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Search results for: catalytic activity
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Biocatalytic Functionalities of Lignin Peroxidase-Based Systems in Lignin Depolymerization and Pollutants Removal from Environmental Matrices
PublicationPurpose of Review In the presented review, we have summarized and highlighted recent developments in the use of lignin peroxidase (LiP) to remove a variety of pollutants from water matrices. The high redox potential of LiP is underlined by its excellent catalytic functionalities in the elimination of pharmaceuticals, phenolics, dyes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), and other miscellaneous...
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Extracting functional groups of ALLINI to design derivatives of FDA‐approved drugs: Inhibition of HIV‐1 integrase
PublicationHIV‐1 integrase (IN) is crucial for integration of viral DNA into the host genome and a promising target in development of antiretroviral inhibitors. In this work, six new compounds were designed by linking the structures of two different class of HIV‐1 IN inhibitors (active site binders and allosteric IN inhibitors (ALLINIs)). Among newly designed compounds, INRAT10b was found most potent HIV‐1 IN inhibitor considering different...
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TiO2 nanotube arrays-based reactor for photocatalytic oxidation of parabens mixtures in ultrapure water: Effects of photocatalyst properties, operational parameters and light source
PublicationSelf-organized TiO2 nanotubes as immobilized photocatalysts were evaluated in detail for the photocatalytic degradation of parabens mixtures from ultrapure water. This kind of approach can be a very suitable option for emerging contaminants degradation considering the possibility of the catalyst reuse and recovery which will be simpler than when catalytic powders are used. The anodization method was applied for the TiO2 nanotubes...
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S-scheme heterojunction Bi2O3-ZnO/Bentonite clay composite with enhanced photocatalytic performance
PublicationThe industrial waste water is always a bottleneck problem in the modern civilization of the present era. In a quest to develop effective methods for the elimination of lethal pollutants from the waste water and water remediation, this work is focused on the development of a rapid and proficient approach for preparing supported binary metal oxide catalyst for photocatalytic advance oxidation process used in waste water treatment...
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Crystal structures of aminotransferases Aro8 and Aro9 from Candida albicans and structural insights into their properties
PublicationAminotransferases catalyze reversibly the transamination reaction by a ping-pong bi-bi mechanism with pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP) as a cofactor. Various aminotransferases acting on a range of substrates have been reported. Aromatic transaminases are able to catalyze the transamination reaction with both aromatic and acidic substrates. Two aminotransferases from C. albicans, Aro8p and Aro9p, have been identified recently, exhibiting...
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Local atomic order in low Pt-content nanocatalysts investigated in situ by XAS
PublicationThe unique features of X-ray absorption spectroscopy allow investigations of nanosized catalysts for fuel cells under working conditions. We present the results of an experiment carried out on a low Pt content electrocatalyst supported by a mesoporous heteropolyacid salt and used at the cathode of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). The analysis of the EXAFS signal at the Pt L3-edge indicates that upon operating the fuel...
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Unconditionally blue: Curing epoxy with polyethylene glycol (PEG) surface-functionalized Zn Fe3-O4 magnetic nanoparticles
PublicationNanoparticles govern early (chemical-controlled) and late (diffusion-controlled) stages of epoxy crosslinking, respectively. Surface functionalization of nanoparticles with macromolecules was recognized as an effective route to compensate for inadequate diffusion-controlled crosslinking. However, the effect of bulk composition amended with cations having catalytic effect towards epoxy ring opening has remained hitherto undescribed....
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Facile preparation of extremely photoactive boron-doped TiO2 nanotubes arrays
PublicationDoping of TiO2 nanotube arrays with boron was realized via electrochemical treatment of as-anodized titania immersed in electrolyte containing boric acid. The photoactivity of doped and pure titania was examined by means of photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic response under UV-vis irradiation. The results showed that photocurrent density of B-TNTs is remarkably higher (7.5 times) than density of pure TiO2 nanotube arrays. Furthermore,...
