Commercial Demonstration of biorefinery of lipids-Coproduction of Biodiesel and 1,3-propanediol

Dehua LIU,Xuebing ZHAO,Hongjuan LIU,Keke CHENG 한국생물공학회 2015 한국생물공학회 학술대회 Vol.2015 No.4

Renewable magnetic alginate-graphene oxide hybrid for efficient cationic dye removal

Wenju Liu,Hongjuan Bai,Weiqiang Gao,Zihan Chen,Zhuangzhuang Liu,Zilong Chen,Junhang Chen 한국화학공학회 2022 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.39 No.10

A batch system was applied to investigate the behavior of adsorption of methylene blue (MB) and crystal violet (CV) from aqueous solution using a renewable magnetic alginate composite containing graphene oxide (M-GO/ Alg) in single and binary systems. The surface morphology and chemical structure of the adsorbent were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) analysis. The experimental data were fitted by the isotherm models and adsorption kinetics. And the maximum adsorption quantity of MB and CV reached 459.85 and 69.46mg/g at 298 K for M-GO/ Alg, respectively, as deduced from Langmuir model. After five successive adsorptive removal cycles for both dyes, no significant performance loss was observed for M-GO/Alg. Moreover, M-GO/Alg was easily separated under an external magnetic field. In binary system, MB and CV exhibited competitive adsorption. The obtained results suggested that M-GO/Alg can be used as an eco-friendly and recyclable adsorbent to remove cationic dyes from aqueous solutions.

Removal of fluoroquinolone antibiotics by adsorption of dopamine-modified biochar aerogel

Hongjuan Bai,Qiaofei Zhang,Xuan Zhou,Junhang Chen,Zihan Chen,Zhuangzhuang Liu,Jun Yan,Jing Wang 한국화학공학회 2023 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.40 No.1

As emerging contaminants used for treating various tract infections, fluoroquinolones (such as enoxacin, ofloxacin, etc.) enter water bodies via point-source discharges of wastewater treatment plants and many of them raise environmental and health concerns. Herein, a novel adsorbent, derived from a useful renewable low-cost grapefruit peel, was prepared to investigate the adsorption behavior of fluoroquinolone antibiotics (enoxacin and ofloxacin). The obtained adsorbent was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermo-gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC). Further, the equilibrium sorption of the adsorption process was analyzed with isotherm models and kinetic models. Under optimal adsorption conditions, equilibrium data conformed to the Elovich model, and the kinetics of adsorption was fitted well with Redlich-Peterson model. Combined with thermodynamic analysis, electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bond, π-π stacking interaction were the possible adsorption mechanisms for both fluoroquinolone antibiotics onto the novel adsorbent. This work explored a promising adsorbent for the elimination of fluoroquinolone antibiotics in environmental remediation.

Ethanol Induces Autophagy Regulated by Mitochondrial ROS in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

( Hongjuan Jing ),( Huanhuan Liu ),( Lu Zhang ),( Jie Gao ),( Haoran Song ),( Xiaorong Tan ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2018 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.28 No.12

Ethanol accumulation inhibited the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae during wine fermentation. Autophagy and the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were also induced under ethanol stress. However, the relation between autophagy and ethanol stress was still unclear. In this study, expression of the autophagy genes ATG1 and ATG8 and the production of ROS under ethanol treatment in yeast were measured. The results showed that ethanol stress very significantly induced expression of the ATG1 and ATG8 genes and the production of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and superoxide anion (O₂ ^·-). Moreover, the atg1 and atg8 mutants aggregated more H₂O₂ and O₂ ^·- than the wild-type yeast. In addition, inhibitors of the ROS scavenging enzyme induced expression of the ATG1 and ATG8 genes by increasing the levels of H₂O₂ and O₂ ^·-. In contrast, glutathione (GSH) and N-acetylcystine (NAC) decreased ATG1 and ATG8 expression by reducing H₂O₂ and O₂ ^·- production. Rapamycin and 3-methyladenine also caused an obvious change in autophagy levels and simultaneously altered the release of H₂O₂ and O₂ ^·-. Finally, inhibitors of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (mtETC) increased the production of H₂O₂ and O₂ ^·- and also promoted expression levels of the ATG1 and ATG8 genes. In conclusion, ethanol stress induced autophagy which was regulated by H₂O₂ and O₂ ^·- derived from mtETC, and in turn, the autophagy contributed to the elimination H₂O₂ and O₂ ^·-.

