Mimicking The Arterial Microenvironment With Peg-Pc To Investigate The Roles Of Physicochemical Stimuli In Smc Phenotype And Behavior,
2015
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Mimicking The Arterial Microenvironment With Peg-Pc To Investigate The Roles Of Physicochemical Stimuli In Smc Phenotype And Behavior, William G. Herrick
Doctoral Dissertations
The goal of this dissertation was to parse the roles of physical, mechanical and chemical cues in the phenotype plasticity of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in atherosclerosis. We first developed and characterized a novel synthetic hydrogel with desirable traits for studying mechanotransduction in vitro. This hydrogel, PEG-PC, is a co-polymer of poly(ethylene glycol) and phosphorylcholine with an incredible range of Young’s moduli (~1 kPa - 9 MPa) that enables reproduction of nearly any tissue stiffness, exceptional optical and anti-fouling properties, and support for covalent attachment of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. To our knowledge, this combination of mechanical range, low …
Raman Spectroscopy Applied To The Noninvasive Detection Of Monosodium Urate Crystal Deposits,
2015
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Raman Spectroscopy Applied To The Noninvasive Detection Of Monosodium Urate Crystal Deposits, Declan J. Curran, Laurence Rubin, Mark R. Towler
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
An off-the-shelf Raman Spectrometer (RS) was used to noninvasively determine the presence of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals on the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) of a single gout sufferer. The spectrum sourced from the clinically diagnosed gout sufferer was compared to that sourced from an age-matched healthy subject scanned using the same protocol. Minimal signal processing was conducted on both spectra. Peaks characteristic of MSU crystals were evident on the spectrum sourced from the gout sufferer and not on the spectrum from the healthy control.
Evaluation Of Filtration Performance Of A Rotating Belt Filter For Different Primary Wastewater Influents.,
2015
The University of Western Ontario
Evaluation Of Filtration Performance Of A Rotating Belt Filter For Different Primary Wastewater Influents., Tulip Chakraborty
Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository
Human activities around the world are responsible for production of enormous amount of wastewater, which needs to be treated quickly and effectively to avoid environmental concerns and other health implications. As an alternative to primary settlers in treating municipal wastewater, Salsnes, a subsidiary company of Trojan Technologies offers rotating belt filters (RBF) to treat the wastewater. A bench scale filtration unit of the RBF was developed to investigate the effect of varying water qualities from several wastewater plants in London, Ontario on the performance of the filter. The unit can achieve up to 80% reduction in total suspended solids (TSS), …
Thermodynamic Analysis Of Phenylpropanoid Pathway In Arabidopsis Thanliana,
2015
Purdue University
Thermodynamic Analysis Of Phenylpropanoid Pathway In Arabidopsis Thanliana, Patrick J. Ioerger, Rohit Jaini, John A. Morgan
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Symposium
Biofuels represent a renewable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. As dependence on fossil fuels rise so does the importance of improving the production of alternative fuels. Lignin poses one obstacle in the development of such alternative fuels. Its presence strengthens cell walls and hinders degradation of polysaccharides into monosaccharides, increasing cost and time while decreasing efficiency of the process. Lignin is composed of three monolignols, each of which is produced through the Phenylpropanoid pathway; a series of chemical reactions. This work aims to determine which reactions in the pathway are least thermodynamically favorable and thus most limiting. From metabolic mapping …
Development Of A Novel Enzymatic Pre-Treatment For Lignocellulosic Biomass,
2015
Purdue University
Development Of A Novel Enzymatic Pre-Treatment For Lignocellulosic Biomass, Melissa Robins, Jenna Rickus
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Symposium
Biofuels, fuels derived directly from living matter, present a renewable and environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum based fuels. Bioethanol produced from low input energy crops or agricultural waste is a promising fuel source because it does not interfere with the human food supply chain and the ethanol produced can be blended with gasoline. These potential sources of bioethanol are not yet commercially viable due to a polymer called lignin present in the plant’s cell wall which impedes the conversion of cellulose to glucose and the eventual fermentation of glucose to ethanol. Developing new methods for the pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass …
The Identification Of Optimal Pathways In Synechocystis Sp. Pcc 6803 By Flux Balance Analysis,
2015
Purdue University
The Identification Of Optimal Pathways In Synechocystis Sp. Pcc 6803 By Flux Balance Analysis, Ning Xuan Yip, John A. Morgan, Longyun Guo
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Symposium
Cyanobacteria are microorganisms considered advantageous for producing valuable compounds because of their high growth rates compared to plants. They also can be grown at large scale in photobioreactors. This research aims to use metabolic engineering strategies to maximize the phenylalanine yield in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Our hypothesis is flux balance analysis will give different flux distributions with different objective functions. The scope of the project is modeling photoautotrophic metabolism of cyanobacteria with a genome scale stoichiometric model, testing several alternative objective functions. We also examined the tradeoff between growth and L-phenylalanine production with flux balance analysis. A linear programming …
A Novel Synthetic Yeast For Enzymatic Biodigester Pretreatment,
2015
Purdue University
A Novel Synthetic Yeast For Enzymatic Biodigester Pretreatment, Tianyu Tan, Mark S. Aronson, Arren Liu, Jill H. Osterhus, Melissa Robins, Suraj Mohan, Erich Leazer, Bowman Clark, Alexa Petrucciani, Katherine Lowery, James Welch, Casey Martin, Helena Lysandrou, Michael E. Scharf, Jenna Rickus
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Symposium
Lignin, a complex organic polymer, is a major roadblock to the efficiency of biofuel conversion as it both physically blocks carbohydrate substrates and poisons biomass degrading enzymes, even if broken down to monomer units. A pretreatment process is often applied to separate the lignin from biomass prior to biofuel conversion. However, contemporary methods of pretreatment require large amounts of energy, which may be economically uncompelling or unfeasible. Taking inspiration from several genes that have been isolated from termites and fungi which translate to enzymes that degrade lignin, we want to establish a novel “enzymatic pretreatment” system where microbes secrete these …
Silver Nanoparticle Coated Bioactive Glasses - Composites With Dex/Cmc Hydrogels: Characterization, Solubility, And In Vitro Biological Studies,
2015
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Silver Nanoparticle Coated Bioactive Glasses - Composites With Dex/Cmc Hydrogels: Characterization, Solubility, And In Vitro Biological Studies, Anthony W. Wren, Pegah Hassanzadeh, Lana M. Placek, Timothy J. Keenan, Aisling Coughlan, Lydia R. Boutelle, Mark R. Towler
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
Silver (Ag) coated bioactive glass particles (Ag-BG) were formulated and compared to uncoated controls (BG) in relation to glass characterization, solubility and microbiology. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed a crystalline AgNP surface coating while ion release studies determined low Ag release (/L). Cell culture studies presented increased cell viability (127 and 102%) with lower liquid extract (50 and 100 ml/ml) concentrations. Antibacterial testing of Ag-BG in E. coli, S. epidermidis and S. aureus significantly reduced bacterial cell viability by 60-90%. Composites of Ag-BG/CMC-Dex Hydrogels were formulated and characterized. Agar diffusion testing was conducted where Ag-BG/hydrogel composites produced the largest inhibition zones …
Bioactive Glass Reinforced Elastomer Composites For Skeletal Regeneration: A Review,
2015
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Bioactive Glass Reinforced Elastomer Composites For Skeletal Regeneration: A Review, Ehsan Zeimaran, Sara Pourshahrestani, Ivan Djordjevic, Belinda Pingguan-Murphy, Nahrizul Adib Kadri, Mark R. Towler
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
Biodegradable elastomers have clinical applicability due to their biocompatibility, tunable degradation and elasticity. The addition of bioactive glasses to these elastomers can impart mechanical properties sufficient for hard tissue replacement. Hence, a composite with a biodegradable polymer matrix and a bio glass filler can offer a method of augmenting existing tissue. This article reviews the applications of such composites for skeletal augmentation.
