Articles tagged with Biochemical Engineering
Researchers developed a new wound dressing material that releases antibiotics on-demand when harmful bacteria are present, promoting better infection clearance and wound healing. The smart hydrogel holds tightly to its antibiotic cargo until degradation is triggered by the presence of beta-lactamase-producing bacteria.
A new study reveals that transforming biomass from dedicated energy crops into biochar could provide a cost-effective and scalable solution for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping China move closer to its carbon neutrality goals. Biochar can lock carbon in soils for decades or even centuries while improving soil health.
Scientists have developed a light-activated material that can convert carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide, a key building block for fuels and chemicals, using sunlight and water. The material, which combines ideas from biology and materials science, produces CO extremely efficiently with no detectable by-products.
Researchers engineered a dual metal modified biochar composite to enhance microbial electrochemical interactions and increase hydrogen yield. The study demonstrates the potential of biochar as an efficient electron mediator in light driven fermentation systems.
A conductive bioglue was developed to ensure firm adhesion and stable electrical signaling within the human body. It overcomes challenges in connecting damaged tissues or attaching bioelectronic devices, promoting muscle and nerve regeneration and stable implant stability.
Researchers developed a machine-learning system that predicts how molecules form, cutting lab work time from months to days and reducing costs. The system uses asymmetric cross-coupling reactions to build complex compounds and can be applied across fields, deepening our understanding of chemistry.
Researchers created eco-friendly, high-performance gas sensors with blended polymer films combining poly(3-hexylthiophene) and poly(butylene succinate). The sensors demonstrated stable performance and higher sensitivity to nitrogen dioxide and other gases.
BioPathNet is an AI method that analyzes large biomedical knowledge graphs to identify hidden connections between genes, diseases, and drugs. The model proposes hypotheses that can be tested experimentally or clinically, providing a hypothesis-generating tool for researchers.
Engineers at Washington University in St. Louis have discovered the cause of fluctuating metabolic activity in microorganisms and developed strategies to optimize bioproduction. They found that fluctuations in enzyme expression account for most of the variability in betaxanthin production.
Scientists developed a cost-effective method to produce 3-Hydroxypropanoic acid (3-HP), an industrial chemical used in disposable diapers, microplastics, and acrylic paint. The new process using engineered microbes to ferment plant sugars into 3-HP has been validated for commercial potential.
The researchers created tiny, microorganism-inspired particles that can change their shape and self-propel in response to electrical fields. These particles could be used as microrobots to deliver medications or build dynamic materials that are responsive and self-healing.
Researchers have found that twisted growth in plants is not due to null mutations, but rather changes in gene expression in the epidermis layer. This discovery could help crops thrive in challenging conditions with rocky soils.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a new material that uses metal-organic frameworks to physically injure and kill bacteria, preventing biofilm formation without antibiotics or toxic metals. This innovation eliminates the risk of antibiotic resistance and has potential applications in various industries.
Researchers have discovered a novel approach to converting waste carbon into useful products using porous separators called diaphragms. These diaphragms can withstand the harsh conditions of the process and maintain efficiency over an extended period, making them a viable alternative to existing membranes.
The University of Houston is designing robotic hands with dexterity for industries such as healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing. The team, part of the NSF Convergence Accelerator program, has received $5 million in funding to develop hybrid polymeric materials that can mechanically retract and perform motions like flexion.
A machine learning model developed by Dr. Lan Mu's team at Tianjin University of Commerce predicts biochar yield and nutrient content with stunning accuracy, unlocking smart soil solutions for healthier soils, cleaner ecosystems, and smarter farming.
A WSU-led study has discovered two promising cover crops that can be sold as a biofuel source and won't harm the soil. Triticale and hairy vetch showed promising results in Western and Central Washington fields, providing stable yields at low costs while adding nitrogen to the soil.
Researchers at UC Irvine have developed a 3D human colon model integrated with bioelectronics to aid in colorectal cancer research and drug discovery. The model shows promising results in detecting resistance to chemotherapy drugs, making it a potential alternative to traditional animal testing.
Researchers have generated a new ring-shaped protein nanomaterial capable of strongly binding to and neutralizing the SARS-CoV2 virus. The system can integrate therapeutic and diagnostic capabilities and be adapted to combat other viruses.
Researchers at Rice University have developed an eco-friendly technology to rapidly capture and destroy toxic PFAS in water, outperforming traditional methods. The new approach uses a layered double hydroxide material that can adsorb PFAS with record-breaking efficiency and be reused multiple times.
