversions in an immobilized enzyme microreactor (IEMR) with packed tube.

PubMed

Halim, Amanatuzzakiah Abdul; Szita, Nicolas; Baganz, Frank

2013-12-01

The concept of de novo metabolic engineering through novel synthetic pathways offers new directions for multi-step enzymatic synthesis of complex molecules. This has been complemented by recent progress in performing enzymatic reactions using immobilized enzyme microreactors (IEMR). This work is concerned with the construction of de novo designed enzyme pathways in a microreactor synthesizing chiral molecules. An interesting compound, commonly used as the building block in several pharmaceutical syntheses, is a single diastereoisomer of 2-amino-1,3,4-butanetriol (ABT). This chiral amino alcohol can be synthesized from simple achiral substrates using two enzymes, transketolase (TK) and transaminase (TAm). Here we describe the development of an IEMR using His6-tagged TK and TAm immobilized onto Ni-NTA agarose beads and packed into tubes to enable multi-step enzyme reactions. The kinetic parameters of both enzymes were first determined using single IEMRs evaluated by a kinetic model developed for packed bed reactors. The Km(app) for both enzymes appeared to be flow rate dependent, while the turnover number kcat was reduced 3 fold compared to solution-phase TK and TAm reactions. For the multi-step enzyme reaction, single IEMRs were cascaded in series, whereby the first enzyme, TK, catalyzed a model reaction of lithium-hydroxypyruvate (HPA) and glycolaldehyde (GA) to L-erythrulose (ERY), and the second unit of the IEMR with immobilized TAm converted ERY into ABT using (S)-α-methylbenzylamine (MBA) as amine donor. With initial 60mM (HPA and GA each) and 6mM (MBA) substrate concentration mixture, the coupled reaction reached approximately 83% conversion in 20 min at the lowest flow rate. The ability to synthesize a chiral pharmaceutical intermediate, ABT in relatively short time proves this IEMR system as a powerful tool for construction and evaluation of de novo pathways as well as for determination of enzyme kinetics. Copyright © 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Efficient bioconversion of organic wastes to high optical activity of l-lactic acid stimulated by cathode in mixed microbial consortium.

PubMed

Xue, Gang; Lai, Sizhou; Li, Xiang; Zhang, Wenjuan; You, Jiguang; Chen, Hong; Qian, Yajie; Gao, Pin; Liu, Zhenhong; Liu, Yanan

2017-12-12

Lactic acid is one of the emerging top biomass derived platform chemicals that can be fermented from organic wastes. This study evaluated the potential of Cathodic Electro-Fermentation (CEF) as a novel approach to enhance the yield of high optical activity (OA) of l-lactic acid from organic wastes using mixed microbial consortium. The fermentation process was stimulated through the cathode applied with -100 mV versus standard hydrogen electrode (SHE), which contributed to 4.73 times higher lactic acid productivity (0.6578 g L -1 h -1 ) compared to that in the open circuit control (0.1392 g L -1 h -1 ), and an improved OA of l-lactic acid was also observed (42.3% vs. 3.6% of the open circuit control). The study elucidated that the optimal voltage at -100 mV promoted the conversion of pyruvate to l-lactate by 77.9% compared to the Blank, which triggered the generation of l-lactic acid to occur rapidly even at low concentration of pyruvate. The significant variation of microbial community in family- and genus-level distributions were observed in CEF system. Furthermore, the open-circuit operation test demonstrated that the cathode providing in-situ electron supply was essential to achieve high efficient bioconversion of organic wastes to lactic acid. Our work highlights the feasibility of CEF to steer high value-added fermentation products deriving from organic wastes by the mixed microbial consortium. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

In vitro bioconversion of chitin to pyruvate with thermophilic enzymes.

PubMed

Honda, Kohsuke; Kimura, Keisuke; Ninh, Pham Huynh; Taniguchi, Hironori; Okano, Kenji; Ohtake, Hisao

2017-09-01

Chitin is the second most abundant organic compound on the planet and thus has been regarded as an alternative resource to petroleum feedstocks. One of the key challenges in the biological conversion of biomass-derived polysaccharides, such as cellulose and chitin, is to close the gap between optimum temperatures for enzymatic saccharification and microbial fermentation and to implement them in a single bioreactor. To address this issue, in the present study, we aimed to perform an in vitro, one-pot bioconversion of chitin to pyruvate, which is a precursor of a wide range of useful metabolites. Twelve thermophilic enzymes, including that for NAD + regeneration, were heterologously produced in Escherichia coli and semi-purified by heat treatment of the crude extract of recombinant cells. When the experimentally decided concentrations of enzymes were incubated with 0.5 mg mL -1 colloidal chitin (equivalent to 2.5 mM N-acetylglucosamine unit) and an adequate set of cofactors at 70°C, 0.62 mM pyruvate was produced in 5 h. Despite the use of a cofactor-balanced pathway, determination of the pool sizes of cofactors showed a rapid decrease in ATP concentration, most probably due to the thermally stable ATP-degrading enzyme(s) derived from the host cell. Integration of an additional enzyme set of thermophilic adenylate kinase and polyphosphate kinase led to the deceleration of ATP degradation, and the final product titer was improved to 2.1 mM. Copyright © 2017 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Metabolic responses in Candida tropicalis to complex inhibitors during xylitol bioconversion.

PubMed

Wang, Shizeng; Li, Hao; Fan, Xiaoguang; Zhang, Jingkun; Tang, Pingwah; Yuan, Qipeng

2015-09-01

During xylitol fermentation, Candida tropicalis is often inhibited by inhibitors in hemicellulose hydrolysate. The mechanisms involved in the metabolic responses to inhibitor stress and the resistances to inhibitors are still not clear. To understand the inhibition mechanisms and the metabolic responses to inhibitors, a GC/MS-based metabolomics approach was performed on C. tropicalis treated with and without complex inhibitors (CI, including furfural, phenol and acetic acid). Partial least squares discriminant analysis was used to determine the metabolic variability between CI-treated groups and control groups, and 25 metabolites were identified as possible entities responsible for the discrimination caused by inhibitors. We found that xylose uptake rate and xylitol oxidation rate were promoted by CI treatment. Metabolomics analysis showed that the flux from xylulose to pentose phosphate pathway increased, and tricarboxylic acid cycle was disturbed by CI. Moreover, the changes in levels of 1,3-propanediol, trehalose, saturated fatty acids and amino acids showed different mechanisms involved in metabolic responses to inhibitor stress. The increase of 1,3-propanediol was considered to be correlated with regulating redox balance and osmoregulation. The increase of trehalose might play a role in protein stabilization and cellular membranes protection. Saturated fatty acids could cause the decrease of membrane fluidity and make the plasma membrane rigid to maintain the integrity of plasma membrane. The deeper understanding of the inhibition mechanisms and the metabolic responses to inhibitors will provide us with more information on the metabolism regulation during xylitol bioconversion and the construction of industrial strains with inhibitor tolerance for better utilization of bioresource. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Efficient butanol-ethanol (B-E) production from carbon monoxide fermentation by Clostridium carboxidivorans.

PubMed

Fernández-Naveira, Ánxela; Abubackar, Haris Nalakath; Veiga, María C; Kennes, Christian

2016-04-01

The fermentation of waste gases rich in carbon monoxide using acetogens is an efficient way to obtain valuable biofuels like ethanol and butanol. Different experiments were carried out with the bacterial species Clostridium carboxidivorans as biocatalyst. In batch assays with no pH regulation, after complete substrate exhaustion, acetic acid, butyric acid, and ethanol were detected while only negligible butanol production was observed. On the other side, in bioreactors, with continuous carbon monoxide supply and pH regulation, both C2 and C4 fatty acids were initially formed as well as ethanol and butanol at concentrations never reported before for this type of anaerobic bioconversion of gaseous C1 compounds, showing that the operating conditions significantly affect the metabolic fermentation profile and butanol accumulation. Maximum ethanol and butanol concentrations in the bioreactors were obtained at pH 5.75, reaching values of 5.55 and 2.66 g/L, respectively. The alcohols were produced both from CO fermentation as well as from the bioconversion of previously accumulated acetic and butyric acids, resulting in low residual concentrations of such acids at the end of the bioreactor experiments. CO consumption was often around 50% and reached up to more than 80%. Maximum specific rates of ethanol and butanol production were reached at pH 4.75, with values of 0.16 g/h*g of biomass and 0.07 g/h*g of biomass, respectively, demonstrating that a low pH was more favorable to solventogenesis in this process, although it negatively affects biomass growth which does also play a role in the final alcohol titer.

Shiitake Medicinal Mushroom, Lentinus edodes (Higher Basidiomycetes) Productivity and Lignocellulolytic Enzyme Profiles during Wheat Straw and Tree Leaf Bioconversion.

PubMed

Elisashvili, Vladimir; Kachlishvili, Eva; Asatiani, Mikheil D

2015-01-01

Two commercial strains of Lentinus edodes have been comparatively evaluated for their productivity and lignocellulolytic enzyme profiles in mushroom cultivation using wheat straw or tree leaves as the growth substrates. Both substrates are profitable for recycling into shiitake fruit bodies. L. edodes 3715 gave the lowest yield of mushroom during tree leaves bioconversion with the biological efficiency (BE) 74.8% while the L. edodes 3721 BE achieved 83.4%. Cultivation of shiitake on wheat straw, especially in the presence of additional nitrogen source, increased the L. edodes 3721 BE to 92-95.3% owing to the high hydrolases activity and favorable conditions. Despite the quantitative variations, each strain of L. edodes had a similar pattern for secreting enzymes into the wheat straw and tree leaves. The mushrooms laccase and MnP activities were high during substrate colonization and declined rapidly during primordia appearance and fruit body development. While oxidase activity decreased, during the same period cellulases and xylanase activity raised sharply. Both cellulase and xylanase activity peaked at the mature fruit body stage. When mushrooms again shifted to the vegetative growth, oxidase activity gradually increased, whereas the hydrolases activity dropped rapidly. The MnP, CMCase, and FP activities of L. edodes 3721 during cultivation on wheat straw were higher than those during mushroom growth on tree leaves whereas the laccase activity was rather higher in fermentation of tree leaves. Enrichment of wheat straw with an additional nitrogen source rather favored to laccase, MnP, and FPA secretion during the vegetative stage of the L. edodes 3721 growth.

The prospects of cellulase-producing bacteria for the bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass.

PubMed

Maki, Miranda; Leung, Kam Tin; Qin, Wensheng

2009-07-29

Lignocellulosic biomass is a renewable and abundant resource with great potential for bioconversion to value-added bioproducts. However, the biorefining process remains economically unfeasible due to a lack of biocatalysts that can overcome costly hurdles such as cooling from high temperature, pumping of oxygen/stirring, and, neutralization from acidic or basic pH. The extreme environmental resistance of bacteria permits screening and isolation of novel cellulases to help overcome these challenges. Rapid, efficient cellulase screening techniques, using cellulase assays and metagenomic libraries, are a must. Rare cellulases with activities on soluble and crystalline cellulose have been isolated from strains of Paenibacillus and Bacillus and shown to have high thermostability and/or activity over a wide pH spectrum. While novel cellulases from strains like Cellulomonas flavigena and Terendinibacter turnerae, produce multifunctional cellulases with broader substrate utilization. These enzymes offer a framework for enhancement of cellulases including: specific activity, thermalstability, or end-product inhibition. In addition, anaerobic bacteria like the clostridia offer potential due to species capable of producing compound multienzyme complexes called cellulosomes. Cellulosomes provide synergy and close proximity of enzymes to substrate, increasing activity towards crystalline cellulose. This has lead to the construction of designer cellulosomes enhanced for specific substrate activity. Furthermore, cellulosome-producing Clostridium thermocellum and its ability to ferment sugars to ethanol; its amenability to co-culture and, recent advances in genetic engineering, offer a promising future in biofuels. The exploitation of bacteria in the search for improved enzymes or strategies provides a means to upgrade feasibility for lignocellulosic biomass conversion, ultimately providing means to a 'greener' technology.

The prospects of cellulase-producing bacteria for the bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass

PubMed Central

Maki, Miranda; Leung, Kam Tin; Qin, Wensheng

2009-01-01

Lignocellulosic biomass is a renewable and abundant resource with great potential for bioconversion to value-added bioproducts. However, the biorefining process remains economically unfeasible due to a lack of biocatalysts that can overcome costly hurdles such as cooling from high temperature, pumping of oxygen/stirring, and, neutralization from acidic or basic pH. The extreme environmental resistance of bacteria permits screening and isolation of novel cellulases to help overcome these challenges. Rapid, efficient cellulase screening techniques, using cellulase assays and metagenomic libraries, are a must. Rare cellulases with activities on soluble and crystalline cellulose have been isolated from strains of Paenibacillus and Bacillus and shown to have high thermostability and/or activity over a wide pH spectrum. While novel cellulases from strains like Cellulomonas flavigena and Terendinibacter turnerae, produce multifunctional cellulases with broader substrate utilization. These enzymes offer a framework for enhancement of cellulases including: specific activity, thermalstability, or end-product inhibition. In addition, anaerobic bacteria like the clostridia offer potential due to species capable of producing compound multienzyme complexes called cellulosomes. Cellulosomes provide synergy and close proximity of enzymes to substrate, increasing activity towards crystalline cellulose. This has lead to the construction of designer cellulosomes enhanced for specific substrate activity. Furthermore, cellulosome-producing Clostridium thermocellum and its ability to ferment sugars to ethanol; its amenability to co-culture and, recent advances in genetic engineering, offer a promising future in biofuels. The exploitation of bacteria in the search for improved enzymes or strategies provides a means to upgrade feasibility for lignocellulosic biomass conversion, ultimately providing means to a 'greener' technology. PMID:19680472

Deletion of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae ARO8 gene, encoding an aromatic amino acid transaminase, enhances phenylethanol production from glucose.

PubMed

Romagnoli, Gabriele; Knijnenburg, Theo A; Liti, Gianni; Louis, Edward J; Pronk, Jack T; Daran, Jean-Marc

2015-01-01

Phenylethanol has a characteristic rose-like aroma that makes it a popular ingredient in foods, beverages and cosmetics. Microbial production of phenylethanol currently relies on whole-cell bioconversion of phenylalanine with yeasts that harbour an Ehrlich pathway for phenylalanine catabolism. Complete biosynthesis of phenylethanol from a cheap carbon source, such as glucose, provides an economically attractive alternative for phenylalanine bioconversion. In this study, synthetic genetic array (SGA) screening was applied to identify genes involved in regulation of phenylethanol synthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The screen focused on transcriptional regulation of ARO10, which encodes the major decarboxylase involved in conversion of phenylpyruvate to phenylethanol. A deletion in ARO8, which encodes an aromatic amino acid transaminase, was found to underlie the transcriptional upregulation of ARO10 during growth, with ammonium sulphate as the sole nitrogen source. Physiological characterization revealed that the aro8Δ mutation led to substantial changes in the absolute and relative intracellular concentrations of amino acids. Moreover, deletion of ARO8 led to de novo production of phenylethanol during growth on a glucose synthetic medium with ammonium as the sole nitrogen source. The aro8Δ mutation also stimulated phenylethanol production when combined with other, previously documented, mutations that deregulate aromatic amino acid biosynthesis in S. cerevisiae. The resulting engineered S. cerevisiae strain produced >3 mm phenylethanol from glucose during growth on a simple synthetic medium. The strong impact of a transaminase deletion on intracellular amino acid concentrations opens new possibilities for yeast-based production of amino acid-derived products. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Biodegradation and bioconversion of coals by fungi: Technical report No. 6 for the period December 1, 1986-February 28, 1987. [Candida sp. , Cunninghamella sp. , Acremonium sp. , and Trametes versicolor

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ward, B.

We continued our tests for biosolubilization activity on lignite, subbituminous, and bituminous coals, using both surface solubilization and agar diffusion assays for selected lignite-solubilizing strains challenged with untreated and treated coals shown in earlier tests to be resistant to biosolubilization. These latter were subjected to treatments with heat or pressurized oxygen atmosphere, or to combinations of the same. We have observed biosolubilization of some weathered high-rank coals by some of the fungal isolates tested. 1 tab.

Large scale solubilization of coal and bioconversion to utilizable energy. Eleventh quarterly technical progress report, April 1, 1996--June 30, 1996

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mishra, N.C.

1996-10-01

Neurospora has the capability to solubilize coal and the protein fraction accounting for this ability has been isolated. During this period the cola solubilizing activity (CSA) was fractionated and partially sequenced. The activity has been determined to be a tyrosinase and/or a phenol oxidase. The amino acid sequence of the protein was used to prepare oligonucleotides to identify the clone carrying Neurospora CSA. It is intended to clone the Neurospora gene into yeast, since yeast cannot solubilize coal, to further characterize the CSA.

From rumen to industry

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

The rumen is one of the most complicated and most fascinating microbial ecosystems in nature. A wide variety of microbial species, including bacteria, fungi and protozoa act together to bioconvert (ligno)cellulosic plant material into compounds, which can be taken up and metabolized by the ruminant. Thus, the rumen perfectly resembles a solution to a current industrial problem: the biorefinery, which aims at the bioconversion of lignocellulosic material into fuels and chemicals. We suggest to intensify the studies of the ruminal microbial ecosystem from an industrial microbiologists point of view in order to make use of this rich source of organisms and enzymes. PMID:22963386

From rumen to industry.

PubMed

Sauer, Michael; Marx, Hans; Mattanovich, Diethard

2012-09-10

The rumen is one of the most complicated and most fascinating microbial ecosystems in nature. A wide variety of microbial species, including bacteria, fungi and protozoa act together to bioconvert (ligno)cellulosic plant material into compounds, which can be taken up and metabolized by the ruminant. Thus, the rumen perfectly resembles a solution to a current industrial problem: the biorefinery, which aims at the bioconversion of lignocellulosic material into fuels and chemicals. We suggest to intensify the studies of the ruminal microbial ecosystem from an industrial microbiologists point of view in order to make use of this rich source of organisms and enzymes.

Optimization of process parameters for pilot-scale liquid-state bioconversion of sewage sludge by mixed fungal inoculation.

PubMed

Rahman, Roshanida A; Molla, Abul Hossain; Barghash, Hind F A; Fakhru'l-Razi, Ahmadun

2016-01-01

Liquid-state bioconversion (LSB) technique has great potential for application in bioremediation of sewage sludge. The purpose of this study is to determine the optimum level of LSB process of sewage sludge treatment by mixed fungal (Aspergillus niger and Penicillium corylophilum) inoculation in a pilot-scale bioreactor. The optimization of process factors was investigated using response surface methodology based on Box-Behnken design considering hydraulic retention time (HRT) and substrate influent concentration (S0) on nine responses for optimizing and fitted to the regression model. The optimum region was successfully depicted by optimized conditions, which was identified as the best fit for convenient multiple responses. The results from process verification were in close agreement with those obtained through predictions. Considering five runs of different conditions of HRT (low, medium and high 3.62, 6.13 and 8.27 days, respectively) with the range of S0 value (the highest 12.56 and the lowest 7.85 g L(-1)), it was monitored as the lower HRT was considered as the best option because it required minimum days of treatment than the others with influent concentration around 10 g L(-1). Therefore, optimum process factors of 3.62 days for HRT and 10.12 g L(-1) for S0 were identified as the best fit for LSB process and its performance was deviated by less than 5% in most of the cases compared to the predicted values. The recorded optimized results address a dynamic development in commercial-scale biological treatment of wastewater for safe and environment-friendly disposal in near future.

A high throughput screen for biomining cellulase activity from metagenomic libraries.

PubMed

Mewis, Keith; Taupp, Marcus; Hallam, Steven J

2011-02-01

Cellulose, the most abundant source of organic carbon on the planet, has wide-ranging industrial applications with increasing emphasis on biofuel production (1). Chemical methods to modify or degrade cellulose typically require strong acids and high temperatures. As such, enzymatic methods have become prominent in the bioconversion process. While the identification of active cellulases from bacterial and fungal isolates has been somewhat effective, the vast majority of microbes in nature resist laboratory cultivation. Environmental genomic, also known as metagenomic, screening approaches have great promise in bridging the cultivation gap in the search for novel bioconversion enzymes. Metagenomic screening approaches have successfully recovered novel cellulases from environments as varied as soils (2), buffalo rumen (3) and the termite hind-gut (4) using carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) agar plates stained with congo red dye (based on the method of Teather and Wood (5)). However, the CMC method is limited in throughput, is not quantitative and manifests a low signal to noise ratio (6). Other methods have been reported (7,8) but each use an agar plate-based assay, which is undesirable for high-throughput screening of large insert genomic libraries. Here we present a solution-based screen for cellulase activity using a chromogenic dinitrophenol (DNP)-cellobioside substrate (9). Our library was cloned into the pCC1 copy control fosmid to increase assay sensitivity through copy number induction (10). The method uses one-pot chemistry in 384-well microplates with the final readout provided as an absorbance measurement. This readout is quantitative, sensitive and automated with a throughput of up to 100X 384-well plates per day using a liquid handler and plate reader with attached stacking system.

Lignin-solubilizing ability of actinomycetes isolated from termite (Termitidae) gut.

PubMed Central

Pasti, M B; Pometto, A L; Nuti, M P; Crawford, D L

1990-01-01

The lignocellulose-degrading abilities of 11 novel actinomycete strains isolated from termite gut were determined and compared with that of the well-characterized actinomycete, Streptomyces viridosporus T7A. Lignocellulose bioconversion was followed by (i) monitoring the degradation of [14C]lignin- and [14C]cellulose-labeled phloem of Abies concolor to 14CO2 and 14C-labeled water-soluble products, (ii) determining lignocellulose, lignin, and carbohydrate losses resulting from growth on a lignocellulose substrate prepared from corn stalks (Zea mays), and (iii) quantifying production of a water-soluble lignin degradation intermediate (acid-precipitable polymeric lignin). The actinomycetes were all Streptomyces strains and could be placed into three groups, including a group of five strains that appear superior to S. viridosporus T7A in lignocellulose-degrading ability, three strains of approximately equal ability, and three strains of lesser ability. Strain A2 was clearly the superior and most effective lignocellulose decomposer of those tested. Of the assays used, total lignocellulose weight loss was most useful in determining overall bioconversion ability but not in identifying the best lignin-solubilizing strains. A screening procedure based on 14CO2 evolution from [14C-lignin]lignocellulose combined with measurement of acid-precipitable polymeric lignin yield was the most effective in identifying lignin-solubilizing strains. For the termite gut strains, the pH of the medium showed no increase after 3 weeks of growth on lignocellulose. This is markedly different from the pattern observed with S. viridosporus T7A, which raises the medium pH considerably. Production of extracellular peroxidases by the 11 strains and S. viridosporus T7A was followed for 5 days in liquid cultures.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) PMID:2167628

Optimization of Eisenia fetida stocking density for the bioconversion of rock phosphate enriched cow dung–waste paper mixtures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Unuofin, F.O., E-mail: funmifrank2009@gmail.com; Mnkeni, P.N.S., E-mail: pmnkeni@ufh.ac.za

2014-11-15

Highlights: • Vermidegradation of RP-enriched waste mixtures is dependent on E. fetida stocking density. • A stocking density of 12.5 g-worms kg{sup -1} resulted in highly humified vermicomposts. • P release from RP-enriched waste vermicomposts increases with E. fetida stocking density. • RP-enriched waste vermicomposts had no inhibitory effect on seed germination. - Abstract: Vermitechnology is gaining recognition as an environmental friendly waste management strategy. Its successful implementation requires that the key operational parameters like earthworm stocking density be established for each target waste/waste mixture. One target waste mixture in South Africa is waste paper mixed with cow dung andmore » rock phosphate (RP) for P enrichment. This study sought to establish optimal Eisenia fetida stocking density for maximum P release and rapid bioconversion of RP enriched cow dung–paper waste mixtures. E. fetida stocking densities of 0, 7.5, 12.5, 17.5 and 22.5 g-worms kg{sup −1} dry weight of cow dung–waste paper mixtures were evaluated. The stocking density of 12.5 g-worms kg{sup −1} resulted in the highest earthworm growth rate and humification of the RP enriched waste mixture as reflected by a C:N ratio of <12 and a humic acid/fulvic acid ratio of >1.9 in final vermicomposts. A germination test revealed that the resultant vermicompost had no inhibitory effect on the germination of tomato, carrot, and radish. Extractable P increased with stocking density up to 22.5 g-worm kg{sup −1} feedstock suggesting that for maximum P release from RP enriched wastes a high stocking density should be considered.« less

Studying the rapid bioconversion of lignocellulosic sugars into ethanol using high cell density fermentations with cell recycle

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background The Rapid Bioconversion with Integrated recycle Technology (RaBIT) process reduces capital costs, processing times, and biocatalyst cost for biochemical conversion of cellulosic biomass to biofuels by reducing total bioprocessing time (enzymatic hydrolysis plus fermentation) to 48 h, increasing biofuel productivity (g/L/h) twofold, and recycling biocatalysts (enzymes and microbes) to the next cycle. To achieve these results, RaBIT utilizes 24-h high cell density fermentations along with cell recycling to solve the slow/incomplete xylose fermentation issue, which is critical for lignocellulosic biofuel fermentations. Previous studies utilizing similar fermentation conditions showed a decrease in xylose consumption when recycling cells into the next fermentation cycle. Eliminating this decrease is critical for RaBIT process effectiveness for high cycle counts. Results Nine different engineered microbial strains (including Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains, Scheffersomyces (Pichia) stipitis strains, Zymomonas mobilis 8b, and Escherichia coli KO11) were tested under RaBIT platform fermentations to determine their suitability for this platform. Fermentation conditions were then optimized for S. cerevisiae GLBRCY128. Three different nutrient sources (corn steep liquor, yeast extract, and wheat germ) were evaluated to improve xylose consumption by recycled cells. Capacitance readings were used to accurately measure viable cell mass profiles over five cycles. Conclusion The results showed that not all strains are capable of effectively performing the RaBIT process. Acceptable performance is largely correlated to the specific xylose consumption rate. Corn steep liquor was found to reduce the deleterious impacts of cell recycle and improve specific xylose consumption rates. The viable cell mass profiles indicated that reduction in specific xylose consumption rate, not a drop in viable cell mass, was the main cause for decreasing xylose consumption. PMID:24847379

Bioconversion of glycerol to ethanol by a mutant Enterobacter aerogenes

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

The main objective of this research is to develop, by adaptive evolution, mutant strains of Enterobacter aerogenes ATCC 13048 that are capable of withstanding high glycerol concentration as well as resisting ethanol-inhibition. The mutant will be used for high ethanol fermentation from glycerol feedstock. Ethanol production from pure (P-) and recovered (R-) glycerol using the stock was evaluated. A six-tube-subculture-generations method was used for developing the mutant. This involved subculturing the organism six consecutive times in tubes containing the same glycerol and ethanol concentrations at the same culture conditions. Then, the glycerol and/or ethanol concentration was increased and the six subculture generations were repeated. A strain capable of growing in 200 g/L glycerol and 30 g/L ethanol was obtained. The ability of this mutant, vis-à-vis the original strain, in utilizing glycerol in a high glycerol containing medium, with the concomitant ethanol yield, was assessed. Tryptic soy broth without dextrose (TSB) was used as the fermentation medium. Fermentation products were analyzed using HPLC. In a 20 g/L glycerol TSB, E. aerogenes ATCC 13048 converted 18.5 g/L P-glycerol and 17.8 g/L R-glycerol into 12 and 12.8 g/L ethanol, respectively. In a 50 g/L P-glycerol TSB, it utilized only 15.6 g/L glycerol; but the new strain used up 39 g/L, yielding 20 g/L ethanol after 120 h, an equivalence of 1.02 mol ethanol/mol-glycerol. This is the highest ethanol yield reported from glycerol bioconversion. The result of this P-glycerol fermentation can be duplicated using the R-glycerol from biodiesel production. PMID:22455837

Fermentation of lignocellulosic sugars to acetic acid by Moorella thermoacetica.

PubMed

Ehsanipour, Mandana; Suko, Azra Vajzovic; Bura, Renata

2016-06-01

A systematic study of bioconversion of lignocellulosic sugars to acetic acid by Moorella thermoacetica (strain ATCC 39073) was conducted. Four different water-soluble fractions (hydrolysates) obtained after steam pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass were selected and fermented to acetic acid in batch fermentations. M. thermoacetica can effectively ferment xylose and glucose in hydrolysates from wheat straw, forest residues, switchgrass, and sugarcane straw to acetic acid. Xylose and glucose were completely utilized, with xylose being consumed first. M. thermoacetica consumed up to 62 % of arabinose, 49 % galactose and 66 % of mannose within 72 h of fermentation in the mixture of lignocellulosic sugars. The highest acetic acid yield was obtained from sugarcane straw hydrolysate, with 71 % of theoretical yield based on total sugars (17 g/L acetic acid from 24 g/L total sugars). The lowest acetic acid yield was observed in forest residues hydrolysate, with 39 % of theoretical yield based on total sugars (18 g/L acetic acid from 49 g/L total sugars). Process derived compounds from steam explosion pretreatment, including 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (0.4 g/L), furfural (0.1 g/L) and total phenolics (3 g/L), did not inhibit microbial growth and acetic acid production yield. This research identified two major factors that adversely affected acetic acid yield in all hydrolysates, especially in forest residues: (i) glucose to xylose ratio and (ii) incomplete consumption of arabinose, galactose and mannose. For efficient bioconversion of lignocellulosic sugars to acetic acid, it is imperative to have an appropriate balance of sugars in a hydrolysate. Hence, the choice of lignocellulosic biomass and steam pretreatment design are fundamental steps for the industrial application of this process.

Identification and production of local carotene-rich foods to combat vitamin A malnutrition.

PubMed

Solomons, N W; Bulux, J

1997-11-01

To address, with respect to improvement of human vitamin A status by dietary approaches, the three theoretical postulates that: 1) the most practical and economical manner to increase the amount of dietary vitamin A available to low-income persons in low-income nations is through plant sources of provitamin A carotenoids; 2) there will be constraints and limitation to the efficiency of a given intervention approach related to behavioural, cultural, biological and botanical considerations; and 3) the nature of these constraints and limitations must be understood, and then overcome where possible, to maximize the impact of such interventions on the vitamin A status of developing country populations. We review how local plant sources of provitamin A that would be acceptable for the at-risk populations and outline six settings and scenarios for the processing of carotene-rich foods: 1) cooking for hygiene; 2) long-term preservation; 3) compacting to reduce volume; 4) formulation for specific consumers; 5) improving bioavailability and bioconversion; and 6) to increase 'value added' in commerce. We describe our experiences in Guatemala (with sweet potato flakes), and those of others in the Caribbean, the African Sahel, and East Africa (with solar-drying for preservation of a variety of plants), and in Sri Lanka (with leaf concentrates) in promoting increased carotene-rich food intake, and the lessons learned from their evaluations. This overall approach to combatting endemic hypovitaminosis A in developing countries is evaluated within the constraints of: 1) the volumes of plant-based foods required to satisfy vitamin A requirements; and 2) the controversy over the true bioconversion efficiency of provitamin A from plant sources into the biologically-available active vitamin.

The Ho-Ni-Ge system: Isothermal section and new rare-earth nickel germanides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morozkin, A. V.; Knotko, A. V.; Yapaskurt, V. O.; Yuan, Fang; Mozharivskyj, Y.; Pani, M.; Provino, A.; Manfrinetti, P.

2015-05-01

The Ho-Ni-Ge system has been investigated at 1070 K and up to 60 at% Ho by X-ray diffraction and microprobe analyses. Besides the eight known compounds, HoNi5Ge3 (YNi5Si3-type), HoNi2Ge2 (CeAl2Ga2-type), Ho2NiGe6 (Ce2CuGe6-type), HoNiGe3 (SmNiGe3-type), HoNi0.2÷0.6Ge2 (CeNiSi2-type), Ho37÷34Ni6÷24Ge57÷42 (AlB2-type), HoNiGe (TiNiSi-type), Ho3NiGe2 (La3NiGe2-type), the ternary system contains four new compounds: Ho3Ni11Ge4 (Sc3Ni11Ge4-type), HoNi3Ge2 (ErNi3Ge2-type), Ho3Ni2Ge3 (Hf3Ni2Si3-type) and Ho5Ni2Ge3 (unknown structure). Quasi-binary solid solutions were observed at 1070 K for Ho2Ni17, HoNi5, HoNi7, HoNi3, HoNi2, HoNi and Ho2Ge3, but no detectable solubility was found for the other binary compounds in the Ho-Ni-Ge system. Based on the magnetization measurements, the HoNi5Ge3, HoNi3Ge2 and Ho3Ni11Ge4 (and isostructural {Tb, Dy}3Ni11Ge4) compounds have been found to show paramagnetic behavior down to 5 K, whereas Ho3Ni2Ge3 exhibits an antiferromagnetic transition at 7 K. Additionally, the crystal structure of the new isostructural phases {Y, Yb}Ni3Ge2 (ErNi3Ge2-type), Er3Ni11Ge4 (Sc3Ni11Ge4-type) and {Y, Tb, Dy, Er, Tm}3Ni2Ge3 (Hf3Ni2Si3-type) has been also investigated.

Amide-transforming activity of Streptomyces: possible application to the formation of hydroxy amides and aminoalcohols.

PubMed

Yamada, Shinya; Miyagawa, Taka-Aki; Yamada, Ren; Shiratori-Takano, Hatsumi; Sayo, Noboru; Saito, Takao; Takano, Hideaki; Beppu, Teruhiko; Ueda, Kenji

2013-07-01

To develop an efficient bioconversion process for amides, we screened our collection of Streptomyces strains, mostly obtained from soil, for effective transformers. Five strains, including the SY007 (NBRC 109343) and SY435 (NBRC 109344) of Streptomyces sp., exhibited marked conversion activities from the approximately 700 strains analyzed. These strains transformed diverse amide compounds such as N-acetyltetrahydroquinoline, N-benzoylpyrrolidine, and N-benzoylpiperidine into alcohols or N,O-acetals with high activity and regioselectivity. N,O-acetal was transformed into alcohol by serial tautomerization and reduction reactions. As such, Streptomyces spp. can potentially be used for the efficient preparation of hydroxy amides and aminoalcohols.

Fungal strains as catalysts for the biotransformation of halolactones by hydrolytic dehalogenation with the dimethylcyclohexane system.

PubMed

Grabarczyk, Małgorzata

2012-08-14

Bicyclic chloro-, bromo- and iodo-γ-lactones with dimethylcyclohexane rings were used as substrates for bioconversion by several fungal strains (Fusarium, Botrytis and Beauveria). Most of the selected microorganisms transformed these lactones by hydrolytic dehalogenation into the new compound cis-2-hydroxy-4,6-dimethyl-9-oxabicyclo[4.3.0]- nonan-8-one, mainly the (-)-isomer. When iodo-γ-lactone was used as the substrate, two products were observed: a hydroxy-γ-lactone and an unsaturated lactone. The structures of all substrates and products were established on the basis of their spectral data. The mechanism of dehalogenation of three halolactones was also studied.

Method for high specific bioproductivity of .alpha.,.omega.-alkanedicarboxylic acids

DOEpatents

Mobley, David Paul; Shank, Gary Keith

2000-01-01

This invention provides a low-cost method of producing .alpha.,.omega.-alkanedicarboxylic acids. Particular bioconversion conditions result in highly efficient conversion of fatty acid, fatty acid ester, or alkane substrates to diacids. Candida tropicalis AR40 or similar yeast strains are grown in a medium containing a carbon source and a nitrogen source at a temperature of 31.degree. C. to 38.degree. C., while additional carbon source is continuously added, until maximum cell growth is attained. Within 0-3 hours of this point, substrate is added to the culture to initiate conversion. An .alpha.,.omega.-alkanedicarboxylic acid made according to this method is also provided.

Biotransformation of tissue-specific hormone tibolone with fungal culture Trichothecium roseum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shah, Syed Adnan Ali; Sultan, Sadia; Zaimi bin Mohd Noor, M.

2013-06-01

Whole cells based biotransformation is an important tool for bioconversion of steroids. It can be used to synthesize biologically potent compounds with diverse structures. Biotransformation of tissue-specific hormone tibolone (1) with Trichothecium roseum (ATCC 13411) has being carried out for the first time. Two new and three known metabolites 2-6 were isolated from fermentation of tibolone (1) with Trichothecium roseum and their structures were characterized by 2D NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The relative stereochemistry of new metabolites 5 and 6 was deduced by 2D NOESY experiments. The effect of cultures on tibolone structural modifications and time-course studies has also been conducted.

Enzymatic approaches to rare sugar production.

PubMed

Zhang, Wenli; Zhang, Tao; Jiang, Bo; Mu, Wanmeng

Rare sugars have recently attracted much attention because of their potential applications in the food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries. A systematic strategy for enzymatic production of rare sugars, named Izumoring, was developed >10years ago. The strategy consists of aldose-ketose isomerization, ketose C-3 epimerization, and monosaccharide oxidation-reduction. Recent development of the Izumoring strategy is reviewed herein, especially the genetic approaches to the improvement of rare sugar-producing enzymes and the applications of target-oriented bioconversion. In addition, novel non-Izumoring enzymatic approaches are also summarized, including enzymatic condensation, phosphorylation-dephosphorylation cascade reaction, aldose epimerization, ulosonic acid decarboxylation, and biosynthesis of rare disaccharides. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Vanillin-bioconversion and bioengineering of the most popular plant flavor and its de novo biosynthesis in the vanilla orchid.

PubMed

Gallage, Nethaji J; Møller, Birger Lindberg

2015-01-01

In recent years, biotechnology-derived production of flavors and fragrances has expanded rapidly. The world's most popular flavor, vanillin, is no exception. This review outlines the current state of biotechnology-based vanillin synthesis with the use of ferulic acid, eugenol, and glucose as substrates and bacteria, fungi, and yeasts as microbial production hosts. The de novo biosynthetic pathway of vanillin in the vanilla orchid and the possible applied uses of this new knowledge in the biotechnology-derived and pod-based vanillin industries are also highlighted. Copyright © 2015 The Author. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A multidisciplinary research program directed toward utilization of solar energy through bioconversion of renewable resources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Finnerty, W. R.

1980-07-01

Cellulytic bacteria, cellobiose fermentors, sulfate-reducing bacteria and methanogenic bacteria were isolated from established anaerobic mesophilic and thermophilic cellulose methane fermentations and these isolates, plus known laboratory strains, were employed to partially reconstitute highly active cellulose fermentations. These mixed cultures are utilized as model systems to study the parameters required for maximum production of CH4, H2 and chemical feedstocks such as acetate, ethanol, propionate, etc., from cellulose. The physiology of these reconstituted cultures is investigated as regards cultural conditions, microbial types, inoculum size, interspecies H2 transfer and specific regulatory phenomena, the accumulation of cellobiose and acetate.

Process for preparing multilayer enzyme coating on a fiber

DOEpatents

Kim, Jungbae [Richland, WA; Kwak, Ja Hun [Richland, WA; Grate, Jay W [West Richland, WA

2009-11-03

A process for preparing high stability, high activity biocatalytic materials is disclosed and processes for using the same. The process involves coating of a material or fiber with enzymes and enzyme aggregate providing a material or fiber with high biocatalytic activity and stability useful in heterogeneous environments. In one illustrative approach, enzyme "seeds" are covalently attached to polymer nanofibers followed by treatment with a reagent that crosslinks additional enzyme molecules to the seed enzymes forming enzyme aggregates thereby improving biocatalytic activity due to increased enzyme loading and enzyme stability. This approach creates a useful new biocatalytic immobilized enzyme system with potential applications in bioconversion, bioremediation, biosensors, and biofuel cells.

The isothermal section of Gd-Ni-Si system at 1070 K

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morozkin, A. V.; Knotko, A. V.; Yapaskurt, V. O.; Manfrinetti, P.; Pani, M.; Provino, A.; Nirmala, R.; Quezado, S.; Malik, S. K.

2016-03-01

The Gd-Ni-Si system has been investigated at 1070 K by X-ray and microprobe analyses. The existence of the known compounds, i.e.: GdNi10Si2, GdNi8Si3, GdNi5Si3, GdNi7Si6, GdNi6Si6, GdNi4Si, GdNi2Si2, GdNiSi3, Gd3Ni6Si2, GdNiSi, GdNiSi2, GdNi0.4Si1.6, Gd2Ni2.35Si0.65, Gd3NiSi2, Gd3NiSi3 and Gd6Ni1.67Si3, has been confirmed. Moreover, five new phases have been identified in this system. The crystal structure for four of them has been determined: Gd2Ni16-12.8Si1-4.2 (Th2Zn17-type), GdNi6.6Si6 (GdNi7Si6-type), Gd3Ni8Si (Y3Co8Si-type) and Gd3Ni11.5Si4.2(Gd3Ru4Ga12-type). The compound with composition ~Gd2Ni4Si3 still remains with unknown structure. Quasi-binary phases, solid solutions, were detected at 1070 K to be formed by the binaries GdNi5, GdNi3, GdNi2, GdNi, GdSi2 and GdSi1.67; while no appreciable solubility was observed for the other binary compounds of the Gd-Ni-Si system. Magnetic properties of the GdNi6Si6, GdNi6.6Si6 and Gd3Ni11.5Si4.2 compounds have also been investigated and are here reported.

Advanced modelling, monitoring, and process control of bioconversion systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmitt, Elliott C.

Production of fuels and chemicals from lignocellulosic biomass is an increasingly important area of research and industrialization throughout the world. In order to be competitive with fossil-based fuels and chemicals, maintaining cost-effectiveness is critical. Advanced process control (APC) and optimization methods could significantly reduce operating costs in the biorefining industry. Two reasons APC has previously proven challenging to implement for bioprocesses include: lack of suitable online sensor technology of key system components, and strongly nonlinear first principal models required to predict bioconversion behavior. To overcome these challenges batch fermentations with the acetogen Moorella thermoacetica were monitored with Raman spectroscopy for the conversion of real lignocellulosic hydrolysates and a kinetic model for the conversion of synthetic sugars was developed. Raman spectroscopy was shown to be effective in monitoring the fermentation of sugarcane bagasse and sugarcane straw hydrolysate, where univariate models predicted acetate concentrations with a root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 1.9 and 1.0 g L-1 for bagasse and straw, respectively. Multivariate partial least squares (PLS) models were employed to predict acetate, xylose, glucose, and total sugar concentrations for both hydrolysate fermentations. The PLS models were more robust than univariate models, and yielded a percent error of approximately 5% for both sugarcane bagasse and sugarcane straw. In addition, a screening technique was discussed for improving Raman spectra of hydrolysate samples prior to collecting fermentation data. Furthermore, a mechanistic model was developed to predict batch fermentation of synthetic glucose, xylose, and a mixture of the two sugars to acetate. The models accurately described the bioconversion process with an RMSEP of approximately 1 g L-1 for each model and provided insights into how kinetic parameters changed during dual substrate fermentation with diauxic growth. Model predictive control (MPC), an advanced process control strategy, is capable of utilizing nonlinear models and sensor feedback to provide optimal input while ensuring critical process constraints are met. Using the microorganism Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a commonly used microorganism for biofuel production, and work performed with M. thermoacetica, a nonlinear MPC was implemented on a continuous membrane cell-recycle bioreactor (MCRB) for the conversion of glucose to ethanol. The dilution rate was used to control the ethanol productivity of the system will maintaining total substrate conversion above the constraint of 98%. PLS multivariate models for glucose (RMSEP 1.5 g L-1) and ethanol (RMSEP 0.4 g L-1) were robust in predicting concentrations and a mechanistic kinetic model built accurately predicted continuous fermentation behavior. A setpoint trajectory, ranging from 2 - 4.5 g L-1 h-1 for productivity was closely tracked by the fermentation system using Raman measurements and an extended Kalman filter to estimate biomass concentrations. Overall, this work was able to demonstrate an effective approach for real-time monitoring and control of a complex fermentation system.

The Ce-Ni-Si system as a representative of the rare earth-Ni-Si family: Isothermal section and new rare-earth nickel silicides

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Morozkin, A.V., E-mail: morozkin@tech.chem.msu.ru; Knotko, A.V.; Garshev, A.V.

