Book Chapters
Permanent URI for this collection
Browse
Browsing Book Chapters by browse.metadata.cluster "Chemicals"
Now showing 1 - 13 of 13
Results Per Page
Sort Options
Item Active nanocomposite films based on low density polyethylene/organically modified layered bouble hydroxides/thyme oil to retain retail shelf life and quality of hass avocados(2020-11) Kesavan Pillai, Sreejarani; Sivakumar, D; Ray, SS; Obianom, P; Eggers, SK; Mhlabeni, TIn this study, the ability of an active film containing volatile bioactives in post-harvest disease control and preservation of quality in avocados is explored as a non-traditional treatment method. Antimicrobial transparent flexible trilayer low density polyethylene (LDPE) films containing organically modified layered double hydroxides (OLDH) and plant bioactive-thyme oil (TO) were made using single step blown film extrusion. Antifungal effects of the packaging in comparison to commercial treatment and untreated control showed considerable reduction in anthracnose disease events in ‘Hass’ cultivar of avocados while improving the fruit quality. 2wt% OLDH loading improved the oxygen and moisture barrier properties while not affecting the transparency of the film. The results suggest that the synergistic effect of barrier and antimicrobial properties of the controlled volatile bioactive release of the nanocomposite film can be utilised as a prospective strategy to modify the headspace gas composition to combat anthracnose disease in avocados.Item Biocement: A novel approach in the restoration of construction materials(Springer Nature, 2020-06) Enshasy, HE; Dailin, DJ; Malek, RA; •Nordin, NZ; Nordin, NZ; Keat, HC; Eyahmalay, J; Ramchuran, Santosh O; Ghong, JNC; Ramda, VM; Lalloo, Rajesh; Yadav, AN; Rastegari, AA; Gupta, VK; Yadav, NConcrete is the most commonly used construction material worldwide for the development of durable structures. Structural integrity and design of buildings have become increasingly important in construction engineering as well as assessment of mixed formulation including cement and aggregate (i.e. sand, slag and stone). Microcrack formation on concrete may result in increased degradation and porous concrete. Therefore, there is a need to preserve and maintain concrete structures due to its high associated cost of restoration. In addition, reducing the negative environmental impact due to high CO2 emissions during cement production need to be considered as well. One key solution includes bio-based self-healing techniques. Research has focused on biomineralisation, a method of sealing microcracks using bacterial calcium carbonate deposits, via a common process of biocementation or microbiologically induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP). As such, these deposits possess promising micro-bonding and pore-filling macro-effects for potential application in the construction industry. In view of these novel state-of-the-art techniques, this chapter provides an overview of potential microbes, mode of action of the self-healing process, primary limitations for future techniques and potential applications in the construction industry.Item Development of sustainable biobased polymer and bio-nanocomposite materials using nanocellulose obtained from agricultural biomass(Routledge, 2020-07) Mtibe, Asanda; Muniyasamy, Sudhakar; Motaung, TE; Godfrey, Linda K; Görgens, JF; Roman, HBiobased polymer and bio-nanocomposites have provided significant improvement in material science, moving towards the development of green materials to replace petro-based materials. The present study investigated the value-added utilisation of agriculturalbiomass residues derived from sugar cane bagasse and maize stalks for the development of biobased polymer and bio-nanocomposite materials for specific applications. In this study, extraction of cellulose and nanocellulose of environmentally friendly polymeric materials and their composite peoducts were studied. The study showed that the incorporation of nanocellulose into biopolymer matrix could produce bio-nanocomposites for specific uses in various applications, mainly in the biomedical and green packaging sectors.Item Marine microbial pharmacognosy: Prospects and perspectives(Springer, 2020-11) Mohanrasu, K; Guru Raj Rao, R; Sudhakar, Muniyasamy; Raja, R; Jeyakanthan, J; Arun, A; Nathani, NM; Mootapally, C; Gadhvi, IR; Maitreya, B; Joshi, CGModern scientific advancements and research on marine microbes has revealed their significance as producers of therapeutic products useful in treating various human diseases. Microbes in marine habitat have evolved to adapt to the harsh condition that prevails in the ocean. Their struggle to compete for space and nutrients has paved way for the synthesis of different novel enzymes possessing distinctive characteristics. Thus, marine habitat hosts many remarkable microorganisms that offer unique biologically active compounds, enzymes endowed with astonishing properties, and mechanism to survive in extreme environmental conditions. The utilization of marine biotic resources grows at an extraordinary growth rate of 12% per annum and is evident from about 4900 patents filed