Chemical Engineering Commons^™

Molecular Modeling Of Tethered Polyelectrolytes For Novel Biomedical Applications, Merina Jahan

Theses and Dissertations

Current research trends throughout the world focus on designing intelligent materi- als and systems for diverse applications in all courses of life. Biomaterials research encompasses a major part in this revolution due to the increased effort in fulfilling unmet medical needs to treat complex physiological and neurodegenerative disorders. Polymers play inevitable roles in these research endeavors for their ubiquitous pres- ence in biological systems. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how the polymeric molecules interact within diverse biological environments, to efficiently engineer them for various drug delivery and biosensing systems. The use of experimental design and selection of different polymers …

Application Of A Biodegradable And Recyclable Chelating Agent For Ash Removal From Algae, Temitope George Daramola

Civil & Environmental Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Ash is inherent in algae biomass and it causes operational difficulties, equipment failure, and disposal issues during biomass conversion to biofuels and bioproducts. The objectives of this study are to (i) investigate the use of the biodegradable chelating agent for reducing ash content of algae and (ii) evaluate the potential of regeneration and recycle of the chelating agent for multiple uses. Conventionally, ethylenediamine-tetraacetic acid (EDTA) has been studied extensively to remove ash from biomass. However, EDTA is non-biodegradable and causes environmental issues at the disposal.

Nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) is a biodegradable chelating agent and was used in this study for …

Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation Reactions Of Lipids, Alexander Asiedu

Civil & Environmental Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) of lipids was investigated using 2-propanol as hydrogen donor for producing liquid hydrocarbons, e.g. jet fuels. The main sources of lipids selected in this study were waste cooking oil (WCO) and oil-laden algae-derived biofuel intermediate (BI). Two different catalysts were employed in this study, namely activated carbon and trimetallic-doped zeolite.

The CTH reaction was between WCO and 2-propanol in a continuous flow reactor over a packed-bed activated carbon at near atmospheric pressure. Results revealed a high level of alkenes and aromatics compounds, which are not stable and are not environmentally unfriendly. To reduce these compounds in …

Antibacterial Properties Of Mussel-Inspired Polydopamine Coatings Prepared By A Simple Two-Step Shaking-Assisted Method, Pegah Kord Fooroshani, Elizabeth Polega, Kevin Thomson, Mohammad Saleh Akram Bhuiyan, Rattapol Pinnaratip, Mikhail Trought, Chito E. Kendrick, Yuesheng Gao, Kathryn Perrine, Lei Pan, Bruce P. Lee

Michigan Tech Publications, Part 1

A simple two-step, shaking-assisted polydopamine (PDA) coating technique was used to impart polypropylene (PP) mesh with antimicrobial properties. In this modified method, a relatively large concentration of dopamine (20 mg ml⁻¹) was first used to create a stable PDA primer layer, while the second step utilized a significantly lower concentration of dopamine (2 mg ml⁻¹) to promote the formation and deposition of large aggregates of PDA nanoparticles. Gentle shaking (70 rpm) was employed to increase the deposition of PDA nanoparticle aggregates and the formation of a thicker PDA coating with nano-scaled surface roughness (RMS = 110 …

One-Pot Aqueous And Template-Free Synthesis Of Mesoporous Polymeric Resins, Mahboubeh Nabavinia, Baishali Kanjilal, Alexander Hesketh, Philip Wall, Alireza Shirazi Amin, Peter Kerns, Joseph F. Stanzione Iii, Steven Suib, Fujian Lu, Iman Noshadi

Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering Departmental Research

This work explores the novel one-pot aqueous phase synthesis of mesoporous phenolic-hyperbranched polyethyleneimine resins without the use of a template, and their utility as heterogeneous catalysts in batch reactors and continuous microreactors. Catalyst surface areas of up to 432 m²/g were achieved with a uniform Pd distribution and an interconnected, highly porous, network structure, confirmed through Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area measurements, scanning electron microscopes (SEM), X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The heterogeneous catalysts achieved a maximum 98.98 ± 1% conversion in batch Suzuki couplings, with conversions being dependent upon reaction …

Optimization And Structural Stability Of Gold Nanoparticle–Antibody Bioconjugates, Robert T. Busch, Farzia Karim, John Weis, Yvonne Sun, Chenglong Zhao

Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) bound with biomolecules have emerged as suitable biosensors exploiting unique surface chemistries and optical properties. Many efforts have focused on antibody bioconjugation to AuNPs resulting in a sensitive bioconjugate to detect specific types of bacteria. Unfortunately, bacteria thrive under various harsh environments, and an understanding of bioconjugate stability is needed. Here, we show a method for optimizing Listeria monocytogenes polyclonal antibodies bioconjugation mechanisms to AuNPs via covalent binding at different pH values, from 2 to 11, and 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid (MES), 3-(N-morpholino)propanesulfonic acid, NaOH, HCl conditions. By fitting Lorentz curves to the amide I and II regions, we …

Pd Nanoparticles Supported On Copper Oxide Prepared Via Microwave – Assisted Synthesis: An Efficient Catalyst For Suzuki Cross-Coupling, Hany A. Elazab Dr

Chemical Engineering

We report here a scientific investigation of a simple and versatile synthetic rote for the synthesis of palladium nanoparticles decorated with copper oxideand supported on reduced Graphene oxide (rGO) as a highly active catalyst usedfor Suzuki, Heck, and Sonogashira cross coupling reactions with remarkable turnover number (7000) and turnover frequency of 85000 h^-1. Pd-CuO nanoparticles supported on reduced Graphene oxide nanosheets (Pd-CuO/rGO) exhibited an outstanding performance through high catalytic activity towards cross coupling reactions. A simple, reproducible, and reliable method was used to prepare this efficient catalyst using microwave irradiation synthetic conditions. The synthesis approach requires simultaneous reduction …

Sequencing Heparan Sulfate Using Hilic Lc-Netd-Ms/Ms, Jiandong Wu, Juan Wei, Pradeep Chopra, Geert Jan Boons, Cheng Lin, Joseph Zaia

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Heparan Sulfate (HS) Mediates a Wide Range of Protein Binding Interactions Key to Normal and Pathological Physiology. Though Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) based Disaccharide Composition Analysis is Able to Profile Changes in HS Composition, the Heterogeneity of Modifications and the Labile Sulfate Group Present Major Challenges for Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) Sequencing of the HS Oligosaccharides that Represent Protein Binding Determinants. Here, We Report Online LC-MS/MS Sequencing of HS Oligosaccharides using Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography (HILIC) and Negative Electron Transfer Dissociation (NETD). a Series of Synthetic HS Oligosaccharides Varying in Chain Length (Tetramers and Hexamers), …

Covalent Organic Frameworks For The Capture, Fixation, Or Reduction Of Co2, John Ozdemir, Imann Mosleh, Mojtaba Abolhassani, Lauren F. Greenlee, Robert T. Beitle Jr., M. Hassan Beyzavi

Chemical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are porous crystalline organic polymers which have been the subject of immense research interest in the past 10 years. COF materials are synthesized by the covalent linkage of organic molecules bonded in a repeating fashion to form a porous crystal that is ideal for gas adsorption and storage. Chemists have strategically designed COFs for the purpose of heterogeneous catalysis of gaseous reactants. Presented in this critical review are efforts toward developing COFs for the sequestration of CO2 from the atmosphere. Researchers have determined the CO2 adsorption capabilities of several COFs is competitive with the highest surface …

Synthesis Of Zif-8 For Carbon Dioxide Adsorption, Fausat Isu, Yu Lei

Von Braun Symposium Student Posters

No abstract provided.

Evaluation And Demonstration Of Take Home Laboratory Kit, J. A. Rossiter, S. A. Pope, B. Ll. Jones, John Hedengren

Faculty Publications

This paper discusses some of the reasons for producing take home laboratory kits. This is then supplemented by detailed presentation of three different types of take home kit, alongside the motivations for their design and an evaluation of their efficacy with students.

Facile Synthesis Of Reduced Graphene Oxide-Supported Pd/Cuo Nano-Particles As An Efficient Catalyst For Cross-Coupling Reactions, Hany A. Elazab Dr

Chemical Engineering

The present communication reports a scientific investigation of a simple and versatile synthetic route for the synthesis of palladium nanoparticles decorated with copper oxide and supported on reduced graphene oxide (rGO). They are used as a highly active catalyst of Suzuki, Heck, and Sonogashira cross coupling reactions with a remarkable turnover number of 7000 and a turnover frequency of 85000 h-1. The Pd-CuO nanoparticles supported on reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (Pd-CuO/rGO) exhibit an outstanding performance through a high catalytic activity towards cross coupling reactions. A simple, reproducible, and reliable method is used to prepare this efficient catalyst using microwave irradiation …