The Ce-Ni-Si system has been investigated at 870/1070 K by X-ray and microprobe analyses. The existence of the known compounds, i.e.: Ce{sub 2}Ni{sub 15.8}Si{sub 1.2} (Th{sub 2}Ni{sub 17}-type), Ce{sub 2}Ni{sub 15-14}Si{sub 2-3} (Th{sub 2}Zn{sub 17}-type), CeNi{sub 8.6}Si{sub 2.4} (BaCd{sub 11}-type), CeNi{sub 8.8}Si{sub 4.2} (LaCo{sub 9}Si{sub 4}-type), CeNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6} (CeNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6}-type), CeNi{sub 5}Si{sub 1-0.3} (TbCu{sub 7}-type), CeNi{sub 4}Si (YNi{sub 4}Si-type), CeNi{sub 2}Si{sub 2} (CeGa{sub 2}Al{sub 2}-type), Ce{sub 2}Ni{sub 3}Si{sub 5} (U{sub 2}Co{sub 3}Si{sub 5}-type), Ce{sub 3}Ni{sub 6}Si{sub 2} (Ce{sub 3}Ni{sub 6}Si{sub 2}-type), Ce{sub 3}Ni{sub 4}Si{sub 4} (U{sub 3}Ni{sub 4}Si{sub 4}-type), CeNiSi{sub 2} (CeNiSi{sub 2}-type), ~CeNi{sub 1.3}Si{sub 0.7} (unknown typemore » structure), Ce{sub 6}Ni{sub 7}Si{sub 4} (Pr{sub 6}Ni{sub 7}Si{sub 4}-type), CeNiSi (LaPtSi-type), CeNi{sub 0.8-0.3}Si{sub 1.2-1.7} (AlB{sub 2}-type), ~Ce{sub 2}Ni{sub 2}Si (unknown type structure), ~Ce{sub 4.5}Ni{sub 3.5}Si{sub 2} (unknown type structure), Ce{sub 15}Ni{sub 7}Si{sub 10} (Pr{sub 15}Ni{sub 7}Si{sub 10}-type), Ce{sub 5}Ni{sub 1.85}Si{sub 3} (Ce{sub 5}Ni{sub 1.85}Si{sub 3}-type), Ce{sub 6}Ni{sub 1.4}Si{sub 3.4} (Ce{sub 6}Ni{sub 1.67}Si{sub 3}-type), Ce{sub 7}Ni{sub 2}Si{sub 5} (Ce{sub 7}Ni{sub 2}Si{sub 5}-type) and Ce{sub 3}NiSi{sub 3} (Y{sub 3}NiSi{sub 3}-type) has been confirmed in this section. Moreover, the type structure has been determined for ~Ce{sub 2}Ni{sub 2}Si (Mo{sub 2}NiB{sub 2}-type Ce{sub 2}Ni{sub 2.5}Si{sub 0.5}) and ~Ce{sub 4.5}Ni{sub 3.5}Si{sub 2} (W{sub 3}CoB{sub 3}-type Ce{sub 3}Ni{sub 3-2.7}Si{sub 1-1.3}) and new ternary phases Ce{sub 2}Ni{sub 6.25}Si{sub 0.75} (Gd{sub 2}Co{sub 7}-type), CeNi{sub 7-7.6}Si{sub 6-5.4} (GdNi{sub 7}Si{sub 6}-type) and ~Ce{sub 27}Ni{sub 42}Si{sub 31} (unknown type structure) have been identified in this system. Quasi-binary phases, solid solutions, were detected at 870/1070 K for CeNi{sub 5}, CeNi{sub 3} and CeSi{sub 2}; while no appreciable solubility was observed for the other binary compounds of the Ce-Ni-Si system. As a prolongation of Rare Earth-Ni-Si system’s isostructural rows, LaNi{sub 7}Si{sub 6} and YNi{sub 6.6}Si{sub 6.1} (GdNi{sub 7}Si{sub 6}-type), ScNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6} (YCo{sub 6}Ge{sub 6}-type), NdNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6} (YNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6}-type), (Tb, Ho){sub 2}Ni{sub 15}Si{sub 2} (Th{sub 2}Zn{sub 17}-type), Nd{sub 2}Ni{sub 2.3}Si{sub 0.7} and Sm{sub 2}Ni{sub 2.2}Si{sub 0.8} (Mo{sub 2}NiB{sub 2}-type), Nd{sub 3}Ni{sub 2.55}Si{sub 1.45} (W{sub 3}CoB{sub 3}-type) and (Tb, Dy){sub 7}Ni{sub 50}Si{sub 19} (Y{sub 7}Ni{sub 49}Si{sub 20}-type) compounds were synthesized and investigated. Magnetic properties of the CeNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6}, CeNi{sub 7}Si{sub 6}, CeNi{sub 8.8}Si{sub 4.2}, Ce{sub 6}Ni{sub 7}Si{sub 4}, CeNi{sub 5}Si, Ce{sub 2}Ni{sub 2.5}Si{sub 0.5}, Nd{sub 2}Ni{sub 2.3}Si{sub 0.7} and Dy{sub 7}Ni{sub 50}Si{sub 19} compounds have also been investigated and are presented here. - Highlights: • Ce-Ni-Si isothermal section was obtained at 870/1070 K. • Twenty one known ternary cerium nickel silicides were confirmed in Ce-Ni-Si. • Five new cerium nickel silicides were detected in Ce-Ni-Si. • Eleven new rare earth nickel silicides were detected in R-Ni-Si. • Magnetic properties of eight rare earth nickel silicides were investigated.« less

Oxygen potentials in Ni + NiO and Ni + Cr2O3 + NiCr2O4 systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kale, G. M.; Fray, D. J.

1994-06-01

The chemical potential of O for the coexistence of Ni + NiO and Ni + Cr2O3 + NiCr2O4 equilibria has been measured employing solid-state galvanic cells, (+) Pt, Cu + Cu2O // (Y2O3)ZrO2 // Ni + NiO, Pt (-) and (+) Pt, Ni + NiO // (Y2O3)ZrO2 // Ni + Cr2O3 + NiCr2O4, Pt (-) in the temperature range of 800 to 1300 K and 1100 to 1460 K, respectively. The electromotive force (emf) of both the cells was reversible, reproducible on thermal cycling, and varied linearly with temperature. For the coexistence of the two-phase mixture of Ni + NiO, δΜO 2(Ni + NiO) = -470,768 + 171.77T (±20) J mol-1 (800 ≤ T ≤ 1300 K) and for the coexistence of Ni + Cr2O3 + NiCr2O4, δΜO 2(Ni + Cr2O3 + NiCr2O4) = -523,190 + 191.07T (±100) J mol-1 (1100≤ T≤ 1460 K) The “third-law” analysis of the present results for Ni + NiO gives the value of ‡H{298/o} = -239.8 (±0.05) kJ mol-1, which is independent of temperature, for the formation of one mole of NiO from its elements. This is in excellent agreement with the calorimetric enthalpy of formation of NiO reported in the literature.

Synergetic interface between NiO/Ni3S2 nanosheets and carbon nanofiber as binder-free anode for highly reversible lithium storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Jialin; Ma, Chao; Yang, Yinbo; Ding, Jingjing; Ji, Hongmei; Shi, Shaojun; Yang, Gang

2018-05-01

A novel heterostructure of NiO/Ni3S2 nanoflake is synthesized and composited with carbon nanofibers (CNF) membrane. NiO/Ni3S2 nanoflakes are homogeneously dispersed in CNF network, herein, NiO/Ni3S2 like leaf and CNF like branch. Carbon nanofibers network efficiently prevents the pulverization and buffers the volume changes of NiO/Ni3S2, meanwhile, NiO/Ni3S2 nanoflakes through the conductive channels of carbon nanofibers own improved Li+ diffusion ability and structural stability. The capacity of NiO/Ni3S2/CNF reaches to 519.2 mA g-1 after 200 cycles at the current density of 0.5 A g-1 while NiO/Ni3S2 fades to 71 mAh g-1 after 40 cycles. Owing to the synergetic structure, the resultant binder-free electrode NiO/Ni3S2/carbon nanofibers shows an excellent reversible lithium storage capability.

Formation of alternating interfacial layers in Au-12Ge/Ni joints

PubMed Central

Lin, Shih-kang; Tsai, Ming-yueh; Tsai, Ping-chun; Hsu, Bo-hsun

2014-01-01

Au-Ge alloys are promising materials for high-power and high-frequency packaging, and Ni is frequently used as diffusion barriers. This study investigates interfacial reactions in Au-12Ge/Ni joints at 300°C and 400°C. For the reactions at 300°C, typical interfacial morphology was observed and the diffusion path was (Au) + (Ge)/NiGe/Ni5Ge3/Ni. However, an interesting phenomenon – the formation of (Au,Ni,Ge)/NiGe alternating layers – was observed for the reactions at 400°C. The diffusion path across the interface was liquid/(Au,Ni,Ge)/NiGe/···/(Au,Ni,Ge)/NiGe/Ni2Ge/Ni. The periodic thermodynamic instability at the NiGe/Ni2Ge interface caused the subsequent nucleation of new (Au,Ni,Ge)/NiGe pairs. The thermodynamic foundation and mechanism of formation of the alternating layers are elaborated in this paper. PMID:24690992

The Ho–Ni–Ge system: Isothermal section and new rare-earth nickel germanides

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Morozkin, A.V., E-mail: morozkin@tech.chem.msu.ru; Knotko, A.V.; Yapaskurt, V.O.

2015-05-15

The Ho–Ni–Ge system has been investigated at 1070 K and up to ~60 at% Ho by X-ray diffraction and microprobe analyses. Besides the eight known compounds, HoNi{sub 5}Ge{sub 3} (YNi{sub 5}Si{sub 3}-type), HoNi{sub 2}Ge{sub 2} (CeAl{sub 2}Ga{sub 2}-type), Ho{sub 2}NiGe{sub 6} (Ce{sub 2}CuGe{sub 6}-type), HoNiGe{sub 3} (SmNiGe{sub 3}-type), HoNi{sub 0.2÷0.6}Ge{sub 2} (CeNiSi{sub 2}-type), Ho{sub 37÷34}Ni{sub 6÷24}Ge{sub 57÷42} (AlB{sub 2}-type), HoNiGe (TiNiSi-type), Ho{sub 3}NiGe{sub 2} (La{sub 3}NiGe{sub 2}-type), the ternary system contains four new compounds: Ho{sub 3}Ni{sub 11}Ge{sub 4} (Sc{sub 3}Ni{sub 11}Ge{sub 4}-type), HoNi{sub 3}Ge{sub 2} (ErNi{sub 3}Ge{sub 2}-type), Ho{sub 3}Ni{sub 2}Ge{sub 3} (Hf{sub 3}Ni{sub 2}Si{sub 3}-type) and ~Ho{sub 5}Ni{sub 2}Ge{submore » 3} (unknown structure). Quasi-binary solid solutions were observed at 1070 K for Ho{sub 2}Ni{sub 17}, HoNi{sub 5}, HoNi{sub 7}, HoNi{sub 3}, HoNi{sub 2}, HoNi and Ho{sub 2}Ge{sub 3}, but no detectable solubility was found for the other binary compounds in the Ho–Ni–Ge system. Based on the magnetization measurements, the HoNi{sub 5}Ge{sub 3}, HoNi{sub 3}Ge{sub 2} and Ho{sub 3}Ni{sub 11}Ge{sub 4} (and isostructural (Tb, Dy){sub 3}Ni{sub 11}Ge{sub 4}) compounds have been found to show paramagnetic behavior down to 5 K, whereas Ho{sub 3}Ni{sub 2}Ge{sub 3} exhibits an antiferromagnetic transition at ~7 K. Additionally, the crystal structure of the new isostructural phases (Y, Yb)Ni{sub 3}Ge{sub 2} (ErNi{sub 3}Ge{sub 2}-type), Er{sub 3}Ni{sub 11}Ge{sub 4} (Sc{sub 3}Ni{sub 11}Ge{sub 4}-type) and (Y, Tb, Dy, Er, Tm){sub 3}Ni{sub 2}Ge{sub 3} (Hf{sub 3}Ni{sub 2}Si{sub 3}-type) has been also investigated. - Graphical abstract: The Ho–Ni–Ge system has been investigated at 1070 K and up to ~60 at.% Ho by X-ray and microprobe analyses. Besides the eight known compounds, i.e. HoNi{sub 5}Ge{sub 3} (YNi{sub 5}Si{sub 3}-type), HoNi{sub 2}Ge{sub 2} (CeAl{sub 2}Ga{sub 2}-type), Ho{sub 2}NiGe{sub 6} (Ce{sub 2}CuGe{sub 6}-type), HoNiGe{sub 3} (SmNiGe{sub 3}-type), HoNi{sub 0.2÷0.6}Ge{sub 2} (CeNiSi{sub 2}-type), Ho{sub 37÷34}Ni{sub 6÷24}Ge{sub 57÷42} (AlB{sub 2}-type), HoNiGe (TiNiSi-type), Ho{sub 3}NiGe{sub 2} (La{sub 3}NiGe{sub 2}-type), the ternary system contains four new compounds: Ho{sub 3}Ni{sub 11}Ge{sub 4} (Sc{sub 3}Ni{sub 11}Ge{sub 4}-type), HoNi{sub 3}Ge{sub 2} (ErNi{sub 3}Ge{sub 2}-type), Ho{sub 3}Ni{sub 2}Ge{sub 3} (Hf{sub 3}Ni{sub 2}Si{sub 3}-type) and ~Ho{sub 5}Ni{sub 2}Ge{sub 3} (unknown structure). Quasi-binary solid solutions were found to form at 1070 K from the binary Ho{sub 2}Ni{sub 17}, HoNi{sub 5}, HoNi{sub 7}, HoNi{sub 3}, HoNi{sub 2}, HoNi and Ho{sub 2}Ge{sub 3} compounds, while no detectable solubility was observed for the other binary compounds in the Ho–Ni–Ge system. Based on the magnetization measurements, the HoNi{sub 5}Ge{sub 3}, HoNi{sub 3}Ge{sub 2} and Ho{sub 3}Ni{sub 11}Ge{sub 4} (and isostructural (Tb, Dy){sub 3}Ni{sub 11}Ge{sub 4}) compounds have been found to show paramagnetic behavior down to 5 K, whereas Ho{sub 3}Ni{sub 2}Ge{sub 3} exhibits an antiferromagnetic transition at ~7 K. Additionally, the crystal structure of the new isostructural phases (Y, Yb)Ni{sub 3}Ge{sub 2} (ErNi{sub 3}Ge{sub 2}-type), Er{sub 3}Ni{sub 11}Ge{sub 4} (Sc{sub 3}Ni{sub 11}Ge{sub 4}-type) and (Y, Tb, Dy, Er, Tm){sub 3}Ni{sub 2}Ge{sub 3} (Hf{sub 3}Ni{sub 2}Si{sub 3}-type) has been also investigated. - Highlights: • Ho–Ni–Ge system has been investigated at 1070 K and up to ~60 at% Ho. • Eight known ternary holmium nickel germanides were confirmed in Ho–Ni–Ge. • Four new holmium nickel germanides were detected in Ho–Ni–Ge. • Eight new rare earth nickel germanides were detected in (Y, Tb, Dy, Er–Yb)–Ni–Ge. • HoNi{sub 5}Ge{sub 3}, HoNi{sub 3}Ge{sub 2},(Tb, Dy, Ho){sub 3}Ni{sub 11}Ge{sub 4} and Ho{sub 3}Ni{sub 2}Ge{sub 3} are paramagnet down to 5–7 K.« less

The isothermal section of Gd–Ni–Si system at 1070 K

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Morozkin, A.V., E-mail: morozkin@tech.chem.msu.ru; Knotko, A.V.; Yapaskurt, V.O.

2016-03-15

The Gd–Ni–Si system has been investigated at 1070 K by X-ray and microprobe analyses. The existence of the known compounds, i.e.: GdNi{sub 10}Si{sub 2}, GdNi{sub 8}Si{sub 3}, GdNi{sub 5}Si{sub 3}, GdNi{sub 7}Si{sub 6}, GdNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6}, GdNi{sub 4}Si, GdNi{sub 2}Si{sub 2}, GdNiSi{sub 3}, Gd{sub 3}Ni{sub 6}Si{sub 2}, GdNiSi, GdNiSi{sub 2}, GdNi{sub 0.4}Si{sub 1.6}, Gd{sub 2}Ni{sub 2.35}Si{sub 0.65}, Gd{sub 3}NiSi{sub 2}, Gd{sub 3}NiSi{sub 3} and Gd{sub 6}Ni{sub 1.67}Si{sub 3}, has been confirmed. Moreover, five new phases have been identified in this system. The crystal structure for four of them has been determined: Gd{sub 2}Ni{sub 16−12.8}Si{sub 1−4.2} (Th{sub 2}Zn{sub 17}-type), GdNi{sub 6.6}Si{submore » 6} (GdNi{sub 7}Si{sub 6}-type), Gd{sub 3}Ni{sub 8}Si (Y{sub 3}Co{sub 8}Si-type) and Gd{sub 3}Ni{sub 11.5}Si{sub 4.2}(Gd{sub 3}Ru{sub 4}Ga{sub 12}-type). The compound with composition ~Gd{sub 2}Ni{sub 4}Si{sub 3} still remains with unknown structure. Quasi-binary phases, solid solutions, were detected at 1070 K to be formed by the binaries GdNi{sub 5}, GdNi{sub 3}, GdNi{sub 2}, GdNi, GdSi{sub 2} and GdSi{sub 1.67}; while no appreciable solubility was observed for the other binary compounds of the Gd–Ni–Si system. Magnetic properties of the GdNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6}, GdNi{sub 6.6}Si{sub 6} and Gd{sub 3}Ni{sub 11.5}Si{sub 4.2} compounds have also been investigated and are here reported. - Graphical abstract: The Gd–Ni–Si system has been investigated at 1070 K by X-ray and microprobe analyses. The known GdNi{sub 10}Si{sub 2}, GdNi{sub 8}Si{sub 3}, GdNi{sub 5}Si{sub 3}, GdNi{sub 7}Si{sub 6}, GdNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6}, GdNi{sub 4}Si, GdNi{sub 2}Si{sub 2}, GdNiSi{sub 3}, Gd{sub 3}Ni{sub 6}Si{sub 2}, GdNiSi, GdNiSi{sub 2}, GdNi{sub 0.4}Si{sub 1.6}, Gd{sub 2}Ni{sub 2.35}Si{sub 0.65}, Gd{sub 3}NiSi{sub 2}, Gd{sub 3}NiSi{sub 3} and Gd{sub 6}Ni{sub 1.67}Si{sub 3} compounds have been confirmed and five new ~Gd{sub 2}Ni{sub 4}Si{sub 3} (unknown type), Gd{sub 2}Ni{sub 16−12.8}Si{sub 1−4.2} (Th{sub 2}Zn{sub 17}-type), GdNi{sub 6.6}Si{sub 6} (GdNi{sub 7}Si{sub 6}-type), Gd{sub 3}Ni{sub 8}Si (Y{sub 3}Co{sub 8}Si-type) and Gd{sub 3}Ni{sub 11.5}Si{sub 4.2} (Gd{sub 3}Ru{sub 4}Ga{sub 12}-type) compounds have been detected in Gd–Ni–Si system at 1070 K. Quasi-binary phases, solid solutions, were detected at 1070 K to be formed by the binaries GdNi{sub 5}, GdNi{sub 3}, GdNi{sub 2}, GdNi, GdSi{sub 2} and GdSi{sub 1.67}; while no detectable solubility was observed for the other binary compounds of the Gd–Ni–Si system. Magnetic properties of the GdNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6}, GdNi{sub 6.6}Si{sub 6} and Gd{sub 3}Ni{sub 11.5}Si{sub 4.2} compounds have also been investigated and are here reported. - Highlights: • Gd–Ni–Si isothermal section was obtained at 1070 K. • Sixteen known ternary gadolinium nickel silicides were confirmed in Gd–Ni–Si. • Five new gadolinium nickel silicides were detected in Gd–Ni–Si. • GdNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6}, GdNi{sub 6.6}Si{sub 6} and Gd{sub 3}Ni{sub 11.5}Si{sub 4.2} show ferromagnetic-type ordering.« less

The Dy–Ni–Si system as a representative of the rare earth–Ni–Si family: Its isothermal section and new rare-earth nickel silicides

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yuan, Fang; Mozharivskyj, Y.; Morozkin, A.V., E-mail: morozkin@general.chem.msu.ru

The Dy–Ni–Si system has been investigated at 1070 K by X-ray and microprobe analysis. The system contains the 12 known compounds DyNi{sub 10}Si{sub 2}, DyNi{sub 5}Si{sub 3}, DyNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6}, DyNi{sub 4}Si, DyNi{sub 2}Si{sub 2}, Dy{sub 2}Ni{sub 3}Si{sub 5}, DyNiSi{sub 3}, Dy{sub 3}Ni{sub 6}Si{sub 2}, DyNiSi{sub 2}, DyNiSi, Dy{sub 3}NiSi{sub 3}, Dy{sub 3}NiSi{sub 2}, and the new compounds Dy{sub 34}Ni{sub 16−27}Si{sub 50−39} (AlB{sub 2}-type), Dy{sub 2}Ni{sub 15.2−14.1}Si{sub 1.8−2.9} (Th{sub 2}Zn{sub 17}-type), ∼Dy{sub 11}Ni{sub 65}Si{sub 24}, ∼Dy{sub 16}Ni{sub 62}Si{sub 22} (unknown structures), DyNi{sub 7}Si{sub 6} (GdNi{sub 7}Si{sub 6}-type), Dy{sub 3}Ni{sub 8}Si (Ce{sub 3}Co{sub 8}Si-type), DyNi{sub 2}Si (YPd{sub 2}Si-type), ∼Dy{sub 40}Ni{sub 47}Si{submore » 13} and ∼Dy{sub 5}Ni{sub 2}Si{sub 3} (unknown structures). Quasi–binary solid solutions were detected at 1070 (870 K) for Dy{sub 2}Ni{sub 17}, DyNi{sub 5}, DyNi{sub 7}, DyNi{sub 3}, DyNi{sub 2}, DyNi, DySi{sub 2} and DySi{sub 1.67}. No detectable solubility is observed for the other binary compounds of the Dy–Ni–Si system. The crystal structures of new phases RNi{sub 7}Si{sub 6} (GdNi{sub 7}Si{sub 6}-type), R{sub 3}Ni{sub 8}Si (Ce{sub 3}Co{sub 8}Si-type), RNi{sub 2}Si (YPd{sub 2}Si-type) and R{sub 3}Ni{sub 12}Si{sub 4} (Gd{sub 3}Ru{sub 4}Al{sub 12}-type), with R=Y, Gd–Tm, has been studied. Magnetic properties of few representative compounds are also reported. - Graphical abstract: The Dy–Ni–Si system has been investigated at 1070 K by X-ray and microprobe analysis. The system contains the 12 known compounds DyNi{sub 10}Si{sub 2}, DyNi{sub 5}Si{sub 3}, DyNi{sub 6}Si{sub 6}, DyNi{sub 4}Si, DyNi{sub 2}Si{sub 2}, Dy{sub 2}Ni{sub 3}Si{sub 5}, DyNiSi{sub 3}, Dy{sub 3}Ni{sub 6}Si{sub 2}, DyNiSi{sub 2}, DyNiSi, Dy{sub 3}NiSi{sub 3}, Dy{sub 3}NiSi{sub 2}, and the new compounds Dy{sub 34}Ni{sub 16−27}Si{sub 50−39}, Dy{sub 2}Ni{sub 15.2−14.1}Si{sub 1.8−2.9}, ∼Dy{sub 11}Ni{sub 65}Si{sub 24}, ∼Dy{sub 16}Ni{sub 62}Si{sub 22}, DyNi{sub 7}Si{sub 6}, Dy{sub 3}Ni{sub 8}Si, DyNi{sub 2}Si, ∼Dy{sub 40}Ni{sub 47}Si{sub 13} and ∼Dy{sub 5}Ni{sub 2}Si{sub 3}. Quasi–binary solid solutions were detected for Dy{sub 2}Ni{sub 17}, DyNi{sub 5}, DyNi{sub 7}, DyNi{sub 3}, DyNi{sub 2}, DyNi, DySi{sub 2} and DySi{sub 1.67}. The crystal structures and magnetic properties of new phases RNi{sub 7}Si{sub 6} (GdNi{sub 7}Si{sub 6}-type), R{sub 3}Ni{sub 8}Si (Ce{sub 3}Co{sub 8}Si-type), RNi{sub 2}Si (YPd{sub 2}Si-type) and R{sub 3}Ni{sub 12}Si{sub 4} (Gd{sub 3}Ru{sub 4}Al{sub 12}-type), with R=Y, Gd–Tm, are also reported. - Highlights: • Dy–Ni–Si isothermal section was obtained at 870 K/1070 K. • Twelve known ternary dysprosium nickel silicides were confirmed in Dy–Ni–Si. • Nine new dysprosium nickel silicides were detected in Dy–Ni–Si. • Seventeen new rare earth nickel silicides were detected in (Y, Gd–Tm)–Ni–Si. • Tb{sub 3}Ni{sub 8}Si, Dy{sub 3}Ni{sub 8}Si, Ho{sub 3}Ni{sub 12}Si{sub 4} and DyNi{sub 2}Si show ferromagnetic-like ordering.« less

Thermally Induced Interdiffusion and Precipitation in a Ni/Ni 3 Al System

DOE PAGES

Sun, C.; Martinez, E.; Aguiar, J. A.; ...

2015-05-20

Ordered Ni 3Al intermetallic precipitates constitute the main hardening sources of Ni-based superalloys. Here, we report the interdiffusion and precipitation behavior in a Ni/Ni3Al model system. The deposition of Ni3Al on a pure Ni layer at 500°C generated L12-structured γ' (Ni3Al) precipitates, preferentially at the interface. After annealing at 800°C for 1 h, interdiffusion between Ni and Ni3Al layers occurred, and the γ' precipitates that grew near the parent Ni/Ni 3Al interface are ~2.8 times larger in size than those formed in the matrix. In conclusion, Monte Carlo simulations indicate that vacancies preferentially diffuse along the Ni/Ni 3Al interface, increasingmore » the probability of precipitation.« less

Cyclic and isothermal oxidation behavior at 1100 and 1200 C of Ni-20Cr, Ni-20Cr-3Mn, Ni-20Cr-3Si, and Ni-40Cr alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lowell, C. E.

1973-01-01

Alloys of Ni-20Cr, Ni-20Cr-3Mn, Ni-20Cr-3Si, and Ni-40Cr were cyclically oxidized at 1100 and 1200 C for up to 100 hours. Oxidation behavior was judged by sample thickness and weight change, metallography, diffraction, and microprobe analysis. The least attacked were Ni-40Cr and Ni-20Cr-3Si. The alloy Ni-20Cr-3Mn was much less attacked than Ni-20Cr, but more than the other alloys. The formation of Cr2O3 accounted for the increased resistance of Ni-Cr and Ni-20Cr-3Si, and the formation of MnCr2O4 accounts for the improvement in Ni-20Cr-3mn over Ni-20Cr.

Ag-nanoparticles-decorated NiO-nanoflakes grafted Ni-nanorod arrays stuck out of porous AAO as effective SERS substrates.

PubMed

Zhou, Qitao; Meng, Guowen; Huang, Qing; Zhu, Chuhong; Tang, Haibin; Qian, Yiwu; Chen, Bin; Chen, Bensong

2014-02-28

NiO-nanoflakes (NiO-NFs) grafted Ni-nanorod (Ni-NR) arrays stuck out of the porous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template are achieved by a combinatorial process of AAO-confined electrodeposition of Ni-NRs, selectively etching part of the AAO template to expose the Ni-NRs, wet-etching the exposed Ni-NRs in ammonia to obtain Ni(OH)2-NFs grafted onto the cone-shaped Ni-NRs, and annealing to transform Ni(OH)2-NFs in situ into NiO-NFs. By top-view sputtering, Ag-nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) are decorated on each NiO-NFs grafted Ni-NR (denoted as NiO-NFs@Ni-NR). The resultant Ag-NPs-decorated NiO-NFs@Ni-NR (denoted as Ag-NPs@NiO-NFs@Ni-NR) arrays exhibit not only strong surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activity but also reproducible SERS-signals over the whole array. It is demonstrated that the strong SERS-activity is mainly ascribed to the high density of sub-10 nm gaps (hot spots) between the neighboring Ag-NPs, the semiconducting NiO-NFs induced chemical enhancement effect, and the lightning rod effect of the cone-shaped Ni-NRs. The three-level hierarchical nanostructure arrays stuck out of the AAO template can be utilized to probe polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs, a kind of global environmental hazard) with a concentration as low as 5 × 10(-6) M, showing promising potential in SERS-based rapid detection of organic environmental pollutants.

Rapid continuous synthesis of spherical reduced graphene ball-nickel oxide composite for lithium ion batteries

PubMed Central

Choi, Seung Ho; Ko, You Na; Lee, Jung-Kul; Kang, Yun Chan

2014-01-01

In this study, we synthesized a powder consisting of core-shell-structured Ni/NiO nanocluster-decorated graphene (Ni/NiO-graphene) by a simple process for use as an anodic material for lithium-ion batteries. First, a crumpled graphene powder consisting of uniformly distributed Ni nanoclusters was prepared by one-pot spray pyrolysis. This powder was subsequently transformed into the Ni/NiO-graphene composite by annealing at 300°C in air. The Ni/NiO-graphene composite powder exhibited better electrochemical properties than those of the hollow-structured NiO-Ni composite and pure NiO powders. The initial discharge and charge capacities of the Ni/NiO-graphene composite powder were 1156 and 845 mA h g−1, respectively, and the corresponding initial coulombic efficiency was 73%. The discharge capacities of the Ni/NiO-graphene, NiO-Ni, and pure NiO powders after 300 cycles were 863, 647, and 439 mA h g−1, respectively. The high stability of the Ni/NiO-graphene composite powder, attributable to the unique structure of its particles, resulted in it exhibiting long-term cycling stability even at a current density of 1500 mA g−1, as well as good rate performance. The structural stability of the Ni/NiO-graphene composite powder particles during cycling lowered the charge transfer resistance and improved the Li-ion diffusion rate. PMID:25167932

Phase fields of nickel silicides obtained by mechanical alloying in the nanocrystalline state

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Datta, M. K.; Pabi, S. K.; Murty, B. S.

2000-06-01

Solid state reactions induced by mechanical alloying (MA) of elemental blends of Ni and Si have been studied over the entire composition range of the Ni-Si system. A monotonous increase of the lattice parameter of the Ni rich solid solution, Ni(Si), is observed with refinement of crystallite size. Nanocrystalline phase/phase mixtures of Ni(Si), Ni(Si)+Ni31Si12, Ni31Si12+Ni2Si, Ni2Si+NiSi and NiSi+Si, have been obtained during MA, over the composition ranges of 0-10, 10-28, 28-33, 33-50, and >50 at. % Si, respectively. The results clearly suggest that only congruent melting phases, Ni31Si12, Ni2Si, and NiSi form, while the formation of noncongruent melting phases, Ni3Si, Ni3Si2, and NiSi2, is bypassed in the nanocrystalline state. The phase formation during MA has been discussed based on thermodynamic arguments. The predicted phase fields obtained from effective free energy calculations are quite consistent with those obtained during MA.

Effects of P/Ni ratio and Ni content on performance of γ-Al2O3-supported nickel phosphides for deoxygenation of methyl laurate to hydrocarbons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zhena; Tang, Mingxiao; Chen, Jixiang

2016-01-01

γ-Al2O3-supported nickel phosphides (mNi-Pn) were prepared by the TPR method and tested for the deoxygenation of methyl laurate to hydrocarbons. The effects of the P/Ni ratio (n = 1.0-2.5) and Ni content (m = 5-15 wt.%) in the precursors on their structure and performance were investigated. Ni/γ-Al2O3 was also studied for comparison. It was found that the formation of AlPO4 in the precursor inhibited the reduction of phosphate and so the formation of nickel phosphides. With increasing the P/Ni ratio and Ni content, the Ni, Ni3P, Ni12P5 and Ni2P phases orderly formed, accompanying with the increases of their particle size and the amount of weak acid sites (mainly due to P-OH group), while the CO uptake and the amount of medium strong acid sites (mainly related to Ni sites) reached maximum on 10%Ni-P1.5. In the deoxygenation reaction, compared with Ni/γ-Al2O3, the mNi-Pn catalysts showed much lower activities for decarbonylation, Csbnd C hydrogenolysis and methanation due to the ligand and ensemble effects of P. The conversion and the selectivity to n-C11 and n-C12 hydrocarbons achieved maximum on 10%Ni-P 2.0 for the 10%Ni-Pn catalysts and on 8%Ni-P2.0 for the mNi-P2.0 catalysts, while the turnover frequency (TOF) of methyl laurate mainly increased with the P/Ni ratio and Ni content. We propose that TOF was influenced by the nickel phosphide phases, the catalyst acidity and the particle size as well as the synergetic effect between the Ni site and acid site. Again, the hydrodeoxygenation pathway of methyl laurate was promoted with increasing P/Ni ratio and Ni content, ascribed to the phase change in the order of Ni, Ni3P, Ni12P5 and Ni2P in the prepared catalysts.

Ni-P/Zn-Ni compositionally modulated multilayer coatings - Part 1: Electrodeposition and growth mechanism, composition, morphology, roughness and structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bahadormanesh, Behrouz; Ghorbani, Mohammad

2018-06-01

The Ni-P/Zn-Ni compositionally modulated multilayer coatings CMMCs were electrodeposited from a single bath by switching the cathodic current density. The composition, surface morphology, roughness, layers growth pattern as well as the phase structure of deposits were extensively studied via SEM, EDS, AFM and XRD analysis. Effects of bath ingredients on the electrodeposition behavior were analyzed through cathodic linear sweep voltammetry. Although the concentration of Zn2+ in bath was 13 times higher than Ni2+, the Zn-Ni deposition potential was much nearer to Ni deposition potential rather than that of Zn. Addition of NaH2PO2 to the Ni deposition bath considerably raised the current density and shifted the crystallization potential of Ni to more nobble values. Codeposition of P with Zn-Ni alloy lead to crack formation in the monolayer that was deposited in 60 mA/cm2. However, the cracks were not observed in the Zn-Ni layers of multilayers. Zn-Ni layers in CMMCs exhibited a three-dimensional pattern of growth while that of Ni-P layers was two-dimensional. Also, the Ni-P deposits tends to fill the discontinuities in Zn-Ni layers and performed leveling properties and lowered the surface roughness of Zn-Ni layers and CMMCs. Structural analysis demonstrated that Ni-P layers were amorphous and the Zn-Ni layers exhibited crystallite phase of Zn11Ni2. Thus, the Ni-P/Zn-Ni CMMCs comprised of alternate layers of amorphous Ni-P and nanocrystalline Zn Ni.

The roles of auxeticity and volume fraction on γ‧ precipitate microstructures in nickel-base alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ardell, Alan J.

2017-01-01

New correlations are found between the elastic constants and late-stage precipitate microstructures in Ni-Al, Ni-Ga, Ni-Ge and Ni-Si alloys. The auxetic behaviour of Poisson's ratio, ν, measured parallel to [0 0 1] or ? in response to [1 1 0] loading, favours the amalgamation of Ni3Al and Ni3Ga precipitates into non-equilibrium shapes along cube directions when δν = (νγ‧ - νγ)/νγ‧ > 0, the superscripts referring to the γ‧ (Ni3X) and γ (Ni-X) phases, respectively. When δν < 0 amalgamation of Ni3Ge and Ni3Si precipitates does not occur and the particles retain cuboidal shapes. When δν > 0 amalgamation of Ni3Al and Ni3Ga occurs readily, primarily producing laths of both phases. The γ‧ volume fraction, f, is also shown to play a role in the late-stage microstructures of Ni-Al alloys, with an increasing tendency to form Ni3Al laths, rather than plates, as f increases. The shapes of elastically soft γ precipitates in inverse Ni-Al and Ni-Ge alloys are different; Ni-Al precipitates are lath shaped, but Ni-Ge precipitates are plate shaped. The Ni-Ge plate shape, in a non-auxetic Ni3Ge matrix (Ni3Ge being the sole non-auxetic Ni3X phase of the four studied), is the only example of persistent plates in any of the Ni-base alloys investigated to date. The combination of an elastically soft precipitate (Ni-Ge) in a non-auxetic matrix suggests a connection between auxeticity and shape.

Reproductive impacts and physiological adaptations of zebrafish to elevated dietary nickel.

PubMed

Alsop, Derek; Lall, Santosh P; Wood, Chris M

2014-09-01

Nickel (Ni) concentrations in the environment can rise due to human industrial activities. The toxicity of waterborne Ni to aquatic animals has been examined in a number of previous studies; however, little is known about the impacts of elevated dietary Ni. In the present study, zebrafish were chronically fed diets containing two concentrations of Ni [3.7 (control) and 116 μg Ni/g diet]. Ni-exposed males, but not females, were significantly smaller (26%) compared to controls at 80 days. In addition, total egg production was decreased by 65% in the Ni treatment at 75-78 days of the experiment. Ni was ubiquitously distributed in control animals (similar to previous studies), and concentrations varied between tissues by 15-fold. Ni exposure resulted in modest but significant Ni accumulation in some tissues (increases were highest in brain, vertebrae and gut; 44%, 34% and 25%, respectively), an effect observed only at 80 days. The limited Ni accumulation may be due to (1) the lack of an acidified stomach in zebrafish and/or (2) the efficient upregulation of Ni transport and excretion mechanisms, as indicated by the 4.5-fold increase in waterborne (63)Ni uptake by Ni-exposed fish. Eggs from Ni-exposed adults had Ni concentrations that were 5.2-fold higher than controls. However, by 4 days post fertilization, larvae had similar Ni concentrations as controls, demonstrating a capacity for rapid Ni depuration. Larvae from Ni-exposed adults were also more resistant to waterborne Ni (35% increase in the 96-h LC50 over controls). In conclusion, elevated dietary Ni significantly affected zebrafish reproduction despite only modest tissue Ni accumulation. There were also indications of adaptation, including increased Ni uptake rates and increased Ni tolerance of offspring from Ni-exposed adults. Ni concentrations were particularly elevated in the brain with exposure; possible relations to growth and reproductive impacts require further study. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Crystallographic Orientation Effect on Electromigration in Ni-Sn Microbump

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Yi-Ting; Chen, Chih-Hao; Chakroborty, Subhendu; Wu, Albert T.

2017-09-01

This article addresses the reliability challenges regarding electromigration in developing three-dimensional integrated circuits (3D-ICs). The line-type sandwich structure of Ni/Sn3.5Ag(15 μm)/Ni was used to simulate microbumps to examine the reliability of electromigration in 3D-IC technology. The solder strip of Ni/Sn3.5Ag(15 μm)/Ni was stressed with a current density of 1.0 × 104 A/cm2 at 150°C. The current stressing enhanced the reaction between the solder and Ni to form Ni3Sn4, which occupied the entire joint and transformed into a Ni/Ni3Sn4/Ni structure when the solder was completely consumed. Electron backscatter diffraction was used to analyze the crystallographic characteristics of Sn and Ni3Sn4 as related to the electromigration effect. The results indicated that the crystallographic orientation of Sn plays a significant role in the Ni/Sn3.5Ag/Ni, whereas the orientation of Ni3Sn4 is the dominant factor of diffusion behavior in the Ni/Ni3Sn4/Ni.

Porous NiTi shape memory alloys produced by SHS: microstructure and biocompatibility in comparison with Ti2Ni and TiNi3.

PubMed

Bassani, Paola; Panseri, Silvia; Ruffini, Andrea; Montesi, Monica; Ghetti, Martina; Zanotti, Claudio; Tampieri, Anna; Tuissi, Ausonio

2014-10-01

Shape memory alloys based on NiTi have found their main applications in manufacturing of new biomedical devices mainly in surgery tools, stents and orthopedics. Porous NiTi can exhibit an engineering elastic modulus comparable to that of cortical bone (12-17 GPa). This condition, combined with proper pore size, allows good osteointegration. Open cells porous NiTi was produced by self propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS), starting from Ni and Ti mixed powders. The main NiTi phase is formed during SHS together with other Ni-Ti compounds. The biocompatibility of such material was investigated by single culture experiment and ionic release on small specimen. In particular, NiTi and porous NiTi were evaluated together with elemental Ti and Ni reference metals and the two intermetallic TiNi3, Ti2Ni phases. This approach permitted to clearly identify the influence of secondary phases in porous NiTi materials and relation with Ni-ion release. The results indicated, apart the well-known high toxicity of Ni, also toxicity of TiNi3, whilst phases with higher Ti content showed high biocompatibility. A slightly reduced biocompatibility of porous NiTi was ascribed to combined effect of TiNi3 presence and topography that requires higher effort for the cells to adapt to the surface.

Formation of nickel germanides from Ni layers with thickness below 10 nm

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jablonka, Lukas; Kubart, Tomas; Primetzhofer, Daniel

2017-03-01

The authors have studied the reaction between a Ge (100) substrate and thin layers of Ni ranging from 2 to 10 nm in thickness. The formation of metal-rich Ni5Ge3Ni5Ge3 was found to precede that of the monogermanide NiGe by means of real-time in situ x-ray diffraction during ramp-annealing and ex situ x-ray pole figure analyses for phase identification. The observed sequential growth of Ni5Ge3Ni5Ge3 and NiGe with such thin Ni layers is different from the previously reported simultaneous growth with thicker Ni layers. The phase transformation from Ni5Ge3Ni5Ge3 to NiGe was found to be nucleation-controlled for Ni thicknesses <5 nm<5more » nm, which is well supported by thermodynamic considerations. Specifically, the temperature for the NiGe formation increased with decreasing Ni (rather Ni5Ge3Ni5Ge3) thickness below 5 nm. In combination with sheet resistance measurement and microscopic surface inspection of samples annealed with a standard rapid thermal processing, the temperature range for achieving morphologically stable NiGe layers was identified for this standard annealing process. As expected, it was found to be strongly dependent on the initial Ni thickness« less

Influence of annealing temperature on the microstructure and magnetic properties of Ni/NiO core-shell nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiang, Wenfeng; Liu, Yuan; Yao, Jiangfeng; Sun, Rui

2018-03-01

Ni/NiO core-shell nanowires (NWs) were synthesized by thermal annealing of Ni NWs and variations in the microstructure, surface morphology, and magnetic properties of the NWs as a function of annealing temperature were investigated. The results showed that the grain size and crystal quality of NiO increased with an increasing annealing temperature. Specially, the effect of annealing temperature was much greater than annealing time for the formation of Ni/NiO NWs during the oxidization process. The total weight gain of the Ni/NiO NWs continuously increased when the annealing temperature was lower than 400 °C and the annealing time was more than 2 h; however, the weight gain of the Ni/NiO NWs was almost constant after annealing for 40 min when the annealing temperature was higher than 500 °C. The thorns on the surface of the Ni/NiO NWs gradually passivated and magnetic properties declined when the annealing temperature was increased from 300 °C to 400 °C. Smooth Ni/NiO NWs with no magnetic properties were prepared when the annealing temperature was over 500 °C. The detail study regarding the formation and evolution of Ni/NiO NWs is of considerable value and may provide useful information regarding the choice of post-treatment parameters for different applications of Ni/NiO NWs.

Evidence of Intermediate Hydrogen States in the Formation of a Complex Hydride

DOE PAGES

Sato, Toyoto; Ramirez-Cuesta, Anibal J.; Daemen, Luke L.; ...

2017-12-26

A complex hydride (LaMg 2NiH 7) composed of La 3+, two Mg 2+, [NiH 4] 4– with a covalently bonded hydrogen, and three H – was formed from an intermetallic LaMg 2Ni via an intermediate phase (LaMg 2NiH 4.6) composed of La, Mg, NiH 2, NiH 3 units, and H atoms at tetrahedral sites. The NiH 2 and NiH 3 units in LaMg 2NiH 4.6 were reported as precursors for [NiH 4] 4– in LaMg 2NiH 7 [Miwa et al. J. Phys. Chem. C 2016, 120, 5926–5931]. To further understand the hydrogen states in the precursors (the NiH 2 andmore » NiH 3 units) and H atoms at the tetrahedral sites in the intermediate phase, LaMg 2NiH 4.6, we observed the hydrogen vibrations in LaMg 2NiH 4.6 and LaMg 2NiH 7 by using inelastic neutron scattering. A comparison of the hydrogen vibrations of the NiH 2 and NiH 3 units with that of [NiH 4] 4– shows that the librational modes of the NiH 2 and NiH 3 units were nonexistent; librational modes are characteristic modes for complex anions, such as [NiH 4] 4–. Furthermore, the hydrogen vibrations for the H atoms in the tetrahedral sites showed a narrower wavenumber range than that for H – and a wider range than that for typical interstitial hydrogen. The results indicated the presence of intermediate hydrogen states before the formation of [NiH 4] 4– and H –.« less

Evidence of Intermediate Hydrogen States in the Formation of a Complex Hydride

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sato, Toyoto; Ramirez-Cuesta, Anibal J.; Daemen, Luke L.

A complex hydride (LaMg 2NiH 7) composed of La 3+, two Mg 2+, [NiH 4] 4– with a covalently bonded hydrogen, and three H – was formed from an intermetallic LaMg 2Ni via an intermediate phase (LaMg 2NiH 4.6) composed of La, Mg, NiH 2, NiH 3 units, and H atoms at tetrahedral sites. The NiH 2 and NiH 3 units in LaMg 2NiH 4.6 were reported as precursors for [NiH 4] 4– in LaMg 2NiH 7 [Miwa et al. J. Phys. Chem. C 2016, 120, 5926–5931]. To further understand the hydrogen states in the precursors (the NiH 2 andmore » NiH 3 units) and H atoms at the tetrahedral sites in the intermediate phase, LaMg 2NiH 4.6, we observed the hydrogen vibrations in LaMg 2NiH 4.6 and LaMg 2NiH 7 by using inelastic neutron scattering. A comparison of the hydrogen vibrations of the NiH 2 and NiH 3 units with that of [NiH 4] 4– shows that the librational modes of the NiH 2 and NiH 3 units were nonexistent; librational modes are characteristic modes for complex anions, such as [NiH 4] 4–. Furthermore, the hydrogen vibrations for the H atoms in the tetrahedral sites showed a narrower wavenumber range than that for H – and a wider range than that for typical interstitial hydrogen. The results indicated the presence of intermediate hydrogen states before the formation of [NiH 4] 4– and H –.« less

Quantitative determination of anti-structured defects applied to alloys of a wide chemical range

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jing; Chen, Zheng; Wang, Yongxin; Lu, Yanli

2016-11-01

Anti-structured defects bridge atom migration among heterogeneous sublattices facilitating diffusion but could also result in the collapse of ordered structure. Component distribution Ni75Al x V25-x alloys are investigated using a microscopic phase field model to illuminate relations between anti-structured defects and composition, precipitate order, precipitate type, and phase stability. The Ni75Al x V25-x alloys undergo single Ni3V (stage I), dual Ni3Al and Ni3V (stage II with Ni3V prior; and stage III with Ni3Al prior), and single Ni3Al (stage IV) with enhanced aluminum level. For Ni3V phase, anti-structured defects (VNi1, NiV, except VNi2) and substitution defects (AlNi1, AlNi2, AlV) exhibit a positive correlation to aluminum in stage I, the positive trend becomes to negative correlation or smooth during stage II. For Ni3Al phase, anti-structured defects (AlNi, NiAl) and substitution defects (VNi, VAl) have a positive correlation to aluminum in stage II, but NiAl goes down since stage III and lasts to stage IV. VNi and VAl fluctuate when Ni3Al precipitates prior, but go down drastically in stage IV. Precipitate type conversion of single Ni3V/dual (Ni3V+Ni3Al) affects Ni3V defects, while dual (Ni3V+Ni3Al)/single Ni3Al has little effect on Ni3Al defects. Precipitate order swap occurred in the dual phase region affects on Ni3Al defects but not on Ni3V. Project supported by the Natural Science Basic Research Plan in Shaanxi Province of China (Grant No. 2016JQ5014), the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, China (Grant No. 3102014JCQ01024), the Research Fund of the State Key Laboratory of Solidification Processing (NWPU), China (Grant No. 114-QP-2014), the Specialized Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education of China (Grant No. 20136102120021), and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 51474716 and 51475378).

The Impact of Enzyme Characteristics on Corn Stover Fiber Degradation and Acid Production During Ensiled Storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Haiyu; Richard, Tom L.; Moore, Kenneth J.

Ensilage can be used to store lignocellulosic biomass before industrial bioprocessing. This study investigated the impacts of seven commerical enzyme mixtures derived from Aspergillus niger, Trichoderma reesei, and T. longibrachiatum. Treatments included three size grades of corn stover, two enzyme levels (1.67 and 5 IU/g dry matter based on hemicellulase), and various ratios of cellulase to hemicellulase (C ∶ H). The highest C ∶ H ratio tested, 2.38, derived from T. reesei, resulted in the most effective fermentation, with lactic acid as the dominant product. Enzymatic activity during storage may complement industrial pretreatment; creating synergies that could reduce total bioconversion costs.