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Application of wet powder spraying for anode supported solid oxide fuel cell with a perowskite SrTi0.98Nb0.02O3-d anode
PublicationAnode-supported solid oxide fuel cell with SrTi0.98Nb0.02O3–d anode, yttria-stabilized zirconia electrolyte and La(Ni0.6Fe0.4) O3d cathode has been successfully fabricated and evaluated. Process of anode support fabrication has been presented. Wet powder spraying and high temperature sintering method have been studied and applied to deposit the thin electrolyte layer.In order to improve catalytic properties of the anode, it has...
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CLAY MINERALS – MINERALOGY AND PHENOMENON OF CLAY SWELLING IN OIL & GAS INDUSTRY
PublicationAmong the minerals found in the earth's crust, clay minerals are of the widest interest. Due to the specific properties such as plasticity, absorbing and catalytic properties clay minerals are used in many industries (oil & gas, chemistry, pharmacy, refractory technology, ceramics etc.). In drilling, a phenomenon of swelling clays is frequently observed. It has an important impact on the cementing quality. During the last few decades...
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Fe local structure in Pt-free nitrogen-modified carbon based electrocatalysts: XAFS study
PublicationThe paper presents a new results on the bonding environment (coordination number and geometry) and on oxidation states of Fe in nitrogen-modified Fe/C composites used as Pt-free catalysts for oxygen reduction in Direct Hydrogen Fuel Cells. Starting from glucose or fructose, two catalysts displaying different electrochemical performance were prepared and studied in the form of pristine powder and thin catalytic layer of electrode...
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Exsolution of Ni nanoparticles on the surface of cerium and nickel co-doped lanthanum strontium titanate as a new anodic layer for DIR-SOFC. Anti-coking potential and H2S poisoning resistance of the prepared material
PublicationThe aim of this study was to evaluate a new catalytic material for biogas fueled DIR-SOFC. This material was a perovskite-type SrTiO3 doped with La, Ce and Ni of a general formula La0.27Sr0.54Ce0.09Ni0.1Ti0.9O3-σ (LSCNT). Additional preparation steps were undertaken to promote a nickel exsolution process. Heat post-treatment of powders in a humidified H2 resulted in an intensive growth of nickel nanoparticles (NPs) while the temperature...
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Synthetic Principles Determining Local Organization of Copolyesters Prepared from Lactones and Macrolactones
PublicationA highly effective and facile technique for catalytic ring-opening copolymerization (cROP) of lactones viz. ε- caprolactone and ε-decalactone with ω-pentadecalactone is being described. The reactions were mediated by Zn- and Cabased tridentate Schiff base complexes and benzyl alcohol as initiator. The catalysts were successfully employed for the preparation of numerous block and random copolymers. To unravel the composition of...
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Structural studies of a cold-adapted dimeric Beta-D-galactosidase from Paracoccus sp. 32d
PublicationThe crystal structure of a novel dimeric [beta]-D-galactosidase from Paracoccus sp. 32d (Par[beta]DG) was solved in space group P212121 at a resolution of 2.4 Å by molecular replacement with multiple models using the BALBES software. This enzyme belongs to glycoside hydrolase family 2 (GH2), similar to the tetrameric and hexameric [beta]-D-galactosidases from Escherichia coli and Arthrobacter sp. C2-2, respectively. It is the second...
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A conceptual design and numerical analysis of the mixerless urea-SCR system
PublicationIn the present study, an innovative design of the urea-selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system without conventional mixing elements was developed. The aim was to obtain a high degree of urea decomposition, and uniform ammonia distribution at the inlet to the catalyst, while minimising the liquid film deposition and keeping the compact design. The concept of the design was based on creating high turbulences and elongating...
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New approaches for improving selectivity and sensitivity of resistive gas sensors: A review
PublicationResistive gas sensors are very popular and reliable but suffer from low selectivity and sensitivity. Various methods have been suggested to improve both features without increasing the number of sensors in gas detection systems. Fluctuation enhanced gas sensing was proposed to improve gas detection efficiency by analyzing low-frequency resistance fluctuations, and noise parameters can be more informative than the single DC resistance...