Peptide Nanotube Encapsulated Enzyme Biosensor For Vapor Phase Detection Of Malathion, An Organophosphorus Compound, Christopher W. Edwards, Surachet Duanghathaipornsuk, Mark N. Goltz, Sushil Kanel, Dong-Shik Kim

Faculty Publications

This study explores the use of a butyrylcholinesterase (BChE)-based, reversible reaction biosensor using screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) having a smaller working surface area than the single-use electrodes previously studied. Previous research demonstrated the prospective application of a single-use biosensor fabricated with an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme encapsulated in peptide nanotubes (PNTs) and enhanced with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) to detect organophosphorus compounds (OPCs) in aqueous and gas phases. In the current study, potential improvements to the biosensor are investigated. BChE-based biosensors were fabricated using PNTs, HRP, and Nafion in combination to increase the reactive surface area, enhance sensitivity, and maintain enzyme stability. Cyclic …

Spatial Positioning And Operating Parameters Of A Rotary Bell Sprayer: 3d Mapping Of Droplet Size Distributions, Adnan Darwish Ahmad, Binit B. Singh, Mark Doerre, Ahmad M. Abubaker, Masoud Arabghahestani, Ahmad A. Salaimeh, Nelson K. Akafuah

Institute of Research for Technology Development Faculty Publications

In this study, we evaluated the fundamental physical behavior during droplet formation and flow from a rotary bell spray in the absence of an electrostatic field. The impact of a wide range of operating parameters of the rotary bell sprayer, such as flow rates, rotational speeds, and spatial positioning, on droplet sizes and size distributions using a three-dimensional (3-D) mapping was studied. The results showed that increasing the rotational speed caused the Sauter mean diameter of the droplets to decrease while increasing flow rate increased the droplet sizes. The rotational speed effect, however, was dominant compared to the effect of …

Effect Of Surfactant, Oil:Water Ratio And Temperature On The Rheology Of Emulsion-Suspension Complex Fluids: Implications For Oil-Based Drilling Fluids, Gilles Landry Numkam

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Drilling fluids are non-Newtonian mixtures that play a critical role in the timely and successful completion of oil and gas wells. In the particular case of offshore operations, proper design of drilling fluids is of paramount importance in the constant quest to lower break-even prices. Most downhole problems are directly or in-directly related to the rheological and physical properties of drilling fluids, thereby calling for a better understanding of the underlying changes of these properties with respect to drilling fluid composition and external conditions.

The current stance in the design of drilling fluids involves the selection of components and their …

Structure And Reactivity Of Single Site Ti Catalysts For Propylene Epoxidation, Zheng Lu, Xiaoyang Liu, Bin Zhang, Zhuoran Gan, Siwen Tang, Lu Ma, Tianpin Wu, George J. Nelson, Yong Qin, Heath C. Turner, Yu Lei

PRC-Affiliated Research

Propylene epoxidation using molecular oxygen and hydrogen mixture on Au-based catalysts has attracted attention because of high propylene oxide selectivity and the use of an inexpensive and environmental friendly oxidant. Single-site titanium on metal oxide supports plays an important role in achieving high reactivity and selectivity in propylene epoxidation. Here we used TiO2 atomic layer deposition (ALD) to synthesize single-site titanium imbedded in the SiO2 framework for propylene epoxidation. High temperature calcination was used as post-treatment to control the titania structure and Tisingle bondO coordination number. Using UV–vis spectroscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, we successfully established that under similar propylene …

Structure And Reactivity Of Single Site Ti Catalysts For Propylene Epoxidation, Zheng Lu, Xiaoyang Liu, Bin Zhang, Zhuoran Gan, Siwen Tang, Lu Ma, Tianpin Wu, George J. Nelson, Yong Qin, Heath C. Turner, Yu Lei

PRC-Affiliated Research

Propylene epoxidation using molecular oxygen and hydrogen mixture on Au-based catalysts has attracted attention because of high propylene oxide selectivity and the use of an inexpensive and environmental friendly oxidant. Single-site titanium on metal oxide supports plays an important role in achieving high reactivity and selectivity in propylene epoxidation. Here we used TiO2 atomic layer deposition (ALD) to synthesize single-site titanium imbedded in the SiO2 framework for propylene epoxidation. High temperature calcination was used as post-treatment to control the titania structure and Tisingle bondO coordination number. Using UV–vis spectroscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, we successfully established that under similar propylene …