Complete genome sequence of 'Mycobacterium neoaurum' NRRL B-3805, an androstenedione (AD) producer for industrial biotransformation of sterols.

PubMed

Rodríguez-García, Antonio; Fernández-Alegre, Estela; Morales, Alejandro; Sola-Landa, Alberto; Lorraine, Jess; Macdonald, Sandy; Dovbnya, Dmitry; Smith, Margaret C M; Donova, Marina; Barreiro, Carlos

2016-04-20

Microbial bioconversion of sterols into high value steroid precursors, such as 4-androstene-3,17-dione (AD), is an industrial challenge. Genes and enzymes involved in sterol degradation have been proposed, although the complete pathway is not yet known. The genome sequencing of the AD producer strain 'Mycobacterium neoaurum' NRRL B-3805 (formerly Mycobacterium sp. NRRL B-3805) will serve to elucidate the critical steps for industrial processes and will provide the basis for further genetic engineering. The genome comprises a circular chromosome (5 421 338bp), is devoid of plasmids and contains 4844 protein-coding genes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Review on The Bioconversion of Lignin to Microbial Lipid with Oleaginous Rhodococcus opacus

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mahan, Kristina M.; Le, Rosemary K.; Yuan, Joshua

Rhodococcus opacus produces intracellular lipids from the biodegradation of lignocellulosic biomass. These lipids can be used to produce biofuels that could potentially replace petroleum-derived chemicals. Some current studies are focusing on deconstructing lignin through efficient and cost-effective pretreatment methods and improving microbial lipid titers. Furthermore, R. opacus can reach high levels of oleaginicity (>80%) when grown on glucose and other aromatic model compounds but intracellular lipid production is much lower on complex recalcitrant lignin substrates. Our review will discuss recent advances in studying R. opacus lignin degradation by exploring different pretreatment methods, increasing lignin solubility, enriching for low molecular weightmore » lignin compounds and laccase supplementation.« less

Bioconversion of oil sludge into biomass of lipid metabolites for use as a source of biofuel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shchemelinina, T. N.; Matistov, N. V.; Markarova, M. Yu; Anchugova, E. M.

2018-01-01

The possibilities for the generation of biofuel from the results of the accumulation of lipids in oil-contaminated environments were studied. This type of accumulation occurs in the biomass of yeast strains Rhodotorula sp. VKM Y-2993D; in bacteria like Pseudomonas libanensis B-3041D and in consortia of microalgal strains such as Acutodesmus obliquus Syko-A Ch-055-12, Chlorella sp. SYKO A Ch-011-10, Monoraphidium sp., and Anabaena sp. The most promising of these for processing petroleum hydrocarbons into biofuels was found to be the consortium of microalgal strains, the content of palmitic acid of which reached 49.0 %, thereby achieving a mid-range cetane number.

Biosolubilization of coal by Candida in glucose limited cultures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mitter, J.; Guillory, L.; Bose, N.K.

1990-01-01

Coal biodegradation is attracting the attention of many workers because of its significance for efficient bioconversion of coal into useful chemicals. The authors work is based upon the beneficiation of a fungus (candida) on subbituminous coal. Candida was grown on both solid and liquid sabouraud medium and the coal solubilizing activity was studied at varying glucose concentration and temperature. Lower glucose concentration and higher temperature enhanced coal solubilizing activity by this fungus. Preliminary work has begun on analyzing organic extractions (alumina chromatography) of the liquid produced after microbial solubilization, including elemental analysis, solubility, molecular weights and chemical structure. This preliminarymore » work suggests that the candida could metabolize naturally occurring coal as substrate.« less

A Review on The Bioconversion of Lignin to Microbial Lipid with Oleaginous Rhodococcus opacus

DOE PAGES

Mahan, Kristina M.; Le, Rosemary K.; Yuan, Joshua; ...

2017-06-29

Rhodococcus opacus produces intracellular lipids from the biodegradation of lignocellulosic biomass. These lipids can be used to produce biofuels that could potentially replace petroleum-derived chemicals. Some current studies are focusing on deconstructing lignin through efficient and cost-effective pretreatment methods and improving microbial lipid titers. Furthermore, R. opacus can reach high levels of oleaginicity (>80%) when grown on glucose and other aromatic model compounds but intracellular lipid production is much lower on complex recalcitrant lignin substrates. Our review will discuss recent advances in studying R. opacus lignin degradation by exploring different pretreatment methods, increasing lignin solubility, enriching for low molecular weightmore » lignin compounds and laccase supplementation.« less

Bioconversion of Xylan to triglycerides by oil-rich yeasts. [Cryptococcus albidus; Cryptococcus terricoluus; Trichosporon

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fall, R.; Phelps, P.; Spindler, D.

A series of lipid-accumulating yeasts was examined for their potential to saccharify xylan and accumulate triglyceride. Of the genera tested, including Candida, Cryptococcus, Lipomyces, Rhodosporidium, Rhodotorula, and Trichosporon, only Crytococcus and Trichosporon isolates saccharified xylan. All of the strains could assimilate xylose and accumuate triglyceride under nitrogen-limiting conditions. Strains of Cryptococcus albidus were found to be especially useful for a one-step saccharification of xylan coupled to triglyceride synthesis. Crytococcus terricolus, a strain constitutive for lipid accumulation, lacked extracellular xylanase, but did assimilate xylose and xylobiose and was able to continuously convert xylan to triglyceride if the culture medium was supplementedmore » with xylanase. 22 references.« less

Solar Energy: Its Technologies and Applications

DOE R&D Accomplishments Database

Auh, P. C.

1978-06-01

Solar heat, as a potential source of clean energy, is available to all of us. Extensive R and D efforts are being made to effectively utilize this renewable energy source. A variety of different technologies for utilizing solar energy have been proven to be technically feasible. Here, some of the most promising technologies and their applications are briefly described. These are: Solar Heating and Cooling of Buildings (SHACOB), Solar Thermal Energy Conversion (STC), Wind Energy Conversion (WECS), Bioconversion to Fuels (BCF), Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC), and Photovoltaic Electric Power Systems (PEPS). Special emphasis is placed on the discussion of the SHACOB technologies, since the technologies are being expeditiously developed for the near commercialization.

Tower reactors for bioconversion of lignocellulosic material

DOEpatents

Nguyen, Quang A.

1999-01-01

An apparatus for enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation of pretreated lignocellulosic material, in the form of a tower bioreactor, having mixers to achieve intermittent mixing of the material. Precise mixing of the material is important for effective heat and mass transfer requirements without damaging or denaturing the enzymes or fermenting microorganisms. The pretreated material, generally in the form of a slurry, is pumped through the bioreactor, either upwards or downwards, and is mixed periodically as it passes through the mixing zones where the mixers are located. For a thin slurry, alternate mixing can be achieved by a pumping loop which also serves as a heat transfer device. Additional heat transfer takes place through the reactor heat transfer jackets.

Tower reactors for bioconversion of lignocellulosic material

DOEpatents

Nguyen, Quang A.

1998-01-01

An apparatus for enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation of pretreated lignocellulosic material, in the form of a tower bioreactor, having mixers to achieve intermittent mixing of the material. Precise mixing of the material is important for effective heat and mass transfer requirements without damaging or denaturing the enzymes or fermenting microorganisms. The pretreated material, generally in the form of a slurry, is pumped through the bioreactor, either upwards of downwards, and is mixed periodically as it passes through the mixing zones where the mixers are located. For a thin slurry, alternate mixing can be achieved by a pumping loop which also serves as a heat transfer device. Additional heat transfer takes place through the reactor heat transfer jackets.

3D Computer Models of T- x- y Diagrams, Forming the Fe-Ni-Co-FeS-NiS-CoS Subsystem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lutsyk, V. I.; Vorob'eva, V. P.

2017-12-01

3D computer models of Fe-Ni-Co, Fe-Ni-FeS-NiS, Fe-Co-FeS-CoS, Ni-Co-NiS-CoS T- x- y diagrams have been designed. The geometric structure (35 surfaces, two-phase surface of the reaction type change, 17 phase regions) of the Fe-Ni-FeS-NiS T- x- y diagram is investigated in detail. The liquidus hypersurfaces prediction of the Fe-Ni-Co-FeS-NiS-CoS subsystem is represented.

Modeling of Nickel Hydroxide Electrode Containing Multiple Phases

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Timmerman, P.; Ratnakumar, B. V.; Di Stefano, S.

1996-01-01

Mathematical models of alkaline rechargeable nickel cell systems (e.g., Ni-Cd, Ni-H(sub 2) and Ni-MH) have so far been developed based on the assumption that the active material at Ni electrode exists primarily in a single phase as Beta-NiOOH -- Beta-Ni(OH)(sub 2), despite enough experimental evidence for the second phase, i.e., Gamma-NiOOH -- Alpha-Ni(OH)(sub 2), especially under conditions of extended coverage. Here, we have incorporated the additional couple of Gamma-NiOOH -- Alpha-Ni(OH)(sub 2) into the modeling of the Ni electrode.

Biaxially textured articles formed by powder metallurgy

DOEpatents

Goyal, Amit; Williams, Robert K.; Kroeger, Donald M.

2003-10-21

A strengthened, biaxially textured alloy article having a magnetism less than pure Ni includes a rolled and annealed, compacted and sintered powder-metallurgy preform article, the preform article having been formed from a powder mixture selected from the group of mixtures consisting of: Ni, Ag, Ag--Cu, Ag--Pd, Ni--Cu, Ni--V, Ni--Mo, Ni--Al, Ni--Cr--Al, Ni--W--Al, Ni--V--Al, Ni--Mo--Al, Ni--Cu--Al; and at least one fine metal oxide powder; the article having a grain size which is fine and homogeneous; and having a dominant cube oriented {100}<100> orientation texture; and further having a Curie temperature less than that of pure Ni.

Ferromagnetic resonance investigation in as-prepared NiFe/FeMn/NiFe trilayer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yuan, S. J.; Xu, K.; Yu, L. M.

2007-06-01

NiFe/FeMn/NiFe trilayer prepared by dc magnetron sputtering was systematically investigated by ferromagnetic resonance technique (FMR) at room temperature. For NiFe/FeMn/NiFe trilayer, there are two distinct resonance peaks both in in-plane and out-of-plane FMR spectra, which are attributed to the two NiFe layers, respectively. The isotropic in-plane resonance field shift is negative for the bottom NiFe layer, while positive for the top NiFe layer. And, such phenomena result from the negative interfacial perpendicular anisotropy at the bottom NiFe/FeMn interface and positive interfacial perpendicular anisotropy at the top FeMn/NiFe interface. The linewidth of the bottom NiFe layer is larger than that ofmore » the top NiFe layer, which might be related to the greater exchange coupling at the bottom NiFe/FeMn interface.« less

Measurement of 59Ni and 63Ni by accelerator mass spectrometry at CIAE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xiaoming; He, Ming; Ruan, Xiangdong; Xu, Yongning; Shen, Hongtao; Du, Liang; Xiao, Caijin; Dong, Kejun; Jiang, Shan; Yang, Xuran; Lan, Xiaoxi; Wu, Shaoyong; Zhao, Qingzhang; Cai, Li; Pang, Fangfang

2015-10-01

The long lived isotopes 59Ni and 63Ni can be used in many areas such as radioactive waste management, neutron dosimetry, cosmic radiation study, and so on. Based on the large accelerator and a big Q3D magnetic spectrometer, the measurement method for 59Ni and 63Ni is under development at the AMS facility at China Institute of Atomic Energy (CIAE). By using the ΔE-Q3D technique with the Q3D magnetic spectrometer, the isobaric interferences were greatly reduced in the measurements of 59Ni and 63Ni. A four anode gas ionization chamber was then used to further identify isobars. With these techniques, the abundance sensitivities of 59Ni and 63Ni measurements are determined as 59Ni/Ni = 1 × 10-13 and 63Ni/Ni = 2 × 10-12, respectively.

Effects of elastic strain energy on the antisite defect of D0 22-Ni 3V phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jing; Chen, Zheng; Wang, Yong Xin; Lu, Yan Li

2010-01-01

A time-dependent phase field microelasticity model of an elastically anisotropic Ni-Al-V solid is employed for a D0 22-Ni 3V antisite defect application. The elastic strain energy (ESE), caused by a coherent misfit, changes the behavior of the temporal evolution occupancy probability (OP), slows down the phase transformation, and eventually leads to directional coarsening of coherent microstructures. In particular, for the antisite defects (Ni V, V Ni) and ternary alloying elements (Al Ni, Al V), ESE is responsible for the decrease in the calculated equilibrium values of Ni V, Al Ni, and Al V, as well as the increase in the equilibrium value of V Ni. The gap between Ni V and V Ni and Al Ni and Al V is narrowed in the system involving ESE, but the calculated equilibrium magnitude of Ni V is still greater than that of V Ni. The calculated equilibrium magnitude of Al Ni was always greater than Al V in this study.

Selective oxidation of cube textured Ni and Ni-Cr substrate for the formation of cube textured NiO as a component buffer layer for REBa 2Cu 3O 7+ x (REBCO) coated conductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lockman, Z.; Goldacker, W.; Nast, R.; deBoer, B.; MacManus-Driscoll, J. L.

2002-08-01

Thermal oxidation of cube textured, pure Ni and Ni-Cr tapes was undertaken under different oxidation conditions to form cube textured NiO for the use as a first component of buffer layer for the coated conductor. Cube textured NiO was formed on pure Ni after oxidising for more than 130 min in O 2 at 1250 °C. The oxide thickness was >30 μm. Much shorter oxidation times (20-40 min, NiO thickness of ∼5 μm) and lower temperature (1050 °C) were required to form a similar texture on Ni-Cr foils. In addition, NiO formed on Ni-13%Cr was more highly textured than Ni-10%Cr. A Cr 2O 3 inner layer and NiO outer layer was formed on the Ni-Cr alloys.

Pathogenic Differences between Nipah Virus Bangladesh and Malaysia Strains in Primates: Implications for Antibody Therapy

PubMed Central

Mire, Chad E.; Satterfield, Benjamin A.; Geisbert, Joan B.; Agans, Krystle N.; Borisevich, Viktoriya; Yan, Lianying; Chan, Yee-Peng; Cross, Robert W.; Fenton, Karla A.; Broder, Christopher C.; Geisbert, Thomas W.

2016-01-01

Nipah virus (NiV) is a paramyxovirus that causes severe disease in humans and animals. There are two distinct strains of NiV, Malaysia (NiVM) and Bangladesh (NiVB). Differences in transmission patterns and mortality rates suggest that NiVB may be more pathogenic than NiVM. To investigate pathogenic differences between strains, 4 African green monkeys (AGM) were exposed to NiVM and 4 AGMs were exposed to NiVB. While NiVB was uniformly lethal, only 50% of NiVM-infected animals succumbed to infection. Histopathology of lungs and spleens from NiVB-infected AGMs was significantly more severe than NiVM-infected animals. Importantly, a second study utilizing 11 AGMs showed that the therapeutic window for human monoclonal antibody m102.4, previously shown to rescue AGMs from NiVM infection, was much shorter in NiVB-infected AGMs. Together, these data show that NiVB is more pathogenic in AGMs under identical experimental conditions and suggests that postexposure treatments may need to be NiV strain specific for optimal efficacy. PMID:27484128

Control of the transition between Ni-C and Ni-SI(a) states by the redox state of the proximal Fe-S cluster in the catalytic cycle of [NiFe] hydrogenase.

PubMed

Tai, Hulin; Nishikawa, Koji; Suzuki, Masayuki; Higuchi, Yoshiki; Hirota, Shun

2014-12-08

[NiFe] hydrogenase catalyzes the reversible cleavage of H2. The electrons produced by the H2 cleavage pass through three Fe-S clusters in [NiFe] hydrogenase to its redox partner. It has been reported that the Ni-SI(a), Ni-C, and Ni-R states of [NiFe] hydrogenase are involved in the catalytic cycle, although the mechanism and regulation of the transition between the Ni-C and Ni-SI(a) states remain unrevealed. In this study, the FT-IR spectra under light irradiation at 138-198 K show that the Ni-L state of [NiFe] hydrogenase is an intermediate between the transition of the Ni-C and Ni-SI(a) states. The transition of the Ni-C state to the Ni-SI(a) state occurred when the proximal [Fe4S4]p(2+/+) cluster was oxidized, but not when it was reduced. These results show that the catalytic cycle of [NiFe] hydrogenase is controlled by the redox state of its [Fe4S4]p(2+/+) cluster, which may function as a gate for the electron flow from the NiFe active site to the redox partner. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

An investigation of thin-film Ni-Fe oxide catalysts for the electrochemical evolution of oxygen.

PubMed

Louie, Mary W; Bell, Alexis T

2013-08-21

A detailed investigation has been carried out of the structure and electrochemical activity of electrodeposited Ni-Fe films for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline electrolytes. Ni-Fe films with a bulk and surface composition of 40% Fe exhibit OER activities that are roughly 2 orders of magnitude higher than that of a freshly deposited Ni film and about 3 orders of magnitude higher than that of an Fe film. The freshly deposited Ni film increases in activity by as much as 20-fold during exposure to the electrolyte (KOH); however, all films containing Fe are stable as deposited. The oxidation of Ni(OH)2 to NiOOH in Ni films occurs at potentials below the onset of the OER. Incorporation of Fe into the film increases the potential at which Ni(OH)2/NiOOH redox occurs and decreases the average oxidation state of Ni in NiOOH. The Tafel slope (40 mV dec(-1)) and reaction order in OH(-) (1) for the mixed Ni-Fe films (containing up to 95% Fe) are the same as those for aged Ni films. In situ Raman spectra acquired in 0.1 M KOH at OER potentials show two bands characteristic of NiOOH. The relative intensities of these bands vary with Fe content, indicating a change in the local environment of Ni-O. Similar changes in the relative intensities of the bands and an increase in OER activity are observed when pure Ni films are aged. These observations suggest that the OER is catalyzed by Ni in Ni-Fe films and that the presence of Fe alters the redox properties of Ni, causing a positive shift in the potential at which Ni(OH)2/NiOOH redox occurs, a decrease in the average oxidation state of the Ni sites, and a concurrent increase in the activity of Ni cations for the OER.

Template-Mediated Ni(II) Dispersion in Mesoporous SiO2 for Preparation of Highly Dispersed Ni Catalysts: Influence of Template Type.

PubMed

Ning, Xin; Lu, Yiyuan; Fu, Heyun; Wan, Haiqin; Xu, Zhaoyi; Zheng, Shourong

2017-06-07

Supported Ni catalysts on three mesoporous SiO 2 supports (i.e., SBA-15, MCM-41, and HMS) were prepared using a solid-state reaction between Ni(NO 3 ) 2 and organic template-occluded mesoporous SiO 2 . For comparison, supported Ni catalysts on mesoporous SiO 2 synthesized by the conventional impregnation method were also included. The catalysts were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, N 2 adsorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, H 2 temperature-programmed reduction, transmission electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray. The catalytic properties of the catalysts were evaluated using gas-phase catalytic hydrodechlorination of 1,2-dichloroethane. The results showed that upon grinding Ni(NO 3 ) 2 with template-occluded mesoporous SiO 2 , strong coordination between Ni 2+ and dodecylamine was identified in the Ni(NO 3 ) 2 -HMS system. Additionally, the results of H 2 temperature-programmed reduction revealed that NiO in calcined NiO/HMS was reduced at higher temperature than those in calcined NiO/SBA-15 and NiO/MCM-41, reflecting the presence of a strong interaction between NiO and mesoporous SiO 2 in NiO/HMS. Consistently, the average particle sizes of metallic Ni were found to be 2.7, 3.4, and 9.6 nm in H 2 -reduced Ni/HMS, Ni/SBA-15, and Ni/MCM-41, respectively, indicative of a much higher Ni dispersion in Ni/HMS. For the catalytic hydrodechlorination of 1,2-dichloroethane, Ni/MCM-41 synthesized by the solid-state reaction method exhibited a catalytic activity similar to that prepared by the impregnation method, while higher catalytic activities were observed on Ni/HMS and Ni/SBA-15 than on their counterparts prepared by the impregnation method. Furthermore, a higher conversion was identified on Ni/HMS than on Ni/SBA-15 and Ni/MCM-41, highlighting the importance of template type for the preparation of highly dispersed metal catalysts on mesoporous SiO 2 .

Oxidation of TD nickel at 1050 C and 1200 C as compared with three grades of nickel of different purity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lowell, C. E.; Grisaffe, S. J.; Deadmore, D. L.

1972-01-01

The isothermal oxidation of three nickels of different purity, Ni-200, Ni-270, and JM-Ni, was compared with that of TD-Ni in air at 1050 and 1200 C. The samples were oxidized as ground, as polished, or as annealed and polished. Weight change, metal loss, scale thickness, oxide morphology, and scale texture were determined. In degree of oxidation, TD-Ni was nearly the same as the higher purity materials, Ni-270 and JM-Ni; and less pure Ni-200 oxidized more than the others. However, in microstructure and scale texture the TD-Ni more closely resembled Ni-200. Grinding only charged the texture of the oxides of Ni_200 and TD-Ni.

Micro-Structures and High-Temperature Friction-Wear Performances of Laser Cladded Cr–Ni Coatings

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Cr–Ni coatings with the mass ratios of 17% Cr–83% Ni, 20% Cr–80% Ni and 24% Cr–76% Ni were fabricated on H13 hot work mould steel using a laser cladding (LC). The surface–interface morphologies, chemical elements, surface roughness and phase composition of the obtained Cr–Ni coatings were analysed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy disperse spectroscopy (EDS), atomic force microscope (AFM) and X–ray diffractometer (XRD), respectively. The friction–wear properties and wear rates of Cr–Ni coatings with the different mass ratios of Cr and Ni at 600 °C were investigated, and the worn morphologies and wear mechanism of Cr–Ni coatings were analysed. The results show that the phases of Cr–Ni coatings with mass ratios of 17% Cr–83% Ni, 20% Cr–80% Ni and 24% Cr–76% Ni are composed of Cr + Ni single-phases and their compounds at the different stoichiometry, the porosities on the Cr–Ni coatings increase with the Cr content increasing. The average coefficient of friction (COF) of 17% Cr–83% Ni, 20% Cr–80% Ni and 24% Cr–76% coatings are 1.10, 0.33 and 0.87, respectively, in which the average COF of 20% Cr–80% Ni coating is the lowest, exhibiting the better anti-friction performance. The wear rate of 17% Cr–83% Ni, 20% Cr–80% Ni and 24% Cr–76% Ni coatings is 4.533 × 10−6, 5.433 × 10−6, and 1.761 × 10−6 N−1·s−1, respectively, showing the wear resistance of Cr–Ni coatings at a high temperature increases with the Cr content, in which the wear rate is 24% Cr–76% Ni coating with the better reducing wear. The wear mechanism of 17% Cr–83% Ni and 20% Cr–80% Ni and 24% Cr–76% coatings at 600 °C is primarily adhesive wear, and that of 24% Cr–76% coating is also accompanied by oxidative wear. PMID:29342948

Processing and Mechanical Properties of NiAl-Based In-Situ Composites. Ph.D. Thesis Final Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, David Ray

1994-01-01

In-situ composites based on the NiAl-Cr eutectic system were successfully produced by containerless processing and evaluated. The NiAl-Cr alloys had a fibrous microstructure while the NiAl-(Cr,Mo) alloys containing 1 at. percent or more molybdenum exhibited a lamellar structure. The NiAl-28Cr-6Mo eutectic displays promising high temperature strength while still maintaining a reasonable room temperature fracture toughness when compared to other NiAl-based materials. The Laves phase NiAlTa was used to strengthen NiAl and very promising creep strengths were found for the directionally solidified NiAl-NiAlTa eutectic. The eutectic composition was found to be near NiAl-15.5Ta (at. percent) and well aligned microstructures were produced at this composition. An off-eutectic composition of NiAl-14.5Ta was also processed, consisting of NiAl dendrites surrounded by aligned eutectic regions. The room temperature toughness of these two phase alloys was similar to that of polycrystalline NiAl even with the presence of the brittle Laves phase NiAlTa. Polyphase in-situ composites were generated by directional solidification of ternary eutectics. The systems investigated were the Ni-Al-Ta-X (X=Cr, Mo, or V) alloys. Ternary eutectics were found in each of these systems and both the eutectic composition and temperature were determined. Of these ternary eutectics, the one in the NiAl-Ta-Cr system was found to be the most promising. The fracture toughness of the NiAl-(Cr,Al)NiTa-Cr eutectic was intermediate between those of the NiAl-NiAlTa eutectic and the NiAl-Cr eutectic. The creep strength of this ternary eutectic was similar to or greater than that of the NiAl-Cr eutectic.

CXCL4 is a novel nickel-binding protein and augments nickel allergy.

PubMed

Kuroishi, T; Bando, K; Tanaka, Y; Shishido, K; Kinbara, M; Ogawa, T; Muramoto, K; Endo, Y; Sugawara, S

2017-08-01

Nickel (Ni) is the most frequent metal allergen and induces a TH 1 -dependent type-IV allergy. Although Ni 2+ is considered to bind to endogenous proteins, it currently remains unclear whether these Ni-binding proteins are involved in Ni allergy in vivo. We previously reported the adjuvant effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in a Ni allergy mouse model. As LPS induces a number of inflammatory mediators, we hypothesized that Ni-binding protein(s) are also induced by LPS. The objective of this study was to purify and identify Ni-binding protein(s) from serum taken from LPS-injected mice (referred as LPS serum) and examined the augmenting effects of these Ni-binding protein(s) on Ni allergy in an in vivo model. BALB/cA mice were sensitized with an i.p. injection of NiCl 2 and LPS. Ten days after sensitization, mice were challenged with NiCl 2 by an i.d. injection into ear pinnae. Ni-binding protein(s) were purified by Ni-affinity column chromatography and gel filtration. Lipopolysaccharide serum, but not serum taken from saline-injected mice, augmented ear swelling induced by Ni-allergic inflammation. Ni-binding, but not non-binding fraction, purified from LPS serum augmented Ni-allergic inflammation. Mass spectrometry and Western blotting detected CXCL4 in the active fraction. A batch analysis with Ni-sepharose and a surface plasmon resonance analysis revealed direct binding between CXCL4 and Ni 2+ . Recombinant CXCL4 augmented Ni-allergic inflammation and exerted adjuvant effects at the sensitization phase. These results indicate that CXCL4 is a novel Ni-binding protein that augments Ni allergy at the elicitation and sensitization phases. This is the first study to demonstrate that the Ni-binding protein augments Ni allergy in vivo. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Photosensitivity of the Ni-A state of [NiFe] hydrogenase from Desulfovibrio vulgaris Miyazaki F with visible light

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Osuka, Hisao; Graduate School of Materials Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama-cho, Ikoma-shi, Nara 630-0192; Shomura, Yasuhito

2013-01-04

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Ni-A state of [NiFe] hydrogenase showed light sensitivity. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer New FT-IR bands were observed with light irradiation of the Ni-A state. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer EPR g-values of the Ni-A state shifted upon light irradiation. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The light-induced state converted back to the Ni-A state under the dark condition. -- Abstract: [NiFe] hydrogenase catalyzes reversible oxidation of molecular hydrogen. Its active site is constructed of a hetero dinuclear Ni-Fe complex, and the oxidation state of the Ni ion changes according to the redox state of the enzyme. We found that the Ni-A state (an inactive unready, oxidized state) of [NiFe] hydrogenasemore » from Desulfovibrio vulgaris Miyazaki F (DvMF) is light sensitive and forms a new state (Ni-AL) with irradiation of visible light. The Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) bands at 1956, 2084 and 2094 cm{sup -1} of the Ni-A state shifted to 1971, 2086 and 2098 cm{sup -1} in the Ni-AL state. The g-values of g{sub x} = 2.30, g{sub y} = 2.23 and g{sub z} = 2.01 for the signals in the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum of the Ni-A state at room temperature varied for -0.009, +0.012 and +0.010, respectively, upon light irradiation. The light-induced Ni-AL state converted back immediately to the Ni-A state under dark condition at room temperature. These results show that the coordination structure of the Fe site of the Ni-A state of [NiFe] hydrogenase is perturbed significantly by light irradiation with relatively small coordination change at the Ni site.« less

Combined effect of Pt and W alloying elements on Ni-silicide formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, T.; Mangelinck, D.; Descoins, M.; Bertoglio, M.; Mouaici, N.; Hallén, A.; Girardeaux, C.

2018-03-01

A combinatorial study of the combined effect of Pt and W on Ni silicide formation is performed. Ni(Pt, W) films with thickness and composition gradients were prepared by a co-deposition composition spread technique using sputtering deposition from Pt, W, and Ni targets. The deposited Ni(Pt,W) films were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray reflectivity, Rutherford backscattering, and atom probe tomography. The maximum content of alloying elements is close to 27 at. %. Simulations of the thickness and composition were carried out and compared with experimental results. In situ X-ray diffraction and atom probe tomography were used to study the phase formation. Both additive alloying elements (Pt + W) slow down the Ni consumption and the effect of W is more pronounced than the one of Pt. Regarding the effect of alloying elements on Ni silicides formation, three regions could be distinguished in the Ni(Pt,W)/Si wafer. For the region close to the Ni target, the low contents of alloying elements (Pt + W) have little impact on the phase sequence (δ-Ni2Si is the first silicide and NiSi forms when Ni is entirely consumed) but the kinetics of silicide formation slows down. The region close to the Pt target has high contents of (Pt + W) and is rich in Pt and a simultaneous phase formation of δ-Ni2Si and NiSi is observed. For the high (Pt + W) contents and W-rich region, NiSi forms unexpectedly before δ-Ni2Si and the subsequent growth of δ-Ni2Si is accompanied by the NiSi consumption. When Ni is entirely consumed, NiSi regrows at the expense of δ-Ni2Si.

Effects of Ni particle morphology on cell performance of Na/NiCl2 battery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Mangi; Ahn, Cheol-Woo; Hahn, Byung-Dong; Jung, Keeyoung; Park, Yoon-Cheol; Cho, Nam-ung; Lee, Heesoo; Choi, Joon-Hwan

2017-11-01

Electrochemical reaction of Ni particle, one of active cathode materials in the Na/NiCl2 battery, occurs on the particle surface. The NiCl2 layer formed on the Ni particle surface during charging can disconnect the electron conduction path through Ni particles because the NiCl2 layer has very low conductivity. The morphology and size of Ni particles, therefore, need to be controlled to obtain high charge capacity and excellent cyclic retention. Effects of the Ni particle size on the cell performance were investigated using spherical Ni particles with diameters of 0.5 μm, 6 μm, and 50 μm. The charge capacities of the cells with spherical Ni particles increased when the Ni particle size becomes smaller because of their higher surface area but their charge capacities were significantly decreased with increasing cyclic tests owing to the disconnection of electron conduction path. The inferior cyclic retention of charge capacity was improved using reticular Ni particles which maintained the reliable connection for the electron conduction in the Na/NiCl2 battery. The charge capacity of the cell with the reticular Ni particles was higher than the cell with the small-sized spherical Ni particles approximately by 26% at 30th cycle.

Heteromorphic NiCo2S4/Ni3S2/Ni Foam as a Self-Standing Electrode for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction in Alkaline Solution.

PubMed

Liu, Hui; Ma, Xiao; Rao, Yuan; Liu, Yang; Liu, Jialiang; Wang, Luyang; Wu, Mingbo

2018-04-04

Considerable works have been devoted on developing high-efficiency nonplatinum electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein, 3D heteromorphic NiCo 2 S 4 /Ni 3 S 2 nanosheets network has been constructed on Ni foam (denoted as NiCo 2 S 4 /Ni 3 S 2 /NF) serving as a self-standing electrocatalyst through directly thermal sulfurization of a single-source NiCo-layered double hydroxide precursor. The resultant NiCo 2 S 4 /Ni 3 S 2 /NF electrode exhibits outstanding electrocatalytic HER performance with an extremely low onset overpotential of 15 mV and long-term durability in alkaline solution. Such enhanced HER performance can be credited to (1) the massive exposed active sites provided by mixed transition metal chalcogenides (NiCo 2 S 4 and Ni 3 S 2 ), (2) the strong interfacial interaction at NiCo 2 S 4 /Ni 3 S 2 heterojunction interfaces with the strengthened H binding, and (3) the porous highly conductive Ni foam substrate with accelerated electron transfer. This work opens up a new direction to fabricate effective and non-noble-metal electrodes for water splitting and hydrogen generation.

NiCo2O4 nanosheets in-situ grown on three dimensional porous Ni film current collectors as integrated electrodes for high-performance supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Tao; Guo, Ying; Zhao, Bo; Yu, Shuhui; Yang, Hai-Peng; Lu, Daniel; Fu, Xian-Zhu; Sun, Rong; Wong, Ching-Ping

2015-07-01

Three dimensional interconnected hierarchical porous Ni films are easily fabricated as effective current collectors through hydrogen bubble template electrochemical deposition. The binder-free integrated electrodes of spinel NiCo2O4 nanosheets directly coated the three dimensional porous Ni films are facilely obtained through successively electrochemical co-deposition of Ni/Co alloy layer then followed by subsequent annealing at 350 °C in air. Compared with NiCo2O4 nanosheets on smooth Ni foil or porous NiO/Ni film electrodes, the porous NiCo2O4/Ni integrated film electrodes for supercapacitors demonstrate remarkably higher area specific capacitance. The porous NiCo2O4/Ni film electrodes also exhibit excellent rate capability and cycling stability. The super electrochemical capacitive performances are attributed to the unique integrated architecture of NiCo2O4 nanosheets in-situ grown on three dimensional continuous hierarchical porous Ni collector collectors, which could provide large electrode-electrolyte interface area, high active sites, low contact resistance between current collector and active materials, fast electron conduction and ion/electrolyte diffusion.

Identification of the solid phase in relation to the solubility of nickel in alluvial soils.

PubMed

Barman, Mandira; Datta, S P; Rattan, R K

2014-09-01

The chemical equillibria between nickel (Ni) ion present in soil solution and solid phases govern the solubility vis-a-vis availability of Ni in soil. Therefore, stability of various Ni containing minerals in relation to pH was studied to identify the probable solid phases, which govern the solubility of Ni in some alluvial soils under intensive cultivation in and around Delhi. Free Ni2+ activity (pNi2+) as estimated by Baker soil test, ranged from 13.1 to 16.2. Highest free Ni2+ activity (pNi2+ = 13.1) was recorded in industrial effluent irrigated soil collected from Sonepat, Haryana. Free Ni2+ activity was 13.6 in soil collected from agricultural lands of Keshopur, receiving irrigation through sewage effluents. Soils receiving irrigation through tube well water showed relatively lower free Ni2+ activity (pNi2+ = 14.6 to 16.2). Ni-ferrite in equilibrium with Fe(OH)3 (amorphous) is likely to control the activity of Ni in two intensively Ni contaminated soil having pH around 8. Free Ni2+ activity is likely to be buffered by exchangeable Ni in soils having neutral pH.

One dimensional motion of interstitial clusters and void growth in Ni and Ni alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshiie, T.; Ishizaki, T.; Xu, Q.; Satoh, Y.; Kiritani, M.

2002-12-01

One dimensional (1-D) motion of interstitial clusters is important for the microstructural evolution in metals. In this paper, the effect of 2 at.% alloying with elements Si (volume size factor to Ni: -5.81%), Cu (7.18%), Ge (14.76%) and Sn (74.08%) in Ni on 1-D motion of interstitial clusters and void growth was studied. In neutron irradiated pure Ni, Ni-Cu and Ni-Ge, well developed dislocation networks and voids in the matrix, and no defects near grain boundaries were observed at 573 K to a dose of 0.4 dpa by transmission electron microscopy. No voids were formed and only interstitial type dislocation loops were observed near grain boundaries in Ni-Si and Ni-Sn. The reaction kinetics analysis which included the point defect flow into planar sink revealed the existence of 1-D motion of interstitial clusters in Ni, Ni-Cu and Ni-Ge, and lack of such motion in Ni-Si and Ni-Sn. In Ni-Sn and Ni-Si, the alloying elements will trap interstitial clusters and thereby reduce the cluster mobility, which lead to the reduction in void growth.

Simple solution-combustion synthesis of Ni-NiO@C nanocomposites with highly electrocatalytic activity for methanol oxidation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Jie; Ni, Yonghong; Zhai, Muheng

2018-01-01

Transition metal and its oxide composite nanomaterials are attracting increasing research interest due to their superior properties and extensive applications in many fields. In this paper, Ni-NiO@C nanocomposites were successfully synthesized in one step via a simple solution-combustion route, employing NiCl2 as the Ni source, oxygen in the atmosphere as the oxygen source, and ethanol as the solvent. The final product was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), (high resolution) transmission electron microscopy (TEM/HRTEM), and Raman spectra. N2 gas sorption-desorption experiments uncovered that the BET surface area of Ni-NiO@C nanocomposites reached 161.9 m2 g-1, far higher than 34.2 m2 g-1 of Ni-NiO. The electrochemical measurement showed that the as-produced Ni-NiO@C nanocomposites presented better catalytic activity for the electro-oxidation of methanol than Ni-NiO and NiO, which provides a new catalyst selection for the electro-oxidation of methanol.

Valence electronic structure of Ni in Ni Si alloys from relative K X-ray intensity studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalayci, Y.; Aydinuraz, A.; Tugluoglu, B.; Mutlu, R. H.

2007-02-01

The Kβ-to-Kα X-ray intensity ratio of Ni in Ni 3Si, Ni 2Si and NiSi has been determined by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence technique. It is found that the intensity ratio of Ni decreases from pure Ni to Ni 2Si and then increases from Ni 2Si to NiSi, in good agreement with the electronic structure calculations cited in the literature. We have also performed band structure calculations for pure Ni in various atomic configurations by means of linear muffin-tin orbital method and used this data with the normalized theoretical intensity ratios cited in the literature to estimate the 3d-occupation numbers of Ni in Ni-Si alloys. It is emphasized that investigation of alloying effect in terms of X-ray intensity ratios should be carried out for the stoichiometric alloys in order to make reliable and quantitative comparisons between theory and experiment in transition metal alloys.

Silicide formation process of Pt added Ni at low temperature: Control of NiSi2 formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ikarashi, Nobuyuki; Masuzaki, Koji

2011-03-01

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ab initio calculations revealed that the Ni-Si reaction around 300 °C is significantly changed by adding Pt to Ni. TEM analysis clarified that NiSi2 was formed in a reaction between Ni thin film (˜1 nm) and Si substrate, while NiSi was formed when Pt was added to the Ni film. We also found that the Ni-adamantane structure, which acts as a precursor for NiSi2 formation around the reaction temperature, was formed in the former reaction but was significantly suppressed in the latter reaction. Theoretical calculations indicated that Pt addition increased stress at the Ni-adamantane structure/Si-substrate interface. The increase in interface stress caused by Pt addition should raise the interface energy to suppress the Ni-adamantane structure formation, leading to NiSi2 formation being suppressed.

Preparation and characterization of Ni-P/Ni3.1B composite alloy coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yurong; He, Jiawei; Wang, Wenchang; Shi, Jianhua; Mitsuzaki, Naotoshi; Chen, Zhidong

2014-02-01

The preparation of Ni-P/Ni3.1B composite alloy coating on the surface of copper was achieved by co-deposition of Ni3.1B nanoparticles with Ni-P coating during electroless plating. Ni-P-B alloy coating was obtained by heat-treating the as-plated Ni-P/Ni3.1B composite coating. The effect of the concentration of sodium alginate, borax, thiourea, Ni3.1B, temperature, and pH value on the deposition rate and B content were investigated and determined to be: 30 g L-1, 10 g L-1, 2 mg L-1, 20 mg L-1, 70 °C and 9.0 , respectively. Sodium alginate and thiourea were played as surfactant for coating Ni3.1B nanoparticles and stabilizer for the plating bath, respectively. Ni-P/Ni3.1B composite coating had good performance such as corrosion resistance and solderability.

Structure determination of the ordered (2 × 1) phase of NiSi surface alloy on Ni(111) using low-energy electron diffraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sazzadur Rahman, Md.; Amirul Islam, Md.; Saha, Bidyut Baran; Nakagawa, Takeshi; Mizuno, Seigi

2015-12-01

The (2 × 1) structure of the two-dimensional nickel silicide surface alloy on Ni(111) was investigated using quantitative low-energy electron diffraction analysis. The unit cell of the determined silicide structure contains one Si and one Ni atom, corresponding to a chemical formula of NiSi. The Si atoms adopt substitutional face-centered cubic hollow sites on the Ni(111) substrate. The Ni-Si bond lengths were determined to be 2.37 and 2.34 Å. Both the alloy surface and the underlying first layers of Ni atoms exhibit slight corrugation. The Ni-Si interlayer distance is smaller than the Ni-Ni interlayer distance, which indicates that Si atoms and underlying Ni atoms strongly interact.

NEUTRON-POOR NICKEL ISOTOPE ANOMALIES IN METEORITES

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Steele, Robert C. J.; Coath, Christopher D.; Regelous, Marcel

2012-10-10

We present new, mass-independent, Ni isotope data for a range of bulk chondritic meteorites. The data are reported as {epsilon}{sup 60}Ni{sub 58/61}, {epsilon}{sup 62}Ni{sub 58/61}, and {epsilon}{sup 64}Ni{sub 58/61}, or the parts per ten thousand deviations from a terrestrial reference, the NIST SRM 986 standard, of the {sup 58}Ni/{sup 61}Ni internally normalized {sup 60}Ni/{sup 61}Ni, {sup 62}Ni/{sup 61}Ni, and {sup 64}Ni/{sup 61}Ni ratios. The chondrites show a range of 0.15, 0.29, and 0.84 in {epsilon}{sup 60}Ni{sub 58/61}, {epsilon}{sup 62}Ni{sub 58/61}, and {epsilon}{sup 64}Ni{sub 58/61} relative to a typical sample precision of 0.03, 0.05, and 0.08 (2 s.e.), respectively. The carbonaceousmore » chondrites show the largest positive anomalies, enstatite chondrites have approximately terrestrial ratios, though only EH match Earth's composition within uncertainty, and ordinary chondrites show negative anomalies. The meteorite data show a strong positive correlation between {epsilon}{sup 62}Ni{sub 58/61} and {epsilon}{sup 64}Ni{sub 58/61}, an extrapolation of which is within the error of the average of previous measurements of calcium-, aluminium-rich inclusions. Moreover, the slope of this bulk meteorite array is 3.003 {+-} 0.166 which is within the error of that expected for an anomaly solely on {sup 58}Ni. We also determined to high precision ({approx}10 ppm per AMU) the mass-dependent fractionation of two meteorite samples which span the range of {epsilon}{sup 62}Ni{sub 58/61} and {epsilon}{sup 64}Ni{sub 58/61}. These analyses show that 'absolute' ratios of {sup 58}Ni/{sup 61}Ni vary between these two samples whereas those of {sup 62}Ni/{sup 61}Ni and {sup 64}Ni/{sup 61}Ni do not. Thus, Ni isotopic differences seem most likely explained by variability in the neutron-poor {sup 58}Ni, and not correlated anomalies in the neutron-rich isotopes, {sup 62}Ni and {sup 64}Ni. This contrasts with previous inferences from mass-independent measurements of Ni and other transition elements which invoked variable contributions of a neutron-rich component. We have examined different nucleosynthetic environments to determine the possible source of the anomalous material responsible for the isotopic variations observed in Ni and other transition elements within bulk samples. We find that the Ni isotopic variability of the solar system cannot be explained by mixing with a component of bulk stellar ejecta from either SN II, Wolf-Rayet or, an asymptotic giant branch source and is unlikely to result from bulk mixing of material from an SN Ia. However, variable admixture of material from the Si/S zone of an SN II can create all the characteristics of Ni isotope variations in solar system materials. Moreover, these characteristics can also be provided by an SN II with a range of masses from 15 to 40 M{sub Sun }, showing that input from SN II is a robust source for Ni isotope variations in the solar system. Correlations of Ni isotope anomalies with O, Cr, and Ti isotope ratios and Pb/Yb in bulk meteorites suggest that the heterogeneous distribution of isotopic anomalies in the early solar system likely resulted from nebular sorting of chemically or physically different materials bearing different amounts of isotopes synthesized proximally to the collapse of the protosolar nebula.« less

Hydrogen in La2MgNi9D13: the role of magnesium.

PubMed

Denys, Roman V; Yartys, Volodymyr A; Webb, Colin J

2012-04-02

Reversible hydrogen storage capacity of the La(3-x)Mg(x)Ni(9) alloys, charged by gaseous hydrogen or by electrochemical methods, reaches its maximum at composition La(2)MgNi(9). As (La,Mg)Ni(3-3.5) alloys are the materials used in advanced metal hydride electrodes in Ni-MH batteries, this raises interest in the study of the structure-properties interrelation in the system La(2)MgNi(9)-H(2) (D(2)). In the present work, this system has been investigated by use of in situ synchrotron X-ray and neutron powder diffraction in H(2)/D(2) gas and by performing pressure-composition-temperature measurements. The saturated La(2)MgNi(9)D(13.1) hydride forms via an isotropic expansion and crystallizes with a trigonal unit cell (space group R3m (No.166); a = 5.4151(1) Å; c = 26.584(2) Å; V = 675.10(6) Å(3)). The studied hybrid structure is composed of a stacking of two layers resembling existing intermetallic compounds LaNi(5) (CaCu(5) type) and LaMgNi(4) (Laves type). These are occupied by D to form LaNi(5)D(5.2) and LaMgNi(4)D(7.9). The LaNi(5)D(5.2) slab has a typical structure observed for all reported LaNi(5)-containing hybrid structures of the AB(5) + Laves phase types. However, the Laves type slab LaMgNi(4)D(7.9) is different from the characterized individual LaMgNi(4)D(4.85) hydride. This results from the filling of a greater variety of interstitial sites in the La(2)MgNi(9)D(13)/LaMgNi(4)D(7.9), including MgNi(2), Ni(4), (La/Mg)(2)Ni(2), and (La/Mg)Ni(3), in contrast with individual LaMgNi(4)D(4.85) where only La(2)MgNi(2) and Ni(4) interstitials are occupied. Despite a random distribution of La and Mg in the structure, a local hydrogen ordering takes place with H atoms favoring occupation of two Mg-surrounded sites, triangles MgNi(2) and tetrahedra LaMgNi(2). A directional bonding between Ni, Mg, and hydrogen is observed and is manifested by a formation of the NiH(4) tetrahedra and MgH(6) octahedra, which are connected to each other by sharing H vertexes to form a spatial framework.

