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“Impact of soot deposits on waste gas-to-electricity conversion in a TiO₂/WO₃-based photofuel cell”. Ag KR, Minja AC, Ninakanti R, Van Hal M, Dingenen F, Borah R, Verbruggen SW, Chemical engineering journal 470, 144390 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CEJ.2023.144390
Abstract: An unbiased photo-fuel cell (PFC) is a device that integrates the functions of a photoanode and a cathode to achieve simultaneous light-driven oxidation and dark reduction reactions. As such, it generates electricity while degrading pollutants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The photoanode is excited by light to generate electron-hole pairs, which give rise to a photocurrent, and are utilized to oxidise organic pollutants simultaneously. Here we have systematically studied various TiO2/WO3 photoanodes towards their photocatalytic soot degradation performance, PFC performance in the presence of VOCs, and the combination of both. The latter thus mimics an urban environment where VOCs and soot are present simultaneously. The formation of a type-II heterojunction after the addition of a thin TiO2 top layer over a dense WO3 bottom layer, improved both soot oxidation efficiency as well as photocurrent generation, thus paving the way towards low-cost PFC technology for energy recovery from real polluted air.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology
Impact Factor: 15.1
DOI: 10.1016/J.CEJ.2023.144390
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“Solvothermal synthesis of mesoporous TiO2 with tunable surface area, crystal size and surface hydroxylation for efficient photocatalytic acetaldehyde degradation”. Zhang K, Wang J, Ninakanti R, Verbruggen SW, Chemical engineering journal 474, 145188 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CEJ.2023.145188
Abstract: Photocatalytic acetaldehyde degradation exhibits satisfactory performance only at relatively low acetaldehyde flow rates, predominately below 10 × 10-3 mL/min, leaving ample room for improvement. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare more efficient photocatalysts for acetaldehyde degradation. Moreover, the impact of the interaction strength between the titania surface and surface water on the photocatalytic acetaldehyde efficiency is poorly understood. To address these issues, in this work a series of (0 0 1)-faceted anatase titania samples with various surface properties and structures were synthesized via a solvothermal method and tested at high acetaldehyde flow rates under UV light irradiation. With increasing solvothermal time, the pore volume, surface area, and the abundance of surface OH groups all increased, while the crystallite size decreased. These were all identified to be beneficial to promote the degradation performance. When the solvothermal temperature was 180 ℃ and the reaction time was 5 h, the prepared sample displayed the most efficient performance at 19.25× 10-3 mL/min of acetaldehyde (conversion of (74 ± 1)% versus (29 ± 1)% for P25), and achieved a 100 % conversion at 16 × 10-3 mL/min. A weaker interaction strength between surface water and the titania surface was found to improve the acetaldehyde adsorption capacity, thereby promoting the acetaldehyde degradation efficiency. The stability of the best performing sample was tested over 48 h, demonstrating a highly stable performance with no signs of deactivation. Even at a relative humidity of 30 %, the acetaldehyde conversion retains 82% of its efficiency in a dry atmosphere, highlighting its potential in practical applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)
Impact Factor: 15.1
DOI: 10.1016/J.CEJ.2023.145188
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“Ammonia stripping and scrubbing followed by nitrification and denitrification saves costs for manure treatment based on a calibrated model approach”. Vingerhoets R, Brienza C, Sigurnjak I, Buysse J, Vlaeminck SE, Spiller M, Meers E, Chemical engineering journal 477, 146984 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CEJ.2023.146984
Abstract: Resource-efficient nitrogen management is of high environmental and economic interest, and manure represents the major nutrient flow in livestock-intensive regions. Ammonia stripping/scrubbing (SS) is an appealing nitrogen recovery route from manure, yet its real-life implementation has been limited thus far. In nutrient surplus regions like Flanders, treatment of the liquid fraction (LF) of (co–)digested manure typically consists of nitrification/denitrification (NDN) removing most N as nitrogen gas. Integrating SS before NDN in existing plants would expand treatment capacity and recover N while maintaining low N effluent values, yet cost estimations of this novel approach after process optimisation are not yet available. A programming model was developed and calibrated to minimise the treatment costs of this approach and find the balance between N recovery versus N removal. Four crucial operational parameters (CO2 stripping time, NH3 stripping time, temperature and NaOH addition) were optimised for 18 scenarios which were different in terms of technical set-up, influent characteristics and scrubber acid. The model shows that SS before NDN can decrease the costs by 1 to 56% under optimal conditions compared to treatment with NDN only, with 1 to 8% reduction for the LF of manure (22–29% recovered of N treated), and 11 to 56% reduction for the LF of co-digested manure (42–67% recovered of N treated), primarily dependent on resource pricing. This study shows the power of modelling for minimum-cost design and operation of manure treatment yielding savings while producing useful N recovery products with SS followed by NDN.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 15.1
