Magnesium Oxide-Catalyzed Conversion of Chitin to Lactic Acid

Although chitin, an N-acetyl-D-glucosamine polysaccharide, can be converted to valuable products by means of homogeneous catalysis, most of the chitin generated by food processing is treated as industrial waste. Thus, a method for converting this abundant source of biomass to useful chemicals, such as lactic acid, would be beneficial. In this study, we determined the catalytic activities of various metal oxides for chitin conversion at 533 K and found that MgO showed the highest activity for lactic acid production. X-ray diffraction analysis and thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis showed that the MgO was transformed to Mg(OH)₂ during chitin conversion. The highest yield of lactic acid (10.8 %) was obtained when the reaction was carried out for 6 h with 0.5 g of the MgO catalyst. The catalyst could be recovered as a solid residue after the reaction and reused twice with no decrease in the lactic acid yield.     

Effect of Agitation and Aeration Rates on Chitinase Production Using Trichoderma virens UKM1 in 2-l Stirred Tank Reactor

Shrimps have been a popular raw material for the burgeoning marine and food industry contributing to increasing marine waste. Shrimp waste, which is rich in organic compounds is an abundant source of chitin, a natural polymer of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GluNac), a reducing sugar. For this respect, chitinase-producing fungi have been extensively studied as biocontrol agents. Locally isolated Trichoderma virens UKM1 was used in this study. The effect of agitation and aeration rates using colloidal chitin as control substrate in a 2-l stirred tank reactor gave the best agitation and aeration rates at 200 rpm and 0.33 vvm with 4.1 U/l per hour and 5.97 U/l per hour of maximum volumetric chitinase activity obtained, respectively. Microscopic observations showed shear sensitivity at higher agitation rate of the above system. The oxygen uptake rate during the highest chitinase productivity obtained using sun-dried ground shrimp waste of 1.74 mg of dissolved oxygen per gram of fungal biomass per hour at the kappaL a of 8.34 per hour.     

Advancing cellulose-based nanotechnology

Nanotechnology has applications across most economic sectors and allows the development of new enabling science with broad commercial potential. Cellulose and lignocellulose have great potential as nanomaterials because they are abundant, renewable, have a nanofibrillar structure, can be made multifunctional, and self-assemble into well-defined architectures. To exploit their potential, R&D investments must be made in the science and engineering that will fully determine the properties and characteristics of cellulose and lignocellulose at the nanoscale, develop the technologies to manipulate self-assembly and multifunctionallity, and develop these new technologies to the point where industry can produce advanced and cost-competitive cellulose and lignocellulose-based products. Because many of the findings on nanostructues and nanoprocesses are not yet fully measurable, replicable, or understood, it will take substantial R&D investments. To most effectively and efficiently move forward, increased cooperation must occur among the cellulose/lignocellulose R&D community, the federal departments and agencies having interests and ongoing programs in nanotechnology, and industry. Cooperation is critical to capturing synergies, enhancing accomplishments, and avoiding unwarranted duplication of facilities and efforts.     

Valorization of Oceanic Waste Biomass: A Catalytic Perspective

Efficacious waste utilization is vital in context of sustainability. The past decade has witnessed attempts of usage of land biomass and wastes for various applications, contributing towards a sustainable society. Exploitation of the marine biomass, which does not compete with habitation and food production like land biomass has been largely unnoticed and therefore not being utilized judiciously. Researchers have mainly exploited these resources as functional materials having significant potential applications. However, a catalytic perspective for the valorisation of these polymers arising from oceanic waste widens their scope and ameliorates its use. The objective of the present review is to demonstrate the effectiveness of chitin/chitosan as a catalyst and as a feedstock for deriving important fuels and chemicals. It displays all the reactions heterogeneously catalyzed by them along with the strategic methodology. Their important catalytic organic transformations attempted so far, have also been discussed. The future perspectives are also presented which if inculcated would improve the value addition of the waste, paving a way for greener and imperishable world.     

Present and Future Role of Chitin and Chitosan in Food

The conversion of processed discarded material into valuable by‐products and alternative specialty materials has been identified as a timely challenge for food research and development associated with numerous applications of chitinous products. Chitin, chitosan, calcareous chitin, and chitosan, N‐acetylated chitosan, N‐methylene phosphonic chitosan (NMPC), and N‐lauryl‐N‐methylene phosphonic chitosan (LMPC) are being studied as a result of their broad range of food applications. These biopolymers offer a wide range of unique applications including formation of biodegradable films, immobilization of enzymes, preservation of foods from microbial deterioration, as additives (clarification and deacidification of fruits and beverages, emulsifier agents, thickening and stabilizing agents, color stabilization), and dietary supplements. This review summarizes some of the most important developments in this field.     

