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227 items found (0 items not approved), displaying 1 to 10.[First/Prev] 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 [Next/Last]

Instruments / Technical Area	Publication Details	Published
	Today's wastes, tomorrow's materials for environmental protection L. E. Macaskie , I. P. Mikheenko , P. Yong , K. Deplanche , M. Paterson-Beedle , V. S. Coker , C. I. Pearce , R. A. D. Pattrick , D. Vaughan , G. Van Der Laan , J. R. Lloyd Advanced Materials Research 71-73, 541-548 DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.71-73.541 Show Abstract ▼ Abstract: Over the past 30 years the literature has burgeoned with bioremediation approaches to heavy metal removal from wastes. The price of base and precious metals has dramatically increased. With the resurgence of nuclear energy uranium has become a strategic resource. Other ‘non-carbon energy’ technologies are driven by the need to reduce CO2 emissions. The ‘New Biohydrometallurgy’ we describe unites these drivers by the concept of conversion of wastes into new materials for environmental applications. The new materials, fashioned, bottom-up, into nanomaterials under biocontrol, can be termed ‘Functional Bionanomaterials’. This new discipline, encompassing waste treatment along with nanocatalysis or other applications, can be summarized as ‘Environmental Bionanotechnology’. Several case histories illustrate the scope and potential of this concept.	May 2009
	Microbial engineering of nanoheterostructures: biological synthesis of a magnetically recoverable palladium nanocatalyst Victoria S. Coker , James A. Bennett , Neil Telling , Torsten Henkel , John Charnock , Gerrit Van Der Laan , Richard Pattrick , Carolyn Pearce , Richard S. Cutting , Ian J. Shannon , Joe Wood , Elke Arenholz , Ian C. Lyon , Jon Lloyd Acs Nano 4 (5), 2577-2584 DOI: 10.1021/nn9017944 Show Abstract ▼ Abstract: Precious metals supported on ferrimagnetic particles have a diverse range of uses in catalysis. However, fabrication using synthetic methods results in potentially high environmental and economic costs. Here we show a novel biotechnological route for the synthesis of a heterogeneous catalyst consisting of reactive palladium nanoparticles arrayed on a nanoscale biomagnetite support. The magnetic support was synthesized at ambient temperature by the Fe(III)-reducing bacterium, Geobacter sulfurreducens, and facilitated ease of recovery of the catalyst with superior performance due to reduced agglomeration (versus conventional colloidal Pd nanoparticles). Surface arrays of palladium nanoparticles were deposited on the nanomagnetite using a simple one-step method without the need to modify the biomineral surface, most likely due to an organic coating priming the surface for Pd adsorption, which was produced by the bacterial culture during the formation of the nanoparticles. A combination of EXAFS and XPS showed the Pd nanoparticles on the magnetite to be predominantly metallic in nature. The Pd biomagnetite was tested for catalytic activity in the Heck reaction coupling iodobenzene to ethyl acrylate or styrene. Rates of reaction were equal to or superior to those obtained with an equimolar amount of a commercial colloidal palladium catalyst, and near complete conversion to ethyl cinnamate or stilbene was achieved within 90 and 180 min, respectively.	Apr 2010
	How the local geometry of the Cu-binding site determines the thermal stability of blue copper proteins Jesus Chaboy , Sofia Diaz-Moreno , I. Diaz-Moreno , Miguel A. De La Rosa , Antonio Diaz-Quintana Chemistry & Biology 18 (1), 25-31 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2010.12.006 Show Abstract ▼ Abstract: Identifying the factors that govern the thermal resistance of cupredoxins is essential for understanding their folding and stability, and for improving our ability to design highly stable enzymes with potential biotechnological applications. Here, we show that the thermal unfolding of plastocyanins from two cyanobacteria-the mesophilic Synechocystis and the thermophilic Phormidium-is closely related to the short-range structure around the copper center. Cu K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy shows that the bond length between Cu and the S atom from the cysteine ligand is a key structural factor that correlates with the thermal stability of the cupredoxins in both oxidized and reduced states. These findings were confirmed by an additional study of a site-directed mutant of Phormidium plastocyanin showing a reverse effect of the redox state on the thermal stability of the protein.	Jan 2011
	Control of nanoparticle size, reactivity and magnetic properties during the bioproduction of magnetite by Geobacter sulfurreducens J. M. Byrne , N. D. Telling , V. S. Coker , R. A. D. Pattrick , G. Van Der Laan , E. Arenholz , F. Tuna , J. R. Lloyd Nanotechnology 22 (45) DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/22/45/455709 Show Abstract ▼ Abstract: The bioproduction of nanoscale magnetite by Fe(III)-reducing bacteria offers a potentially tunable, environmentally benign route to magnetic nanoparticle synthesis. Here, we demonstrate that it is possible to control the size of magnetite nanoparticles produced by Geobacter sulfurreducens by adjusting the total biomass introduced at the start of the process. The particles have a narrow size distribution and can be controlled within the range of 10–50 nm. X-ray diffraction analysis indicates that controlled production of a number of different biominerals is possible