DOI: 10.1016/J.CEJ.2023.146984
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“Do aptamers always bind? The need for a multifaceted analytical approach when demonstrating binding affinity between aptamer and low molecular weight compounds”. Bottari F, Daems E, de Vries A-M, Van Wielendaele P, Trashin S, Blust R, Sobott F, Madder A, Martins JC, De Wael K, Journal Of The American Chemical Society 142, jacs.0c08691 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1021/JACS.0C08691
Abstract: In this manuscript, we compare different analytical methodologies to validate or disprove the binding capabilities of aptamer sequences. This was prompted by the lack of a universally accepted and robust quality control protocol for the characterization of aptamer performances coupled with the observation of independent yet inconsistent data sets in the literature. As an example, we chose three aptamers with a reported affinity in the nanomolar range for ampicillin, a β-lactam antibiotic, used as biorecognition elements in several detection strategies described in the literature. Application of a well-known colorimetric assay based on aggregation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) yielded conflicting results with respect to the original report. Therefore, ampicillin binding was evaluated in solution using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), native nano-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (native nESI-MS), and 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR). By coupling the thermodynamic data obtained with ITC with the structural information on the binding event given by native nESI-MS and 1H NMR we could verify that none of the ampicillin aptamers show any specific binding with their intended target. The effect of AuNPs on the binding event was studied by both ITC and 1H NMR, again without providing positive evidence of ampicillin binding. To validate the performance of our analytical approach, we investigated two well-characterized aptamers for cocaine/quinine (MN4), chosen for its nanomolar range affinity, and l-argininamide (1OLD) to show the versatility of our approach. The results clearly indicate the need for a multifaceted analytical approach, to unequivocally establish the actual detection potential and performance of aptamers aimed at small organic molecules.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Medical Biochemistry
Impact Factor: 15
DOI: 10.1021/JACS.0C08691
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“Heterometallic molecular complexes act as messenger building units to encode desired metal-atom combinations to multivariate metal-organic frameworks”. Lopez-Garcia C, Canossa S, Hadermann J, Gorni G, Oropeza FE, de la Pena O'Shea VA, Iglesias M, Monge MA, Gutierrez-Puebla E, Gandara F, Journal of the American Chemical Society 144, 16262 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1021/JACS.2C06142
Abstract: A novel synthetic approach is described for the targeted preparation of multivariate metal-organic frameworks (MTV-MOFs) with specific combinations of metal elements. This methodology is based on the use of molecular complexes that already comprise desired metal-atom combinations, as building units for the MTV-MOF synthesis. These units are transformed into the MOF structural constituents through a ligand/linker exchange process that involves structural modifications while preserving their origina l l y encoded atomic combination. Thus, through the use of heterometalli c ring-shaped molecules combining gallium and nickel or cobalt, we have obtained MOFs with identical combinations of the metal elements, now incorporated in the rod-shaped secondary building unit, as confirmed with a combination of X-ray and electron diffraction, electron microscopy, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy techniques.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 15
DOI: 10.1021/JACS.2C06142
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“Detection of two-dimensional small polarons at oxide interfaces by optical spectroscopy”. Tang CS, Zeng S, Wu J, Chen S, Naradipa MA, Song D, Milošević, MV, Yang P, Diao C, Zhou J, Pennycook SJ, Breese MBH, Cai C, Venkatesan T, Ariando A, Yang M, Wee ATS, Yin X, Applied physics reviews 10, 031406 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1063/5.0173910