Aerogel-based thermal superinsulation: an overview

This review is focused on describing the intimate link which exists between aerogels and thermal superinsulation. For long, this applied field has been considered as the most promising potential market for these nanomaterials. Today, there are several indicators suggesting that this old vision is likely to become reality in the near future. Based on recent developments in the field, we are confident that aerogels still offer the greatest potential for non-evacuated superinsulation systems and consequently must be considered as an amazing opportunity for sustainable development. The practical realization of such products however is time-consuming and a significant amount of R&D activities are still necessary to yield improved aerogel-based insulation products for mass markets.     

Determination of chitin and protein contents during the isolation of chitin from shrimp waste

Accurate determination of chitin and protein contents in crustacean biomass and the intermediate products during the industrial isolation of chitin cannot be made directly from the total nitrogen content, unless the appropriate corrections are applied. This method, however, is affected by the presence of other nitrogen-containing chemical species that are formed endogenously or by the action of microorganisms during the handling of the sample. Therefore, an alternative rapid method to estimate the contents of these components can be very useful both in research and in various fields of application. An original method has been developed to address this problem. The method consists of the development of a set of equations based on the stoichiometric contents of nitrogen of chitin and protein whereby the amounts of each component can be estimated from the value of the total nitrogen content, provided the rest of the proximate composition of the sample is accurately known. In order to validate the procedure, a set of model mixtures of pure chitin and protein concentrate in the solid state, both extracted from shrimp head waste, are used. Excellent agreement between the predicted and real values of chitin and protein are obtained (R2=0.98, slope=0.90). When the proposed method is tested in the analysis of real samples obtained from five different processing protocols of pretreatment of raw shrimp head, it is found that in general the values of protein and chitin contents throughout the various stages of the process vary as expected. [GRAPH: SEE TEXT] Variation of the measured total nitrogen versus calculated stoichiometric total nitrogen of the chitin-protein mixtures.     

Potentialities of fluoride-based salts for specific nuclear reprocessing: Overview of the R&D program at CEA

Initially studied in the frame of the first French act on radioactive waste management (December 1991), the pyrotechnology is currently assessed by the Nuclear Energy Direction of the Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique (CEA) within the succeeding act (June 2006) as a potential alternative to hydrometallurgy for the reprocessing of targets or dedicated fuels (coming from accelerator-driven systems or ADS) considered for the minor actinides transmutation.The R&D program is mainly focused on the evaluation of the fluoride melts as interesting media for operating separation between the actinides and the fission products. Two separation techniques are currently evaluated; the first one uses the liquid-liquid extraction technique between molten fluoride and liquid metal at high temperature, the second one is based on an electrolytic separation in a molten fluoride melt. Both are promising in terms of separation efficiency. This paper gives an overview of the current studies and presents the last main experimental results.     

Scientometric assessment of the progress of innovative pharmacy in Russia

The importance and potential of scientometric assessment of the progress of innovative pharmacy is discussed. Scientometric publications analyzing and forecasting new domestic drug R&D in historical perspective and in contemporary Russia are considered. The role of systemic informational analysis of science as a new methodic tool for research metrics is described.     

Main Results of the French Program on Partitioning of Minor Actinides,a Significant Improvement Towards Nuclear Waste Reduction

In the framework of the successive 1991 and 2006 Waste Management Act, French government supported a very significant R&D program on partitioning and transmutation of minor actinides (MA). This program aims to study potential solutions for still minimizing the quantity and the hazardousness of final waste, by MA recycling. Indeed, MA recycling can reduce the heat load and the half-life of most of the waste to be buried to a couple of hundred years, overcoming the concerns of the public related to the long-life of the waste. Within this framework, this paper aims to present the most recent progress obtained in CEA on the development of innovative actinide partitioning hydrometallurgical processes in support of their recycling, either in an homogeneous mode (MA are recycled at low concentration in all the standard reactor fuel) or in an heterogeneous mode (MA are recycled at higher concentration in specific targets, at the periphery of the reactor core). Recovery performances obtained on recent tests in high active conditions of the so-called GANEX and DIAMEX-SANEX process will be presented and discussed in light of the potential P&T scenarios. Finally, recent developments regarding the recycling of the sole Am will be presented as well as the results obtained on highly active solutions for this so-called EXAM process. This set of results gives to the French government a portfolio of potential recycling processes which could be separately and progressively implemented if decided.     