Compounds from the subterranean part of Johnsongrass and their allelopathic potential

Liu, Yan,Zhang, Chaoxian,Wei, Shouhui,Cui, Hailan,Huang, Hongjuan The Korean Society of Weed Science and The Turfgra 2011 Weed Biology and Management Vol.11 No.3

The allelopathic effects of the exotic invasive weed, Johnsongrass, on Lactuca sativa, a native plant in China, were evaluated and the phytotoxins were investigated under laboratory conditions. The crude extracts (chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions) that were obtained from the ethanol extract of the subterranean parts of Johnsongrass inhibited the germination speed and growth of the roots and shoots of the test plant. The four compounds, ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate, diosmetin, apigenin, and luteolin, were isolated from the extract of the subterranean parts of Johnsongrass first, along with three other compounds (reported previously), p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and dhurrin, and they all were evaluated on L. sativa. At the concentration of <0.5 mmol $L^{-1}$, ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate, dhurrin, and the mixture of the compounds delayed the germination speed of the seeds of L. sativa at 24 h of incubation, while apigenin delayed the germination speed of the seeds of L. sativa at 72 h of incubation. Ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate demonstrated the strongest delaying effect among the phenols and a similar effect was found with apigenin among the flavonoids, wheras ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate induced a drastic inhibition of the germination at 2 mmol $L^{-1}$. In contrast, p-hydroxybenzaldehyde and luteolin had no effect on the germination at any concentration at any stage. All the substances inhibited the shoot and root growth of L. sativa at 3 mmol $L^{-1}$. Increasing the concentration increased the inhibition of the growth of L. sativa.The inhibitory activity of ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate and p-hydroxybenzaldehyde was greater than that of the other compounds. This result suggested that the isolated phytotoxins might contribute to the successful invasion by Johnsongrass.

Mitophagy Improves Ethanol Tolerance in Yeast: Regulation by Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

( Hongjuan Jing ),( Huanhuan Liu ),( Zhang Lu ),( Cui Liuqing ),( Xiaorong Tan ) 한국미생물생명공학회(구 한국산업미생물학회) 2020 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.30 No.12

Ethanol often accumulates during the process of wine fermentation, and mitophagy has critical role in ethanol output. However, the relationship between mitophagy and ethanol stress is still unclear. In this study, the expression of ATG11 and ATG32 genes exposed to ethanol stress was accessed by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The result indicated that ethanol stress induced expression of the ATG11 and ATG32 genes. The colony sizes and the alcohol yield of atg11 and atg32 were also smaller and lower than those of wild type strain under ethanol whereas the mortality of mutants is higher. Furthermore, compared with wild type, the membrane integrity and the mitochondrial membrane potential of atg11 and atg32 exhibited greater damage following ethanol stress. In addition, a greater proportion of mutant cells were arrested at the G1/G0 cell cycle. There was more aggregation of peroxide hydrogen (H₂O₂) and superoxide anion (O₂ ^·-) in mutants. These changes in H2O2 and O2 ·- in yeasts were altered by reductants or inhibitors of scavenging enzyme by means of regulating the expression of ATG11 and ATG32 genes. Inhibitors of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (mtETC) also increased production of H₂O₂ and O₂ ^·- by enhancing expression of the ATG11 and ATG32 genes. Further results showed that activator or inhibitor of autophagy also activated or inhibited mitophagy by altering production of H₂O₂ and O₂ ^·. Therefore, ethanol stress induces mitophagy which improves yeast the tolerance to ethanol and the level of mitophagy during ethanol stress is regulated by ROS derived from mtETC.

Biocolloid transport and deposition in porous media: A review

Hongjuan Bai,Junhang Chen,Yumu Hu,Gang Wang,Wenju Liu,Edvina Lamy 한국화학공학회 2022 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.39 No.1

In an effort to protect surface and groundwater supplies from contamination, to assess the risk of microbial groundwater contamination and for the purpose of soil bioremediation, considerable efforts have been made to investigate biocolloid transport and retention in porous media. The current work provides an introductory overview of biocolloid transport and deposition in porous media so as to have a better understanding of the environmental behavior of biocolloids. In this review, biocolloid transport and deposition in porous media are discussed with an emphasis on transport and deposition mechanisms, numerical modeling and influencing factors. Moreover, major findings with respect to the forces acting on biocolloid transport and deposition are addressed, and research methods used to study biocolloid transport and deposition in porous media are also presented. Finally, based on the reported results, future research perspectives considering the microscopic pore scale study for biocolloid transport and deposition in porous media are also suggested.