Abstract: Two-dimensional (2D) perovskite oxide interfaces are ideal systems to uncover diverse emergent properties, such as the arising polaronic properties from short-range charge-lattice interactions. Thus, a technique to detect this quasiparticle phenomenon at the buried interface is highly coveted. Here, we report the observation of 2D small-polarons at the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 conducting interface using high-resolution spectroscopic ellipsometry. First-principles investigations show that interfacial electron-lattice coupling mediated by the longitudinal phonon mode facilitates the formation of these polarons. This study resolves the long-standing question by attributing the formation of interfacial 2D small polarons to the significant mismatch between experimentally measured interfacial carrier density and theoretical values. Our study sheds light on the complexity of broken periodic lattice-induced quasi-particle effects and its relationship with exotic phenomena at complex oxide interfaces. Meanwhile, this work establishes spectroscopic ellipsometry as a useful technique to detect and locate optical evidence of polaronic states and other emerging quantum properties at the buried interface.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 15
DOI: 10.1063/5.0173910
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“Two pathways for the degradation of orpiment pigment (As₂S₃) found in paintings”. Broers FTH, Janssens K, Weker JN, Webb SM, Mehta A, Meirer F, Keune K, Journal of the American Chemical Society 145, 8847 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/JACS.2C12271
Abstract: Paintings are complex objects containing many different chemical compounds that can react over time. The degradation of arsenic sulfide pigments causes optical changes in paintings. The main degradation product was thought to be white arsenolite (As2O3), but previous research also showed the abundant presence of As(V) species. In this study, we investigate the influence of the presence of a medium on the degradation mechanism of orpiment (As2S3) using synchrotron radiation (SR)-based tomographic transmission X-ray microscopy, SR-based micro-X-ray fluorescence, and Xray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy. Upon direct illumination of dry orpiment powder using UV-visible light, only the formation of As2O3 was observed. When As2S3 was surrounded by a medium and illuminated, As2O3 was only observed in the area directly exposed to light, while As(V) degradation species were found elsewhere in the medium. Without accelerated artificial light aging, As(V)(aq) species are formed and migrate throughout the medium within weeks after preparation. In both scenarios, the As(V) species form via intermediate As(III)(aq) species and the presence of a medium is necessary. As(V)(aq) species can react with available cations to form insoluble metal arsenates, which induces stress within the paint layers (leading to, e.g., cracks and delamination) or can lead to a visual change of the image of the painting.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)
Impact Factor: 15
DOI: 10.1021/JACS.2C12271
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“Two-dimensional halide Pb-perovskite-double perovskite epitaxial heterostructures”. Singh A, Yuan B, Rahman MH, Yang H, De A, Park JY, Zhang S, Huang L, Mannodi-Kanakkithodi A, Pennycook TJ, Dou L, Journal of the American Chemical Society 145, 19885 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1021/JACS.3C06127
Abstract: Epitaxial heterostructures of two-dimensional (2D) halide perovskites offer a new platform for studying intriguing structural, optical, and electronic properties. However, difficulties with the stability of Pb- and Sn-based heterostructures have repeatedly slowed the progress. Recently, Pb-free halide double perovskites are gaining a lot of attention due to their superior stability and greater chemical diversity, but they have not been successfully incorporated into epitaxial heterostructures for further investigation. Here, we report epitaxial core-shell heterostructures via growing Pb-free double perovskites (involving combinations of Ag(I)-Bi(III), Ag-Sb, Ag-In, Na-Bi, Na-Sb, and Na-In) around Pb perovskite 2D crystals. Distinct from Pb-Pb and Pb-Sn perovskite heterostructures, growths of the Pb-free shell at 45 degrees on the (100) surface of the lead perovskite core are observed in all Pb-free cases. The in-depth structural analysis carried out with electron diffraction unequivocally demonstrates the growth of the Pb-free shell along the [110] direction of the Pb perovskite, which is likely due to the relatively lower surface energy of the (110) surface. Furthermore, an investigation of anionic interdiffusion across heterostructure interfaces under the influence of heat was carried out. Interestingly, halide anion diffusion in the Pb-free 2D perovskites is found to be significantly suppressed as compared to Pb-based 2D perovskites. The great structural tunability and excellent stability of Pb-free perovskite heterostructures may find uses in electronic and optoelectronic devices in the near future.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 15
DOI: 10.1021/JACS.3C06127
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“Acoustically driven stark effect in transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers”. Scolfaro D, Finamor M, Trinchao LO, Rosa BLT, Chaves A, Santos P V, Iikawa F, Couto ODD Jr, Acs Nano 15, 15371 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACSNANO.1C06854