Process Control For Biological Nutrient Removal Processes In Fluidized Beds Treating Low Carbon To Nitrogen Municipal Wastewater,
2015
The University of Western Ontario
Process Control For Biological Nutrient Removal Processes In Fluidized Beds Treating Low Carbon To Nitrogen Municipal Wastewater, Joseph Donohue
Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository
Conventional wastewater treatment techniques - utilizing microorganisms to remove organics and nutrients (i.e. nitrogen and phosphorus) from a water stream and partially incorporate them into their cell structure - struggle to adapt with increased urbanization due to land and infrastructure requirements. The circulating fluidized-bed bioreactor (CFBBR) was developed as a way to provide biological treatment in an urbanized area by cultivating high-density bacteria on an inert media. The technology operates as a pre-anoxic nitrification/denitrification wastewater treatment process. The system is initially loaded with media, providing a platform for microbial growth. Internal recycle streams in the system provide the energy to …
Proceedings Of The Thirty-Second Annual Biochemical Engineering Symposium,
2015
Iowa State University
Proceedings Of The Thirty-Second Annual Biochemical Engineering Symposium, Peter J. Reilly
Peter R. Reilly
This series of Annual Biochemical Engineering Symposia was started in 1971 by Professors Larry E. Erickson of Kansas State University and Peter J. Reilly, then of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. It is designed for graduate students and occasionally postdoctoral fellows and undergraduates to present the results of their research and directions of their future work to audiences not so familiar as those at their home institutions but not so seemingly intimidating as those at national professional meetings. It also serves as a vehicle for those engaged in similar lines of research to become acquainted with each other and with each …
Competence Evaluation Of Mycodiesel Production By Oleaginous Fungal Strains: Mucor Circinelloides And Gliocladium Roseum,
2015
Pune university
Competence Evaluation Of Mycodiesel Production By Oleaginous Fungal Strains: Mucor Circinelloides And Gliocladium Roseum, Sandip S. Magdum, Gauri P. Minde, Upendra S. Adhyapak, V. Kalyanraman
Sandip S. Magdum
Comparing with lesser algal growth rate for biofuel production along with many constraints, fungal route should be analyzed for its capability of biodiesel or mycodiesel production. The two fungal strains namely, Mucor circinelloides (MTCC1297) and Gliocladium roseum (MTCC6474) were analyzed for laboratory scale mycodiesel production. The M. circinelloides and G. roseum were able to produce biomass of 0.404 mg VSS/mg sucrose and 0.642 mg VSS/ mg sucrose with the mycodiesel content of 20.69% (w/w) and 11.37% (w/w) respectively. Furthermore, qualitative analysis of the oil contents by GC-MS were identified the presence of Tetradecanoic and Octadecanoic acids.
Using Peptoids To Build Robust, Efficient Microarray Systems,
2015
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Using Peptoids To Build Robust, Efficient Microarray Systems, Dhaval Sunil Shah
Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Recent studies have shown microarrays to be indispensable for various biological applications, allowing for high-throughput processing and screening of biological samples such as RNA, DNA, proteins and peptides using a small sample volume (< 1 µL). Peptoids (poly-N-substituted glycine oligomers) can be used as a substitute for antibodies as capture molecules, as well as coatings for slides in antibody microarrays. The ease of synthesis of peptoids, high customizability with desired bioactivity, and speed of synthesis allows us to build a diagnostic system with a large dynamic range that can detect biomolecules from a minimal sample size. In this study, peptoid-based antibody mimics are designed to have both structural and functional features similar to those of antibodies, including a stable constant region (scaffolding) and a variable region for protein recognition. Peptoids previously screened via combinatorial library synthesis to be specific to bind Mdm-2 (mouse double minute 2 homolog) and GST (gluthathione S-transferase), have been synthesized. The protein recognition peptoids have been conjugated to PEG (polyethylene glycol) molecules with modified end groups; an amine group on one end that allows for immobilization and orientation on the slide, and an azide group on the other end that will allow for attachment to the peptoid through “click chemistry”. The number of capture molecules printed on the slides can be increased by making the available surface area of the slide larger via coating with microspheres. We have determined that partially water soluble peptoids that are also helical, can self-assemble into microspheres. Sequences have been developed that can consistently produce uniform microsphere coatings on slides that increase the overall surface area. A high surface area corresponds to a higher number of binding sites, and therefore a more sensitive system. The work done has shown that slides may be successfully coated in order to potentially improve the detection system.
Peptoid-Based Klvff Mimics: A Unique Approach To Alzheimer's Disease,
2015
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Peptoid-Based Klvff Mimics: A Unique Approach To Alzheimer's Disease, James Phillip Turner
Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading form of dementia worldwide. AD patients experience a slow, gradual cognitive decline that includes loss of memory and behavioral stability as the disease progresses. Surprisingly, AD is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and has had a profound impact on the U.S. economy. Though there are medications to help improve the quality of life of diagnosed patients for a period of time, there is still no cure for AD. AD is characterized by the build-up of amyloid plaques that develop from the aggregation of the amyloid beta protein (Aβ) in …
Evaluation Of Sequential Batch Reactor (Sbr) Cycle Design To Observe The Advantages Of Selector Phase Biology To Achieve Maximum Nutrient Removal,
2015
Pune university
Evaluation Of Sequential Batch Reactor (Sbr) Cycle Design To Observe The Advantages Of Selector Phase Biology To Achieve Maximum Nutrient Removal, Sandip S. Magdum, Siva Kumar Varigala, Gauri P. Minde, Janardhan B. Bornare, V. Kalyanraman
Sandip S. Magdum
Pilot plant studies of sequential batch reactor (SBR) cycles revealed the role of selector phase biology (SPB) involved in COD removal, nitrification, denitrification and total phosphate removal. The phases namely anoxic, anaerobic and aerobic in single tank reactor design of SBR were showed effective biological nutrient removal (BNR) > 90% on average in 4 h designed cycle time with 12 h of hydraulic retention time (HRT). The phases were 2 h fill which includes 1 h simultaneous fill and aeration, 1 h settle and 1 h decant. This cycle design found effective to create selective environment for microbes to carry biological …
Effects Of Strontium Substitution On Bioactivity Of Hydroxyapatite,
2015
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Effects Of Strontium Substitution On Bioactivity Of Hydroxyapatite, Chokchai Yatongchai, Lana M. Placek, Mark R. Towler, Anthony W. Wren
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
Effect of strontium (Sr) substitution on bioactivity of hydroxyapatite (HA) was investigated. The substitution of Sr2+ for Ca2+ in the HA lattice increases biodegradability of Sr-substituted HA (Sr-HA) and accelerates the formation of apatite crystals on the Sr-HA surface. Moreover, the dissolution products from HA and Sr-HA samples are not cyto-toxic.
