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Knezevic J, Zhang T, Zhou R, Hong J, Zhou R, Barnett C, Song Q, Gao Y, Xu W, Liu D, Proschogo N, Mohanty B, Strachan J, Soltani B, Li F, Maschmeyer T, Lovell EC, Cullen PJ. Long-Chain Hydrocarbons from Nonthermal Plasma-Driven Biogas Upcycling. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:12601-12608. [PMID: 38687243 PMCID: PMC11082885 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c01641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
The burgeoning necessity to discover new methodologies for the synthesis of long-chain hydrocarbons and oxygenates, independent of traditional reliance on high-temperature, high-pressure, and fossil fuel-based carbon, is increasingly urgent. In this context, we introduce a nonthermal plasma-based strategy for the initiation and propagation of long-chain carbon growth from biogas constituents (CO2 and CH4). Utilizing a plasma reactor operating at atmospheric room temperature, our approach facilitates hydrocarbon chain growth up to C40 in the solid state (including oxygenated products), predominantly when CH4 exceeds CO2 in the feedstock. This synthesis is driven by the hydrogenation of CO2 and/or amalgamation of CHx radicals. Global plasma chemistry modeling underscores the pivotal role of electron temperature and CHx radical genesis, contingent upon varying CO2/CH4 ratios in the plasma system. Concomitant with long-chain hydrocarbon production, the system also yields gaseous products, primarily syngas (H2 and CO), as well as liquid-phase alcohols and acids. Our finding demonstrates the feasibility of atmospheric room-temperature synthesis of long-chain hydrocarbons, with the potential for tuning the chain length based on the feed gas composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josip Knezevic
- School
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Tianqi Zhang
- School
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Renwu Zhou
- School
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- State
Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Power Equipment, School
of Electrical Engineering, Xi’an
Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710049, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jungmi Hong
- School
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Rusen Zhou
- School
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- State
Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Power Equipment, School
of Electrical Engineering, Xi’an
Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710049, People’s Republic of China
| | | | - Qiang Song
- School
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Yuting Gao
- State
Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Power Equipment, School
of Electrical Engineering, Xi’an
Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710049, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wanping Xu
- School
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Dingxin Liu
- State
Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Power Equipment, School
of Electrical Engineering, Xi’an
Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710049, People’s Republic of China
| | - Nicholas Proschogo
- School
of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | | | - Jyah Strachan
- School
of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Behdad Soltani
- School
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Fengwang Li
- School
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Thomas Maschmeyer
- School
of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Emma C. Lovell
- Particle
and Catalysis Research Group, School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Patrick J. Cullen
- School
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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Dahle S, Žigon J, Fink R. Cold plasma for sustainable control of hygienically relevant biofilms. The interaction of plasma distance and exposure time. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024; 34:340-354. [PMID: 36436211 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2022.2149710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to analyse the efficacy of a new cold plasma device adapted for treatment with a low power consumption . We tested the reduction of bacterial cells in biofilms of E. coli, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. . The results show significant differences between bacterial cells, suggesting that Gramme-positive S. aureus is less susceptible to plasma treatment than Gramme-negative E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Increasing the exposure time and decreasing the distance decreases the number of cells in the biofilm. However, the combination of close distance and long exposure time resulted in synergistic effects. We demonstrated a reduction of up to 6.6 log CFU cm2 for E. coli at 1 mm and an exposure time of 60 seconds. All these indicate that the new cold plasma jet device can be an important key to ensuring hygiene and numerous applications in medicine and engineering are possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Dahle
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jure Žigon
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Rok Fink
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Ďuračka M, Benko F, Chňapek M, Tvrdá E. Strategies for Bacterial Eradication from Human and Animal Semen Samples: Current Options and Future Alternatives. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:6978. [PMID: 37571761 PMCID: PMC10422635 DOI: 10.3390/s23156978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
The primary role of semen processing and preservation is to maintain a high proportion of structurally and functionally competent and mature spermatozoa, that may be used for the purposes of artificial reproduction when needed, whilst minimizing any potential causes of sperm deterioration during ex vivo semen handling. Out of a multitude of variables determining the success of sperm preservation, bacterial contamination has been acknowledged with an increased interest because of its often unpredictable and complex effects on semen quality. Whilst antibiotics are usually the most straight-forward option to prevent the bacterial contamination of semen, antimicrobial resistance has become a serious threat requiring widespread attention. As such, besides discussing the consequences of bacteriospermia on the sperm vitality and the risks of antibiotic overuse in andrology, this paper summarizes the currently available evidence on alternative strategies to prevent bacterial contamination of semen prior to, during, and following sperm processing, selection, and preservation. Alternative antibacterial supplements are reviewed, and emphasis is given to modern methods of sperm selection that may be combined by the physical removal of bacteria prior to sperm preservation or by use in assisted reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Ďuračka
- AgroBioTech Research Centre, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Filip Benko
- Institute of Applied Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Milan Chňapek
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Eva Tvrdá
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
