ORCID Profile
0000-0002-0251-844X
Current Organisation
University of Queensland
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Research Topics
In Research Link Australia (RLA), "Research Topics" refer to ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes. These topics are either sourced from ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes listed in researchers' related grants or generated by a large language model (LLM) based on their publications.
Top 5 Research Topics
ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)
Polymers and Plastics | Materials Engineering | Crop and Pasture Biomass and Bioproducts | Composite and Hybrid Materials | Biomedical Instrumentation | Environmental Biotechnology not elsewhere classified | Textile Technology | Timber, Pulp and Paper | Materials Engineering not elsewhere classified | Microbial Ecology | Industrial Biotechnology | Wood Fibre Processing | Manufacturing Engineering | Environmental Impact Assessment | Macromolecular and Materials Chemistry not elsewhere classified | Forestry Biomass and Bioproducts | Organic Semiconductors | Bioprocessing, Bioproduction and Bioproducts | Nanofabrication, Growth and Self Assembly
ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)
Environmentally Sustainable Manufacturing not elsewhere classified | Reconstituted Timber Products (e.g. Chipboard, Particleboard) | Plant Production and Plant Primary Products not elsewhere classified | Natural Fibres, Yarns and Fabrics | Synthetic Fibres, Yarns and Fabrics | Human Diagnostics | Manufacturing not elsewhere classified | Plastics in Primary Forms | Plastic Products (incl. Construction Materials) | Industrial Chemicals and Related Products not elsewhere classified | Expanding Knowledge in Engineering | Expanding Knowledge in the Biological Sciences |
Related Links
Publications
Syntheesis and stereochemistry of acidolysis of some cyclohept-2-enylstannames and -silanes
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 1988
Synthesis and Characterisation of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)-b-poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) Multi-Block Copolymers Produced Using Diisocyanate Chemistry
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 31-07-2023
Abstract: Bacterially derived polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are attractive alternatives to commodity petroleum-derived plastics. The most common forms of the short chain length (scl-) PHAs, including poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), are currently limited in application because they are relatively stiff and brittle. The synthesis of PHA-b-PHA block copolymers could enhance the physical properties of PHAs. Therefore, this work explores the synthesis of PHBV-b-PHBV using relatively high molecular weight hydroxy-functionalised PHBV starting materials, coupled using facile diisocyanate chemistry, delivering industrially relevant high-molecular-weight block copolymeric products. A two-step synthesis approach was compared with a one-step approach, both of which resulted in successful block copolymer production. However, the two-step synthesis was shown to be less effective in building molecular weight. Both synthetic approaches were affected by additional isocyanate reactions resulting in the formation of by-products such as allophanate and likely biuret groups, which delivered partial cross-linking and higher molecular weights in the resulting multi-block products, identified for the first time as likely and significant by-products in such reactions, affecting the product performance.
Composites of Wood and Biodegradable Thermoplastics: A Review
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-11-2017
The morphology of crystallisation of PHBV/PHBV copolymer blends
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2019
The challenges in lifetime prediction of oxodegradable polyolefin and biodegradable polymer films
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2017
Antagonism between transition metal pro-oxidants in polyethylene films
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2012
Adsorbents for the Sequestration of the Pimelea Toxin, Simplexin
Publisher: MDPI
Date: 12-02-2020
Starch Applications
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2014
The chemomechanical properties of microbial polyhydroxyalkanoates
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2013
Thermal properties and crystallization behavior of fractionated blocky and random polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymers from mixed microbial cultures
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-05-2014
DOI: 10.1002/APP.40836
Biopolymer Composites for Slow Release to Manage Pimelea Poisoning in Cattle
Publisher: MDPI
Date: 13-02-2020
Early-stage photodegradation of aromatic poly(urethane-urea) elastomers
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2018
Silylcuprate routes to cyclohex-2-enylsilanes
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 1988
DOI: 10.1071/CH9880693
Abstract: The efficacy of the dimethyl(phenyl)silylcuprate and (to a lesser extent) the methyl-diphenylsilylcuprate reagents in converting cyclohex-2-enyl chlorides into the corresponding allylsilanes has been investigated. The presence of copper(I) greatly suppresses formation of the coupled hydrocarbon, and promotes stereo- and regio-selective carbon-silicon bond formation, in a predominantly anti-SN2′ manner. Spectroscopic characterization of the diastereomeric silanes is presented. Grignard routes to some of these silanes are described.