connected with marine genetic resources and 18,000 natural compounds. This concern has boosted research all over the world to explore the untapped potential hidden in marine microbes, which has lot of biotechnological applications that includes bioactive compounds (metabolites) for therapeutics, novel enzymes, cosmetics, and nutraceuticals. This book chapter will meticulously deliberate the utilization of marine resources by biotechnological applications for therapeutics like antibiotics, chemical compounds, biopolymer, enzymes, and various microbial biomedical purposes such as drug delivery and tissue engineering from marine biota (bacteria, fungi, and algae).Item Metal oxide nanocomposites for adsorption and photoelectrochemical degradation of pharmaceutical pollutants in aqueous solution(Springer, 2020-04) Mdlalose, Lindani M; Chauke, Vongani P; Nomadolo, Elizabeth N; Msomi, P; Setshedi, Katlego Z; Chimuka, L; Chetty, Ashlen; Ama, OM; Ray, Suprakas SThe global deterioration of water quality which is associated with industrialisation, urbanisation, and a growing population is reaching critical levels and thus needs to be addressed urgently. Common pollutants that are discharged from industries and sewage plants include unknown toxic chemicals, heavy-metals and micro-organisms; these are well known and thoroughly studied. Of growing and great concern to both human and animal health is the new emerging class of pollutants known as endocrine disruptor chemicals (EDCs) or emerging organic compounds (EOCs); these are frequently associated with residues from pharmaceutical industries, i.e. they comprise of common drugs such as antibiotics, medication for chronic illnesses, pain killers. Regrettably, the traditional water purification systems cannot fully remove these pollutants, thus they are found in various water systems in minute concentrations. The danger is in the long run accumulative exposure to humans, animals and the environment. There are several methods that have been developed, reported and used for the removal of these pollutants. Several removal or remediation technologies have been studied and reported for the mineralisation of these emerging organic pollutants and of interest to this work is photocatalysis using light harvesting materials such TiO2 (i.e. semiconductors) and electrochemistry. The drawbacks associated with semiconductors are low quantum yields that emanate from rapid recombination of photo-generated electrons and holes with very low lifetimes. To overcome these drawbacks and to enhance degradation, an electrical external field can be applied across the catalyst or semiconductor to induce special separation of photo-generated electron hole pair to allow a sink for the electrons in a process called photoelectrochemistry. This chapter highlights the reported mineralisation of organic pollutants photoelectrochemistry using semiconductors; it also highlights the efficiency of photoelectrocatalysis when compared with photocatalysis alone.Item Micro nano manufacturing methods for chemical, gas and bio sensors, water purification and energy technologies(Intechopen, 2020-12) Akande, Amos A; Adeleye, AA; Adenle, AA; Mwakikunga, Bonex WThis chapter reports on the various methods of fabricating and manufacturing micro and nano sensor, membrane and energy devices. Firstly, the characteristic often sought after by scientists and engineers for effective and efficient performance of these technologies were thoroughly discussed in details together with the characterization techniques for evaluating them. Several state-of-the-art fabricating techniques for sensor devices, water and medical based-membranes, solar cells and batteries were also discussed.Item Nanomedicines for the treatment of infectious diseases: Formulation, delivery and commercialization aspects(Routledge (Taylor & Francis), 2021-03) Dube, A; Semete-Makokotlela, Boitumelo; Ramalapa, Bathabile E; Reynolds, J; Boury, F; Glover, RL; Nyanganyura, D; Mufamadi, MS; Mulaudzi, RBThe increasing prevalence of drug resistant pathogenic strains, including multi drug resistant TB along with the growing HIV and malaria resistance demand new routes of innovation for pharmaceutical drug discovery. Nanomedicine provides the opportunity to develop therapies for infectious diseases with reduced drug dosage and dose frequencies and shortened treatment duration. These combined strategies may lead to an increase in patient compliance with the goal of improving treatment outcomes and reducing occurrences of drug resistance. With these exciting opportunities, due attention has been given to the clinical translation of nanomedicines for infectious diseases applications. Examples are presented that demonstrate how nanomedicine strategies can enable the development of a wide range of therapeutic solutions to curb the rise of the infectious disease epidemic. The chapter also discusses the models for development and commercialization of medicines for infectious diseases, and presents considerations for commercialization of nanomedicines for infectious diseases.Item An overview of nanotoxicological effects towards plants, animals, microorganisms and