Structure And Reactivity Of Single Site Ti Catalysts For Propylene Epoxidation, Zheng Lu, Xiaoyang Liu, Bin Zhang, Zhuoran Gan, Siwen Tang, Lu Ma, Tianpin Wu, George J. Nelson, Yong Qin, Heath C. Turner, Yu Lei

PRC-Affiliated Research

Propylene epoxidation using molecular oxygen and hydrogen mixture on Au-based catalysts has attracted attention because of high propylene oxide selectivity and the use of an inexpensive and environmental friendly oxidant. Single-site titanium on metal oxide supports plays an important role in achieving high reactivity and selectivity in propylene epoxidation. Here we used TiO2 atomic layer deposition (ALD) to synthesize single-site titanium imbedded in the SiO2 framework for propylene epoxidation. High temperature calcination was used as post-treatment to control the titania structure and Tisingle bondO coordination number. Using UV–vis spectroscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, we successfully established that under similar propylene …

Measurement Of Adhesion Of Sternal Wires To A Novel Bioactive Glass-Based Adhesive, Varinder Pal Singh Sidhu, Mark R. Towler, Marcello Papini

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Stainless steel wires are the standard method for sternal closure because of their strength and rigidity, the simplicity of the process, and the short healing time that results from their application. Despite this, problems still exist with sternal stability due to micromotion between the two halves of the dissected and wired sternum. Recently, a novel glass-based adhesive was developed which, in cadaveric trials and in conjunction with wiring, was shown to restrict this micromotion. However, in order to avoid complications during resternotomy, the adhesive should adhere only to the bone and not the sternal wire. In this study, sternal wires …

Renal Specific Rnai Delivery By Fibrillar Nanoparticle Excipients, Sam Wong

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful tool to manipulate the phenotype of an organism by silencing the expression of specific genes and is viewed as a highly promising platform for treating undruggable targets and disorders where small molecule drugs and antibodies would fail. However, development of RNAi based therapies has faced major barriers including cellular and tissue-specific uptake of the Small Interfering RNA (siRNA). Utilizing different nanoparticles as RNAi excipients, cellular uptake and gene silencing potency can be greatly improved. The research in Dr. McDevitt groups has fibrillar carbon nanotubes (CNT) as carriers for siRNA for gene silencing in vitro …

The Potential Of Using Micro-Sized Crosslinked Polymer Gel To Remediate Water Leakage In Cement Sheaths, Murad Abdulfarraj, Abdulmohsin Imqam

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Cementing is a major step in the construction and sealing of hydrocarbon wells. During the life cycle of the well, cement is prone to cracking due to a change in downhole conditions. This research investigates the use of micro-sized crosslinked polymer gel as a sealant material to mitigate cracked cement sheaths. Two experimental setups were designed to investigate water leakage through cement. The impact of polymer gel strength on the gel's ability to seal cement cracks was investigated using four gel strengths, including 500 pa, 1200 pa, 1450 pa, and 2440 pa. The impact of the width of the cement …

Recycling Of The Mixture Resulted From Sanitary Ware Waste, Roller Kiln Waste And Ceramic Tiles Sludge Waste In The Manufacturing Of Ceramic Floor Tiles, Mai H. Roushdy

Chemical Engineering

Ceramic tiles industry is a big source for wastes that have a bad effect on the environment. The first source of waste is associated with roller kilns as it needs a periodic surface grinding to its rollers which results in a waste powder. The second type of waste is ceramic tiles sludge which produced from a water treatment plant. The third waste is sanitary ware waste which coming out from sanitary ware industry. The main aim of this paper is to investigate the ability of substituting part of the main body mixture of floor tiles by these three types of …

Modelling In Vitro Dissolution And Release Of Sumatriptan Succinate From Polyvinylpyrrolidone-Based Microneedles Aided By Iontophoresis, James Paul Ronnander

Dissertations

A novel dissolving microneedle array system is developed to investigate permeation of a sumatriptan succinate formulations through the skin aided by iontophoresis. Three formulations consisting of hydrophilic, positively charged drug molecules encapsulated in a water-soluble biologically suitable polymer, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), have been accepted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The microneedle systems are fabricated with 600 pyramid-shaped needles, each 500 µm tall, on a 0.785-cm² circular array. In vitro transdermal studies with minipig skin and vertical Franz diffusion cells show > 68% permeation of sumatriptan over a 24-hour period. A combination of microneedle and electrical current density ranging …

