Biochemical and Biomolecular Engineering Commons^™

Predictive Modeling For Optimal Gel Treatment Design In Brownfields Using Ensemble Machine Learning And Data Upsampling Via Generative Ai, Munqith Aldhaheri, Baojun Bai, Mingzhen Wei

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Efficiently designed gel treatments play a vital role in extending the lifespan of brownfields through rejuvenating oil production. Recently, a three-mode mathematical methodology named the VCR approach has been proposed for designing effective treatments. To optimize this approach, it is crucial to determine the appropriate design mode systematically rather than relying solely on the intuitive judgments of field operators. This study introduces an advanced methodology for predicting the optimal design type of gel treatments using 12 reservoir and production variables. The methodology integrates ensemble machine-learning (EML) models with historical data from 65 field projects across 11 countries (1985-2020). The Random …

Investigation Of Dynamic Adsorption And Desorption Of Polymer Nanogel In Porous Media Through Microfluidics, Junchen Liu, Fuqiao Bai, Abdulaziz A. Almakimi, Mingzhen Wei, Xiaoming He, Ibnelwaleed A. Hussein, Baojun Bai

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Research & Creative Works

Understanding the transport and retention of elastic nanogel and microgel particles in porous media has been a significant research subject for decades, essential to the application of enhanced oil recovery (EOR). However, a lack of dynamic adsorption and desorption studies, in which the kinetics in porous media are seldom investigated, hinders the design and application of polymer nanogel in underground porous media. In this work, we visualized and quantified the transport and dynamic adsorption of polymer nanogel in 3D glass micromodels that were manufactured by packing glass beads in capillaries. Calibrating the linearity of fluorescence intensity to concentration, we calculated …

Re-Crosslinkable Particle For Conformance Control And Temporary Plugging, Yifu Long, Bowen Yu, Baojun Bai, Thomas P. Schuman

Patents

The present invention generally relates to the composition of particle gels for conformance control, well drilling and well treatments. More particularly, this invention relates to swellable polymer particle gels that can re-crosslink, i.e., reassociate and self-heal, at subterranean conditions. These particle gels can be deployed to improve the conformance of water flooding of especially matrix bypass events (MBEs), that are also known as void space conduits. Moreover, these particle gels can be deployed for controlling the water production and increasing of petroleum recovery. The inventive particles can also be deployed as diverter for well stimulation.

Ultrathin Film Coating And Element Doping For Lithium-Ion Battery Electrodes, Xinhua Liang, Yan Gao

Patents

The present invention relates to various lithium ion battery cathodes as well as lithium ion batteries incorporating one or more of these cathodes. The present invention further relates to processes of preparing the lithium ion battery cathode.

Additively-Manufactured Structure For Reactionary Processes, Fateme Rezaei, Ali Rownaghi, Shane Lawson

Patents

A method of additively manufacturing a structure for use in a reactionary process includes forming a material from metal or metal oxide particles, a dispersion solvent, and a binder. The method also includes depositing the material onto a build platform and curing the material to form a structure for use in a reactionary process. The structure includes the metal or metal oxide particles and is configured to provide a reaction when exposed to a reactant.

Nontoxic High Temperature Resistant Hydrogels, Thomas P. Schuman, Baujun Bai, Buddhabhushan Pundlik Salunkhe

Patents

Compositions of swellable non-toxic hydro gels and their use in conformance control are described herein. More specifically, the present invention generally relates to the hydro gels compositions that can be used to treat the oil reservoirs having high temperature and high salinity conditions. The compositions generally comprise a plurality of swellable particles having one or more crosslinkers interspersed within a polymer matrix. The compositions can also be used in biomedical, agricultural, fracking and similar applications wherein thermally-stable, nontoxic hydrogels are required.

Quantifying The Effectiveness Of Rhamnolipid As A Biocide: Assessing Comparability Of A Modified Solution, Rosemary Sterling

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The CO2 induced corrosion of carbon steel in oil and gas pipelines, exacerbated by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), poses a serious threat to infrastructure. This study evaluates the effectiveness of rhamnolipid (RhL), a biosurfactant, as a corrosion inhibitor and potential SRB biocide in simulated pipeline environments. Using a Postgate-C Modified Produced Water Simulant, which demonstrated electrochemical behavior comparable to industry-standard solutions while sustaining SRB, corrosion trials were conducted with and without RhL. Mass loss and electrochemical data revealed that RhL significantly reduced corrosion rates—by 85% on average and up to 99% instantaneously in a 4-day trial. Visual and analytical results from …

Influence Of Fused Deposition Modeling Process Parameters On The Constitutive Model Of Hyperelastic Thermoplastic Polyurethane, Lucas Gallup, Mohamed Trabia, Brendan O'Toole, Youssef Fahmy

