Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Comparison Of Processed And Non-Processed Biomass Digestion, Richard Bruce Clark Iii

Graduate Theses - Chemistry and Biochemistry

Lignocellulosic ethanol is the main focus of second-generation biofuels [1]. Because cellulose is the most abundant organic material on earth, second-generation biofuels are a more sustainable option than the classical first-generation biofuels that use foodstuffs as the main feedstock in ethanol production [1]. Furthermore, biofuel can be produced not only from unprocessed biomass such as corn husks but also from processed material like paper [1]. Ionic liquids have shown to be quite effective in dissolving naturally occurring, and traditionally insoluble, polymers such as cellulose into solution, and cellulase enzymes have been shown to effectively digest cellulose into simple sugars [2]. …

Pro- And Antioxidant Activity Of Selenomethionine: Preventative Measures Against Metal-Mediated Dna Oxidation, Austin Mroz

Graduate Theses - Chemistry and Biochemistry

DNA damage by reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been linked to several diseases.

Antioxidants are one method of combating the effects of ROS; selenium-containing antioxidants have shown promise in alleviating in vitro DNA damage. This study aims toelucidate the effects of selenomethionine (SeMet) on DNA damage mediated by Cu(II),Fe(II), or Cr(III) metal ions. HPLC analysis was used to probe the oxidative effects of SeMet by quantifying the oxidative damage marker, 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine. Prior literature indicates that the antioxidant activity of SeMet is potentially concentration dependent; however, HPLC results in this study indicate a metal-ion dependency. In order to better understand the …

Phosphonium/Phosphate Ionic Liquids As Lubricant Additives: The Synthesis And Testing Of Six Novel Ils, Matthew Scott Welmers

Graduate Theses - Chemistry and Biochemistry

In this study, ionic liquids (ILs) are defined as ionic materials with a melting temperature >100oC. ILs are characterized by their organic moieties which prevent crystallization, forcing the liquid phase. ILs are desirable as lubricant additives because of their ability to be fine-tuned by varying the identity of the cation/anion as well as the various organic functional moieties therein. Several novel phosphonium/phosphate ILs have been successfully synthesized via a simple, straightforward process. In this work a series of symmetric and asymmetric anionic phosphodiesters are developed and coordinated with two asymmetric alkyl phosphonium cations. These ILs are tested in SAE 10W30 …