On the similarity of the bonding in NiS and NiO

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bauschlicher, C. W., Jr.

1985-01-01

The bonding in NiS is found to be quite similar to that in NiO, having an ionic contribution arising from the donation of the Ni 4s electron to the S atom and a covalent component arising from bonds between the Ni 3d and the S 3p. The one-electron d bonds are found to be of equal strength for NiO and NiS, but the two-electron d bonds are weaker for NiS.

Peculiarities of thermoelectric half-Heusler phase formation in Gd-Ni-Sb and Lu-Ni-Sb ternary systems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Romaka, V.V., E-mail: romakav@lp.edu.ua; Romaka, L.; Horyn, A.

The phase equilibria in the Gd–Ni–Sb and Lu-Ni-Sb ternary systems were studied at 873 K by X-ray and metallographic analyses in the whole concentration range. The interaction of the elements in the Gd–Ni–Sb system results the formation of five ternary compounds at investigated temperature: Gd{sub 5}Ni{sub 2}Sb (Mo{sub 5}SiB{sub 2}-type), Gd{sub 5}NiSb{sub 2} (Yb{sub 5}Sb{sub 3}-type), GdNiSb (MgAgAs-type), Gd{sub 3}Ni{sub 6}Sb{sub 5} (Y{sub 3}Ni{sub 6}Sb{sub 5}-type), and GdNi{sub 0.72}Sb{sub 2} (HfCuSi{sub 2}-type). At investigated temperature the Lu-Ni-Sb system is characterized by formation of the LuNiSb (MgAgAs-type), Lu{sub 5}Ni{sub 2}Sb (Mo{sub 5}SiB{sub 2}-type), and Lu{sub 5}Ni{sub 0.56}Sb{sub 2.44} (Yb{sub 5}Sb{sub 3}-type)more » compounds. The disordering in the crystal structure of half-Heusler GdNiSb and LuNiSb was revealed by EPMA and studied by means of Rietveld refinement and DFT modeling. The performed electronic structure calculations are in good agreement with electrical transport property studies. - Graphical abstract: Crystal structure model and electron localization function of Lu{sub 5}Ni{sub 2}Sb. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Gd-Ni-Sb and Lu-Ni-Sb phase diagrams were constructed at 873 K. • GdNiSb and LuNiSb are characterized by disordered crystal structure. • Crystal structure optimization with DFT calculations confirmed crystal structure disorder in GdNiSb and LuNiSb.« less

Experimental constraints on reconstruction of Archean seawater Ni isotopic composition from banded iron formations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Shui-Jiong; Wasylenki, Laura E.

2017-06-01

The Ni isotopic systematics in banded iron formations (BIFs) potentially recorded the Ni isotopic composition of ancient seawater over Precambrian geological history. However, the utility of BIFs as proxies requires quantitative knowledge of how Ni isotopes fractionated as dissolved Ni was initially incorporated into iron-rich sediments and how diagenesis may have affected the Ni isotopic systematics. Here we report results of synthesis experiments to investigate the behavior of Ni isotopes during Ni coprecipitation with ferrihydrite and then transformation of ferrihydrite to hematite. Ferrihydrite coprecipitation experiments at neutral pH demonstrated that the dissolved Ni was variably heavier than coprecipitated Ni (likely a mixture of surface-adsorbed and structurally incorporated Ni), with the isotope fractionation becoming larger as the fraction of Ni associated with solid increased (Δ60/58Nisolution-solid = +0.08 to +0.50‰). Further experiments at lower pH (3.7-6.7), in which structurally incorporated Ni likely dominated in solids, documented a decrease in Δ60/58Nisolution-solid from +0.44‰ to -0.18‰ as the pH decreased. The negative value for Δ60/58Nisolution-solid at low pH indicates the enrichment of heavier isotopes in incorporated Ni relative to dissolved and adsorbed Ni, possibly as a result of the presence of a small amount of tetrahedral Ni2+ in addition to octahedral Ni2+ in the ferrihydrite structure. The results of the ferrihydrite experiments thus reflect equilibrium isotope fractionation between three pools of Ni, with δ60/58Ni values in the order of incorporated > dissolved > adsorbed. Hematite was synthesized by transformation of Ni-bearing ferrihydrite in aqueous solution at ∼100 °C. A significant amount of Ni (up to 60%) was released (desorbed) from solids into solutions as pH dropped from ∼7 to 4.5-5.5 upon phase transformation. Rinsing of the synthesized hematite in 2 M acetic acid released only very small amounts of Ni (<4% of total Ni, presumably surface-adsorbed) that were isotopically heavier (δ60/58Ni = +0.11 ± 0.06‰) than the residues (presumably dominated by incorporated Ni), which had δ60/58Ni of -0.26 ± 0.07‰. The preference of lighter isotopes for the incorporated Ni relative to the surface-adsorbed Ni after phase transformation (most had been released into solution) is probably due to distortion of Nisbnd O octahedra in the hematite structure, with weaker Nisbnd O bond strengths on average. Hence, the more variable Δ60/58Nisolution-solid values (-0.04 to +0.77‰) observed in hematite experiments most likely reflect thermodynamically driven Rayleigh fractionation, with incorporated Ni unavailable to exchange with dissolved Ni due to continuous reduction in size of the highly reactive surface pool of Ni, through which all solid-solution exchange must occur. Overall, the synthesized hematite was isotopically lighter than the ferrihydrite by ∼0.08‰ in δ60/58Ni, which is however within the current analytical uncertainties (±0.09‰). This implies that earliest diagenesis of BIFs results in very limited change in the isotopic composition of solid-associated Ni. Our experimental results, although conducted in a very simple system that differs from Archean seawater, represent an important step toward reconstruction of the Ni isotopic composition of ancient seawater from Ni isotopic signatures in BIFs.

Bioavailability, Intracellular Mobilization of Nickel, and HIF-1α Activation in Human Lung Epithelial Cells Exposed to Metallic Nickel and Nickel Oxide Nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Liu, Xinyuan; Smith, Ashley; McNeil, Kevin; Weston, Paula; Zhitkovich, Anatoly; Hurt, Robert; Kane, Agnes B.

2011-01-01

Micron-sized particles of poorly soluble nickel compounds, but not metallic nickel, are established human and rodent carcinogens. In contrast, little is known about the toxic effects of a growing number of Ni-containing materials in the nano-sized range. Here, we performed physicochemical characterization of NiO and metallic Ni nanoparticles and examined their metal ion bioavailability and toxicological properties in human lung epithelial cells. Cellular uptake of metallic Ni and NiO nanoparticles, but not metallic Ni microparticles, was associated with the release of Ni(II) ions after 24–48 h as determined by Newport Green fluorescence. Similar to soluble NiCl2, NiO nanoparticles induced stabilization and nuclear translocation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) transcription factor followed by upregulation of its target NRDG1 (Cap43). In contrast to no response to metallic Ni microparticles, nickel nanoparticles caused a rapid and prolonged activation of the HIF-1α pathway that was stronger than that induced by soluble Ni (II). Soluble NiCl2 and NiO nanoparticles were equally toxic to H460 human lung epithelial cells and primary human bronchial epithelial cells; metallic Ni nanoparticles showed lower toxicity and Ni microparticles were nontoxic. Cytotoxicity induced by all forms of Ni occurred concomitant with activation of an apoptotic response, as determined by dose- and time-dependent cleavage of caspases and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. Our results show that metallic Ni nanoparticles, in contrast to micron-sized Ni particles, activate a toxicity pathway characteristic of carcinogenic Ni compounds. Moderate cytotoxicity and sustained activation of the HIF-1α pathway by metallic Ni nanoparticles could promote cell transformation and tumor progression. PMID:21828359

Developments of the Physical and Electrical Properties of NiCr and NiCrSi Single-Layer and Bi-Layer Nano-Scale Thin-Film Resistors.

PubMed

Cheng, Huan-Yi; Chen, Ying-Chung; Li, Chi-Lun; Li, Pei-Jou; Houng, Mau-Phon; Yang, Cheng-Fu

2016-02-25

In this study, commercial-grade NiCr (80 wt % Ni, 20 wt % Cr) and NiCrSi (55 wt % Ni, 40 wt % Cr, 5 wt % Si) were used as targets and the sputtering method was used to deposit NiCr and NiCrSi thin films on Al₂O₃ and Si substrates at room temperature under different deposition time. X-ray diffraction patterns showed that the NiCr and NiCrSi thin films were amorphous phase, and the field-effect scanning electronic microscope observations showed that only nano-crystalline grains were revealed on the surfaces of the NiCr and NiCrSi thin films. The log (resistivity) values of the NiCr and NiCrSi thin-film resistors decreased approximately linearly as their thicknesses increased. We found that the value of temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR value) of the NiCr thin-film resistors was positive and that of the NiCrSi thin-film resistors was negative. To investigate these thin-film resistors with a low TCR value, we designed a novel bi-layer structure to fabricate the thin-film resistors via two different stacking methods. The bi-layer structures were created by depositing NiCr for 10 min as the upper (or lower) layer and depositing NiCrSi for 10, 30, or 60 min as the lower (or upper) layer. We aim to show that the stacking method had no apparent effect on the resistivity of the NiCr-NiCrSi bi-layer thin-film resistors but had large effect on the TCR value.

Developments of the Physical and Electrical Properties of NiCr and NiCrSi Single-Layer and Bi-Layer Nano-Scale Thin-Film Resistors

PubMed Central

Cheng, Huan-Yi; Chen, Ying-Chung; Li, Chi-Lun; Li, Pei-Jou; Houng, Mau-Phon; Yang, Cheng-Fu

2016-01-01

In this study, commercial-grade NiCr (80 wt % Ni, 20 wt % Cr) and NiCrSi (55 wt % Ni, 40 wt % Cr, 5 wt % Si) were used as targets and the sputtering method was used to deposit NiCr and NiCrSi thin films on Al2O3 and Si substrates at room temperature under different deposition time. X-ray diffraction patterns showed that the NiCr and NiCrSi thin films were amorphous phase, and the field-effect scanning electronic microscope observations showed that only nano-crystalline grains were revealed on the surfaces of the NiCr and NiCrSi thin films. The log (resistivity) values of the NiCr and NiCrSi thin-film resistors decreased approximately linearly as their thicknesses increased. We found that the value of temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR value) of the NiCr thin-film resistors was positive and that of the NiCrSi thin-film resistors was negative. To investigate these thin-film resistors with a low TCR value, we designed a novel bi-layer structure to fabricate the thin-film resistors via two different stacking methods. The bi-layer structures were created by depositing NiCr for 10 min as the upper (or lower) layer and depositing NiCrSi for 10, 30, or 60 min as the lower (or upper) layer. We aim to show that the stacking method had no apparent effect on the resistivity of the NiCr-NiCrSi bi-layer thin-film resistors but had large effect on the TCR value. PMID:28344296

Uptake of Nickel by Synthetic Mackinawite | Science Inventory ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The uptake of aqueous Ni(II) by synthetic mackinawite (FeS) was examined in anaerobic batch experiments at near-neutral pH (5.2 to 8.4). Initial molar ratios of Ni(II) to FeS ranged from 0.008 to 0.83 and maximum Ni concentrations in mackinawite, expressed as the cation mol fraction, were as high as XNi = 0.56 (Fe1-xNixS; 0  x  1). Greater than 99% Ni removal from solution occurred when Ni loading remained below 0.13 ± 0.03 (1σ) mol Ni per mol FeS due to sorption of Ni at the mackinawite surface. Characterization of experimental solids using X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy showed patterns characteristic of nanocrystalline mackinawite; no evidence of nickel monosulfide (α-NiS or millerite), polydymite (Ni3S4), or godlevskite [(Ni,Fe)9S8] formation was indicated regardless of the amount of Ni loading. Slight expansion of the c-axis correlated with increasing Ni content in synthetic mackinawite, from c = 5.07 ± 0.01 Å at XNi = 0.02 to c = 5.10 ± 0.01 Å at XNi = 0.38. Ni K-edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectra of synthetic Ni-bearing mackinawite are similar in phase and amplitude to the Fe K-edge EXAFS spectrum of Ni-free mackinawite, indicating that the molecular environment of Ni2+ in Ni-bearing mackinawite is similar to that of Fe2+ in Ni-free mackinawite. EXAFS data fitting of Ni-bearing mackinawite with XNi = 0.42 indicated a coordination number of 4.04 ± 0.30 and an average Ni-S bond distance of 2.28 Å, in good a

Synthesis and synchrotron X-ray characterization of two 2D Hoffman related compounds [Ni(p-Xylylenediamine)nNi(CN)4] and [Ni(p-tetrafluoroxylylenediamine)nNi(CN)4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wong-Ng, W.; Culp, J. T.; Siderius, D. W.; Chen, Y. S.

2018-07-01

Synchrotron X-ray single crystal structure determination of two 2D Hofmann-related compounds, [Ni(p-Xylyenediamine)n-tetracyanonickelate] (abbreviated as Ni-pXdam) and [Ni(tetrafluoro-p-Xylyenediamine)n-tetracyanonickelate] (abbreviated as Ni-pXdamF4), have been conducted. Both the pXdam and pXdamF4 ligands contain two short chains of -CH2NH2 at the para-positions of a phenyl ring. These flexible chains link the 6-fold coordinated Ni2 sites throughout the network. In Ni-pXdam, the closed-2D network of [Ni-(CN-Ni1/4-)4]∞ is broken into 1D chains, leaving the C≡N groups at the trans-positions of the Ni(CN)4 moiety unbridged. The resulting 1D chains [(trans-)-NC-Ni(CN)2-CN-Ni-]∞ runs along the [010] direction of the unit cell. The pXdam ligands bridge in pair between the Ni atoms of the adjacent chains. The catenation structure of [Ni{(pXdam)}]∞ could be referred to as double -1D. In Ni-pXdamF4, the -CH2NH2 ligands connect the neighboring chains via the 6-fold Ni2 site. Surrounding the 4-fold Ni1 site, the two trans terminal C≡N groups were replaced by the Lewis base NH3 during the synthesis process, therefore preventing the propagation of the 2D net to form a 3D network. Computed pore volume of both compounds indicated that there is not sufficient space in the structure to accommodate gas molecules. In both compounds, hydrogen bonds were found, and solvent of crystallization was absent due to the limited free space in the structure.

An Ultrastable and High-Performance Flexible Fiber-Shaped Ni-Zn Battery based on a Ni-NiO Heterostructured Nanosheet Cathode.

PubMed

Zeng, Yinxiang; Meng, Yue; Lai, Zhengzhe; Zhang, Xiyue; Yu, Minghao; Fang, Pingping; Wu, Mingmei; Tong, Yexiang; Lu, Xihong

2017-11-01

Currently, the main bottleneck for the widespread application of Ni-Zn batteries is their poor cycling stability as a result of the irreversibility of the Ni-based cathode and dendrite formation of the Zn anode during the charging-discharging processes. Herein, a highly rechargeable, flexible, fiber-shaped Ni-Zn battery with impressive electrochemical performance is rationally demonstrated by employing Ni-NiO heterostructured nanosheets as the cathode. Benefiting from the improved conductivity and enhanced electroactivity of the Ni-NiO heterojunction nanosheet cathode, the as-fabricated fiber-shaped Ni-NiO//Zn battery displays high capacity and admirable rate capability. More importantly, this Ni-NiO//Zn battery shows unprecedented cyclic durability both in aqueous (96.6% capacity retention after 10 000 cycles) and polymer (almost no capacity attenuation after 10 000 cycles at 22.2 A g -1 ) electrolytes. Moreover, a peak energy density of 6.6 µWh cm -2 , together with a remarkable power density of 20.2 mW cm -2 , is achieved by the flexible quasi-solid-state fiber-shaped Ni-NiO//Zn battery, outperforming most reported fiber-shaped energy-storage devices. Such a novel concept of a fiber-shaped Ni-Zn battery with impressive stability will greatly enrich the flexible energy-storage technologies for future portable/wearable electronic applications. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Synthesis and catalytic performance of SiO2@Ni and hollow Ni microspheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xin; Liu, Yanhua; Shi, Xueting; Yu, Zhengyang; Feng, Libang

2016-11-01

Nickel (Ni) catalyst has been widely used in catalytic reducing reactions such as catalytic hydrogenation of organic compounds and catalytic reduction of organic dyes. However, the catalytic efficiency of pure Ni is low. In order to improve the catalytic performance, Ni nanoparticle-loaded microspheres can be developed. In this study, we have prepared Ni nanoparticle-loaded microspheres (SiO2@Ni) and hollow Ni microspheres using two-step method. SiO2@Ni microspheres with raspberry-like morphology and core-shell structure are synthesized successfully using SiO2 microsphere as a template and Ni2+ ions are adsorbed onto SiO2 surfaces via electrostatic interaction and then reduced and deposited on surfaces of SiO2 microspheres. Next, the SiO2 cores are removed by NaOH etching and the hollow Ni microspheres are prepared. The NaOH etching time does no have much influence on the crystal structure, shape, and surface morphology of SiO2@Ni; however, it can change the phase composition evidently. The hollow Ni microspheres are obtained when the NaOH etching time reaches 10 h and above. The as-synthesized SiO2@Ni microspheres exhibit much higher catalytic performance than the hollow Ni microspheres and pure Ni nanoparticles in the catalytic reduction of methylene blue. Meanwhile, the SiO2@Ni catalyst has high stability and hence it can be recycled for reuse.

Nickel silicide formation in silicon implanted nickel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rao, Z.; Williams, J. S.; Pogany, A. P.; Sood, D. K.; Collins, G. A.

1995-04-01

Nickel silicide formation during the annealing of very high dose (≥4.5×1017 ions/cm2) Si implanted Ni has been investigated, using ion beam analytical techniques, electron microscopy, and x-ray diffraction analysis. An initial amorphous Si-Ni alloy, formed as a result of high dose ion implantation, first crystallized to Ni2Si upon annealing in the temperature region of 200-300 °C. This was followed by the formation of Ni5Si2 in the temperature region of 300-400 °C and then by Ni3Si at 400-600 °C. The Ni3Si layer was found to have an epitaxial relationship with the substrate Ni, which was determined as Ni3Si<100>∥Ni<100> and Ni3Si<110>∥Ni<110> for Ni(100) samples. The minimum channeling yield in the 2 MeV He Rutherford backscattering and channeling spectra of this epitaxial layer improved with higher annealing temperatures up to 600 °C, and reached a best value measured at about 8%. However, the epitaxial Ni3Si dissolved after long time annealing at 600 °C or annealing at higher temperatures to liberate soluble Si into the Ni substrate. The epitaxy is attributed to the excellent lattice match between the Ni3Si and the Ni. The annealing behavior follows the predictions of the Ni-Si phase diagram for this nickel-rich binary system.

Sputtering Yields of Si and Ni from the Ni1-xSix System Studied by Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Su Chol; Yamaguchi, Satoru; Kataoka, Yoshihide; Iwami, Motohiro; Hiraki, Akio; Satou, Mamoru; Fujimoto, Fuminori

1982-01-01

Sputtering yields of Si and Ni from thin layer films of Ni-Si compounds (Ni1-xSix), including the pure materials (Ni and Si), caused by 5 keV Ar+ ion bombardment were investigated using backscattering spectrometry. The sputtering yield for Si from Ni1-xSix increased with increasing Si concentration. However, there is an abrupt decrease in the yield for Si concentrations above NiSi2 to pure Si. This is in clear contrast to the sputtering yield of Ni from Ni1-xSix which increased with increasing Ni concentration monotonously. These results are discussed on the basis of both the difference in the atomic density and the electronic state of the alloy.

61Ni synchrotron radiation-based Mössbauer spectroscopy of nickel-based nanoparticles with hexagonal structure

PubMed Central

Masuda, Ryo; Kobayashi, Yasuhiro; Kitao, Shinji; Kurokuzu, Masayuki; Saito, Makina; Yoda, Yoshitaka; Mitsui, Takaya; Hosoi, Kohei; Kobayashi, Hirokazu; Kitagawa, Hiroshi; Seto, Makoto

2016-01-01

We measured the synchrotron-radiation (SR)-based Mössbauer spectra of Ni-based nanoparticles with a hexagonal structure that were synthesised by chemical reduction. To obtain Mössbauer spectra of the nanoparticles without 61Ni enrichment, we developed a measurement system for 61Ni SR-based Mössbauer absorption spectroscopy without X-ray windows between the 61Ni84V16 standard energy alloy and detector. The counting rate of the 61Ni nuclear resonant scattering in the system was enhanced by the detection of internal conversion electrons and the close proximity between the energy standard and the detector. The spectrum measured at 4 K revealed the internal magnetic field of the nanoparticles was 3.4 ± 0.9 T, corresponding to a Ni atomic magnetic moment of 0.3 Bohr magneton. This differs from the value of Ni3C and the theoretically predicted value of hexagonal-close-packed (hcp)-Ni and suggested the nanoparticle possessed intermediate carbon content between hcp-Ni and Ni3C of approximately 10 atomic % of Ni. The improved 61Ni Mössbauer absorption measurement system is also applicable to various Ni materials without 61Ni enrichment, such as Ni hydride nanoparticles. PMID:26883185

NiCoO2 flowers grown on the aligned-flakes coated Ni foam for application in hybrid energy storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Xiaoyang; Zhao, Huilin; Zhou, JingKuo; Xue, Ruinan; Gao, Jianping

2016-10-01

Many NiCoO2 flowers with an average diameter of about 4 μm were grown on the NiCoO2 flakes coated Ni foam (denoted as NiCoO2/Ni foam) through a simple hydrothermal method and confirmed by scanning and transmission electron microscopies, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectrum measurements. The NiCoO2/Ni foam with high specific area and porosity was directly used as the working electrode without any binders. The measured specific capacitance of NiCoO2 grown on Ni foam is 756 F/g at 0.75 A/g using a three-electrode setup in 1 M KOH. Considering the high capacity of NiCoO2 and the good stability of rGO, the NiCoO2/Ni foam//rGO hybrid supercapacitor combining NiCoO2/Ni foam and rGO shows very good properties, such as high specific capacitance (82 F/g at 2 A/g based on the total mass of active materials), high energy density (25.7 Wh/kg at 1500 W/kg based on the total mass of active materials), good stability (about 90% capacitance retention after 2000-cycle at 100 mV/s), and low charge ion transfer resistance.

Steroid biotransformations in biphasic systems with Yarrowia lipolytica expressing human liver cytochrome P450 genes

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Yarrowia lipolytica efficiently metabolizes and assimilates hydrophobic compounds such as n-alkanes and fatty acids. Efficient substrate uptake is enabled by naturally secreted emulsifiers and a modified cell surface hydrophobicity and protrusions formed by this yeast. We were examining the potential of recombinant Y. lipolytica as a biocatalyst for the oxidation of hardly soluble hydrophobic steroids. Furthermore, two-liquid biphasic culture systems were evaluated to increase substrate availability. While cells, together with water soluble nutrients, are maintained in the aqueous phase, substrates and most of the products are contained in a second water-immiscible organic solvent phase. Results For the first time we have co-expressed the human cytochromes P450 2D6 and 3A4 genes in Y. lipolytica together with human cytochrome P450 reductase (hCPR) or Y. lipolytica cytochrome P450 reductase (YlCPR). These whole-cell biocatalysts were used for the conversion of poorly soluble steroids in biphasic systems. Employing a biphasic system with the organic solvent and Y. lipolytica carbon source ethyl oleate for the whole-cell bioconversion of progesterone, the initial specific hydroxylation rate in a 1.5 L stirred tank bioreactor was further increased 2-fold. Furthermore, the product formation was significantly prolonged as compared to the aqueous system. Co-expression of the human CPR gene led to a 4-10-fold higher specific activity, compared to the co-overexpression of the native Y. lipolytica CPR gene. Multicopy transformants showed a 50-70-fold increase of activity as compared to single copy strains. Conclusions Alkane-assimilating yeast Y. lipolytica, coupled with the described expression strategies, demonstrated its high potential for biotransformations of hydrophobic substrates in two-liquid biphasic systems. Especially organic solvents which can be efficiently taken up and/or metabolized by the cell might enable more efficient bioconversion as compared to aqueous systems and even enable simple, continuous or at least high yield long time processes. PMID:22876969

Contributions of a unique β-clamp to substrate recognition illuminates the molecular basis of exolysis in ferulic acid esterases.

PubMed

Gruninger, Robert J; Cote, Chris; McAllister, Tim A; Abbott, D Wade

2016-04-01

Lignocellulosic biomass is a promising renewable resource; however, deconstruction of this material is still the rate-limiting step. Major obstacles in the biocatalytic turnover of lignocellulose are ester-linked decorations that prevent access to primary structural polysaccharides. Enzymes targeting these esters represent promising biotools for increasing bioconversion efficiency. Ruminant livestock are unique in their ability to degrade lignocellulose through the action of their gut microbiome. The anaerobic fungi (phylum Neocallimastigomycota) are key members of this ecosystem that express a large repertoire of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) with little sequence identity with characterized CAZymes [Lombard, Golaconda, Drula, Coutinho and Henrissat (2014) Nucleic Acids Res. 42: , D490-D495]. We have identified a carbohydrate esterase family 1 (CE1) ferulic acid esterase (FAE) belonging to Anaeromyces mucronatus(AmCE1/Fae1a), and determined its X-ray structure in both the presence [1.55 Å (1 Å=0.1 nm)] and absence (1.60 Å) of ferulic acid. AmCE1 adopts an α/β-hydrolase fold that is structurally conserved with bacterial FAEs, and possesses a unique loop, termed the β-clamp, that encloses the ligand. Isothermal titration calorimetry reveals that substrate binding is driven by enthalpic contributions, which overcomes a large entropic penalty. A comparative analysis of AmCE1 with related enzymes has uncovered the apparent structural basis for differential FAE activities targeting cross-linking ferulic acid conjugates compared with terminal decorations. Based on comparisons to structurally characterized FAEs, we propose that the β-clamp may define the structural basis of exolytic activities in FAEs. This provides a structure-based tool for predicting exolysis and endolysis in CE1. These insights hold promise for rationally identifying enzymes tailored for bioconversion of biomass with variations in cell wall composition. © 2016 Authors; published by Portland Press Limited.

Bacterial communities and metabolic activity of faecal cultures from equol producer and non-producer menopausal women under treatment with soy isoflavones.

PubMed

Guadamuro, Lucía; Dohrmann, Anja B; Tebbe, Christoph C; Mayo, Baltasar; Delgado, Susana

2017-04-17

Isoflavones are polyphenols with estrogenic activity found mainly in soy and soy-derived products that need to be metabolised in the intestine by the gut bacteria to be fully active. There is little knowledge about isoflavone bioconversion and equol production in the human intestine. In this work, we developed an in vitro anaerobic culture model based on faecal slurries to assess the impact of isoflavone supplementation on the overall intestinal bacterial composition changes and associated metabolic transformations. In the faecal anaerobic batch cultures of this study bioconversion of isoflavones into equol was possible, suggesting the presence of viable equol-producing bacterial taxa within the faeces of menopausal women with an equol producer phenotype. The application of high-throughput DNA sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons revealed the composition of the faecal cultures to be modified by the addition of isoflavones, with enrichment of some bacterial gut members associated with the metabolism of phenolics and/or equol production, such as Collinsella, Faecalibacterium and members of the Clostridium clusters IV and XIVa. In addition, the concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) detected in the isoflavone-containing faecal cultures was higher in those inoculated with faecal slurries from equol-producing women. This study constitutes the first step in the development of a faecal culturing system with isoflavones that would further allow the selection and isolation of intestinal bacterial types able to metabolize these compounds and produce equol in vitro. Although limited by the low number of faecal cultures analysed and the inter-individual bacterial diversity, the in vitro results obtained in this work tend to indicate that soy isoflavones might provide an alternative energy source for the increase of equol-producing taxa and enhancement of SCFAs production. SCFAs and equol are both considered pivotal bacterial metabolites in the triggering of intestinal health-related beneficial effects.

Microbial community structures in high rate algae ponds for bioconversion of agricultural wastes from livestock industry for feed production.

PubMed

Mark Ibekwe, A; Murinda, Shelton E; Murry, Marcia A; Schwartz, Gregory; Lundquist, Trygve

2017-02-15

Dynamics of seasonal microbial community compositions in algae cultivation ponds are complex. However, there is very limited knowledge on bacterial communities that may play significant roles with algae in the bioconversion of manure nutrients to animal feed. In this study, water samples were collected during winter, spring, summer, and fall from the dairy lagoon effluent (DLE), high rate algae ponds (HRAP) that were fed with diluted DLE, and municipal waste water treatment plant (WWTP) effluent which was included as a comparison system for the analysis of total bacteria, Cyanobacteria, and microalgae communities using MiSeq Illumina sequencing targeting the 16S V4 rDNA region. The main objective was to examine dynamics in microbial community composition in the HRAP used for the production of algal biomass. DNA was extracted from the different sample types using three commercially available DNA extraction kits; MoBio Power water extraction kit, Zymo fungi/bacterial extraction kit, and MP Biomedicals FastDNA SPIN Kit. Permutational analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) using distance matrices on each variable showed significant differences (P=0.001) in beta-diversity based on sample source. Environmental variables such as hydraulic retention time (HRT; P<0.031), total N (P<0.002), total inorganic N (P<0.002), total P (P<0.002), alkalinity (P<0.002), pH (P<0.022), total suspended solid (TSS; P<0.003), and volatile suspended solids (VSS; P<0.002) significantly affected microbial communities in DLE, HRAP, and WWTP. Of the operational taxonomic units (OTUs) identified to phyla level, the dominant classes of bacteria identified were: Cyanobacteria, Alpha-, Beta-, Gamma-, Epsilon-, and Delta-proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Planctomycetes. Our data suggest that microbial communities were significantly affected in HRAP by different environmental variables, and care must be taken in extraction procedures when evaluating specific groups of microbial communities for specific functions. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Metabolism and Fatty Acid Profile in Fat and Lean Rainbow Trout Lines Fed with Vegetable Oil: Effect of Carbohydrates

PubMed Central

Kamalam, Biju Sam; Médale, Françoise; Larroquet, Laurence; Corraze, Geneviève; Panserat, Stephane

2013-01-01

The present study investigated the effect of dietary carbohydrates on metabolism, with special focus on fatty acid bioconversion and flesh lipid composition in two rainbow trout lines divergently selected for muscle lipid content and fed with vegetable oils. These lines were chosen based on previously demonstrated potential differences in LC-PUFA synthesis and carbohydrate utilization. Applying a factorial study design, juvenile trout from the lean (L) and the fat (F) line were fed vegetable oil based diets with or without gelatinised starch (17.1%) for 12 weeks. Blood, liver, muscle, intestine and adipose tissue were sampled after the last meal. Feed intake and growth was higher in the L line than the F line, irrespective of the diet. Moderate postprandial hyperglycemia, strong induction of hepatic glucokinase and repressed glucose-6-phosphatase transcripts confirmed the metabolic response of both lines to carbohydrate intake. Further at the transcriptional level, dietary carbohydrate in the presence of n-3 LC-PUFA deficient vegetable oils enhanced intestinal chylomicron assembly, disturbed hepatic lipid metabolism and importantly elicited a higher response of key desaturase and elongase enzymes in the liver and intestine that endorsed our hypothesis. PPARγ was identified as the factor mediating this dietary regulation of fatty acid bioconversion enzymes in the liver. However, these molecular changes were not sufficient to modify the fatty acid composition of muscle or liver. Concerning the genotype effect, there was no evidence of substantial genotypic difference in lipid metabolism, LC-PUFA synthesis and flesh fatty acid profile when fed with vegetable oils. The minor reduction in plasma glucose and triglyceride levels in the F line was linked to potentially higher glucose and lipid uptake in the muscle. Overall, these data emphasize the importance of dietary macro-nutrient interface in evolving fish nutrition strategies. PMID:24124573

Metabolism and fatty acid profile in fat and lean rainbow trout lines fed with vegetable oil: effect of carbohydrates.

PubMed

Kamalam, Biju Sam; Médale, Françoise; Larroquet, Laurence; Corraze, Geneviève; Panserat, Stephane

2013-01-01

The present study investigated the effect of dietary carbohydrates on metabolism, with special focus on fatty acid bioconversion and flesh lipid composition in two rainbow trout lines divergently selected for muscle lipid content and fed with vegetable oils. These lines were chosen based on previously demonstrated potential differences in LC-PUFA synthesis and carbohydrate utilization. Applying a factorial study design, juvenile trout from the lean (L) and the fat (F) line were fed vegetable oil based diets with or without gelatinised starch (17.1%) for 12 weeks. Blood, liver, muscle, intestine and adipose tissue were sampled after the last meal. Feed intake and growth was higher in the L line than the F line, irrespective of the diet. Moderate postprandial hyperglycemia, strong induction of hepatic glucokinase and repressed glucose-6-phosphatase transcripts confirmed the metabolic response of both lines to carbohydrate intake. Further at the transcriptional level, dietary carbohydrate in the presence of n-3 LC-PUFA deficient vegetable oils enhanced intestinal chylomicron assembly, disturbed hepatic lipid metabolism and importantly elicited a higher response of key desaturase and elongase enzymes in the liver and intestine that endorsed our hypothesis. PPARγ was identified as the factor mediating this dietary regulation of fatty acid bioconversion enzymes in the liver. However, these molecular changes were not sufficient to modify the fatty acid composition of muscle or liver. Concerning the genotype effect, there was no evidence of substantial genotypic difference in lipid metabolism, LC-PUFA synthesis and flesh fatty acid profile when fed with vegetable oils. The minor reduction in plasma glucose and triglyceride levels in the F line was linked to potentially higher glucose and lipid uptake in the muscle. Overall, these data emphasize the importance of dietary macro-nutrient interface in evolving fish nutrition strategies.

Comparative biochemical analysis after steam pretreatment of lignocellulosic agricultural waste biomass from Williams Cavendish banana plant (Triploid Musa AAA group).

PubMed

Kamdem, Irénée; Jacquet, Nicolas; Tiappi, Florian Mathias; Hiligsmann, Serge; Vanderghem, Caroline; Richel, Aurore; Jacques, Philippe; Thonart, Philippe

2015-11-01

The accessibility of fermentable substrates to enzymes is a limiting factor for the efficient bioconversion of agricultural wastes in the context of sustainable development. This paper presents the results of a biochemical analysis performed on six combined morphological parts of Williams Cavendish Lignocellulosic Biomass (WCLB) after steam cracking (SC) and steam explosion (SE) pretreatments. Solid (S) and liquid (L) fractions (Fs) obtained from SC pretreatment performed at 180°C (SLFSC180) and 210°C (SLFSC210) generated, after diluted acid hydrolysis, the highest proportions of neutral sugar (NS) contents, specifically 52.82 ± 3.51 and 49.78 ± 1.39%w/w WCLB dry matter (DM), respectively. The highest proportions of glucose were found in SFSC210 (53.56 ± 1.33%w/w DM) and SFSC180 (44.47 ± 0.00%w/w DM), while the lowest was found in unpretreated WCLB (22.70 ± 0.71%w/w DM). Total NS content assessed in each LF immediately after SC and SE pretreatments was less than 2%w/w of the LF DM, thus revealing minor acid autohydrolysis consequently leading to minor NS production during the steam pretreatment. WCLB subjected to SC at 210 °C (SC210) generated up to 2.7-fold bioaccessible glucan and xylan. SC and SE pretreatments showed potential for the deconstruction of WCLB (delignification, depolymerization, decrystallization and deacetylation), enhancing its enzymatic hydrolysis. The concentrations of enzymatic inhibitors, such as 2-furfuraldehyde and 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural from LFSC210, were the highest (41 and 21 µg ml(-1), respectively). This study shows that steam pretreatments in general and SC210 in particular are required for efficient bioconversion of WCLB. Yet, biotransformation through biochemical processes (e.g., anaerobic digestion) must be performed to assess the efficiency of these pretreatments. © The Author(s) 2015.

Effect of NiO spin orientation on the magnetic anisotropy of the Fe film in epitaxially grown Fe/NiO/Ag(001) and Fe/NiO/MgO(001)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kim, W.; Jin, E.; Wu, J.

Single crystalline Fe/NiO bilayers were epitaxially grown on Ag(001) and on MgO(001), and investigated by Low Energy Electron Diffraction (LEED), Magneto-Optic Kerr Effect (MOKE), and X-ray Magnetic Linear Dichroism (XMLD). We find that while the Fe film has an in-plane magnetization in both Fe/NiO/Ag(001) and Fe/NiO/MgO(001) systems, the NiO spin orientation changes from in-plane direction in Fe/NiO/Ag(001) to out-of-plane direction in Fe/NiO/MgO(001). These two different NiO spin orientations generate remarkable different effects that the NiO induced magnetic anisotropy in the Fe film is much greater in Fe/NiO/Ag(001) than in Fe/NiO/MgO(001). XMLD measurement shows that the much greater magnetic anisotropy inmore » Fe/NiO/Ag(001) is due to a 90{sup o}-coupling between the in-plane NiO spins and the in-plane Fe spins.« less

Site preference of alloying elements in DO22-Ni3V phase: Phase-field and first-principles study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Ding-Ni; Shangguan, Qian-Qian; Liu, Fu; Zhang, Ming-Yi

2015-07-01

Site preference of alloying elements in DO22-Ni3V phase was investigated using phase-field and first-principles method. The concentrations of alloying elements on sublattices of DO22-Ni3V phase were quantitatively studied using phase-field model based on microscopic diffusion equations. The phase-field computation results demonstrate that the concentration differences of alloying elements on the NiI and NiII site are attributed to the coordination environment difference. Host atoms Ni and substitutional ternary additions Al prefer to occupy NiI site. Antisite atoms V show site preference on the NiII site. Further reason of site preference of alloying elements on the two different Ni sites were studied using first-principles method to calculate the electronic structure of DO22-Ni3V phase. Calculation of density of states, orbitals population and charge population of the optimized Ni3V structure found that the electronic structures of NiI and NiII sites are different. Electronic structure difference, which is caused by coordination environment difference, is the essential reason for site selectivity behaviors of alloying elements on NiI and NiII sites.

Facile in situ synthesis of hierarchical porous Ni/Ni(OH)₂ hybrid sponges with excellent electrochemical energy-storage performances for supercapacitors.

PubMed

Wang, Wanren; Wang, Wenhua; Wang, Mengjiao; Guo, Xiaohui

2014-09-01

Herein, we report the in situ growth of single-crystalline Ni(OH)2 nanoflakes on a Ni support by using facile hydrothermal processes. The as-prepared Ni/Ni(OH)2 sponges were well-characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), SEM, TEM, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. The results revealed that the nickel-skeleton-supported Ni(OH)2 rope-like aggregates were composed of numerous intercrossed single-crystal Ni(OH)2 flake-like units. The Ni/Ni(OH)2 hybrid sponges served as electrodes and displayed ultrahigh specific capacitance (SC=3247 F g(-1)) and excellent rate-capability performance, likely owing to fast electron and ion transport, sufficient Faradic redox reaction, and robust structural integrity of the Ni/Ni(OH)2 hybrid electrode. These results support the promising application of Ni(OH)2 nanoflakes as advanced pseudocapacitor materials. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Percolation behavior of polymer/metal composites on modification of filler

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panda, M.; Srinivas, V.; Thakur, A. K.

2014-02-01

Polymer-metal composites with different fillers, such as nanocrystalline nickel (n-Ni), core shell n-Ni and nickel oxide (NiO)[n-Ni@NiO] were prepared under the same processing conditions with polyvinyledene fluoride matrix. The larger value of critical exponents (s and s') and percolation threshold (fc 0.30) for n-Ni@NiO composites as compared to n-Ni composites (fc 0.07) and a comparable effective dielectric constant (ɛeff 300) with low loss tangent (tan δ 0.1) at 100 Hz in case of percolative n-Ni@NiO composite was observed. The core shell structure [n-Ni@NiO] also shows a very high value of ɛeff 6000 with tan δ 8 at 40 Hz. The results have been explained by using boundary layer capacitor effect and the percolation theory. The difference in fc and critical exponents is attributed to NiO insulating layer that gives rise to different extent of continuumness at fc and have been explained with the help of Swiss cheese model.

Transportation fuel production by combination of LDPE thermal cracking and catalytic hydroreforming

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Escola, J.M., E-mail: josemaria.escola.saez@urjc.es; Aguado, J.; Serrano, D.P.

2014-11-15

Highlights: • h-Beta samples were impregnated with Ni nitrate to achieve Ni contents of 1.5%, 4%, 7% and 10%. • Larger and more easily reducible metal particles were obtained on Ni 7%/h-Beta and Ni 10%/h-Beta. • Higher Ni contents increased the amount of gases at the expenses of diesel fractions. • Maximum selectivity to automotive fuels (∼81%) was obtained with Ni 7%/h-Beta. • Ni loading also enhanced olefins saturation up to Ni 7%/h-Beta. - Abstract: Fuel production from plastics is a promising way to reduce landfilling rates while obtaining valuable products. The usage of Ni-supported hierarchical Beta zeolite (h-Beta) formore » the hydroreforming of the oils coming from LDPE thermal cracking has proved to produce high selectivities to gasoline and diesel fuels (>80%). In the present work, the effect of the Ni loading on Ni/h-Beta is investigated in the hydroreforming of the oils form LDPE thermal cracking. h-Beta samples were impregnated with Ni nitrate, calcined and reduced in H{sub 2} up to 550 °C to achieve different Ni contents: 1.5%, 4%, 7% and 10%. Larger and more easily reducible metal particles were obtained on Ni 7%/h-Beta and Ni 10%/h-Beta. Hydroreforming tests were carried out in autoclave reactor at 310 °C, under 20 bar H{sub 2}, for 45 min. Ni content progressively increased the amount of gases at the expenses of diesel fractions, while gasoline remained approximately constant about 52–54%. Maximum selectivity to automotive fuels (∼81%) was obtained with Ni 7%/h-Beta. Ni loading also enhanced olefins saturation up to Ni 7%/h-Beta. High cetane indices (71–86) and octane numbers (89–91) were obtained over all the catalysts. Regarding the different studied Ni contents, Ni 7%/h-Beta constitutes a rather promising catalyst for obtaining high quality fuels from LDPE thermal cracking oils.« less

Microstructures and hydrogen absorption/desorption properties of La-Ni alloys in the composition range of La-77.8--83.2 at.% Ni

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yamamoto, T.; Inui, H.; Yamaguchi, M.

1997-12-01

Alloys based on the intermetallic phase, LaNi{sub 5} have been used as negative electrode materials of rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries because of their fast activation, high storage-capacity, long cycle-life and excellent electrochemical charge/discharge kinetics. Here, microstructure and hydrogen absorption/desorption properties of La-Ni alloys have been investigated as a function of alloy composition in the range of La-77.8 {approximately} 83.2 at.% Ni, which corresponds to compositions between two intermetallic phases, La{sub 2}Ni{sub 7} and LaNi{sub 5}. The intermetallic phase, La{sub 5}Ni{sub 19} of the Ce{sub 5}Co{sub 19}-type is found for the first time to exist as an equilibrium phase atmore » a composition between La{sub 2}Ni{sub 7} and LaNi{sub 5}. This phase is stable at high temperatures around 1,000 C but decomposes into La{sub 2}Ni{sub 7} and LaNi{sub 5} below 900 C. Hydrogen absorption/desorption properties described in terms of pressure-composition isotherms decline with decreasing Ni content (i.e. with increasing volume fraction of intermetallic phases other than LaNi{sub 5}). In particular, the plateau at the equilibrium pressure corresponding to the hydrogen absorption in the LaNi{sub 5} phase is narrowed with decreasing Ni content and additional plateaus with higher equilibrium pressures come into existence. The degradation becomes more pronounced in the presence of La{sub 2}Ni{sub 7} than La{sub 5}Ni{sub 19}. This can be understood in terms of the ratio of the number of LaNi{sub 2} (Laves) unit layers to that of LaNi{sub 5} unit layers in the unit cell of the two intermetallic phases.« less

Thermodynamic Modeling of Poorly Complexing Metals in Concentrated Electrolyte Solutions: An X-Ray Absorption and UV-Vis Spectroscopic Study of Ni(II) in the NiCl2-MgCl2-H2O System

PubMed Central

Zhang, Ning; Brugger, Joël; Etschmann, Barbara; Ngothai, Yung; Zeng, Dewen

2015-01-01

Knowledge of the structure and speciation of aqueous Ni(II)-chloride complexes is important for understanding Ni behavior in hydrometallurgical extraction. The effect of concentration on the first-shell structure of Ni(II) in aqueous NiCl2 and NiCl2-MgCl2 solutions was investigated by Ni K edge X-ray absorption (XAS) and UV-Vis spectroscopy at ambient conditions. Both techniques show that no large structural change (e.g., transition from octahedral to tetrahedral-like configuration) occurs. Both methods confirm that the Ni(II) aqua ion (with six coordinated water molecules at R Ni-O = 2.07(2) Å) is the dominant species over the whole NiCl2 concentration range. However, XANES, EXAFS and UV-Vis data show subtle changes at high salinity (> 2 mol∙kg-1 NiCl2), which are consistent with the formation of small amounts of the NiCl+ complex (up to 0.44(23) Cl at a Ni-Cl distance of 2.35(2) Å in 5.05 mol∙kg-1 NiCl2) in the pure NiCl2 solutions. At high Cl:Ni ratio in the NiCl2-MgCl2-H2O solutions, small amounts of [NiCl2]0 are also present. We developed a speciation-based mixed-solvent electrolyte (MSE) model to describe activity-composition relationships in NiCl2-MgCl2-H2O solutions, and at the same time predict Ni(II) speciation that is consistent with our XAS and UV-Vis data and with existing literature data up to the solubility limit, resolving a long-standing uncertainty about the role of chloride complexing in this system. PMID:25885410

Facile synthesis of Ni/NiO@GO nanocomposites and its enhanced dielectric constant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarkar, S.; Giri, N.; Mondal, A.; Ray, R.

2018-05-01

Ni/NiO embedded Graphene Oxide (GO): Ni/NiO@GO is synthesized by citric acid assisted Pechini-type method. Structural and morphological characterizations are performed by X-ray powdered diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and tunneling electron microscopy (TEM). Defects in GO sheets are probed by RAMAN spectroscopy. The temperature variation of dielectric constant (ɛR) and dielectric loss (tan δ) are investigated in the temperature range 300 - 400 K. Decoration of GO with Ni/NiO nanoparticles enhances its ɛR by˜55 times. Moreover, its dielectric constant measured at 5 MHz is found to be˜430 times to that of Ni/NiO along with the reduction of dielectric loss by a factor˜0.5. The enhanced dielectric constant makes the composite Ni/NiO@GO a potential candidate for using in ecologically friendly energy storage devices.

