Biochemical Engineering(BCE)discipline had largely developed from fermentation technology studies from 1950s through 1960s when fermentation emerged as the core technology able to address multiple industrial needs ran...Biochemical Engineering(BCE)discipline had largely developed from fermentation technology studies from 1950s through 1960s when fermentation emerged as the core technology able to address multiple industrial needs ranging from health care products such as antibiotics;food products such as single cell proteins,amino acids,organic acids,and vitamins;liquid fuels and chemicals such as ethanol and acetic acid;and industrial enzymes.展开更多
Recent advancements in the field of musculoskeletaltissue engineering have raised an increasing interest in the regeneration of the anterior cruciate ligament(ACL). It is the aim of this article to review the current ...Recent advancements in the field of musculoskeletaltissue engineering have raised an increasing interest in the regeneration of the anterior cruciate ligament(ACL). It is the aim of this article to review the current research efforts and highlight promising tissue engineering strategies. The four main components of tissue engineering also apply in several ACL regeneration research efforts. Scaffolds from biological materials, biodegradable polymers and composite materials are used. The main cell sources are mesenchymal stem cells and ACL fibroblasts. In addition, growth factors and mechanical stimuli are applied. So far, the regenerated ACL constructs have been tested in a few animal studies and the results are encouraging. The different strategies, from in vitro ACL regeneration in bioreactor systems to bio-enhanced repair and regeneration, are under constant development. We expect considerable progress in the near future that will result in a realistic option for ACL surgery soon.展开更多
Tackling the problem of poor conductivity and catalytic stability of pristine metal-organic frameworks(MOFs) is crucial to improve their oxygen evolution reaction(OER) performance.Herein,we introduce a novel strategy ...Tackling the problem of poor conductivity and catalytic stability of pristine metal-organic frameworks(MOFs) is crucial to improve their oxygen evolution reaction(OER) performance.Herein,we introduce a novel strategy of dysprosium(Dy) doping,using the unique 4f orbitals of this rare earth element to enhance electrocatalytic activity of MOFs.Our method involves constructing Dy-doped Ni-MOF(Dy@Ni-MOF) nanoneedles on carbon cloth via a Dy-induced valence electronic perturbation approach.Experiments and density functional theory(DFT) calculations reveal that Dy doping can effectively modify the electronic structure of the Ni active centers and foster a strong electronic interaction between Ni and Dy.The resulting benefits include a reduced work function and a closer proximity of the d-band center to the Fermi level,which is conducive to improving electrical conductivity and promoting the adsorption of oxygen-containing intermediates.Furthermore,the Dy@Ni-MOF achieves superhydrophilicity,ensuring effective electrolyte contact and thus accelerating reaction kinetics,Ex-situ and in-situ analysis results manifest Dy_(2)O_(3)/NiOOH as the actual active species.Therefore,Dy@Ni-MOF shows impressive OER performance,significantly surpassing Ni-MOF.Besides,the overall water splitting device with Dy@NiMOF as an anode delivers a low cell voltage of 1.51 V at 10 mA cm^(-2) and demonstrates long-term stability for 100 h,positioning it as a promising substitute for precious metal catalysts.展开更多
The inherent shortcomings of a zinc anode in aqueous zinc‐ion batteries(ZIBs)such as zinc dendrites and side reactions severely limit their practical application.Herein,to address these issues,an ion‐oriented transp...The inherent shortcomings of a zinc anode in aqueous zinc‐ion batteries(ZIBs)such as zinc dendrites and side reactions severely limit their practical application.Herein,to address these issues,an ion‐oriented transport channel constructed by graphdiyne(GDY)nanowalls is designed and grown in situ on the surface of a zinc electrode.The vertically stacked GDY nanowalls with a unique hierarchical porous structure and mechanical properties form a nanomesh‐like interface on the zinc electrode,acting as an ion‐oriented channel,which can efficiently confine the segmented growth of zinc metal in microscopic regions of hundreds of nanometers.In those microscopic regions,the uniform domain current density is effortlessly maintained compared with a large surface area,thereby inhibiting zinc dendrites effectively.Besides,due to the presence of the ion‐oriented channel,the modified zinc anode demonstrates long‐term stable zinc plating/stripping performance for more than 600 h at 1 mAh cm^(−2)in an aqueous electrolyte.In addition,full‐cells coupled with MnO2 show high specific capacity and power density,as well as excellent cycling stability with a capacity retention of 82%after 5000 cycles at 1 A g^(−1).This work provides a feasible and accessible surface engineering approach to modify the electrode interface for confined and dendrite‐free zinc deposition in aqueous ZIBs.展开更多
Developing highly efficient,durable,and non-noble electrocatalysts for the sluggish anodic oxygen evolution reaction(OER)is the pivotal for meeting the practical demand in water splitting.However,the current transitio...Developing highly efficient,durable,and non-noble electrocatalysts for the sluggish anodic oxygen evolution reaction(OER)is the pivotal for meeting the practical demand in water splitting.However,the current transition-metal electrocatalysts still suffer from low activity and durability on account of poor interfacial reaction kinetics.In this work,a facile solid-state synthesis strategy is developed to construct transition-metal sulfides heterostructures(denoted as MS_(2)/NiS_(2),M=Mo or W)for boosting OER electrocatalysis.As a result,MoS2/NiS2 and WS2/NiS2 show lower overpotentials of 300 mV and 320 mV to achieve the current density of 10 mA·cm^(-2),and smaller Tafel slopes of 60 mV.dec^(-1) and 83 mV.dec^(-1)in 1 mol·L^(-1) KOH,respectively,in comparison with the single MoS2,WS2,NiS2,as well as even the benchmark RuO2.The experiments reveal that the designed heterostructures have strong electronic interactions and spontaneously develop a built-in electric field at the heterointerface with uneven charge distribution based on the difference of band structures,which promote interfacial charge transfer,improve absorptivity of OH-,and modulate the energy level more comparable to the OER.Thus,the designed transition-metal sulfides heterostructures exhibit a remarkably high electrocatalytic activity for OER.This study provides a simple strategy to manipulate the heterostructure interface via an energy level engineering method for OER and can be extended to fabricate other heterostructures for various energy-related applications.展开更多