Abstract: The Stark effect is one of the most efficient mechanisms to manipulate many-body states in nanostructured systems. In mono- and few-layer transition metal dichalcogenides, it has been successfully induced by optical and electric field means. Here, we tune the optical emission energies and dissociate excitonic states in MoSe2 monolayers employing the 220 MHz in-plane piezoelectric field carried by surface acoustic waves. We transfer the monolayers to high dielectric constant piezoelectric substrates, where the neutral exciton binding energy is reduced, allowing us to efficiently quench (above 90%) and red-shift the excitonic optical emissions. A model for the acoustically induced Stark effect yields neutral exciton and trion in-plane polarizabilities of 530 and 630 x 10(-5) meV/(kV/cm)(2), respectively, which are considerably larger than those reported for monolayers encapsulated in hexagonal boron nitride. Large in-plane polarizabilities are an attractive ingredient to manipulate and modulate multiexciton interactions in two-dimensional semiconductor nanostructures for optoelectronic applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 13.942
DOI: 10.1021/ACSNANO.1C06854
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“Topochemical deintercalation of Li from layered LiNiB : toward 2D MBene”. Bhaskar G, Gvozdetskyi V, Batuk M, Wiaderek KM, Sun Y, Wang R, Zhang C, Carnahan SL, Wu X, Ribeiro RA, Bud'ko SL, Canfield PC, Huang W, Rossini AJ, Wang C-Z, Ho K-M, Hadermann J, Zaikina J V, Journal Of The American Chemical Society 143, 4213 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1021/JACS.0C11397
Abstract: The pursuit of two-dimensional (2D) borides, MBenes, has proven to be challenging, not the least because of the lack of a suitable precursor prone to the deintercalation. Here, we studied room-temperature topochemical deintercalation of lithium from the layered polymorphs of the LiNiB compound with a considerable amount of Li stored in between [NiB] layers (33 at. % Li). Deintercalation of Li leads to novel metastable borides (Li similar to 0.5NiB) with unique crystal structures. Partial removal of Li is accomplished by exposing the parent phases to air, water, or dilute HCl under ambient conditions. Scanning transmission electron microscopy and solid-state Li-7 and B-1(1) NMR spectroscopy, combined with X-ray pair distribution function (PDF) analysis and DFT calculations, were utilized to elucidate the novel structures of (Li similar to 0.5NiB) and the mechanism of Li-deintercalation. We have shown that the deintercalation of Li proceeds via a “zip-lock” mechanism, leading to the condensation of single [NiB] layers into double or triple layers bound via covalent bonds, resulting in structural fragments with Li[NiB](2) and Li[NiB](3) compositions. The crystal structure of Li similar to 0.5NiB is best described as an intergrowth of the ordered single [NiB], double [NiB](2), or triple [NiB](3) layers alternating with single Li layers; this explains its structural complexity. The formation of double or triple [NiB] layers induces a change in the magnetic behavior from temperature-independent paramagnets in the parent LiNiB compounds to the spin-glassiness in the deintercalated Li similar to 0.5NiB counterparts. LiNiB compounds showcase the potential to access a plethora of unique materials, including 2D MBenes (NiB).
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 13.858
DOI: 10.1021/JACS.0C11397
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“Emergence of coupled rotor dynamics in metal-organic frameworks via tuned steric interactions”. Gonzalez-Nelson A, Mula S, Simenas M, Balciunas S, Altenhof AR, Vojvodin CS, Canossa S, Banys J, Schurko RW, Coudert F-X, van der Veen MA, Journal Of The American Chemical Society 143, 12053 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1021/JACS.1C03630
Abstract: The organic components in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are unique: they are embedded in a crystalline lattice, yet, as they are separated from each other by tunable free space, a large variety of dynamic behavior can emerge. These rotational dynamics of the organic linkers are especially important due to their influence over properties such as gas adsorption and kinetics of guest release. To fully exploit linker rotation, such as in the form of molecular machines, it is necessary to engineer correlated linker dynamics to achieve their cooperative functional motion. Here, we show that for MIL-53, a topology with closely spaced rotors, the phenylene functionalization allows researchers to tune the rotors' steric environment, shifting linker rotation from completely static to rapid motions at frequencies above 100 MHz. For steric interactions that start to inhibit independent rotor motion, we identify for the first time the emergence of coupled rotation modes in linker dynamics. These findings pave the way for function-specific engineering of gear-like cooperative motion in MOFs.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 13.858
DOI: 10.1021/JACS.1C03630