The effect of comonomer concentration and distribution on the photo-oxidative degradation of linear low density polyethylene films
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2017
Synthesis and characterisation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) multi-block copolymers comprising blocks of differing 3-hydroxyvalerate contents
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2023
A review on Pimelea poisoning of livestock
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2020
Hydrocarbon hydrogen carriers for catalytic transfer hydrogenation of guaiacol
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2020
Microbial nanowires – Electron transport and the role of synthetic analogues
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.ACTBIO.2018.01.007
Abstract: Electron transfer is central to cellular life, from photosynthesis to respiration. In the case of anaerobic respiration, some microbes have extracellular appendages that can be utilised to transport electrons over great distances. Two model organisms heavily studied in this arena are Shewanella oneidensis and Geobacter sulfurreducens. There is some debate over how, in particular, the Geobacter sulfurreducens nanowires (formed from pilin nanofilaments) are capable of achieving the impressive feats of natural conductivity that they display. In this article, we outline the mechanisms of electron transfer through delocalised electron transport, quantum tunnelling, and hopping as they pertain to biomaterials. These are described along with existing ex les of the different types of conductivity observed in natural systems such as DNA and proteins in order to provide context for understanding the complexities involved in studying the electron transport properties of these unique nanowires. We then introduce some synthetic analogues, made using peptides, which may assist in resolving this debate. Microbial nanowires and the synthetic analogues thereof are of particular interest, not just for biogeochemistry, but also for the exciting potential bioelectronic and clinical applications as covered in the final section of the review. Some microbes have extracellular appendages that transport electrons over vast distances in order to respire, such as the dissimilatory metal-reducing bacteria Geobacter sulfurreducens. There is significant debate over how G. sulfurreducens nanowires are capable of achieving the impressive feats of natural conductivity that they display: This mechanism is a fundamental scientific challenge, with important environmental and technological implications. Through outlining the techniques and outcomes of investigations into the mechanisms of such protein-based nanofibrils, we provide a platform for the general study of the electronic properties of biomaterials. The implications are broad-reaching, with fundamental investigations into electron transfer processes in natural and biomimetic materials underway. From these studies, applications in the medical, energy, and IT industries can be developed utilising bioelectronics.
Experimental data for extrusion processing and tensile properties of poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) polymer and wood fibre reinforced PHBV biocomposites
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2019
Characterisation of end groups of hydroxy-functionalised scl-PHAs prepared by transesterification using ethylene glycol
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2022
Fractionation of microbial populations in a PHA accumulating mixed culture and associated PHA content and composition
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.IJBIOMAC.2014.04.055
Abstract: The uniformity of PHA composition and content across groups of organisms in mixed cultures was considered. An activated sludge microbial community, with an average PHA content of 20wt%, was fractioned by Percoll assisted buoyant density separation. The microbial community in the two principal fractions was characterised using licon pyrosequencing. While organisms were common to both fractions, the relative abundances of species were found to be different between the two fractions. The average PHA content in one of the fractions was found to be higher (24wt%) than the other (16wt%) separation was considered to be in part driven by the density difference associated with PHA content, but also by other factors such as cell dimension and cellular morphology. But while differences in PHA content were observed, the PHA composition in both fractions was found to be approximately the same (43-44mol% HV), which shows that distinct groups of microbial populations within mixed cultures may generate PHA with similar average copolymer composition.