Biopharmaceuticals,such as proteins,peptides,nucleic acids and vaccines,bring about great hopes for the prevention and treatment of various diseases,but the industrialization of these products still faces challenges s...Biopharmaceuticals,such as proteins,peptides,nucleic acids and vaccines,bring about great hopes for the prevention and treatment of various diseases,but the industrialization of these products still faces challenges such as structural instability,inefficient bioactivity and low bioavailability.Ionic liquids(ILs),the marvelous solvent media with inimitable and tunable properties,may provide alternative solutions to overcome the above problems of biopharmaceutical industry.Progress has gradually been made through studies by combination of ILs with biomacromolecules.The applications involved the stabilization,protection,and delivery of biopharmaceuticals.Recent trends are being forwarded to using ILs in vaccines and nucleic acid drugs.However,challenges remain on the toxicity and safety issues.Besides,the cost of adding ILs to the benefits of biopharmaceuticals need to be considered.展开更多
Skin acts as protective barrier against a number of factors such as dust,opportunistic microbial and viral infections,regulates body temperature and waste discharge.Fibroblast cell population plays an important role i...Skin acts as protective barrier against a number of factors such as dust,opportunistic microbial and viral infections,regulates body temperature and waste discharge.Fibroblast cell population plays an important role in devclopment of skin architecturc.A scaffold having capability to support and enhance fibroblast growth is a viable option for wound dressing material which can shorten the time for wound to heal.In this work,Silk Fibroin(SF)and Xanthan(Xa)were blended in three ratios 80 SF:20 Xa(SFX82),60 SF:40 Xa(SFX64),and 50SF:50 Xa(SFX55)to create SF/Xa scaffold.Miscibility and other physicochemical properties of SF/Xa scaffold are functions of blending ratios and blend with the ratio 80 SF:20 Xa has the highest miscibility.Thermal properties of SF/Xa blends are a function of miscibility with SFX82 having superior thermal propertis of all fabricated scaffolds.The porosity of SF/Xa scaffolds is in the range of 67%to 50%,with pore size of 58.1 um-45.5 um,water uptake capacity of 92%-86%,and surface roughness of 49.95 nm-385 nm.SFX82 shows highest growth rate of L929 fibroblast cells indicating its superiority over other scaffolds for providing biological cues for the growth and proliferation of fibroblastic cells in natural environment.SFX82 scaffold is found to be most suitable for fibroblastic cells thereby enhancing the tissue regeneration at wound site.展开更多
1.Introduction Despite being widely known and investigated as a computer science discipline,artificial intelligence(AI)has attracted incomparable interest from researchers in diversified areas[1].In 1950,Alan Turing r...1.Introduction Despite being widely known and investigated as a computer science discipline,artificial intelligence(AI)has attracted incomparable interest from researchers in diversified areas[1].In 1950,Alan Turing raised the classic question that has inspired numerous researchers to date:“Can machines think?”[2].The ultimate benchmark of AI was set by Turing’s revised“imitation game.”展开更多
A short presentation of chemical engineering evolution,as guided by its paradigms,is exposed.The first paradigm–unit operations–has emerged as a necessity of systematization due to the explosion of chemical industri...A short presentation of chemical engineering evolution,as guided by its paradigms,is exposed.The first paradigm–unit operations–has emerged as a necessity of systematization due to the explosion of chemical industrial applications at the end of 19th century.The birth in the late 1950s of the second paradigm–transport phenomena–was the consequence of the need for a deep,scienti fic knowledge of the phenomena that explain what happens inside of unit operations.In the second part of 20th century,the importance of chemical product properties and qualities has become essentially in the market fights.Accordingly,it was required with additional and even new fundamental approaches,and product engineering was recognized as the third paradigm.Nowadays chemical industry,as a huge materials and energy consumer,and with a strong ecological impact,couldn't remain outside of sustainability requirements.The basics of the fourth paradigm–sustainable chemical engineering–are now formulated.展开更多
Biocatalysis in organic solvents(OSs)has numerous important applications,but native enzymes in OSs often exhibit limited catalytic performance.Herein,we proposed a computation-aided surface charge engineering strategy...Biocatalysis in organic solvents(OSs)has numerous important applications,but native enzymes in OSs often exhibit limited catalytic performance.Herein,we proposed a computation-aided surface charge engineering strategy to improve the catalytic performance of haloalkane dehalogenase DhaA in OSs based on the energetic analysis of substrate binding to the DhaA surface.Several variants with enhanced OS resistance were obtained by replacing negative charged residues on the surface with positive charged residue(Arg).Particularly,a four-substitution variant E16R/E93R/E121R/E257R exhibited the best catalytic performance(five-fold improvement in OS resistance and seven-fold half-life increase in 40%(vol)dimethylsulfoxide).As a result,the overall catalytic performance of the variant could be at least 26 times higher than the wild-type DhaA.Fluorescence spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulation studies revealed that the residue substitution mainly enhanced OS resistance from four aspects:(a)improved the overall structural stability,(b)increased the hydrophobicity of the local microenvironment around the catalytic triad,(c)enriched the hydrophobic substrate around the enzyme molecule,and(d)lowered the contact frequency between OS molecules and the catalytic triad.Our findings validate that computationaided surface charge engineering is an effective and ingenious rational strategy for tailoring enzyme performance in OSs.展开更多
Colloidal quantum dots(CQDs)are promising semiconducting materials,which can be used as a photoactive layer in various optoelectronic applications,because of their size-tunable bandgap energy,solution processability,a...Colloidal quantum dots(CQDs)are promising semiconducting materials,which can be used as a photoactive layer in various optoelectronic applications,because of their size-tunable bandgap energy,solution processability,and excellent optical and optoelectronic properties.In particular,these features have generated great interest in the development of CQD solar cells and led to a rapid increase in their power conversion efficiency.These improvements were enabled by many innovative approaches in terms of CQD’s surface chemistry and device architecture optimizations.In this review,a critical overview of the research progress in CQD solar cells is presented with a focus on the strategies adopted for achieving record efficiency in CQD solar cells.These strategies include the use of organic/inorganic surface ligands,pre-and post-treatment of CQDs,and solid-state/solution-phase ligand exchange.Additionally,we provide an understanding of the research history to inspire the rational design of next-generation CQD optoelectronic devices,such as solar cells,light-emitting diodes,and photodetectors.Recent research on the development of infrared CQD solar cells as complementary platforms to other solar cell technologies is also critically discussed to provide another perspective on CQD technologies.展开更多