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Research

Thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) are suited for fused deposition modeling (FDM) of parts that require high levels of flexibility and strength. Predicting the deformation of TPU parts produced using FDM may be difficult, especially under large deformations, as their constitutive models depend on the printing process parameters. The lack of understanding led to the absence of constitutive models for TPU parts produced using FDM. This work aims to identify accurate hyperelastic constitutive models. Six groups of uniaxial tensile specimens were produced using FDM. These groups were made with variations in two process parameters, which were infill geometry and extrusion nozzle temperature. …

Determination Of The Kinetic Parameters Of Cholesterol Oxidation Using Cholesterol Oxidase From Streptomyces Sp., Meka Saima Perdani, Heri Hermansyah, Muhamad Sahlan, Dwini Normayulisa Putri, Teguh Pambudi, Anggi Khairina Hanum Hasibuan

Makara Journal of Technology

Cholesterol oxidase (CO) was successfully produced from Streptomyces sp. via the submerged fermentation method, and 69 U/mL enzyme activity was obtained. This study aimed to determine cholesterol oxidation kinetics and the production of CO as a catalyst. The enzyme was diluted to 0.15, 0.075, and 0.00375 U/mL for the oxidation reaction. The substrate was also prepared in three concentrations: 3.23, 6.46, and 12.93 mM. The optimization of conditions for enzymatic cholesterol oxidation was investigated through measurement of the effect of initial cholesterol and enzyme concentrations. Cholesterol concentration was rapidly measured via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The kinetics of CO were …

Zeolite 13x Particles With Porous Tio2 Coating And Ag2o Nanoparticles As Multi-Functional Filler Materials For Face Masks, Wei Su, Kaiying Wang, Han Yu, Fateme Fayyazbakhsh, Jeremy Watts, Yue-Wern Huang, Jee-Ching Wang, Xinhua Liang

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Adsorbent components in face masks are crucial for protecting individuals exposed to dangerous situations. In this study, one porous TiO₂ layer was deposited on zeolite 13X particles by coating hybrid organic/inorganic titanium alkoxide film via molecular layer deposition (MLD), followed by heat treatment to remove organic components in the MLD film. Various concentrations of Ag₂O nanoparticles were impregnated on the TiO₂-coated 13X particles, offering a wide range of antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral characteristics. The obtained composite particles were characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis to study the composition and mass loading of …

Development And Characterization Of Organic Electrocatalysts For Use In Zinc-Air Batteries, Christopher John Merkel

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The global deployment of solar photovoltaic and wind power is projected by the International Energy Agency as the primary pathway to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. However, these technologies face a critical bottleneck: their inherently intermittent power generation. For “intermittent renewables” to become the dominant source of electrical energy, efficient energy storage systems are essential. Current storage solutions are not viable on a global scale due to material scarcity, safety concerns, and high capital costs. Among emerging technologies, zinc-air batteries (ZABs) have garnered significant interest. ZABs offer a theoretical energy density five times greater than traditional lithium-ion batteries, utilize safe …

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Trackable Pathology-Triggered Polymersomes Toward Enzyme Replacement Theranostics For Gm1 Gangliosidosis, Dorian Foster

All Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the development and optimization of pathology-responsive polymersomes for simultaneous enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) in the treatment of GM1 gangliosidosis (GM1). While therapeutic strategies exist for similar, non-neuropathic lysosomal storage disorders, implementation towards GM1 faces significant challenges due to the blood-brain barrier.

Herein, we developed and characterized a range of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid-b-polylactic acid (HA-PLA) polymersomes (PSs) capable of encapsulating therapeutic enzymes in their hydrophilic core. These polymersomes exhibit pathophysiology-triggered responsiveness, degrading in the presence of acidic conditions, which is characteristic of lysosomes, and enzymes such as hexosaminidase A, which …

Experimental Evaluation Of A Recrosslinkable Co2-Resistant Micro-Sized Preformed Particle Gel For Co2 Sweep Efficiency Improvement In Reservoirs With Super-K Channels, Adel Alotibi, Tao Song, Ali Al Brahim, Baojun Bai, Thomas P. Schuman

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A recross linkable CO₂-resistant branched preformed particle gel (CO₂-BRPPG) was developed for controlling CO₂ injection conformance, particularly in reservoirs with super-permeable channels. Previous work focused on a millimeter-sized CO₂-BRPPG in open fractures, but its performance in high-permeability channels with pore throat networks remained unexplored. This study used a sand pack model to evaluate a micro-sized CO₂-BRPPG under varying conditions of salinity, gel concentration, and pH. at ambient conditions, the equilibrium swelling ratio (ESR) of the gel reached 76 times its original size. This ratio decreased with increasing salinity but remained stable …

The Design And Implementation Of A Modular Tissue Engineering Test Bed To Pursue An Alternate Pathway Of Cell Culture Based Research, Ryley Patrick Griffin

Theses and Dissertations

The development of a Modular Automated Tissue Engineering Test Bed (MATETB) is the next step in the development of cheap and easily available in vitro cell regulatory systems for both academic and industrial purposes. This project outlined the framework and requirements for a device that could automatically regulate and collect data on a cell culture through the manipulation of its liquid environment. From this framework, a prototype was built. The device would fulfill cell culture needs while collecting data automatically and allowing for live viewing and imaging of cells. The device was comprised of a mechanical skeleton (MS), an environmental …