Comprehensive theoretical studies on the low-lying electronic states of NiF, NiCl, NiBr, and NiI.

PubMed

Zou, Wenli; Liu, Wenjian

2006-04-21

The low-lying electronic states of the nickel monohalides, i.e., NiF, NiCl, NiBr, and NiI, are investigated by using multireference second-order perturbation theory with relativistic effects taken into account. For the energetically lowest 11 lambda-S states and 26 omega states there into, the potential energy curves and corresponding spectroscopic constants (vertical and adiabatic excitation energies, equilibrium bond lengths, vibrational frequencies, and rotational constants) are reported. The calculated results are grossly in very good agreement with those solid experimental data. In particular, the ground state of NiI is shown to be different from those of NiF, NiCl, and NiBr, being in line with the recent experimental observation. Detailed analyses are provided on those states that either have not been assigned or have been incorrectly assigned by previous experiments.

Microstructure and wear properties of laser clad Ti2Ni3Si/Ni3Ti multiphase intermetallic coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, H. M.; Tang, H. B.; Cai, L. X.; Cao, F.; Zhang, L. Y.; Yu, R. L.

2005-05-01

Wear resistant Ti2Ni3Si/Ni3Ti multiphase intermetallic coatings with a microstructure consisting of Ti2Ni3Si primary dendrites and interdendritic Ti2Ni3Si/Ni3Ti eutectic were fabricated on a substrate of 0.2% C plain carbon steel by a laser cladding process with Ti-Ni-Si alloy powders. The Ti2Ni3Si/Ni3Ti coatings have excellent wear resistance and a low coefficient of friction under metallic dry sliding wear test conditions with hardened 0.45% C carbon steel as the silide-mating counterpart. The excellent tribological properties of the coating are attributed to the high hardness, strong covalent-dominant atomic bonds of the ternary metal silicide Ti2Ni3Si and to the high yield strength and strong yield anomaly of the intermetallic compound Ni3Ti.

Microstructure and property of directionally solidified Ni-Si hypereutectic alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Chunjuan; Tian, Lulu; Zhang, Jun; Yu, Shengnan; Liu, Lin; Fu, Hengzhi

2016-03-01

This paper investigates the influence of the solidification rate on the microstructure, solid/liquid interface, and micro-hardness of the directionally solidified Ni-Si hypereutectic alloy. Microstructure of the Ni-Si hypereutectic alloy is refined with the increase of the solidification rate. The Ni-Si hypereutectic composite is mainly composed of α-Ni matrix, Ni-Ni3Si eutectic phase, and metastable Ni31Si12 phase. The solid/liquid interface always keeps planar interface no matter how high the solidification rate is increased. This is proved by the calculation in terms of M-S interface stability criterion. Moreover, the Ni-Si hypereutectic composites present higher micro-hardness as compared with that of the pure Ni3Si compound. This is caused by the formation of the metastable Ni31Si12 phase and NiSi phase during the directional solidification process.

Controllable synthesis and enhanced microwave absorbing properties of Fe3O4/NiFe2O4/Ni heterostructure porous rods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yana; Wu, Tong; Jin, Keying; Qian, Yao; Qian, Naxin; Jiang, Kedan; Wu, Wenhua; Tong, Guoxiu

2016-11-01

We developed a coordinated self-assembly/precipitate transfer/sintering method that allows the controllable synthesis of Fe3O4/NiFe2O4/Ni heterostructure porous rods (HPRs). A series of characterizations confirms that changing [Ni2+] can effectively control the crystal size, internal strain, composition, textural characteristics, and properties of HPRs. Molar percentages of Ni and NiFe2O4 in HPRs increase with [Ni2+] in various Boltzmann function modes. Saturation magnetization Ms and coercivity Hc show U-shaped change trends because of crystal size, composition, and interface magnetic coupling. High magnetic loss is maintained after decorating NiFe2O4 and Ni on the surface of Fe3O4 PRs. Controlling the NiFe2O4 interface layers and Ni content can improve impedance matching and dielectric losses, thereby leading to lighter weight, stronger absorption, and broader absorption band of Fe3O4/NiFe2O4/Ni HPRs than Fe3O4 PRs. An optimum EM wave absorbing property was exhibited by Fe3O4/NiFe2O4/Ni HPRs formed at [Ni2+] = 0.05 M. The maximum reflection loss (RL) reaches -58.4 dB at 13.68 GHz, which corresponds to a 2.1 mm matching thickness. The absorbing bandwidth (RL ≤ -20 dB) reaches 14.4 GHz with the sample thickness at 1.6-2.4 and 2.8-10.0 mm. These excellent properties verify that Fe3O4/NiFe2O4/Ni HPRs are promising candidates for new and effective absorptive materials.

Giant magnetic coercivity in YNi4B-type SmNi3TB (T=Mn-Cu) solid solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Jinlei; Yan, Chang; Yapaskurt, V. O.; Morozkin, A. V.

2016-12-01

The effects of transition metal substitution for Ni on the magnetic properties of the YNi4B-type SmNi4B via SmNi3TB (T=Mn, Fe, Co, Cu) solid solutions have been investigated. SmNi4B, SmNi3MnB, SmNi3FeB, SmNi3CoB and SmNi3CuB show ferromagnetic ordering at 40 K, 210 K, 322 K, 90 K and 57 K and field sensitive metamagnetic-like transitions at 15 K, 100 K, 185 K, 55 K and 15 K in a magnetic field of 10 kOe, respectively. The magnetocaloric effects of SmNi3TB (T=Mn-Cu) were calculated in terms of isothermal magnetic entropy change (ΔSm). The magnetic entropy ΔSm reaches value of -0.94 J/kg K at 40 K for SmNi4B, -1.5 J/kg K at 205 K for SmNi3MnB, -0.54 J/kg K at 320 K for SmNi3FeB, -0.49 J/kg K at 90 K for SmNi3CoB and -0.54 J/kg K at 60 K for SmNi3CuB in field change of 0-50 kOe around the Curie temperature. They show positive ΔSm of +0.71 J/kg K at ~10 K for SmNi4B, +1.69 J/kg K at 30 K for SmNi3MnB, +0.89 J/kg K at 110 K for SmNi3FeB, +1.08 J/kg K at 25 K for SmNi3CoB and +1.12 J/kg K at 10 K for SmNi3CuB in field change of 0-50 kOe around the low temperature metamagnetic-like transition. Below the field induced transition temperature (change of magnetic structure), SmNi3TB (T=Mn-Cu) exhibits giant magnetic coercivity of 74 kOe at 5 K for SmNi4B, 69 kOe at 20 K (90 kOe at 10 K) for SmNi3MnB, 77 kOe at 60 K for SmNi3FeB, 88 kOe at 20 K for SmNi3CoB and 52 kOe at 5 K for SmNi3CuB.

Heterobimetallic [NiFe] Complexes Containing Mixed CO/CN- Ligands: Analogs of the Active Site of the [NiFe] Hydrogenases.

PubMed

Perotto, Carlo U; Sodipo, Charlene L; Jones, Graham J; Tidey, Jeremiah P; Blake, Alexander J; Lewis, William; Davies, E Stephen; McMaster, Jonathan; Schröder, Martin

2018-03-05

The development of synthetic analogs of the active sites of [NiFe] hydrogenases remains challenging, and, in spite of the number of complexes featuring a [NiFe] center, those featuring CO and CN - ligands at the Fe center are under-represented. We report herein the synthesis of three bimetallic [NiFe] complexes [Ni( N 2 S 2 )Fe(CO) 2 (CN) 2 ], [Ni( S 4 )Fe(CO) 2 (CN) 2 ], and [Ni( N 2 S 3 )Fe(CO) 2 (CN) 2 ] that each contain a Ni center that bridges through two thiolato S donors to a {Fe(CO) 2 (CN) 2 } unit. X-ray crystallographic studies on [Ni( N 2 S 3 )Fe(CO) 2 (CN) 2 ], supported by DFT calculations, are consistent with a solid-state structure containing distinct molecules in the singlet ( S = 0) and triplet ( S = 1) states. Each cluster exhibits irreversible reduction processes between -1.45 and -1.67 V vs Fc + /Fc and [Ni( N 2 S 3 )Fe(CO) 2 (CN) 2 ] possesses a reversible oxidation process at 0.17 V vs Fc + /Fc. Spectroelectrochemical infrared (IR) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies, supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, are consistent with a Ni III Fe II formulation for [Ni( N 2 S 3 )Fe(CO) 2 (CN) 2 ] + . The singly occupied molecular orbital (SOMO) in [Ni( N 2 S 3 )Fe(CO) 2 (CN) 2 ] + is based on Ni 3d z 2 and 3p S with the S contributions deriving principally from the apical S-donor. The nature of the SOMO corresponds to that proposed for the Ni-C state of the [NiFe] hydrogenases for which a Ni III Fe II formulation has also been proposed. A comparison of the experimental structures, and the electrochemical and spectroscopic properties of [Ni( N 2 S 3 )Fe(CO) 2 (CN) 2 ] and its [Ni( N 2 S 3 )] precursor, together with calculations on the oxidized [Ni( N 2 S 3 )Fe(CO) 2 (CN) 2 ] + and [Ni( N 2 S 3 )] + forms suggests that the binding of the {Fe(CO)(CN) 2 } unit to the {Ni(CysS) 4 } center at the active site of the [NiFe] hydrogenases suppresses thiolate-based oxidative chemistry involving the bridging thiolate S donors. This is in addition to the role of the Fe center in modulating the redox potential and geometry and supporting a bridging hydride species between the Ni and Fe centers in the Ni-C state.

NiSe-Ni0.85 Se Heterostructure Nanoflake Arrays on Carbon Paper as Efficient Electrocatalysts for Overall Water Splitting.

PubMed

Chen, Yajie; Ren, Zhiyu; Fu, Huiying; Zhang, Xin; Tian, Guohui; Fu, Honggang

2018-06-01

Fabricating cost-effective, bifunctional electrocatalysts for both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in basic media is critical for renewable energy generation. Here, NiSe/CP, Ni 0.85 Se/CP, and NiSe-Ni 0.85 Se/CP heterostructure catalysts with different phase constitutions are successfully prepared through in situ selenylation of a NiO nanoflake array oriented on carbon paper (CP) by tuning the original Ni/Se molar ratio of the raw materials. The relationship between the crystal phase component and electrocatalytic activity is systematically studied. Benefiting from the synergetic effect of the intrinsic metallic state, facile charge transport, abundant catalytic active sites, and multiple electrolyte transmission paths, the optimized NiSe-Ni 0.85 Se/CP exhibits a remarkably higher catalytic activity for both the HER and OER than single-phase NiSe/CP and Ni 0.85 Se/CP. A current density of 10 mA cm -2 at 1.62 V and a high stability can be obtained by using NiSe-Ni 0.85 Se/CP as both the cathode and anode for overall water splitting under alkaline conditions. Density functional theory calculations confirm that H and OH - can be more easily adsorbed on NiSe-Ni 0.85 Se than on NiSe and Ni 0.85 Se. This study paves the way for enhancing the overall water splitting performance of nickel selenides by fabricating heterophase junctions using nickel selenides with different phases. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

One-pot fabrication of NiFe2O4 nanoparticles on α-Ni(OH)2 nanosheet for enhanced water oxidation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Hong; Yan, Junqing; Wu, Huan; Zhang, Yunxia; Liu, Shengzhong (Frank)

2016-08-01

Water splitting has been intensively investigated as a promising solution to resolve the future environmental and energy crises. The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) of the photo- and electric field-induced water splitting limits the development of other reactions, including hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Fe, Ni and NiFe (hydro) oxide-based catalysts are generally acknowledged among the best candidates of OER catalysts for water splitting. Herein, we developed a one-pot simple hydrothermal process to assemble NiFe2O4 nanoparticles onto the α-Ni(OH)2 nanosheets. The first formed NiFe2O4 under high temperature and pressure environment induces and assists the α-Ni(OH)2 formation without any further additives, because the distance between the neighboring Ni atoms in the cubic NiFe2O4 is similar to that in the α-Ni(OH)2 {003} facets. We have synthesized a series of NiFe2O4/α-Ni(OH)2 compounds and find that the overpotential decreases with the increase of Ni(OH)2 content while the OER kinetics stays unchanged, suggesting that Ni(OH)2 plays a major role in overpotential while NiFe2O4 mainly affects the OER kinetics. The obtained NiFe2O4/α-Ni(OH)2 compounds is also found to be a promising co-catalyst for the photocatalytic water oxidation. In fact, it is even more active than the noble PtOx with acceptable stability for the oxygen generation.

Examination of Multiphase (Zr,Ti)(V,Cr,Mn,Ni)2 Ni-MH Electrode Alloys: Part II. Solid-State Transformation of the Interdendritic B2 Phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bendersky, L. A.; Wang, K.; Boettinger, W. J.; Newbury, D. E.; Young, K.; Chao, B.

2010-08-01

Solidification microstructure of multicomponent (Zr,Ti)-Ni-(V,Cr,Mn,Co) alloys intended for use as negative electrodes in Ni-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries was studied in Part I of this series of articles. Part II of the series examines the complex internal structure of the interdendritic grains formed by solid-state transformation and believed to play an important role in the electrochemical charge/discharge characteristics of the overall alloy composition. By studying one alloy, Zr21Ti12.5V10Cr5.5Mn5.1Co5.0Ni40.2Al0.5Sn0.3, it is shown that the interdendritic grains solidify as a B2 (Ti,Zr)44(Ni,TM)56 phase, and then undergo transformation to Zr7Ni10-type, Zr9Ni11-type, and martensitic phases. The transformations obey orientation relationships between the high-temperature B2 phase and the low-temperature Zr-Ni-type intermetallics, and consequently lead to a multivariant structure. The major orientation relationship for the orthorhombic Zr7Ni10 type is [011]Zr7Ni10//[001]B2; (100)Zr7Ni10//(100)B2. The orientation relationship for the tetragonal Zr9Ni11 type is [001]Zr9Ni11//[001]B2; (130)Zr9Ni11//(100)B2. Binary Ni-Zr and ternary Ti-Ni-Zr phase diagrams were used to rationalize the formation of the observed domain structure.

Synthesis of a novel Au nanoparticles decorated Ni-MOF/Ni/NiO nanocomposite and electrocatalytic performance for the detection of glucose in human serum.

PubMed

Chen, Jingyuan; Xu, Qin; Shu, Yun; Hu, Xiaoya

2018-07-01

A nonenzymatic glucose electrochemical sensor was constructed based on Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) decorated Ni metal-organic-framework (MOF)/Ni/NiO nanocomposite. Ni-MOF/Ni/NiO nanocomposite was synthesized by one-step calcination of Ni-MOF. Then AuNPs were loaded onto the Ni-based nanocomposites' surface through electrostatic adsorption. Through characterization by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution TEM (HRTEM) and energy disperse spectroscopy (EDS) mapping, it is found that the AuNPs were well distributed on the surface of Ni-based nanocomposite. Cyclic voltammetric (CV) study showed the electrocatalytic activity of Au-Ni nanocomposite was highly improved after loading AuNPs onto it. Amperometric study demonstrated that the Au-Ni nanocomposites modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) exhibited a high sensitivity of 2133.5 mA M -1 cm -2 and a wide linear range (0.4-900 μM) toward the oxidation of glucose with a detection limit as low as 0.1 μM. Moreover, the reproducibility, selectivity and stability of the sensor all exhibited outstanding performance. We applied the as-fabricated high performance sensor to measure the glucose levels in human serum and obtained satisfactory results. It is believed that AuNPs decorated Ni MOF/Ni/NiO nanocomposite provides a new platform for developing highly performance electrochemical sensors in practical applications. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fine Structure in Multi-Phase Zr8Ni21-Zr7Ni10-Zr2Ni7 Alloy Revealed by Transmission Electron Microscope

PubMed Central

Shen, Haoting; Bendersky, Leonid A.; Young, Kwo; Nei, Jean

2015-01-01

The microstructure of an annealed alloy with a Zr8Ni21 composition was studied by both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The presence of three phases, Zr8Ni21, Zr2Ni7, and Zr7Ni10, was confirmed by SEM/X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy compositional mapping and TEM electron diffraction. Distribution of the phases and their morphology can be linked to a multi-phase structure formed by a sequence of reactions: (1) L → Zr2Ni7 + L’; (2) peritectic Zr2Ni7 + L’ → Zr2Ni7 + Zr8Ni21 + L”; (3) eutectic L” → Zr8Ni21 + Zr7Ni10. The effect of annealing at 960 °C, which was intended to convert a cast structure into a single-phase Zr8Ni21 structure, was only moderate and the resulting alloy was still multi-phased. TEM and crystallographic analysis of the Zr2Ni7 phase show a high density of planar (001) defects that were explained as low-energy boundaries between rotational variants and stacking faults. The crystallographic features arise from the pseudo-hexagonal structure of Zr2Ni7. This highly defective Zr2Ni7 phase was identified as the source of the broad X-ray diffraction peaks at around 38.4° and 44.6° when a Cu-K was used as the radiation source. PMID:28793460

Cooling field and ion-beam bombardment effects on exchange bias behavior in NiFe/(Ni,Fe)O bilayers.

PubMed

Lin, K W; Wei, M R; Guo, J Y

2009-03-01

The dependence of the cooling field and the ion-beam bombardment on the exchange bias effects in NiFe/(Ni,Fe)O bilayers were investigated. The positive exchange bias was found in the zero-field-cooled (ZFC) process whereas a negative exchange bias occurred in the FC process. The increased exchange field, H(ex) with increasing (Ni,Fe)O thicknesses indicates the thicker the AF (Ni,Fe)O, the stronger the exchange coupling between the NiFe layer and the (Ni,Fe)O layer. In addition, the dependence of the H(ex) (ZFC vs. FC) on the (Ni,Fe)O thicknesses reflects the competition between the applied magnetic field and the (Ni,Fe)O surface layer exchange coupled to the NiFe layer. Further, an unusual oscillating exchange bias was observed in NiFe/(Ni,Fe)O bilayers that results from the surface of the (Ni,Fe)O layer being bombarded with different Ar-ion energies using End-Hall deposition voltages (V(EH)) from 0 to 150 V. The behavior of the H(ex) and the H(c) with the V(EH) is attributed to the surface spin reorientation that is due to moderate ion-beam bombardment effects on the surface of the (Ni,Fe)O layer. Whether the (Ni,Fe)O antiferromagnetic spins are coupled to the NiFe moments antiferromagnetically or ferromagnetically changes the sign of the exchange bias.

The Electronic Structure and Formation Energies of Ni-doped CuAlO2 by Density Functional Theory Calculation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Ying; Li, Fei; Sheng, Wei; Nie, Guo-Zheng; Yuan, Ding-Wang

2014-03-01

The electronic structure and formation energies of Ni-doped CuAlO2 are calculated by first-principles calculations. Our results show that Ni is good for p-type doping in CuAlO2. When Ni is doped into CuAlO2, it prefers to substitute Al-site. NiAl is a shallow acceptor, while NiCu is a deep acceptor and its formation energy is high. Further electronic structure calculations show that strong hybridization happens between Ni-3d and O-2p states for Ni substituting Al-site, while localized Ni-3d states are found for Ni substituting Cu-site.

Phase Equilibria of the Sn-Ni-Si Ternary System and Interfacial Reactions in Sn-(Cu)/Ni-Si Couples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Gu; Chen, Chih-chi

2015-07-01

Interfacial reactions in Sn/Ni-4.5 wt.%Si and Sn-Cu/Ni-4.5 wt.%Si couples at 250°C, and Sn-Ni-Si ternary phase equilibria at 250°C were investigated in this study. Ni-Si alloys, which are nonmagnetic, can be regarded as a diffusion barrier layer material in flip chip packaging. Solder/Ni-4.5 wt.%Si interfacial reactions are crucial to the reliability of soldered joints. Phase equilibria information is essential for development of solder/Ni-Si materials. No ternary compound is present in the Sn-Ni-Si ternary system at 250°C. Extended solubility of Si in the phases Ni3Sn2 and Ni3Sn is 3.8 and 6.1 at.%, respectively. As more Si dissolves in these phases their lattice constants decrease. No noticeable ternary solubility is observed for the other intermetallics. Interfacial reactions in solder/Ni-4.5 wt.%Si are similar to those for solder/Ni. Si does not alter the reaction phases. No Si solubility in the reaction phases was detected, although rates of growth of the reaction phases were reduced. Because the alloy Ni-4.5 wt.%Si reacts more slowly with solders than pure Ni, the Ni-4.5 wt.%Si alloy could be a potential new diffusion barrier layer material for flip chip packaging.

Comparison of the magnetic properties of metastable hexagonal close-packed Ni nanoparticles with those of the stable face-centered cubic Ni nanoparticles.

PubMed

Jeon, Yoon Tae; Moon, Je Yong; Lee, Gang Ho; Park, Jeunghee; Chang, Yongmin

2006-01-26

We report the first magnetic study of pure and metastable hexagonal close-packed (hcp) Ni nanoparticles (sample 1). We also produced stable face-centered cubic (fcc) Ni nanoparticles, as mixtures with the hcp Ni nanoparticles (samples 2 and 3). We compared the magnetic properties of the hcp Ni nanoparticles with those of the fcc Ni nanoparticles by observing the evolution of magnetic properties from those of the hcp Ni nanoparticles to those of the fcc Ni nanoparticles as the number of fcc Ni nanoparticles increased from sample 1 to sample 3. The blocking temperature (T(B)) of the hcp Ni nanoparticles is approximately 12 K for particle diameters ranging between 8.5 and 18 nm, whereas those of the fcc Ni nanoparticles are 250 and 270 K for average particle diameters of 18 and 26 nm, respectively. The hcp Ni nanoparticles seem to be antiferromagnetic for T < T(B) and paramagnetic for T > T(B). This is very different from the fcc Ni nanoparticles, which are ferromagnetic for T < T(B) and superparamagnetic for T > T(B). This unusual magnetic state of the metastable hcp Ni nanoparticles is likely related to their increased bond distance (2.665 angstroms), compared to that (2.499 angstroms) of the stable fcc Ni nanoparticles.

Quantitative analysis of Ni2+/Ni3+ in Li[NixMnyCoz]O2 cathode materials: Non-linear least-squares fitting of XPS spectra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Zewei; Hu, Juntao; Hu, Wenlong; Yang, Shiyu; Luo, Yunfeng

2018-05-01

Quantitative analysis of Ni2+/Ni3+ using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is important for evaluating the crystal structure and electrochemical performance of Lithium-nickel-cobalt-manganese oxide (Li[NixMnyCoz]O2, NMC). However, quantitative analysis based on Gaussian/Lorentzian (G/L) peak fitting suffers from the challenges of reproducibility and effectiveness. In this study, the Ni2+ and Ni3+ standard samples and a series of NMC samples with different Ni doping levels were synthesized. The Ni2+/Ni3+ ratios in NMC were quantitatively analyzed by non-linear least-squares fitting (NLLSF). Two Ni 2p overall spectra of synthesized Li [Ni0.33Mn0.33Co0.33]O2(NMC111) and bulk LiNiO2 were used as the Ni2+ and Ni3+ reference standards. Compared to G/L peak fitting, the fitting parameters required no adjustment, meaning that the spectral fitting process was free from operator dependence and the reproducibility was improved. Comparison of residual standard deviation (STD) showed that the fitting quality of NLLSF was superior to that of G/L peaks fitting. Overall, these findings confirmed the reproducibility and effectiveness of the NLLSF method in XPS quantitative analysis of Ni2+/Ni3+ ratio in Li[NixMnyCoz]O2 cathode materials.

Effect of oxygen plasma treatment on crystal growth mode at pentacene/Ni interface in organic thin-film transistors.

PubMed

Song, Bang Joo; Hong, Kihyon; Kim, Woong-Kwon; Kim, Kisoo; Kim, Sungjun; Lee, Jong-Lam

2010-11-25

We report how treatment of nickel (Ni) with O(2) plasma affects the polarity of Ni surface, crystallinity of pentacene film on the Ni, and electrical properties of pentacene organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) that use Ni as source-drain electrodes. The polar component of surface energy in Ni surface increased from 8.1 to 43.3 mJ/m(2) after O(2)-plasma treatment for 10 s. From X-ray photoelectron spectra and secondary electron emission spectra, we found that NiO(x) was formed on the O(2)-plasma-treated Ni surface and the work function of O(2)-plasma-treated Ni was 0.85 eV higher than that of untreated Ni. X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy measurements showed that pentacene molecules are well aligned as a thin-film and grains grow much larger on O(2)-plasma-treated Ni than on untreated Ni. This change in the growth mode is attributed to the reduction of interaction energy between pentacene and Ni due to formation of oxide at the Ni/pentacene interface. Thus, O(2)-plasma treatment promoted the growth of well-ordered pentacene film and lowered both the hole injection barrier and the contact resistance between Ni and pentacene by forming NiO(x), enhancing the electrical property of bottom-contact OTFTs.

Nickel (Ni) allergic patients with complications to Ni containing joint replacement show preferential IL-17 type reactivity to Ni.

PubMed

Summer, Burkhard; Paul, Carina; Mazoochian, Farhad; Rau, Christoph; Thomsen, Marc; Banke, Ingo; Gollwitzer, Hans; Dietrich, Karin-Almut; Mayer-Wagner, Susanne; Ruzicka, Thomas; Thomas, Peter

2010-07-01

Some nickel (Ni) allergic patients develop complications following Ni-containing arthroplasty. In the peri-implant tissue of such patients, we had observed lymphocyte dominated inflammation together with IFN-gamma and IL-17 expression. To determine whether Ni stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of such patients would lead to a different cytokine pattern as compared to Ni-allergic patients with symptom-free arthroplasty. Based on history and patch testing in 15 Ni-allergic patients (five without implant, five with symptom-free arthroplasty, five with complicated arthroplasty) and five non-allergic individuals, lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) was performed using PBMC. In parallel in vitro cytokine response to Ni was assessed by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). All 15 Ni-allergic individuals showed enhanced LTT reactivity to Ni (mean SI = 8.42 +/- 1.8) compared to the non-allergic control group. Predominant IFN-gamma expression to Ni was found both in the five allergic patients without arthroplasty and also in the five allergic, symptom-free arthroplasty patients. In contrast, in the five Ni-allergic patients with arthroplasty-linked complications a predominant, significant IL-17 expression to Ni was seen but not in patients with symptom-free arthroplasty. The predominant IL-17 type response to Ni may characterize a subgroup of Ni-allergic patients prone to develop lymphocytic peri-implant hyper-reactivity.

Direct Experimental Probe of the Ni(II)/Ni(III)/Ni(IV) Redox Evolution in LiNi 0.5Mn 1.5O 4 Electrodes

DOE PAGES

Qiao, Ruimin; Wray, L. Andrew; Kim, Jung -Hyun; ...

2015-11-11

The LiNi 0.5Mn 1.5O 4 spinel is an appealing cathode material for next generation rechargeable Li-ion batteries due to its high operating voltage of ~4.7 V (vs Li/Li +). Although it is widely believed that the full range of electrochemical cycling involves the redox of Ni(II)/(IV), it has not been experimentally clarified whether Ni(III) exists as the intermediate state or a double-electron transfer takes place. Here, combined with theoretical calculations, we show unambiguous spectroscopic evidence of the Ni(III) state when the LiNi 0.5Mn 1.5O 4 electrode is half charged. This provides a direct verification of single-electron-transfer reactions in LiNi 0.5Mnmore » 1.5O 4 upon cycling, namely, from Ni(II) to Ni(III), then to Ni(IV). Additionally, by virtue of its surface sensitivity, soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy also reveals the electrochemically inactive Ni 2+ and Mn 2+ phases on the electrode surface. Our work provides the long-awaited clarification of the single-electron transfer mechanism in LiNi 0.5Mn 1.5O 4 electrodes. Furthermore, the experimental results serve as a benchmark for further spectroscopic characterizations of Ni-based battery electrodes.« less

Using DR52c/Ni2+ mimotope tetramers to detect Ni2+ reactive CD4+ T cells in patients with joint replacement failure.

PubMed

Zhang, Yan; Wang, Yang; Anderson, Kirsten; Novikov, Andrey; Liu, Zikou; Pacheco, Karin; Dai, Shaodong

2017-09-15

T cell mediated hypersensitivity to nickel (Ni 2+ ) is one of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis. Ni 2+ sensitization may also contribute to the failure of Ni 2+ containing joint implants, and revision to non-Ni 2+ containing hardware can be costly and debilitating. Previously, we identified Ni 2+ mimotope peptides, which are reactive to a CD4 + T cell clone, ANi2.3 (Vα1, Vβ17), isolated from a Ni 2+ hypersensitive patient with contact dermatitis. This T cell is restricted to the major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII) molecule, Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-DR52c (DRA, DRB3*0301). However, it is not known if Ni 2+ induced T cell responses in sensitized joint replacement failure patients are similar to subjects with Ni 2+ induced contact dermatitis. Here, we generated DR52c/Ni 2+ mimotope tetramers, and used them to test if the same Ni 2+ T cell activation mechanism could be generalized to Ni 2+ sensitized patients with associated joint implant failure. We confirmed the specificity of these tetramers by staining of ANi2.3T cell transfectomas. The DR52c/Ni 2+ mimotope tetramer detected Ni 2+ reactive CD4 + T cells in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of patients identified as Ni 2+ sensitized by patch testing and a positive Ni 2+ LPT. When HLA-typed by a DR52 specific antibody, three out of four patients were DR52 positive. In one patient, Ni 2+ stimulation induced the expansion of Vβ17 positive CD4 + T cells from 0.8% to 13.3%. We found that the percentage of DR52 positivity and Vβ17 usage in Ni 2+ sensitized joint failure patients are similar to Ni sensitized skin allergy patients. Ni 2+ independent mimotope tetramers may be a useful tool to identify the Ni 2+ reactive CD4 + T cells. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fabrication of ordered Fe–Ni nitride film with equiatomic Fe/Ni ratio

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takata, Fumiya; Ito, Keita; Suemasu, Takashi

2018-05-01

We successfully grew a single-phase tetragonal FeNiN film with an equiatomic ratio of Fe, Ni, and N on a MgO(001) substrate by molecular beam epitaxy. We then demonstrated the formation of Fe2Ni2N films by extracting N atoms from the FeNiN film. These results suggested that Fe and Ni atoms in the Fe2Ni2N film were L10-ordered along the film plane direction because of the a-axis orientation growth of the FeNiN film on the MgO(001) substrate.

Co-assembly of Viral Envelope Glycoproteins Regulates Their Polarized Sorting in Neurons

PubMed Central

Mardones, Gonzalo A.; Bonifacino, Juan S.

2014-01-01

Newly synthesized envelope glycoproteins of neuroinvasive viruses can be sorted in a polarized manner to the somatodendritic and/or axonal domains of neurons. Although critical for transneuronal spread of viruses, the molecular determinants and interregulation of this process are largely unknown. We studied the polarized sorting of the attachment (NiV-G) and fusion (NiV-F) glycoproteins of Nipah virus (NiV), a paramyxovirus that causes fatal human encephalitis, in rat hippocampal neurons. When expressed individually, NiV-G exhibited a non-polarized distribution, whereas NiV-F was specifically sorted to the somatodendritic domain. Polarized sorting of NiV-F was dependent on interaction of tyrosine-based signals in its cytosolic tail with the clathrin adaptor complex AP-1. Co-expression of NiV-G with NiV-F abolished somatodendritic sorting of NiV-F due to incorporation of NiV-G•NiV-F complexes into axonal transport carriers. We propose that faster biosynthetic transport of unassembled NiV-F allows for its proteolytic activation in the somatodendritic domain prior to association with NiV-G and axonal delivery of NiV-G•NiV-F complexes. Our study reveals how interactions of viral glycoproteins with the host's transport machinery and between themselves regulate their polarized sorting in neurons. PMID:24831812

Newcastle disease virus-vectored Nipah encephalitis vaccines induce B and T cell responses in mice and long-lasting neutralizing antibodies in pigs.

PubMed

Kong, Dongni; Wen, Zhiyuan; Su, Hua; Ge, Jinying; Chen, Weiye; Wang, Xijun; Wu, Chao; Yang, Chinglai; Chen, Hualan; Bu, Zhigao

2012-10-25

Nipah virus (NiV), a member of the Paramyxoviridae family, causes deadly encephalitis in humans and huge economic losses to the pig industry. Here, we generated recombinant avirulent Newcastle disease virus (NDV) LaSota strains expressing the NiV G and F proteins respectively (designated as rLa-NiVG and rLa-NiVF), and evaluated their immunogenicity in mice and pigs. Both rLa-NiVG and rLa-NiVF displayed growth properties similar to those of LaSota virus in chicken eggs. Co-infection of rLa-NiVG and rLa-NiVF caused marked syncytia formation, while intracerebral co-inoculation of these viruses in mice showed they were safe in at least one mammalian species. Animal immunization studies showed rLa-NiVG and rLa-NiVF induced NiV neutralizing antibody responses in mice and pigs, and F protein-specific CD8+ T cell responses in mice. Most importantly, rLa-NiVG and rLa-NiVF administered alone or together, induced a long-lasting neutralizing antibody response in pigs. Recombinant rLa-NiVG/F thus appear to be promising NiV vaccine candidates for pigs and potentially humans. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Serum from Nipah Virus Patients Recognises Recombinant Viral Proteins Produced in Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Tiong, Vunjia; Lam, Chui-Wan; Phoon, Wai-Hong; AbuBakar, Sazaly; Chang, Li-Yen

2017-01-24

The genes for Nipah virus (NiV) proteins were amplified from viral RNA, cloned into the plasmid pTriEx-3 Hygro, expressed, and purified using immobilized metal affinity chromatography. The recombinant N, F, and G NiV proteins (rNiV-N, rNiV-F, and rNiV-G), were successfully expressed in Escherichia coli and purified with a yield of 4, 16, and 4 mg/L, respectively. All 3 recombinant viral proteins reacted with all 19 samples of NiV-positive human sera. The rNiV-N and rNiV-G proteins were the most immunogenic. The recombinant viral proteins did not react with any of the 12 NiV-negative sera. However, serum from a patient with a late-onset relapsing NiV infection complication was found to be primarily reactive to rNiV-G only. Additionally, there is a distinctive variation in the profile of antigen-reactive bands between the sample from a case of relapsing NiV encephalitis and that of acute NiV infection. The overall findings of this study suggest that the recombinant viral proteins have the potential to be developed further for use in the detection of NiV infection, and continuous biosurveillance of NiV infection in resource-limited settings.

Catalysts for hydrogen evolution from the [NiFe] hydrogenase to the Ni2P(001) surface: the importance of ensemble effect.

PubMed

Liu, Ping; Rodriguez, José A

2005-10-26

Density functional theory (DFT) was employed to investigate the behavior of a series of catalysts used in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER, 2H(+) + 2e(-) --> H(2)). The kinetics of the HER was studied on the [NiFe] hydrogenase, the [Ni(PS3*)(CO)](1)(-) and [Ni(PNP)(2)](2+) complexes, and surfaces such as Ni(111), Pt(111), or Ni(2)P(001). Our results show that the [NiFe] hydrogenase exhibits the highest activity toward the HER, followed by [Ni(PNP)(2)](2+) > Ni(2)P > [Ni(PS3*)(CO)](1)(-) > Pt > Ni in a decreasing sequence. The slow kinetics of the HER on the surfaces is due to the fact that the metal hollow sites bond hydrogen too strongly to allow the facile removal of H(2). In fact, the strong H-Ni interaction on Ni(2)P(001) can lead to poisoning of the highly active sites of the surface, which enhances the rate of the HER and makes it comparable to that of the [NiFe] hydrogenase. In contrast, the promotional effect of H-poisoning on the HER on Pt and Ni surfaces is relatively small. Our calculations suggest that among all of the systems investigated, Ni(2)P should be the best practical catalyst for the HER, combining the high thermostability of the surfaces and high catalytic activity of the [NiFe] hydrogenase. The good behavior of Ni(2)P(001) toward the HER is found to be associated with an ensemble effect, where the number of active Ni sites is decreased due to presence of P, which leads to moderate bonding of the intermediates and products with the surface. In addition, the P sites are not simple spectators and directly participate in the HER.

Nickel distribution and isotopic fractionation in a Brazilian lateritic regolith: Coupling Ni isotopes and Ni K-edge XANES

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ratié, G.; Garnier, J.; Calmels, D.; Vantelon, D.; Guimarães, E.; Monvoisin, G.; Nouet, J.; Ponzevera, E.; Quantin, C.

2018-06-01

Ultramafic (UM) rocks are known to be nickel (Ni) rich and to weather quickly, which makes them a good candidate to look at the Ni isotope systematics during weathering processes at the Earth's surface. The present study aims at identifying the Ni solid speciation and discussing the weathering processes that produce Ni isotope fractionation in two deep laterite profiles under tropical conditions (Barro Alto, Goiás State, Brazil). While phyllosilicates and to a lower extent goethite are the main Ni-bearing phases in the saprolitic part of the profile, iron (Fe) oxides dominate the Ni budget in the lateritic unit. Nickel isotopic composition (δ60Ni values) has been measured in each unit of the regolith, i.e., rock, saprock, saprolite and laterite (n = 52). δ60Ni varies widely within the two laterite profiles, from -0.10 ± 0.05‰ to 1.43 ± 0.05‰, showing that significant Ni isotope fractionation occurs during the weathering of UM rocks. Overall, our results show that during weathering, the solid phase is depleted in heavy Ni isotopes due to the preferential sorption and incorporation of light Ni isotopes into Fe oxides; the same mechanisms likely apply to the incorporation of Ni into phyllosilicates (type 2:1). However, an isotopically heavy Ni pool is observed in the solid phase at the bottom of the saprolitic unit. This feature can be explained by two hypotheses that are not mutually exclusive: (i) a depletion in light Ni isotopes during the first stage of weathering due to the preferential dissolution of light Ni-containing minerals, and (ii) the sorption or incorporation of isotopically heavy Ni carried by percolating waters (groundwater samples have δ60Ni of 2.20 and 2.27‰), that were enriched in heavy Ni isotopes due to successive weathering processes in the overlying soil and laterite units.

Hierarchical NiCo2 S4 Nanotube@NiCo2 S4 Nanosheet Arrays on Ni Foam for High-Performance Supercapacitors.

PubMed

Chen, Haichao; Chen, Si; Shao, Hongyan; Li, Chao; Fan, Meiqiang; Chen, Da; Tian, Guanglei; Shu, Kangying

2016-01-01

Hierarchical NiCo2 S4 nanotube@NiCo2 S4 nanosheet arrays on Ni foam have been successfully synthesized. Owing to the unique hierarchical structure, enhanced capacitive performance can be attained. A specific capacitance up to 4.38 F cm(-2) is attained at 5 mA cm(-2) , which is much higher than the specific capacitance values of NiCo2 O4 nanosheet arrays, NiCo2 S4 nanosheet arrays and NiCo2 S4 nanotube arrays on Ni foam. The hierarchical NiCo2 S4 nanostructure shows superior cycling stability; after 5000 cycles, the specific capacitance still maintains 3.5 F cm(-2) . In addition, through the morphology and crystal structure measurement after cycling stability test, it is found that the NiCo2 S4 electroactive materials are gradually corroded; however, the NiCo2 S4 phase can still be well-maintained. Our results show that hierarchical NiCo2 S4 nanostructures are suitable electroactive materials for high performance supercapacitors. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Hierarchical Heterostructures of NiCo2O4@XMoO4 (X = Ni, Co) as an Electrode Material for High-Performance Supercapacitors.

PubMed

Hu, Jiyu; Qian, Feng; Song, Guosheng; Wang, Linlin

2016-12-01

Hierarchical heterostructures of NiCo2O4@XMoO4 (X = Ni, Co) were developed as an electrode material for supercapacitor with improved pseudocapacitive performance. Within these hierarchical heterostructures, the mesoporous NiCo2O4 nanosheet arrays directly grown on the Ni foam can not only act as an excellent pseudocapacitive material but also serve as a hierarchical scaffold for growing NiMoO4 or CoMoO4 electroactive materials (nanosheets). The electrode made of NiCo2O4@NiMoO4 presented a highest areal capacitance of 3.74 F/cm(2) at 2 mA/cm(2), which was much higher than the electrodes made of NiCo2O4@CoMoO4 (2.452 F/cm(2)) and NiCo2O4 (0.456 F/cm(2)), respectively. Meanwhile, the NiCo2O4@NiMoO4 electrode exhibited good rate capability. It suggested the potential of the hierarchical heterostructures of NiCo2O4@CoMoO4 as an electrode material in supercapacitors.

High performance nano-Ni/Graphite electrode for electro-oxidation in direct alkaline ethanol fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soliman, Ahmed B.; Abdel-Samad, Hesham S.; Abdel Rehim, Sayed S.; Ahmed, Mohamed A.; Hassan, Hamdy H.

2016-09-01

Ni/Graphite electrocatalysts (Ni/G) are successfully prepared through electrodeposition of Ni from acidic (pH = 0.8) and feebly acidic (pH = 5.5) aqueous Ni (II) baths. The efficiencies of such electrodes are investigated as anodes for direct alkaline ethanol fuel cells through their ethanol electrooxidation cyclic voltammetric (CV) response in alkaline medium. A direct proportionality between the amount of the electrodeposited Ni and its CV response is found. The amounts of the deposited Ni from the two baths are recorded using the Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance (eQCM). The Ni/G electrodes prepared from the feebly acidic bath show a higher electrocatalytic response than those prepared from the acidic bath. Surface morphology of the Ni particles electrodeposited from feebly acidic bath appears in a nano-scale dimension. Various electrochemical experiments are conducted to confirm that the Ni/G ethanol electrooxidation CV response greatly depends on the pH rather than nickel ion concentration of the deposition bath. The eQCM technique is used to detect the crystalline phases of nickel as α-Ni(OH)2/γ-NiOOH and β-Ni(OH)2/β-NiOOH and their in-situ inter-transformations during the potentiodynamic polarization.

The acceleration intermediate phase (NiS and Ni3S2) evolution by nanocrystallization in Li/NiS2 thermal batteries with high specific capacity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Chuanyu; Zhou, Lingping; Fu, Licai; Zhu, Jiajun; Li, Deyi; Yang, Wulin

2017-06-01

The intermediate phase of NiS2 is thought to be a bottleneck currently to improve the overall performance of Li/NiS2 thermal batteries because of its low conductivity and close formation enthalpy between NiS2 and the intermediate phase (NiS, Ni3S2, etc). For improving the discharge performances of Li/NiS2 thermal batteries, the nano NiS2 with an average size of 85 ± 5 nm is designated as a cathode material. The electrochemical measurements show that the specific capacity of nano NiS2 cathode is higher than micro NiS2. The nano NiS2 cathode exhibits excellent electrochemical performances with high specific capacities of 794 and 654 mAh g-1 at current density of 0.1 and 0.5 A cm-2 under a cut-off voltage of 0.5 V, respectively. These results show that the rapid intermediate phase evolution from the nanocrystallization can obviously enhance use efficiency of NiS2 and improve discharge performances of thermal batteries.

NiO/NiWO4 Composite Yolk-Shell Spheres with Nanoscale NiO Outer Layer for Ultrasensitive and Selective Detection of Subppm-level p-Xylene.

PubMed

Kim, Tae-Hyung; Kwak, Chang-Hoon; Lee, Jong-Heun

2017-09-20

NiO/NiWO 4 composite yolk-shell spheres with a nanoscale NiO outer layer were prepared using one-pot ultrasonic spray pyrolysis and their gas sensing characteristics were studied. The NiO/NiWO 4 yolk-shell spheres exhibited an extremely high response to 5 ppm p-xylene (ratio of resistance to gas and air = 343.5) and negligible cross-responses to 5 ppm ethanol, ammonia, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and benzene, whereas pure NiO yolk-shell spheres showed very low responses and selectivity to all the analyte gases. The detection limit for p-xylene was as low as 22.7 ppb. This ultrasensitive and selective detection of p-xylene is attributed to a synergistic catalytic effect between NiO and NiWO 4 , high gas accessibility with large specific surface area, and increased chemiresistive variation due to the formation of a heterojunction. The NiO/NiWO 4 yolk-shell spheres with a thin NiO outer layer can be used to detect subppm-level p-xylene in a highly sensitive and selective manner for monitoring indoor air pollution.

Local lattice distortion in NiCoCr, FeCoNiCr and FeCoNiCrMn concentrated alloys investigated by synchrotron X-ray diffraction

DOE PAGES

Tong, Yang; Jin, Ke; Bei, Hongbin; ...

2018-05-26

Severe lattice distortion is presumptively considered as a core effect of high-entropy alloys, but quantitative measurements are still missing. Here, we demonstrate that the lattice distortion in high-entropy alloys can be quantitatively analyzed based on pair distribution function obtained from synchrotron X-ray diffraction. By applying this method to equiatomic NiCoCr, FeCoNiCr and FeCoNiCrMn concentrated alloys, we found that the local lattice distortion in the NiCoCr (0.23%) and FeCoNiCrMn (0.24%) alloys are comparable while negligible in the FeCoNiCr alloy (0.04%). Furthermore, the origin of local lattice distortion in the NiCoCr and FeCoNiCrMn concentrated alloys was discussed.

Local lattice distortion in NiCoCr, FeCoNiCr and FeCoNiCrMn concentrated alloys investigated by synchrotron X-ray diffraction

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tong, Yang; Jin, Ke; Bei, Hongbin

Severe lattice distortion is presumptively considered as a core effect of high-entropy alloys, but quantitative measurements are still missing. Here, we demonstrate that the lattice distortion in high-entropy alloys can be quantitatively analyzed based on pair distribution function obtained from synchrotron X-ray diffraction. By applying this method to equiatomic NiCoCr, FeCoNiCr and FeCoNiCrMn concentrated alloys, we found that the local lattice distortion in the NiCoCr (0.23%) and FeCoNiCrMn (0.24%) alloys are comparable while negligible in the FeCoNiCr alloy (0.04%). Furthermore, the origin of local lattice distortion in the NiCoCr and FeCoNiCrMn concentrated alloys was discussed.

Development of B2 Shape Memory Intermetallics Beyond NiAl, CoNiAl and CoNiGa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gerstein, G.; Firstov, G. S.; Kosorukova, T. A.; Koval, Yu. N.; Maier, H. J.

