Barriers in repurposing an existing manufacturing plant: a total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) approach

Repurposing of an existing manufacturing plant is an emerging field due to the increase in emergencies of the covid-19 pandemic with the need of rapid responses which has a wide range of potential applications in sustainment of the manufacturing plant in these unfavourable times and helping of the economy. It makes the manufacturing plant adaptable to changes, makes it productive by manufacturing products that are currently in demand, prevents the dissolution of the plant and thus harvests the maximum potential of the manufacturing plant in the need of an emergency. However, not many industries and plants are suited to make the appropriate changes and lack knowledge on how to proceed to do so. The paper identifies the barriers that are faced in the transition for repurposing a general manufacturing plant to a more suited plant for current emergencies that need rapid response. These barriers hinder the repurposing of the manufacturing plant and impact the business decisions to establish a manufacturing plant suited for emergency situations. Surveys and information from various experts in this field are used to identify these barriers and document their interdependencies and influence on one another. The data is graphed and analysed utilizing TISM (Total Interpretive Structural Modelling) and MICMAC (Cross-Impact Matrix Multiplication Applied to Classification) methodology to further examine by classifying and ranking the relationships. Analysing the relationships between barriers leads to effective decisions towards the successful adoption of repurposing of manufacturing plant. A contextual relationship based structural table called interpretive table and structural model is made to pinpoint influential barriers. Thus, the research explains and explores significant barriers to the adoption of repurposing in manufacturing plant and not only provides a strong methodological and contextual contribution with the help of TISM and MICMAC but also gives research a sense of links of the barriers across various levels. On a practical level, the study is immensely useful to help manufacturing plants overcome repercussions due to disruptions by modifying existing practice and business model to a new model which synchronizes with the new normal to increase the efficiency and survivability of the plant. The result of the research points out that strategical, cultural, technological, and innovation barriers are the most influential barrier in repurposing of manufacturing plant.

Enzymatic synthesis and modification of polymers in nonaqueous solvents

Enzymes catalyse several reactions that are difficult to perform with chemical catalysts and that are important in the synthesis and modification of different polymers in organic solvents. In enzyme-based synthesis, alteration of the reaction medium can have a significant influence on the molecular weight, polydispersity, yield and architecture of the polymers that are produced. Modification of these macromolecules for industrial applications requires an understanding of the different reaction strategies involved.

A biotinylated undecylthiophene copolymer bioconjugate for surface immobilization: creating an alkaline phosphatase chemiluminescence-based biosensor

Methodology is described for the creation of a molecular assembly consisting of the enzyme alkaline phosphatase immobilized onto a glass surface using a biotinylated conjugated copolymer, poly(3-undecylthiophene-co-3-thiophenecarboxaldehyde) 6-biotinamidohexanohydrazone. The biotinylated polymer is attached to the inside walls of a silanized glass capillary via hydrophobic interactions, and a streptavidin-conjugated alkaline phosphatase is interfaced with the polymer through the classical biotin-streptavidin interaction. Utilizing a simple optical setup, we can detect the activity of as little as approximately 0.1 fmol of alkaline phosphatase with this molecular assembly. The assembly is mechanically robust and retains the majority of bound enzyme activity for up to 30 days. We have utilized this molecular assembly for the detection of organophosphorus-based pesticides. Both paraoxon and methyl parathion inhibit the enzyme-mediated generation of chemiluminescence signal. We are able to detect paraoxon and methyl parathion concentrations down to 500-700 ppb.

Chemiluminescence-based inhibition kinetics of alkaline phosphatase in the development of a pesticide biosensor

The use and application of the enzyme alkaline phosphatase in a chemiluminescence assay are discussed. The enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of a macrocyclic phosphate compound generating a chemiluminescence signal. On the basis of inhibition of this signal, a methodology for the detection and quantitation of organophosphorus-based pesticides has been developed. The methodology is studied with alkaline phosphatase in the bulk aqueous phase, and detection of the signal is accomplished by a simple optical setup. Parts per billion level detection of paraoxon and methyl parathion in bulk solutions is achieved. The technique is rapid and sensitive and is applicable to the detection of most organophosphorus-based pesticides. The results from kinetic studies indicate a mixed type of inhibition of the enzyme by paraoxon and methyl parathion. The detection methodology forms an integral part of a biosensor under development and is adaptable to incorporating optical fibers for remote detection of pesticides.