Abstract: Processes for producing olefins may include electrolyzing an aqueous solution comprising metal chloride, where electrolyzing the aqueous solution causes at least a portion of the metal chloride to undergo chemical reaction to produce a treatment composition comprising hypochlorite. The processes may further include contacting at least a portion of the treatment composition with the sour water at a pH from 8 to 12, where the sour water comprises sulfides and the contacting causes reaction of the sulfides in the sour water with the hypochlorite to produce a treated aqueous mixture comprising at least metal sulfates and metal chlorides, where the metal sulfates are present in the treated aqueous mixture as precipitated solids. The processes may further include separating the precipitated solids from the treated aqueous mixture to produce a treated effluent comprising at least the metal chloride.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing salts of butyric acid, lactic acid, propionic acid, valeric acid, acetic acid, glycolic acid, sorbic acid, fumaric acid, formic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, derivatives of said organic acids and mixtures thereof, comprising at least the successive steps of: •i) culturing a microorganism in an appropriate culture medium comprising a carbon source and a nitrogen source, during a sufficient time to obtain a fermentation broth comprising the organic acid(s); •ii) pre-treating said fermentation broth comprising at least clarification of the fermentation broth and separation of organic acids by evaporation of the clarified fermentation broth and then condensation of the volatile fraction containing organic acids (CVAF); •v) adding inorganic bases to said CVAF •vii) eliminating the remaining water of the CVAF, and recovering the organic acid salts.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a water treatment agent useful for reducing the MLSS and the like in a food factory effluent or the like and for reducing the total nitrogen of a water to be treated including nitrogen-containing compounds, a method for producing the water treatment agent, a method for treating water to be treated using the water treatment agent, and a kit for producing the water treatment agent. The water treatment agent of the invention is a water treatment agent that contains green rust and an enzymatic treatment agent containing a liver extract from a mammal (excluding a human being), a yeast lytic enzyme, lactate dehydrogenase, a glucose dehydrogenase, and water.

Abstract: Gels that can react with air pollutants in air and methods for making said gels, are provided. The gels are useful for removing air borne pollutants from indoor environments.

Abstract: Methods and systems for hydrogen production or production of a reduced target molecule are described, wherein a nicotinamide co-factor dependent membrane hydrogenase or a nicotinamide co-factor dependent membrane enzyme presented on a nanolipoprotein adsorbed onto an electrically conductive supporting structure, which can preferably be chemically inert, is contacted with protons or a target molecule to be reduced and nicotinamide cofactors in presence of an electric current and one or more electrically driven redox mediators.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of bioelectricity. The present invention provides energy generating systems, methods, and devices that are capable of converting chemical energy stored in sugars into useful electricity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of nanotechnology, more specifically to the manufacture or treatment of nanostructures, and in particular provides arsenic sulfide nanostructures, as well as a process for obtaining nanostructures of arsenic sulfide. The present invention provides a process for obtaining arsenic sulfide (As—S) nanostructures from a microorganism, which comprises the steps of culturing under appropriate conditions the strain Fusibacter ascotence in the presence of a source of sulfur and a source of arsenic; and recovering arsenic sulfide nanostructures (As—S) from the precipitate obtained from said culture. The present invention provides, also, a nanostructure of arsenic sulfide which is a nanowire having a monoclinic crystal structure. The present invention further provides a nanostructure of arsenic sulfide, which is a nanoparticle with a monoclinic crystal structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for dissociating an aqueous solution which includes electrochemical oxidation of the aqueous solution in the presence of pulsed light, said pulsed light being generated from a first source of light energy with a predetermined pulse frequency value, using an enzyme composition based on a first enzyme complex PSII, isolated from a second enzyme complex PSI, with production of oxygen, free electrons and free protons in the aqueous solution, characterised in that said light energy has a variable energy value over time, said method also including a step of modulating said predetermined pulse frequency value of said pulsed light.

Abstract: The invention provides a process of isolating or enriching a heavy metal present in a suspension containing a particulate mineral ore containing a heavy metal, comprising the following steps: incubating a suspension containing (i) a particulate mineral ore containing a heavy metal and (ii) biomass comprising a bacterium capable of binding the heavy metal; separating the biomass having bound heavy metal from the suspension of the previous step; and isolating the heavy metal from the biomass separated in the previous step.

