Abstract: A transformational energy efficient technology using ionic liquid (IL) to couple with monoethanolamine (MEA) for catalytic CO2 capture is disclosed. [EMmim+][NTF2?] based catalysts are rationally synthesized and used for CO2 capture with MEA. A catalytic CO2 capture mechanism is disclosed according to experimental and computational studies on the [EMmim+][NTF2?] for the reversible CO2 sorption and desorption.

Abstract: Described herein are integrated thermochemical processes for the deliberate decomposition, extraction and conversion of coal into high-value products and goods via solvent extraction, chemical reaction and/or separation. The described systems and methods are versatile and may be used to generate a variety of intermediate, derivative and finished high value products including chemicals (aromatics, asphaltenes, naphthalenes, phenols and precursors for the production of polyamides, polyurethanes, polyesters, graphitic materials), polymer composite products (resins, paints, coatings, adhesives), agricultural materials, building materials, carbon fiber, graphene products and other materials that are substantially more valuable that the energy generated via combustion.

Abstract: Described are methods and devices for the generation of hydrogel particles with micrometer and submicrometer dimensions using oxygen-inhibited partial polymerization, and the particles generated therefrom. The described methods generate particles with dimensions independent of the starting polymerizable solution dimension, for example, a microdroplet. Further, microfluidic flow parameters (e.g. viscosity, flow rate) and photopolymerization process parameters (e.g. optical exposure intensity and duration) are controlled to generate particles with tunable crosslinking density-determined properties including elasticity, diffusivity, and biomolecular display for diverse applications such as drug delivery, tissue engineering cell scaffolds, and single- and multiple-cell therapeutics. Similarly, gradients of crosslinking density-determined properties can be created within single particles through the selection of optical exposure intensity and duration.

Abstract: A transformational energy efficient technology using ionic liquid (IL) to couple with monoethanolamine (MEA) for catalytic CO2 capture is disclosed. [EMmim+][NTF2?] based catalysts are rationally synthesized and used for CO2 capture with MEA. A catalytic CO2 capture mechanism is disclosed according to experimental and computational studies on the [EMmim+][NTF2?] for the reversible CO2 sorption and desorption.

Abstract: Materials and methods are provided for preventing and dispersing biofilms. Methods and compositions are described for preventing and treating dental caries. Materials and methods are provided for producing antibiofilm agents from natural products, including maple (Acer sp.). Compositions are provided for inhibiting Sortase A activity in Bacillota.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods utilizing microfluidics for the oxygen-controlled generation of microparticles and hydrogels having controlled microparticle sizes and size distributions and products from provided methods. The included methods provide the generation of microparticles by polymerizing an aqueous solution dispersed in a non-aqueous continuous phase in an oxygen-controlled environment. The process allows for control of size of the size of the aqueous droplets and, thus, control of the size of the generated microparticles which may be used in biological applications.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for inhibiting or dispersing biofilms produced by Listeria monocytogenes on plant matter are described. Embodiments include using formulations comprising active chemical constituents and aqueous extracts or sap from certain trees. Methods of using and producing aqueous formulations derived from hickory and maple wood are provided. Formulations and methods are provided for preventing and dispersing exopolysaccharide-rich listerial biofilms.

Abstract: A transformational energy efficient technology using ionic liquid (IL) to couple with monoethanolamine (MEA) for catalytic CO2 capture is disclosed. [EMmim+][NTF2?] based catalysts are rationally synthesized and used for CO2 capture with MEA. A catalytic CO2 capture mechanism is disclosed according to experimental and computational studies on the [EMmim+][NTF2?] for the reversible CO2 sorption and desorption.

Abstract: A high-efficiency, low-energy consumption and environmental-friendly recycling technology for PETE plastic waste is disclosed. The degradation of PETE plastic waste includes a method for attacking the —O— ester linkage in the repeat unit of PETE plastic with water in saturated pressure and CO2 in supercritical (Sc) conditions.

Abstract: Described are methods and devices for the generation of hydrogel particles with micrometer and submicrometer dimensions using oxygen-inhibited partial polymerization, and the particles generated therefrom. The described methods generate particles with dimensions independent of the starting polymerizable solution dimension, for example, a microdroplet. Further, microfluidic flow parameters (e.g. viscosity, flow rate) and photopolymerization process parameters (e.g. optical exposure intensity and duration) are controlled to generate particles with tunable crosslinking density-determined properties including elasticity, diffusivity, and biomolecular display for diverse applications such as drug delivery, tissue engineering cell scaffolds, and single- and multiple-cell therapeutics. Similarly, gradients of crosslinking density-determined properties can be created within single particles through the selection of optical exposure intensity and duration.

Abstract: A hydroponic plant production apparatus comprising: a hollow grow tube with a slot formed in the front face of the grow tube, and a matrix media insert composed of two halves, where the media is insertable into the grow tube, allowing plants to be inserted and grown between the two halves of the matrix media insert in the grow tube is provided. Methods for use of a hollow grow tube with a slot formed in the front face of the grow tube, and a matrix media insert composed of two halves, where the media is insertable into the grow tube, allowing plants to be inserted and grown between the two halves of the matrix media insert in the grow tube are also provided.

