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At least 433 records · Page 24

Hydrogen production from full-strength corn stover fermentation effluent in single-chamber replaceable-cathode microbial electrolysis cells

Lignocellulosic residual biomass generated by the agricultural sector is an abundant feedstock for biohydrogen production via dark fermentation. However, this process is intrinsically inefficient, converting only ~30% of the reductant energy into H2 and leaving substantial amounts of reduced byproducts. These byproducts, mostly found in the fermentation effluents, can be further valorized in microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) to enhance the overall H2 recovery. However, current MEC configurations are typically dual- or single-chamber systems, yet both suffer from key inefficiencies. Dual-chamber systems rely on proton exchange membranes that are costly and prone to rapid biofouling, whereas single-chamber, membraneless systems are limited by reduced productivity due to H2 recycling and methanogenic consumption In this study, three single-chamber, 50-mL replaceable-cathode microbial electrolysis cells (RC-MECs) were 3D-printed and equipped with a physical separator to isolate anode and cathode compartments and limit H2 migration. Full-strength milled corn stover (MCS) fermentation effluent (COD of ~23.8 g-COD/L) was treated in fed-batch mode over two operational periods spanning 21 (Run 1) and 80 (Run 2) days. The RC-MECs exhibited comparable performance in both runs: after biofilm maturation, current densities exceeded 100 A/m²_cathode, COD removal reached up to 43%. Notably, extended RC-MECs operation led to a substantial methanogenic activity with the CH4 fraction in the cathode gas increasing to as high as 80% of the total biogas. Additions of a methanogenesis inhibitor 2-bromoethanesulfonate (2-BES) produced transient increases in hydrogen yields (11.51 and 5.12 L-H2/L_reactor/day in Runs 1 and 2, respectively); however, sustained 2-BES addition in subsequent cycles reduced total biogas production, decreased COD removal, and led to volatile fatty acid accumulation. Overall, single-chamber MECs can treat high-strength dark fermentation effluents while improving H2 recovery, but methanogenesis remains a key bottleneck, and complete long-term inhibition may be operationally unsustainable.

Hydrogen Production↗

Effects of ingested nanocellulose on intestinal microbiota and homeostasis in Wistar Han rats

Micron scale crystalline and fibrillar cellulose materials are “generally regarded as safe” (GRAS) as binders and thickeners in food products. Yet, partly due to a lack of relevant toxicological data, nanocellulose (NC) materials, which have unique properties that can be exploited to improve food quality and safety, have yet to receive FDA approval as food ingredients. Results of in vitro and in vivo toxicological studies of ingested NC, detailed in a recent companion report, revealed minimal acute in vitro cytotoxicity, and no toxicity in a subacute rat gavage model, suggesting that NC materials are non-hazardous. However, ingested materials may also modulate gut microbial populations, or alter aspects of intestinal function not evaluated in standard totoxicity testing, which could have important health implications. Here, we report the results of studies of the effects of ingested cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) on the fecal microbiome and metabolome, intestinal (ileal) epithelial cell mRNA expression of cell junction genes, and ileal cytokine production. Feces, plasma, and ileum samples were collected from Wistar Han rats before and after five weeks of biweekly gavages of water or cream, with or without 1% w/w CNF. Analysis of fecal microbial populations revealed that CNF caused changes in both genus and species diversity, with specific effects on species that produce short chain fatty acids, and that have been associated with increased IgA production and elevation of insulin levels. Fecal metabolomic analysis revealed relatively few effects of CNF, with significant changes in the levels of only ten metabolites out of 366 measured. Exposure to CNF also caused differential regulation of mRNA expression of several genes involved in epithelial cell junctions, and increased production of cytokines that both promote and inhibit proliferation of CD8 T cells. These perturbations in intestinal homeostasis contrast somewhat with the absence of in vitro and in vivo toxicity observed previously but would appear to represent minor effects. Additionally, the gut microbiome is highly sensitive to ingested substances, and such disturbances of the intestinal microbial ecosystem do not necessarily represent or predict meaningful pathology. Further studies, including chronic feeding studies, are needed to assess the real health implications, if any, of these changes.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Hydroxyapatite catalyzed hydrothermal liquefaction transforms food waste from an environmental liability to renewable fuel

