Abstract: A method for producing a bicyclic hydrocarbon molecule includes oxidizing a terpene molecule to provide a first intermediate compound, wherein the first intermediate compound includes an aldehyde functional group, reacting the first intermediate compound with a 1,3-diene molecule to form a second intermediate compound including the aldehyde functional group, and reducing the second intermediate compound to yield a first bicyclic hydrocarbon molecule, wherein reducing the second intermediate compound includes removing the aldehyde functional group.

Abstract: A method for producing a bicyclic hydrocarbon molecule includes oxidizing a terpene molecule to provide a first intermediate compound, wherein the first intermediate compound includes an aldehyde functional group, reacting the first intermediate compound with a 1,3-diene molecule to form a second intermediate compound including the aldehyde functional group, and reducing the second intermediate compound to yield a first bicyclic hydrocarbon molecule, wherein reducing the second intermediate compound includes removing the aldehyde functional group.

Abstract: A method of producing 1,8-dihydroxy naphthalene (DHN) is provided. The method includes culturing cells under suitable culture conditions for the production of DHN. The cells include a nucleic acid encoding a polyketide synthase polypeptide and one or more nucleic acids encoding one or more protein enzymes used in the DHN melanin pathway. DHN melanin pathway genes may be expressed in the cells, which may recombinant E. coli cells. The cells may include inhibitors to stop the conversion of DHN into melanin within the cells. The cells may include glucose as a cell nutrient. The glucose may be derived from biomass. DHN may be produced, harvested and the harvested DHN may be catalyzed into a cyclic hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A photodegradable polymeric system is presented that can be employed to entrap and stabilize bioactive therapeutics such as proteins and vaccines from environmental stressors. This system would obviate the need for refrigeration and would decrease transportation and storage costs of temperature-sensitive therapeutics. By using a photosensitive release system, users can administer temperature-sensitive compounds at their discretion. This photodegradable system will also permit the potential to stabilize temperature-sensitive therapeutics in a liquid suspension, eliminating the need for reconstitution.

Abstract: The invention relates to thin, hydrogen-permeable, sulfur-resistant membranes formed from multi-layers of palladium or palladium-alloy coatings on porous, ceramic or metal supports, methods of making these membranes, methods of repairing layers of these membranes and devices that incorporate these membranes.

Abstract: The invention relates to thin, hydrogen-permeable, sulfur-resistant membranes formed from multi-layers of palladium or palladium-alloy coatings on porous, ceramic or metal supports, methods of making these membranes, methods of repairing layers of these membranes and devices that incorporate these membranes.