Study on grain growth and conduction mechanism of spinel nickel ferrite ceramics

Baogang Liu,Min Tang,Xiang Wei,Hongjuan Li 한양대학교 청정에너지연구소 2022 Journal of Ceramic Processing Research Vol.23 No.6

The important base of its application performance can be constituted by combining microstructure with electrical conductivityof spinel nickel ferrite ceramics. In this study, nickel ferrite ceramic powders were prepared by a high temperature solid-phasereaction and ceramic blocks were prepared by molding and sintering technology. X-ray diffraction, scanning electronmicroscopy, conductivity measurement and X-ray photoelectron spectrometry were employed for analyzing the phasecomposition, microstructure, electrical conductivity, and valence states of Fe ions. The grain growth mode and conductionmechanism of nickel ferrite ceramics were also discussed. Hexagonal growth spirals and growth hillocks were observed on eachcrystal plane of nickel ferrite single crystals. The growth of nickel ferrite crystals takes place by a spiral dislocation growthmechanism, indicating that the more Fe2+ ion formed in the sites of octahedral B of NiFe2O4 ceramics, the better the electricalconductivity of this ceramic materials.

Analysis of the effect of Rhodopseudomonas palustris on the lead exposure rat model using 1H-NMR-based metabolomics of urine and plasma

Chai Shutong,Zheng Ziyun,Liu Yani,Liang Yanhui,Yang Hong,Chen Jie,Bai Hongjuan,Yang Guan-e 대한독성 유전단백체 학회 2023 Molecular & cellular toxicology Vol.19 No.2

Background Rhodopseudomonas palustris had the eff ect of adsorbing and removing lead ions. Metabolomics is a comprehensive analysis based on several metabolites or biomarkers. Objective The paper aimed to investigate the restorative eff ect and the potential mechanisms of R. palustris in rats with the lead exposure model using 1 H-NMR metabolomics. Results Nine endogenous metabolites from rat plasma and 13 endogenous metabolites from rat urine were identifi ed as potential biomarkers of the symptoms of lead poisoning. The changes of metabolites levels in the plasma included lower levels of valine, acetoacetate, and N-acetyl-glycoprotein and a higher concentration of lactate, acetate, creatine, threonine, glutamine, and asparagine in model group compared with control group. Furthermore, increased citrate, succinate, dimethylamine, pyruvate, acetoacetate, α -oxoglutarate and asparagine, accompanied by decreased LDL/VLDL, taurine, creatinine, glucose and hippurate levels were observed in the model group compared with the control group in the urine. Biochemical parameters and histopathology examination dovetailed well with the metabolomics data. Treatment with R. palustris at a certain degree returned the levels of these metabolites to normal levels. Plasma and urine metabolomic analysis showed changes associated with energy metabolism, amino acids and fatty acid metabolism of lead exposure rats. Conclusion The eff ects of removing lead ions of R. palustris in rats with lead exposure were confi rmed. This research demonstrated that 1 H-NMR-based metabolomics was a promising tool to identify potential biomarkers and unravel protective eff ect mechanisms of R. palustris in lead poisoning rats.

Glypican 2 regulates cell proliferation and metastasis in thyroid cancer cells

Tao Zhang,Yahong Liu,Xuan Ren,Zhuanping Wang,Hongjuan Wang 대한독성 유전단백체 학회 2020 Molecular & cellular toxicology Vol.16 No.2

Background Glypicans play a role in the growth and metastasis of several human cancers. However, little is known about its function in thyroid cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the specific functions of glypican 2 (GPC2) in thyroid cancer cells. Objective The expression of six glypican family members (GPC1 to GPC6) was detected in different thyroid cancer cell lines. The abnormal expression of GPC2 was confirmed by immunohistochemistry in or around thyroid tumor tissues. It was overexpressed and silenced in highly (TPC1 and FTC-133) and poorly (ARO) differentiated thyroid cancer cell lines, respectively. Subsequently, its role in cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion was investigated. Results We observed that almost all glypican family members were highly expressed in thyroid cancer cells, and GPC2 expression was higher in poorly differentiated thyroid cancer cell lines than highly differentiated cell lines. The knockdown of GPC2 inhibited cell proliferation, invasion, and migration and promoted apoptosis in the ARO cells, whereas GPC2 overexpression promoted cell proliferation, invasion, and migration and inhibited apoptosis in the TPC1 and FTC-133 cells. Conclusions GPC2 is highly expressed in thyroid cancer tissues and regulates cell viability, apoptosis, migration, and invasion.