2018-06-01

The present study describes the development of shape memory alloys based on NiAl. Initially, this system was considered a promising but unsuccessful neighbour of NiTi. Later, however, shape memory alloys like CoNiAl or CoNiGa were developed that can be considered as NiAl derivatives and already demonstrated good mechanical properties. Yet, these alloys were still inferior to NiTi in most respects. Lately, using a multi-component approach, a CoNiCuAlGaIn high entropy intermetallic compound was developed from the NiAl prototype. This new alloy featured a B2 phase and a martensitic transformation along with a remarkable strength in the as-cast state. In the long-term, this new approach might led to a breakthrough for shape memory alloys in general.

Hydroconversion of methyl laurate on bifunctional Ni2P/AlMCM-41 catalyst prepared via in situ phosphorization using triphenylphosphine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Sha; Zhang, Zhena; Zhu, Kongying; Chen, Jixiang

2017-05-01

A series of Ni2P/AlMCM-41-x bifunctional catalysts with different Si/Al ratios (x) were synthesized by in situ phosphorization of Ni/AlMCM-41-x with triphenylphosphine (nominal Ni/P ratio of 0.75) at 300 °C on a fixed-bed reactor. For comparison, NiP/AlMCM-41-5-TPR was also prepared by the TPR method from the supported nickel phosphate with the Ni/P ratio of 1.0, during which metallic Ni rather than Ni2P formed. TEM images show that Ni and Ni2P particles uniformly distributed in Ni2P/AlMCM-41-x and NiP/AlMCM-41-5-TPR. The Ni2P/AlMCM-41-x acidity increased with decreasing the Si/Al ratio. In the hydroconversion of methyl laurate, the conversions were close to 100% on all catalysts at 360 °C, 3.0 MPa, methyl laurate WHSV of 2 h-1 and H2/methyl laurate ratio of 25. As to Ni2P/AlMCM-41-x, with decreasing the Si/Al ratio, the total selectivity to C11 and C12 hydrocarbons decreased, while the total selectivity to isoundecane and isododecane (Si-C11+i-C12) firstly increased and then decreased. Ni2P/AlMCM-41-5 gave the largest Si-C11+i-C12 of 43.2%. While NiP/AlMCM-41-5-TPR gave higher Si-C11+i-C12 than Ni2P/AlMCM-41-5, it was more active for the undesired Csbnd C bond cleavage and methanation. We propose that the in-situ phosphorization adopted here is a promising approach to preparing Ni2P-based bifunctional catalysts.

Superconductivity in Bi/Ni bilayer system: Clear role of superconducting phases found at Bi/Ni interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, L. Y.; Xing, Y. T.; Merino, I. L. C.; Micklitz, H.; Franceschini, D. F.; Baggio-Saitovitch, E.; Bell, D. C.; Solórzano, I. G.

2018-01-01

Bi/Ni bilayers with varying Bi and Ni layer thicknesses have been prepared by (a) pulsed-laser deposition (PLD) at 300 K and (b) thermal evaporation at 4.2 K. A two-step superconducting transition appears on the electrical transport measurements in the samples prepared by PLD. High-resolution transmission and scanning transmission electron microscopy, supported by energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDXS) analysis, reveal that two superconducting intermetallic alloys, namely NiBi and NiBi3, are formed by interdiffusion, if the bilayers are prepared at 300 K. The Tc of the two phases behaves very differently in an external magnetic field and the upper critical magnetic fields at zero temperature [Bc 2(0 ) ] were estimated as 1.1 and 7.4 T, respectively. The lower value corresponds to the Bc 2(0) of NiBi3 phase and the higher one is supposed to be of NiBi. These alloys are responsible for the superconductivity and the two-step transition appearing in the Bi/Ni bilayer system. Surprisingly, the Bi-rich phase (NiBi3) is formed near the Ni layer, while the Ni-rich phase (NiBi) is formed far from the Ni layer. The EDXS analysis at nanometer scale clearly shows an unusual increase of Ni concentration near the interface of Bi/substrate. The limited thickness of Bi layer in the interdiffusion process results in an unexpected distribution of Ni concentration. Samples prepared at 4.2 K after annealing at 300 K do not show any superconductivity, which indicates that a nonepitaxial Bi/Ni interface does not induce superconductivity in the case interdiffusion does not occur. These results offer a deeper understanding of the superconductivity in the Bi/Ni bilayer system.

The Effect of Metal Composition on Fe-Ni Partition Behavior between Olivine and FeNi-Metal, FeNi-Carbide, FeNi-Sulfide at Elevated Pressure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holzheid, Astrid; Grove, Timothy L.

2005-01-01

Metal-olivine Fe-Ni exchange distribution coefficients were determined at 1500 C over the pressure range of 1 to 9 GPa for solid and liquid alloy compositions. The metal alloy composition was varied with respect to the Fe/Ni ratio and the amount of dissolved carbon and sulfur. The Fe/Ni ratio of the metal phase exercises an important control on the abundance of Ni in the olivine. The Ni abundance in the olivine decreases as the Fe/Ni ratio of the coexisting metal increases. The presence of carbon (up to approx. 3.5 wt.%) and sulfur (up to approx. 7.5 wt.%) in solution in the liquid Fe-Ni-metal phase has a minor effect on the partitioning of Fe and Ni between metal and olivine phases. No pressure dependence of the Fe-Ni-metal-olivine exchange behavior in carbon- and sulfur-free and carbon- and sulfur-containing systems was found within the investigated pressure range. To match the Ni abundance in terrestrial mantle olivine, assuming an equilibrium metal-olivine distribution, a sub-chondritic Fe/Ni-metal ratio that is a factor of 17 to 27 lower than the Fe/Ni ratios in estimated Earth core compositions would be required, implying higher Fe concentrations in the core forming metal phase. A simple metal-olivine equilibrium distribution does not seem to be feasible to explain the Ni abundances in the Earth's mantle. An equilibrium between metal and olivine does not exercise a control on the problem of Ni overabundance in the Earth's mantle. The experimental results do not contradict the presence of a magma ocean at the time of terrestrial core formation, if olivine was present in only minor amounts at the time of metal segregation.

Toxicity, uptake, and mutagenicity of particulate and soluble nickel compounds.

PubMed Central

Fletcher, G G; Rossetto, F E; Turnbull, J D; Nieboer, E

1994-01-01

Toxicity testing in AS52 cells (24-hr exposures) gave LC50 values of 2 to 130 micrograms Ni/ml for particulate nickel compounds and 45 to 60 micrograms Ni/ml for water-soluble salts (NiCl2, NiSO4, Ni(CH3COO)2). The Ni(OH)2, NiCO3, and sulfides (Ni3S2, Ni7S6, "amorphous NiS") exhibited similar toxicities (LC50's of 2 to 8 micrograms Ni/ml), while three nickel oxides were more variable and less toxic (LC50's of 18 to 130 micrograms Ni/ml). Most compounds displayed nuclear to cytoplasmic nickel ratios of approximately 1:1.5 to 1:5 (except approximately 1:20 for nickel salts). At the LC50's, a 75-fold range in exposure levels occurred compared to a 10-fold range in cytoplasmic and nuclear nickel concentrations, [Ni]. Cellular nickel distribution indicated three groupings: inert compounds (green NiO, lithium nickel oxide, relatively low nuclear and cytosolic [Ni]); water-soluble salts (very low nuclear [Ni]; high cytosolic [Ni]), and slightly soluble compounds (relatively high cytosolic and nuclear [Ni]). Nickel compounds are considered to be only weak or equivocal mutagens. In this study, a low but significant increase in mutation rate at the gpt locus was shown. Although the results would not be sufficient to deem nickel compounds mutagenic by traditional criteria, characterization by PCR analysis indicated that the spontaneous and nickel-induced mutants exhibited different and compound-specific mutational spectra (thus confirming nickel compound involvement). The results reported illustrate some of the methodologic problems involved in testing "weak" mutagens and indicate that alternative approaches may be necessary in classifying the mutagenicity of nickel and other compounds. PMID:7843140

Microstructure, thickness and sheet resistivity of Cu/Ni thin film produced by electroplating technique on the variation of electrolyte temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toifur, M.; Yuningsih, Y.; Khusnani, A.

2018-03-01

In this research, it has been made Cu/Ni thin film produced with electroplating technique. The deposition process was done in the plating bath using Cu and Ni as cathode and anode respectively. The electrolyte solution was made from the mixture of HBrO3 (7.5g), NiSO4 (100g), NiCl2 (15g), and aquadest (250 ml). Electrolyte temperature was varied from 40°C up to 80°C, to make the Ni ions in the solution easy to move to Cu cathode. The deposition was done during 2 minutes on the potential of 1.5 volt. Many characterizations were done including the thickness of Ni film, microstructure, and sheet resistivity. The results showed that at all samples Ni had attacked on the Cu substrate to form Cu/Ni. The raising of electrolyte temperature affected the increasing of Ni thickness that is the Ni thickness increase with the increasing electrolyte temperature. From the EDS spectrum, it can be informed that samples already contain Ni and Cu elements and NiO and CuO compounds. Addition element and compound are found for sample Cu/Ni resulted from 70° electrolyte temperature of Ni deposition, that are Pt and PtO2. From XRD pattern, there are several phases which have crystal structure i.e. Cu, Ni, and NiO, while CuO and PtO2 have amorphous structure. The sheet resistivity linearly decreases with the increasing electrolyte temperature.

Redistribution of phosphorus during Ni0.9Pt0.1-based silicide formation on phosphorus implanted Si substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lemang, M.; Rodriguez, Ph.; Nemouchi, F.; Juhel, M.; Grégoire, M.; Mangelinck, D.

2018-02-01

Phosphorus diffusion and its distribution during the solid-state reactions between Ni0.9Pt0.1 and implanted Si substrates are studied. Silicidation is achieved through a first rapid thermal annealing followed by a selective etching and a direct surface annealing. The redistribution of phosphorus in silicide layers is investigated after the first annealing for different temperatures and after the second annealing. Phosphorus concentration profiles obtained thanks to time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and atom probe tomography characterizations for partial and total reactions of the deposited 7 nm thick Ni0.9Pt0.1 film are presented. Phosphorus segregation is observed at the Ni0.9Pt0.1 surface and at Ni2Si interfaces during Ni2Si formation and at the NiSi surface and the NiSi/Si interface after NiSi formation. The phosphorus is evidenced in low concentrations in the Ni2Si and NiSi layers. Once NiSi is formed, a bump in the phosphorus concentration is highlighted in the NiSi layer before the NiSi/Si interface. Based on these profiles, a model for the phosphorus redistribution is proposed to match this bump to the former Ni2Si/Si interface. It also aims to bind the phosphorus segregation and its low concentration in different silicides to a low solubility of phosphorus in Ni2Si and in NiSi and a fast diffusion of phosphorus at their grain boundaries. This model is also substantiated by a simulation using a finite difference method in one dimension.

Structural and magnetic properties of Ni nanofilms on Ge(001) by molecular beam epitaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bocirnea, Amelia Elena; Costescu, Ruxandra Maria; Pasuk, Iuliana; Lungu, George Adrian; Teodorescu, Cristian Mihail

2017-12-01

Ni films of 20 nm nominal thickness were grown on Ge(001) substrates by molecular beam epitaxy at several different temperatures from room temperature up to 400 °C. X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveal the nucleation of Ni-Ge compounds (NiGe, Ni2Ge, Ni5Ge2) as well as a departure from the fcc Ni structure exhibited by the films at and beyond a temperature of 100 °C. The binding energy of the Ni 2p peak increases from the RT value (852.7 eV) by 0.5-1.1 eV for the Ni/Ge(001) samples, while the Ge 2p binding energy changes by 0.6-0.7 eV after Ni growth compared to a clean Ge(001) substrate (there is only a ±0.15 eV shift among the samples grown on substrates at higher temperatures). By increasing substrate temperature, we obtained higher intermixing of Ni and Ge, but rather than both Ni and Ge interdiffusing, we find that Ni diffuses further into the germanium with higher substrate temperature, forming increasingly Ni-rich Ni-Ge compounds diluted into the Ge matrix. Based on Magneto-optic Kerr Effect measurements, Ni/Ge(001) grown on substrates at 100 and 200 °C does not exhibit a hysteresis loop, while the samples on 300 and 400 °C substrates show magnetic behavior, which we attribute to the magnetic character of hexagonal Ni5Ge2 (which is determined here for the first time to be a ferromagnetic phase).

Properties of mechanically alloyed Mg-Ni-Ti ternary hydrogen storage alloys for Ni-MH batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruggeri, Stéphane; Roué, Lionel; Huot, Jacques; Schulz, Robert; Aymard, Luc; Tarascon, Jean-Marie

MgNiTi x, Mg 1- xTi xNi and MgNi 1- xTi x (with x varying from 0 to 0.5) alloys have been prepared by high energy ball milling and tested as hydrogen storage electrodes. The initial discharge capacities of the Mg-Ni-Ti ternary alloys are inferior to the MgNi electrode capacity. However, an exception is observed with MgNi 0.95Ti 0.05, which has an initial discharge capacity of 575 mAh/g compared to 522 mAh/g for the MgNi electrode. The Mg-Ni-Ti ternary alloys show improved cycle life compared to Mg-Ni binary alloys with the same Mg/Ni atomic ratio. The best cycle life is observed with Mg 0.5Ti 0.5Ni electrode which retains 75% of initial capacity after 10 cycles in comparison to 39% for MgNi electrodes, in addition to improved high-rate dischargeability (HRD). According to the XPS analysis, the cycle life improvement of the Mg 0.5Ti 0.5Ni electrode can be related to the formation of TiO 2 which limits Mg(OH) 2 formation. The anodic polarization curve of Mg 0.5Ti 0.5Ni electrode shows that the current related to the active/passive transition is much less important and that the passive region is more extended than for the MgNi electrode but the corrosion of the electrode is still significant. This suggests that the cycle life improvement would be also associated with a decrease of the particle pulverization upon cycling.

The structure evolution mechanism of electrodeposited porous Ni films on NH4Cl concentration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Xiangtao; Wang, Mingyong; Wang, Zhi; Gong, Xuzhong; Guo, Zhancheng

2016-01-01

NH4Cl was an important component for the electrodeposition of porous metal films through hydrogen bubble template approach. The effects of NH4Cl concentrations on pore formation and structure evolution of the electrodeposited porous Ni films were studied. It was found that Ni films electrodeposited from solutions with 0.25⿿0.35 M NH4Cl were compact. When NH4Cl concentrations were 0.4⿿0.75 M and 0.85⿿3 M, porous Ni films with dish-like and honeycomb-like pores were electrodeposited, respectively. To form porous structure, the critical amounts of Ni in mass deposited onto the electrode must be achieved. However, at lower NH4Cl concentration, Ni electrodeposition was interrupted after about 15 s due to Ni2+ hydrolysis. The critical amounts of Ni in mass were not reached, and compact Ni films were obtained. When NH4Cl concentrations exceeded 0.4 M, Ni2+ hydrolysis was inhibited due to the enhanced buffer ability of solution and Ni(NH3)n2+ (2 ⿤ n ⿤ 6) complexes became the discharged ions. Ni electrodeposition proceeded continuously and reached the critical amounts of Ni in mass, and porous Ni films were formed. At higher NH4Cl concentration, hydrogen was produced mainly by the electrochemical reduction of NH4+. pH near cathode was hardly changed, and Ni2+ ions with low overpotential were reduced. The rough Ni films were formed, which led to smaller break-off diameter of bubbles. Therefore, the pore sizes of Ni films were decreased.

Ecophysiology of nickel phytoaccumulation: a simplified biophysical approach.

PubMed

Coinchelin, David; Bartoli, François; Robin, Christophe; Echevarria, Guillaume

2012-10-01

Solute active transport or exclusion by plants can be identified by the values of the Transpiration Stream Concentration Factor (TSCF=xylem:solution solute concentration ratio). The aim of this study was to estimate this parameter for Ni uptake by the Ni-hyperaccumulator Leptoplax emarginata or the Ni-excluder Triticum aestivum cultivar 'Fidel'. The Intact Plant TSCF for nickel (IPTSCF(Ni)) was calculated as the ratio between the nickel mass accumulation in the leaves and the nickel concentration in solution per volume of water transpired. Predominantly, Ni active transport occurred for L. emarginata, with IPTSCF(Ni) values of 4.7-7.2 and convective component proportions of the root Ni uptake flow of only 15-20% for a range of Ni concentrations in solutions of 2-16 µmol Ni l(-1), regardless of the growth period and the time of Ni uptake. Hyperaccumulator roots were permeable to both water and nickel (mean reflection coefficient for Ni, σ(Ni), of 0.06), which was mainly attributed to an absence of exodermis. Results provide a new view of the mechanisms of Ni hyperaccumulation. By contrast, the wheat excluder was characterized by an extremely low mean IPTSCF(Ni) value of 0.006, characterizing a predominantly Ni sequestration in roots. From a methodological viewpoint, the 'microscopic' TSCF(Ni), measured directly on excised plants was 2.4 times larger than its recommended 'macroscopic' IPTSCF(Ni) counterpart. Overall, IPTSCF and σ determined on intact transpiring plants appeared to be very useful biophysical parameters in the study of the mechanisms involved in metal uptake and accumulation by plants, and in their modelling.

Speciation and isotopic exchangeability of nickel in soil solution.

PubMed

Nolan, Annette L; Ma, Yibing; Lombi, Enzo; McLaughlin, Mike J

2009-01-01

Knowledge of trace metal speciation in soil pore waters is important in addressing metal bioavailability and risk assessment of contaminated soils. In this study, free Ni(2+) activities were determined in pore waters of long-term Ni-contaminated soils using a Donnan dialysis membrane technique. The pore water free Ni(2+) concentration as a percentage of total soluble Ni ranged from 21 to 80% (average 53%), and the average amount of Ni bound to dissolved organic matter estimated by Windermere Humic Aqueous Model VI was < or = 17%. These data indicate that complexed forms of Ni can constitute a significant fraction of total Ni in solution. Windermere Humic Aqueous Model VI provided reasonable estimates of free Ni(2+) fractions in comparison to the measured fractions (R(2) = 0.83 with a slope of 1.0). Also, the isotopically exchangeable pools (E value) of soil Ni were measured by an isotope dilution technique using water extraction, with and without resin purification, and 0.1 mol L(-1) CaCl(2) extraction, and the isotopic exchangeability of Ni species in soil water extracts was investigated. The concentrations of isotopically non-exchangeable Ni in water extracts were <9% of total water soluble Ni concentrations for all soils. The resin E values expressed as a percentage of the total Ni concentrations in soil showed that the labile Ni pool ranged from 0.9 to 32.4% (average 12.4%) of total soil Ni. Therefore the labile Ni pool in these well-equilibrated contaminated soils appears to be relatively small in relation to total Ni concentrations.

Disintegration of the net-shaped grain-boundary phase by multi-directional forging and its influence on the microstructure and properties of Cu-Ni-Si alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jinlong; Lu, Zhenlin; Zhao, Yuntao; Jia, Lei; Xie, Hui; Tao, Shiping

2017-09-01

Cu-Ni-Si alloys with 90% Cu content and Ni to Si ratios of 5:1 were fabricated by fusion casting, and severe plastic deformation of the Cu-Ni-Si alloy was carried out by multi-direction forging (MDF). The results showed that the as-cast and homogenized Cu-Ni-Si alloys consisted of three phases, namely the matrix phase α-Cu (Ni, Si), the reticular grain boundary phase Ni31Si12 and the precipitated phase Ni2Si. MDF significantly destroyed the net-shaped grain boundary phase, the Ni31Si12 phase and refined the grain size of the Cu matrix, and also resulted in the dissolving of Ni2Si precipitates into the Cu matrix. The effect of MDF on the conductivity of the solid solution Cu-Ni-Si alloy was very significant, with an average increase of 165.16%, and the hardness of the Cu-Ni-Si alloy also increased obviously.

[Study on high temperature oxidation of Ni-Cr ceramic alloys. Effects of Cr and Mo].

PubMed

Mizutani, M

1990-03-01

The effects of Cr and Mo addition to Ni-Cr alloys on high temperature oxidation were investigated. The alloys were prepared with the composition of Cr ranging from 5 to 40 wt%. Also 2, 4 and 9 wt% of Mo was added to both Ni-5% Cr and Ni-20% Cr binary alloys. The alloys were heated at 800 degrees C, 900 degrees C and 1000 degrees C for 15 minutes in air, and the weight change after heat treatment was measured by electric automatic balance. The weight change during heating was measured by thermogravimetric measurement (TG). The products after heat treatment were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results are summarized as follows: The Ni-Cr binary alloys were classified into three types of Cr ranging from 5 to 20 wt%, Cr 25% and Cr from 30 wt% to 40 wt% according to the weight gains with oxidation. In the case of the more than 25 wt% Cr content of the Ni-Cr binary alloys, the weight gain was extremely low and the heating temperature effects on the weight change were also small. X-ray diffraction study showed that NiO, NiCr2O4 and Cr2O3 formed on the surface of the Ni-Cr binary alloys whose composition of Cr ranged from 5 to 25 wt%, whereas NiO and NiCr2O4 rarely formed on the Ni-Cr binary alloys whose composition of Cr ranged from 30 to 40 wt%. This suggests that the formation of Cr2O3 prevents the formation of NiO on the alloy with a high Cr content. The weight gain of the Ni-Cr-Mo ternary alloys was smaller than that of the Ni-Cr binary alloys without Mo, and the temperature effects on the weight gain of the Ni-Cr-Mo ternary alloys were different for each Cr content. However, the effect of the amounts of Mo was small. NiO, NiCr2O4, Cr2O3 and MoO2 were identified by X-ray diffraction on the surface of the Ni-Cr-Mo ternary alloys. According to the SEM observation, it seems that NiO was formed at the outermost layer, both NiCr2O4 and Cr2O3 at the inside layer, and MoO2 at the innermost layer. The formation of both NiO and Cr2O3 on the Ni-Cr-Mo ternary alloys was restrained compared with that of the Ni-Cr binary alloys. However, the adhesion of oxides to the Ni-Cr-Mo ternary alloys was lower than that of the Ni-Cr binary alloys.

Region of Nipah virus C protein responsible for shuttling between the cytoplasm and nucleus

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Horie, Ryo; Yoneda, Misako, E-mail: yone@ims.u-tok

Nipah virus (NiV) causes severe encephalitis in humans, with high mortality. NiV nonstructural C protein (NiV-C) is essential for its pathogenicity, but its functions are unclear. In this study, we focused on NiV-C trafficking in cells and found that it localizes predominantly in the cytoplasm but partly in the nucleus. An analysis of NiV-C mutants showed that amino acids 2, 21–24 and 110–139 of NiV-C are important for its localization in the cytoplasm. Inhibitor treatment indicates that the nuclear export determinant is not a classical CRM1-dependent nuclear export signal. We also determined that amino acids 60–75 and 72–75 were importantmore » for nuclear localization of NiV-C. Furthermore, NiV-C mutants that had lost their capacity for nuclear localization inhibited the interferon (IFN) response more strongly than complete NiV-C. These results indicate that the IFN-antagonist activity of NiV-C occurs in the cytoplasm. -- Highlights: •Nipah virus (NiV) infection resulted in high mortality, but effective treatment has not been established. •Several reports revealed that NiV nonstructural C protein (NiV-C) was essential for NiV pathogenicity, however, whole of NiV-C function is still unknown. •Although nonstructural C proteins of other Paramyxoviruses are expressed in similar mechanism and exert similar activity, subcellular localization and cellular targets are different. In this study, we evaluated the subcellular localization of NiV-C. •To our knowledge, this is the first report showing that NiV-C shuttles between the nucleus and cytoplasm. We also clarified that NiV-C has nuclear export signal and nuclear localization signal using NiV-C deleted, alanine substitution mutants and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) fused proteins. •And we also showed that interferon (IFN) antagonist activity of NiV-C related to its subcellular localization. Our results indicate that NiV-C exert IFN antagonist activity in the cytoplasm.« less

Salinity-dependent nickel accumulation and effects on respiration, ion regulation and oxidative stress in the galaxiid fish, Galaxias maculatus.

PubMed

Blewett, Tamzin A; Wood, Chris M; Glover, Chris N

2016-07-01

Inanga (Galaxias maculatus) are a euryhaline and amphidromous Southern hemisphere fish species inhabiting waters highly contaminated in trace elements such as nickel (Ni). Ni is known to exert its toxic effects on aquatic biota via three key mechanisms: inhibition of respiration, impaired ion regulation, and stimulation of oxidative stress. Inanga acclimated to freshwater (FW), 50% seawater (SW) or 100% SW were exposed to 0, 150 or 2000 μg Ni L(-1), and tissue Ni accumulation, metabolic rate, ion regulation (tissue ions, calcium (Ca) ion influx), and oxidative stress (catalase activity, protein carbonylation) were measured after 96 h. Ni accumulation increased with Ni exposure concentration in gill, gut and remaining body, but not in liver. Only in the gill was Ni accumulation affected by exposure salinity, with lower branchial Ni burdens in 100% and 50% SW inanga, relative to FW fish. There were no Ni-dependent effects on respiration, or Ca influx, and the only Ni-dependent effect on tissue ion content was on gill potassium. Catalase activity and protein carbonylation were affected by Ni, primarily in FW, but only at 150 μg Ni L(-1). Salinity therefore offsets the effects of Ni, despite minimal changes in Ni bioavailability. These data suggest only minor effects of Ni in inanga, even at highly elevated environmental Ni concentrations. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Synthesis and reactivity of NHC-supported Ni2(μ(2)-η(2),η(2)-S2)-bridging disulfide and Ni2(μ-S)2-bridging sulfide complexes.

PubMed

Olechnowicz, Frank; Hillhouse, Gregory L; Jordan, Richard F

2015-03-16

The (IPr)Ni scaffold stabilizes low-coordinate, mononuclear and dinuclear complexes with a diverse range of sulfur ligands, including μ(2)-η(2),η(2)-S2, η(2)-S2, μ-S, and μ-SH motifs. The reaction of {(IPr)Ni}2(μ-Cl)2 (1, IPr = 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolin-2-ylidene) with S8 yields the bridging disulfide species {(IPr)ClNi}2(μ(2)-η(2),η(2)-S2) (2). Complex 2 reacts with 2 equiv of AdNC (Ad = adamantyl) to yield a 1:1 mixture of the terminal disulfide compound (IPr)(AdNC)Ni(η(2)-S2) (3a) and trans-(IPr)(AdNC)NiCl2 (4a). 2 also reacts with KC8 to produce the Ni-Ni-bonded bridging sulfide complex {(IPr)Ni}2(μ-S)2 (6). Complex 6 reacts with H2 to yield the bridging hydrosulfide compound {(IPr)Ni}2(μ-SH)2 (7), which retains a Ni-Ni bond. 7 is converted back to 6 by hydrogen atom abstraction by 2,4,6-(t)Bu3-phenoxy radical. The 2,6-diisopropylphenyl groups of the IPr ligand provide lateral steric protection of the (IPr)Ni unit but allow for the formation of Ni-Ni-bonded dinuclear species and electronically preferred rather than sterically preferred structures.

Remarkable sensitivity for detection of bisphenol A on a gold electrode modified with nickel tetraamino phthalocyanine containing Ni-O-Ni bridges.

PubMed

Chauke, Vongani; Matemadombo, Fungisai; Nyokong, Tebello

2010-06-15

This work reports the electrocatalysis of bisphenol A on Ni(II) tetraamino metallophthalocyanine (NiTAPc) polymer modified gold electrode containing Ni-O-Ni bridges (represented as Ni(OH)TAPc). The Ni(II)TAPc films were electro-transformed in 0.1 mol L(-1) NaOH aqueous solution to form 'O-Ni-O oxo bridges', forming poly-n-Ni(OH)TAPc (where n is the number of polymerising scans). poly-30-Ni(OH)TAPc, poly-50-Ni(OH)TAPc, poly-70-Ni(OH)TAPc and poly-90-Ni(OH)TAPc films were investigated. The polymeric films were characterised by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and the charge transfer resistance (R(CT)) values increased with film thickness. The best catalytic activity for the detection of bisphenol A was on poly-70-Ni(OH)TAPc. Electrode resistance to passivation improved with polymer thickness. The electrocatalytic behaviour of bisphenol A was compared to that of p-nitrophenol in terms of electrode passivation and regeneration. The latter was found to passivate the electrode less than the former. The poly-70-Ni(OH)TAPc modified electrode could reliably detect bisphenol A in a concentration range of 7x10(-4) to 3x10(-2)mol L(-1) with a limit of detection of 3.68x10(-9)mol L(-1). The sensitivity was 3.26x10(-4)A mol(-1) L cm(-2). Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The fabrication of foam-like 3D mesoporous NiO-Ni as anode for high performance Li-ion batteries

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Huang, Peng, E-mail: huangp07@lzu.edu.cn; Department of Physics, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000; Zhang, Xin

2015-03-15

Graphical abstract: Foam-like 3 dimensional (3D) mesoporous NiO on 3D micro-porous Ni was fabricated. - Highlights: • We prepare NiO-Ni foam composite via hydrothermal etching and subsequent annealing. • The NiO exhibits novel foam-like 3D mesoporous architecture. • The NiO-Ni anode shows good cycle stability. - Abstract: Foam-like three dimensional mesoporous NiO on Ni foam was fabricated via facile hydrothermal etching and subsequent annealing treatment. The porous NiO consists of a large number of nanosheets with mean thickness about 50 nm, among which a large number of mesoscopic pores with size ranges from 100 nm to 1 μm distribute. Themore » electrochemical performance of the as-prepared NiO-Ni as anode for lithium ion battery was studied by conventional charge/discharge test, which shows excellent cycle stability and rate capability. It exhibits initial discharge and charge capacities of 979 and 707 mA h g{sup −1} at a charge/discharge rate of 0.7 C, which maintain of 747 and 738 mA h g{sup −1} after 100 cycles. Even after 60 cycles at various rates from 0.06 to 14 C, the 10th discharge and charge capacities of the NiO-Ni electrode can revert to 699 and 683 mA h g{sup −1} when lowering the charge/discharge rate to 0.06 C.« less

Kinetics of NiO and NiCl2 Hydrogen Reduction as Precursors and Properties of Produced Ni/Al2O3 and Ni-Pd/Al2O3 Catalysts

PubMed Central

Sokić, Miroslav; Kamberović, Željko; Nikolić, Vesna; Marković, Branislav; Korać, Marija; Anđić, Zoran; Gavrilovski, Milorad

2015-01-01

The objects of this investigation were the comparative kinetic analysis of the NiO and NiCl2 reduction by hydrogen during an induction period and elimination of the calcination during the synthesis of Ni/Al2O3 catalysts. The effect of temperature and time on NiO and NiCl2 reduction degrees was studied. Avrami I equation was selected as the most favorable kinetic model and used to determine activation energy of the NiO and NiCl2 reduction for the investigated temperature range (623–923 K) and time intervals (1–5 minutes). The investigation enabled reaching conclusions about the reaction ability and rate of the reduction processes. Afterward, Ni/Al2O3 catalysts were obtained by using oxide and chloride precursor for Ni. The catalysts were supported on alumina-based foam and prepared via aerosol route. Properties of the samples before and after low-temperature hydrogen reduction (633 K) were compared. Obtained results indicated that the synthesis of Ni/Al2O3 catalysts can be more efficient if chloride precursor for Ni is directly reduced by hydrogen during the synthesis process, without the calcination step. In addition, Ni-Pd/Al2O3 catalysts with different metal content were prepared by using chloride precursors. Lower reduction temperature was utilized and the chlorides were almost completely reduced at 533 K. PMID:25789335

Copper-nickel superalloys as inert alloy anodes for aluminum electrolysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Zhongning; Xu, Junli; Qiu, Zhuxian; Wang, Zhaowen; Gao, Bingliang

2003-11-01

The superalloys Cu-Ni-Al, Cu-Ni-Fe, and Cu-Ni-Cr were studied as anodes for aluminum electrolysis. The alloys were tested for corrosion in acidic electrolyte molten salt and for oxidation in both air and oxygen. The results showed that the Cu-Ni-Al anodes possess excellent resistance to oxidation and corrosion, and the oxidation rates of Cu-Ni-Fe and Cu-Ni-Al anodes were slower than those of pure copper or nickel. During electrolysis, the cell voltage of the Cu-Ni-Al anode was affected most by the concentration of alumina in cryolite molten salt. The Cu-Ni-Fe anode exhibited corrosion resistance in electrolyte molten salt. Comparatively, the Cu-Ni-Cr anode showed poor resistance to oxidation and corrosion. The testing found that further study is warranted on the use of Cu-Ni-Al and Cu-Ni-Fe as inert alloy anodes.

A magnetostructural study of linear NiII MnIII NiII, NiII CrIII NiII and triangular Ni(II)3 species containing (pyridine-2-aldoximato)nickel(II) unit as a building block.

PubMed

Weyhermüller, Thomas; Wagner, Rita; Khanra, Sumit; Chaudhuri, Phalguni

2005-08-07

Three trinuclear complexes, NiII MnIII NiII, NiII CrIII NiII and Ni(II)3 based on (pyridine-2-aldoximato)nickel(II) units are described. Two of them, and , contain metal-centers in linear arrangement, as is revealed by X-ray diffraction. Complex is a homonuclear complex in which the three nickel(II) centers are disposed in a triangular fashion. The compounds were characterized by various physical methods including cyclic voltammetric and variable-temperature (2-290 K) susceptibility measurements. Complexes and display antiferromagnetic exchange coupling of the neighbouring metal centers, while weak ferromagnetic spin exchange between the adjacent Ni II and Cr III ions in is observed. The experimental magnetic data were simulated by using appropriate models.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wong-Ng, Winnie; Culp, Jeffrey T.; Chen, Yu-S.

The chartreuse monoclinic Ni-dpbz (Ni(L)[Ni(CN) 4], (L = 1,4-Bis(4-pyridyl)benzene, or dpbz) crystal assumes a pillared structure with layers defined by 2-D Ni[Ni(CN) 4] n nets and dpbz ligands as pillars, linking between coordinated Ni sites. In addition to the hysteretic adsorption/desorption feature of Ni-dpbz, in half of the parallelepiped-shape space enclosed by the pillars and nets, an additional dpbz ligand was found to link between the open ends of two four-fold Ni sites. This arrangement results in an unusual 5-fold pseudo square-pyramid environment for Ni and a significantly long Ni–N distance of 2.369(4) Å. The presence of disordered dimethyl sulfoxidemore » (DMSO) solvent molecules give rise to the formula of Ni(dpbz)[Ni(CN) 4]·½dpbz·0.44DMSO. Sorption isotherms showed flexible behavior during the adsorption and desorption of CO 2.« less

Surface Modification of NiTi Alloy via Cathodic Plasma Electrolytic Deposition and its Effect on Ni Ion Release and Osteoblast Behaviors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Ying; Cai, Kaiyong; Yang, Weihu; Liu, Peng

2013-07-01

To reduce Ni ion release and improve biocompatibility of NiTi alloy, the cathodic plasma electrolytic deposition (CPED) technique was used to fabricate ceramic coating onto a NiTi alloy surface. The formation of a coating with a rough and micro-textured surface was confirmed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, respectively. An inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry test showed that the formed coating significantly reduced the release of Ni ions from the NiTi alloy in simulated body fluid. The influence of CPED treated NiTi substrates on the biological behaviors of osteoblasts, including cell adhesion, cell viability, and osteogenic differentiation function (alkaline phosphatase), was investigated in vitro. Immunofluorescence staining of nuclei revealed that the CPED treated NiTi alloy was favorable for cell growth. Osteoblasts on CPED modified NiTi alloy showed greater cell viability than those for the native NiTi substrate after 4 and 7 days cultures. More importantly, osteoblasts cultured onto a modified NiTi sample displayed significantly higher differentiation levels of alkaline phosphatase. The results suggested that surface functionalization of NiTi alloy with ceramic coating via the CPED technique was beneficial for cell proliferation and differentiation. The approach presented here is useful for NiTi implants to enhance bone osseointegration and reduce Ni ion release in vitro.

Enhanced hydrogen storage capacity of Ni/Sn-coated MWCNT nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varshoy, Shokufeh; Khoshnevisan, Bahram; Behpour, Mohsen

2018-02-01

The hydrogen storage capacity of Ni-Sn, Ni-Sn/multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and Ni/Sn-coated MWCNT electrodes was investigated by using a chronopotentiometry method. The Sn layer was electrochemically deposited inside pores of nanoscale Ni foam. The MWCNTs were put on the Ni-Sn foam with nanoscale porosities using an electrophoretic deposition method and coated with Sn nanoparticles by an electroplating process. X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive spectroscopy results indicated that the Sn layer and MWCNTs are successfully deposited on the surface of Ni substrate. On the other hand, a field-emission scanning electron microscopy technique revealed the morphology of resulting Ni foam, Ni-Sn and Ni-Sn/MWCNT electrodes. In order to measure the hydrogen adsorption performed in a three electrode cell, the Ni-Sn, Ni-Sn/MWCNT and Ni/Sn-coated MWCNT electrodes were used as working electrodes whereas Pt and Ag/AgCl electrodes were employed as counter and reference electrodes, respectively. Our results on the discharge capacity in different electrodes represent that the Ni/Sn-coated MWCNT has a maximum discharge capacity of ˜30 000 mAh g-1 for 20 cycles compared to that of Ni-Sn/MWCNT electrodes for 15 cycles (˜9500 mAh g-1). By increasing the number of cycles in a constant current, the corresponding capacity increases, thereby reaching a constant amount for 20 cycles.

Difference in the distribution and speciation of cellular nickel between nickel-tolerant and non-tolerant Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. BY-2 cells.

PubMed

Saito, Akihiro; Saito, Misa; Ichikawa, Yusuke; Yoshiba, Masaaki; Tadano, Toshiaki; Miwa, Eitaro; Higuchi, Kyoko

2010-02-01

To evaluate Ni dynamics at the subcellular level, the distribution and speciation of Ni were determined in wild-type (WT) and Ni-tolerant (NIT) tobacco BY-2 cell lines. When exposed to low but toxic levels of Ni, NIT cells were found to contain 2.5-fold more Ni (14% of whole-cell Ni values) in their cell walls than WT cells (6% of whole-cell Ni values). In addition to higher levels of Ni in the apoplast, a higher proportion (94%) of symplastic Ni was localized in the vacuoles of NIT cells than in the vacuoles of WT cells (81%). The concentration of cytosolic Ni in the NIT cells was significantly lower (18 nmol g(-1) FW) than that in the WT cells (85 nmol g(-1) FW). In silico simulation showed that 95% of vacuolar Ni was in the form of Ni-citrate complexes, and that free Ni(2+) was virtually absent in the NIT cells. On the other hand, the amount of free metal ions was markedly increased in WT cells because free citrate was depleted by chelation of Ni. A protoplast viability assay using BCECF-AM further demonstrated that the main mechanism that confers strong Ni tolerance was present in the symplast as opposed to the cell wall.

Role of copper/vanadium on the optoelectronic properties of reactive RF magnetron sputtered NiO thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panneerselvam, Vengatesh; Chinnakutti, Karthik Kumar; Thankaraj Salammal, Shyju; Soman, Ajith Kumar; Parasuraman, Kuppusami; Vishwakarma, Vinita; Kanagasabai, Viswanathan

2018-04-01

In this study, pristine nickel oxide (NiO), copper-doped NiO (Cu-NiO) and vanadium-doped NiO (V-NiO) thin films were deposited using reactive RF magnetron co-sputtering as a function of dopant sputtering power. Cu (0-8 at%) and V (0-1 at%) were doped into the NiO lattice by varying the sputtering power of Cu and V in the range of 5-15 W. The effect of dopant concentration on optoelectronic behavior is investigated by UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometer and Hall measurements. XRD analysis showed that the preferred orientation of the cubic phase for undoped NiO changes from (200) to (111) plane when the sputtering parameters are varied. The observed changes in the lattice parameters and bonding states of the doped NiO indicate the substitution of Ni ions by monovalent Cu and trivalent V ions. The optical bandgap of pristine NiO, Cu-NiO, and V-NiO was found to be 3.6, 3.45, and 3.05 eV, respectively, with decreased transmittance and resistivity. Further analysis using SEM and AFM described the morphological behavior of doped NiO thin films and Raman spectroscopy indicated the structural changes on doping. These findings would be helpful in fabricating solid-state solar cells using doped NiO as efficient hole transporting material.

First-Principles Investigation of Mechanical and Thermodynamic Properties of Nickel Silicides at Finite Temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wen, Zhiqin; Zhao, Yuhong; Hou, Hua; Chen, Liwen

2018-05-01

First-principles calculations are performed to investigate lattice parameters, elastic constants and 3D directional Young's modulus E of nickel silicides (i.e., β-Ni3Si, δ-Ni2Si, θ-Ni2Si, ɛ-NiSi, and θ-Ni2Si), and thermodynamic properties, such as the Debye temperature, heat capacity, volumetric thermal expansion coefficient, at finite temperature are also explored in combination with the quasi-harmonic Debye model. The calculated results are in a good agreement with available experimental and theoretical values. The five compounds demonstrate elastic anisotropy. The dependence on the direction of stiffness is the greatest for δ-Ni2Si and θ-Ni2Si, when the stress is applied, while that for β-Ni3Si is minimal. The bulk modulus B reduces with increasing temperature, implying that the resistance to volume deformation will weaken with temperature, and the capacity gradually descend for the compound sequence of β-Ni3Si > δ-Ni2Si > θ-Ni2Si > ɛ-NiSi > θ-Ni2Si. The temperature dependence of the Debye temperature ΘD is related to the change of lattice parameters, and ΘD gradually decreases for the compound sequence of ɛ-NiSi > β-Ni3Si > δ-Ni2Si > θ-Ni2Si > θ-Ni2Si. The volumetric thermal expansion coefficient αV, isochoric heat capacity and isobaric heat capacity C p of nickel silicides are proportional to T 3 at low temperature, subsequently, αV and C p show modest linear change at high temperature, whereas C v obeys the Dulong-Petit limit. In addition, β-Ni3Si has the largest capability to store or release heat at high temperature. From the perspective of solid state physics, the thermodynamic properties at finite temperature can be used to guide further experimental works and design of novel nickel-silicon alloys.

Experimental Constraints on Reconstruction of Archean Seawater Ni Isotopic Composition from Banded Iron Formations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, S.; Wasylenki, L.

2016-12-01

Ni isotope systematics in banded iron formations (BIFs) potentially recorded the Ni isotopic composition of ancient seawater during the Precambrian Eon[1]. The use of BIFs as seawater proxies requires knowing how Ni isotopes fractionated during initial incorporation into iron-rich sediments and during early diagenesis. We conducted experiments to investigate Ni isotope behavior during coprecipitation with ferrihydrite and transformation of ferrihydrite to hematite. Ferrihydrite synthesis at neutral pH demonstrated that dissolved Ni was variably heavier than coprecipitated Ni (Δ60/58Ni = +0.08 to +0.50 ‰), in contrast to the constant offset observed earlier during adsorption to pre-existing ferrihydrite[2]. Experiments at lower pH (<7) yielded negative values of Δ60/58Ni ( -0.18 ‰), suggesting enrichment in heavier isotopes of structurally incorporated Ni relative to dissolved and adsorbed Ni, possibly due to the presence of a small amount of highly fractionated tetrahedral Ni2+ in the ferrihydrite structure. We model our results as equilibrium fractionation among three pools of Ni with systematically varied proportions. We synthesized hematite by transforming Ni-bearing ferrihydrite in aqueous solution at 100 °C and observed significant Ni release from solids (up to 60 %) as pH dropped from 7 to 4.5 - 5.5 during phase transformation. Rinsing hematite with acetic acid released very little Ni (presumably surface-adsorbed) compared to the amounts remaining in solid residues (presumably incorporated). We infer that Δ60/58Ni values (-0.04 to +0.77 ‰) observed in hematite experiments likely reflect Rayleigh fractionation between incorporated and dissolved Ni. The final hematite was slightly lighter than the ferrihydrite had been (by 0.08 ‰), indicating that this phase transformation results in very limited change in Ni isotopic composition, given current analytical uncertainty of ± 0.09 ‰. [1] Wasylenki and Wang (2016) Goldschmidt; [2] Wasylenki et al. (2015) ChemGeol.

Low-field spin dynamics of Cr7Ni and Cr7Ni-Cu -Cr 7Ni molecular rings as detected by μ SR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanna, S.; Arosio, P.; Bordonali, L.; Adelnia, F.; Mariani, M.; Garlatti, E.; Baines, C.; Amato, A.; Sabareesh, K. P. V.; Timco, G.; Winpenny, R. E. P.; Blundell, S. J.; Lascialfari, A.

2017-11-01

Muon spin rotation measurements were used to investigate the spin dynamics of heterometallic Cr7Ni and Cr7Ni -Cu-Cr7Ni molecular clusters. In Cr7Ni the magnetic ions are arranged in a quasiplanar ring and interact via an antiferromagnetic exchange coupling constant J , while Cr7Ni -Cu-Cr7Ni is composed of two Cr7Ni linked by a bridging moiety containing one Cu ion, that induces an inter-ring ferromagnetic interaction J'≪J . The longitudinal muon relaxation rate λ collected at low magnetic fields μ0H <0.15 Tesla, shows that the two systems present differences in spin dynamics vs temperature. While both samples exhibit a main peak in the muon relaxation rate vs temperature, at T ˜10 K for Cr7Ni and T ˜8 K for Cr7Ni -Cu-Cr7Ni , the two compounds have distinct additional features: Cr7Ni shows a shoulder in λ (T ) for T <8 K, while Cr7Ni -Cu-Cr7Ni shows a flattening of λ (T ) for T <2 K down to temperatures as low as T =20 mK. The main peak of both systems is explained by a Bloembergen-Purcell-Pound (BPP)-like heuristic fitting model that takes into account of a distribution of electronic spin characteristic times for T >5 K, while the shoulder presented by Cr7Ni can be reproduced by a BPP function that incorporates a single electronic characteristic time theoretically predicted to dominate for T <5 K. The flattening of λ (T ) in Cr7Ni -Cu-Cr7Ni occurring at very low temperature can be tentatively attributed to field-dependent quantum effects and/or to an inelastic term in the spectral density of the electronic spin fluctuations.

Nickel Release, ROS Generation and Toxicity of Ni and NiO Micro- and Nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Hedberg, Jonas; Di Bucchianico, Sebastiano; Möller, Lennart; Odnevall Wallinder, Inger; Elihn, Karine; Karlsson, Hanna L.

