scholarly journals Microbial Surfactants: The Next Generation Multifunctional Biomolecules for Applications in the Petroleum Industry and Its Associated Environmental Remediation

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 581 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel O. Fenibo ◽  
Grace N. Ijoma ◽  
Ramganesh Selvarajan ◽  
Chioma B. Chikere

Surfactants are a broad category of tensio-active biomolecules with multifunctional properties applications in diverse industrial sectors and processes. Surfactants are produced synthetically and biologically. The biologically derived surfactants (biosurfactants) are produced from microorganisms, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis Candida albicans, and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus as dominant species. Rhamnolipids, sophorolipids, mannosylerithritol lipids, surfactin, and emulsan are well known in terms of their biotechnological applications. Biosurfactants can compete with synthetic surfactants in terms of performance, with established advantages over synthetic ones, including eco-friendliness, biodegradability, low toxicity, and stability over a wide variability of environmental factors. However, at present, synthetic surfactants are a preferred option in different industrial applications because of their availability in commercial quantities, unlike biosurfactants. The usage of synthetic surfactants introduces new species of recalcitrant pollutants into the environment and leads to undesired results when a wrong selection of surfactants is made. Substituting synthetic surfactants with biosurfactants resolves these drawbacks, thus interest has been intensified in biosurfactant applications in a wide range of industries hitherto considered as experimental fields. This review, therefore, intends to offer an overview of diverse applications in which biosurfactants have been found to be useful, with emphases on petroleum biotechnology, environmental remediation, and the agriculture sector. The application of biosurfactants in these settings would lead to industrial growth and environmental sustainability.

Author(s):  
Emmanuel O. Fenibo ◽  
Grace N. Ijoma ◽  
Selvarajan Ramganesh ◽  
Chioma B. Chikere

ABSTRACT Surfactants are a broad category of tensio-active biomolecules with multifunctional properties applications in diverse industrial sectors and processes. Surfactants are produced synthetically and biologically. The biologically derived surfactants (biosurfactants) are produced from microorganisms with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis Candida albicans and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus as dominant species. Rhamnolipids, sophorolipids, mannosylerithritol lipids, surfactin, and emulsan are well known in terms of their biotechnological applications. Biosurfactants can compete with the synthetic surfactants in terms of performance with established advantages over the synthetic ones including eco-friendliness, biodegradability, low toxicity, and stability over a wide variability of environmental factors. However, at present, the synthetic surfactants are a preferred option in different industrial applications, because of their availability in commercial quantities, unlike the biosurfactants. Usage of synthetic surfactants introduce new species of recalcitrant pollutants to the environment and lead to undesired results where a wrong selection of surfactants is made. Substituting synthetic surfactants with biosurfactants resolves these drawbacks, thus, interest has been intensified in biosurfactant applications in a wide range of industries hitherto considered as experimental fields. This review, therefore, intends to offer an overview of diverse applications where biosurfactants have found useful, with emphases in petroleum biotechnology, environmental remediation and in the agriculture sector. Application of biosurfactant in these settings would lead to industrial growth and environmental sustainability.


2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zainab N. Jaf ◽  
Hussein A. Miran ◽  
Zhong-Tao Jiang ◽  
Mohammednoor Altarawneh

Abstract Owing to their remarkable characteristics, refractory molybdenum nitride (MoN x )-based compounds have been deployed in a wide range of strategic industrial applications. This review reports the electronic and structural properties that render MoN x materials as potent catalytic surfaces for numerous chemical reactions and surveys the syntheses, procedures, and catalytic applications in pertinent industries such as the petroleum industry. In particular, hydrogenation, hydrodesulfurization, and hydrodeoxygenation are essential processes in the refinement of oil segments and their conversions into commodity fuels and platform chemicals. N-vacant sites over a catalyst’s surface are a significant driver of diverse chemical phenomena. Studies on various reaction routes have emphasized that the transfer of adsorbed hydrogen atoms from the N-vacant sites reduces the activation barriers for bond breaking at key structural linkages. Density functional theory has recently provided an atomic-level understanding of Mo–N systems as active ingredients in hydrotreating processes. These Mo–N systems are potentially extendible to the hydrogenation of more complex molecules, most notably, oxygenated aromatic compounds.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-47
Author(s):  
Ana Barbosa ◽  
Lucas Da Silva ◽  
Ana Loureiro ◽  
Eduardo Marques ◽  
Ricardo Carbas ◽  
...  