The issue of opacity within data-driven artificial intelligence(AI)algorithms has become an impediment to these algorithms’extensive utilization,especially within sensitive domains concerning health,safety,and high p...The issue of opacity within data-driven artificial intelligence(AI)algorithms has become an impediment to these algorithms’extensive utilization,especially within sensitive domains concerning health,safety,and high profitability,such as chemical engineering(CE).In order to promote reliable AI utilization in CE,this review discusses the concept of transparency within AI utilizations,which is defined based on both explainable AI(XAI)concepts and key features from within the CE field.This review also highlights the requirements of reliable AI from the aspects of causality(i.e.,the correlations between the predictions and inputs of an AI),explainability(i.e.,the operational rationales of the workflows),and informativeness(i.e.,the mechanistic insights of the investigating systems).Related techniques are evaluated together with state-of-the-art applications to highlight the significance of establishing reliable AI applications in CE.Furthermore,a comprehensive transparency analysis case study is provided as an example to enhance understanding.Overall,this work provides a thorough discussion of this subject matter in a way that—for the first time—is particularly geared toward chemical engineers in order to raise awareness of responsible AI utilization.With this vital missing link,AI is anticipated to serve as a novel and powerful tool that can tremendously aid chemical engineers in solving bottleneck challenges in CE.展开更多
Spinel oxide(NiCo_(2)O_(4))has demonstrated great potential to replace noble metal catalysts for the oxidation reaction of air pollutants.To further boost the oxidation ability of such catalysts,in this study,a facile...Spinel oxide(NiCo_(2)O_(4))has demonstrated great potential to replace noble metal catalysts for the oxidation reaction of air pollutants.To further boost the oxidation ability of such catalysts,in this study,a facile surface-engineering strategy wherein NiCo_(2)O_(4) was treated with different alkali solvents was developed.The obtained catalyst(NiCo_(2)O_(4)-OH)showed a higher surface alkalinity and more surface defects compared to the pristine spinel oxide,including enhanced structural distortion as well as promoted oxygen vacancies.The propane oxidation ability of NiCo_(2)O_(4)-OH was greatly enhanced,with a propane conversion rate that was approximately 6.4 times higher than that of pristine NiCo_(2)O_(4) at a reaction temperature 193℃.This work sets a valuable paradigm for the surface modulation of spinel oxide via alkali treatment to ensure a high-performance oxidation catalyst.展开更多
The pursuit of alternative fuel generation technologies has gained momentum due to the diminishing reserves of fossil fuels and global warming from increased CO_(2)emission.Among the proposed methods,the hydrogenation...The pursuit of alternative fuel generation technologies has gained momentum due to the diminishing reserves of fossil fuels and global warming from increased CO_(2)emission.Among the proposed methods,the hydrogenation of CO_(2)to produce marketable carbon-based products like methanol and ethanol is a practical approach that offers great potential to reduce CO_(2)emissions.Although significant volumes of methanol are currently produced from CO_(2),developing highly efficient and stable catalysts is crucial for further enhancing conversion and selectivity,thereby reducing process costs.An in-depth examination of the differences and similarities in the reaction pathways for methanol and ethanol production highlights the key factors that drive C-C coupling.Identifying these factors guides us toward developing more effective catalysts for ethanol synthesis.In this paper,we explore how different catalysts,through the production of various intermediates,can initiate the synthesis of methanol or ethanol.The catalytic mechanisms proposed by spectroscopic techniques and theoretical calculations,including operando X-ray methods,FTIR analysis,and DFT calculations,are summarized and presented.The following discussion explores the structural properties and composition of catalysts that influence C-C coupling and optimize the conversion rate of CO_(2)into ethanol.Lastly,the review examines recent catalysts employed for selective methanol and ethanol production,focusing on single-atom catalysts.展开更多
The rare earth elements(REEs)extraction by chemical leaching from ion-adsorption type rare earth ores(IAREO)has led to serious ecological and environmental risks.Conversely,demand for bioleaching is on the rise with t...The rare earth elements(REEs)extraction by chemical leaching from ion-adsorption type rare earth ores(IAREO)has led to serious ecological and environmental risks.Conversely,demand for bioleaching is on the rise with the advantage of being environmental-friendly.As one of the organic acids produced by biological metabolism,citric acid was used to leach REEs and explore the performance and process.The results demonstrate that citric acid exhibits higher leaching efficiency(96.00%)for REEs at a relatively low concentration of 0.01 mol/L compared with(NH_(4))_(2)SO_(4)(84.29%,0.1 mol/L)and MgSO_(4)(83.99%,0.1 mol/L).Citric acid shows a preference for leaching heavy rare earth elements,with 99%leaching efficiency in IAREO,which shows higher capacity than(NH_(4))_(2)SO_(4)and MgSO_(4)(as inorganic leaching agents).Kinetic analysis indicates that the leaching process of REEs with citric acid is controlled by both the internal diffusion kinetics and chemical reaction kinetics,which is different from inorganic leaching agents.Visual Minteq calculations confirm that RE-Citrate is the main constituent of the extract solution in the leaching process of the IAREO,thereby enhancing the leaching efficiency of REEs from the IAREO.It suggests that citric acid may be used as a promising organic leaching agent for the environmentalfriendly extraction of REEs from IAREO.展开更多
The use of lithium-sulfur(Li-S)batteries is limited by sulfur redox reactions involving multi-phase transformations,especially at low-temperatures.To address this issue,we report a material(FCNS@NCFs)consisting of nit...The use of lithium-sulfur(Li-S)batteries is limited by sulfur redox reactions involving multi-phase transformations,especially at low-temperatures.To address this issue,we report a material(FCNS@NCFs)consisting of nitrogen-doped carbon fibers loaded with a ternary metal sulf-ide((Fe,Co,Ni)_(9)S_(8))for use as the sulfur host in Li-S batteries.This materi-al was prepared using transfer blot filter paper as the carbon precursor,thiourea as the source of nitrogen and sulfur,and FeCl_(3)·6H_(2)O,CoCl_(2)·6H_(2)O and NiCl_(2)·6H_(2)O as the metal ion sources.It was synthesized by an impreg-nation method followed by calcination.The nitrogen doping significantly in-creased the conductivity of the host,and the metal sulfides have excellent catalytic activities.Theoretical calculations,and adsorption and deposition experiments show that active sites on the surface of FCNS@NCFs selectively adsorb polysulfides,facilitate rapid adsorption and conversion,prevent cathode passivation and inhib-it the polysulfide shuttling.The FCNS@NCFs used as the sulfur host has excellent electrochemical properties.Its initial dis-charge capacity is 1639.0 mAh g^(−1) at 0.2 C and room temperature,and it remains a capacity of 1255.1 mAh g^(−1) after 100 cycles.At−20~C,it has an initial discharge capacity of 1578.5 mAh g^(−1) at 0.2 C,with a capacity of 867.5 mAh g^(−1) after 100 cycles.Its excellent performance at both ambient and low temperatures suggests a new way to produce high-performance low-temper-ature Li-S batteries.展开更多