Recent R&D towards Aqueous Reprocessing of FBR Fuels

The mixed Pu-rich carbide spent fuel with a burn up of 155 GWd/t from the Fast Breeder Test Reactor is being reprocessed in a hot-cell facility by PUREX process. Based on the input from the operation of this facility, R&D activities were carried out to improve the recovery, decontamination factors, economy and to reduce the waste volumes. Reduction of uranyl ions in a continuous flow electrochemical reactor and electrolytic as well as chemical reduction of 4M HNO₃ from liquid waste could be accomplished in continuous mode. Using the optimized parameters, suitable electrolytic cells/experimental setups were designed for the plant capacity of 6 L/h. Studies on the extraction kinetics of Ru with 30% TBP in NPH revealed that better decontamination factor with respect to Ru can be achieved using fast contactors like centrifugal extractors (CEs). Towards developing a spent solvent recovery system to reduce organic waste volumes, a pilot plant was set up, which could recover diluent as top product of distillation column and 40% TBP as bottom product from inactive degraded solvent. A solvent recovery system using short path distillation was also developed for installation in hot cells.     

Approach to Quality System in Research and Development

 There is growing interest in developing a general strategy and quality standards for possible accreditation or certification of R&D laboratories. This article discusses the scope and limitations of Quality Systems in R&D activities. The extension of QA to R&D centres in general requires emphasis on project management and scientific competence in addition to quality management and technical competence. Received: 11 September 1996 Accepted: 13 November 1996     

Quality management in analytical R&D in the pharmaceutical industry: Building quality from GLP

 The pharmaceutical industry is one of the most regulated activity sectors. The regulation includes specific quality systems such as good laboratory practice (GLP), good clinical practice (GCP) and good manufacture practice (GMP). The principles of GLP mainly cover the formal quality aspects of a procedure and do not evaluate the technical aspects in depth. On the other hand, EN 45001 accreditation covers technical performance and is not suitable for pharmaceutical research and development (R&D) as it is almost impossible to comply with the requirements of the European standard in the pharmaceutical environment. The challenge to the pharmaceutical industry is, therefore, to develop quality systems, compatible with GLP principles, that not only cover formal quality items but also ensure good scientific and technical performance. An implementation process focused on real quality improvement is the best way to achieve this objective, culminating in formal recognition of the quality system by third-party assessment. In the case of analytical R&D, the EURACHEM/CITAC Guide CG2 is a very good tool that can help in the definition, analysis and selection of the non GLP quality elements that will be useful. Received: 30 June 1999 / Accepted: 18 October 1999     

Zeolite Membranes: From the Laboratory Scale to Technical Applications

Current trends and novel concepts in R&D of zeolite membranes like the seeding supported crystallization and the preparation of Al-containing zeolite membranes are discussed. The influences of adsorption and diffusion on the permeation properties of zeolite membranes are considered. Dehydration of ethanol by steam permeation and pervaporation as the first zeolite membrane based industrial separation is presented. Membrane supported dehydrogenation and esterification are discussed as possible applications of a catalytic membrane reactors. In memoriam Wolfgang Schirmer.     

Novel Catalytic Systems to Convert Chitin and Lignin into Valuable Chemicals

This review briefs the emerging strategies for the designing of catalysts and catalytic systems to upgrade waste biomass into value-added chemicals, with an emphasis on the efforts and advances in our group. The review covers the valorization of chitin and lignin materials, which are most abundant N-containing and the most abundant aromatic polymers, respectively. In the chitin part, we show case existing examples on chitin monomer and chitin transformation into renewable, N-containing chemicals. Oxidation, hydrolysis, dehydration reactions will be introduced. In lignin part we mainly introduce novel catalyst for lignin hydrogenolysis, in particular Ni based monometallic and bimetallic catalysts. The structure–activity correlations will be discussed in detail. We finally describe some of the undergoing works in the group and highlight a few potential directions worth investigation in the future.     