Adhesive bonding is increasingly being used in industrial applications mainly due to its adaptability and ability to reliably join a wide range of materials. Numerous industrial sectors have now adopted adhesive bonding as a key manufacturing technology, with the automotive industry being the leader in adhesive usage. This is a key sector for the European Union (climate and energy policy, which has established a target of improving energy efficiency in the European Union by 20% by 2020. Consequently, this industry is constantly demanding lighter, stronger, more durable and more environmentally friendly materials. The increasing popularity of this technology is linked to the noteworthy benefits related with its application, compared to traditional joining process, such as welding or mechanical fastening process. With the increasing popularity of such joining techniques comes the necessity to train qualified professionals. The European Welding Federation developed a harmonized qualification system, which divides the training process into 3 levels: European Adhesive Bonder (EAB), Specialist (EAS) and Engineer (EAE). Currently, in Portugal, the first level of training, corresponding to European Adhesive Bonder is already in operation. The EAB level is accredited by the European Welding Federation (EWF) and therefore meets the requirements of EWF-515r1-10 and EWF-515r2-19 to which the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto is bound as a result of the accreditation as an ATB (Authorized Training Body). This training is targeted for professionals using adhesive bonding technology and professionals who do not currently use this technology but want to use it, and as such has a strong practical component. In Portugal, since 2016, three EWF certified editions have been held, with a high approval rate and met the expectations and objectives of the participants.


2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 1719-1734 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.B. Asamoah ◽  
E. Nyankson ◽  
E. Annan ◽  
B. Agyei-Tuffour ◽  
J.K. Efavi ◽  
...  

Clay minerals are phyllosilicate groups naturally found in soils in all parts of the world. They have proven to be among the most essential industrial minerals because of their unique physicochemical properties and versatile applications within a wide range of fields including ceramics, construction, and environmental remediation, biomedical as well as cosmetics. Clay minerals are also primary to the production of other materials such as composite for secondary applications. In Ghana, clay mineral deposits are commonly found in several areas including soil horizons as well as geothermal fields and volcanic deposits, and are formed under certain geological conditions. This review seeks to explore the geographical occurrence and discusses the current uses of various local clay materials in Ghana in order to highlight opportunities for the utilization of these materials for other applications.


Author(s):  
Jovana Pešić ◽  
Malcolm Watson ◽  
Snežana Papović ◽  
Milan Vraneš

Background: Over the last two decades, thousands of scientific papers and many patents have been written relating to applications of ionic liquids, a family of compounds which garnered such huge interest due to their reputation as "green chemicals". This work reviews the recent literature to investigate the progress ionic liquids have made in their transition from academia to full-scale application in a variety of industries. Methods: For this review, key words related to ionic liquids and their possible applications were used to search patent databases such as Google patents. The recent patents thus discovered were tabulated and sorted by application, and the most significant patents identified. For each application of ionic liquids identified in the patent search, an additional review of the recent scientific literature was carried out, focussing on the relevant ionic liquids and their potential environmental impact. Results: Patents involving ionic liquids were found for a variety of industrial applications, including in chemical industry production technologies, nanotechnology, gas storage and environmental remediation. Despite the widespread interest of the chemical industry, which hopes to improve the environmental sustainability of their technologies by utilising ionic liquids, to date only a handful of full-scale processes which utilise ionic liquids have been successfully commercialised. That said, a large number of pilot studies have been carried out in recent years, and 62 patents and 270 scientific texts are summarised herein. and other industrial applications are also approaching the market. Conclusion: The properties of ionic liquids inhibit their entry into the atmosphere. However, their annual production is expected to increase drastically, raising urgent questions about their environmental impact, especially in water bodies. More research is thus required to identify and mitigate any risks ionic liquids might pose to the environment.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Ewen ◽  
Carlos Ayestaran Latorre ◽  
Arash Khajeh ◽  
Joshua Moore ◽  
Joseph Remias ◽  
...  

<p>Phosphate esters have a wide range of industrial applications, for example in tribology where they are used as vapour phase lubricants and antiwear additives. To rationally design phosphate esters with improved tribological performance, an atomic-level understanding of their film formation mechanisms is required. One important aspect is the thermal decomposition of phosphate esters on steel surfaces, since this initiates film formation. In this study, ReaxFF molecular dynamics simulations are used to study the thermal decomposition of phosphate esters with different substituents on several ferrous surfaces. On Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>(001) and α-Fe(110), chemisorption interactions between the phosphate esters and the surfaces occur even at room temperature, and the number of molecule-surface bonds increases as the temperature is increased from 300 to 1000 K. Conversely, on hydroxylated, amorphous Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>, most of the molecules are physisorbed, even at high temperature. Thermal decomposition rates were much higher on Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>(001) and particularly α-Fe(110) compared to hydroxylated, amorphous Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>. This suggests that water passivates ferrous surfaces and inhibits phosphate ester chemisorption, decomposition, and ultimately film formation. On Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>(001), thermal decomposition proceeds mainly through C-O cleavage (to form surface alkyl and aryl groups) and C-H cleavage (to form surface hydroxyls). The onset temperature for C-O cleavage on Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>(001) increases in the order: tertiary alkyl < secondary alkyl < primary linear alkyl ≈ primary branched alkyl < aryl. This order is in agreement with experimental observations for the thermal stability of antiwear additives with similar substituents. The results highlight surface and substituent effects on the thermal decomposition of phosphate esters which should be helpful for the design of new molecules with improved performance.</p>