This study introduces a cut-to-fit methodology for customizing bulk aramid aerogels into form factors suitable for wearable energy storage.Owing to strong intercomponent bonds within aramid-based building blocks,it is...This study introduces a cut-to-fit methodology for customizing bulk aramid aerogels into form factors suitable for wearable energy storage.Owing to strong intercomponent bonds within aramid-based building blocks,it is possible to delaminate layered bulk aerogel into flexible and thinner sheets,enabling efficient mass production.This process allows for precise customization of aerogel dimensions,shape,and elasticity,ensuring high resilience to deformation along with excellent thermal and impact resistance.Incorporation of conductive carbon nanotubes on the surface significantly enhances electrical conductivity and multi-catalytic activity while retaining the inherent advantages of aramids.These advancements facilitate the use of flexible and conductive electrodes as air cathodes in solid-state zinc–air batteries(ZABs),which demonstrate superior cyclic performance and lifecycles exceeding 160 h.Furthermore,aramid-based packaging provides superior protection for pouch-type ZABs,ensuring a consistent power supply even in severe conditions.These batteries are capable of withstanding structural deformations and absorbing physical and thermal shocks,such as impacts and exposure to fire.Moreover,the innovative reassembly of custom-cut single-pouch cells into battery modules allows for enhanced power output,tailored to wearable applications.This highlights the potential of the technology for a wide array of wearable devices requiring dependable energy sources in demanding environments.展开更多
The anti-inflammatory properties of silkworm pupa peptide(SPP)have been recognized for their potential benefits in colitis treatment.However,the underlying mechanism of SPP in colitis animal models remains unclear.The...The anti-inflammatory properties of silkworm pupa peptide(SPP)have been recognized for their potential benefits in colitis treatment.However,the underlying mechanism of SPP in colitis animal models remains unclear.The objective of our work was to investigate the improving effect and the mechanism of action of SPP on a mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced colitis.The findings suggested that SPP effectively eased ulcerative colitis(UC)symptoms in mice by decreasing disease activity index,ameliorating histopathological injury,and decreasing serum and colonic markers of inflammation.In addition,our research findings demonstrated that SPP restored intestinal barrier function by increasing the production of tight junction proteins such as zonula occludens-1(ZO-1),claudin-1,claudin-3,occludin,and adherens junction protein E-cadherin1.Further,SPP supplementation enhanced the concentration of short-chain fatty acids and positively altered the makeup of the gut bacteria in the mice's gut.These findings underscore SPP's ability to slow the progression of colitis and point to its possible use as a functional component in dietary supplements for the prevention of early-stage colitis.展开更多
Membrane fouling is the primary resistance to the continuous production of stirred membrane reactors.This work presents a laser-enhanced high-magnification telecentric imaging system(LEHTIS),which uses a high-magnific...Membrane fouling is the primary resistance to the continuous production of stirred membrane reactors.This work presents a laser-enhanced high-magnification telecentric imaging system(LEHTIS),which uses a high-magnification telecentric lens and laser-enhanced illumination to invasively capture the motion of particles on the membrane surface or near the membrane.The problems of working distance and particle interference in the stirred membrane reactor are solved to achieve the purpose of in-situ monitoring of membrane fouling.This method is suitable for high flow rates,high solid holdup,and small particle size systems,and the dynamic motion and accumulation of particles are preliminarily analyzed.It shows that the accumulation and desorption of particles on the membrane surface are related to the physical properties of the membrane surface.There is an intermittent rotational movement in the flow field near the membrane,and it tends to stabilize over time.The filtration process can be assessed by monitoring changes in the overall velocity and acceleration of particles near the membrane.The analysis of forces acting on individual particles is compared and validated with the force balance model to correct and accurately apply it to stirred membrane reactors.The development of LEHTIS provides an effective tool for in-situ monitoring of membrane fouling and optimizing the stirred membrane reactors for industrial applications.展开更多
Biocatalysis with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate(NADP)-dependent oxidoreductases faces a challenge in improving the efficiency of the costly cofactor utilization.Although enzyme fusion can offer cofactor ...Biocatalysis with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate(NADP)-dependent oxidoreductases faces a challenge in improving the efficiency of the costly cofactor utilization.Although enzyme fusion can offer cofactor regeneration,the high-volume input and limited cofactor recyclability still make the enzymatic processes unsustainable.Therefore,it is of great significance to reduce cofactor input in a fusion enzyme(FuE)system,but no successful practice has been reported.Herein,we design a decapeptide bridge,RRRQRRRARR(R10),with high affinity for NADPH to construct fusion oxidoreductases(phenylacetone monooxygenase and phosphite dehydrogenase)for ester synthesis and NADP recycling.The peptide bridge enables electrostatic cofactor channeling that transports NADPH/NADP^(+)across the peptide between the enzymes’NADP-binding pockets,so the fusion enzyme(FuE-R10)presents 2.1-folds and 2.0-folds higher conversions than mixed free enzymes and a flexible linker(GGGGSGGGGS)-fused enzyme,respectively,at NADPH/FuE of 0.1.The fusion enzyme,FuE-R5,bridged by a half-shortened linker,is proved more effective in facilitating cofactor channeling;compared to the mixed free enzymes,FuE-R5 exhibits two orders of magnitude reduction of NADPH input in ester synthesis.The work has thus demonstrated the potential of the cofactor bridging strategy in the development of sustainable cofactor-dependent cascade biocatalysis.展开更多
文摘Biochemical Engineering(BCE)discipline had largely developed from fermentation technology studies from 1950s through 1960s when fermentation emerged as the core technology able to address multiple industrial needs ranging from health care products such as antibiotics;food products such as single cell proteins,amino acids,organic acids,and vitamins;liquid fuels and chemicals such as ethanol and acetic acid;and industrial enzymes.