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“Polyoxocationic antimony oxide cluster with acidic protons”. Watanabe Y, Hyeon-Deuk K, Yamamoto T, Yabuuchi M, Karakulina OM, Noda Y, Kurihara T, Chang I-Y, Higashi M, Tomita O, Tassel C, Kato D, Xia J, Goto T, Brown CM, Shimoyama Y, Ogiwara N, Hadermann J, Abakumov AM, Uchida S, Abe R, Kageyama H, Science Advances 8, eabm5379 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1126/SCIADV.ABM5379
Abstract: The success and continued expansion of research on metal-oxo clusters owe largely to their structural richness and wide range of functions. However, while most of them known to date are negatively charged polyoxometalates, there is only a handful of cationic ones, much less functional ones. Here, we show an all-inorganic hydroxyiodide [H(10.)7Sb(32.1)O(44)][H2.1Sb2.1I8O6][Sb0.76I6](2)center dot 25H(2)O (HSbOI), forming a face-centered cubic structure with cationic Sb32O44 clusters and two types of anionic clusters in its interstitial spaces. Although it is submicrometer in size, electron diffraction tomography of HSbOI allowed the construction of the initial structural model, followed by powder Rietveld refinement to reach the final structure. The cationic cluster is characterized by the presence of acidic protons on its surface due to substantial Sb3+ deficiencies, which enables HSbOI to serve as an excellent solid acid catalyst. These results open up a frontier for the exploration and functionalization of cationic metal-oxo clusters containing heavy main group elements.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 13.6
DOI: 10.1126/SCIADV.ABM5379
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“Novel optical photothermal infrared (O-PTIR) spectroscopy for the noninvasive characterization of heritage glass-metal objects”. Marchetti A, Beltran V, Nuyts G, Borondics F, De Meyer S, Van Bos M, Jaroszewicz J, Otten E, Debulpaep M, De Wael K, Science Advances 8, eabl6769 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1126/SCIADV.ABL6769
Abstract: Optical photothermal infrared (O-PTIR) is a recently developed molecular spectroscopy technique that allows to noninvasively obtain chemical information on organic and inorganic samples at a submicrometric scale. The high spatial resolution (approximate to 450 nm), lack of sample preparation, and comparability of the spectral results to traditional Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy make it a promising candidate for the analysis of cultural heritage. In this work, the potential of O-PTIR for the noninvasive characterization of small heritage objects (few cubic centimeters) is demonstrated on a series of degraded 16th century brass and glass decorative elements. These small and challenging samples, typically encountering limitations with existing noninvasive methods such as macroscopic x-ray powder diffraction and mu Raman, were successfully characterized by O-PTIR, ultimately identifying the markers of glass-induced metal corrosion processes. The results clearly demonstrate how O-PTIR can be easily implemented in a noninvasive multianalytical strategy for the study of heritage materials, making it a fundamental tool for cultural heritage analyses.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab); Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)
Impact Factor: 13.6
DOI: 10.1126/SCIADV.ABL6769
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“Reviving degraded colors of yellow flowers in 17th century still life paintings with macro- and microscale chemical imaging”. De Keyser N, Broers F, Vanmeert F, De Meyer S, Gabrieli F, Hermens E, van der Snickt G, Janssens K, Keune K, Science Advances 8, 1 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1126/SCIADV.ABN6344
Abstract: Over time, artist pigments are prone to degradation, which can decrease the readability of the artwork or notably change the artist's intention. In this article, the visual implication of secondary degradation products in a degraded yellow rose in a still life painting by A. Mignon is discussed as a case study. A multimodal combination of chemical and optical imaging techniques, including noninvasive macroscopic x-ray powder diffraction (MA-XRPD) and macroscopic x-ray fluorescence imaging, allowed us to gain a 3D understanding of the transformation of the original intended appearance of the rose into its current degraded state. MA-XRPD enabled us to precisely correlate in situ formed products with what is optically visible on the surface and demonstrated that the precipitated lead arsenates and arsenolite from the yellow pigment orpiment and the light-induced fading of an organic yellow lake irreversibly changed the artist's intentional light-shadow modeling.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Art; Antwerp Cultural Heritage Sciences (ARCHES); Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)
Impact Factor: 13.6
DOI: 10.1126/SCIADV.ABN6344
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“Correlated x-ray fluorescence and ptychographic nano-tomography on Rembrandt's The Night Watch reveals unknown lead “layer””. Broers FTH, Verslype I, Bossers KW, Vanmeert F, Gonzalez V, Garrevoet J, van Loon A, va Duijn E, Krekeler A, De Keyser N, Steeman I, Noble P, Janssens K, Meirer F, Keune K, Science Advances 9, eadj9394 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1126/SCIADV.ADJ9394