environment(Springer, 2020-03) Ananthi, V; Mohanrasu, K; Boobalan, T; Anand, K; Chuturgoon, A; Balasubramanian, V; Yuvakkumar, R; Arun, A; Sudhakar, Muniyasamy; Krishnan, A; Chuturgoon, AIn recent years, nanotechnology has reached the limelight of research in applications of medicine and technology. Due to its onset, huge varieties of nanoparticles possessing significant characters are synthesized with broad application fields. Even though these particles are infesting our present life; conflictual views regarding their medical and biological effects are debatable. The non biodegradable nature and nanosize are the alarming features of the nanoparticles that confront potential threats to both environment and biomedical field on its expanding usage. NPs synthesized from heavy metals like lead, mercury and tin are proclaimed as stringent and stable compounds for degradation, hence results in environmental biohazards. The extensive applications of silver nanoparticles in biosensing, cosmetics, medical devices, food and clothing products inflates its human exposure and obviously resulted in toxicity (short and long term). In vitro studies revealed various cytotoxic effects in the cells of mammals such as brain, liver, lung, skin, reproductive organs and vascular system. Furthermore, ingestion, inhalation or injection of nanoparticles in intraperitoneal region resulted in toxic effect of multiple organs inclusively brain. Accounting the metal nanoparticles biohazardous effects like ROS (Reactive oxygen species) generation, DNA damage, protein denaturation and lipid peroxidation has been proved on carbon based nanoparticles, organic lipid based nanoparticles, mineral based nanoparticles, nano diamonds, nano composites, etc. Although, nanotechnology has become an advent field of research nowadays, it is importing significant environmental and health hazards thus couldn’t be beneficial to both society and economy.Item Polymer-based protein delivery systems for loco-regional administration(Taylor & Francis, 2021-03) Garcion, E; Ramalapa, Bathabile; Buchtova, N; Toullec, C; Aucamp, M; Le Bideau, J; Hindré, F; Dube, A; Alvarez-Lorenzo, C; Mansor, MH; Glover, RLK; Nyanganyura, D; Mufamadi, MS; Mulaudzi, RBWith the advent of recombinant technology, a wide variety of biocompatible therapeutic proteins can be produced with relative ease. These proteins are formulated and subsequently administered in patients to treat various of diseases in a more effective and targeted manner. At the level of formulation development, protein molecules can be physically and/or chemically-conjugated to a wide array of naturally-occurring, semi-synthetic and synthetic biomaterials to form different types of protein delivery systems. Depending on their architecture and the extent of protein-scaffold interactions, these delivery systems can modify the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of the proteins. The versatility of polymer-based protein delivery systems such as micro/nanoparticles, hydrogels, porous scaffolds and fibrous scaffolds means it is possible to alter the spatial distribution of the protein load within the system as well as the protein release kinetics. These can then influence the ability of the protein molecules to exert their effects in their immediate microenvironments, be it to kill cancer cells or to recruit stem/progenitor cells. In this Chapter we discuss the production of protein therapeutics and the application of polymer-based biodegradable delivery systems for these proteins which include nanoparticles and scaffolds. We also include discussion of 'green synthesis' methods for production of these delivery systems.Item Potential opportunities to convert waste to bio-based chemicals at an industrial scale in South Africa(2023-10) Mandree, PM; Thopil, GA; Ramchuran, Santosh OGlobally, greater than 30% of waste is disposed of in some form of landfill, and it is estimated that annual waste-related emissions will increase by up to 76% by 2050. Emissions arising from fossil fuel-derived products and waste disposal in landfills have prompted the development of alternative technologies that utilize renewable resources. Biomass feedstock is being investigated globally to produce renewable fuels and chemicals. Globally, crop-based biomass and waste biomass are the major feedstocks for chemical production, and the market value of crop-based biomass is expected to increase at the fastest rate. South America, Europe, and North America are currently the global leaders in renewable or bio-based chemical production. In South Africa (SA), the country is still heavily reliant on landfilling as a waste solution. Wastes from agricultural production processes in SA are considered promising feedstocks for beneficiation opportunities to produce bio-based chemicals. The second-generation (2G) agricultural feedstocks that can be used in SA include fruit waste; sugarcane by-products and waste; forestry, timber, pulp, and paper waste; and invasive alien plants. Fermentation, or “green chemistry” technologies, can be used to convert various feedstocks into bio-based chemicals. Bio-based chemicals may be used as drop-in