Food waste is an abundant and inexpensive resource for the production of renewable fuels. Biocrude yields obtained from hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of food waste can be boosted using hydroxyapatite (HAP) as an inexpensive and abundant catalyst. Combining HAP with an inexpensive homogeneous base increased biocrude yield from 14 ± 1 to 37 ± 3%, resulting in the recovery of 49 ± 2% of the energy contained in the food waste feed. Detailed product analysis revealed the importance of fatty-acid oligomerization during biocrude formation, highlighting the role of acid-base catalysts in promoting condensation reactions. Economic and environmental analysis found that the new technology has the potential to reduce US greenhouse gas emissions by 2.6% while producing renewable diesel with a minimum fuel selling price of $1.06/GGE. HAP can play a role in transforming food waste from a liability to a renewable fuel.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Biophysical analysis of the plant-specific GIPC sphingolipids reveals multiple modes of membrane regulation

The plant plasma membrane (PM) is an essential barrier between the cell and the external environment, controlling signal perception and transmission. It consists of an asymmetrical lipid bilayer made up of three different lipid classes: sphingolipids, sterols, and phospholipids. The glycosyl inositol phosphoryl ceramides (GIPCs), representing up to 40% of total sphingolipids, are assumed to be almost exclusively in the outer leaflet of the PM. However, their biological role and properties are poorly defined. In this study, we investigated the role of GIPCs in membrane organization. Because GIPCs are not commercially available, we developed a protocol to extract and isolate GIPC-enriched fractions from eudicots (cauliflower and tobacco) and monocots (leek and rice). Lipidomic analysis confirmed the presence of trihydroxylated long chain bases and 2-hydroxylated very long-chain fatty acids up to 26 carbon atoms. The glycan head groups of the GIPCs from monocots and dicots were analyzed by gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry, revealing different sugar moieties. Multiple biophysics tools, namely Langmuir monolayer, ζ-Potential, light scattering, neutron reflectivity, solid state 2H-NMR, and molecular modeling, were used to investigate the physical properties of the GIPCs, as well as their interaction with free and conjugated phytosterols. We showed that GIPCs increase the thickness and electronegativity of model membranes, interact differentially with the different phytosterols species, and regulate the gel-to-fluid phase transition during temperature variations. These results unveil the multiple roles played by GIPCs in the plant PM.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Aim18p and Aim46p are chalcone isomerase domain–containing mitochondrial hemoproteins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Chalcone isomerases (CHIs) have well-established roles in the biosynthesis of plant flavonoid metabolites. Saccharomyces cerevisiae possesses two predicted CHI-like proteins, Aim18p (encoded by YHR198C) and Aim46p (YHR199C), but it lacks other enzymes of the flavonoid pathway, suggesting that Aim18p and Aim46p employ the CHI fold for distinct purposes. Here, we demonstrate using proteinase K protection assays, sodium carbonate extractions, and crystallography that Aim18p and Aim46p reside on the mitochondrial inner membrane and adopt CHI folds, but they lack select active site residues and possess an extra fungal-specific loop. Consistent with these differences, Aim18p and Aim46p lack CHI activity and also the fatty acid–binding capabilities of other CHI-like proteins, but instead bind heme. We further show that diverse fungal homologs also bind heme and that Aim18p and Aim46p possess structural homology to a bacterial hemoprotein. Collectively, our work reveals a distinct function and cellular localization for two CHI-like proteins, introduces a new variation of a hemoprotein fold, and suggests that ancestral CHI-like proteins were hemoproteins.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Improving dairy manure hydrolysis and acidification through microbial community restructuring by adaptation to hyperthermophilic conditions