Abstract: The Night Watch, one of the most famous masterpieces by Rembrandt, is the subject of a large research and conservation project. For the conservation treatment, it is of great importance to understand its current condition. Correlated nano-tomography using x-ray fluorescence and ptychography revealed a-so far unknown-lead-containing “layer”, which likely acts as a protective impregnation layer applied on the canvas before the quartz-clay ground was applied. This layer might explain the presence of lead soap protrusions in areas where no other lead components are present. In addition to the three-dimensional elemental mapping, ptychography visualizes and quantifies components not detectable by hard x-ray fluorescence such as the organic fraction and quartz. The first-time use of this combination of synchrotron-based techniques on a historic paint micro-sample shows it to be an important tool to better interpret the results of noninvasive imaging techniques operating on the macroscale.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Art; Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)
Impact Factor: 13.6
DOI: 10.1126/SCIADV.ADJ9394
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“Engineering green wall botanical biofiltration to abate indoor volatile organic compounds : a review on mechanisms, phyllosphere bioaugmentation, and modeling”. Alvarado-Alvarado AA, Smets W, Irga P, Denys S, Journal of hazardous materials 465, 133491 (2024). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JHAZMAT.2024.133491
Abstract: Indoor air pollution affects the global population, especially in developed countries where people spend around 90% of their time indoors. The recent pandemic exacerbated the exposure by relying on indoor spaces and a teleworking lifestyle. VOCs are a group of indoor air pollutants with harmful effects on human health at low concentrations. It is widespread that plants can remove indoor VOCs. To this day, research has combined principles of phytoremediation, biofiltration, and bioremediation into a holistic and sustainable technology called botanical biofiltration. Overall, it is sustained that its main advantage is the capacity to break down and biodegrade pollutants using low energy input. This differs from traditional systems that transfer VOCs to another phase. Furthermore, it offers additional benefits like decreased indoor air health costs, enhanced work productivity, and well-being. However, many disparities exist within the field regarding the role of plants, substrate, and phyllosphere bacteria. Yet their role has been theorized; its stability is poorly known for an engineering approach. Previous research has not addressed the bioaugmentation of the phyllosphere to increase the performance, which could boost the system. Moreover, most experiments have studied passive potted plant systems at a lab scale using small chambers, making it difficult to extrapolate findings into tangible parameters to engineer the technology. Active systems are believed to be more efficient yet require more maintenance and knowledge expertise; besides, the impact of the active flow on the long term is not fully understood. Besides, modeling the system has been oversimplified, limiting the understanding and optimization. This review sheds light on the field’s gains and gaps, like concepts, experiments, and modeling. We believe that embracing a multidisciplinary approach encompassing experiments, multiphysics modeling, microbial community analysis, and coworking with the indoor air sector will enable the optimization of the technology and facilitate its adoption.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 13.6
DOI: 10.1016/J.JHAZMAT.2024.133491
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“Soil warming increases the number of growing bacterial taxa but not their growth rates”. Metze D, Schnecker J, Le Noir de Carlan C, Bhattarai B, Verbruggen E, Ostonen I, Janssens IA, Sigurdsson BD, Hausmann B, Kaiser C, Richter A, Science Advances 10, eadk6295 (2024). http://doi.org/10.1126/SCIADV.ADK6295
Abstract: Soil microorganisms control the fate of soil organic carbon. Warming may accelerate their activities putting large carbon stocks at risk of decomposition. Existing knowledge about microbial responses to warming is based on community-level measurements, leaving the underlying mechanisms unexplored and hindering predictions. In a long-term soil warming experiment in a Subarctic grassland, we investigated how active populations of bacteria and archaea responded to elevated soil temperatures (+6°C) and the influence of plant roots, by measuring taxon-specific growth rates using quantitative stable isotope probing and 18 O water vapor equilibration. Contrary to prior assumptions, increased community growth was associated with a greater number of active bacterial taxa rather than generally faster-growing populations. We also found that root presence enhanced bacterial growth at ambient temperatures but not at elevated temperatures, indicating a shift in plant-microbe interactions. Our results, thus, reveal a mechanism of how soil bacteria respond to warming that cannot be inferred from community-level measurements.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plant and Ecosystems (PLECO) – Ecology in a time of change