2016-01-01

Occupational exposure to airborne nickel is associated with an elevated risk for respiratory tract diseases including lung cancer. Therefore, the increased production of Ni-containing nanoparticles necessitates a thorough assessment of their physical, chemical, as well as toxicological properties. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the characteristics of nickel metal (Ni) and nickel oxide (NiO) particles with a focus on Ni release, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, cellular uptake, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. Four Ni-containing particles of both nano-size (Ni-n and NiO-n) and micron-size (Ni-m1 and Ni-m2) were tested. The released amount of Ni in solution was notably higher in artificial lysosomal fluid (e.g. 80–100 wt% for metallic Ni) than in cell medium after 24h (ca. 1–3 wt% for all particles). Each of the particles was taken up by the cells within 4 h and they remained in the cells to a high extent after 24 h post-incubation. Thus, the high dissolution in ALF appeared not to reflect the particle dissolution in the cells. Ni-m1 showed the most pronounced effect on cell viability after 48 h (alamar blue assay) whereas all particles showed increased cytotoxicity in the highest doses (20–40 μg cm2) when assessed by colony forming efficiency (CFE). Interestingly an increased CFE, suggesting higher proliferation, was observed for all particles in low doses (0.1 or 1 μg cm-2). Ni-m1 and NiO-n were the most potent in causing acellular ROS and DNA damage. However, no intracellular ROS was detected for any of the particles. Taken together, micron-sized Ni (Ni-m1) was more reactive and toxic compared to the nano-sized Ni. Furthermore, this study underlines that the low dose effect in terms of increased proliferation observed for all particles should be further investigated in future studies. PMID:27434640

Enhanced synthesis of L-threo-3,4-dihydroxyphenylserine by high-density whole-cell biocatalyst of recombinant L-threonine aldolase from Streptomyces avelmitilis.

PubMed

Baik, Sang-Ho; Yoshioka, Hideki

2009-03-01

L-threo-3,4-Dihydroxyphenylserine (DOPS) is a chiral unnatural beta-hydroxy amino acid used for the treatment of Parkinson disease. We developed a continuous bioconversion system for DOPS production that uses whole-cell biocatalyst of recombinant Escherichia coli expressing L-threonine aldolase (L-TA) genes cloned from Streptomyces avelmitilis MA-4680. Maximum conversion rates were observed at 2 M glycine, 145 mM 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde, 0.75% Triton-X, 5 g E. coli cells/l, pH 6.5 and 10 degrees C. In the optimized condition, overall productivity was 8 g/l, which represents 40 times the synthesis yield possible with no optimization of conditions.

Platform construction of molecular breeding for utilization of brown macroalgae.

PubMed

Takagi, Toshiyuki; Kuroda, Kouichi; Ueda, Mitsuyoshi

2018-01-01

Brown macroalgae are characterized by a large size and high productivity without requiring arable land, fresh water, and fertilizer. Furthermore, since brown macroalgae contain little or no lignin, simple biorefinery processing can efficiently produce sugars from this material. Therefore, brown macroalgae have attracted attention as an alternative feedstock for bioethanol production. However, the utilization of biotechnologies previously developed for terrestrial biomass processing results in difficulties in the bioconversion of brown macroalgae. Recently, several studies have developed biotechnologies for using major carbohydrates of brown macroalgae, such as laminarin, mannitol, and alginate. This review focuses on these fermentation biotechnologies using natural or engineered microorganisms. Copyright © 2017 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Intra- and Extra-cellular Proteome Analyses of Steroid-Producer Mycobacteria.

PubMed

Barreiro, Carlos; Morales, Alejandro; Vázquez-Iglesias, Inés; Sola-Landa, Alberto

2017-01-01

The importance of the pathogenic mycobacteria has mainly focused the omic analyses on different aspects of their clinical significance. In contrast, those industrially relevant mycobacteria have received less attention, even though the steroids market sales in 2011, in example, were estimated in $8 billion.The extra-cellular proteome, due to its relevance in the sterols processing and uptake; as well as the intra-cellular proteome, because of its role in steroids bioconversion, are the core of the present chapter. As a proof of concept, the obtaining methods for both sub-proteomes of Mycobacterium neoaurum NRRL B-3805, a relevant industrial strain involved in steroids production, have been developed. Thus, procedures and relevant key points of these proteomes analyses are fully described.

Mulberry anthocyanin biotransformation by intestinal probiotics.

PubMed

Cheng, Jing-Rong; Liu, Xue-Ming; Chen, Zhi-Yi; Zhang, You-Sheng; Zhang, Ye-Hui

2016-12-15

This study was designed to evaluate mulberry anthocyanins bioconversion traits for intestinal probiotics. Five intestinal beneficial bacteria were incubated with mulberry anthocyanins under anaerobic conditions at 37°C, and bacterial β-glucosidase activity and anthocyanin level were determined. Results demonstrated that all strains could convert mulberry anthocyanins to some extent. With high β-glucosidase production capacity, Streptococcus thermophiles GIM 1.321 and Lactobacillus plantarum GIM 1.35 degraded mulberry anthocyanins by 46.17% and 43.62%, respectively. Mulberry anthocyanins were mainly biotransformed to chlorogenic acid, crypto-chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid during the anaerobic process. Non-enzymatic deglycosylation of anthocyanins also occurred and approximately 19.42% of the anthocyanins were degraded within 48h by this method. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Application of rumen microorganisms for anaerobic bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass.

PubMed

Yue, Zheng-Bo; Li, Wen-Wei; Yu, Han-Qing

2013-01-01

Rumen in the mammalian animals is a natural cellulose-degrading system and the microorganisms inside have been found to be able to effectively digest lignocellulosic biomass. Furthermore, methane or volatile fatty acids, which could be further converted to other biofuels, are the two major products in such a system. This paper offers an overview of recent development in the application of rumen microorganisms for lignocellulosic biomass conversion. Application of recent molecular tools in the analysis of rumen microbial community, progress in the development of artificial rumen reactors, the latest research results about characterizing rumen-dominated anaerobic digestion process and energy products are summarized. Also, the potential application of such a rumen-dominated process is discussed. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Biotransformation of artemisinin using cell suspension cultures of Catharanthus roseus (L.) G.Don and Lavandula officinalis L.

PubMed

Patel, Suman; Gaur, Rashmi; Verma, Priyanka; Bhakuni, Rajendra S; Mathur, Archana

2010-08-01

Artemisinin, an antimalarial compound, at 5 mg/40 ml, was transformed by cell suspension cultures of Catharanthus roseus (L.) G.Don and Lavandula officinalis L. into deoxyartemisinin with yields >78% (3.93 mg deoxyartemisinin from 5 mg artemisinin). Maximum conversion (78.6 and 78%) occurred after 6 and 7 days of adding artemisinin to 20 and 9 days old cultures of C. roseus and L. officinalis, respectively. The procedure was scaled up by and 500 mg artemisinin was transformed into 390 mg deoxyartemisinin. Addition of artemisinin at the beginning of the culture cycle resulted in >50% reduction in dry biomass production with no bioconversion. Conversion of artemisinin occurred intracellularly followed by leaching of the product into the medium.

Engineering the robustness of industrial microbes through synthetic biology.

PubMed

Zhu, Linjiang; Zhu, Yan; Zhang, Yanping; Li, Yin

2012-02-01

Microbial fermentations and bioconversions play a central role in the production of pharmaceuticals, enzymes and chemicals. To meet the demands of industrial production, it is desirable that microbes maintain a maximized carbon flux towards target metabolites regardless of fluctuations in intracellular or extracellular environments. This requires cellular systems that maintain functional stability and dynamic homeostasis in a given physiological state, or manipulate transitions between different physiological states. Stable maintenance or smooth transition can be achieved through engineering of dynamic controllability, modular and hierarchical organization, or functional redundancy, three key features of biological robustness in a cellular system. This review summarizes how synthetic biology can be used to improve the robustness of industrial microbes. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Tower reactors for bioconversion of lignocellulosic material

DOEpatents

Nguyen, Q.A.

1998-03-31

An apparatus is disclosed for enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation of pretreated lignocellulosic material. The apparatus consists of a tower bioreactor which has mixers to achieve intermittent mixing of the material. Precise mixing of the material is important for effective heat and mass transfer requirements without damaging or denaturing the enzymes or fermenting microorganisms. The pretreated material, generally in the form of a slurry, is pumped through the bioreactor, either upwards or downwards, and is mixed periodically as it passes through the mixing zones where the mixers are located. For a thin slurry, alternate mixing can be achieved by a pumping loop which also serves as a heat transfer device. Additional heat transfer takes place through the reactor heat transfer jackets. 5 figs.

Tower reactors for bioconversion of lignocellulosic material

DOEpatents

Nguyen, Q.A.

1999-03-30

An apparatus is described for enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation of pretreated lignocellulosic material, in the form of a tower bioreactor, having mixers to achieve intermittent mixing of the material. Precise mixing of the material is important for effective heat and mass transfer requirements without damaging or denaturing the enzymes or fermenting microorganisms. The pretreated material, generally in the form of a slurry, is pumped through the bioreactor, either upwards or downwards, and is mixed periodically as it passes through the mixing zones where the mixers are located. For a thin slurry, alternate mixing can be achieved by a pumping loop which also serves as a heat transfer device. Additional heat transfer takes place through the reactor heat transfer jackets. 5 figs.

Giant magnetic coercivity in CaCu{sub 5}-type SmNi{sub 3}TSi (T=Mn–Cu) solid solutions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yao, Jinlei; Yan, Xu; Morozkin, A.V., E-mail: morozkin@tech.chem.msu.ru

The effects of transition metal substitution for Ni on the magnetic properties of the CaCu{sub 5}-type SmNi{sub 3}TSi (T=Mn, Fe, Co, Cu) solid solutions have been investigated. SmNi{sub 3}MnSi, SmNi{sub 3}FeSi, SmNi{sub 3}CoSi and SmNi{sub 3}CuSi show ferromagnetic ordering at 125 K, 190 K, 46 K and 12 K and field induced transitions at 65 K, 110 K, 30 K and 6 K, respectively. The magnetocaloric effects of SmNi{sub 3}TSi (T=Mn, Fe, Co, Cu) were calculated in terms of isothermal magnetic entropy change (ΔS{sub m}). The magnetic entropy ΔS{sub m} reaches value of −1.1 J/kg K at 130 K formore » SmNi{sub 3}MnSi, −0.4 J/kg K at 180 K for SmNi{sub 3}FeSi, −0.37 J/kg K at 45 K for SmNi{sub 3}CoSi and −0.5 J/kg K at 12 K for SmNi{sub 3}CuSi in field change of 0–50 kOe around the ferromagnetic ordering temperature. They show positive ΔS{sub m} of +2.4 J/kg K at 30 K for SmNi{sub 3}MnSi, −2.6 J/kg K at 65 K for SmNi{sub 3}FeSi, +0.73 J/kg K at 15 K for SmNi{sub 3}CoSi and −0.5 J/kg K at 6 K for SmNi{sub 3}CuSi in field change of 0–50 kOe around the metamagnetic-like transition temperature. Below the field induced transition temperature, SmNi{sub 3}TSi (T=Mn, Fe, Co, Cu) exhibits giant magnetic coercivity of 80 kOe at 20 K for SmNi{sub 3}MnSi, 87 kOe at 40 K for SmNi{sub 3}FeSi, 27 kOe at 20 K for SmNi{sub 3}CoSi and 54 kOe at 5 K for SmNi{sub 3}CuSi. - Graphical abstract: CaCu{sub 5}-type SmNi{sub 3}MnSi, SmNi{sub 3}FeSi, SmNi{sub 3}CoSi and SmNi{sub 3}CuSi show ferromagnetic ordering at 125 K, 190 K, 46 K and 12 K and field induced transitions at 65 K, 110 K, 30 K and 6 K, respectively. The magnetic entropy ΔS{sub m} reaches value of −1.1 J/kg K at 130 K for SmNi{sub 3}MnSi, −0.4 J/kg K at 180 K for SmNi{sub 3}FeSi, −0.37 J/kg K at 45 K for SmNi{sub 3}CoSi and −0.5 J/kg K at 12 K for SmNi{sub 3}CuSi in field change of 0–50 kOe around the ferromagnetic ordering temperature. They show positive ΔS{sub m} of +2.4 J/kg K at 30 K for SmNi{sub 3}MnSi, −2.6 J/kg K at 65 K for SmNi{sub 3}FeSi, +0.73 J/kg K at 15 K for SmNi{sub 3}CoSi and −0.5 J/kg K at 6 K for SmNi{sub 3}CuSi in field change of 0–50 kOe around the metamagnetic-like transition temperature. Below the field induced transition temperature, SmNi{sub 3}TSi (T=Mn, Fe, Co, Cu) exhibits giant magnetic coercivity of 80 kOe at 20 K for SmNi{sub 3}MnSi, 87 kOe at 40 K for SmNi{sub 3}FeSi, 27 kOe at 20 K for SmNi{sub 3}CoSi and 54 kOe at 5 K for SmNi{sub 3}CuSi. - Highlights: • CaCu{sub 5}-type SmNi{sub 3}{Mn, Fe, Co, Cu}Si exhibit the Curie points at 12–190 K. • SmNi{sub 3}{Mn, Fe, Co, Cu}Si show field induced transition at 6–110 K. • SmNi{sub 3}MnSi shows huge magnetic hysteresis with coercive field of 80 kOe at 20 K. • SmNi{sub 3}FeSi shows huge magnetic hysteresis with coercive field of 87 kOe at 40 K. • SmNi{sub 3}CuSi shows giant coercive field of 54 kOe at 5 K.« less

Ni-NiO core-shell inverse opal electrodes for supercapacitors.

PubMed

Kim, Jae-Hun; Kang, Soon Hyung; Zhu, Kai; Kim, Jin Young; Neale, Nathan R; Frank, Arthur J

2011-05-14

A general template-assisted electrochemical approach was used to synthesize three-dimensional ordered Ni core-NiO shell inverse opals (IOs) as electrodes for supercapacitors. The Ni-NiO IO electrodes displayed pseudo-capacitor behavior, good rate capability and cycling performance. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2011

Latest status of El Niño and La Niña

Science.gov Websites

Simplified Chinese El Niño and La Niña Latest status (May 2018) In the past month or so, the warming trend returned to normal in April 2018, indicating that the La Niña event had come to an end. Based on the ±o, La Niña, ENSO? The impact of El Niño and La Niña on the climate of Hong Kong Seasonal and

Interfacial Microstructure and Mechanical Strength of 93W/Ta Diffusion-Bonded Joints with Ni Interlayer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Guoqiang; Zhang, Jian; Li, Meijuan; Wei, Qinqin; Shen, Qiang; Zhang, Lianmeng

2013-02-01

93W alloy and Ta metal were successfully diffusion bonded using a Ni interlayer. Ni4W was found at the W-Ni interface, and Ni3Ta and Ni2Ta were formed at the Ni-Ta interface. The shear strength of the joints increases with increasing holding time, reaching a value of 202 MPa for a joint prepared using a 90-minute holding time at 1103 K (830 °C) and 20 MPa. The fracture of this joint occurred within the Ni/Ta interface.

Room-temperature ferromagnetism in Dy films doped with Ni

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Edelman, I.; Ovchinnikov, S.; Markov, V.; Kosyrev, N.; Seredkin, V.; Khudjakov, A.; Bondarenko, G.; Kesler, V.

2008-09-01

Temperature, magnetic field and spectral dependences of magneto-optical effects (MOEs) in bi-layer films Dy (1-x)Ni x-Ni and Dy (1-x)(NiFe) x-NiFe were investigated, x changes from 0 to 0.06. Peculiar behavior of the MOEs was revealed at temperatures essentially exceeding the Curie temperature of bulk Dy which is explained by the magnetic ordering of the Dy layer containing Ni under the action of two factors: Ni impurities distributed homogeneously over the whole Dy layer and atomic contact of this layer with continues Ni layer. The mechanism of the magnetic ordering is suggested to be associated with the change of the density of states of the alloy Dy (1-x)Ni x owing to hybridization with narrow peaks near the Fermi level character for Ni.

Kinetics of Ni2Si growth from pure Ni and Ni(V) films on (111) and (100) Si

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harith, M. A.; Zhang, J. P.; Campisano, S. U.; Klaar, H.-J.

1987-01-01

The kinetics of Ni2Si growth from pure Ni and from Ni0.93V0.07 films on (111) and (100) silicon has been studied by the combination of He+ backscattering, x-ray diffraction, Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The activation energies are 1.5 and 1.0 eV for pure Ni and Ni(V) films, respectively while the pre-exponential factors in Ni(V) are 4 5 orders of magnitude smaller than in the pure Ni case. The variations in the measured rates are related to the different grain size of the growing suicide layers. The vanadium is rejected from the silicide layer and piles up at the metalsilicide interface.

Dye-sensitized MIL-101 metal organic frameworks loaded with Ni/NiOx nanoparticles for efficient visible-light-driven hydrogen generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xin-Ling; Wang, Rong; Zhang, Ming-Yi; Yuan, Yu-Peng; Xue, Can

2015-10-01

The Ni/NiOx particles were in situ photodeposited on MIL-101 metal organic frameworks as catalysts for boosting H2 generation from Erythrosin B dye sensitization under visible-light irradiation. The highest H2 production rate of 125 μmol h-1 was achieved from the system containing 5 wt. % Ni-loaded MIL-101 (20 mg) and 30 mg Erythrosin B dye. Moreover, the Ni/NiOx catalysts show excellent stability for long-term photocatalytic reaction. The enhancement on H2 generation is attributed to the efficient charge transfer from photoexcited dye to the Ni catalyst via MIL-101. Our results demonstrate that the economical Ni/NiOx particles are durable and active catalysts for photocatalytic H2 generation.

In-situ formation of Ni4Ti3 precipitate and its effect on pseudoelasticity in selective laser melting additive manufactured NiTi-based composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Dongdong; Ma, Chenglong

2018-05-01

Selective laser melting (SLM) additive manufacturing technology was applied to synthesize NiTi-based composites via using ball-milled Ti, Ni, and TiC mixed powder. By transmission electron microscope (TEM) characterization, it indicated that the B2 (NiTi) matrix was obtained during SLM processing. In spite of more Ti content (the Ti/Ni ratio >1), a mass of Ni-rich intermetallic compounds containing Ni4Ti3 with nanostructure features and eutectic Ni3Ti around in-situ Ti6C3.75 dendrites were precipitated. Influence of the applied laser volume energy density (VED) on the morphology and content of Ni4Ti3 precipitate was investigated. Besides, nanoindentation test of the matrix was performed in order to assess pseudoelastic recovery behavior of SLM processed NiTi-based composites. At a relatively high VED of 533 J/mm3, the maximum pseudoelastic recovery was obtained due to the lowest content of Ni4Ti3 precipitates. Furthermore, the precipitation mechanism of in-situ Ni4Ti3 was present based on the redistribution of titanium element and thermodynamics analysis, and then the relationship of Ni4Ti3 precipitate, VED and pseudoelastic recovery behavior was also revealed.

Improving the efficiency and environmental stability of inverted planar perovskite solar cells via silver-doped nickel oxide hole-transporting layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Ying; Yao, Kai; Wang, Xiaofeng; Jiang, Yihua; Liu, Xueyuan; Zhou, Naigen; Li, Fan

2018-01-01

In this paper, we demonstrate the high-performance inverted planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells (PeSCs) based on the novel inorganic hole-transporting layer (HTL) of silver (Ag)-doped NiOx (Ag:NiOx). Density-functional theory (DFT) calculation reveals that Ag prefers to occupy the substitutional Ni site (AgNi) and behaves as an acceptor in NiO lattice. Compared with the pristine NiOx films, appropriate Ag doping can increase the optical transparency, work function, electrical conductivity and hole mobility of NiOx films. Moreover, the CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite films grown on Ag:NiOx exhibit better crystallinity, higher coverage and smoother surface with densely packed larger grains than those grown on the pristine NiOx film. Consequently, the Ag:NiOx HTL boosts the efficiency of the inverted planar heterojunction PeSCs from 13.46% (for the pristine NiOx-based device) to 16.86% (for the 2 at.% Ag:NiOx-based device). Furthermore, the environmental stability of PeSCs based on Ag:NiOx HTL is dramatically improved compared to devices based on organic HTLs and pristine NiOx HTLs. This work provides a simple and effective HTL material system for high-efficient and stable PeSCs.

First-principle calculation on mechanical and thermal properties of B2-NiSc with point defects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Zhipeng; Cui, Hongbao; Guo, Xuefeng

2017-01-01

Using the first-principles plane-wave pseudo-potential method based on density functional theory, the effect of vacancy and anti-position defect on the mechanical and thermal properties of B2-NiSc intermetallics were discussed in detail. Several parameters, such as the shear modulus, bulk modulus, modulus of elasticity, C 11-C 11, the Debye temperature and Poisson's ratio, have been calculated to evaluate the effect of vacancy and anti-position defect on the hardness, ductility and thermal properties of B2-NiSc intermetallics. The results show that VNi, ScNi, VSc and NiSc the four point defects all make the crystal hardness decrease and improve plasticity of B2-NiSc intermetallics. The entropy, enthalpy and free energy of VNi, ScNi, VSc and NiSc are monotonously changed as temperature changes. From the perspective of free energy, NiSc is the most stable, while ScNi is the most unstable. Debye temperature of NiSc intermetallics with four different point defects shows VNi, ScNi, VSc and NiSc the four point defects all reduce the stability of B2-NiSc intermetallics. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 51301063, 51571086) and the Talent Introduction Foundation of Henan Polytechnic University (No. Y-2009).

Effect of synthesis process on the microstructure and electrical conductivity of nickel/yttria-stabilized zirconia powders prepared by urea hydrolysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Jyung-Dong; Wu, Zhao-Lun

In this study, NiO/YSZ composite powders were synthesized using hydrolysis on two solutions, one contains YSZ particles and Ni 2+ ion, and the other contains NiO particles, Zr 4+, and Y 3+ ions, with the aid of urea. The microstructure of the powders and sintered bulks was further characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The results indicated that various synthesis processes yielded NiO/YSZ powders with different morphologies. The NiO precursors would deposit onto the surface of YSZ particles, and NiO-deposited YSZ composite powders were obtained. Alternatively, it was not observed that YSZ precursors deposited onto the surface of NiO particles, thus, a uniform powder mixture of fine NiO and fine YSZ particles was produced. After sintering and subsequent reduction, these powders would lead to the variations of Ni distribution in the YSZ matrix and conductivity of cermets. Owing to the core-shell structure of the powders and the higher size ratio of YSZ and NiO particles, the conductivity of cermet with NiO-deposited YSZ powders containing 23 wt% NiO is comparable to those with a NiO/YSZ powder mixture containing 50 wt% NiO.

Molecules based on M(v) (M=Mo, W) and Ni(II) ions: a new class of trigonal bipyramidal cluster and confirmation of SMM behavior for the pentadecanuclear molecule {NiII[NiII(tmphen)(MeOH)]6[Ni(H2O)3]2[micro-CN]30[WV(CN)3]6}.

PubMed

Hilfiger, Matthew G; Zhao, Hanhua; Prosvirin, Andrey; Wernsdorfer, Wolfgang; Dunbar, Kim R

2009-07-14

The preparation, single crystal X-ray crystallography, and magnetic properties are reported for four new clusters based on [M'V(CN)8]3- octacyanometallates (M'=Mo, W). Reactions of [M'V(CN)8]3- with mononuclear NiII ions in the presence of the tmphen blocking ligand (tmphen=3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline) in a 2:3:6 ratio, respectively, lead to the formation of the trigonal bipyramidal clusters [NiII(tmphen)2]3[M'V(CN)8]2. Analogous reactions with the same starting materials performed in a 2:3:2 ratio, respectively, produce pentadecanuclear clusters of the type {NiII[NiII(tmphen)(MeOH)]6[Ni(H2O)3]2[micro-CN]30[WV(CN)3]6}. The W2Ni3 (1) and Mo2Ni3(2) pentanuclear clusters and the W6Ni9 (3) and Mo6Ni9 (4) pentadecanuclear molecules are isostructural to each other and crystallize in the space groups P2(1)/c and R3 respectively. Magnetic measurements indicate that the ground states for the trigonal bipyamidal clusters are S=4 as a consequence of ferromagnetic coupling with JW-Ni=9.5 cm(-1), JMo-Ni=10 cm(-1). The pentadecanuclear clusters exhibit ferromagnetic coupling as well, which leads to S=12 ground states (JW-Ni=12 cm(-1), JMo-Ni=12.2 cm(-1)). Reduced magnetization studies on the W-Ni analogues support the conclusion that they exhibit a negative axial anisotropy term; the fits give D values of -0.24 cm(-1) for the W2Ni3 cluster and D=-0.04 cm(-1)for the W6Ni9 cluster. AC susceptibility measurements indicate the beginning of an out-of-phase signal for the W2Ni3 and the W6Ni9 compounds, but detailed low temperature studies on small crystals by the microSQUID technique indicate that only the pentadecanuclear cluster exhibits hysteresis in accord with SMM behavior. Neither Mo cluster reveals any evidence for slow paramagnetic relaxation at low temperatures.

In situ assembly of well-dispersed Ni nanoparticles on silica nanotubes and excellent catalytic activity in 4-nitrophenol reduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Shenghuan; Gai, Shili; He, Fei; Ding, Shujiang; Li, Lei; Yang, Piaoping

2014-09-01

The easy aggregation nature of ferromagnetic nanoparticles (NPs) prepared by conventional routes usually leads to a large particle size and low loading, which greatly limits their applications to the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). Herein, we developed a novel in situ thermal decomposition and reduction strategy to prepare Ni nanoparticles/silica nanotubes (Ni/SNTs), which can markedly prevent the aggregation and growth of Ni NPs, resulting in an ultra-small particle size (about 6 nm), good dispersion and especially high loading of Ni NPs. It was found that Ni/SNTs, which have a high specific surface area (416 m2 g-1), exhibit ultra-high catalytic activity in the 4-NP reduction (complete reduction of 4-NP within only 60 s at room temperature), which is superior to most noble metal (Au, Pt, and Pd) supported catalysts. Ni/SNTs still showed high activity even after re-use for several cycles, suggesting good stability. In particular, the magnetic property of Ni/SNTs makes it easy to recycle for reuse.The easy aggregation nature of ferromagnetic nanoparticles (NPs) prepared by conventional routes usually leads to a large particle size and low loading, which greatly limits their applications to the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). Herein, we developed a novel in situ thermal decomposition and reduction strategy to prepare Ni nanoparticles/silica nanotubes (Ni/SNTs), which can markedly prevent the aggregation and growth of Ni NPs, resulting in an ultra-small particle size (about 6 nm), good dispersion and especially high loading of Ni NPs. It was found that Ni/SNTs, which have a high specific surface area (416 m2 g-1), exhibit ultra-high catalytic activity in the 4-NP reduction (complete reduction of 4-NP within only 60 s at room temperature), which is superior to most noble metal (Au, Pt, and Pd) supported catalysts. Ni/SNTs still showed high activity even after re-use for several cycles, suggesting good stability. In particular, the magnetic property of Ni/SNTs makes it easy to recycle for reuse. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: XRD pattern and TEM image of SNTs after calcination, XRD pattern and EDS of NiSNTs, SEM images of a single SNT, NiSNTs and Ni/SNTs, enlarged HRTEM of Ni/SNTs, XRD pattern of NiO/SNTs, UV-vis spectra of the catalytic reduction of 4-NP to 4-AP over Ni/SNTs with different loading amounts, Ni/SNTs synthesized by wet impregnation and Ni/CNTs, TEM images of Ni/SNTs synthesized by wet impregnation and Ni/CNTs. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr02096k

Comparative effectiveness of NiCl2, Ni- and NiO-NPs in controlling oral bacterial growth and biofilm formation on oral surfaces.

PubMed

Khan, Shams Tabrez; Ahamed, Maqusood; Alhadlaq, Hisham A; Musarrat, Javed; Al-Khedhairy, Abdulaziz

2013-12-01

Oral ailments are often treated with antibiotics, which are rendered ineffective as bacteria continue to develop resistance against them. It has been suggested that the nanoparticles (NPs) approach may provide a safer and viable alternative to traditional antibacterial agents. Therefore, nickel (Ni)- and nickel oxide (NiO)-NPs were synthesized, characterized and assessed for their efficacy in reducing oral bacterial load in vitro. Also, the effects of bulk compound NiCl2 (Ni ions), along with the Ni- and NiO-NPs on bacterial exopolysaccharide (EPS) production and biofilm formation on the surface of artificial teeth, and acrylic dentures, were investigated. Total bacteria from a healthy male were collected and adjusted to 4×109cells/ml for all the tests. Effect of the NPs on growth, biofilm formation, EPS production and acid production from glucose was tested using standard protocols. Data revealed that the Ni-NPs (average size 41.23nm) exhibited an IC50 value of 73.37μg/ml against total oral bacteria. While, NiO-NPs (average size 35.67nm) were found less effective with much higher IC50 value of 197.18μg/ml. Indeed, the Ni ions exhibited greater biocidal activity with an IC50 value of 70μg/ml. Similar results were obtained with biofilm inhibition on the surfaces of dental prostheses. The results explicitly suggested the effectiveness of tested Ni compounds on the growth of oral bacteria and biofilm formation in the order as NiCl2>Ni-NPs>NiO-NPs. The results elucidated that Ni-NPs could serve as effective nanoantibiotics against oral bacteria. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Crystallography of the NiHfSi Phase in a NiAl (0.5 Hf) Single-Crystal Alloy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Garg, A.; Noebe, R. D.; Darolia, R.

1996-01-01

Small additions of Hf to conventionally processed NiAl single crystals result in the precipitation of a high density of cuboidal G-phase along with a newly identified silicide phase. Both of these phases form in the presence of Si which is not an intentional alloying addition but is a contaminant resulting from contact with the ceramic shell molds during directional solidification of the single-crystal ingots. The morphology, crystal structure and Orientation Relationship (OR) of the silicide phase in a NiAl (0.5 at.%Hf) single-crystal alloy have been determined using transmission electron microscopy, electron microdiffraction and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Qualitative elemental analysis and indexing of the electron microdiffraction patterns from the new phase indicate that it is an orthorhombic NiHfSi phase with unit cell parameters, a = 0.639 nm, b = 0.389 nm and c = 0.72 nm, and space group Pnma. The NiHfSi phase forms as thin rectangular plates on NiAl/111/ planes with an OR that is given by NiHfSi(100))(parallel) NiAl(111) and NiHfSi zone axes(010) (parallel) NiAl zone axes (101). Twelve variants of the NiHfSi phase were observed in the alloy and the number of variants and rectangular morphology of NiHfSi plates are consistent with symmetry requirements. Quenching experiments indicate that nucleation of the NiHfSi phase in NiAI(Hf) alloys is aided by the formation of NiAl group of zone axes (111) vacancy loops that form on the NiAl /111/ planes.

Ni Foam-Ni3 S2 @Ni(OH)2 -Graphene Sandwich Structure Electrode Materials: Facile Synthesis and High Supercapacitor Performance.

PubMed

Wang, Xiaobing; Hu, Jiangjiang; Su, Yichang; Hao, Jin; Liu, Fanggang; Han, Shuang; An, Jian; Lian, Jianshe

2017-03-23

A novel Ni foam-Ni 3 S 2 @Ni(OH) 2 -graphene sandwich-structured electrode (NF-NN-G) with high areal mass loading (8.33 mg cm -2 ) has been developed by sulfidation and hydrolysis reactions. The conductivity of Ni 3 S 2 and Ni(OH) 2 were both improved. The upper layer of Ni(OH) 2 , covered with a thin graphene film, is formed in situ from the surface of the lower layer of Ni 3 S 2 , whereas the Ni 3 S 2 grown on Ni foam substrate mainly acts as a rough support bridging the Ni(OH) 2 and Ni foam. The graphene stabilized the Ni(OH) 2 and the electrochemical properties were effectively enhanced. The as-synthesized NF-NN-G-5mg electrode shows a high specific capacitance (2258 F g -1 at 1 A g -1 or 18.81 F cm -2 at 8.33 mA cm -2 ) and an outstanding rate property (1010 F g -1 at 20 Ag -1 or 8.413 F cm -2 at 166.6 mA cm -2 ). This result is around double the capacitance achieved in previous research on Ni 3 S 2 @Ni(OH) 2 /3DGN composites (3DGN=three-dimensional graphene network). In addition, the as-fabricated NF-NN-G-5mg composite electrode has an excellent cycle life with no capacitance loss after 3000 cycles, indicating a potential application as an efficient electrode. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Chemical Ni-C Bonding in Ni-Carbon Nanotube Composite by a Microwave Welding Method and Its Induced High-Frequency Radar Frequency Electromagnetic Wave Absorption.

PubMed

Sha, Linna; Gao, Peng; Wu, Tingting; Chen, Yujin

2017-11-22

In this work, a microwave welding method has been used for the construction of chemical Ni-C bonding at the interface between carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and metal Ni to provide a different surface electron distribution, which determined the electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption properties based on a surface plasmon resonance mechanism. Through a serial of detailed examinations, such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman spectrum, the as-expected chemical Ni-C bonding between CNTs and metal Ni has been confirmed. And the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller and surface zeta potential measurements uncovered the great evolution of structure and electronic density compared with CNTs, metal Ni, and Ni-CNT composite without Ni-C bonding. Correspondingly, except the EM absorption due to CNTs and metal Ni in the composite, another wide and strong EM absorption band ranging from 10 to 18 GHz was found, which was induced by the Ni-C bonded interface. With a thinner thickness and more exposed Ni-C interfaces, the Ni-CNT composite displayed less reflection loss.

Interaction between macrocyclic nickel complexes and the nucleotides GMP, AMP and ApG.

PubMed

Liu, Yangzhong; Sletten, Einar

2003-01-15

Reactions between the nucleotides GMP, AMP and ApG and the complexes Ni(tren), Ni(cyclam) and NiCR in aqueous solution have been monitored by (1)H, (15)N NMR and UV spectroscopy. The three nickel complexes display different properties in reactions with nucleotides. Ni(tren) which has a pseudo-octahedral coordination geometry was shown to bind to all three nucleotides. Ni(cyclam) and NiCR, both with four nitrogen atoms in a square planar arrangement are not able to bind to nucleotides efficiently because of steric hindrance. Oxidation of Ni(cyclam) by KHSO(5) to produce trivalent Ni(III)(cyclam) improves the coordination capacity, while oxidation of NiCR does not produce a similar effect. The nucleotides interact with trivalent nickel complexes to different extent. Ni(III)CR is seen to oxidize GMP gradually but does not affect AMP significantly. Ni(III)(cyclam), on the other hand, does not oxidize either GMP or AMP at the 1:1 concentration of oxidant used. This result is probably due to the lower redox potential of Ni(cyclam). ApG binds less efficiently to the Ni complexes but is easier oxidized than the mononucleotides.

The achievement of low contact resistance to indium phosphide: The roles of Ni, Au, Ge, and combinations thereof

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fatemi, Navid S.; Weizer, Victor G.

1992-01-01

We have investigated the electrical and metallurgical behavior of Ni, Au-Ni, and Au-Ge-Ni contacts on n-InP. We have found that very low values of contact resistivity rho(sub c) in the E-7 omega-sq cm range are obtained with Ni-only contacts. We show that the addition of Au to Ni contact metallization effects an additional order of magnitude reduction in rho(sub c). Ultra-low contact resistivities in the E-8 omega-sq cm range are obtained with both the Au-Ni and the Au-Ge-Ni systems, effectively eliminating the need for the presence of Ge in the Au-Ge-Ni system. The formation of various nickel phosphides at the metal-InP interface is shown to be responsible for the observed rho(sub c) values in the Ni and Au-Ni systems. We show, finally, that the order in which the constituents of Au-Ni and Au-Ge-Ni contacts are deposited has a significant bearing on the composition of the reaction products formed at the metal-InP interface and therefore on the contact resistivity at that interface.

Ab initio molecular dynamics investigations of low-energy recoil events in Ni and NiCo

DOE PAGES

Liu, Bin; Yuan, Fenglin; Jin, Ke; ...

2015-10-06

Low-energy recoil events in pure Ni and the equiatomic NiCo alloy are studied using ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. We found that the threshold displacement energies are strongly dependent on orientation and weakly dependent on composition. The minimum threshold displacement energies are along the [1 1 0] direction in both pure Ni and the NiCo alloy. Compared to pure Ni, the threshold displacement energies increase slightly in the NiCo alloy due to stronger bonds in the alloy, irrespective of the element type of the PKA. A single Ni interstitial occupying the center of a tetrahedron formed by four Ni atomsmore » and a <1 0 0> split interstitial is produced in pure Ni by the recoils, while only the <1 0 0> split interstitial is formed in the NiCo alloy. Compared to the replacement sequences in pure Ni, anti-site defect sequences are observed in the alloy, which have high efficiency for both producing defects and transporting energy outside of the cascade core. These results provide insights into energy transfer processes occurring in equiatomic alloys under irradiation.« less

Porous bimetallic PdNi catalyst with high electrocatalytic activity for ethanol electrooxidation.

PubMed

Feng, Yue; Bin, Duan; Yan, Bo; Du, Yukou; Majima, Tetsuro; Zhou, Weiqiang

2017-05-01

Porous bimetallic PdNi catalysts were fabricated by a novel method, namely, reduction of Pd and Ni oxides prepared via calcining the complex chelate of PdNi-dimethylglyoxime (PdNi-dmg). The morphology and composition of the as-prepared PdNi were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Furthermore, the electrochemical properties of PdNi catalysts towards ethanol electrooxidation were also studied by electrochemical impedance spectrometry (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA) measurement. In comparison with porous Pd and commercial Pd/C catalysts, porous structural PdNi catalysts showed higher electrocatalytic activity and durability for ethanol electrooxidation, which may be ascribed to Pd and Ni property, large electroactive surface area and high electron transfer property. The Ni exist in the catalyst in the form of the nickel hydroxides (Ni(OH) 2 and NiOOH) which have a high electron and proton conductivity enhances the catalytic activity of the catalysts. All results highlight the great potential application of the calcination-reduction method for synthesizing high active porous PdNi catalysts in direct ethanol fuel cells. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

One-step facile synthesis of Ni2P/C as cathode material for Ni/Zn aqueous secondary battery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, JiLan; Chen, ChangGuo

2018-01-01

Nickel phosphides/carbon(Ni2P/C) composites have been successfully synthesized via a simple one-pot hydrothermal method using glucose as carbon source for the first time. By contrast, the pure Ni2P was prepared under the same conditions without glucose. The results show that glucose not only provide the carbon source, but also prevent the aggregation of Ni2P particles. The as-obtained Ni2P/C composites and pure Ni2P were used as cathode material for alkaline Ni/Zn battery. Owing to unique Ni2P/C composites and loose, Ultra thin flower-like shape the synthesized Ni2P/C material delivers high capacity of 176 mAh g-1 at 1 A g-1 and 82 mAh g-1 at 5 A g-1 current density in Ni2P/C-Zn battery. Moreover, it shows a good cycling life that capacity fading only about 6.2% after 1500 cycles. All of these indicate that the prepared Ni2P/C composites may be a new promising cathode material for Ni-Zn rechargeable battery.

Tuning the porosity of mesoporous NiO through calcining isostructural Ni-MOFs toward supercapacitor applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hou, Xiang-Yang; Yan, Xiao-Li; Wang, Xiao; Zhai, Quan-Guo

2018-07-01

NiO has an unusually high theoretical specific capacitance and possess relatively high electrical conductivity compared to other metal oxides. However, the reported specific capacitance of the NiO-based electrodes is far below the theoretical value up to now. In this paper, three porous NiO materials with different specific surface area were synthesized simply by calcining iso-structural Ni-based MOFs templates. The formation mechanism of NiO was discussed by taking into account the thermal behavior and intrinsic structural features of the Ni-MOFs. Taking advantages of the Ni-MOFs precursors, all prepared NiO compounds are mesoporous and their porosity can be tuned by the structure of MOFs. Specially, due to the high porosity, three NiO exhibited an improved electrochemical performance and the specific discharge capacitances are of 102, 105, and 116 F g-1 at the current density of 1 A g-1, respectively. The specific capacitance of 1-NiO-450 is approximately 93.2% of its maximum value after 3000 cycles, which obviously superior to most of the previously reported NiO electrode materials and suggests their promising applications in supercapacitors.

In situ X-ray absorption fine structure analysis of redox reactions of nickel species with variable particle sizes supported on silica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamamoto, Yusaku; Suzuki, Atsushi; Tsutsumi, Naoki; Katagiri, Masaki; Yamashita, Shohei; Niwa, Yasuhiro; Katayama, Misaki; Inada, Yasuhiro

2018-02-01

The chemical states of Ni species were systematically investigated using an in situ XAFS technique for a series of SiO2-supported Ni catalysts with different Ni particle sizes. The Ni particles were refined by varying the Ni loading in the range between 0.10 and 5 wt% and by adding citric acid into the precursor solution. An in situ observation cell for fluorescence-yield XAFS measurements was developed for the dilute Ni catalysts. The chemical state of the supported Ni species converted between Ni(0) and NiO, and no other stable species were formed during the temperature-programmed oxidation and reduction processes. Refinement of the Ni particles resulted in decreasing the oxidation temperature and increasing the reduction temperature. These shifts were explained by the affinity of NiO to SiO2, and more effective stabilization was thus anticipated for flattened small NiO particles with an increased contact area. In addition, the inhomogeneous distribution of small Ni particles observed for dilute catalysts was explained in terms of the precursor solution volume when nuclei of the precursor compound precipitated on SiO2 during the drying process.

Ni-Co nanoparticles immobilized on a 3D Ni foam template as a highly efficient catalyst for borohydride electrooxidation in alkaline medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Meisong; Cheng, Yu; Yu, Yanan; Hu, Jingbo

2017-09-01

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells have drawn a great deal of attention due to the rapidly growing energy consumption. Recently, Ni- and Co-based materials have been considered as promising electorcatalysts owing to their multi-functionality. In this work, Ni and Co nanoparticles are directly immobilized on a three-dimensional Ni foam substrate (Ni-Co/NF) without any conductive agents or polymer binder by a facile ion implantation method. The structure and morphology of the Ni-Co/NF electrode were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The performance of the Ni-Co/NF electrode in the electrochemical oxidation of NaBH4 is investigated by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The Ni-Co/NF electrode exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity and good stability during electrochemical reactions. These properties are attributed to the 3D porous structure of the Ni foam and the synergistic effect of Ni and Co nanoparticles. The enhanced electrocatalytic performance in NaBH4 electrooxidation compared with either Ni or Co nanoparticles alone suggests that the Ni-Co/NF is promising for fuel cell applications.

Role of Ni-tolerant Bacillus spp. and Althea rosea L. in the phytoremediation of Ni-contaminated soils.

PubMed

Khan, Waheed Ullah; Yasin, Nasim Ahmad; Ahmad, Sajid Rashid; Ali, Aamir; Ahmed, Shakil; Ahmad, Aqeel

2017-05-04

In our current study, four nickel-tolerant (Ni-tolerant) bacterial species viz, Bacillus thuringiensis 002, Bacillus fortis 162, Bacillus subtilis 174, and Bacillus farraginis 354, were screened using Ni-contaminated media. The screened microbes exhibited positive results for synthesis of indole acetic acid (IAA), siderophore production, and phosphate solubilization. The effects of these screened microbes on Ni mobility in the soil, root elongation, plant biomass, and Ni uptake in Althea rosea plants grown in Ni-contaminated soil (200 mg Ni kg -1 ) were evaluated. Significantly higher value for water-extractable Ni (38 mg kg -1 ) was observed in case of Ni-amended soils inoculated with B. subtilis 174. Similarly, B. thuringiensis 002, B. fortis 162, and B. subtilis 174 significantly enhanced growth and Ni uptake in A. rosea. The Ni uptake in the shoots and roots of B. subtilis 174-inoculated plants enhanced up to 1.7 and 1.6-fold, respectively, as compared to that in the un-inoculated control. Bacterial inoculation also significantly improved the root and shoot biomass of treated plants. The current study presents a novel approach for bacteria-assisted phytoremediation of Ni-contaminated areas.

Superaerophobic P-doped Ni(OH)2/NiMoO4 hierarchical nanosheet arrays grown on Ni foam for electrocatalytic overall water splitting.

PubMed

Xi, Wenguang; Yan, Gang; Tan, Huaqiao; Xiao, Liguang; Cheng, Sihang; Khan, Shifa Ullah; Wang, Yonghui; Li, Yangguang

2018-06-19

Transition metal (TM) oxides and hydroxides are one of the important candidates for the development of durable and low-cost electrocatalysts towards water splitting. The key issue is exploring effective methods to improve their electrocatalytic activity. Herein, we report a new type of P-doped Ni(OH)2/NiMoO4 hierarchical nanosheet array (abbr. P-Ni(OH)2/NiMoO4) grown on Ni foam (NF), which can act as a highly efficient electrocatalyst towards overall water splitting. Such a composite was obtained by a three-step preparation process. In the first two hydrothermal reactions, the crystalline Ni(OH)2 hierarchical nanosheet arrays were grown on NF and then the low crystallinity NiMoO4 was grafted on the Ni(OH)2 nanosheets. In the third phosphorization step, P element was doped into the composite Ni(OH)2/NiMoO4. Electrocatalytic experiments show that P-Ni(OH)2/NiMoO4 possesses a smaller overpotential (60 mV) and lower Tafel slope (130 mV dec-1) toward HER in 1 M KOH. When it was employed as an integrated water splitting catalyst, only a potential of 1.55 V was required to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm-2. This catalytic activity is even better than those of electrolyzers constructed with noble metals Pt/C∥IrO2. The superior electrocatalytic performance of P-Ni(OH)2/NiMoO4 can be attributed to the high quality of crystalline Ni(OH)2 nanosheet arrays grown on NF, which dramatically improve the conductivity. Furthermore, the hierarchical structure not only increases the surface area and exposes more catalytically active sites, but also provides a superaerophobic surface, which helps to accelerate the release of generated bubbles. Moreover, the synergistic effects between P-Ni(OH)2 and P-NiMoO4 efficiently promote the HER and OER processes also. This work may suggest new a way to explore TM oxide/hydroxide-based durable electrocatalysts with highly efficient electrocatalytic activities towards overall water splitting.