Researchers have developed a modified biochar made from biogas residue that can efficiently remove ammonium nitrogen from water. The potassium-permanganate-modified biochar achieved an adsorption capacity up to four times greater than unmodified biochar, making it a promising tool for environmental remediation.
A decade-long field study reveals that biochar improves soil structure, fertility, and microbial activity, leading to higher soybean yields. Biochar also reshapes soil microbial communities, promoting beneficial groups and suppressing potential pathogens.
Researchers at Saarland University have developed a process that transforms hard-to-recycle polystyrene into a sought-after feedstock for high-quality technical and high-performance polymers. This 'biological upcycling' enables the production of nylon precursors, offering a clear advantage over conventional recycling.
Scientists introduce a new way to control when drugs are active or inactive in the body, potentially developing safer medicines. The technology was applied to create improved molecular sensors, including a rapid coronavirus sensor that responds about 70 times faster than previous protein-based tests.
Researchers at CU Boulder have developed a new method for creating human rabies vaccines that are stable at high temperatures and can be stored in a dry powder form. This innovation addresses the storage challenges faced by developing countries, where traditional vaccines often require refrigeration or specialized cold storage equipment.
A new hydrogel has been developed to combat vaginal changes caused by menopause, offering a hormone-free alternative for treatment. The study found that the hydrogel improved vaginal tissue thickness and reduced inflammation, providing potential relief from symptoms such as dryness and pain.
Researchers at Harvard SEAS have developed a gentler, more sustainable way to break down keratins and turn leftover wool and feathers into useful products. The process uses concentrated lithium bromide to create an environment favorable for spontaneous protein unfolding.
Researchers found that manipulating liquid waves can reduce energy transmission through barriers by up to 60%, with a 1.5-millimeter change in meniscus shape causing significant impact
A University of Missouri-led study has uncovered how poplar trees can naturally adjust a key part of their wood chemistry based on changes in their environment, supporting improved bioenergy production. The discovery sheds light on the role of lignin and its potential to create better biofuels and sustainable products.
Calin Plesa developed technology to create massive biological datasets at unprecedented speed and scale, enabling the training of powerful machine learning systems. This innovation has accelerated drug development and disease research by uncovering genetic factors behind antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers have discovered a way to selectively create links between sugar molecules, enabling precise control over the stereochemistry of oligosaccharides. This breakthrough could open up new avenues of biomedical research into these versatile molecules, providing access to previously difficult-to-construct oligosaccharides.
Researchers at UC Irvine have identified a combination of naturally occurring compounds - nicotinamide and epigallocatechin gallate - that can restore guanosine triphosphate levels in brain cells. This treatment reversed age-related cellular deficits and improved the brain's ability to clear damaging amyloid protein aggregates.
A Norwegian University of Science and Technology doctoral thesis presents a creative method to remove organic pollutants from wastewater using sunlight and small droplets of oil. The technology uses titanium dioxide nanoparticles to stabilize the oil droplets, which act as tiny chemical reactors to break down pollutants.
A research team led by Professor Joongoo Lee successfully expanded ribosome range to produce ring-shaped backbones in proteins. This breakthrough could open doors to novel therapeutics and advanced biomaterials.
University of Sydney researchers have developed a method to produce ammonia in gas form using electricity, offering a more sustainable alternative to the current Haber-Bosch process. This new approach reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, making it a promising solution for the agricultural and hydrogen industries.
Scientists developed a precise, cost-effective way to make chiral ketones for medicines, agrochemicals, and more using photocatalysis. This approach solves the challenge of reaching remote stereocenters in molecules, allowing for eco-friendly production of valuable chemicals.
Researchers discovered that fungal enzymes cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) and lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase (LPMO) can efficiently degrade plant biomass, allowing for the extraction of valuable components. This breakthrough suggests a promising method for using diverse, non-edible plant biomass in biotechnology applications.
Researchers at UC Davis developed a brain-computer interface that translates neural activity into speech in real time. The technology allows individuals with ALS to communicate more naturally and inclusively, with 60% of synthesized words intelligible to listeners.
A new microscope, QIScope, significantly improves bioluminescence imaging by detecting extremely low levels of light. It offers higher sensitivity, improved resolution, and a wider field of view, allowing researchers to track subtle changes in living cells over extended periods.
Researchers have developed a new tool using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring to study DNA-lipid interactions. The technique revealed insights into the attachment and integration of DNA nanostructures with lipid membranes, influencing cellular functions such as drug delivery and treatment precision.