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Synthesis of reduced graphene oxide nanosheets using nanofibers from methane and biogas thermal decomposition with various catalysts
PublicationReduced graphene oxide and graphene oxide (rGO, GO) were synthesised from carbon nanofibers, which were formed in catalytic thermal decomposition of methane (CDM) and biogas with different catalysts used in the process. The aim of the work was valorization of CDM carbon nanofiber products. The samples were characterized using Raman spectra, a scanning electron microscope and a transmission electron microscope. As a result, we observe...
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Pyrolysis Combined with the Dry Reforming of Waste Plastics as a Potential Method for Resource Recovery—A Review of Process Parameters and Catalysts
Publication: Emissions of greenhouse gases and growing amounts of waste plastic are serious environmental threats that need urgent attention. The current methods dedicated to waste plastic recycling are still insufficient and it is necessary to search for new technologies for waste plastic management. The pyrolysis-catalytic dry reforming (PCDR) of waste plastic is a promising pro-environmental way employed for the reduction of both CO2 and...
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Hydrogen Production Mechanism in Low-Temperature Methanol Decomposition Catalyzed by Ni3Sn4 Intermetallic Compound: A Combined Operando and Density Functional Theory Investigation
PublicationHydrogen production from methanol decomposition to syngas (H2 + CO) is a promising alternative route for clean energy transition. One major challenge is related to the quest for stable, cost-effective, and selective catalysts operating below 400 °C. We illustrate an investigation of the surface reactivity of a Ni3Sn4 catalyst working at 250 °C, by combining density functional theory, operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and high-resolution...
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Water-mediated long-range interactions between the internal vibrations of remote proteins
PublicationIt is generally acknowledged that the mobility of protein atoms and the mobility of water molecules in the solvation layer are connected. In this article, we answer the question whether a similar interdependence exists between the motions of atoms of proteins separated by the hydration layers of variable thickness. The system consisted of a kinesin catalytic domain and a tubulin dimer. It was studied using molecular dynamics simulations....
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Spray deposited carbon nanotubes counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells
PublicationCarbon nanotubes due to their catalytic properties are a promising alternative to platinum counter electrodes (CE) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). In this study, counter electrodes were made from double-walled carbon nanotube (DWCNT) ink using the spray printing technique and afterwards thermally treated at temperatures ranging from 120 to 300 °C. Morphology and structure was studied using scanning electron microscopy and...
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Spray-deposited carbon-nanotube counter-electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells
PublicationCarbon nanotubes due to their catalytic properties are a promising alternative to platinum counter electrodes (CE) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). In this study, counter electrodes were made from double-walled carbon nanotube (DWCNT) ink using the spray printing technique and afterwards they were thermally treated at temperatures ranging from 120 to 300 °C. Morphology and structure was studied using scanning electron microscopy...
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Detection of gaseous compounds with different techniques
PublicationSensing technology has been developed for detection of gases in some environmental, industrial, medical, and scientific applications. The main tasks of these works is to enhance performance of gas sensors taking into account their different applicability and scenarios of operation. This paper presents the descriptions, comparison and recent progress in some existing gas sensing technologies. Detailed introduction to optical sensing...
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Copper-based 2D-coordination polymer as catalyst for allylation of aldehydes
PublicationA copper-tartrate, [Cu2(Tart)2(H2O)2]·4H2O, was synthesized at room temperature in aqueous media using copper chloride and D-tartaric acid. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic system P21 space group and was characterized by infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, X-ray powder diffraction and the results are in good agreement with the single crystal...
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Mathematical modeling of hydrogen production performance in thermocatalytic reactor based on the intermetallic phase of Ni3Al
PublicationThe main goal of the following work is to adjust mathematical modelling for mass transfer, to specific conditions resulting from presence of chemical surface reactions in the flow of the mixture consisting of helium and methanol. The thermocatalytic devices used for decomposition of organic compounds incorporate microchannels coupled at the ends and heated to 500 oC at the walls regions. The results of the experiment were compared...