substitutes for existing petrochemical products, for use in end-user industries such as automotive and transportation, textiles, pharmaceuticals, consumer and home appliances, healthcare, and food and beverages. Bioethanol, specifically, can be used in transport fuel, as feedstock for power generation, as an energy source for fuel cells along with hydrogen, and as feedstock in the chemicals industry. Bio-butanol, an olefin derivative, can be used as a drop-in replacement for petroleum-based butanol in all its applications. Different monomers of bio-based chemicals can be used to produce biopolymers, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), and polylactic acid (PLA), which are subsequently used to produce bioplastics. A total of 25 bio-based chemicals and the technology used to produce them are summarized in this paper. Overall, bioethanol remains the dominant sugar platform product globally. Drawing on global trends, the potential options for the South African market include bioethanol, n-butanol, acetic acid, and lactic acid. It is estimated that the conversion of 70% of the lignocellulosic biomass available in SA would meet 24% of the country’s liquid fuel requirement as a bioethanol equivalent. The most feasible sources of lignocellulosic biomass or waste for beneficiation in SA are generated by the agricultural sector, including sugarcane by-products and waste. Taking into consideration the abundance of lignocellulosic biomass, adequate market segment sizes, and socio-economic factors, it is apparent that there are potential opportunities to investigate the co-production of bioethanol with lactic acid or other bio-based chemicals on an industrial scale.Item Synthetic, natural derived lipid nanoparticles and polymeric nanoparticles drug delivery applications(Springer, 2020-01) Mohanrasu, K; Siva Prakash, G; Boobalan, T; Ananthi, V; Dinesh, GH; Anand, K; Muniyasamy, Sudhakar; Chuturgoon, A; Arun, A; Krishnan, A; Chuturgoon, AIn modern therapeutic field, the delivery to the desired site is a crucial bottleneck that needs to be addressed for efficacy and potency of the administrated drug. The recent advancements in the field of nanotechnology has enabled researchers to deliver the drug and other diagnostic agents without unfavourabel effect in huma. Though drug delivery system (DDS) is highly advanatageous, the clinical success rate depends on the appropriate carrier molecules which precisely recognise the target site for the release of drug and its biocompatibility. To overcome this concern both synthetic and naturally derived liip-based nano carriers are the preeminent option as it is biocompatible, non-toxic, enhances the bioavailabity of poorly absorbed drugs, drug release modulation flexibility, improved drug loading capacity and stability.Item Trichoderma: Biocontrol agents for promoting plant growth and soil health(Springer, 2020-08) El Enshasy, HA; Ambehabati, KK; El Baz, AF; Ramchuran, Santosh O; Sayyed, RZ; Amalin, D; Dailin, DJ; Hanapi, SZ; Yadav, AN; Mishra, S; Kour, D; Yadav, N; Kumar, ATrichoderma is a saprotrophic fungus which largely can be found in environments such as forest soil, roots and leaves. This fungus has been declared as soil fungi due to its significant for their fast growth. They exhibited high capacity to utilize different types of complex substrates and can act as strong resistances towards different kind of toxic chemicals. Therefore, Trichoderma species is very abundance on decaying wood. This is mainly because of the heterotropic interactions such as decomposition and opportunistic endophytism. It can be found in all type of soils which includes from forest, salt marsh, agricultural even in desert soils. In addition to that, Trichoderma has been used as an efficient biocontrol agent against the phytopathogens. The main mechanisms for the biocontrol process in this type of fungi have been assumed due to antibiosis, mycoparasitism and competition for space and resources. This fungus evolved many mechanisms which contribute for the improvement of the plant resistance towards diseases, the plant’s growth as well as its productivity. Out of 260 species, around 35 established species was mainly discovered for its economic importance mainly due to its capability of various enzyme productions or to be used as biocontrol agents. Global interest was given to researches related to Trichoderma fungus thanks to its applications in the field of agricultural and biotechnology.Item The use of plastic waste in road construction(Alive2green, 2021-12) Mturi, George AJ; O’Connell, Johan S; Akhalwaya, Imraan; Ojijo, Vincent O; Mofokeng, Tladi G; Ncolosi, Nonzwakazi; Smit, Michelle A; De Jager, PetaRecycled plastics are being investigated worldwide not only as a green investment, but also for improved pavement durability (Milad et al., 2020). The objectives of the study were to screen, evaluate and implement existing international technologies in line with South African design standards and specifications for materials in road construction. The main research question was whether low value waste plastics can be optimised as alternative road construction materials in South Africa.