Improving Boron For Combustion Applications, Kerri-Lee Annique Chintersingh

Dissertations

Boron has received much attention as a potential additive to explosives and propellants due to its high theoretical gravimetric and volumetric heating values. The challenge, however, is that boron particles tend to agglomerate, have lengthy ignition delays and very low combustion rates. Prior research indicates that boron’s long ignition delays are due to its inhibiting naturally occurring oxide layer, impeding the diffusion of reactants for oxidation. For combustion, current studies report that boron particles have two consecutive stages, but the actual reaction mechanism is poorly understood. Despite many years of relevant research, quantitative combustion data on micron-sized boron particles are …

Analyzing Evolution Of Rare Events Through Social Media Data, Xiaoyu Lu

Dissertations

Recently, some researchers have attempted to find a relationship between the evolution of rare events and temporal-spatial patterns of social media activities. Their studies verify that the relationship exists in both time and spatial domains. However, few of those studies can accurately deduce a time point when social media activities are most highly affected by a rare event because producing an accurate temporal pattern of social media during the evolution of a rare event is very difficult. This work expands the current studies along three directions. Firstly, we focus on the intensity of information volume and propose an innovative clustering …

Roles Of Surfactant And Binary Polymers On Dissolution Enhancement Of Bcs Ii Drugs From Nanocomposites And Amorphous Solid Dispersions, Md Mahbubur Rahman

Dissertations

Drug nanocomposites and amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) are two major formulation platforms used for the bioavailability enhancement of BCS Class II drugs. The major drawback of nanocomposites is their inability to attain high drug supersaturation during in vitro (<50% relative supersaturation) and in vivo dissolution. On the other hand, formulating an amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) with high drug loading (>20%) that releases drug rapidly, while generating and maintaining high supersaturation over at least three hours is challenging. The goal of this thesis is to develop a fundamental understanding of the impact of anionic surfactants–polymers on in vitro drug release from nanocomposites and ASDs, while addressing the above challenges. To achieve this goal, the following objectives are set: (1) compare griseofulvin …

Enzymatic Biofuel Cells In A Sandwich Geometry With Compressed Carbon Nanotubes/Enzyme Electrodes & Hybrid Patch Applications, Biao Leng

Dissertations

Enzymatic biofuel cells (EBFCs) convert the chemical energy of biofuels, such as glucose and methanol, into electrical energy by employing enzymes as catalysts. In contrast to conventional fuel cells, EBFCs have a simple membrane-free fuel cell design due to the high catalytic specificity of the enzymes, but the power densities obtained are lower. Although the primary goal of research on EBFCs has been to develop a sustainable power source that can be directly implanted in the human body to power bio-devices, other applications such as the use of a flexible film or fuel cell patch as a wearable power source …

Reduction Of A Detailed Soot Model For Simulations Of Pyrolysing Solid Fuels, Alexander J. Josephson, Emily M. Hopkins, David O. Lignell, Rod R. Linn

Faculty Publications

This work presents a computationally inexpensive soot formation model for use in simulating large solid-complex fuel systems. The proposed model evaluates three variables: number density of tars, bulk mass density of soot particles, and particle number density. Each of these variables are influenced by soot formation phenomena, and this model evaluates the most common of these phenomena: soot nucleation, surface reactions, and coagulation. Two separate simulations were carried out using this model and results were compared against simulations using a more detailed and computationally expensive model. Results are promising and show a meaningful reduction in model complexity and computational cost …

Recent Advances In Bismuth-Based Co2 Reduction Electrocatalysts, Rui Zhou, Na Han, Yan-Guang Li

Journal of Electrochemistry

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is an economical, secure and sustainable carbon resource around us. Its effective capture and recycling have been the focus of our entire society. Using the electrochemical method, CO₂ can be reduced to different value-added chemicals or fuels. This approach not only would mitigate CO₂ accumulation in the atmosphere, but also would help alleviate our dependence on fossil fuel. In this article, the basic principle and process of electrochemical CO₂ reduction are first introduced. The recent development in bismuth-based catalysts for electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction is reviewed with an emphasis on their preparation, …

Preface To Special Issue Of Electrochemical Reduction Of Carbon Dioxide, Qing Li, Min Liu

Journal of Electrochemistry

No abstract provided.