Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering

While monospecific antibodies have long been the foundational offering of protein therapeutics, recent advancements in antibody engineering have allowed for the development of far more complex antibody structures. Novel molecular format (NMF) proteins, such as bispecific antibodies (BsAbs), are structures capable of multispecific binding, allowing for expanded therapeutic functionality. As demand for NMF proteins continues to rise, biomanufacturers face the challenge of increasing bioreactor process productivity while simultaneously maintaining consistent product quality...

Ultrasonic manufacturing has emerged as a promising eco-friendly approach to synthesize lipid-based nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery. This study presents the novel ultrasonic preparation of lipid nanocarriers loaded with Scutellaria barbata extract, repurposed for anticancer and antibacterial use. High-frequency ultrasonic waves enabled the precise self-assembly of DSPE-PEG, Span 40, and cholesterol to form nanocarriers encapsulating the therapeutic extract without the use of toxic solvents, exemplifying green nanotechnology...

The growing need in the current market for innovative solutions to obtain lactose-free (L-F) milk is caused by the annual increase in the prevalence of lactose intolerance inside as well as the newborn, children, and adults. Various configurations of enzymes can yield two distinct L-F products: sweet (β-galactosidase) and unsweet (β-galactosidase and glucose oxidase) L-F milk. In addition, the reduction of sweetness through glucose decomposition should be performed in a one-pot mode with catalase to eliminate product inhibition caused by H2 O2 ...

Since cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are globally one of the leading causes of death, of which myocardial infarction (MI) can cause irreversible damage and decrease survivors' quality of life, novel therapeutics are needed. Current approaches such as organ transplantation do not fully restore cardiac function or are limited. As a valuable strategy, tissue engineering seeks to obtain constructs that resemble myocardial tissue, vessels, and heart valves using cells, biomaterials as scaffolds, biochemical and physical stimuli...

In the present study, the potential of Pseudomonas citronellolis 620C strain was evaluated, for the first time, to generate electricity in a standard, double chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC), with oily wastewater (OW) being the fuel at 43.625 mg/L initial chemical oxygen demand (COD). Both electrochemical and physicochemical results suggested that this P. citronellolis strain utilized efficiently the OW substrate and generated electricity in the MFC setup reaching 0.05 mW/m2 maximum power. COD removal was remarkable reaching 83...

The concept of modular synthetic co-cultures holds considerable potential for biomanufacturing, primarily to reduce the metabolic burden of individual strains by sharing tasks among consortium members. However, current consortia often show unilateral relationships solely, without stabilizing feedback control mechanisms, and are grown in a shared cultivation setting. Such 'one pot' approaches hardly install optimum growth and production conditions for the individual partners. Hence, novel mutualistic, self-coordinating consortia are needed that are cultured under optimal growth and production conditions for each member...

Globally, antibiotic resistance is a challenging issue in healthcare sector. The emergence of multiple drug-resistant bacteria has forced us to modify existing medicines and or formulate newer medicines that are effective and inexpensive. In this perspective, this study involves the formation of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) by utilizing the Lawsonia inermis (Li) leaf extract. The prepared L. inermis leaf extract mediated ZnO NPs (Li-ZnO NPs) were bio-physically characterized. The antibacterial and radical scavenging effects of Li-ZnO NPs were evaluated...

Enzymatic hydrolysis plays a pivotal role in transforming lignocellulosic biomass. Addressing alternate techniques to optimize the utilization of cellulolytic enzymes is one strategy to improve its efficiency and lower process costs. Cellulases are highly specific and environmentally benign biocatalysts that break down intricate polysaccharides into simple forms of sugars. In contrast to the most difficult and time-consuming enzyme immobilization processes, in this research, we studied simple, mild, and successful techniques for immobilization of pure cellulase on magnetic nanocomposites using glutaraldehyde as a linker and used in the application of sorghum residue biomass...

This work explores the potential of three hypersaline native microalgae strains from Oklahoma, Geitlerinema carotinosum, Pseudanabaena sp., and Picochlorum oklahomensis, for simultaneous treatment of flowback (FW) and produced wastewater (PW) and the production of algal biomass. The quality of wastewater before and after treatment with these microalgae strains was evaluated and a characterization of algal biomass in terms of moisture, volatile matter, fixed carbon, and ash contents was assessed. The experimental results indicated how all the microalgae strains were able to grow in both FW and PW, revealing their potential for wastewater treatment...

The global energy crisis has spurred a shift from conventional to clean and sustainable energy sources. Biomass derived from microalgae is emerging as an alternative energy source with diverse applications. Despite the numerous advantages of microalgae, large-scale biomass harvesting is not economical and convenient. Self-flocculation is considered an effective phenomenon facilitated by extracting the flocculating substances from microalgae that assist aggregation of algal cells into flocs. A novel cellulose-based bioflocculant has been synthesized from sewage water grown Chlorella sorokiniana and Scenedesmus abundans for harvesting application...

