Biotechnology Approach to Mineral Separation via Phage Flotation Collectors.

A long-standing challenge in the mining industry is the separation of mineral particles that have similar surface characteristics for which surfactant-based flotation collectors cannot discriminate. In Florida phosphate mining, this problem occurs in the separation of dolomite [CaMg(CO)] contaminants from the desired francolite mineral {a fluorapatite [Ca(PO)(F,OH)]}. In this study, phage display techniques were used to select phage clones with specific binding affinity to francolite, which were then tested in a benchtop bubbler flotation apparatus for their ability to selectively float francolite particles from mixtures containing dolomite.

A One-Step Approach to the Synthesis of High Aspect Ratio Titania Nanoflakes.

High aspect ratio TiO nanoflakes are synthesized by a one-step modified surface hydrolysis method. Surface morphology and physical dimensions are characterized using scanning electron microscopy, laser diffraction analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. Microsized flakes having a thickness ≈40 nm are successfully synthesized by spreading an oil phase consisting of titanium tetraisopropoxide and a low surface tension hydrocarbon on the surface of water.

Direct AFM measurements of adhesion forces between calcium oxalate monohydrate and kidney epithelial cells in the presence of Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions.

Adhesion forces between the calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM, whewellite) crystal and the layer of the epithelial kidney cells have been directly measured under buffer solutions by using atomic force microscope (AFM). Two renal epithelial lines, MDCK (a collecting duct line) and LLC-PK1 (a proximal tubular line), were used. All experiments were conducted in buffer solutions containing additional Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) ions in the various concentrations.

Adhesion force between calcium oxalate monohydrate crystal and kidney epithelial cells and possible relevance for kidney stone formation.

AFM interaction force measurements have been performed between calcium oxalate monohydrate crystal (COM) colloidal probes and monolayers of renal epithelial cells (on a polymer substrate) in artificial urine (AU) solutions. The adhesion force was measured for the COM/MDCK cell interaction, while no adhesion force was found for the COM/LLC-PK(1) cell interaction. Long-range repulsive forces for both lines of cells were measured in the range of 2-3 mum.

Long-term phosphorus effects on evolving physicochemical properties of iron and aluminum hydroxides.

Iron (Fe) and aluminum (Al) hydroxides are highly reactive components in environmental processes, such as contaminant fate and transport. Phosphorus (P) sorption by these components can decrease environmental problems associated with excess accumulation of P in soils. The long-term stability of P sorbed by Fe/Al hydroxides is of major concern.

Intraparticle phosphorus diffusion in a drinking water treatment residual at room temperature.

Phosphorus (P) has been recognized as one of the major limiting nutrients that are responsible for eutrophication of surface waters, worldwide. Efforts have been concentrated on reducing P loads reaching water bodies, via surface runoff and/or leaching through a soil profile. Use of drinking water treatment residuals (WTRs) is an emerging cost-effective practice to reduce soluble P in poorly P-sorbing soils or systems high in P.

Aggregation and dispersion characteristics of calcium oxalate monohydrate: effect of urinary species.

In this research, screening and central composite experimental designs are used to determine the effect of various factors on the aggregation and dispersion characteristics of previously grown calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystals in artificial urinary environments of controlled variables. The variables examined are pH and calcium, oxalate, pyrophosphate, citrate, and protein concentrations in ultrapure water and artificial urine. Optical density measurements, particle size analysis, optical microscopy, AFM force measurements, and protein adsorption have been used to assess the state of aggregation and dispersion of the COM crystals and to elucidate the mechanisms involved in such a complex system.

Role of Surface Molecular Architecture and Energetics of Hydrogen Bonding Sites in Adsorption of Polymers and Surfactants.

Hydrogen bonding is generally thought to be an ubiquitous adsorption mechanism, which often foils selective adsorption schemes. Through investigation of hydrogen bonding energy and its dependence on surface molecular architecture, it may be possible to develop new methodologies to control the adsorption of surfactants and polymeric flocculants, depressants, and dispersants used in particulate processing industries. A model system using Stöber silica spheres and polyethylene oxide, a polymer known for its ability to form hydrogen bonds, was examined.