Chemical Engineering

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Research Topic Summary.

The application of nanotechnology for environmental remediation is an object of continuous scientific investigations. Polluted air and water are being treated by nanomaterials due to their high surface area, small particle size, high porosity etc. Processes such as nanocatalysis, nanofiltration and separation are applied most frequently. At the same time, removal of nanomaterials from environmental media poses an equal challenge. The aim of this work is to research the feasibility of the application of nano and microfibrous materials developed by additive manufacturing towards enhanced aerosol filtration, aiming at the upscale of the technology to prototype or industrial level. The work will utilize up-to-date scientific equipment installed in OAC of Lithuanian research institutions.

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Research Topic Summary.

With advances in systems and synthetic biology, biosynthetic pathways responsible for the production of chemical compounds can be co-integrated with existing microbial functionality offering possibility of building complete biosynthetic pathways in microorganisms. However, to balance carbon flux, cellular energy and co-factor resources, additional strain alteration and screening, often relying on targeted protein engineering evolution or random-mutagenesis based strain evolution, are required. Metabolically versatile bacteria such as C. necator possess the attractive property of converting industrial waste into value-added compounds (Pohlmann et al, 2006). Carboxylic acids are amongst top value-added platform chemicals (Erickson et al 2012), which can be used as a renewable building block to produce a wide range of compounds. Production of carboxylic acid such as 3-hydropropionic acid from glycerol requires ALDH for 3-hydroxypropanal conversion to final product. The pathway efficiency is limited to the activity of this enzyme. To improve enzyme kinetics parameters and protein characteristics, the engineering of the ALDH is required. Therefore, in the first stage of the PhD project, an in vivo biosensor-based method will be developed for screening ALDH mutants using inducible gene expression system from Pseudomonas putida (Hanko et al 2017). ALDH protein engineering will be performed applying directed evolution involving iterative saturation mutagenesis and gene shuffling. In the second stage of the project, application of continuous strain evolution will provide a rapid and powerful methodology for generating genetic diversity allowing to screen for improved microbial biosynthesis (Chou & Keasling, 2013). Finally, implementation of evolved strains for bioproduction from gas will be sought.

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Research Topic Summary.

Responsive natural or synthetic macromolecules are of great interest in various fields. Among these responsive macromolecules, amphiphiles containing natural blocks, such as polysaccharides, have attracted the most attention because they are non-toxic, non-immunogenic, biocompatible, biodegradable, and renewable. Polysaccharide based amphiphilic copolymers might represent a new class of biopolymeric materials with potential applications in different fields such as medicinal applications and pharmaceutics where the design of nano or microdevices carrying a polysaccharide chains can be also of interest for therapy, vaccination and diagnostic purposes. The aim of this research work – to obtain various modified polysaccharide structures having both hydrophilic and lipophilic groups and to explore their properties in the light of different potential applications. During the course of the project chemical and physical modification of natural polysaccharides will be performed to obtain the derivatives of different structure, amphiphilicity, charge density (either neutral or charged), molecular weight etc. The aggregation behavior of obtained amphiphilic polysaccharides in water in response to environmental conditions will be also assessed. The developed materials will be also tested in some applications such as controlled delivery of target compounds via stimuli responses e.g. pH, temperature, enzyme-degradation etc.

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Research Topic Summary.

This topic focuses on the development and optimization of edible biopolymer scaffolds for cultivating artificial meat in vitro. The study aims to create scaffolds from non-animal biopolymers and plant-based proteins that provide biocompatible and high-quality tissue suitable for consumption. New scaffolds will be designed and tested using electrohydrodynamic processes and surface functionalization techniques to enhance tissue compatibility and texture.

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Research Topic Summary.