NiO nanoparticles induce apoptosis through repressing SIRT1 in human bronchial epithelial cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Duan, Wei-Xia; He, Min-Di; Mao, Lin

2015-07-15

With application of nano-sized nickel-containing particles (Nano-Ni) expanding, the health concerns about their adverse effects on the pulmonary system are increasing. However, the mechanisms for the pulmonary toxicity of these materials remain unclear. In the present study, we focused on the impacts of NiO nanoparticles (NiONPs) on sirtuin1 (SIRT1), a NAD-dependent deacetylase, and investigated whether SIRT1 was involved in NiONPs-induced apoptosis. Although the NiONPs tended to agglomerate in fluid medium, they still entered into the human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) and released Ni{sup 2+} inside the cells. NiONPs at doses of 5, 10, and 20 μg/cm{sup 2} inhibited the cellmore » viability. NiONPs' produced cytotoxicity was demonstrated through an apoptotic process, indicated by increased numbers of Annexin V positive cells and caspase-3 activation. The expression of SIRT1 was markedly down-regulated by the NiONPs, accompanied by the hyperacetylation of p53 (tumor protein 53) and overexpression of Bax (Bcl-2-associated X protein). However, overexpression of SIRT1 through resveratrol treatment or transfection clearly attenuated the NiONPs-induced apoptosis and activation of p53 and Bax. Our results suggest that the repression of SIRT1 may underlie the NiONPs-induced apoptosis via p53 hyperacetylation and subsequent Bax activation. Because SIRT1 participates in multiple biologic processes by deacetylation of dozens of substrates, this knowledge of the impact of NiONPs on SIRT1 may lead to an improved understanding of the toxic mechanisms of Nano-Ni and provide a molecular target to antagonize Nano-Ni toxicity. - Highlights: • NiONPs were taken up by BEAS-2B cells and released Ni{sup 2+}. • NiONPs produced cytotoxicity was demonstrated through an apoptotic process. • NiONPs repressed SIRT1 expression and activated p53 and Bax. • Overexpression of SIRT1 attenuated NiONPs-induced apoptosis via deacetylation p53.« less

Thermodynamic Characteristics of Reactions of the Formation of Complexes between Triglycine and Ni2+ Ions in Aqueous Solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gorboletova, G. G.; Metlin, A. A.; Bychkova, S. A.

2018-05-01

Thermal effects of reactions of the formation of complexes between Ni(II) and triglycine are determined via direct calorimetry in aqueous solutions at 298.15 K and ionic strengths of 0.2, 0.5, and 1.0 (KNO3). Standard thermodynamic characteristics (Δr H°, Δr G°, Δr S°) of complexing processes in the investigated systems are calculated. The structures of triglycinate complexes NiL+, NiH-1L, NiL2, NiH-2L2- 2, NiL- 3, and NiH-3L4- 3 are introduced to compare the obtained values and data on the thermodynamics of triglycinate complexes of Ni(II).

Enhanced Formation of Oxidants from Bimetallic Nickel-Iron Nanoparticles in the Presence of Oxygen

PubMed Central

Lee, Changha; Sedlak, David L.

2009-01-01

Nanoparticulate zero-valent iron (nZVI) rapidly reacts with oxygen to produce strong oxidants, capable of transforming organic contaminants in water. However, the low yield of oxidants with respect to the iron added normally limits the application of this system. Bimetallic nickel-iron nanoparticles (nNi-Fe; i.e., Ni-Fe alloy and Ni-coated Fe nanoparticles) exhibited enhanced yields of oxidants compared to nZVI. nNi-Fe (Ni-Fe alloy nanoparticles with [Ni]/[Fe] = 0.28 and Ni-coated Fe nanoparticles with [Ni]/[Fe] = 0.035) produced approximately 40% and 85% higher yields of formaldehyde from the oxidation of methanol relative to nZVI at pH 4 and 7, respectively. Ni-coated Fe nanoparticles showed a higher efficiency for oxidant production relative to Ni-Fe alloy nanoparticles based on Ni content. Addition of Ni did not enhance the oxidation of 2-propanol or benzoic acid, indicating that Ni addition did not enhance hydroxyl radical formation. The enhancement in oxidant yield was observed over a pH range of 4 – 9. The enhanced production of oxidant by nNi-Fe appears to be attributable to two factors. First, the nNi-Fe surface is less reactive toward hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) than the nZVI surface, which favors the reaction of H2O2 with dissolved Fe(II) (the Fenton reaction). Second, the nNi-Fe surface promotes oxidant production from the oxidation of ferrous ion by oxygen at neutral pH values. PMID:19068843

Hierarchical and chemical space partitioning in new intermetallic borides MNi21B20 (M = In, Sn).

PubMed

Wagner, Frank R; Zheng, Qiang; Gumeniuk, Roman; Bende, David; Prots, Yurii; Bobnar, Matej; Hu, Dong-Li; Burkhardt, Ulrich; Grin, Yuri; Leithe-Jasper, Andreas

2017-10-10

The compounds MNi 21 B 20 (M = In, Sn) have been synthesized and their cubic crystal structure determined (space group Pm3[combining macron]m, lattice parameters a = 7.1730(1) Å and a = 7.1834(1) Å, respectively). The structure can be described as a hierarchical partitioning of space based on a reo-e net formed by Ni3 species with large cubical, cuboctahedral and rhombicuboctahedral voids being filled according to [Ni1@Ni3 8 ], [M@Ni3 12 ], and [Ni2 6 @B 20 @Ni3 24 ], respectively. The [Ni 6 @B 20 ] motif inside the rhombicuboctahedral voids features an empty [Ni 6 ] octahedron surrounded by a [B 20 ] cage recently described in E 2 Ni 21 B 20 (E = Zn, Ga). Position-space bonding analysis using ELI-D and QTAIM space partitioning as well as 2- and 3-center delocalization indices gives strong support to an alternative chemical description of space partitioning based on face-condensed [B@Ni 6 ] trigonal prisms as basic building blocks. The shortest B-B contacts display locally nested 3-center B-B-Ni bonding inside each trigonal prism. This clearly rules out the notion of [Ni 6 @B 20 ] clusters and leads to the arrangement of 20 face-condensed [B@Ni2 3 Ni3 3 ] trigonal prisms resulting in a triple-shell like situation Ni2 6 @B 20 @Ni3 24 (reo-e), where the shells display comparable intra- and inter-shell bonding. Both compounds are Pauli paramagnets displaying metallic conductivity.

The Ni-rich part of the Al–Ge–Ni phase diagram

PubMed Central

Jandl, Isabella; Reichmann, Thomas L.; Richter, Klaus W.

2013-01-01

The Ni-rich part of the ternary system Al–Ge–Ni (xNi > 50 at.%) was investigated by means of optical microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DTA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The two isothermal sections at 550 °C and 700 °C were determined. Within these two sections a new ternary phase, designated as τ4, AlyGe9−yNi13±x (hP66, Ga3Ge6Ni13-type) was detected and investigated by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Another ternary low temperature phase, τ5, was found only in the isothermal section at 550 °C around the composition AlGeNi4. This compound was found to crystallise in the Co2Si type structure (oP12, Pnma). The structure was identified by Rietveld refinement of powder data. The NiAs type (B8) phase based on binary Ge3Ni5 revealed an extended solid solubility of Al and the two isotypic compounds AlNi3 and GeNi3 form a complete solid solution. Based on DTA results, six vertical sections at 55, 60, 70, 75 and 80 at.% Ni and at a constant Al:Ni ratio of 1:3 were constructed. Furthermore, the liquidus surface projection and the reaction scheme (Scheil diagram) were completed by combining our results with previous results from the Ni-poor part of the phase diagram. Six invariant ternary reactions were identified in the Ni-rich part of the system. PMID:27087754

Probing cluster surface morphology by cryo spectroscopy of N2 on cationic nickel clusters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dillinger, Sebastian; Mohrbach, Jennifer; Niedner-Schatteburg, Gereon

2017-11-01

We present the cryogenic (26 K) IR spectra of selected [Nin(N2)m]+ (n = 5-20, m = 1 - mmax), which strongly reveal n- and m-dependent features in the N2 stretching region, in conjunction with density functional theory modeling of some of these findings. The observed spectral features allow us to refine the kinetic classification [cf. J. Mohrbach, S. Dillinger, and G. Niedner-Schatteburg, J. Chem. Phys. 147, 184304 (2017)] and to define four classes of structure related surface adsorption behavior: Class (1) of Ni6+, Ni13+, and Ni19+ are highly symmetrical clusters with all smooth surfaces of equally coordinated Ni atoms that entertain stepwise N2 adsorption up to stoichiometric N2:Nisurface saturation. Class (2) of Ni12+ and Ni18+ are highly symmetrical clusters minus one. Their relaxed smooth surfaces reorganize by enhanced N2 uptake toward some low coordinated Ni surface atoms with double N2 occupation. Class (3) of Ni5+ and Ni7+ through Ni11+ are small clusters of rough surfaces with low coordinated Ni surface atoms, and some reveal semi-internal Ni atoms of high next-neighbor coordination. Surface reorganization upon N2 uptake turns rough into rough surface by Ni atom migration and turns octahedral based structures into pentagonal bipyramidal structures. Class (4) of Ni14+ through Ni17+ and Ni20+ are large clusters with rough and smooth surface areas. They possess smooth icosahedral surfaces with some proximate capping atom(s) on one hemisphere of the icosahedron with the other one largely unaffected.

Constitution of the Sr-Ni-O system

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zinkevich, M.

2005-09-15

The constitution of the Sr-Ni-O system was studied experimentally for the first time. Samples were prepared either from SrCO{sub 3} and NiO or from Sr(NO{sub 3}){sub 2} and Ni(NO{sub 3}){sub 2}.6H{sub 2}O and characterized by high-temperature X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses. In the SrO-NiO quasibinary system an eutectic reaction: liquid-bar SrO+NiO was found to occur at 1396+/-5{sup o}C, while the homogeneity range of terminal solid solutions is negligible. Thermodynamic calculations using the regular solution model for the liquid and rocksalt-type phases were employed to predict liquidus and solidus curves. Three ternary compounds, SrNiO{sub 2.5},more » Sr{sub 5}Ni{sub 4}O{sub 11}, and Sr{sub 9}Ni{sub 7}O{sub 21} were observed in the samples prepared from nitrate solutions, but only Sr{sub 9}Ni{sub 7}O{sub 21} was proved to be thermodynamically stable in air up to 1030+/-6{sup o}C. When heating in air, SrNiO{sub 2.5} and Sr{sub 5}Ni{sub 4}O{sub 11} were found to transform irreversibly into a mixture of Sr{sub 9}Ni{sub 7}O{sub 21} and NiO. Isothermal section of the SrO-NiO-O subsystem, which represents phase equilibria at 950-1030{sup o}C as well as an isobaric section of the Sr-Ni-O system in air were constructed.« less

Point defect evolution in Ni, NiFe and NiCr alloys from atomistic simulations and irradiation experiments

DOE PAGES

Aidhy, Dilpuneet S.; Lu, Chenyang; Jin, Ke; ...

2015-08-08

Using molecular dynamics simulations, we elucidate irradiation-induced point defect evolution in fcc pure Ni, Ni 0.5Fe 0.5, and Ni 0.8Cr 0.2 solid solution alloys. We find that irradiation-induced interstitials form dislocation loops that are of 1/3 <111>{111}-type, consistent with our experimental results. While the loops are formed in all the three materials, the kinetics of formation is considerably slower in NiFe and NiCr than in pure Ni, indicating that defect migration barriers and extended defect formation energies could be higher in the alloys than pure Ni. As a result, while larger size clusters are formed in pure Ni, smaller andmore » more clusters are observed in the alloys. The vacancy diffusion occurs at relatively higher temperatures than interstitials, and their clustering leads to formation of stacking fault tetrahedra, also consistent with our experiments. The results also show that the surviving Frenkel pairs are composition-dependent and are largely Ni dominated.« less

Graphene-immobilized flower-like Ni3S2 nanoflakes as a stable binder-free anode material for sodium-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Yu; Liu, Shuang-yu; Cui, Lei; Xu, Li; Xie, Jian; Xia, Xue-Ke; Hao, Wen-Kui; Wang, Bo; Li, Hui; Gao, Jie

2018-01-01

A binder-free Ni3S2 electrode was prepared directly on a graphene-coated Ni foam (G/Ni) substrate through surface sulfiding of substrate using thiourea as the sulfur source in this work. The Ni3S2 showed a flower-like morphology and was uniformly distributed on the G/Ni surface. The flower-like Ni3S2 was composed of cross-arrayed nanoflakes with a diameter and a thickness of 1-2 μm and 50 nm, respectively. The free space in the flowers and the thin feature of Ni3S2 buffered the volume changes and relieved mechanical strain during repeated cycling. The intimate contact with the Ni substrate and the fixing effect of graphene maintained the structural stability of the Ni3S2 electrode during cycling. The G/Ni-supported Ni3S2 maintained a reversible capacity of 250 mAh.g-1 after 100 cycles at 50 mA.g-1, demonstrating the good cycling stability as a result of the unique microstructure of this electrode material.

Hybrid NiCoOx adjacent to Pd nanoparticles as a synergistic electrocatalyst for ethanol oxidation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Wei; Yang, Yan; Liu, Yanqin; Zhang, Zhe; Dong, Wenkui; Lei, Ziqiang

2015-01-01

To improve the electrocatalytic activity of Pd for ethanol oxidation, hybrid NiCoOx adjacent to Pd catalyst (Pd-NiCoOx/C) is successfully synthesized. Physical characterization shows NiCoOx is closely adjacent to Pd nanoparticles in Pd-NiCoOx/C catalyst, which leads to Strong Metal-Support Interactions (SMSI) between the NiCoOx and Pd nanoparticles, in favor of the electrocatalytic properties. The Pd-NiCoOx/C catalyst is estimated to own larger electrochemically active surface area than Pd/C and Pd-NiO/C catalysts. Moreover, compared to Pd/C catalyst, the onset potential of Pd-NiCoOx/C catalyst is negative 40 mV for ethanol oxidation. Noticeably, the current density of Pd-NiCoOx/C catalyst is 2.05 and 1.43 times higher contrasted to Pd/C and Pd-NiO/C catalysts accordingly. Importantly, the Pd-NiCoOx/C catalyst exhibits better stability during ethanol oxidation, which is a promising electrocatalyst for application in direct alkaline alcohol fuel cells.

Fluorescence x-ray absorption fine structure studies of Fe-Ni-S and Fe-Ni-Si melts to 1600 K

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manghnani, M. H.; Hong, X.; Balogh, J.; Amulele, G.; Sekar, M.; Newville, M.

2008-04-01

We report NiK -edge fluorescence x-ray absorption fine structure spectra (XAFS) for Fe0.75Ni0.05S0.20 and Fe0.75Ni0.05Si0.20 ternary alloys from room temperature up to 1600 K. A high-temperature furnace designed for these studies incorporates two x-ray transparent windows and enables both a vertical orientation of the molten sample and a wide opening angle, so that XAFS can be measured in the fluorescence mode with a detector at 90° with respect to the incident x-ray beam. An analysis of the Ni XAFS data for these two alloys indicates different local structural environments for Ni in Fe0.75Ni0.05S0.20 and Fe0.75Ni0.05Si0.20 melts, with more Ni-Si coordination than Ni-S coordination persisting from room temperature through melting. These results suggest that light elements such as S and Si may impact the structural and chemical properties of Fe-Ni alloys with a composition similar to the earth’s core.

Surface microstructures and corrosion resistance of Ni-Ti-Nb shape memory thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Kun; Li, Yan; Huang, Xu; Gibson, Des; Zheng, Yang; Liu, Jiao; Sun, Lu; Fu, Yong Qing

2017-08-01

Ni-Ti-Nb and Ni-Ti shape memory thin films were sputter-deposited onto silicon substrates and annealed at 600 °C for crystallization. X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements indicated that all of the annealed Ni-Ti-Nb films were composed of crystalline Ni-Ti (Nb) and Nb-rich grains. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) tests showed that the surfaces of Ni-Ti-Nb films were covered with Ti oxides, NiO and Nb2O5. The corrosion resistance of the Ni-Ti-Nb films in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution was investigated using electrochemical tests such as open-circuit potential (OCP) and potentio-dynamic polarization tests. Ni-Ti-Nb films showed higher OCPs, higher corrosion potentials (Ecorr) and lower corrosion current densities (icorr) than the binary Ni-Ti film, which indicated a better corrosion resistance. The reason may be that Nb additions modified the passive layer on the film surface. The OCPs of Ni-Ti-Nb films increased with further Nb additions, whereas no apparent difference of Ecorr and icorr was found among the Ni-Ti-Nb films.

Stress-induced solid-state amorphization of nanocrystalline Ni and NiZr investigated by atomistic simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meraj, Md.; Deng, Chuang; Pal, Snehanshu

2018-01-01

In this study, the feasibility of stress induced solid-state amorphization (SSA) of nanocrystalline (NC) Ni and NiZr alloys having ˜10 nm grain size has been investigated under constant tensile load (uniaxial and triaxial) via molecular dynamics simulations. In order to track the structural evaluation in both NC Ni and NiZr alloys during the SSA process, various types of analysis have been used, including simulated X-ray diffraction, centro-symmetry parameter, Voronoi cluster, common neighbor analysis, and radial distribution function. It is found that SSA in both NC Ni and NiZr alloys can only be achieved under triaxial loading conditions, and the hydrostatic tensile stress required for SSA is significantly lower when at. % Zr is increased in the NC NiZr alloy. Specifically, SSA in NC Ni and Ni-5 at. % Zr alloy was observed only when the temperature and hydrostatic tensile stress reached 800 K and 6 GPa, while SSA could occur in NC Ni-10 at. % Zr alloy under just 2 GPa of hydrostatic tensile stress at 300 K.

Microplasma Jet Synthesis of Ni-Fe Oxide Films for Magnetic Exchange Bias and Electrocatalytic Studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pebley, Andrew Christian

Ni-Fe oxides have received significant interest from the scientific community because they have attractive magnetic and electrochemical properties for use in next generation data storage and energy conversion technologies. For example, the NiFe2O4/NiO nanogranular system exhibits the exchange bias effect, a magnetic phenomenon occurring at the interface of a ferro- or ferrimagnet (FM or FiM) and an antiferromagnet (AFM), where the AFM acts to increase the magnetic hardness of the corresponding FM or FiM. Additionally, doping of NiO with Fe has resulted in remarkably high catalytic activities for water splitting, a potential clean energy alternative to fossil fuels. A key challenge in implementing these Ni-Fe oxides for magnetic and electrocatalytic applications is the ability to control film morphology, crystallinity, composition, chemical phase, and doping during synthesis. Moreover, how these physiochemical properties effect magnetic and electrochemical behavior in the Ni-Fe oxide system is not fully understood. This dissertation focuses on the development and use of a novel synthesis technique, known as microplasma (MP) jet-based deposition, for the fabrication of biphasic NiFe2O4 (FiM)/NiO (AFM) and Fe-doped NiO nanostructured films for fundamental studies of exchange bias and electrocatalysis, respectively. The goal of this work was to understand how MP operation and deposition conditions (e.g., precursor composition, flux, substrate temperature, and post-deposition heat treatment) influence Ni-Fe oxide growth and film microstructure. Specifically, the role of composition, phase fraction, grain size, temperature, and interfacial density on exchange bias phenomena in NiFe 2O4/NiO nanogranular films was investigated. MP jets were also used to realize metastable Fe-doped NiO films with high surface area to assess how doping affects the electrochemical properties of NiO for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Biphasic NiFe2O4/NiO films of different composition were synthesized using MP jets and post-deposition annealing. The exchange bias effect (HE) and enhanced coercivity (HC) were seen at 300 K, which was the first time that HE has been reported at room temperature in the NiFe2O4/NiO nanogranular system. These values increased with Ni incorporation, and were rationalized as due to increased NiFe2O4/NiO interfacial density. Moreover, MP jet deposition of NiFe2O4/NiO films on heated substrates was explored to realize higher interfacial densities. HE was observed at low temperatures in these films, but not at room temperature, which was attributed to spin glass coupling arising from structurally disordered interfaces. Through systematic post-deposition heat treatments, it was found that spin glass-like phases disappeared after annealing, and the observed HE was due to direct exchange coupling between the NiO and NiFe2O 4 phases. MP jets were also used to deposit high-surface area, metastable Fe-doped NiO films of different composition (up to 20% Fe on a metals basis) at room temperature on indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates for OER catalysis. It was seen that Fe fully incorporated into the NiO rocksalt lattice, decreasing the overpotential for OER (i.e., 360 to 310 mV at 10 mA/cm2 for NiO and Ni0.95Fe0.05O, respectively). Turnover frequency (TOF) calculations demonstrated an improvement in the catalytic activity of the NiO surface with Fe doping, and chronopotentiometry measurements verified that Fe-doped NiO films were mechanically and chemically robust during extended operation under OER conditions. Overall, this work demonstrates the potential of MP jet deposition as a versatile, one-step approach to realize multi-phase and doped nanostructured oxide films with high interfacial densities and surface areas for a variety of magnetic and energy conversion applications.

Rational Design of Hierarchically Core-Shell Structured Ni3 S2 @NiMoO4 Nanowires for Electrochemical Energy Storage.

PubMed

Chen, Fangshuai; Ji, Shan; Liu, Quanbing; Wang, Hui; Liu, Hao; Brett, Dan J L; Wang, Guoxiu; Wang, Rongfang

2018-05-30

Rational design and controllable synthesis of nanostructured materials with unique microstructure and excellent electrochemical performance for energy storage are crucially desired. In this paper, a facile method is reported for general synthesis of hierarchically core-shell structured Ni 3 S 2 @NiMoO 4 nanowires (NWs) as a binder-free electrode for asymmetric supercapacitors. Due to the intimate contact between Ni 3 S 2 and NiMoO 4 , the hierarchical structured electrodes provide a promising unique structure for asymmetric supercapacitors. The as-prepared binder-free Ni 3 S 2 @NiMoO 4 electrode can significantly improve the electrical conductivity between Ni 3 S 2 and NiMoO 4 , and effectively avoid the aggregation of NiMoO 4 nanosheets, which provide more active space for storing charge. The Ni 3 S 2 @NiMoO 4 electrode presents a high areal capacity of 1327.3 µAh cm -2 and 67.8% retention of its initial capacity when current density increases from 2 to 40 mA cm -2 . In a two-electrode Ni 3 S 2 @NiMoO 4 //active carbon cell, the active materials deliver a high energy density of 121.5 Wh kg -1 at a power density of 2.285 kW kg -1 with excellent cycling stability. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Electronic structure studies of Ni( 1 0 0 ) surface reconstructions resulting from carbon, nitrogen, or oxygen atom adsorption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kirsch, Janet E.; Harris, Suzanne

2003-01-01

Solid-state Fenske-Hall band structure calculations have been used to study the different surface structures which result from adsorption of a half monolayer of C, N, or O atoms on the Ni(1 0 0) surface. C or N atoms sit nearly coplanar with the surface Ni atoms and induce the "clock" reconstruction of the surface. In contrast, adsorbed O atoms sit slightly above the Ni(1 0 0) surface plane and have little effect on the overall surface structure. The local environments of the C, N, and O atoms on these surfaces are similar to their environments in a series of late transition metal carbonyl clusters, suggesting that some of the same electronic factors may play a role in favoring the different structures. Results of the calculations indicate that when adsorbates occupy coplanar sites on Ni(1 0 0), much of the Ni-Ni bonding within the surface layer and between the surface- and second-layers is disrupted. On the C- and N-covered surfaces the disruption is more than compensated for by the formation of strong adsorbate-Ni bonds and by new Ni-Ni surface bonds resulting from the clock reconstruction. When O is forced into a coplanar site, however, both the higher electron count and increased electronegativity of the O atoms lead to severe disruption of the surface bonding and weak Ni-O bonds. When O atoms sit above the surface, they form more polar Ni-O bonds, contribute less electron density to the Ni surface bands, and cause less disruption to Ni-Ni surface bonds. These results suggest that, similar to the organometallic clusters, the site preferences of C, N, and O atoms are directly related to their electron count, and in turn to the relative occupation of both Ni-Ni and X-Ni (X=C, N, O) antibonding bands.

Electromigration effect upon the Sn-0.7 wt% Cu/Ni and Sn-3.5 wt% Ag/Ni interfacial reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Chih-ming; Chen, Sinn-wen

2001-08-01

This study investigates the effect of electromigration upon the interfacial reactions between the promising lead-free solders, Sn-Cu and Sn-Ag, with Ni substrate. Sandwich-type reaction couples, Sn-0.7 wt% Cu/Ni/Sn-0.7 wt% Cu and Sn-3.5 wt% Ag/Ni/Sn-3.5 wt% Ag, were reacted at 160, 180, and 200 °C for various lengths of time with and without the passage of electric currents. Without passage of electric currents through the couples, only one intermetallic compound Ni3Sn4 with ˜7 at. % Cu solubility was found at both interfaces of the Sn-0.7 wt% Cu/Ni couples. With the passage of an electric current of 500 A/cm2 density, the Cu6Sn5 phase was formed at the solder/Ni interface besides the Ni3Sn4 phase. Similar to those without the passage of electric currents, only the Ni3Sn4 phase was found at the Ni/solder interface. Directions of movement of electrons, Sn, and Cu atoms are the same at the solder/Ni interface, and the growth rates of the intermetallic layers were enhanced. At the Ni/solder interface, the electrons flow in the opposite direction of the Sn and Cu movement, and the growth rates of the intermetallic layers were retarded. Only the Ni3Sn4 phase was formed from the Sn-3.5 wt% Ag/Ni interfacial reaction with and without the passage of electric currents. Similar to the Sn-0.7 wt% Cu/Ni system, the movement of electrons enhances or retards the growth rates of the intermetallic layers at the solder/Ni and Ni/solder interfaces, respectively. Calculation results show the apparent effective charge za* decreases in magnitude with raising temperatures, which indicates the electromigration effect becomes insignificant at higher temperatures.

The Nature of Exposure Drives Transmission of Nipah Viruses from Malaysia and Bangladesh in Ferrets

PubMed Central

Clayton, Bronwyn A.; Middleton, Deborah; Arkinstall, Rachel; Frazer, Leah; Wang, Lin-Fa; Marsh, Glenn A.

2016-01-01

Person-to-person transmission is a key feature of human Nipah virus outbreaks in Bangladesh. In contrast, in an outbreak of Nipah virus in Malaysia, people acquired infections from pigs. It is not known whether this important epidemiological difference is driven primarily by differences between NiV Bangladesh (NiV-BD) and Malaysia (NiV-MY) at a virus level, or by environmental or host factors. In a time course study, ferrets were oronasally exposed to equivalent doses of NiV-BD or NiV-MY. More rapid onset of productive infection and higher levels of virus replication in respiratory tract tissues were seen for NiV-BD compared to NiV-MY, corroborating our previous report of increased oral shedding of NiV-BD in ferrets and suggesting a contributory mechanism for increased NiV-BD transmission between people compared to NiV-MY. However, we recognize that transmission occurs within a social and environmental framework that may have an important and differentiating role in NiV transmission rates. With this in mind, ferret-to-ferret transmission of NiV-BD and NiV-MY was assessed under differing viral exposure conditions. Transmission was not identified for either virus when naïve ferrets were cohoused with experimentally-infected animals. In contrast, all naïve ferrets developed acute infection following assisted and direct exposure to oronasal fluid from animals that were shedding either NiV-BD or NiV-MY. Our findings for ferrets indicate that, although NiV-BD may be shed at higher levels than NiV-MY, transmission risk may be equivalently low under exposure conditions provided by cohabitation alone. In contrast, active transfer of infected bodily fluids consistently results in transmission, regardless of the virus strain. These observations suggest that the risk of NiV transmission is underpinned by social and environmental factors, and will have practical implications for managing transmission risk during outbreaks of human disease. PMID:27341030

The Nature of Exposure Drives Transmission of Nipah Viruses from Malaysia and Bangladesh in Ferrets.

PubMed

Clayton, Bronwyn A; Middleton, Deborah; Arkinstall, Rachel; Frazer, Leah; Wang, Lin-Fa; Marsh, Glenn A

2016-06-01

Person-to-person transmission is a key feature of human Nipah virus outbreaks in Bangladesh. In contrast, in an outbreak of Nipah virus in Malaysia, people acquired infections from pigs. It is not known whether this important epidemiological difference is driven primarily by differences between NiV Bangladesh (NiV-BD) and Malaysia (NiV-MY) at a virus level, or by environmental or host factors. In a time course study, ferrets were oronasally exposed to equivalent doses of NiV-BD or NiV-MY. More rapid onset of productive infection and higher levels of virus replication in respiratory tract tissues were seen for NiV-BD compared to NiV-MY, corroborating our previous report of increased oral shedding of NiV-BD in ferrets and suggesting a contributory mechanism for increased NiV-BD transmission between people compared to NiV-MY. However, we recognize that transmission occurs within a social and environmental framework that may have an important and differentiating role in NiV transmission rates. With this in mind, ferret-to-ferret transmission of NiV-BD and NiV-MY was assessed under differing viral exposure conditions. Transmission was not identified for either virus when naïve ferrets were cohoused with experimentally-infected animals. In contrast, all naïve ferrets developed acute infection following assisted and direct exposure to oronasal fluid from animals that were shedding either NiV-BD or NiV-MY. Our findings for ferrets indicate that, although NiV-BD may be shed at higher levels than NiV-MY, transmission risk may be equivalently low under exposure conditions provided by cohabitation alone. In contrast, active transfer of infected bodily fluids consistently results in transmission, regardless of the virus strain. These observations suggest that the risk of NiV transmission is underpinned by social and environmental factors, and will have practical implications for managing transmission risk during outbreaks of human disease.

Time‐ and concentration‐dependent genomic responses of the rat airway to inhaled nickel sulfate

PubMed Central

Campbell, J. L.; Dodd, D. E.; Oller, A. R.; Clewell, H. J.

2017-01-01

While insoluble nickel subsulfide (Ni3S2) was carcinogenic in the lung in a 2‐year rat bioassay, soluble nickel sulfate hexahydrate (NiSO4*6H2O) was not. To investigate whether differences in the cellular responses to these two nickel compounds could underlie their differential activities, we conducted parallel studies to determine the gene expression changes in micro‐dissected lung distal airway cells from Fischer 344 rats following inhalation of the two compounds for one and four weeks (6 hr per day, 5 days per week). The results of the Ni3S2 study have been reported previously; this paper reports the results for NiSO4 and provides a comparative analysis. The cellular responses to NiSO4 were highly similar to those previously reported for Ni3S2, and a set of genes was identified whose expression could be used as biomarkers for comparing cellular nickel effects from in vitro or in vivo studies with soluble NiSO4 and particulate Ni3S2. Evaluation of the genomic concentration‐responses for the two compounds suggests that the highest inhaled concentration in the tumor bioassay for NiSO4, which was limited by toxicity, may not have achieved the Ni concentrations at which tumors were observed in the Ni3S2 bioassay. However, several key differences in the immune responses to NiSO4 and Ni3S2 were identified that may result from the differential intracellular disposition of Ni from NiSO4 entering the cell as an ion rather than as a slowly soluble Ni3S2 particle. These differences may also contribute to the observation of tumors in the bioassay for Ni3S2 but not NiSO4. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 58:607–618, 2017. © 2017 The Authors Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Environmental Mutagen Society PMID:28862355

Selective synthesis and redox sequence of a heterobimetallic nickel/copper complex of the noninnocent Siamese-twin porphyrin.

PubMed

Blusch, Lina K; Mitevski, Oliver; Martin-Diaconescu, Vlad; Pröpper, Kevin; DeBeer, Serena; Dechert, Sebastian; Meyer, Franc

2014-08-04

The Siamese-twin porphyrin (1H4) is a redox noninnocent pyrazole-expanded porphyrin with two equivalent dibasic {N4} binding sites. It is now shown that its selective monometalation can be achieved to give the nickel(II) complex 1H2Ni with the second {N4} site devoid of a metal ion. This intermediate is then cleanly converted to 1Ni2 and to the first heterobimetallic Siamese-twin porphyrin 1CuNi. Structural characterization of 1H2Ni shows that it has the same helical structure previously seen for 1Cu2, 1Ni2, and free base 1H6(2+). Titration experiments suggest that the metal-devoid pocket of 1H2Ni can accommodate two additional protons, giving [1H4Ni](2+). Both bimetallic complexes 1Ni2 and 1CuNi feature rich redox chemistry, similar to the recently reported 1Cu2, including two chemically reversible oxidations at moderate potentials between -0.3 and +0.5 V (vs Cp2Fe/Cp2Fe(+)). The locus of these oxidations, in singly oxidized [1Ni2](+) and [1CuNi](+) as well as twice oxidized [1CuNi](2+), has been experimentally derived from comparison of the electrochemical properties of the complete series of complexes 1Cu2, 1Ni2, and 1CuNi, and from electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) (Ni and Cu K edges). All redox events are largely ligand-based, and in heterobimetallic 1CuNi, the first oxidation takes place within its Cu-subunit, while the second oxidation then occurs in its Ni-subunit. Adding pyridine to solutions of [1Ni2](+) and [1CuNi](2+) cleanly converts them to metal-oxidized redox isomers with axial EPR spectra typical for Ni(III) having significant dz(2)(1) character, reflecting close similarity with nickel complexes of common porphyrins. The possibility of selectively synthesizing heterobimetallic complexes 1MNi from a symmetric binucleating ligand scaffold, with the unusual situation of three distinct contiguous redox sites (M, Ni, and the porphyrin-like ligand), further expands the Siamese-twin porphyrin's potential to serve as an adjustable platform for multielectron redox processes in chemical catalysis and in electronic applications.

Homogeneous Electrocatalytic Reduction of Carbon Dioxide to Carbon Monoxide by Ni(cyclam)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Froehlich, Jesse Dan

The homogeneous electrochemical reduction of CO2 by the molecular catalyst [Ni(cyclam)]2+ was studied by electrochemistry and infrared spectroelectrochemistry. This catalyst has been previously shown to have increased CO2 reduction activity when adsorbed on a mercury electrode. The homogeneous reactivity, without a mercury electrode, was often ignored in the literature. Ni(cyclam) was found to efficiently and selectively produce CO at moderate overpotentials in both aqueous and mixed organic solvent systems in a homogenous fashion at an inert glassy carbon electrode. Methylated analogs of Ni(cyclam) were also studied and observed to have more positive reduction potentials and attenuated CO2 reduction activity. The electrochemical kinetics were probed by varying CO2 substrate and proton concentrations. Products of CO2 reduction are observed in infrared spectra obtained from spectroelectrochemical experiments. The two major species observed were a Ni(I) carbonyl, [Ni(cyclam)(CO)]+, and a Ni(II) coordinated bicarbonate, [Ni(cyclam)(CO2OH)] +. The rate-limiting step during electrocatalysis was determined to be CO loss from the deactivated species, [Ni(cyclam)(CO)]+, to produce the active catalyst, [Ni(cyclam)]+. Another macrocyclic complex, [Ni(TMC)]+, was deployed as a CO scavenger in order to inhibit the deactivation of [Ni(cyclam)] + by CO. Addition of the CO scavenger was shown to dramatically increase the catalytic current observed for CO2 reduction by [Ni(cyclam)] +. Evidence for the [Ni(TMC)]+ acting as a CO scavenger includes the observation of [Ni(TMC)(CO)]+ by IR. Density functional theory calculations, probing the optimized geometry of the [Ni(cyclam)(CO)] + species, are also presented. These findings have implications on the increased activity for CO2 reduction when [Ni(cyclam)] + is adsorbed on a mercury electrode. The [Ni(cyclam)(CO)] + structure has significant distortion of the Ni center out of the plane of the cyclam nitrogens. This distortion strengthens the Ni-CO interaction by increasing back-bonding interactions. This leads to the hypothesis that the mercury surface, through Hg-Ni interactions, prevents the distorted geometry seen in solution leading to a more planar geometry. This helps to destabilize the carbonyl adduct which inhibits the extent of CO poisoning of the catalyst when adsorbed on a mercury electrode. Alternative approaches to prevent CO poisoning without using such a toxic substance as mercury are critical to improving this unique catalytic system.

Cyclic creep and fatigue of TD-NiCr (thoria-dispersion-strengthened nickel-chromium), TD-Ni, and NiCr sheet at 1200 C

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hirschberg, M. H.; Spera, D. A.; Klima, S. J.

1972-01-01

The resistance of thin TD-NiCr sheet to cyclic deformation was compared with that of TD-Ni and a conventional nickel-chromium alloy. Strains were determined by a calibration technique which combines room-temperature strain gage and deflection measurements with high-temperature deflection measurements. Analyses of the cyclic tests using measured tensile and creep-rupture data indicated that the TD-NiCr and NiCr alloy specimens failed by a cyclic creep mechanism. The TD-Ni specimens, on the other hand, failed by a fatigue mechanism.

Microfabricated Cantilevers Based on Sputtered Thin-Film Ni50Ti50 Shape Memory Alloy (SMA)

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-08-01

surface coating developed during the NiTi deposition or anneal that is relatively resistant to the wet etch. Fig. 2 SEMs after the NiTi wet -etch...SEMs of NiTi devices after the 600 °C anneal , wet -etch patterning of the NiTi. A 120-nm Au capping layer was also sputtered. Figure 3a shows a 200-nm...Ni50Ti50 Cantilever 2 3. Results and Discussion 3 3.1 Wet -Etch Patterning NiTi 3 3.2 Dry-Etch Release of NiTi Devices 5 3.3 Thermal Actuation of

Influence of the alloying effect on nickel K-shell fluorescence yield in Ni Si alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalayci, Y.; Agus, Y.; Ozgur, S.; Efe, N.; Zararsiz, A.; Arikan, P.; Mutlu, R. H.

2005-02-01

Alloying effects on the K-shell fluorescence yield ωK of nickel in Ni-Si binary alloy system have been studied by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence. It is found that ωK increases from pure Ni to Ni 2Si and then decreases from Ni 2Si to NiSi. These results are discussed in terms of d-occupation number on the Ni site and it is concluded that electronic configuration as a result of p-d hybridization explain qualitatively the observed variation of ωK in Ni-Si alloys.

Redox non-innocence of thioether crowns: spectroelectrochemistry and electronic structure of formal nickel(III) complexes of aza-thioether macrocycles.

PubMed

Stephen, Emma; Huang, Deguang; Shaw, Jennifer L; Blake, Alexander J; Collison, David; Davies, E Stephen; Edge, Ruth; Howard, Judith A K; McInnes, Eric J L; Wilson, Claire; Wolowska, Joanna; McMaster, Jonathan; Schröder, Martin

2011-09-05

The Ni(II) complexes [Ni([9]aneNS(2)-CH(3))(2)](2+) ([9]aneNS(2)-CH(3)=N-methyl-1-aza-4,7-dithiacyclononane), [Ni(bis[9]aneNS(2)-C(2)H(4))](2+) (bis[9]aneNS(2)-C(2)H(4)=1,2-bis-(1-aza-4,7-dithiacyclononylethane) and [Ni([9]aneS(3))(2)](2+) ([9]aneS(3)=1,4,7-trithiacyclononane) have been prepared and can be electrochemically and chemically oxidized to give the formal Ni(III) products, which have been characterized by X-ray crystallography, UV/Vis and multi-frequency EPR spectroscopy. The single-crystal X-ray structure of [Ni(III)([9]aneNS(2)-CH(3))(2)](ClO(4))(6)·(H(5)O(2))(3) reveals an octahedral co-ordination at the Ni centre, while the crystal structure of [Ni(III)(bis[9]aneNS(2)-C(2)H(4))](ClO(4))(6)·(H(3)O)(3)·3H(2)O exhibits a more distorted co-ordination. In the homoleptic analogue, [Ni(III)([9]aneS(3))(2)](ClO(4))(3), structurally characterized at 30 K, the Ni-S distances [2.249(6), 2.251(5) and 2.437(2) Å] are consistent with a Jahn-Teller distorted octahedral stereochemistry. [Ni([9]aneNS(2)-CH(3))(2)](PF(6))(2) shows a one-electron oxidation process in MeCN (0.2 M NBu(4)PF(6), 293 K) at E(½)=+1.10 V versus Fc(+)/Fc assigned to a formal Ni(III)/Ni(II) couple. [Ni(bis[9]aneNS(2)-C(2)H(4))](PF(6))(2) exhibits a one-electron oxidation process at E(½)=+0.98 V and a reduction process at E(½)=-1.25 V assigned to Ni(II)/Ni(III) and Ni(II)/Ni(I) couples, respectively. The multi-frequency X-, L-, S-, K-band EPR spectra of the 3+ cations and their 86.2% (61)Ni-enriched analogues were simulated. Treatment of the spin Hamiltonian parameters by perturbation theory reveals that the SOMO has 50.6%, 42.8% and 37.2% Ni character in [Ni([9]aneNS(2)-CH(3))(2)](3+), [Ni(bis[9]aneNS(2)-C(2)H(4))](3+) and [Ni([9]aneS(3))(2)](3+), respectively, consistent with DFT calculations, and reflecting delocalisation of charge onto the S-thioether centres. EPR spectra for [(61)Ni([9]aneS(3))(2)](3+) are consistent with a dynamic Jahn-Teller distortion in this compound. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Arrested 1,2-hydrogen migration from silicon to nickel upon oxidation of a three-coordinate Ni(I) silyl complex.

PubMed

Iluc, Vlad M; Hillhouse, Gregory L

2010-09-01

Reaction of the dimeric Ni(I) chloride complex [(dtbpe)NiCl](2) (1) with dimesitylsilyl potassium affords the three-coordinate Ni(I) silyl complex (dtbpe)Ni(SiHMes(2)) (2). Alternatively, 2 can be prepared by an oxidative-addition reaction of Mes(2)Si(H)OTf (Tf = CF(3)SO(3)) with the nickel(0) complex [(dtbpe)Ni](2)(mu-C(6)H(6)) (3), with (dtbpe)Ni(OTf) (4) formed as an easily separable byproduct. The one-electron oxidation of 2 by ferrocenium affords diamagnetic [(dtbpe)Ni(mu-H)SiMes(2)][BAr(F)(4)] (5), a Ni(II) complex formed by partial 1,2-H migration from silicon to nickel and featuring an unusual 3-center, 2-electron bonding motif between Ni, Si, and the bridging H. Complex 5 was also obtained from Mes(2)SiH(2) activation by the neopentyl complex salt [(dtbpe)Ni(CH(2)CMe(3))][BAr(F)(4)] (6) with elimination of neopentane.

Comparison of ``AA`` nickel metal hydride cells with ``AA`` Ni-Cd cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Alminauskas, V.; Johnson, W.

1996-12-31

This paper compares ``AA`` size nickel metal hydride (Ni-HM) cells with comparable ``AA;; nickel cadmium (Ni-Cd) cells both of which were obtained in 1993. The Ni-MH cells were found to be a suitable substitute for conventional Ni-Cd cells. Both these cell types have similar voltages and discharge characteristics. The Ni-MH cells, though had nearly twice the capacity as comparable Ni-Cd cells. There was no significant difference in self discharge between the two types of cells. The Ni-MH cells also performed as well as Ni-Cd cells at rates lower than 5 amperes and at temperatures higher than 0 C (32 F).more » The most interesting finding is that the Ni-MH cells showed an irreversible decay of the discharge voltage with each cycle which was more noticeable during pulses. Eventually the Ni-MH packs fail, not because of loss of capacity, but because of low voltage during the pulse.« less

Directional Solidification and Mechanical Properties of NiAl-NiAlTa Alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, D. R.; Chen, X. F.; Oliver, B. F.; Noebe, R. D.; Whittenberger, J. D.

1995-01-01

Directional solidification of eutectic alloys is a promising technique for producing in-situ composite materials exhibiting a balance of properties. Consequently, the microstructure, creep strength and fracture toughness of directionally solidified NiAl-NiAlTa alloys were investigated. Directional solidification was performed by containerless processing techniques to minimize alloy contamination. The eutectic composition was found to be NiAl-15.5 at% Ta and well-aligned microstructures were produced at this composition. A near-eutectic alloy of NiAl-14.5Ta was also investigated. Directional solidification of the near-eutectic composition resulted in microstructures consisting of NiAl dendrites surrounded by aligned eutectic regions. The off-eutectic alloy exhibited promising compressive creep strengths compared to other NiAl-based intermetallics, while preliminary testing indicated that the eutectic alloy was competitive with Ni-base single crystal superalloys. The room temperature toughness of these two-phase alloys was similar to that of polycrystalline NiAl even with the presence of the brittle Laves phase NiAlTa.

Nickel-based rechargeable batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shukla, A. K.; Venugopalan, S.; Hariprakash, B.

Nickel-iron (Ni-Fe), nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd), nickel-hydrogen (Ni-H 2), nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) and nickel-zinc (Ni-Zn) batteries employ nickel oxide electrodes as the positive plates, and are hence, categorised as nickel-based batteries. This article highlights the operating principles and advances made in these battery systems during the recent years. In particular, significant improvements have been made in the Ni-MH batteries which are slowly capturing the market occupied by the ubiquitous Ni-Cd batteries.

Strengthening by Substitutional Solutes and the Temperature Dependence of the Flow Stress in Ni3Al

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-05-26

stoichiometric composition in polycrystalline Ni3AI and Ni3Ga. 29 Fig. 3.1 The Ni-Al binary-alloy phase diagram in vacinity of Ni3A1 phase, as verified in...I <I- iai / I I- I I I I000 - - II 21 25 29 33 37 ATOMIC % Al Fig. 3.1 The Ni-Al binary-alloy phase diagram in vacinity of Ni3Al phase, as verified

Synthesis of ferrite and nickel ferrite nanoparticles using radio-frequency thermal plasma torch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Son, S.; Taheri, M.; Carpenter, E.; Harris, V. G.; McHenry, M. E.

2002-05-01

Nanocrystalline (NC) ferrite powders have been synthesized using a 50 kW-3 MHz rf thermal plasma torch for high-frequency soft magnet applications. A mixed powder of Ni and Fe (Ni:Fe=1:2), a NiFe permalloy powder with additional Fe powder (Ni:Fe=1:2), and a NiFe permalloy powder (Ni:Fe=1:1) were used as precursors for synthesis. Airflow into the reactor chamber was the source of oxygen for oxide formation. XRD patterns clearly show that the precursor powders were transformed into NC ferrite particles with an average particle size of 20-30 nm. SEM and TEM studies indicated that NC ferrite particles had well-defined polygonal growth forms with some exhibiting (111) faceting and many with truncated octahedral and truncated cubic shapes. The Ni content in the ferrite particles was observed to increase in going from mixed Ni and Fe to mixed permalloy and iron and finally to only permalloy starting precursor. The plasma-torch synthesized ferrite materials using exclusively the NiFe permalloy precursor had 40%-48% Ni content in the Ni-ferrite particle, differing from the NiFe2O4 ideal stoichiometry. EXAFS was used to probe the cation coordination in low Ni magnetite species. The coercivity and Neel temperature of the high Ni content ferrite sample were 58 Oe and ˜590 °C, respectively.