Abstract: Provided is a method for treatment of gas mixtures and an apparatus for carrying out a method for treatment of raw gas mixtures. More particularly, there is provided a method and an apparatus for treatment of gas mixtures, such as biogas or flare gas, and in particular to a method and an apparatus for removing contaminants, in particular H2S, from a gas mixture containing CH4 and H2S.

Abstract: The disclosed technology generally relates to energy storage devices, and more particularly to energy storage devices comprising frustules. According to an aspect, a supercapacitor comprises a pair of electrodes and an electrolyte, wherein at least one of the electrodes comprises a plurality of frustules having formed thereon a surface active material. The surface active material can include nanostructures. The surface active material can include one or more of a zinc oxide, a manganese oxide and a carbon nanotube.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of tumor(s), tumor cell(s), cancer(s) in a subject by the generation of heat. The latter is produced by chains of magnetosomes extracted from whole magnetotactic bacteria and subjected to an alternating magnetic field. These chains of magnetosomes yield efficient antitumoral activity whereas magnetosomes unbound from the chains or kept within the whole bacteria produce poor or no antitumoral activity. The introduction of various chemicals such as chelating agents and/or transition metals within the growth medium of the bacteria improves the heating properties of the chains of magnetosomes. Moreover, the insertion of the chains of magnetosomes within a lipid vesicle is also suggested in order to favor their rotation in vivo and hence to improve their heating capacity. The vesicle can contain an antitumoral agent together with the chains of magnetosomes, and the agent is released within the tumors by heating the vesicle.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of tumor(s) or tumor cell(s) or cancer(s) in a subject in need by the generation of heat. The latter is produced by chains of magnetosomes extracted from whole magnetotactic bacteria and subjected to an alternating magnetic field. These chains of magnetosomes yield efficient antitumoral activity whereas magnetosomes unbound from the chains or kept within the whole bacteria produce poor or no antitumoral activity. The introduction of various chemicals such as chelating agents and/or transition metals within the growth medium of the bacteria improves the heating properties of the chains of magnetosomes. Moreover, the insertion of the chains of magnetosomes within a lipid vesicle is also suggested in order to favor their rotation in vivo and hence to improve their heating capacity. The vesicle can contain an antitumoral agent together with the chains of magnetosomes. In this case, the agent is released within the tumors by heating the vesicle.

Abstract: A printed energy storage device includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator between the first and the second electrode. At least one of the first electrode, the second electrode, and the separator includes frustules, for example of diatoms. The frustules may have a uniform or substantially uniform property or attribute such as shape, dimension, and/or porosity. A property or attribute of the frustules can also be modified by applying or forming a surface modifying structure and/or material to a surface of the frustules. A membrane for an energy storage device includes frustules. An ink for a printed film includes frustules.

Abstract: A method of producing microbial biomass include providing a wastewater stream and determining the concentration of micronutrients selected from the group consisting of aluminum, boron, cobalt, magnesium, manganese, and zinc, and any combination thereof, in the wastewater stream. The method also includes determining the biological oxygen demand (BOD) normalized dose of the micronutrients, and modulating the concentration of at least one micronutrient in the wastewater stream to provide a micronutrient-modulated wastewater stream. The method further includes growing microbial biomass in the micronutrient-modulated wastewater stream.

Abstract: Campylobacter are the commonest reported bacterial causes of gastroenteritis in the UK and industrialized worlds. This invention relates to a method of preventing or reducing the colonization of the gastrointestinal tract of an animal with Campylobacter. Accordingly, the present invention provides a method for disinfection of an animal comprising administering to said animal at least one compound that binds to MOMP or FlaA of Campylobacter in an effective amount to reduce the number of Campylobacter present in the gastrointestinal tract of said animal. The present invention also provides a method of preventing or reducing transmission of Campylobacter from one animal to another.

Abstract: The present invention is related to recycling of fermentable and metabolizable biomass materials for sequentially performing a cultivation of fungal cells and for producing biogas by anaerobic fermentation of said biomass materials.

