Evolution of microscopic heterogeneity and dynamics in choline chloride-based deep eutectic solvents

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are an emerging class of non-aqueous solvents that are potentially scalable, easy to prepare and functionalize for many applications ranging from biomass processing to energy storage technologies. Predictive understanding of the fundamental correlations between local structure and macroscopic properties is needed to exploit the large design space and tunability of DESs for specific applications. Here, we employ a range of computational and experimental techniques that span length-scales from molecular to macroscopic and timescales from picoseconds to seconds to study the evolution of structure and dynamics in model DESs, namely Glyceline and Ethaline, starting from the parent compounds. We show that systematic addition of choline chloride leads to microscopic heterogeneities that alter the primary structural relaxation in glycerol and ethylene glycol and result in new dynamic modes that are strongly correlated to the macroscopic properties of the DES formed.

Establishment of Kluyveromyces marxianus as a Microbial Cell Factory for Lignocellulosic Processes: Production of High Value Furan Derivatives

The establishment of lignocellulosic biorefineries is dependent on microorganisms being able to cope with the stressful conditions resulting from the release of inhibitory compounds during biomass processing. The yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus has been explored as an alternative microbial factory due to its thermotolerance and ability to natively metabolize xylose. The lignocellulose-derived inhibitors furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) are considered promising building-block platforms that can be converted into a wide variety of high-value derivatives. Here, several K. marxianus strains, isolated from cocoa fermentation, were evaluated for xylose consumption and tolerance towards acetic acid, furfural, and HMF. The potential of this yeast to reduce furfural and HMF at high inhibitory loads was disclosed and characterized. Our results associated HMF reduction with NADPH while furfural-reducing activity was higher with NADH. In addition, furans’ inhibitory effect was higher when combined with xylose consumption. The furan derivatives produced by K. marxianus in different conditions were identified. Furthermore, one selected isolate was efficiently used as a whole-cell biocatalyst to convert furfural and HMF into their derivatives, furfuryl alcohol and 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (BHMF), with high yields and productivities. These results validate K. marxianus as a promising microbial platform in lignocellulosic biorefineries.

AN ASSESSMENT OF THE POTENTIAL OF PROCESSED AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS IN POLAND COMPARED TO BIOEAST COUNTRIES

In the face of many global challenges, including ongoing climate change, policymakers are seeking viable solutions. The bioeconomy and its development are one of them. Partnerships, such as BIOEAST, are established to support the development of the bioeconomy in CEE countries. The conversion of biological biomass into new bio-products with high added value can contribute to a reduced environmental impact. One of the three economic sectors producing biomass for manufacturing is agriculture. Within the framework of this study, using the PRODCOM statistical list, which provides statistics on the production value of manufactured products, an assessment of manufacturing involving biomass processing utilizing biomass from the agricultural sector in countries of the BIOEAST initiative was performed. In BIOEAST Initiative countries, biomass from agriculture is predominantly used by the food production sector, followed by economic sectors, such as beverages, textiles, leather and wearing apparel. In several BIOEAST initiative countries, the percentage of the production value utilizing biomass from the agricultural sector is remarkable. Poland is one of those countries for which the value of manufacturing production utilizing agricultural biomass represents almost 30% of the total manufacturing value. The results obtained from the analysis, along with detailed information on specific product groups, can provide valuable information for decision makers planning the development of the bioeconomy in reviewed BIOEAST countries, including Poland.

Processing of biomass in order to obtain energy components

This article presents a classification of existing types of biofuels obtained from biomass. Pyrolytic methods of biomass processing are characterized. An experimental setup for producing hydrogen and carbon nanomaterials is presented. The purpose of the experiment was to determine the amount (liters) of produced biohydrogen per unit of time (hour). With an increase in the temperature of the process, the yield of finished products increased. The choice of the appropriate catalyst also plays an important role.

Technological assurance of reliability of centrifugal pumps for pumping biomass processing products based on adaptive dampers

In almost every mechanical system, moving mechanisms slide over stationary parts, creating friction and, as a result, unwanted energy losses. In engineering, sliding or rolling bearings are most often used as supports. However, any system can benefit from a greater reduction in friction between components. As will be shown in this article, the stability problem can be solved by blocking vibrations in the radial direction. The latest technological advances in the field of manufacturing magnetic materials make it possible to integrate magnetic bearings with permanent magnetization (hereinafter - MBPM) into a larger number of mechanical systems. This blocking of radial movement is carried out without the use of a mechanical sliding bearing, chosen for its simplicity and ease of integration. To facilitate the integration of the MBPM into the overall system of the device, it is important to know the mechanical properties of magnetic bearings, namely stiffness and damping, as well as the performance characteristics and limits of their operation. This article examines the possibility of using an adaptive damper in centrifugal pumps to ensure the technological reliability of the equipment. Alternating permanent magnets in the direction of their movement is the most optimal option, leading to large and smooth hysteresis loops of force - displacement. The proposed arrangement of magnets ensures the adaptability of the device with the determination of its optimal size, and also takes into account the edge and surface effects in the design of the damper. In addition, the article discusses theoretical and technical issues of levitation - free floating of bodies. Magnetic suspension can be used to study only those processes where mechanical connections are undesirable. The use of magnetic suspension for balancing centrifugal pumps during transportation of biomass processing products, supports of mixing devices in reactors in biomass processing reactors and other machine components opens up wide opportunities.

GC/TOF-MS-Based Metabolomics Reveals Altered Metabolic Profiles in Wood-Feeding Termite Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki Digesting the Weed Mikania micrantha Kunth

Effective approaches to exploiting the biomass of the abundant invasive weed Mikania micrantha Kunth are limited. Termites have been a focus of significant attention as mediators of biomass-processing owing to their ability to digest lignocellulose. Here, the GC/TOF-MS approach was employed to assess the effects of a diet composed of M. micrantha leaves on Coptotermes formosanus workers, with the growth performance of these workers also being assessed. The workers increased their dietary intake when fed M. micrantha leaves, with a concomitant gradual increase in mortality rate. A total of 62 differentially abundant metabolites and nine significantly affected pathways were found when comparing termites fed M. micrantha leaves to pinewood. Key metabolites, including carbohydrates, polyols, 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, and their related metabolic pathways, suggested that termites can digest and utilize M. micrantha-derived lignocellulose. However, changes in the tryptophan metabolism, tyrosine metabolism, and sphingolipid metabolism suggest an adverse effect of M. micrantha leaves on antioxidant activity and signal transduction in termites. Overall, this study identified the key metabolites and pathways associated with the response of these termites to dietary changes and the effect of M. micrantha on termites.