基金Supported by The City of Vienna(MA 27-Project 12-06)the Austrian's Working Compensation Board(AUVA)+1 种基金the Austrian Research Agency FFG,Bridge-Project,No.#815471the New Tissue Project,No.FFG#818412
文摘Recent advancements in the field of musculoskeletaltissue engineering have raised an increasing interest in the regeneration of the anterior cruciate ligament(ACL). It is the aim of this article to review the current research efforts and highlight promising tissue engineering strategies. The four main components of tissue engineering also apply in several ACL regeneration research efforts. Scaffolds from biological materials, biodegradable polymers and composite materials are used. The main cell sources are mesenchymal stem cells and ACL fibroblasts. In addition, growth factors and mechanical stimuli are applied. So far, the regenerated ACL constructs have been tested in a few animal studies and the results are encouraging. The different strategies, from in vitro ACL regeneration in bioreactor systems to bio-enhanced repair and regeneration, are under constant development. We expect considerable progress in the near future that will result in a realistic option for ACL surgery soon.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(52363028,21965005)the Natural Science Foundation of Guangxi Province(2021GXNSFAA076001)the Guangxi Technology Base and Talent Subject(GUIKE AD18126001,GUIKE AD20297039)。
文摘Tackling the problem of poor conductivity and catalytic stability of pristine metal-organic frameworks(MOFs) is crucial to improve their oxygen evolution reaction(OER) performance.Herein,we introduce a novel strategy of dysprosium(Dy) doping,using the unique 4f orbitals of this rare earth element to enhance electrocatalytic activity of MOFs.Our method involves constructing Dy-doped Ni-MOF(Dy@Ni-MOF) nanoneedles on carbon cloth via a Dy-induced valence electronic perturbation approach.Experiments and density functional theory(DFT) calculations reveal that Dy doping can effectively modify the electronic structure of the Ni active centers and foster a strong electronic interaction between Ni and Dy.The resulting benefits include a reduced work function and a closer proximity of the d-band center to the Fermi level,which is conducive to improving electrical conductivity and promoting the adsorption of oxygen-containing intermediates.Furthermore,the Dy@Ni-MOF achieves superhydrophilicity,ensuring effective electrolyte contact and thus accelerating reaction kinetics,Ex-situ and in-situ analysis results manifest Dy_(2)O_(3)/NiOOH as the actual active species.Therefore,Dy@Ni-MOF shows impressive OER performance,significantly surpassing Ni-MOF.Besides,the overall water splitting device with Dy@NiMOF as an anode delivers a low cell voltage of 1.51 V at 10 mA cm^(-2) and demonstrates long-term stability for 100 h,positioning it as a promising substitute for precious metal catalysts.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China,Grant/Award Numbers:21701182,21771187,21790050,21790051,22005323Frontier Science Research Project of the Chinese Academy of Sciences,Grant/Award Number:QYZDB‐SSWJSC052+1 种基金Taishan Scholars Program of Shandong Province,Grant/Award Number:tsqn201812111ICCAS Institute Research Project。
文摘The inherent shortcomings of a zinc anode in aqueous zinc‐ion batteries(ZIBs)such as zinc dendrites and side reactions severely limit their practical application.Herein,to address these issues,an ion‐oriented transport channel constructed by graphdiyne(GDY)nanowalls is designed and grown in situ on the surface of a zinc electrode.The vertically stacked GDY nanowalls with a unique hierarchical porous structure and mechanical properties form a nanomesh‐like interface on the zinc electrode,acting as an ion‐oriented channel,which can efficiently confine the segmented growth of zinc metal in microscopic regions of hundreds of nanometers.In those microscopic regions,the uniform domain current density is effortlessly maintained compared with a large surface area,thereby inhibiting zinc dendrites effectively.Besides,due to the presence of the ion‐oriented channel,the modified zinc anode demonstrates long‐term stable zinc plating/stripping performance for more than 600 h at 1 mAh cm^(−2)in an aqueous electrolyte.In addition,full‐cells coupled with MnO2 show high specific capacity and power density,as well as excellent cycling stability with a capacity retention of 82%after 5000 cycles at 1 A g^(−1).This work provides a feasible and accessible surface engineering approach to modify the electrode interface for confined and dendrite‐free zinc deposition in aqueous ZIBs.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foun-dation of China(21922814,22138012,21961160745,21921005,22178349,22078333,22108281 and 31961133019)Excellent Member in Youth Innovation Promotion Association,Chinese Academy of Sciences(Y202014)Shandong Energy Institute(Grant Number SEI 1202133).
文摘Developing highly efficient,durable,and non-noble electrocatalysts for the sluggish anodic oxygen evolution reaction(OER)is the pivotal for meeting the practical demand in water splitting.However,the current transition-metal electrocatalysts still suffer from low activity and durability on account of poor interfacial reaction kinetics.In this work,a facile solid-state synthesis strategy is developed to construct transition-metal sulfides heterostructures(denoted as MS_(2)/NiS_(2),M=Mo or W)for boosting OER electrocatalysis.As a result,MoS2/NiS2 and WS2/NiS2 show lower overpotentials of 300 mV and 320 mV to achieve the current density of 10 mA·cm^(-2),and smaller Tafel slopes of 60 mV.dec^(-1) and 83 mV.dec^(-1)in 1 mol·L^(-1) KOH,respectively,in comparison with the single MoS2,WS2,NiS2,as well as even the benchmark RuO2.The experiments reveal that the designed heterostructures have strong electronic interactions and spontaneously develop a built-in electric field at the heterointerface with uneven charge distribution based on the difference of band structures,which promote interfacial charge transfer,improve absorptivity of OH-,and modulate the energy level more comparable to the OER.Thus,the designed transition-metal sulfides heterostructures exhibit a remarkably high electrocatalytic activity for OER.This study provides a simple strategy to manipulate the heterostructure interface via an energy level engineering method for OER and can be extended to fabricate other heterostructures for various energy-related applications.