Techno-economic assessment of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) production from methane - The case for thermophilic bioprocessing
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2016
Effect of Toxic Phthalate-Based Plasticizer on the Biodegradability of Polyhydroxyalkanoate
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 08-12-2022
Geo-Agriculture: Reviewing Opportunities through Which the Geosphere Can Help Address Emerging Crop Production Challenges
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 06-07-2020
Abstract: The agricultural sector faces looming challenges including dwindling fertiliser reserves, environmental impacts of conventional soil inputs, and increasingly difficult growing conditions wrought by climate change. Naturally-occurring rocks and minerals may help address these challenges. In this case, we explore opportunities through which the geosphere could support viable agricultural systems, primarily via a literature review supplemented by data analysis and preliminary-scale experimentation. Our objective is to focus on opportunities specifically relating to emerging agricultural challenges. Our findings reveal that a spectrum of common geological materials can assist across four key agricultural challenges: 1. Providing environmentally-sustainable fertiliser deposits especially for the two key elements in food production, nitrogen (via use of slow release N-rich clays), and phosphorus (via recovery of the biomineral struvite) as well as through development of formulations to tap into mineral nutrient reserves underlying croplands. 2. Reducing contamination from farms—using clays, zeolites, and hydroxides to intercept, and potentially recycle nutrients discharged from paddocks. 3. Embedding drought resilience into agricultural landscapes by increasing soil moisture retention (using high surface area minerals including zeolite and smectite), boosting plant availability of drought protective elements (using basalts, smectites, and zeolites), and decreasing soil surface temperature (using reflective smectites, zeolites, and pumices), and 4. mitigating emissions of all three major greenhouse gases—carbon dioxide (using fast-weathering basalts), methane (using iron oxides), and nitrous oxide (using nitrogen-sorbing clays). Drawbacks of increased geological inputs into agricultural systems include an increased mining footprint, potential increased loads of suspended sediments in high-rainfall catchments, changes to geo-ecological balances, and possible harmful health effects to practitioners extracting and land-applying the geological materials. Our review highlights potential for ‘geo-agriculture’ approaches to not only help meet several key emerging challenges that threaten sustainable food and fiber production, but also to contribute to achieving some of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—‘Zero Hunger,’ ‘Life on Land,’ and ‘Climate Action.’
Mixed culture polyhydroxyalkanoate-rich biomass assessment and quality control using thermogravimetric measurement methods
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2017
Erratum to “The chemomechanical properties of microbial polyhydroxyalkanoates” [Prog. Polym. Sci. 38 (2013) 536–583]
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2014
Pyrolysis of brominated polyethylene as an alternative carbon fibre precursor
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2020
The chemomechanical properties of microbial polyhydroxyalkanoates
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2014
The Evolution of Polymer Composition during PHA Accumulation: The Significance of Reducing Equivalents
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 07-03-2017
Can Nitrogen Source and Nitrification Inhibitors Affect In-Season Nitrogen Supply?
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 07-09-2020
Biomimetic Peptide Nanowires Designed for Conductivity
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 22-01-2019
Mechanical and physical stability of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)-based wood plastic composites (WPCs) under natural weathering
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2019
Modelling the Controlled Release of Toxins in a Rumen Environment
Publisher: MDPI
Date: 12-02-2020
Understanding the effect of copolymer content on the processability and mechanical properties of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)/wood composites
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2019
Mainstream Ammonium Recovery to Advance Sustainable Urban Wastewater Management
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 04-09-2019
Abstract: Throughout the 20th century, the prevailing approach toward nitrogen management in municipal wastewater treatment was to remove ammonium by transforming it into dinitrogen (N
Insights into the biodegradation of PHA / wood composites: Micro- and macroscopic changes
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2019
Designing for effective controlled release in agricultural products: new insights into the complex nature of the polymer–active agent relationship and implications for use
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-06-2020
DOI: 10.1002/JSFA.10531
Ambient climate and soil effects on the headspace under clear mulch film
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2016
Mechanical performance and long-term indoor stability of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)-based wood plastic composites (WPCs) modified by non-reactive additives
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2018
Effect of soil environment on the photo-degradation of polyethylene films
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-07-2015
DOI: 10.1002/APP.42558
Synthesis of starch graft-copolymers via reactive extrusion: Process development and structural analysis
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1016/J.CARBPOL.2019.115066
Abstract: To promote the large-scale production of starch-based biomaterials, we developed a method of synthesis based on reactive extrusion that combines the benefits of continuous manufacturing with the use of green chemistry principles. This paper describes the grafting of four different types of starches with acrylamide monomers via free radical copolymerization using twin-screw extrusion technology. The elemental analysis confirmed the success of this method, with an average monomer conversion of 80% and grafting efficiency of ˜74% across all s les. The