Alloy Digest ◽  
1970 ◽  
Vol 19 (11) ◽  

Abstract PLATINUM is a soft, ductile, white metal which can be readily worked either hot or cold. It has a wide range of industrial applications because of its excellent corrosion and oxidation resistance and its high melting point. This datasheet provides information on composition, physical properties, hardness, elasticity, and tensile properties. It also includes information on high temperature performance and corrosion resistance as well as forming, heat treating, machining, and joining. Filing Code: Pt-1. Producer or source: Matthey Bishop Inc..


2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 787-796 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marek Kieliszek ◽  
Kamil Piwowarek ◽  
Anna M. Kot ◽  
Katarzyna Pobiega

AbstractCellular biomass of microorganisms can be effectively used in the treatment of waste from various branches of the agro-food industry. Urbanization processes and economic development, which have been intensifying in recent decades, lead to the degradation of the natural environment. In the first half of the 20th century, problems related to waste management were not as serious and challenging as they are today. The present situation forces the use of modern technologies and the creation of innovative solutions for environmental protection. Waste of industrial origin are difficult to recycle and require a high financial outlay, while the organic waste of animal and plant origins, such as potato wastewater, whey, lignin, and cellulose, is dominant. In this article, we describe the possibilities of using microorganisms for the utilization of various waste products. A solution to reduce the costs of waste disposal is the use of yeast biomass. Management of waste products using yeast biomass has made it possible to generate new metabolites, such as β-glucans, vitamins, carotenoids, and enzymes, which have a wide range of industrial applications. Exploration and discovery of new areas of applications of yeast, fungal, and bacteria cells can lead to an increase in their effective use in many fields of biotechnology.


Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 1711
Author(s):  
Heba A. Gad ◽  
Autumn Roberts ◽  
Samirah H. Hamzi ◽  
Haidy A. Gad ◽  
Ilham Touiss ◽  
...  

Jojoba is a widely used medicinal plant that is cultivated worldwide. Its seeds and oil have a long history of use in folklore to treat various ailments, such as skin and scalp disorders, superficial wounds, sore throat, obesity, and cancer; for improvement of liver functions, enhancement of immunity, and promotion of hair growth. Extensive studies on Jojoba oil showed a wide range of pharmacological applications, including antioxidant, anti-acne and antipsoriasis, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antipyretic, analgesic, antimicrobial, and anti-hyperglycemia activities. In addition, Jojoba oil is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry, especially in cosmetics for topical, transdermal, and parenteral preparations. Jojoba oil also holds value in the industry as an anti-rodent, insecticides, lubricant, surfactant, and a source for the production of bioenergy. Jojoba oil is considered among the top-ranked oils due to its wax, which constitutes about 98% (mainly wax esters, few free fatty acids, alcohols, and hydrocarbons). In addition, sterols and vitamins with few triglyceride esters, flavonoids, phenolic and cyanogenic compounds are also present. The present review represents an updated literature survey about the chemical composition of jojoba oil, its physical properties, pharmacological activities, pharmaceutical and industrial applications, and toxicity.


Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (14) ◽  
pp. 4672
Author(s):  
Mohamed H. Hassan ◽  
Cian Vyas ◽  
Bruce Grieve ◽  
Paulo Bartolo

The detection of glucose is crucial in the management of diabetes and other medical conditions but also crucial in a wide range of industries such as food and beverages. The development of glucose sensors in the past century has allowed diabetic patients to effectively manage their disease and has saved lives. First-generation glucose sensors have considerable limitations in sensitivity and selectivity which has spurred the development of more advanced approaches for both the medical and industrial sectors. The wide range of application areas has resulted in a range of materials and fabrication techniques to produce novel glucose sensors that have higher sensitivity and selectivity, lower cost, and are simpler to use. A major focus has been on the development of enzymatic electrochemical sensors, typically using glucose oxidase. However, non-enzymatic approaches using direct electrochemistry of glucose on noble metals are now a viable approach in glucose biosensor design. This review discusses the mechanisms of electrochemical glucose sensing with a focus on the different generations of enzymatic-based sensors, their recent advances, and provides an overview of the next generation of non-enzymatic sensors. Advancements in manufacturing techniques and materials are key in propelling the field of glucose sensing, however, significant limitations remain which are highlighted in this review and requires addressing to obtain a more stable, sensitive, selective, cost efficient, and real-time glucose sensor.


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