Concrete is the second largest commodity after water consumed annually by the population of Earth. Due to such vast demand for the building materials, cement industry is responsible for about 5–7 % of global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, with almost equal amount of CO2 emitted to the atmosphere after production of one tonne of cement. Accordingly, the scientific community is struggling to find the solution for greenhouse gas mitigation and reduction of the negative effect of the cement production. Even though, in the past decades many solutions to alleviate the adverse effect of cement production to the environment were proposed, recent studies have shown that strategies like clinker substitutions, alternative fuels and/or improved energy efficiency alone will not be sufficient enough to meet the target CO2 reductions. Thus, finding alternative cementitious materials with lower CO2 footprint than ordinary cement is one the major challenges for the building material industry and the scientific community. One of the most promising approaches is the production of low-lime calcium silicate cement (CSC). This type of binding materials not only requires lower amounts of limestone but, as well as, has lower production temperature thereby resulting in much lower CO2 emissions. Moreover, such binders are environmentally amicable not only due to lower CO2 emissions, but also for the ability to permanently store CO2 in the concrete structure in their carbonation hardening process. Implementation of such efficient carbonation technologies can potentially lead to cementitious materials becoming one of the largest global CO2 sequestration sectors. Rankinite and kilchoanite – Ca3Si2O7 – low lime calcium silicates that can be used as an alternative binder. Since the CaO/SiO2 ratio of them is almost twice as lower than ordinary cement, thus it requires lower amounts of calcareous raw materials. The fuel and energy requirements for this type of binder are also reduced since the synthesis temperature of rankinite is 200 °C lower than that of cement clinker, and kilchoanite – under hydrothermal conditions. Moreover, rankinite and kilchoanite can be produced from the same raw materials as cement clinker. Since calcium silicates can be synthesized from broad range of raw materials, it is economically conducive to use local materials. Both limestone and SiO2-containing raw materials are sufficient in Lithuania, but the suitability of the latter (Anykščiai quartz sand, granite sawing powder waste, hydro-mica clay and biofuel ash) for synthesis has not been studied. Rankinite and kilchoanite are hydraulically inactive and harden only in a CO2 environment. A highly durable microstructure of calcium carbonates and silica gel is formed. Since carbonization is determined by diffusion processes, the hardening process depends on many parameters: CO2 pressure, curing time, moisture content, peculiarities of concrete preparation, etc. It is important to examine and reconcile all of them.

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Research Topic Summary.

The main way to reduce energy losses is the use of effective insulating materials. When the temperature rises above 500 °C, silicate and ceramic materials have to be used. One of the effective varieties of heat-resistant insulating products with working temperatures of up to 1050 °C are materials composed of calcium silicates and/or their hydrates. The aim of this work is to determine the technological parameters of the production of heat-resistant thermal insulating products from calcium silicate hydrates, and to use their waste and fine-dispersed opoka for intensification of the hardening process of dense silicate products. In this work, 2 prototypes of new products will be created in cooperation between KTU scientists and JSC Silikatas technologists. In the course of research, the optimal conditions for the synthesis of 1.13 nm tobermorite and xonotlite will be determined, under which the maximum amount of these compounds is formed; examined the parameters of simultaneous vacuuming-pressing, and autoclave treatment of low-density (150–300kg/m3) samples in order to obtain products with the best operational properties; methods of forming medium density (500–900kg/m3) samples will be analyzed, their parameters and autoclave processing conditions will be determined. The 3rd prototype should significantly improve the quality of the currently produced production, i.e. the addition of natural opoka (a finely dispersed additive with active SiO2 modifications) and calcium silicate hydrates should intensify the reactions occurring during the hardening of dense (?1000 kg/m3) silicate products and thus increase their compressive strength and frost resistance. It is expected that the positive results obtained during the implementation of the project will make it possible to expand the range of innovative products with high added value produced in Lithuania, encourage cooperation between science and business, and contribute to developing the competences of young researchers

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Research Topic Summary.

Over the last years' the production and utilization of algae has received increased attention due to the challenges in global food demand, social and environmental sustainability. Algae are also considered sources of various bioactive or high-added value molecules that can be used for food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical applications. In the last decade, some studies have shown that algal fermentation can lead to products/extracts with enhanced bioactivity. Recent reviews highlight that algal fermentation can be the seed for a new fermentation industry of food and other related products due to algae's extraordinary biodiversity and potential. In addition, current industrial and consumer demands necessitate increasingly complex properties of developed products, which often are impossible without encapsulation. Even though many reports underline various encapsulation strategies to enhance stability and sensorial properties and create products with controlled release, studies focusing on the encapsulation of algal extracts, or especially their combinations with probiotic bacteria, are scarce. This study aims to develop efficient fermentation and encapsulation processes to produce functional fermented macroalgal extracts, tailored for nutraceutical and oral health care applications. Results from this research are expected to lead to at least 3 scientific publications in international peer-reviewed journals, which will also be presented at national and international conferences. Besides the scientific value, successful implementation of this project's activities may lead to practical applications with commercialization potential. Overall, this research is expected to attract interest from various stakeholders and empower future collaborations with academic and industrial partners.