Abstract: An energy storage device can include a cathode having a first plurality of frustules, where the first plurality of frustules can include nanostructures having an oxide of manganese. The energy storage device can include an anode comprising a second plurality of frustules, where the second plurality of frustules can include nanostructures having zinc oxide. A frustule can have a plurality of nanostructures on at least one surface, where the plurality of nanostructures can include an oxide of manganese. A frustule can have a plurality of nanostructures on at least one surface, where the plurality of nanostructures can include zinc oxide. An electrode for an energy storage device includes a plurality of frustules, where each of the plurality of frustules can have a plurality of nanostructures formed on at least one surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing and extracting a gas from a wastewater fluid including multiple sheets or layers that form a composite membrane. The composite membrane includes a sandwich structure in which a dry matrix layer is surrounded by a first layer including a first immobilized bacteria and a second layer including a second immobilized bacteria. The first immobilized bacteria and the second immobilized bacteria can be configured to produce a gas from one or more compounds in a wastewater fluid. The dry matrix layer can be configured to receive the gas from the first and second layers, and the gas can be extracted from the membrane. The hydrophobic coatings can be disposed between the dry matrix layer and one or both of the first and second layers. An adhesive interface can be disposed between the dry matrix layer and one or both of the first and second layers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for separating short-chain fatty acids and nutrients from liquid organic waste produced after subjecting organic waste to hydrolysis and acidogenesis or to anaerobic digestion, wherein the process comprises: i. a step of adjusting the pH of the liquid organic waste to 1.9 to 2.1 by adding acid; ii. a step of subjecting the pH-adjusted liquid organic waste to vapor compression distillation in a distillation device producing a distillate and a residue while measuring the total dissolved solid, “TDS”, concentration of the distillate and the residue in the distillation device and maintaining a distillate:residue ratio in the range between 85:15 v/v % and 95:5 v/v % by measuring the TDS concentration in the distillation device, until the TDS concentration of the residue in the distillation device reaches a value of 10 times that of the pH-adjusted liquid organic waste.

Abstract: Processes, methods, and apparatus for carbon sequestration utilizing catalysis schemes configured to provide high concentrations of hydrated CO2 in proximity with a sequestration agent are provided. Reactants are combined with catalyst such that at least two regions of controlled catalytic activity form encompassing at least the interface between a sequestration agent and an aqueous solution containing dissolved CO2. Suitable reactants include various sequestration agents, catalyst, and carbon dioxide dissolved in an aqueous solution (seawater, for example). Possible products include bicarbonate and metal cations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel hydrogenases isolated from novel hyperthermophilic strains belonging to Thermococcus spp., genes encoding the hydrogenases, and methods of producing hydrogen using strains having the genes. According to the hydrogen production methods of the invention, a large amount of hydrogen can be produced merely by culturing the strains in specific culture conditions. Thus, the methods of the invention have advantages in that they are more economic and efficient than existing hydrogen production methods and can produce hydrogen even at high temperature.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the field of reduction of CO2 emission, more in particular to CO2 capture and conversion. The disclosure further relates to the culturing of algae and an apparatus for use thereof. One object of the disclosure is to provide an alternative method for capturing and conversion of CO2 from a gaseous stream.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method that recovers metal components from sulfide mineral tailings by Microbial Fuel Cell. The traditional bio-hydrometallurgy reaction is split to one oxidization reaction taking place in the anode chamber and one reduction reaction taking place in the cathode chamber. H+ generated during the oxidization reaction is continually transferred to cathode chamber through proton exchange membrane and reacted with O2 to generate H2O, which not only increases the reaction rate in anode chamber but also decreases equipment corrosion caused by excessive H+. The method of the present invention, recovering metals as well as electronic power, is environment-friendly.

Abstract: Provided herein are nanolipoprotein particles that comprise a membrane associated hydrogenase and related assemblies, devices, methods and systems.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention pertain to methods for biological production of hydrogen. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention pertain to a modular energy system and related methods for producing hydrogen using organic waste as a feed stock.