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Structural and electrochemical heterogeneities of boron-doped diamond surfaces
PublicationThis brief review is focussed on the recent progress in studies of the heterogeneous electrochemical behaviour of various boron-doped materials extending from zero-dimensional particles through polycrystalline or nanostructured three-dimensional surfaces. A boron-doped diamond reveals large heterogeneities induced by numerous factors, inter alia multi-faceted crystallinity, inhomogeneous boron concentration, sp2/sp3-carbon ratio,...
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Hydration of N-Hydroxyurea from Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics Simulations
PublicationN-Hydroxyurea (HU) is an important chemotherapeutic agent used as a first-line treatment in conditions such as sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia, among others. To date, its properties as a hydrated molecule in the blood plasma or cytoplasm are dramatically understudied, although they may be crucial to the binding of HU to the radical catalytic site of ribonucleotide reductase, its molecular target. The purpose of this work...
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Induced-fit binding of laccase to gold and carbon electrodes for the biological fuel cell applications
PublicationAnalogues of laccase natural substrates (syringic, veratric, ferulic, vanillic, isovanillic, 3,5-dimethoxybenzoic aldehydes) were employed to bind and orient laccase molecules in a way which facilitates adsorption of the catalyst molecules and their electrical connection with the conductive support. Laccase was bound efficiently to these substrates both on gold and carbon electrodes forming, respectively, 2D and 3D films sensitive...
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Nano-structured Pt embedded in acidic salts of heteropolymolybdate matrices: MS EXAFS study
PublicationA structural study of Pt nano-catalysts is presented in the paper. The innovation in the case of the considered catalytic materials resides in the use a meso-microporous inorganic matrix of heteropolyacid salt of composition X2.5H0.5YMo12O40 where X = Rb, Cs and Y = P, Si as a catalyst support. Metallic nanoparticles were created by platinum ions reduction in a hot H2/Argon stream and were mainly located into matrix pores. As the...
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π-Stacking attraction vs. electrostatic repulsion: competing supramolecular interactions in a tpphz-bridged Ru(ii)/Au(iii) complex
PublicationThe synthesis and characterization of a mixed metal ruthenium(II)/gold(III) complex bridged by tetrapyridophenazine (tpphz) are described. It is isostructural and isoelectronic to the well-known photocatalysts with palladium(II) or platinum(II). Concentration dependent 1H-NMR spectroscopy and XRD studies show that the electrostatic repulsion between the gold(III) moieties exceeds the attractive π-stacking interaction. Theoretical...
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The influence of dynamic load changes on temporary impedance in hydrogen fuel cells, selection and validation of the electrical equivalent circuit
PublicationTo achieve optimal performance of a fuel cell, a reliable monitoring and diagnostic method is required. The currently utilized methods give limited information or they are impossible to use under dynamic working conditions. To obtain comprehensive information about the fuel cell operation we utilized novel dynamic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Impedance measurements in dynamic mode were performed on a hydrogen fuel cell,...
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Versatility of putative aromatic aminotransferases from Candida albicans.
PublicationAmino acids constitute the key sources of nitrogen for growth of Candida albicans. In order to survive inside the host in different and rapidly changing environments, this fungus must be able to adapt via its expression of genes for amino acid metabolism. We analysed the ARO8, ARO9, YER152C, and BNA3 genes with regards to their role in the nutritional flexibility of C. albicans. CaAro8p is undoubtedly the most versatile enzyme...
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Molecular modeling and evaluation of novel dibenzopyrrole derivatives as telomerase inhibitors and potential drug for cancer therapy
PublicationDuring previous years, many studies on synthesis, as well as on anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial activities of the pyrazole derivatives have been described. Certain pyrazole derivatives exhibit important pharmacological activities and have proved to be useful template in drug research. Considering importance of pyrazole template, in current work the series of novel inhibitors were designed by replacing central...