Understanding the Reaction of Hydroxy-Terminated Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) Random Copolymers with a Monoisocyanate
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 14-03-2023
Rapid and solvent-free synthesis of pH-responsive graft-copolymers based on wheat starch and their properties as potential ammonium sorbents
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2020
DOI: 10.1016/J.IJBIOMAC.2020.01.202
Abstract: A rapid and cost-effective reactive extrusion (REx) method was employed in this study as an alternative technique for the graft-copolymerization of non-food grade native wheat starch with acrylamide, and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS) monomers, with a total starch/monomer ratio of 3:1, using twin-screw extrusion technology. The influence of AMPS content ratio on the REx process was monitored using specific mechanical energy, die pressure and torque values recorded during the extrusion. The as-prepared starch-copolymers were characterized using ATR-FTIR, NMR, TG-DSC, and elemental analysis. An average grafting efficiency and monomer conversion of ~61 and ~86%, respectively, was achieved within 5 min of extrusion at a high starch concentration (0.75:1 w/w starch-water). The copolymer with starch/acrylamide/AMPS weight ratio of 75:20:4 showed the highest swelling capacity in water, while behaving similarly to polyelectrolyte networks in the presence of free ions in both NaCl and NH
Lifetime prediction of biodegradable polymers
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2017
Value-added bioplastics from services of wastewater treatment
Publisher: IWA Publishing
Date: 09-2015
DOI: 10.2166/WPT.2015.063
Abstract: Pilot and prototyping scale investigations were undertaken in order to evaluate the technical feasibility of producing value-added biopolymers (polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs)) as a by-product to essential services of wastewater treatment and environmental protection. A commonly asked question concerns PHA quality that may be expected from surplus biomass produced during biological treatment for water quality improvement. This paper summarizes the findings from a collection of investigations. Alongside the summarized technical efforts, attention has been paid to the social and economic networks. Such networks are needed in order to nurture circular economies that would drive value chains in renewable resource processing from contaminated water amelioration into renewable value-added bioplastic products and services. We find commercial promise in the polymer quality and in the process technical feasibility. The next challenge ahead does not reside so much any more in fundamental research and development of the technology but, rather, in social-economic steps that will be necessary to realize first demonstration scale polymer production activities. It is a material supply that will stimulate niche business opportunities that can grow and stimulate technology pull with benefit of real life material product market combinations.
Crystallisation and fractionation of selected polyhydroxyalkanoates produced from mixed cultures
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.NBT.2013.05.005
Abstract: Poly[R-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-(R-3-hydroxyvalerate)] (PHBV) copolymers were produced from mixed cultures of biomass (activated sludge) fed with acetic acid (HAc) and propionic acid (HPr). Feeding was performed in such a way as to produce materials with a wide range of monomer compositions and microstructures. Solvent-cast thin films of these materials have recently been shown to exhibit a narrow range of mechanical properties similar to those of the homopolymer poly(R-3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) [1]. In this work, more detailed analyses of the thermal and crystallisation properties of these mixed-culture polyesters have revealed that they like comprise complex blends with broad compositional distribution of random and/or blocky copolymers of very different 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV) contents and melting temperatures and thus have very different respective crystallisation kinetics. This blend complexity was confirmed by solvent fractionation of selected s les. The findings support the hypothesis that overall mechanical properties of these complex copolymer blend materials will be strongly influenced by the more rapidly crystallising components that form the matrix within which the slower crystallising components exist as microdomains. New opportunities in the material development of PHAs are likely to be found in establishing and exploiting such structure-function relationships.
Biodegradation in a soil environment of activated sludge derived polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHBV)
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2012
Understanding the Mobilization of a Nitrification Inhibitor from Novel Slow Release Pellets, Fabricated through Extrusion Processing with PHBV Biopolymer
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 06-02-2019
Abstract: Dicyandiamide (DCD) has been studied as a stabilizer for nitrogen fertilizers for over 50 years. Its efficacy is limited at elevated temperatures, but this could be addressed by encapsulation to delay exposure. Here, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate- co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) was investigated as a biodegradable matrix for the encapsulation of DCD. Cylindrical ∼3 mm × 3 mm pellets were fabricated through extrusion processing with 23 wt % DCD. Release kinetics were monitored in water, sand, and both active and γ-irradiated agricultural clay loam soils. Raman maps showed a wide particle size distribution of DCD crystals and indicated that Hitachi's classic moving front theory did not hold for this formulation. The inhibitor release kinetics were mediated by four distinct mechanisms: (i) initial rapid dissolution of surface DCD, (ii) channeling of water through voids and pores in the PHBV matrix, (iii) gradual diffusion of water and DCD through layers of PHBV, and (iv) biodegradation of the PHBV matrix. After ∼6 months, 45-100% release occurred, depending on the release media. PHBV is shown to be an effective, biodegradable matrix for the long-term slow release of nitrification inhibitors.