Dairy manure (DM) contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and ecosystem degradation, yet its resistance to biodegradation hinders widespread bioprocessing applications. Lignocellulosic materials in DM pose a particular challenge because of their recalcitrance. Bioprocessing under hyperthermophilic (≥70 °C) conditions potentially offers an advantage over traditional fermentation temperatures due to enhanced activity of enzymes and the kinetics of enzymatic reactions. This can lead to a higher conversion rate and a greater extent of biomass hydrolysis and acidification. To test the validity of this hypothesis, the current study evaluated the efficacy of anaerobic hydrolysis and acidogenic fermentation of DM under mesophilic, thermophilic, and hyperthermophilic conditions. All inocula were adapted to corresponding temperatures but were derived from the same mesophilic source. Hyperthermophilic conditions resulted in superior DM hydrolysis efficiency (53%) compared to mesophilic (34%) and thermophilic (42%) conditions. The hyperthermophilic environment was particularly favorable to the decomposition of crude proteins and hemicellulose, which were reduced by 64% and 54%, respectively. Furthermore, hyperthermophilic fermentation also yielded the highest volatile fatty acid (VFA) production rate of 460 mg/L/day during the first four days, representing improvements of 50% and 90% over mesophilic and thermophilic conditions. In part, this was attributed to the enhanced production of branched-chain VFAs, including an increase of 6–10% in isobutyric acid and 12–13% in isovaleric acid. At hyperthermophilic conditions, however, there was no accumulation of VFAs during the days 5–8 of fermentation, which could be due to acetate conversion by the syntrophic acetate-oxidizing bacteria. A considerable gain in hydrolysis efficiency and VFA production rate were accompanied by a reduction in microbial diversity, which suggests that hyperthermophilic temperature is a favorable environment for the selection of organisms with enhanced DM hydrolysis and fermentation capabilities. A significantly increased relative abundance of xylanolytic Caldicoprobacter (23% of population) and proteolytic Thermovirga (9% of population) could be the major contributors to improved decomposition of hemicellulose and protein. As revealed by the techno-economic analysis, acidogenic fermentation of DM at 70 °C and a retention period of 4 days provides the greatest positive net present value, highest internal rate of return of 9.2%, and shortest investment payback period of 9 years. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that hyperthermophilic conditions enable superior deconstruction and bioconversion of lignocellulose-containing biomass into VFAs under reduced retention times, offering a promising approach for improving DM management and generating bioproducts.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Microbial interactions with phosphorus containing glasses representative of vitrified radioactive waste

The presence of phosphorous in borosilicate glass (at 0.1 – 1.3 mol % P 2 O 5 ) and in iron-phosphate glass (at 53 mol % P 2 O 5 ) stimulated the growth and metabolic activity of anaerobic bacteria in model systems. Dissolution of these phosphorous containing glasses was either inhibited or accelerated by microbial metabolic activity, depending on the solution chemistry and the glass composition. The breakdown of organic carbon to volatile fatty acids increased glass dissolution. The interaction of microbially reduced Fe(II) with phosphorus-containing glass under anoxic conditions decreased dissolution rates, whereas the interaction of Fe(III) with phosphorous-containing glass under oxic conditions increased glass dissolution. Phosphorous addition to borosilicate glasses did not significantly affect the microbial species present, however, the diversity of the microbial community was enhanced on the surface of the iron phosphate glass. Results demonstrate the potential for microbes to influence the geochemistry of radioactive waste disposal environments with implication for wasteform durability.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Integrated lipidomic and proteomic profiling reveals metabolic network disruption by SARS-CoV-2 variants

The rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 has produced myriad viral strains with increasing transmissibility and capacity for immune evasion. While effective vaccination campaigns have reduced the fatalities associated with SARS-CoV-2, infections continue, and a detailed understanding of how this virus manipulates host biochemical pathways remains elusive. We asked both whether the patterns of host lipid rewiring remained consistent across variants and whether the changes in the abundance of lipid classes are related to changes in the expression of the enzymes involved in their biosynthesis. We compared global nontargeted lipidomics on A549-ACE2 cells infected with the delta variant (B.1.617.2), or the omicron (B.1.1.529) variant to our previous results of global nontargeted lipidomics on A549-ACE2 cells infected with the original WA1 strain and further performed quantitative proteomics to assess changes in the host proteome. We found that metabolic rewiring, both on the lipid and the enzymatic level, is remarkably consistent across all three variants. We further mapped changes in the expression of host metabolic enzymes, linking enzyme expression to alterations in the abundance of specific lipids during infection. This analysis identified key proteins related to virus-mediated changes in lipid abundance, including fatty acid synthase (FASN), lysosomal acid lipase (LIPA), and ORMDL, a regulator of sphingolipid biosynthesis. These integrated lipidomic and proteomic experiments shed light on the importance of the complex network of host metabolism networks that support SARS-CoV-2 infection and suggest that lipid metabolism may be a promising avenue for uncovering conserved therapeutic targets.

SARS-CoV-2↗

Analysis of phospholipids and triacylglycerols in intravenous lipid emulsions

Intravenous lipid emulsions (ILEs) are used for parenteral nutrition, providing a vital source of essential fatty acids and concentrated energy for patients who are unable to absorb nutrients via the digestive track. They are commonly used to treat local and non-local anesthetic toxicity, and lipophilic drug overdose. ILE are composed of natural lipids, and the composition of these natural lipids can be varied based on their source. The lipids are susceptible to hydrolytic degradation with time, resulting various lipid degradation products such as Lysophosphatidylcholines (LPs), affecting the actual composition of nutrients in the formulation. As a result, the identification and quantification of lipid components, including degradation products, in ILEs are crucial in quality control. In this study, lipids from different batches of ILE Intralipid® 20%, were separated and identified using a UHPLC-ESI-QTOF system and SimLipid® high throughput lipid identification software. Out of 47 lipids identified, 34 were phospholipids (PLs) and the others were triacylglycerols (TAGs). Most of the phospholipids detected were phosphatidylcholines (PC) and Lysophosphatidylcholines (LPC). A total of 9 LPCs, 18 PCs, 6 phosphoethanolamines (PEs), and 1 sphingomyelin (SM) were identified. The LPCs concentration changed with the manufacturing date and storage time. Furthermore, this UHPLC method enabled the identification and quantification of lipids and their decomposition products in complex ILE emulsion mixtures on a single 20-minute chromatographic run.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Cooling and dietary crude protein affected milk production on heat-stressed dairy cows

Environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity, exert dramatic effects on the production, health, and well-being of lactating dairy cows. Heat-stressed cows undergo a series of homeorhetic adaptations that alters cellular homeostasis and nutrient utilization. As such, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of cooling and dietary crude protein (CP) content on fermentability of rumen inoculum, milk production, and health of heat-stressed cows. It was hypothesized that cooled but not heat-stressed cows would support productivity in response to an increase in dietary CP content. Thirty-six multiparous Holstein cows were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (9 cows/treatment). Treatments consisted of cooling (CO) or moderate long-term heat stress (HS) and diets containing low CP content (LCP; 12.5% CP) or moderate CP content (MCP; 16.1% CP) of dry matter. The CO treatment provided heat abatement with sprinklers and fans that came on at > 20.0°C, whereas the HS treatment did not provide sprinklers and fans. Cows were housed in pens in a freestall barn, and treatments were imposed for 21 d during July and August. Compared with the HS treatment, CO decreased afternoon rectal and vaginal temperatures (0.60 and 0.70°C) and afternoon respiration rate (27.6 breaths/min). Treatment interactions showed that compared with the LCP treatment, MCP increased milk fat yield (23%) in CO but not in HS cows. Compared with the LCP treatment, MCP decreased milk protein percent (0.14 units) in CO but increased milk protein percent (0.09 units) in HS cows. Rumen inoculum collected on d 21 showed a ~3-fold increase in total gas production in vitro in CO compared with the HS treatment. Relative to the LCP treatment, MCP increased plasma glucose and insulin and decreased total free fatty acids concentrations. In summary, under the conditions of this study CO but not HS cows responded to a CP stimulus by increasing productivity.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Chemically Inert Hydrocarbon-Based Slurries for Rapid Laser Sintering of Thin Proton-Conducting Ceramics