Microbial reclamation of squid pens and shrimp shells

Byproducts generated in high levels by marine processes have been recognized for their value as recyclable or reclaimable waste. Among marine byproducts, shrimp shells, crab shells, and squid pens have the highest chitin content. The chemical treatments of these chitin-containing byproducts for preparing chitin and chitosan create waste disposal problems because neutralization and detoxification of the discharged wastewater are necessary. Therefore, the cost of chitin and chitosan preparations was far higher than those of their raw materials, marine chitin-containing byproducts. Chitin and chitosan have been widely used as the major carbon source of bacteria for producing chitinolytic enzymes. In 1997, the bifunctional chitinase/lysozymes from Pseudomonas aeruginosa K-187 using shrimp and crab shells as the sole carbon/nitrogen (C/N) source was first reported. Thereafter, the use of squid pens as the only C/N source for producing enzymes and bioactive materials had also been studied. The use of shellfish chitin waste as the sole C/N source not only solves environmental problems, it decreases the production costs for microbial conversion. This review summarizes our recent research of microbial reclamation of these marine byproducts for producing enzymes and bioactive materials; the characterization and applications of these products were also studied.     

Applications of nuclear methods in the automotive industry

Over the years nuclear methods have proved to be a valuable asset to industry in general and to the automotive industry in particular. This paper summarizes some of the most important recent contributions of nuclear technology to the development of vehicles having high quality and long-term durability. Radiotracer methods are used to measure engine oil consumption and the wear rates of inaccessible components. Radiographic and tomographic methods are used to image fluids and structures in engines and accessory components. Tracers are used to understand combustion chemistry and quantify fluid flow. Gauging methods are used for inspection and process control. Nuclear analytical methods are used routinely for materials characterization and problem solving. Although nuclear methods are usually considered as the means of last resort, they can often be applied more easily and quickly than conventional methods when those in industrial engineering and R&D are aware of their unique capabilities.     

Workshop on "Quality Management in Analytical Chemical Research and Development"

 Maintaining a high quality of research and development (R&D) is fundamental for the competitiveness of European industry. The development of new technologies and the improvement of existing technologies, products, production processes, measurement instrumentation and methods as well as basic research is essential. The objective of the workshop on "Quality Management in Analytical Chemical Research and Development" was to bring together experts from the academic world, industrial and institutional laboratories and also accreditation bodies to discuss the actual state of the art in the field of quality management in R&D, and to set up milestones for further activities. Furthermore, an important objective was to present the EURACHEM/CITAC Guide 2. The paper outlines the programme of the workshop and summarises the round-table discussions and expert recommendations. Most of the contributions to the round-table discussions will be published as full papers in a forthcoming issue of Accreditation and Quality Assurance. The workshop was organised by the Institut für Chemo- und Biosensorik (ICB), Münster, with the financial support of the SMT-Programme of the European Commission (Contract No.: SMT4-CT98-6534).     

Thermal Plasma Technology: Where Do We Stand and Where Are We Going?

In this overview, an attempt is made to assess the present and future research and development in thermal plasma processing of materials restricted to (1) thermal plasma coating technologies, (2) thermal plasma synthesis of fine powders, (3) thermal plasma waste destruction, and (4) thermal plasma spheroidization and densification. Since thermal plasma processing is, in general, governed by a large number of parameters, implementation of controls becomes mandatory. The lack of sufficient controls combined with economic drawbacks in some cases has been the main obstacle for the growth of thermal plasma technology. Present R&D efforts, however, address these problems.     

Valorization of Food and Agricultural Waste: A Step towards Greener Future

With the progress in technology and population, an enormous amount of agricultural and food waste is being generated throughout the world. In the past, food and agro‐wastes were either burnt off or allowed to rot in fields, but this can be potentially hazardous to the environment. Therefore, approaches with respect to their utilization, reuse, and processing need to be developed to enable the sustainable utilization of feedstock and reduce pollution. Agricultural wastes mainly comprise of cellulosic fibres possessing high fixed carbon content and multifunctional groups. Agricultural waste shows considerable applicability due to its high strength, environmentally benign nature, low cost, and ease of availability and reusability. All these characteristics have been researched upon in the past, in the sector of waste water management for the removal of heavy metals and dyes. Similarly, a variety of food and agro‐waste has been adopted as sources for new drug leads or important phytochemicals with different therapeutic benefits. Agro‐waste can also be employed for enzyme immobilization after proper modification. Apart from this waste cooking oil comes under the category of food waste and can be processed to prepare alternate energy source such as biodiesel. This personal account summarizes the development, processing, and application of food and agro‐waste in the production of biodiesel, environmental remediation, curative medicine, and in the development of biocatalysts, by researchers in our laboratory.