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Stone cutting industry waste-supported zinc oxide nanostructures for ultrasonic assisted decomposition of an anti-inflammatory non-steroidal pharmaceutical compound
PublicationPowdered stone waste (PSW) obtained from a stone cutting industrial unit was applied as support for the immobilization of nano-sized ZnO to be utilized as an effective catalyst for the catalytic conversion of acetaminophen (ACE) under ultrasonication. The incorporation of ZnO nanostructures into PSW structure enhanced the specific surface area and pore volume of the as-prepared nanocompound. The change in the value of zero point...
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New approaches for improving selectivity and sensitivity of resistive gas sensors: a review
PublicationPurpose – This paper aims to present the methods of improving selectivity and sensitivity of resistance gas sensors. Design/methodology/approach – This paper compares various methods of improving gas sensing by temperature modulation, UV irradiation or fluctuation-enhanced sensing. The authors analyze low-frequency resistance fluctuations in commercial Taguchi gas sensors and the recently developed tungsten trioxide (WO3) gas-sensing...
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The Role of Electrostatics in Enzymes: Do Biomolecular Force Fields Reflect Protein Electric Fields?
PublicationPreorganization of large, directionally oriented, electric fields inside protein active sites has been proposed as a crucial contributor to catalytic mechanism in many enzymes, and it may be efficiently investigated at the atomistic level with molecular dynamics simulations. Here, we evaluate the ability of the AMOEBA polarizable force field, as well as the additive Amber ff14SB and Charmm C36m models, to describe the electric...
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Mechanism of reaction of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase from SARS-CoV-2
PublicationWe combine molecular dynamics, statistical mechanics, and hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics simulations to describe mechanistically the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). Our study analyzes the binding mode of both natural triphosphate substrates as well as remdesivir triphosphate (the active form of drug), which is bound preferentially over ATP by RdRp while...
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Properties of water in the region between a tubulin dimer and a single motor head of kinesin
PublicationA kinesin is a molecular motor that can perform movement on a microtubule track in a stepping-like manner. This motion is connected with processes of association and dissociation of kinesin and tubulin. Water is an important participant in these kinds of molecular interactions. This is why we have decided to investigate the dynamical and structural properties of water in the region between the kinesin catalytic domain and the tubulin...
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Tailoring a low-energy ball milled MnCo2O4 spinel catalyst to boost oxygen evolution reaction performance
PublicationThe development of cost-efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts is one of the most important tasks facing modern techniques for hydrogen production. In this work, for the first time, a low-energy ball milling process of MnCo2O4 (MCO) spinel powders, with a mechanical modification time exceeding 1 day was used. After 6 days of ball-milling, the obtained overpotential of the electrocatalyst reached the value of 375 mV...
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Preparation of Well-Compatibilized PP/PC Blends and Foams Thereof
PublicationThe performance of polypropylene-poly(ethylene brassylate) block and graft copolymers and a polypropylene-polycaprolactone graft copolymer as compatibilizers for polypropylene-rich polypropylene/bisphenol A polycarbonate (PP/PC, 80/20 wt/wt) blends was elucidated. The copolymers were synthesized either by metal-catalyzed ring-opening polymerization or transesterification of a presynthesized polyester, initiated by hydroxyl-functionalized...
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Toward Polyethylene–Polyester Block and Graft Copolymers with Tunable Polarity
PublicationThe synthesis and characterization of polyethylene–polyester block and graft copolymers and their potential as compatibilizers in polyethylene-based polymer blends are being described. The various routes to functionalized polyethylenes and the corresponding block/graft copolymers have been compared and evaluated for their scalability to industrial scale production. Hydroxyl chain-end and randomly OH-functionalized HDPE as well...
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Biowaste chicken eggshell powder as a potential cure modifier for epoxy/anhydride systems: competitiveness with terpolymer-modified calcium carbonate at low loading levels
PublicationBiowaste chicken eggshell (ES) powder was applied as a potential cure modifier in epoxy/anhydride systems. Cure behaviour and kinetics of composites filled with very low content (0.1 wt% based on epoxy resin) of ES, calcium carbonate (CaCO3), and terpolymer-modified fillers, mES and mCaCO3, were discussed comparatively. Surface analysis was performed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Cure kinetics was investigated by differential...