基金The authors are thankful for the financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.21808226,31970872,and 21821005).
文摘Biopharmaceuticals,such as proteins,peptides,nucleic acids and vaccines,bring about great hopes for the prevention and treatment of various diseases,but the industrialization of these products still faces challenges such as structural instability,inefficient bioactivity and low bioavailability.Ionic liquids(ILs),the marvelous solvent media with inimitable and tunable properties,may provide alternative solutions to overcome the above problems of biopharmaceutical industry.Progress has gradually been made through studies by combination of ILs with biomacromolecules.The applications involved the stabilization,protection,and delivery of biopharmaceuticals.Recent trends are being forwarded to using ILs in vaccines and nucleic acid drugs.However,challenges remain on the toxicity and safety issues.Besides,the cost of adding ILs to the benefits of biopharmaceuticals need to be considered.
文摘Skin acts as protective barrier against a number of factors such as dust,opportunistic microbial and viral infections,regulates body temperature and waste discharge.Fibroblast cell population plays an important role in devclopment of skin architecturc.A scaffold having capability to support and enhance fibroblast growth is a viable option for wound dressing material which can shorten the time for wound to heal.In this work,Silk Fibroin(SF)and Xanthan(Xa)were blended in three ratios 80 SF:20 Xa(SFX82),60 SF:40 Xa(SFX64),and 50SF:50 Xa(SFX55)to create SF/Xa scaffold.Miscibility and other physicochemical properties of SF/Xa scaffold are functions of blending ratios and blend with the ratio 80 SF:20 Xa has the highest miscibility.Thermal properties of SF/Xa blends are a function of miscibility with SFX82 having superior thermal propertis of all fabricated scaffolds.The porosity of SF/Xa scaffolds is in the range of 67%to 50%,with pore size of 58.1 um-45.5 um,water uptake capacity of 92%-86%,and surface roughness of 49.95 nm-385 nm.SFX82 shows highest growth rate of L929 fibroblast cells indicating its superiority over other scaffolds for providing biological cues for the growth and proliferation of fibroblastic cells in natural environment.SFX82 scaffold is found to be most suitable for fibroblastic cells thereby enhancing the tissue regeneration at wound site.
基金The Department of Science and Technology of Zhejiang Province is acknowledged for this research under its Provincial Key Laboratory Programme(2020E10018).
文摘1.Introduction Despite being widely known and investigated as a computer science discipline,artificial intelligence(AI)has attracted incomparable interest from researchers in diversified areas[1].In 1950,Alan Turing raised the classic question that has inspired numerous researchers to date:“Can machines think?”[2].The ultimate benchmark of AI was set by Turing’s revised“imitation game.”
文摘A short presentation of chemical engineering evolution,as guided by its paradigms,is exposed.The first paradigm–unit operations–has emerged as a necessity of systematization due to the explosion of chemical industrial applications at the end of 19th century.The birth in the late 1950s of the second paradigm–transport phenomena–was the consequence of the need for a deep,scienti fic knowledge of the phenomena that explain what happens inside of unit operations.In the second part of 20th century,the importance of chemical product properties and qualities has become essentially in the market fights.Accordingly,it was required with additional and even new fundamental approaches,and product engineering was recognized as the third paradigm.Nowadays chemical industry,as a huge materials and energy consumer,and with a strong ecological impact,couldn't remain outside of sustainability requirements.The basics of the fourth paradigm–sustainable chemical engineering–are now formulated.
基金funded by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2018YFA0900702).
文摘Biocatalysis in organic solvents(OSs)has numerous important applications,but native enzymes in OSs often exhibit limited catalytic performance.Herein,we proposed a computation-aided surface charge engineering strategy to improve the catalytic performance of haloalkane dehalogenase DhaA in OSs based on the energetic analysis of substrate binding to the DhaA surface.Several variants with enhanced OS resistance were obtained by replacing negative charged residues on the surface with positive charged residue(Arg).Particularly,a four-substitution variant E16R/E93R/E121R/E257R exhibited the best catalytic performance(five-fold improvement in OS resistance and seven-fold half-life increase in 40%(vol)dimethylsulfoxide).As a result,the overall catalytic performance of the variant could be at least 26 times higher than the wild-type DhaA.Fluorescence spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulation studies revealed that the residue substitution mainly enhanced OS resistance from four aspects:(a)improved the overall structural stability,(b)increased the hydrophobicity of the local microenvironment around the catalytic triad,(c)enriched the hydrophobic substrate around the enzyme molecule,and(d)lowered the contact frequency between OS molecules and the catalytic triad.Our findings validate that computationaided surface charge engineering is an effective and ingenious rational strategy for tailoring enzyme performance in OSs.
基金supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)grant funded by the Korea government(MSIT)of the Republic of Korea(Nos.2020R1C1C1003214,2021M3H_(4)A3A01063605,2021R1A4A3024237,and 2020R1C1C1012256).
文摘Colloidal quantum dots(CQDs)are promising semiconducting materials,which can be used as a photoactive layer in various optoelectronic applications,because of their size-tunable bandgap energy,solution processability,and excellent optical and optoelectronic properties.In particular,these features have generated great interest in the development of CQD solar cells and led to a rapid increase in their power conversion efficiency.These improvements were enabled by many innovative approaches in terms of CQD’s surface chemistry and device architecture optimizations.In this review,a critical overview of the research progress in CQD solar cells is presented with a focus on the strategies adopted for achieving record efficiency in CQD solar cells.These strategies include the use of organic/inorganic surface ligands,pre-and post-treatment of CQDs,and solid-state/solution-phase ligand exchange.Additionally,we provide an understanding of the research history to inspire the rational design of next-generation CQD optoelectronic devices,such as solar cells,light-emitting diodes,and photodetectors.Recent research on the development of infrared CQD solar cells as complementary platforms to other solar cell technologies is also critically discussed to provide another perspective on CQD technologies.