The process of rapid laser sintering of thin BaZrO 3 –BaCeO 3 -based proton-conducting electrolytes is being developed for easy fabrication of ceramic fuel cells and electrolyzers. However, cracks on the electrolytes caused by volume change due to chemical reactions between the basic ceramic constituents and the polar solvents during wet processing has been problematic. In order to address this issue, the use of chemically inert saturated-hydrocarbon-based slurries comprised of hexadecane, polybutene, and a long-chain saturated fatty acid were investigated in this work. By optimizing slurry composition and laser sintering conditions, a 20 mm long, 4 mm wide, 13.5-μm-thick and 97%-dense BaCe 0.7 Zr 0.1 Y 0.07 Sm 0.13 O 3-d membrane showing proton conductivity on the order of 10 –4 S•cm –1 at 600 °C was successfully prepared in just three seconds by laser sintering. As a result, the use of saturated-hydrocarbon-based slurries will facilitate wet processing and rapid laser sintering of proton-conducting ceramic electrolytes.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Atomic scale understanding of organic anion separations using ion-exchange resins

A combination of ab initio and classical molecular dynamic simulations was used to explore the adsorption/desorption and diffusion characteristics of ion-exchange resins for extraction of organic anions in electrically-driven separation processes. We considered two classes of carboxylate mixtures that are commonly encountered in bioprocessing separations: a short chain fatty acid mixture (acetate/butyrate) and an aromatic mixture (ferulate/coumarate). The suitability of several resin materials including PFC100E, IRC86, PFA444 and IRA67 was interrogated. The decomposition of the interaction energies by the symmetry-adapted perturbation theory and the classical molecular dynamic simulations of organic diffusion together reveal that the geometries of the organic anions and the functional groups of the resins, as well as their Columbic interactions, are the controlling factors in the diffusion process of the organic compounds in these resins. Additionally, classical simulations also show that modifying the functionality of resin beads, the magnitude of electric fields, and the ratio of organic mixtures may provide an effective way to control the diffusion rate and obtain selective separation of these organic mixtures. Finally, a general suggestion for favorable separation conditions is summarized.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Using molecular simulation to understand the skin barrier

Skin's effectiveness as a barrier to permeation of water and other chemicals rests almost entirely in the outermost layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum (SC), which consists of layers of corneocytes surrounded by highly organized lipid lamellae. As the only continuous path through the SC, transdermal permeation necessarily involves diffusion through these lipid layers. The role of the SC as a protective barrier is supported by its exceptional lipid composition consisting of ceramides (CERs), cholesterol (CHOL), and free fatty acids (FFAs) and the complete absence of phospholipids, which are present in most biological membranes. Molecular simulation, which provides molecular level detail of lipid configurations that can be connected with barrier function, has become a popular tool for studying SC lipid systems. We review this ever-increasing body of literature with the goals of (1) enabling the experimental skin community to understand, interpret and use the information generated from the simulations, (2) providing simulation experts with a solid background in the chemistry of SC lipids including the composition, structure and organization, and barrier function, and (3) presenting a state of the art picture of the field of SC lipid simulations, highlighting the difficulties and best practices for studying these systems, to encourage the generation of robust reproducible studies in the future. This review describes molecular simulation methodology and then critically examines results derived from simulations using atomistic and then coarse-grained models.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Potential impacts of Fukushima nuclear wastewater discharge on nutrient supply and greenhouse gas emissions of food systems

