Abstract: The invention provides an article having a mesoporous silicate matrix, such as a particle, having one or more pores; and one or more releasable caps obstructing one or more of the pores for delivery of one or more agents to plant cells or other chlorophyll containing cells, or fungi.

Abstract: The invention provides novel mesoporous particles and methods for the selective sequestration of organic compounds from microorganisms, such as from various genera and species of algae that produce important organic compounds. The organic compounds can be selectively sequestered, for example, in favor of biodiesel impurities such as sterols and chlorophyll, to provide substantially pure free fatty acids. The free fatty acids can then be esterified to provide pure biodiesel.

Abstract: The invention provides an article comprising, a mesoporous silicate matrix, such as a particle, having one or more pores; and one or more releasable caps obstructing one or more of the pores. The articles are useful as delivery vehicles for encapsulated agents such as therapeutic agents, polynucleotides, polypeptides and the like.

Abstract: The invention provides efficient, inexpensive, and environmental friendly catalysts and catalyst systems. The catalysts can be used to catalyze esterification and/or transesterification reactions, for example, for the preparation of biodiesel. Kiln dust, such as cement kiln dust (CKD) or lime kiln dust (LKD) can be used to convert a variety of feedstock acids and/or esters to biodiesel in high yield under mild conditions. The CKD and LKD catalyst systems are recyclable esterification or transesterification catalysts that can be used to prepare biodiesel, such as methyl soyate, from various feedstocks, including vegetable oils and animal fats.

Abstract: A recyclable esterification or transesterification catalyst and methods for making and using the same are provided herein. The catalyst can be used to prepare biodiesel or methyl soyate from various feedstocks, including vegetable oils and animal fats. The catalyst can both esterify free fatty acids and transesterify mono-, di-, and triglycerides. The catalyst can also be combined with a metal oxide, and optionally calcined, prior to carrying out a catalytic reaction.

Abstract: The invention provides novel mesoporous particles and methods for the selective sequestration of organic compounds from microorganisms, such as from various genera and species of algae that produce important organic compounds. The organic compounds can be selectively sequestered, for example, in favor of biodiesel impurities such as sterols and chlorophyll, to provide substantially pure free fatty acids. The free fatty acids can then be esterified to provide pure biodiesel.

Abstract: The invention provides an article comprising, a mesoporous silicate matrix, such as a particle, having one or more pores; and one or more releasable caps obstructing one or more of the pores. The articles are useful as delivery vehicles for encapsulated agents such as therapeutic agents, polynucleotides, polypeptides and the like.

Abstract: The invention provides an article comprising, a mesoporous silicate matrix, such as a particle, having one or more pores; and one or more releasable caps obstructing one or more of the pores. The articles are useful as delivery vehicles for encapsulated agents such as therapeutic agents, polynucleotides, polypeptides and the like.

Abstract: The invention provides efficient, inexpensive, and environmental friendly catalysts and catalyst systems. The catalysts can be used to catalyze esterification and/or transesterification reactions, for example, for the preparation of biodiesel. Kiln dust, such as cement kiln dust (CKD) or lime kiln dust (LKD) can be used to convert a variety of feedstock acids and/or esters to biodiesel in high yield under mild conditions. The CKD and LKD catalyst systems are recyclable esterification or transesterification catalysts that can be used to prepare biodiesel, such as methyl soyate, from various feedstocks, including vegetable oils and animal fats.

Abstract: The invention provides a method to prepare 1,3-propanediol from glycerol. The glycerol is contacted with porous silicon in the presence of an acid to provide the resulting 1,3-propanediol. The porous silicon can have at least one of three types of silicon hydride moieties of the formula Si—Hx, wherein x is 1, 2 or 3. The pores of the porous silicon can be about 1 nm in diameter to about 1 micrometer, and the surface area of the porous silicon can be about 200 to about 800 m2/g.

Abstract: A recyclable esterification or transesterification catalyst and methods for making and using the same are provided herein. The catalyst can be used to prepare biodiesel or methyl soyate from various feedstocks, including vegetable oils and animal fats. The catalyst can both esterify free fatty acids and transesterify mono-, di-, and triglycerides. The catalyst can also be combined with a metal oxide, and optionally calcined, prior to carrying out a catalytic reaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to prepare a fatty acid lower alkyl esters from a feedstock, such as a vegetable or an animal oil, comprising one or more fatty acid glycerol esters such as mono-, di- or tri-glycerides, and free fatty acids, comprising combining the feedstock, a lower alcohol and an acidic mesoporous silicate under conditions wherein the mesoporous silicate catalyzes the formation of the corresponding fatty acid lower alkyl ester of the free fatty acids an optionally glycerol.