The efficacy of nanoparticles (NPs) in healthcare applications hinges on their biocidal activity and biocompatibility. This research is dedicated to green-synthesized NPs with potent biocidal properties, aiming for high inhibition rates in bacterial infections and offering a multifunctional application, including potential use in anticancer therapy, in comparison to traditional antibiotics. The present study focuses on synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs), including iron-doped ZnO (GZF) and cobalt-doped ZnO (GZC), using the green co-precipitation method involving Psidium guajava (P...

Green synthesis of metal oxides as a treatment for bone diseases is still exploring. Herein, MgO and Fe2 O3 NPs were prepared from the extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. to study their effect on vit D3 , Ca+2 , and alkaline phosphatase enzyme ALP associated with osteoporosis. Computational chemistry was utilized to gain insight into the possible interactions. These oxides were characterized by X-ray diffraction, SEM, FTIR, and AFM. Results revealed that green synthesis of MgO and Fe2 O3 NPs was successful with abundant...

Gluconic acid's potential as a wheat straw pretreatment agent was studied at different concentrations (0.125-1 M) and temperatures (160-190 °C) for 30 min, followed by enzymatic hydrolysis. 0.125 M gluconic acid, 170 °C, yielded the highest xylose output, while 0.5 M gluconic acid at 190 °C yielded the best glucose yield. A fraction of gluconic acid decomposed during pretreatment. Detoxified hemicellulose hydrolysate from 0.125 M gluconate at 170 °C for 60 min showed promise for ethanol production...

Plant-mediated solution casting is used to develop eco-friendly polymer blend nanocomposites from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) doped with Silver (Ag), Ferrous (Fe) monometallic and Silver-Ferrous (Ag-Fe) bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs). These nanocomposites were studied to understand their electromagnetic interface (EMI) shielding efficiency and antimicrobial activities, besides evaluating their physical and chemical properties. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) characterization techniques were used to examine the interactions between the polymers, the presence of silver and ferrous particles in the composites, the crystallinity shift, the surface morphology, the shape and size of the nanoparticles and the distribution of the nanoparticles in the composites...

Fluid hydrodynamic stress has a deterministic effect on the morphology of filamentous fungi. Although the coaxial mixer has been recognized as a suitable gas dispersion system for minimizing inhomogeneities within a bioreactor, its performance for achieving enhanced oxygen transfer while operating at a reduced shear environment has not been investigated yet, specifically upon scale-up. Therefore, the influence of the impeller type, aeration rate, and central impeller retrofitting on the efficacy of an abiotic coaxial system containing a shear-thinning fluid was examined...

The use of nanomaterials in biofuel production from lignocellulosic biomass offers a promising approach to simultaneously address environmental sustainability and economic viability. This review provides an overview of the environmental and economic implications of integrating nanotechnology into biofuel production from low-cost lignocellulosic biomass. In this review, we highlight the potential benefits and challenges of nano-based biofuel production. Nanomaterials provide opportunities to improve feedstock pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, fermentation, and catalysis, resulting in enhanced process efficiency, lower energy consumption, and reduced environmental impact...

During scaling of fermentations, choosing a bioreactor is fundamental to ensure the product's quality. This study aims to produce bioherbicides using Trichoderma koningiopsis fermentation, evaluating process parameters in an Airlift bioreactor. As a response, we quantified the production of enzymes involved in the bioherbicide activity (amylase, cellulase, laccase, lipase, and peroxidase). In addition, it evaluated the agronomic efficiency of the fermented extract optimized through tests that promoted soybean growth and nodulation, soybean seed germination, and in vitro phytopathogen control...

A considerable amount of fruit waste is being produced every day worldwide. The green synthesis of metal nanoparticles from fruit peel waste can be an innovative, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional methods. Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) were synthesized by a green method using the pineapple peels extract (PLX) and copper sulfate pentahydrate. The formation of CuNPs was visually identified and detected by UV-Visible spectroscopy. The CuNPs were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, particle size analyzer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD)...

Mono- and diglycerides play a crucial role in the food industry as multifunctional food additives and emulsifiers. Their importance stems from their unique properties, which allow them to improve the quality, texture, and stability of various food products. Here, results of the kinetic modeling of the mono- and diglycerides synthesis mediated by the lipase Lipozyme® TL 100 L immobilized on the clayey support Spectrogel® type C are reported. The support was characterized by TEM, SEM, and FTIR. Firstly, the influence of pH and lipase load on the immobilization process was analyzed, resulting in an enzymatic activity of 93...

This study emphasized on the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in an environmentally friendly manner from the extract of Catharanthus roseus leaves and its antibacterial assessment against the pneumonia-causing pathogen Klebsiella pneumoniae. This simple and convenient phytosynthesis approach is found to be beneficial over conventional methods, wherein plants serve as excellent reducing, capping, and stabilizing agents that enables the formation of ZnO NPs without the use of harmful chemicals...