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Synthesis of Trehalose by the Erythritol-Producing Yeast Yarrowia lipolytica Co-Displaying Maltooligosyltrehalose Synthase and Maltooligosyltrehalose Trehalohydrolase
PublicationIndustrial trehalose production faces economic challenges with costly enzyme preparations, prompting the exploration of eco-friendly alternatives. Here, we established a coupled functional sugar production line leveraging erythritolproducing cells as an innovative enzyme preparation for trehalose synthesis. The erythritol-producing Yarrowia lipolytica was modified to express a fusion protein consisting of maltooligosyltrehalose synthase...
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Enzyme-linked carbon nanotubes as biocatalytic tools to degrade and mitigate environmental pollutants
PublicationA wide array of organic compounds have been recognized as pollutants of high concern due to their controlled or uncontrolled presence in environmental matrices. The persistent prevalence of diverse organic pollutants, including pharmaceutical compounds, phenolic compounds, synthetic dyes, and other hazardous substances, necessitates robust measures for their practical and sustainable removal from water bodies. Several bioremediation and...
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Multifunctional catalyst-assisted sustainable reformation of lignocellulosic biomass into environmentally friendly biofuel and value-added chemicals
PublicationRapid urbanization is increasing the world's energy demand, making it necessary to develop alternative energy sources. These growing energy needs can be met by the efficient energy conversion of biomass, which can be done by various means. The use of effective catalysts to transform different types of biomasses will be a paradigm change on the road to the worldwide goal of economic sustainability and environmental protection. The...
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Polyurethane/ground tire rubber composite foams based on polyglycerol: processing, mechanical and thermal properties
PublicationDuring the synthesis of rigid polyurethane foams, petrochemical polyol was substituted with polyglycerol, the product of thermo-catalytic polycondensation of waste glycerol, resulting from biodiesel production. Two types of ground tire rubbers, untreated and thermo-mechanically reclaimed, were used to obtain ‘‘green’’ polyurethane-polyglycerol composite foams. Samples were prepared by a single-step method for the ratio of NCO/OH...
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Fluoroaromatic substituents attached to carbon nanotubes help to increase oxygen concentration on biocathode in biosensors and biofuel cells
PublicationBased on the known ability of perfluorodecalin/perfluorohydrocarbons to enhance oxygen solubility we modified oxygen sensitive biocathode by adding perfluorinated components to the catholite. This procedure improved the efficiency of the oxygen sensitive cathodes. Glassy carbon electrodes covered with single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with covalently bonded perfluoroaromatic groups were shown to be more sensitive to oxygen,...
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The Influence of the Electrodeposition Parameters on the Properties of Mn-Co-Based Nanofilms as Anode Materials for Alkaline Electrolysers
PublicationIn this work, the influence of the synthesis conditions on the structure, morphology, and electrocatalytic performance for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) of Mn-Co-based films is studied. For this purpose, Mn-Co nanofilm is electrochemically synthesised in a one-step process on nickel foam in the presence of metal nitrates without any additives. The possible mechanism of the synthesis is proposed. The morphology and structure...
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Systems, Environments, and Soliton Rate Equations: Toward Realistic Modeling
PublicationIn order to solve a system of nonlinear rate equations one can try to use some soliton methods. The procedure involves three steps: (1) find a ‘Lax representation’ where all the kinetic variables are combined into a single matrix ρ, all the kinetic constants are encoded in a matrix H; (2) find a Darboux–Bäcklund dressing transformation for the Lax representation iρ˙=[H,f(ρ)], where f models a time-dependent environment; (3) find...
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Kinetics of molecular decomposition under irradiation of gold nanoparticles with nanosecond laser pulses—A 5-Bromouracil case study
PublicationABSTRACT Laser illuminated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) efficiently absorb light and heat up the surrounding medium, leading to versatile applications ranging from plasmonic catalysis to cancer photothermal therapy. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of the thermal, optical, and electron induced reaction pathways is required. Here, the electrophilic DNA nucleobase analog 5-Bromouracil (BrU) has been used as a model compound to...