Statistical Optimization of 1,3-Propanediol (1,3-PD) Production from Crude Glycerol by Considering Four Objectives: 1,3-PD Concentration, Yield, Selectivity, and Productivity.

This study investigated the biological conversion of crude glycerol generated from a commercial biodiesel production plant as a by-product to 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD). Statistical analysis was employed to derive a statistical model for the individual and interactive effects of glycerol, (NH)SO, trace elements, pH, and cultivation time on the four objectives: 1,3-PD concentration, yield, selectivity, and productivity. Optimum conditions for each objective with its maximum value were predicted by statistical optimization, and experiments under the optimum conditions verified the predictions.

PEG-PLA-Coated and Uncoated Radio-Luminescent CaWO Micro- and Nanoparticles for Concomitant Radiation and UV-A/Radio-Enhancement Cancer Treatments.

Currently, there is great interest in the development of ways to achieve the benefits of radiation treatments with reduced negative effects. The present study demonstrates the utilization of radio-luminescent particles (RLPs) as a means to achieve radio-sensitization and enhancement and their ability to affect head- and neck-cancer-cell cultures (in vitro) and xenografts (in vivo). Our approach utilizes a naturally abundant radio-luminescent mineral, calcium tungstate (CaWO), in its micro or nanoparticulate form for generating secondary UV-A light by γ ray or X-ray photons.

Preparation of immobilized whole cell biocatalyst and biodiesel production using a packed-bed bioreactor.

Rhizopus oryzae NBRC 4697 was selected from among promising candidates as a biocatalyst for biodiesel production. This microorganism was immobilized on to polyurethane foam coated with activated carbon for reuse, and, for biodiesel production. Vacuum drying of the immobilized cells was found to be more efficient than natural or freeze-drying processes.

Removal of metal from acid mine drainage using a hybrid system including a pipes inserted microalgae reactor.

In this study, the microalgae culture system to combined active treatment system and pipe inserted microalgae reactor (PIMR) was investigated. After pretreated AMD in active treatment system, the effluent load to PIMR in order to Nephroselmis sp. KGE 8 culture.

Application of pseudo-two phase partitioning bioreactor (P-TPPB) to the production of biodiesel.

Pseudo-two phase partitioning bioreactor (P-TPPB) was newly proposed as an extension of the application of TPPB to bioprocesses in which hydrophilic substrates and/or products are involved. The feasibility of P-TPPB was demonstrated in enzymatic biodiesel production, where methanol completely inhibits the enzymes. Unlike conventional TPPB, the P-TPPB comprises a hydrophobic first phase (soybean oil) and hydrophilic second phase.

A strategic approach for the design and operation of two-phase partitioning bioscrubbers for the treatment of volatile organic compounds.

A strategic approach for the design of two-phase partitioning bioscrubbers (TPPBs) has been formulated using, as a basis, a re-evaluation of extensive literature data available for the degradation of benzene by Achromobacter xylosoxidans Y234 in TPPBs with n-hexadecane as the partitioning phase. Using a previously determined maintenance coefficient for benzene, we determined that an inlet benzene loading rate of 100 mg/h requires 5,928 mg cell mass at biological steady state and 243.0 mg O(2) /h.

Estimating the cellular maintenance coefficient and its use in the design of two-phase partitioning bioscrubbers.

One of the key roles of an organic solvent has emerged to be the enhancement of oxygen transfer in two-phase partitioning bioscrubbers (TPPBs). In order to determine an optimum organic fraction for a given VOCs loading, the oxygen demand of the total cell mass must be estimated, which depends upon the magnitude of the cellular maintenance coefficient. We have estimated the dynamics of the maintenance coefficient for benzene degradation by Achromobacter xylosoxidans Y234 in a TPPB and found that the maintenance coefficient generally decreased as cells accumulated in the TPPB but converged to a specific value of 1.

Recycling wasted biomaterial, crab shells, as an adsorbent for the removal of high concentration of phosphate.

In this study, crab shells were recycled as an adsorbent for the removal of phosphate. The effects of shell particle size, temperature, pH and phosphate concentration on phosphate removal were investigated. Shell particles less than 1000 microm in diameter removed more than 85% of 500 mg/L phosphate in 24h while particles 3350 microm in diameter exhibited only 50% removal efficiency.

Optimal microbial adaptation routes for the rapid degradation of high concentration of phenol.

Pseudomonas fluorescence KNU417 was able to degrade up to 700 mg/L of phenol in 65 h but could not degrade 1,000 mg/L of phenol. Phenol degradation rate was noticeably enhanced by pre-adaptation. In addition, the cell was able to degrade up to 1,300 mg/L of phenol by pre-adapting to 700 mg/L of phenol.

Comparison between entrapment methods for phenol removal and operation of bioreactor packed with co-entrapped activated carbon and Pseudomonas fluorescence KNU417.

A microorganism capable of degrading phenol was isolated from crude oil contaminated soil and identified as Pseudomonas fluorescence. A porous polymer bead of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and Xanthan gum was found to be the best entrapment for phenol degradation in terms of bead shape (spherical form), bead strength, non-agglomeration, phenol degradation rate, and cell holding inside the bead. Activated carbon was co-immobilized with the microorganism in the bead, which readily adsorbed phenol to decrease initial phenol concentration.

Novel immobilization of titanium dioxide (TiO2) on the fluidizing carrier and its application to the degradation of azo-dye.

A photocatalyst was prepared by attaching TiO(2) powder (diameter, 50nm) in the sol state to fluidizing spherical ceramic carriers using a silicon binder. A high initial photocatalytic activity and strong attachment was obtained at a sintering temperature of 500 degrees C. An azo-dye (Orange-G) was used as the test contaminant to examine the photocatalytic effect of the new photocatalyst.