Greenhouse gas emissions, land use and employment in a future global bioplastics economy
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2023
Magnetic poly(acrylic acid)-based hydrogels for rapid ammonium sorption and efficient sorbent separation from sewage
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2021
Extrusion of wood fibre reinforced poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) biocomposites: Statistical analysis of the effect of processing conditions on mechanical performance
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2019
The effect of methane and odd-chain fatty acids on 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) and 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV) synthesis by a Methylosinus-dominated mixed culture
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2019
DOI: 10.1186/S40643-019-0285-1
Abstract: A methanotrophic community was enriched in a semi-continuous reactor under non-aseptic conditions with methane and ammonia as carbon and nitrogen source. After a year of operation, Methylosinus sp., accounted for 80% relative abundance of the total sequences identified from potential polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) producers, dominated the methane-fed enrichment. Prior to induction of PHA accumulation, cells harvested from the parent reactor contained low level of PHA at 4.0 ± 0.3 wt%. The cells were later incubated in the absence of ammonia with various combinations of methane, propionic acid, and valeric acid to induce biosynthesis of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate- co -3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV). Previous studies reported that methanotrophic utilization of odd-chain fatty acids for the production of PHAs requires reducing power from methane oxidation. However, our findings demonstrated that the PHB-containing methanotrophic enrichment does not require methane availability to generate 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) and 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV)—when odd-chain fatty acids are presented. The enrichment yielded up to 14 wt% PHA with various mole fractions of 3HV monomer depending on the availability of methane and odd-fatty acids. Overall, the addition of valeric acid resulted in a higher PHA content and a higher 3HV fraction. The highest 3HV fraction (up to 65 mol%) was obtained from the methane–valeric acid experiment, which is higher than those previously reported for PHA-producing methanotrophic mixed microbial cultures.
Stereochemistry of acidolysis of cyclohept-2-enyl-silanes and -stannanes
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 1986
DOI: 10.1039/C39860000954
Biodegradability of plastics: Discussion papers. A joint collaboration between Corrs Chambers Westgarth and The University of Queensland
Publisher: The University of Queensland
Date: 07-2023
DOI: 10.14264/20D45A9
Sorbents can tailor nitrogen release from organic wastes to match the uptake capacity of crops
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2018.07.135
Abstract: Delivering nutrients from mineral or organic fertilizers out of synchrony with crop uptake causes inefficiencies and pollution. We explore methodologies for evaluating sorbents as additives to organic agricultural wastes to retain nitrogen in an exchangeable form and deliver at rates that approximate the uptake capacity of roots. Focussing on ammonium (NH
Utilisation of Paunch Waste as a Natural Fibre in Biocomposites
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 06-09-2022
Abstract: Paunch is a fibrous solid residue consisting of partially digested feed from the stomachs of processed cattle. It is the largest untapped solid waste stream from animals at meat processing plants, and potentially a valuable source of fibres for the production of sustainable and potentially higher-value natural biocomposite materials. Paunch was obtained from the waste effluent of a red meat processing plant, and the fibre characteristics of the as-obtained material were studied and benchmarked against wood flour and ground buffel grass, with a view to evaluating the potential of paunch as a fibre for polymer composites. The ground paunch possessed a rough fibrous surface and fibre-like characteristics that were comparable to both wood flour and ground buffel grass, demonstrating their potential for use in composites. Without any pre-treatment or compatibilisation, composites of a representative biopolymer, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and ground paunch were successfully produced for the first time via extrusion, with up to 50 wt% paunch content. Mechanical property analysis showed that, at 30 wt% content, PHBV/ground paunch composites yielded mechanical properties that were comparable to those of composites with ground buffel grass.
The Urgent Need to Re-engineer Nitrogen-Efficient Food Production for the Planet
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Date: 2018
Correlation between chain microstructural changes and embrittlement of LLDPE-based films during photo- and thermo-oxidative degradation
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2013
Rapid removal of ammonium from domestic wastewater using polymer hydrogels
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-02-2018
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-018-21204-4
Abstract: To date, technologies to recover ammonium from domestic wastewater from the mainstream have not found widespread application. This is largely due to the low ammonium concentrations in these wastewater streams. This paper reports on the use of polymer hydrogels for rapid sorption of ammonium from domestic wastewater coupled with efficient regeneration by mild acid washing. The sorption capacity of the hydrogel was 8.8–32.2 mg NH 4 –N/g, which corresponds to removal efficiencies ranging from 68% to 80% NH 4 –N, increasing proportionally with the initial ammonium concentration. It was, however, unaffected by changes in pH, as the sorption capacity remained constant from pH 5.0–8.0. Importantly, effective regeneration of the hydrogels under mildly acidic conditions (i.e. pH 4.0) was demonstrated with minimal loss in sorption performance following multiple sorption/desorption cycles. Overall, this study highlights the potential of low-cost polymer hydrogels for achieving mainstream ammonium recovery from domestic wastewater.