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Research Topic Summary.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an innovative and promising approach to cancer treatment that uses light-activated photosensitisers to target cancer cells with minimal side effects. The development of nanofibrous polymer matrices is planned in order to improve the efficiency of PDT and to control the stability and release of photosensitisers. The aim of the study is to develop a nanofibrous polymer matrix optimised for targeted encapsulation and release of pyrazole-based photosensitisers to improve the efficacy of photodynamic cancer therapy.

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Research Topic Summary.

The PhD research programme is related with the development of novel biocomposites from renewable raw materials and study of their properties using advanced investigation methods. Biocomposites are developing quickly as a potential alternative for metal, conventional reinforcements-based composites and ceramic-based materials in biomedical engineering applications, aerospace, automotive, sports, packing, electronic sectors, etc. Modified polysaccharides will be chosen as the matrix. Surface modification via physical, and chemical treatments includes modification of carbonyl, and hydroxyl groups in the fiber, a surface properties in the fiber, covalent bond formation, etc. After the evaluation of the research results, the compositions with the best formability and functional properties will be determined and selected as an alternative to synthetic plastics. This work is important as a basis for more research, and industrialization of biocomposites.

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Research Topic Summary.

This research explores the development of advanced materials and coatings, such as metal oxides, designed to enhance sustainable energy conversion processes and environmental applications. By focusing on optimizing material synthesis, understanding structural and morphological properties, and evaluating catalytic performance, the study aims to contribute to innovative solutions in renewable energy technologies and environmental remediation, addressing key challenges in efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and scalability.

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Research Topic Summary.

The increasing popularity of phytopreparations (plant-based health products) among health-aware consumers is driven by advancements in modern analytical methods. These methods enable the precise identification of phytochemicals in various plants, validate the health benefits of their bioactive components through in vitro and in vivo studies, and improve techniques for isolating and using these compounds. Bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliata), a plant used in alternative medicine, is particularly noted for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This research focuses on extracting valuable compounds from M. trifoliata leaves using eco-friendly and human-friendly multistep biorefining (valorisation) processes. It aims to analyze the phytochemical composition and functional attributes of these extracts and apply them in developing functional phytopreparations. The outcomes of this study will contribute to at least 3 scientific publications in international journals and will be presented in both national and international conferences. Additionally, the functional effectiveness of these extracts will be further explored during Erasmus internships through collaborations with foreign universities. Prototypes of extract-based products will be displayed at the TECHNORAMA exhibition, an annual event hosted by KTU that spotlights innovations by young creators.

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Research Topic Summary.

The dissertation focuses on the synthesis of target compounds and the development of environmentally friendly technologies. The dissertation aims to synthesize silicate sorbents with layered structures by applying hydrothermal and/or high-temperature synthesis and to determine their adsorption capacity for different anions. The dissertation aims to develop a hydrothermal and/or high-temperature synthesis method for the production of silicate sorbents with a layered structure, to determine their adsorption capacity to CO2 gases and/or phosphate and sulfate anions, and to propose rational applications.

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Research Topic Summary.

With the development of high technologies, the need for smart materials is growing rapidly, and to solve recent problems of climate change and the state of the environment, it is especially relevant to use sustainable processes and renewable raw materials in manufacturing technologies. The aim of this work is to design, synthesize, and investigate new shape memory polymers from plant-derived materials for modern light-based manufacturing technologies. Such polymers can be widely applied in smart biomedical devices, flexible electronics or robotics, aerospace devices, etc. During the work, the dependence of the polymerization process, the structure of the obtained polymers, their mechanical, thermal, shape memory, etc. properties on the structure of different plant-derived materials will be investigated. The research will be carried out in collaboration with scientists from Lithuanian and foreign scientific institutions, the most experienced in this field, as well as manufacturing companies using light-based technologies. The results obtained will be reported at international scientific conferences, published in Q1-Q2 scientific journals of the CA WoS database, and disseminated to the general public

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Research Topic Summary.

The global depletion of hydrocarbon fuels and their impact on global warming has spurred interest in renewable energy sources like wind, hydro, and especially solar energy. Solar-based energy sources are flexible, efficient, versatile and comparably inexpensive. The most promising photovoltaic devices in which organic semiconductors are used are perovskite solar-cells (PSC). The objective of the project is the design, synthesis and investigation of effective organic hole-transporting materials with low ionization potentials for cost-effective and stable PSCs. Using the the most promising materials, efficient PSC will be fabricated and studied. The main advantage of the developed materials will be relative simplicity of their synthesis, cheaper starting materials and inexpensive purification. The obtained hole-transport organic compounds could be also suitable for the application in organic light-emiting diodes and other optoelectronic devices.