Seafood plays a critical role in promoting a nutritious and climate-friendly food system but faces challenges from marine contamination that pose food safety risks. Here, to address these challenges, we developed a Marine Pollution-induced Food System Risk Assessment and Response (MP-FSRAR) model to assess the impact of consumer perceptions of marine pollution risk events on nutrient supply and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Applying this model to the proposed Fukushima Nuclear Wastewater Discharge (FNWD) into the Pacific Ocean, we identified the potential variation in nutrient supply and GHG emissions resulting from changes in Chinese consumers' willingness to consume seafood under 12 scenarios. Our analysis revealed nutrient supply gaps in daily protein, minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids, ranging from 1.5 to 2.7 g/person, 2.5–4.5 mg/person, 5.6–10.3 mcg/person, and 0.08–0.14 g/person, respectively. Closing the protein gap in China would require an additional 3.2–15.8 billion kg yr -1 protein-rich foods, including aquatic, livestock, dairy, and pulses. Additional food supply would increase extra GHG emissions by 1–79 billion kg CO 2 e yr -1 , resulting in potential GHG emissions being transmitted to other countries through the trade chain. Furthermore, we found that the livestock-based food substitution pathway had 40 times higher GHG emissions than the plant-based one. Our MP-FSRAR model provides global stakeholders with new perspectives on the potential consequences of consumer perceptions of marine pollution risks and offers valuable insights for developing countermeasures to build a more resilient and low-carbon food system.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Renewable biohydrogen production from lignocellulosic biomass using fermentation and integration of systems with other energy generation technologies

Biohydrogen is a clean and renewable source of energy. It can be produced by using technologies such as thermochemical, electrolysis, photoelectrochemical and biological, etc. Among these technologies, the biological method (dark fermentation) is considered more sustainable and ecofriendly. Dark fermentation involves anaerobic microbes which degrade carbohydrate rich substrate and produce hydrogen. Lignocellulosic biomass is an abundantly available raw material and can be utilized as an economic and renewable substrate for biohydrogen production. Although there are many hurdles, continuous advancements in lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment technology, microbial fermentation (mixed substrate and co-culture fermentation), the involvement of molecular biology techniques, and understanding of various factors (pH, T, addition of nanomaterials) effect on biohydrogen productivity and yield render this technology efficient and capable to meet future energy demands. Further integration of biohydrogen production technology with other products such as bio-alcohol, volatile fatty acids (VFAs), and methane have the potential to improve the efficiency and economics of the overall process. In this study, various methods used for lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment, technologies in trends to produce and improve biohydrogen production, a coproduction of other energy resources, and techno-economic analysis of biohydrogen production from lignocellulosic biomass are reviewed.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Estimating induced land use change emissions for sustainable aviation biofuel pathways

Sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) are expected to play an essential role in achieving the aviation industries’ goal of carbon-neutral growth. However, producing biomass-based SAFs may induce changes in global land use and the associated carbon stock. The induced land use change (ILUC) emissions, as a part of the full life-cycle emissions for SAF pathways, will affect whether and to what extent SAFs reduce emissions compared with petroleum-based jet fuels. Here, we estimate the ILUC emission intensity for seventeen SAF pathways considered by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), covering five ASTM-certified technologies, nine biomass-based feedstocks, and four geographical regions. We introduce the SAF pathways into a well-established computable general equilibrium (CGE) model, GTAP-BIO, and its coupled emission accounting model, AEZ-EF, to study economy-wide implications of SAF production and estimate ILUC emissions intensity for each pathway. The estimated SAF ILUC emission intensities, using a 25-year amortization period, range from -58.5 g CO 2 e MJ -1 for the USA miscanthus alcohol (isobutanol)-to-jet (ATJ) pathway to 34.6 g CO 2 e MJ -1 for the Malaysia & Indonesia palm oil Hydrotreated Esters of Fatty Acids (HEFA) pathway. Notably, the vegetable oil pathways tend to have higher ILUC emission intensities due to their linkage to palm expansion and peatland oxidation in Southeast Asia. The cellulosic pathways studied provide negative ILUC emissions, mainly driven by the high carbon sequestrations in crop biomass and soil. Using the core life-cycle emissions established by ICAO, we show that fifteen of the assessed pathways have a lower full life-cycle emission intensity than petroleum-based jet fuels (89 g CO 2 e MJ -1 ), offering promising options to reduce aviation emissions.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