Three-Dimensional Ideal Gas Reference State Based Energy Function,
2015
University of New Orleans
Three-Dimensional Ideal Gas Reference State Based Energy Function, Avdesh Mishra
University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations
Energy functions are found to be a key of protein structure prediction. In this work, we propose a novel 3-dimensional energy function based on hydrophobic-hydrophilic properties of amino acid where we consider at least three different possible interaction of amino acid in a 3-dimensional sphere categorized as hydrophilic versus hydrophilic, hydrophobic versus hydrophobic and hydrophobic versus hydrophilic. Each of these interactions are governed by a 3-dimensional parameter alpha used to model the interaction and 3-dimensional parameter beta used to model weight of contribution. We use Genetic Algorithm (GA) to optimize the value of alpha, beta and Z-score. We obtain three …
Tissue Engineering Scaffolds With Enhanced Oxygen Delivery Using A Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex,
2015
The University of Western Ontario
Tissue Engineering Scaffolds With Enhanced Oxygen Delivery Using A Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex, Tierney Gb Deluzio
Tierney GB Deluzio
The development of a strategy to improve oxygen delivery to cells seeded on scaffolds is essential for the success of tissue engineering applications. The focus of this work was to explore the application of cyclodextrin inclusion complexes (CD:ICs) with perfluorocarbons as oxygen carriers. CD:ICs were prepared from alpha-cyclodextrin and perfluoroperhydrophenanthrene via co-precipitation, paste mixing, and dry mixing complexation techniques. Characterization indicated that paste mixing at a 2:1 host:guest ratio was the most effective method for complexation between the parent molecules. The CD:ICs were then successfully incorporated in 3D fibrous mats via electrospinning with poly(carbonate urethane) and polycaprolactone as biostable and …
Determination Of Surface Heating Distribution To Establish Targeted Thermal Tnvironments In Industry Hydrothermal Autoclaves,
2015
The University of Akron
Determination Of Surface Heating Distribution To Establish Targeted Thermal Tnvironments In Industry Hydrothermal Autoclaves, Hongmin Li, Guo-Xiang Wang, Edward Evans
Dr. Guo-Xiang Wang
This article presents a method for the determination of the heat flux distributions to establish the desired growth environments in autoclave reactors. The algorithm consists of three submodels including the inverse natural convection of the fluid, the inverse heat conduction in the metal wall, and the heat conduction in the insulation layer. The technique is employed to obtain the heat flux distributions that establish the same growth environment as the one predicted by the two-dimensional isothermal wall model. Based on the results, practical heater designs are proposed to improve the growth environments in such industry growth vessels.
Flow Of Solution In Hydrothermal Autoclaves With Various Aspect Ratios,
2015
The University of Akron
Flow Of Solution In Hydrothermal Autoclaves With Various Aspect Ratios, Hongmin Li, Edward Evans, Guo-Xiang Wang
Dr. Guo-Xiang Wang
A good understanding of the natural convective flow in hydrothermal autoclaves is essential for the control of the growth rate and the quality of the grown crystals. This paper presents a numerical simulation of turbulent natural convection in industry-size autoclaves with various aspect ratios. A simplified 2D axisymmetric model was developed. Numerical results were obtained for autoclaves with aspect ratios ranging from 2 to 20. Results show typical two counter-flow cells in both the bottom and upper chambers. Heat conduction through the baffle is negligible. Detailed analyses and discussions are presented to characterize the bulk flows in the upper chamber …