Researchers at Hebrew University uncover the mathematical secret behind rose petals' unique shape, discovering MCP incompatibility causes sharp points to form. This discovery opens possibilities for designing self-shaping materials with controlled cusps, mimicking nature's elegance.
A new study finds that ocean-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and storage in German waters is feasible but with limitations, such as local marine conditions and required materials, energy, and infrastructure. Only five methods were shortlisted for implementation in German North Sea and Baltic waters.
Chemists have confirmed a 67-year-old theory about vitamin B1 by stabilizing a reactive molecule in water. The discovery opens doors to more efficient ways of making pharmaceuticals using cleaner solvents.
Researchers at U-M and Stanford aim to create implantable brain computer interfaces to detect and interpret brain signals, enabling stroke victims to communicate more effectively. The devices will use tiny carbon-based electrodes to record signals from the brain's temporal region and transmit them wirelessly.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University developed an engineered yeast that can produce record-high yields of D-lactic acid from methanol, a key compound used in biodegradable plastics and pharmaceuticals. The optimized yeast strain achieves a 1.5-fold boost in production compared to other methanol-based methods.
Researchers developed a sustainable process to recover valuable products from oilcane bagasse, generating multiple product streams. The process recovers anthocyanins and vegetative lipids for natural colorants and biofuel production, making the process more cost-effective and sustainable.
Researchers developed a liquid fertilizer replacing unsustainable chemical fertilizers with organic waste, producing up to 100% of nitrogen and 77% of phosphorus. The method also increases phosphorus solubility by adjusting pH levels.
Jeffrey Hubbell joins NYU Tandon to lead a cross-university collaborative initiative integrating engineering, sciences, and medicine to advance healthcare innovation. The initiative aims to translate scientific discoveries into pioneering treatments through unprecedented investments in faculty, facilities, and programming.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed a groundbreaking coating that mimics natural blood vessels to reduce clotting and bleeding risks. The coating's unique properties prevent clot formation without disrupting normal blood functions, offering a promising alternative to high-risk blood thinners.
Researchers developed a novel approach to optimizing siRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles using NMR-based molecular-level characterization. Pre-mixed LNPs exhibit superior gene-silencing effects due to a stacked bilayer structure that enhances gene silencing.
A team from Kyushu University has developed a zeolite catalyst that can be heated using microwaves to speed up the conversion of fatty acid esters to olefins. This process improves energy efficiency and reduces carbon dioxide production, offering a more sustainable chemical industry.
Researchers have made significant advances in identifying and applying biomarkers for prostate cancer, paving the way for more targeted therapies and improved patient outcomes. The integration of cutting-edge technologies such as AI and genomics is also expected to enhance personalized medicine approaches.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed an eco-friendly method to precisely mix fluorine into olefins using natural enzymes and light, offering a more efficient strategy for creating high-value chemicals with potential applications in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, renewable fuels and more.
Researchers at Boston University developed an AI model that analyzes speech patterns to predict the likelihood of Alzheimer's disease in patients with mild cognitive impairment. The model achieved an accuracy rate of 78.5% and could potentially revolutionize dementia screening, making it more accessible and efficient.
Researchers developed adhesive hydrogel coatings that eliminate fibrosis, a common issue with medical implants. The coatings bind devices to tissue and prevent the immune system from attacking them.
Researchers at the University of Washington have solved a long-standing chemical mystery in organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs), which allow current to flow in devices like implantable biosensors. The study reveals that OECTs turn on via a two-step process, causing a lag, and off through a simpler one-step process.
Researchers have enhanced microvascular sensitivity using ultrafast ultrasound, capturing the three-dimensional vascular network of renal arteries and veins without contrast agents. This technique reveals sharp decreases in renal blood flow during acute renal failure and chronic vascular degeneration in diabetic nephropathy.
Researchers at The University of Tokyo developed a bio-tagging method using dissolvable microneedle arrays for permanent animal identification. The approach, called 'MAPs,' uses customizable molds to tattoo unique identifiers into the skin, offering a safer and more humane alternative to traditional ear tags or RFID chips.
Researchers create new methods to visualize and understand samples with increased accuracy and sensitivity. The development of photothermal microscopy, also known as VIP microscopy, enables scientists to probe specific chemical bonds in a specimen, allowing them to map molecules at low concentrations without dye labeling.
Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and JBEI developed a simple