via this method including goethite, magnetite and siderite, but their formation is strongly dependent upon the rate of Fe(III) reduction and total concentration and rate of Fe(II) produced by the bacteria during the reduction process. Relative cation distributions within the structure of the nanoparticles have been investigated by x-ray magnetic circular dichroism and indicate the presence of a highly reduced surface layer which is not observed when magnetite is produced through abiotic methods. The enhanced Fe(II)-rich surface, combined with small particle size, has important environmental applications such as in the reductive bioremediation of organics, radionuclides and metals. In the case of Cr(VI), as a model high-valence toxic metal, optimized biogenic magnetite is able to reduce and sequester the toxic hexavalent chromium very efficiently to the less harmful trivalent form.	Nov 2011
	Multichannel optrodes for photonic stimulation Yingyue Xu , Nan Xia , Michelle Lim , Xiaodong Tan , Minh Ha Tran , Erin Boulger , Fei Peng , Hunter Young , Christoph Rau , Alexander Rack , Claus-Peter Richter Neurophotonics 5 DOI: 10.1117/1.NPh.5.4.045002 Open Access Show Abstract ▼ Abstract: An emerging method in the field of neural stimulation is the use of photons to activate neurons. The possible advantage of optical stimulation over electrical is attributable to its spatially selective activation of small neuron populations, which is promising in generating superior spatial resolution in neural interfaces. Two principal methods are explored for cochlear prostheses: direct stimulation of nerves with infrared light and optogenetics. This paper discusses basic requirements for developing a light delivery system (LDS) for the cochlea and provides examples for building such devices. The proposed device relies on small optical sources, which are assembled in an array to be inserted into the cochlea. The mechanical properties, the biocompatibility, and the efficacy of optrodes have been tested in animal models. The force required to insert optrodes into a model of the human scala tympani was comparable to insertion forces obtained for contemporary cochlear implant electrodes. Side-emitting diodes are powerful enough to evoke auditory responses in guinea pigs. Chronic implantation of the LDS did not elevate auditory brainstem responses over 26 weeks.	Oct 2018
	Capping agent effect on Pd-supported nanoparticles in the hydrogenation of furfural Shahram Alijani , Sofia Capelli , Stefano Cattaneo , Marco Schiavoni , Claudio Evangelisti , Khaled M. H. Mohammed , Peter P. Wells , Francesca Tessore , Alberto Villa Catalysts 10 DOI: 10.3390/catal10010011 Open Access Show Abstract ▼ Abstract: The catalytic performance of a series of 1 wt % Pd/C catalysts prepared by the sol-immobilization method has been studied in the liquid-phase hydrogenation of furfural. The temperature range studied was 25–75 °C, keeping the H2 pressure constant at 5 bar. The effect of the catalyst preparation using different capping agents containing oxygen or nitrogen groups was assessed. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and poly (diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) were chosen. The catalysts were characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The characterization data suggest that the different capping agents affected the initial activity of the catalysts by adjusting the available Pd surface sites, without producing a significant change in the Pd particle size. The different activity of the three catalysts followed the trend: PdPVA/C > PdPDDA/C > PdPVP/C. In terms of selectivity to furfuryl alcohol, the opposite trend has been observed: PdPVP/C > PdPDDA/C > PdPVA/C. The different reactivity has been ascribed to the different shielding effect of the three ligands used; they influence the adsorption of the reactant on Pd active sites.	Dec 2019
	Recent developments in multifunctional catalysts for fatty acid hydrodeoxygenation as a route towards biofuels Shengzhe Ding , Christopher M. A. Parlett , Xiaolei Fan Molecular Catalysis 42 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcat.2021.111492 Show Abstract ▼ Abstract: Catalytic hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) provides a promising route for upgrading biomass-derived fatty acids to alkanes, which are potential biofuels (e.g. jet fuel (C8–C16) and diesel (C12–C22)) that could reduce our reliance on unsustainable fossil fuels. Currently, catalytic HDO, conducted over catalysts such as molybdenum disulfide, necessitates harsh operating conditions (>300 °C) which is both environmentally and economically unsustainable and promotes unwanted side reactions, e.g. cracking, which compromises product selectivity. Accordingly, the development of novel catalysts, which enable efficient and sustainable HDO, under milder operating conditions, and their translation from lab bench to large-scale production are highly desired. This review discusses the recent development of heterogeneous catalysts for HDO (including reaction pathways, mechanisms, and side reactions) and explores design strategies for the development of new multifunctional catalysts with potential to enable future development of HDO processes under mild conditions. In particular, we consider the sequential cascade transformation of fatty acids into fatty alcohols (via hydrodeoxygenation) and then hydrocarbons (via dehydration and hydrogenation), which requires the coupling of different but complementary catalytic sites, as an attractive alternative mild HDO strategy.	Mar 2021