Cellulose Nanofibers as Rheology Modifiers and Enhancers of Carbonization Efficiency in Polyacrylonitrile
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 07-03-2017
In-line monitoring of thermal degradation of PHA during melt-processing by Near-Infrared spectroscopy
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.NBT.2013.10.005
Abstract: Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymer processing is often challenged by low thermal stability, meaning that the temperatures and time for which these polymers can be processed is restrictive. Considering the sensitivity of PHA to processing conditions, there is a demand for in-line monitoring of the material behaviour in the melt. This paper investigates the application of Near-Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for monitoring the thermal degradation of PHAs during melt-processing. Two types of materials were tested: two mixed culture PHAs extracted from biomass produced in laboratory and pilot scale after an acidic pre-treatment, and two commercially available materials derived from pure culture production systems. Thermal degradation studies were carried out in a laboratory scale extruder with conical twin screws connected to a NIR spectrometer by a fibre optic to allow in situ monitoring. Multivariate data analysis methods were applied for assessing thermal degradation kinetics and predicted the degree of degradation as measured by (1)H NMR (proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy). The pre-treated mixed culture PHAs were found to be more thermally stable when compared with the commercial pure culture PHAs as demonstrated by NIR, (1)H NMR and GPC (gel permeation chromatography).
Wood-PHA Composites: Mapping Opportunities
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 07-07-2018
Allylsilanes from allylchlorides and silylcuprates
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 1983
The volume of recyclable polyethylene terephthalate plastic in operating rooms – A one-month prospective audit
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2020
The Role of Biodegradable Plastic in Solving Plastic Solid Waste Accumulation
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2019
Modified Poly(acrylic acid)-Based Hydrogels for Enhanced Mainstream Removal of Ammonium from Domestic Wastewater
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 18-06-2020
Cell interactions with perfluoropolyether-based network copolymers
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 1999
Abstract: We have investigated the potential of several polymers based on perfluoropolyether (PFPE) macromonomers for use in biomaterial applications. Polymer networks were synthesised from the PFPE macromonomers of increasing chain length and the adhesion and proliferation of corneal, vascular and bone cells was evaluated on these polymers. The polymer surfaces were quite hydrophobic, having sessile air-water contact angles ranging between 96 and 125 degrees. However, these polymers supported the attachment and growth of bovine corneal epithelial and endothelial cells and fibroblasts at 60-100% of the rate of cell growth on the culture substratum, TCPS. Furthermore, the PFPE polymers supported the attachment and growth of vascular endothelial cells (from human umbilical artery) and human bone-derived cells over a 7 day period at an equal level to TCPS. The relationship between the macromonomer chain length (n = 1 to 4) and the ability of the resulting PFPE homopolymer to support the overgrowth of corneal epithelial tissue was also evaluated. The PFPE-containing polymers supported corneal epithelial tissue overgrowth, with the most effective having a performance equivalent to that of TCPS. In addition to these homopolymers, copolymers comprising of PFPE and N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) were also synthesised. Surprisingly, the addition of DMAEMA to the PFPE polymer network lead to a reduction in the growth and attachment of corneal epithelial cells and fibroblasts. These results indicate that PFPE-based materials show a potential for use in the development of biomaterials in the ocular, vascular and orthopaedic areas.