Abstract: A method for increasing the content of ubiquinone (CoQ10) and ubiquinol (CoQH2) in phototrophic microorganisms that were cultivated in a culture medium in a bioreactor under light irradiation, wherein the phototrophic microorganisms are selected from the group consisting of blue algae, green algae and yellow-green algae, comprising a step of inducing oxidative stress. By virtue of the fact that oxidative stress was induced by incubating the phototrophic microorganisms together with Fe3+ in the culture medium, a higher content of CoQ10 and CoQH2 is obtained. Moreover, the microorganisms thus obtained have a higher content of trivalent iron, which is particularly relevant for the human diet. From the phototrophic microorganisms it is possible to produce an oily extract and also a dried algae product.

Abstract: Methods, processes, and systems for the production of lipids and starch from modified algae are disclosed. In one embodiment, the modified algae over-expresses isoamylase and accumulates much higher amounts of starch than unmodified algae. In some embodiments, the modified algae comprises one or more copies of an isoamylase expression construct. In one embodiment, the modified algae is a sta7 Chlamydomonas reinhardtii mutant with a starchless phenotype that has been complemented with one or more copies of the wild-type genomic STA7 isoamylase gene construct. The complemented, modified algae accumulates much greater amount of starch than an unmodified algae and may be used to produce large amounts of starch and/or lipids.

Abstract: Methods for the production of unicellular photosynthetic organisms capable of producing cell adhesion proteins are disclosed. DNA constructs as well as methods for integration of the DNA constructs into the genomes of unicellular photosynthetic organisms for the expression of cell adhesion proteins are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides recombinant ethanologenic bacteria, methods of making the bacteria and methods of producing ethanol using the bacteria.

Abstract: System and method for sustainable economic development which includes hydrogen extracted from substances, for example, sea water, industrial waste water, agricultural waste water, sewage, and landfill waste water. The hydrogen extraction is accomplished by thermal dissociation, electrical dissociation, optical dissociation, and magnetic dissociation. The hydrogen extraction further includes operation in conjunction with energy addition from renewable resources, for example, solar, wind, moving water, geothermal, or biomass resources.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for engineering microorganisms, which permit enhanced H2 production. The methods and compositions provided include novel chimeric gene constructs encoding H2-forming H2ase and maturation proteins, allowing for generation of H2 continuously in large quantities. In one illustrated embodiment, novel engineered algae are provided with increased levels of H2 production.

Abstract: The present invention provides Thermococcus onnurineus MC02 strain (accession no. KCTC12511BP) having increased hydrogen production ability, wherein the expression of rchA gene of the strain increases. Also, the present invention provides a method for producing the strain belonged to the genus Thermococcus having increased hydrogen production ability comprising, increasing the expression of rchA gene of the strain, and hydrogen production method using the strain.

Abstract: Provided are isolated polypeptides having glucoamylase activity, catalytic domains, and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, catalytic domains. Also provided are nucleic acid constructs, vectors and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides, catalytic domains.

Abstract: A method of forming a metal gallate spinel structure that includes mixing a divalent metal-containing salt and a gallium-containing salt in solution with fermentative or thermophilic bacteria. In the process, the bacteria nucleate metal gallate spinel nano-objects from the divalent metal-containing salt and the gallium-containing salt without requiring reduction of a metal in the solution. The metal gallate spinel structures, as well as light-emitting structures in which they are incorporated, are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing Te(O) in a low toxic form from toxic Te(IV) using metal-reducing bacteria and iron ions. According to the present invention, extracellular tellurium nanorods can be prepared through an environmentally friendly process and are able to provide tellurium utilizable in petroleum refining, electronic devices, batteries, and sensors.

Abstract: A method for producing H2, VFAs and alcohols from organic material is disclosed, including the steps of introducing organic material and microorganisms into a completely mixed bioreactor for producing H2, CO2, VFAs, and alcohols; sequestering CO2 in the headspace of the reactor; recovering H2 from the headspace; and recovering a first liquid effluent including microorganisms, VFAs, and alcohols. Also disclosed is a system for producing H2, VFAs and alcohols from organic material, including a completely mixed bioreactor for dark fermentation; an input for supplying microorganisms and the organic material to be broken down; a CO2 trap in the headspace and including a solid hydroxide for sequestration of the CO2 gas from the headspace; and a gas output for removal of a gas effluent including H2 gas from the headspace. The system and method provide higher H2 production rates and a H2 stream is substantially free of CO2.