Abstract: Diabetic wounds have elevated levels of cathepsin K, a protease enzyme, which degrades proteins, such as collagen, causing delayed wound healing. By targeting cathepsin K, diabetic wound healing is ameliorated. Methods and devices for treatment include intradermal injection of odanacatib at or adjacent a wound. Methods and devices for treatment include topical application of pharmacological inhibitors of cathepsin K, for example, in the form of gel, powder, or bandage. Other methods and systems include localized genetic knock out of the cathepsin K gene by topical application of a small interfering RNA (siRNA) or antisense oligonucleotide to aid in wound healing.

Abstract: Polymer-based selective radiative cooling structures are provided which include a selectively emissive layer of a polymer or a polymer matrix composite material. Exemplary selective radiative cooling structures are in the form of a sheet, film or coating. Also provided are methods for removing heat from a body by selective thermal radiation using polymer-based selective radiative cooling structures, and a cold collection system comprising a plurality of the polymer-based selective radiative cooling structures.

Abstract: A hydroponic plant production apparatus comprising: a hollow grow tube with a slot formed in the front face of the grow tube, and a matrix media insert composed of two halves, where the media is insertable into the grow tube, allowing plants to be inserted and grown between the two halves of the matrix media insert in the grow tube. Methods for use of a hollow grow tube with a slot formed in the front face of the grow tube, and a matrix media insert composed of two halves, where the media is insertable into the grow tube, allowing plants to be inserted and grown between the two halves of the matrix media insert in the grow tube.

Abstract: A vertical hydroponic plant production apparatus for allowing vertical hydroponic greenhouse crop production is provided. The apparatus comprises a hollow grow tube having a front face, a back face, an open first end, and an open second end. A slot is formed in the front face of the grow tube with the slot having a width equal to only a portion of a width of the front face. A media material is insertable into the grow tube. The slot allows the front face to expand outward during insertion of the media material and biased inward against the media material once the media material is inserted. The grow tube is positionable in either a horizontal position, vertical position, or any position between the horizontal position and the vertical position allowing inclined, multi-angled crop production and multi-storied conveyor style crop production.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for inhibiting or dispersing biofilms produced by Listeria monocytogenes on plant matter are described. Embodiments include using formulations comprising active chemical constituents and aqueous extracts or sap from certain trees. Methods of using and producing aqueous formulations derived from hickory and maple wood are provided. Formulations and methods are provided for preventing and dispersing exopolysaccharide-rich listerial biofilms.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to microbial stem cell technology that enables a growing microbial culture to stably maintain two or more distinct cell types in a ratio that can be genetically programmed and/or dynamically controlled during cultivation. It is contemplated that embodiments described herein can be utilized to increase product yield in microbial fermentations and advanced engineering of biomaterials using genetically engineered microbial cells, among others.

Abstract: A vertical hydroponic plant production apparatus for allowing vertical hydroponic greenhouse crop production is provided. The apparatus comprises a hollow grow tube having a front face, a back face, an open first end, and an open second end. A slot is formed in the front face of the grow tube with the slot having a width equal to only a portion of a width of the front face. A media material is insertable into the grow tube. The slot allows the front face to expand outward during insertion of the media material and biased inward against the media material once the media material is inserted. The grow tube is positionable in either a horizontal position, vertical position, or any position between the horizontal position and the vertical position allowing inclined, multi-angled crop production and multi-storied conveyor style crop production.

Abstract: A metal-assisted microwave treatment that converting raw coal powders into nano-graphite is presented. Specifically, four major factors are identified for successful conversion: (1) high temperature; (2) reducing environment; (3) catalyst; and (4) microwave radiation. Specifically, it is determined that the combination of the carbon sources (raw coal powders), the high temperature (microwave induced electric sparking), the reducing environment (the Ar/H2 mixture), the catalyst (Cu foil), with the microwave radiations can generate nano-graphite. This novel approach utilizes the sparking induced by the microwave radiation on the fork-shape metal foils to generate high temperature (>1000° C.) within few seconds. The small thermal load makes this method cost effective and has potential for higher temperature using metals with higher melting temperature. Refinement of this technique is possible to yield a higher quality and quantity of nano-graphite materials for a wider range of applications.

Abstract: In an embodiment is provided a method for measuring a vapor-liquid transition of a substance, the method including introducing a substance into a sample cell of a calorimetric block of a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) at a first initial pressure, the system volume being constant; maintaining the substance in a vapor phase; cooling the substance at a cooling rate; and generating a thermogram. In another embodiment is provided a method for measuring a vapor-liquid transition of a substance, the method including introducing a substance into a sample cell of a calorimetric block of a DSC at a first initial pressure, the system volume being constant; maintaining the substance in a liquid phase; heating the substance at a heating rate; and generating a thermogram. In another embodiment is provided a method for measuring a vapor-liquid transition of a substance in the presence of an adsorbent.