Probing peptide nanowire conductivity by THz nanoscopy
Publisher: IOP Publishing
Date: 16-11-2021
Abstract: Significant efforts have recently been invested in assessing the physical and chemical properties of microbial nanowires for their promising role in developing alternative renewable sources of electricity, bioelectronic materials and implantable sensors. One of their outstanding properties, the ever-desirable conductivity has been the focus of numerous studies. However, the lack of a straightforward and reliable method for measuring it seems to be responsible for the broad variability of the reported data. Routinely employed methods tend to underestimate or overestimate conductivity by several orders of magnitude. In this work, synthetic peptide nanowires conductivity is interrogated employing a non-destructive measurement technique developed on a terahertz scanning near-field microscope to test if peptide aromaticity leads to higher electrical conductivity. Our novel peptide conductivity measurement technique, based on triple standards calibration method, shows that in the case of two biopolymer mimicking peptides, the s le incorporating aromatic residues (W6) is about six times more conductive than the negative control (L6). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a quantitative nano-scale terahertz s-SNOM investigation of peptides. These results prove the suitability of the terahertz radiation-based non-destructive approach in tandem with the designer peptides choice as model test subjects. This approach requires only simple s le preparation, avoids many of the pitfalls of typical contact-based conductivity measurement techniques and could help understanding fundamental aspects of nature’s design of electron transfer in biopolymers.
High-resolution micro-computed tomography reveals cracking in a hydrophobic composite; a new mechanism for mobilisation in controlled release applications
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2021
Fluxes in PHA-storing microbial communities during enrichment and biopolymer accumulation processes
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.NBT.2015.07.007
Abstract: The use of mixed microbial cultures for the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) is emerging as a viable technology. In this study, 16S rRNA gene licon pyrosequencing was used to analyse fluctuations in populations over a 63-day period within a PHA-storing mixed microbial community enriched on fermented whey permeate. This community was dominated by the genera Flavisolibacter and Zoogloea as well as an unidentified organism belonging to the phylum Bacteroidetes. The population was observed to cycle through an increase in Zoogloea followed by a return to a community composition similar to the initial one (highly enriched in Flavisolibacter). It was found that the PHA accumulation capacity of the community was robust to population flux during enrichment and even PHA accumulation, with final polymer composition dependent on the overall proportion of acetic to propionic acids in the feed. This community adaptation suggests that mixed culture PHA production is a robust process.
The Opportunity for High-Performance Biomaterials from Methane
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 03-02-2016
DOI: 10.3390/MICROORGANISMS4010011
Abstract: Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymers are widely recognised as outstanding candidates to replace conventional petroleum-derived polymers. Their mechanical properties are good and can be tailored through copolymer composition, they are biodegradable, and unlike many alternatives, they do not rely on oil-based feedstocks. Further, they are the only commodity polymer that can be synthesised intracellularly, ensuring stereoregularity and high molecular weight. However, despite offering enormous potential for many years, they are still not making a significant impact. This is broadly because commercial uptake has been limited by variable performance (inconsistent polymer properties) and high production costs of the raw polymer. Additionally, the main type of PHA produced naturally is poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), which has limited scope due to its brittle nature and low thermal stability, as well as its tendency to embrittle over time. Production cost is strongly impacted by the type of the feedstock used. In this article we consider: the production of PHAs from methanotrophs using methane as a cost-effective substrate the use of mixed cultures, as opposed to pure strains and strategies to generate a poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) copolymer (PHBV), which has more desirable qualities such as toughness and elasticity.
Mechanical properties of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate)/wood flour composites: Effect of interface modifiers
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-08-2018
DOI: 10.1002/APP.46828
Influence of Different Nanocellulose Additives on Processing and Performance of PAN-Based Carbon Fibers
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 04-06-2019
Public attitudes towards plastics
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2019
Thermophilic production of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydrovalerate) by a mixed methane-utilizing culture
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.NBT.2019.06.008
Abstract: The production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from methane is limited to mesophiles and thus suffers from high energy requirements for cooling. To address this issue, the use of thermophilic processes is gaining interest, as this strategy may deliver improved economic feasibility for PHA production. This study reports the first thermophilic PHA-producing culture grown on methane at 55 °C in fill-and-draw batch reactors. Harvested cells were incubated with various combinations of methane, propionic acid and valeric acid to assess their capacity for the synthesis of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV). Only PHB was produced when fed with methane alone. The addition of odd-carbon-number fatty acids resulted in higher PHA content with 3 HV fractions in the range of 15-99 mol%, depending on the types of fatty acids added. Acetic acid addition enhanced the synthesis of 3HB monomer, but not of 3 HV. On increasing the temperature to 58 °C, PHA productivity was not significantly affected.
Waste activated sludge as biomass for production of commercial-grade polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-10-2013
Degradation and stabilization of polyurethane elastomers
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2019
The effect of common agrichemicals on the environmental stability of polyethylene films
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2015
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