文摘The issue of opacity within data-driven artificial intelligence(AI)algorithms has become an impediment to these algorithms’extensive utilization,especially within sensitive domains concerning health,safety,and high profitability,such as chemical engineering(CE).In order to promote reliable AI utilization in CE,this review discusses the concept of transparency within AI utilizations,which is defined based on both explainable AI(XAI)concepts and key features from within the CE field.This review also highlights the requirements of reliable AI from the aspects of causality(i.e.,the correlations between the predictions and inputs of an AI),explainability(i.e.,the operational rationales of the workflows),and informativeness(i.e.,the mechanistic insights of the investigating systems).Related techniques are evaluated together with state-of-the-art applications to highlight the significance of establishing reliable AI applications in CE.Furthermore,a comprehensive transparency analysis case study is provided as an example to enhance understanding.Overall,this work provides a thorough discussion of this subject matter in a way that—for the first time—is particularly geared toward chemical engineers in order to raise awareness of responsible AI utilization.With this vital missing link,AI is anticipated to serve as a novel and powerful tool that can tremendously aid chemical engineers in solving bottleneck challenges in CE.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.22072069)the Key Laboratory of Hubei Province for Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials(Wuhan University of Science and Technology No.WKDM202303).
文摘Spinel oxide(NiCo_(2)O_(4))has demonstrated great potential to replace noble metal catalysts for the oxidation reaction of air pollutants.To further boost the oxidation ability of such catalysts,in this study,a facile surface-engineering strategy wherein NiCo_(2)O_(4) was treated with different alkali solvents was developed.The obtained catalyst(NiCo_(2)O_(4)-OH)showed a higher surface alkalinity and more surface defects compared to the pristine spinel oxide,including enhanced structural distortion as well as promoted oxygen vacancies.The propane oxidation ability of NiCo_(2)O_(4)-OH was greatly enhanced,with a propane conversion rate that was approximately 6.4 times higher than that of pristine NiCo_(2)O_(4) at a reaction temperature 193℃.This work sets a valuable paradigm for the surface modulation of spinel oxide via alkali treatment to ensure a high-performance oxidation catalyst.
基金the Canadian NRCan OERD Energy Innovation Programthe Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada,and the Carbon Solution Program for their financial support.
文摘The pursuit of alternative fuel generation technologies has gained momentum due to the diminishing reserves of fossil fuels and global warming from increased CO_(2)emission.Among the proposed methods,the hydrogenation of CO_(2)to produce marketable carbon-based products like methanol and ethanol is a practical approach that offers great potential to reduce CO_(2)emissions.Although significant volumes of methanol are currently produced from CO_(2),developing highly efficient and stable catalysts is crucial for further enhancing conversion and selectivity,thereby reducing process costs.An in-depth examination of the differences and similarities in the reaction pathways for methanol and ethanol production highlights the key factors that drive C-C coupling.Identifying these factors guides us toward developing more effective catalysts for ethanol synthesis.In this paper,we explore how different catalysts,through the production of various intermediates,can initiate the synthesis of methanol or ethanol.The catalytic mechanisms proposed by spectroscopic techniques and theoretical calculations,including operando X-ray methods,FTIR analysis,and DFT calculations,are summarized and presented.The following discussion explores the structural properties and composition of catalysts that influence C-C coupling and optimize the conversion rate of CO_(2)into ethanol.Lastly,the review examines recent catalysts employed for selective methanol and ethanol production,focusing on single-atom catalysts.
基金Project supported by the Thousand Talents Program of Jiangxi Province,China(JXSQ2023201003)National Natural Science Foundation of China(42107254)+4 种基金Science and Technology Major Program of Ordos City(2022EEDSKJZDZX014-2)Technological Innovation Guidance Program of Jiangxi Province(20212BDH81029)Rare Earth Industry Fund(IAGM2020DB06)Selfdeployed Projects of Ganjiang Innovation Academy,Chinese Academy of Sciences(E055A01)the Key Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(ZDRW-CN-2021-3-3)。
文摘The rare earth elements(REEs)extraction by chemical leaching from ion-adsorption type rare earth ores(IAREO)has led to serious ecological and environmental risks.Conversely,demand for bioleaching is on the rise with the advantage of being environmental-friendly.As one of the organic acids produced by biological metabolism,citric acid was used to leach REEs and explore the performance and process.The results demonstrate that citric acid exhibits higher leaching efficiency(96.00%)for REEs at a relatively low concentration of 0.01 mol/L compared with(NH_(4))_(2)SO_(4)(84.29%,0.1 mol/L)and MgSO_(4)(83.99%,0.1 mol/L).Citric acid shows a preference for leaching heavy rare earth elements,with 99%leaching efficiency in IAREO,which shows higher capacity than(NH_(4))_(2)SO_(4)and MgSO_(4)(as inorganic leaching agents).Kinetic analysis indicates that the leaching process of REEs with citric acid is controlled by both the internal diffusion kinetics and chemical reaction kinetics,which is different from inorganic leaching agents.Visual Minteq calculations confirm that RE-Citrate is the main constituent of the extract solution in the leaching process of the IAREO,thereby enhancing the leaching efficiency of REEs from the IAREO.It suggests that citric acid may be used as a promising organic leaching agent for the environmentalfriendly extraction of REEs from IAREO.
