New Perspectives on Bioethanol Production.

Bioethanol of first generation can be produced by the fermentation of plants containing sugar and starch. Whereas second generationbioethanol can be produced through hydrolysis and subsequent fermentation ofcellulose. Then, this second type do not compete directly with food crops for land use since it can be obtained from a wider range of feedstocks (agricultural residues, woody raw materials or energy crops). However, currently wheat is still the main crop for bioethanol production. Shows global ethanol production by different countries from 2007 to 2015. 

It can be observed that the values peaked in 2015 after a dip in 2011 and 2012. Moreover, it indicates that the countries with the highest production and USA and Brazil. The bioethanol production process depends on the feedstock, going from the simple conversion of sugars by fermentation, to the multi-stage conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into ethanol. Moreover, some thermochemical processes have been analyzed to produce bio-ethanol: gasification followed either by fermentation , or by a catalyzed reaction.(Read more)

pH-Metric Studies of Mixed Ligand Complexes of Zn(II) with Famotidine and Peptides

Famotidine (FAM), 3-[({2-[(diaminomethylidene) amino]-1,3- thiazol-4-yl}methyl)sulfanyl]-N’- sulfamoylpropanimidamide, is a histamine H2 receptor antagonist that inhibits stomach acid production. It is commonly used in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease. The chemical formula of FAM together with the atomic numbering . Due to the presence of amino, amido and thioether groups in its structure, this drug possesses chelating properties and may interact very effectively with the essential metal ions present in blood plasma and different tissues. In the crystalline state, famotidine has two polymorphic forms that differ by arrangement of intermolecular hydrogen bonds.

Several binary FAM complexes containing divalent transition metal ions have been synthesized in solution as well as in the solid state. Determination of stability constant of complexes with drugs are useful to know the proper dose of drug and their effect with all other components of blood stream as well as to measure the strength of metal ligand bonds. The complexes of drugs have higher efficacy than parent drugs. In the present investigation, the stability constants of zinc (II) complexes with famotidine(FAM) and peptides (L) were studied in detail by potentiometric titration method in aqueous solutions at 25°C and I=0.10 mol/L NaNO3. Species distribution over a range of pH of the complexes in solution was evaluated.

Combination of ESI and MALDI-MS Imaging Enhances Analysis on Brain Gangliosides

Recent advances in matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) have led to the direct analysis of tissue slices. The major advantage of MSI is its capability of simultaneously localizing and identifying a parent molecule and its metabolites without any labeling or any prior knowledge. MSI has been extensively employed to detect the differentiated pattern of lipids in various organs in different diseases, such as brains in Alzheimer’s disease. Poor reproducibility of MALDIMSI analysis due to the heterogeneity of the matrix-analyte crystals, hindersits use on quantitative analysis. In addition, discontinuous ion flow due to quickly consumption of the samples under laser irradiation on specific site affects its ability in qualitative analysis. Although electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) cannot directly be used for imaging, ESI tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS/MS) can separate and distinguish gangliosides.

Zhang et al. have presented a promising workflow for qualitative, semi-quantitative and in situ analysis of gangliosides by combiningthe MALDI MSI and ESI-MS. Following obtaining the brain from the mice, fresh-frozen murine brain sections were prepared and coated with matrix for subsequent MALDI MSI analysis.

Diesel Fuel from Plastic Waste

The developing of alternative fuel has been investigated in the past decade due to the fast depletion of fossil fuels. The aim of these technologies is to recover energyfrom waste materials, including materials that are not biodegradable, such as biomass, municipal solid wastes, agricultural wastes and as high energy density materials such as rubber and plastics.

Plastic are non-degradable polymers which contain carbon, hydrogen and others elements (chlorine, nitrogen, etc.). Due to its non biodegradable nature, this compound contributes significantly to the problem of waste management.

There are different environmentally friendly ways of recycling plastic waste compared with incineration and disposal in landfills. ASTM D7209-06 indicates that theplastics can be recycled using four types of methods according to the finalresult, one of them being the chemical recycling. In this method, chemical degradation leads to production of liquid fuels and chemicals with high added value from waste plastic fragments or segregated. One of this method is pyrolysis.

Combination of ESI and MALDI-MS Imaging Enhances Analysis on Brain Gangliosides

Recent advances in matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) have led to the direct analysis of tissue slices. The major advantage of MSI is its capability of simultaneously localizing and identifying a parent molecule and its metabolites without any labeling or any prior knowledge. MSI has beenextensively employed to detect the differentiated pattern of lipids in variousorgans in different diseases, such as brains in Alzheimer’s disease. Poor reproducibility of MALDI MSI analysis due to the heterogeneity of the matrix-analyte crystals, hinders its use on quantitative analysis. In addition, discontinuous ion flow due to quickly consumption of the samples under laser irradiation on specific site affects its ability in qualitative analysis. Although electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) cannot directly be used for imaging, ESI tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS/MS) can separate and distinguish gangliosides.

Zhang et al. have presented a promising workflow for qualitative, semi-quantitative and in situ analysis ofgangliosides by combining the MALDI MSI and ESI-MS. Following obtaining the brain from the mice, fresh-frozen murine brain sections were prepared and coated with matrix for subsequent MALDI MSI analysis. On the other hand, lipid was extracted from brain tissue by Bligh and Dyer method. The gangliosides extracts were re-suspended in water for ESI-MS analysis.