	The interaction of styrene maleic acid copolymers with phospholipids in langmuir monolayers, vesicles and nanodiscs; a structural study Stephen C. I. Hall , Cecilia Tognoloni , Richard A. Campbell , Joanna Richens , Paul O'Shea , Ann E. Terry , Gareth J. Price , Tim R. Dafforn , Karen J. Edler , Thomas Arnold Journal Of Colloid And Interface Science 8 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2022.03.102 Open Access Show Abstract ▼ Abstract: Hypothesis: Self-assembly of amphipathic styrene maleic acid copolymers with phospholipids in aqueous solution results in the formation of ‘nanodiscs’ containing a planar segment of phospholipid bilayer encapsulated by a polymer belt. Recently, studies have reported that lipids rapidly exchange between both nanodiscs in solution and external sources of lipids. Outstanding questions remain regarding details of polymer-lipid interactions, factors influencing lipid exchange and structural effects of such exchange processes. Here, the dynamic behaviour of nanodiscs is investigated, specifically the role of membrane charge and polymer chemistry. Experiments: Two model systems are investigated: fluorescently labelled phospholipid vesicles, and Langmuir monolayers of phospholipids. Using fluorescence spectroscopy and time-resolved neutron reflectometry, the membrane potential, monolayer structure and composition are monitored with respect to time upon polymer and nanodisc interactions. Findings: In the presence of external lipids, polymer chains embed throughout lipid membranes, the extent of which is governed by the net membrane charge. Nanodiscs stabilised by three different polymers will all exchange lipids and polymer with monolayers to differing extents, related to the properties of the stabilising polymer belt. These results demonstrate the dynamic nature of nanodiscs which interact with the local environment and are likely to deposit both lipids and polymer at all stages of use.	Mar 2022
B16-Test Beamline	Multi-scale structural and mechanical characterisation in bioinspired polyurethane-based pancreatic cancer model Jingyi Mo , Nathanael Leung , Priyanka Gupta , Bin Zhu , Hui Xing , Jiao Zhang , Eirini Velliou , Tan Sui Journal Of Materials Research And Technology 68 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmrt.2021.09.041 Diamond Proposal Number(s): [20046] Open Access Show Abstract ▼ Abstract: In this work, novel bioinspired polyurethane (PU) scaffolds were fabricated via freeze casting for PU-based Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) model. In order to reproduce the tumour micro-environment that facilitates cellular kinetics, the PU scaffolds were surface modified with extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins including collagen and fibronectin (Col and FN). Synchrotron-based small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) techniques were applied to probe structural evolution during in situ mechanical testing. Strains at macroscopic, nano-, and lattice scales were obtained to investigate the effects of ECM proteins and pancreatic cell activities to PU scaffolds. Significant mechanical strengthening across length scales of PU scaffolds was observed in specimens surface modified by FN. A model of stiffness modulation via enhanced interlamellar recruitment is proposed to explain the multi-scale strengthening mechanisms. Understanding multi-scale deformation mechanisms of a series of PU scaffolds opens an opportunity in developing a novel pancreatic cancer model for studying cancer evolution and predicting outcomes of drug/treatments.	Sep 2021
B18-Core EXAFS	Long-term immobilization of technetium via bioremediation with slow-release substrates Laura Newsome , Adrian Cleary , Katherine Morris , Jonathan R. Lloyd Environmental Science & Technology DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b04876 Diamond Proposal Number(s): [10163, 13559] Show Abstract ▼ Abstract: Radionuclides are present in groundwater at contaminated nuclear facilities with technetium-99 one of the most mobile radionuclides encountered. In situ bioremediation via the generation of microbially-reducing conditions has the potential to remove aqueous and mobile Tc(VII) from groundwater as insoluble Tc(IV). However, questions remain regarding the optimal methods of biostimulation and the stability of reduced Tc(IV) phases under oxic conditions. Here, we selected a range of slow-release electron donor / chemical reduction based substrates available for contaminated land treatment, and assessed their potential to stimulate the formation of recalcitrant Tc(IV) biominerals under conditions relevant to radioactively contaminated land. These included a slow-release poly-lactate substrate (HRC), a similar substrate with an additional organosulfur ester (MRC) and a substrate containing zero valent iron and plant matter (EHC). Results showed that Tc was removed from solution in the form of poorly soluble hydrous Tc(IV)-oxides or Tc(IV)-sulfides during the development of reducing conditions. Reoxidation experiments showed that these phases were largely resistant to oxidative remobilisation and were more resistant than Tc(IV) produced via biostimulation with an acetate/lactate electron donor mix in the sediments tested. The implications of the targeted formation of recalcitrant Tc(IV) phases using these proprietorial substrates in situ is discussed in the context of the long-term management of technetium at legacy nuclear sites.	Jan 2017

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