基金partially supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(52172250)Institute of Process Engineering(IPE)Project for Frontier Basic Research(QYJC-2023-06)。
文摘The use of lithium-sulfur(Li-S)batteries is limited by sulfur redox reactions involving multi-phase transformations,especially at low-temperatures.To address this issue,we report a material(FCNS@NCFs)consisting of nitrogen-doped carbon fibers loaded with a ternary metal sulf-ide((Fe,Co,Ni)_(9)S_(8))for use as the sulfur host in Li-S batteries.This materi-al was prepared using transfer blot filter paper as the carbon precursor,thiourea as the source of nitrogen and sulfur,and FeCl_(3)·6H_(2)O,CoCl_(2)·6H_(2)O and NiCl_(2)·6H_(2)O as the metal ion sources.It was synthesized by an impreg-nation method followed by calcination.The nitrogen doping significantly in-creased the conductivity of the host,and the metal sulfides have excellent catalytic activities.Theoretical calculations,and adsorption and deposition experiments show that active sites on the surface of FCNS@NCFs selectively adsorb polysulfides,facilitate rapid adsorption and conversion,prevent cathode passivation and inhib-it the polysulfide shuttling.The FCNS@NCFs used as the sulfur host has excellent electrochemical properties.Its initial dis-charge capacity is 1639.0 mAh g^(−1) at 0.2 C and room temperature,and it remains a capacity of 1255.1 mAh g^(−1) after 100 cycles.At−20~C,it has an initial discharge capacity of 1578.5 mAh g^(−1) at 0.2 C,with a capacity of 867.5 mAh g^(−1) after 100 cycles.Its excellent performance at both ambient and low temperatures suggests a new way to produce high-performance low-temper-ature Li-S batteries.
基金supported by‘Regional Innovation Strategy(RIS)’through the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)funded by the Ministry of Education(MOE)(2021RIS-002)supported by NRF grant funded by Ministry of Science,ICT and Future Planning(No.NRF-2018R1C1B6005009,NRF-2021R1C1C1012676,and 2009-0082580).
文摘This study introduces a cut-to-fit methodology for customizing bulk aramid aerogels into form factors suitable for wearable energy storage.Owing to strong intercomponent bonds within aramid-based building blocks,it is possible to delaminate layered bulk aerogel into flexible and thinner sheets,enabling efficient mass production.This process allows for precise customization of aerogel dimensions,shape,and elasticity,ensuring high resilience to deformation along with excellent thermal and impact resistance.Incorporation of conductive carbon nanotubes on the surface significantly enhances electrical conductivity and multi-catalytic activity while retaining the inherent advantages of aramids.These advancements facilitate the use of flexible and conductive electrodes as air cathodes in solid-state zinc–air batteries(ZABs),which demonstrate superior cyclic performance and lifecycles exceeding 160 h.Furthermore,aramid-based packaging provides superior protection for pouch-type ZABs,ensuring a consistent power supply even in severe conditions.These batteries are capable of withstanding structural deformations and absorbing physical and thermal shocks,such as impacts and exposure to fire.Moreover,the innovative reassembly of custom-cut single-pouch cells into battery modules allows for enhanced power output,tailored to wearable applications.This highlights the potential of the technology for a wide array of wearable devices requiring dependable energy sources in demanding environments.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2023YFF1103802)。
文摘The anti-inflammatory properties of silkworm pupa peptide(SPP)have been recognized for their potential benefits in colitis treatment.However,the underlying mechanism of SPP in colitis animal models remains unclear.The objective of our work was to investigate the improving effect and the mechanism of action of SPP on a mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced colitis.The findings suggested that SPP effectively eased ulcerative colitis(UC)symptoms in mice by decreasing disease activity index,ameliorating histopathological injury,and decreasing serum and colonic markers of inflammation.In addition,our research findings demonstrated that SPP restored intestinal barrier function by increasing the production of tight junction proteins such as zonula occludens-1(ZO-1),claudin-1,claudin-3,occludin,and adherens junction protein E-cadherin1.Further,SPP supplementation enhanced the concentration of short-chain fatty acids and positively altered the makeup of the gut bacteria in the mice's gut.These findings underscore SPP's ability to slow the progression of colitis and point to its possible use as a functional component in dietary supplements for the prevention of early-stage colitis.
基金Financial support from the National Key Research and Development Program(2022YFB3504000)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(22421003,22478391,22178345)the Youth Innovation Promotion Association CAS(Y2023012,2022045,2023052)。
文摘Membrane fouling is the primary resistance to the continuous production of stirred membrane reactors.This work presents a laser-enhanced high-magnification telecentric imaging system(LEHTIS),which uses a high-magnification telecentric lens and laser-enhanced illumination to invasively capture the motion of particles on the membrane surface or near the membrane.The problems of working distance and particle interference in the stirred membrane reactor are solved to achieve the purpose of in-situ monitoring of membrane fouling.This method is suitable for high flow rates,high solid holdup,and small particle size systems,and the dynamic motion and accumulation of particles are preliminarily analyzed.It shows that the accumulation and desorption of particles on the membrane surface are related to the physical properties of the membrane surface.There is an intermittent rotational movement in the flow field near the membrane,and it tends to stabilize over time.The filtration process can be assessed by monitoring changes in the overall velocity and acceleration of particles near the membrane.The analysis of forces acting on individual particles is compared and validated with the force balance model to correct and accurately apply it to stirred membrane reactors.The development of LEHTIS provides an effective tool for in-situ monitoring of membrane fouling and optimizing the stirred membrane reactors for industrial applications.
文摘Biocatalysis with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate(NADP)-dependent oxidoreductases faces a challenge in improving the efficiency of the costly cofactor utilization.Although enzyme fusion can offer cofactor regeneration,the high-volume input and limited cofactor recyclability still make the enzymatic processes unsustainable.Therefore,it is of great significance to reduce cofactor input in a fusion enzyme(FuE)system,but no successful practice has been reported.Herein,we design a decapeptide bridge,RRRQRRRARR(R10),with high affinity for NADPH to construct fusion oxidoreductases(phenylacetone monooxygenase and phosphite dehydrogenase)for ester synthesis and NADP recycling.The peptide bridge enables electrostatic cofactor channeling that transports NADPH/NADP^(+)across the peptide between the enzymes’NADP-binding pockets,so the fusion enzyme(FuE-R10)presents 2.1-folds and 2.0-folds higher conversions than mixed free enzymes and a flexible linker(GGGGSGGGGS)-fused enzyme,respectively,at NADPH/FuE of 0.1.The fusion enzyme,FuE-R5,bridged by a half-shortened linker,is proved more effective in facilitating cofactor channeling;compared to the mixed free enzymes,FuE-R5 exhibits two orders of magnitude reduction of NADPH input in ester synthesis.The work has thus demonstrated the potential of the cofactor bridging strategy in the development of sustainable cofactor-dependent cascade biocatalysis.