Abstract: A static solid state bioreactor and method of using same. The bioreactor comprises a vessel having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end having a sealable opening. A gas distribution system in communication with the upper end and the lower end of the vessel. A liquid distribution system in communication with the upper end of the vessel. A liquid recovery system in communication with the lower end of the vessel. A material removal system disposed at the lower end of the vessel for removing biomass from the vessel.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing ammonia or ammonium from an organic material, the method by contacting the organic material with at least one hydrolytic enzyme, in a medium, to produce a medium including hydrolyzed or partially hydrolyzed organic material suitable for microbial fermentation. The hydrolyzed or partially hydrolyzed medium with organic material is then fermented in the presence of at least one microorganism capable of ammonification, wherein the fermenting is under conditions, and for a sufficient period of time, to produce a fermentation product that comprises ammonia or ammonium. The organic material includes nitrogenous compounds suitable for conversion to ammonia or ammonium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Thermococcus onnurineus NA1 mutant having an increased ability to produce hydrogen from formate and a method of producing hydrogen the same. The Thermococcus onnurineus NA1 mutant according to the invention has an increased ability to produce hydrogen in a formate-containing medium compared to wild-type Thermococcus onnurineus NA1 and shows an increase in growth rate compared to the wild-type. The use of the mutant strain according to the invention can produce hydrogen with high efficiency from formate.

Abstract: A genetically engineered yeast cell that produces a pyruvate-based metabolite from pyruvate, wherein activity of a mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) is reduced compared to a parent yeast cell and a method of producing the pyruvate-based metabolite using the yeast cell.

Abstract: A device including a composition formed by oxidation of graphene oxide to form holey graphene oxide having defects therein and reduction of the holey graphene oxide. A composition includes graphene oxide sheets including holes therein formed by oxidation to form a network of interconnected graphene oxide nanoribbons.

Abstract: The invention relates to processes of producing a fermentation product, comprising liquefying a starch containing material with an alpha-amylase; pre-saccharifying and/or saccharifying and fermenting using a fermentation organism in the presence of a carbohydrate source generating enzyme and a cellulolytic composition The invention also relates to methods of dewatering whole stillage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to GH61 polypeptide variants. The present invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the variants; nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides; and methods of using the variants.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the use of Botrytis cinerea strains, its spores, hyphae mycelium, sclerotia, intra and/or extracellular organic molecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, polysaccharides, lipids and secondary metabolites for the biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNps). In general terms, the present invention is focused to use B. cinerea strains and/or molecules generated by this organism for the biological synthesis of AuNps, being then the field of application, the synthesis of nanomaterials, specifically AuNps using the phytopathogenic fungus B. cinerea and/or its intra or extracellular proteins purified individually or in combination thereof or any of other intra and/or extracellular molecule produced by this organism as a biological system of synthesis.

Abstract: Combining flue gas treatment, and in particular CO2 sequestration, with hardening of reverse osmosis (RO) permeate. Flue gas is compressed and injected into pressurized water, being either cooling water or RO permeate. The water with dissolved CO2 is either dispensed into the sea for biological fixation of the CO2 or, in the case of RO permeate, mixed with limestone to harden the product water.

Abstract: Provided herein are biologically pure cultures of microbes having the characteristic of reducing Sb(V) to Sb(III). In one embodiment, the microbes produce Sb2O3 by reduction of Sb(OH)6?. In one embodiment, the microbes also reduce selenite, selenate, tellurate, nitrite, nitrate, and/or arsenate. Also provided are compositions that include the microbes, and methods of using the microbes. Examples of methods include making crystalline Sb2O3 and converting soluble contaminants to insoluble contaminants.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an improved process of producing a fermentation product, in particular ethanol. The present disclosure relates also to the use of enzymes for improving the quality of by-products in the fermentative production process and to compositions comprising enzymes capable of degrading components in the fermented mash in the fermentation process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: A method for the continuous liquefying of organic solids in a fermenter, wherein an outwardly directed flow of solids is produced in a dammed-up liquid, the solids are added in the lower region of the fermenter and the solid fermentation residues are essentially collected and removed below the level of the dammed-up liquid.