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Kang SU, Kim CH, You S, Lee DY, Kim YK, Kim SJ, Kim CK, Kim HK. Plasma Surface Modification of 3Y-TZP at Low and Atmospheric Pressures with Different Treatment Times. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:7663. [PMID: 37108832 PMCID: PMC10144831 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The efficiency of plasma surface modifications depends on the operating conditions. This study investigated the effect of chamber pressure and plasma exposure time on the surface properties of 3Y-TZP with N2/Ar gas. Plate-shaped zirconia specimens were randomly divided into two categories: vacuum plasma and atmospheric plasma. Each group was subdivided into five subgroups according to the treatment time: 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20 min. Following the plasma treatments, we characterized the surface properties, including wettability, chemical composition, crystal structure, surface morphology, and zeta potential. These were analyzed through various techniques, such as contact angle measurement, XPS, XRD, SEM, FIB, CLSM, and electrokinetic measurements. The atmospheric plasma treatments increased zirconia's electron donation (γ-) capacity, while the vacuum plasma treatments decreased γ- parameter with increasing times. The highest concentration of the basic hydroxyl OH(b) groups was identified after a 5 min exposure to atmospheric plasmas. With longer exposure times, the vacuum plasmas induce electrical damage. Both plasma systems increased the zeta potential of 3Y-TZP, showing positive values in a vacuum. In the atmosphere, the zeta potential rapidly increased after 1 min. Atmospheric plasma treatments would be beneficial for the adsorption of oxygen and nitrogen from ambient air and the generation of various active species on the zirconia surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Un Kang
- Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Chul-Ho Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanghyun You
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Department of Energy Systems Research, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Da-Young Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Energy Systems Research, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu-Kwon Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Energy Systems Research, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Joo Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Energy Systems Research, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Koo Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Department of Energy Systems Research, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Kyung Kim
- Department of Prosthodontics, Institute of Oral Health Science, School of Medicine, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
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Elaissi S, Alsaif NAM. Modelling of Nonthermal Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma at Atmospheric Pressure and Role of Produced Reactive Species in Surface Polymer Microbial Purification. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15051235. [PMID: 36904476 PMCID: PMC10007475 DOI: 10.3390/polym15051235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
A nonthermal atmospheric plasma reactor was used to sterilize polymer surfaces and satisfy safety constraints in a biological medium. A 1D fluid model was developed using COMSOL Multiphysics software® 5.4 with a helium-oxygen mixture at low temperature for the decontamination of bacteria on polymer surfaces. An analysis of the evolution of the homogeneous dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) was carried out through studying the dynamic behavior of the discharge parameters including the discharge current, the consumed power, the gas gap voltage, and transport charges. In addition, the electrical characteristics of a homogeneous DBD under different operating conditions were studied. The results shown that increasing voltage or frequency caused higher ionization levels and maximum increase of metastable species' density and expanded the sterilization area. On the other hand, it was possible to operate plasma discharges at a low voltage and a high density of plasma using higher values of the secondary emission coefficient or permittivity of the dielectric barrier materials. When the discharge gas pressure increased, the current discharges declined, which indicated a lower sterilization efficiency under high pressure. A short gap width and the admixture of oxygen were needed for sufficient bio-decontamination. Plasma-based pollutant degradation devices could therefore benefit from these results.
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Nonthermal Plasma Effects on Fungi: Applications, Fungal Responses, and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911592. [PMID: 36232892 PMCID: PMC9569944 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The kingdom of Fungi is rich in species that live in various environments and exhibit different lifestyles. Many are beneficial and indispensable for the environment and industries, but some can threaten plants, animals, and humans as pathogens. Various strategies have been applied to eliminate fungal pathogens by relying on chemical and nonchemical antifungal agents and tools. Nonthermal plasma (NTP) is a potential tool to inactivate pathogenic and food-contaminating fungi and genetically improve fungal strains used in industry as enzyme and metabolite producers. The NTP mode of action is due to many highly reactive species and their interactions with biological molecules. The interaction of the NTP with living cells is believed to be synergistic yet not well understood. This review aims to summarize the current NTP designs, applications, and challenges that involve fungi, as well as provide brief descriptions of underlying mechanisms employed by fungi in interactions with the NTP components.
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Jabłońska B, Dróżdż T, Jabłoński P, Kiełbasa P. Removal of Pb(II), Cd(II) and Ni(II) Ions from Groundwater by Nonthermal Plasma. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 15:5426. [PMID: 35955360 PMCID: PMC9369537 DOI: 10.3390/ma15155426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The removal of Pb(II), Cd(II) and Ni(II) ions from aqueous solutions by means of nonthermal plasma with a dielectric barrier discharge is investigated. Aqueous solutions with metal ion concentrations from 10 to 100 mg/dm3 in spring water were used. In the first stage, the optimization of the solution flow rate, generator modulation frequency and duty cycle was made in terms of the removal efficiency of the considered metals. The removal was then investigated as a function of the number of passes of the solution through the cold plasma reactor. The effect of the initial concentration of ions in the solution was studied. Techniques such as composite central design, least squares method and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used. The physical and chemical parameters of the solutions, such as electrical conductivity, pH, temperature, concentration of metal ions and the content of other substances (e.g., total organic carbon), were measured, and the presence of microorganisms was also examined. It was found that each pass of the solution through the cold plasma reactor causes a decrease in the concentration of Cd(II) and Ni(II); the concentration of Pb(II) drops rapidly after one pass, but further passes do not improve its removal. The removal percentage was 88% for Cd(II) after six passes and 72% for Pb(II) after one pass, whereas 19% for Ni(II). The purification mechanism corresponds to the precipitation of metal ions due to the increasing pH of the solution after exposure to cold plasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Jabłońska
- Faculty of Infrastructure and Environment, Czestochowa University of Technology, Brzeźnicka St. 60a, 42-200 Częstochowa, Poland
| | - Tomasz Dróżdż
- Faculty of Production and Power Engineering, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Al. Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Krakow, Poland
| | - Paweł Jabłoński
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Czestochowa University of Technology, Al. Armii Krajowej 17, 42-200 Częstochowa, Poland
| | - Paweł Kiełbasa
- Faculty of Production and Power Engineering, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Al. Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Krakow, Poland
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