Boosting The Power Performance Of Microbial Fuel Cells By Using Dual Nanomaterial-Modified Carbon Felt Electrodes, Krishna Thapa, Wenyan Liu, Yuwei Zhang, David J. Westenberg, Yishu Zhou, Risheng Wang

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

Innovative design enhancements to microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are pivotal for improving their viability as renewable energy sources. This study introduces a dual approach to electrode modification, integrating polyaniline (PANI) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on carbon felt (CF) anodes coupled with a unique cathode composed of DNA origami and chitosan. The synergistic effect of PANI and AuNPs significantly increases the hydrophilicity and conductivity of the anode, leading to a considerable surge in power density. Concurrently, the biocompatible DNA origami and chitosan-functionalized cathode facilitates efficient electron transfer without relying on conventional catalysts. Together, these modifications yield a 52.42% increase in the …

Process Development And Techno-Economic Analysis For Combined And Separated Co2 Capture-Electrochemical Utilization, Abdullah Al Moinee, Ali A. Rownaghi, Fateme Rezaei

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Combining CO₂ capture and utilization into a single unit operation offers a feasible solution for converting a sustainable feedstock into marketable commodity chemicals, while reducing energy requirements from separated processes. In this research, we developed a process model and performed a techno-economic analysis (TEA) for point-source CO₂ capture and electrochemical-based utilization in light olefins production under both separated and integrated scenarios. CO₂ containing flue gas from a 500 MW power plant was utilized as a feed while CO₂ utilization involved electrochemical reduction reactions to produce light olefins directly from CO₂. A meticulous analysis was …

Biocargos: Capture And Release Gels For Room Temperature Cell Storage., Justin Jacobson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Currently, cryovials on dry ice or liquid nitrogen vapor transportation vessels are primary ways utilized to transport mammalian cells from one location to another. Due to the safety concerns of dry ice and liquid nitrogen, associated costly shipping charges, and limitations of proper packaging and labeling of materials, these conventional shipping techniques are unacceptable. It is urgent to develop a safe and environmentally friendly protocol to preserve and ship the biological samples from one place to another. In this research, a method was developed for an ecofriendly and safe protocol to preserve cancer cells. The cell viability of cell line …

Atomic Layer Deposition Of Ru Nanoclusters On Ba-Laceox: A Highly Efficient Catalyst For Ammonia Synthesis Under Mild Conditions, Kaiying Wang, Baitang Jin, Xiaoqing He, Xinhua Liang

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Ammonia synthesis has significant implications for global energy and environmental issues, driving the need for highly active catalysts that operate under mild conditions. This study reports the successful deposition of uniform ∼1.0 nm metallic ruthenium (Ru) nanoclusters onto Ba-LaCeO_x particles via atomic layer deposition (ALD). The catalytic performance of the ALD-prepared Ru nanoclusters was assessed for ammonia synthesis and compared with two catalysts produced by conventional incipient wetness impregnation. For the ALD-prepared Ru nanoclusters, a pre-reaction H_2-reduction step induced partial encapsulation of suboxide species on Ru sites due to strong metal-support interactions, limiting Ru nanocluster sintering and …

Carboxymethyl Cellulose-Based Preformed Particle Gels For Water Management In Oil And Gas Reservoirs, Ahmed Ben Ali, Ahmed Hamza, Abdulaziz A. Almakimi, Mohammed Saad, Ibnelwaleed A. Hussein, Baojun Bai

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) based materials have been proposed as preformed particle gels (PPGs) for reducing excessive water production in oil and gas reservoirs. Multi-sized dry particles ranging between 100 and 1180 μm have been synthesized using microwave-assisted grafting copolymerization of CMC and acrylamide (AM)/n,n''-methylene-bisacrylamide (MBA). FTIR and SEM confirmed CMC crosslinked polyacrylamide's chemical structure and morphology (CMC/CPAM). Thermo-gravimetric analysis has demonstrated the thermal stability of dry PPGs up to 309 °C. CMC/CPAM showed slightly high absorbency in brine 2 (TDS = 67.3 g/L) compared to brine 1 (TDS = 33.65 g/L), 1% NaCl, and deionized water, with swelling ratios (SR) …

The Effectiveness Of Certain Biological Additives Considered By-Products Of The Food Industry In Baker’S Yeast Activation, Nataliya E. Kulikova, Antonina G. Chernobrovina, Natalia N. Roeva

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

One of the ways to increase the efficiency of the activation process of baking yeast is the use of waste and by-products of the food industry as nutrient media. The goal of the study was to develop ways to activate yeast in a nutrient medium with dietary supplements: potato cell sap, whey and quince pomace powder. We demonstrated the effectiveness of the use of biological additives (potato cell juice, quince pomace powder, whey), which are waste or by-products of the food industry to activate yeast. We have established that incubation in a nutrient medium with dietary supplements has a beneficial …