Impact Factor: 13.6
DOI: 10.1126/SCIADV.ADK6295
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“Applications of reticular diversity in metal-organic frameworks : an ever-evolving state of the art”. Ejsmont A, Andreo J, Lanza A, Galarda A, Macreadie L, Wuttke S, Canossa S, Ploetz E, Goscianska J, Coordination Chemistry Reviews 430, 213655 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CCR.2020.213655
Abstract: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are exciting materials due to their extensive applicability in a multitude of modern technological fields. Their most prominent characteristic and primary origin of their widespread success is the exceptional variety of their structures, which we termed 'reticular diversity'. Naturally, the ever-emerging applications of MOFs made it increasingly common that researchers from various areas delve into reticular chemistry to overcome their scientific challenges. This confers a crucial role to comprehensive overviews capable of providing newcomers with the knowledge of the state of the art, as well as with the key physics and chemistry considerations needed to design MOFs for a specific application. In this review, we commit to this purpose by outlining the fundamental understanding needed to carefully navigate MOFs' reticular diversity in their main fields of application, namely hostguest chemistry, chemical sensing, electronics, photophysics, and catalysis. Such knowledge and a meticulous, open-minded approach to the design of MOFs paves the way for their most innovative and successful applications, and for the global advancement of the research areas they are employed in. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 13.324
DOI: 10.1016/J.CCR.2020.213655
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“Prospective material and substance flow analysis of the end-of-life phase of crystalline silicon-based PV modules”. Thomassen G, Dewulf J, Van Passel S, Resources Conservation And Recycling 176, 105917 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.RESCONREC.2021.105917
Abstract: The approaching end-of life phase of early installed PV modules gave rise to a variety of potential end-of-life strategies, ranging from basic generic waste management strategies to advanced case-specific recycling options. However, no comprehensive assessment on the full range of technological possibilities is available and only limited attention was given to the material recovery rates of these different technologies in light of circular economy. In addition, current material recovery rates are indifferent towards the material value and the value of their secondary applications. Based on an extensive literature review, ten end-of-life scenarios with potential learning effects are identified and their material flows are quantified using a combined material and substance flow analysis. Subsequently, material recovery rates from a mass, economic value and embodied energy perspective are calculated, incorporating the differences in secondary applications. The differences in the mass-based recovery rates of the seven end-of-life scenarios that did not have landfill or municipal waste incineration as the main destination were minimal, as 73-79% of the mass was recovered for the best-case learning scenario. For the economic value recovery rate (9-66%) and the embodied energy recovery rate (18-45%), more profound differences were found. The collection rate was identified as most crucial parameter for all end-of-life scenarios, learning scenarios and recycling indicators. The mass-based recovery rate might favor end-of-life scenarios that lead to dissipation of valuable materials in non-functional secondary applications. Additional targets are required to avoid cascading of valuable materials and to avoid the economic cost and environmental burden of virgin materials.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 13.2
DOI: 10.1016/J.RESCONREC.2021.105917
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“Environmental and economic sustainability of the nitrogen recovery paradigm : evidence from a structured literature review”. Spiller M, Moretti M, De Paepe J, Vlaeminck SE, Resources, conservation and recycling 184, 106406 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.RESCONREC.2022.106406
Abstract: Our economy drives on reactive nitrogen (Nr); while Nr emissions to the environment surpass the planetary boundary. Increasingly, it is advocated to recover Nr contained in waste streams and to reuse it ‘directly’ in the agri-food chain. Alternatively, Nr in waste streams may be removed as N2 and refixed via the Haber-Bosch process in an ‘indirect’ reuse loop. As a systematic sustainability analysis of ‘direct’ Nr reuse and its comparison to the ‘indirect’ reuse loop is lacking, this structured review aimed to analyze literature determining the environmental and economic sustainability of Nr recovery technologies. Bibliometric records were queried from 2000 to 2020 using Boolean search strings, and manual text coding. In total, 63 studies were selected for the review. Results suggest that ‘direct’ Nr reuse using Nr recovery technologies is the preferred paradigm as the majority of studies concluded that it is sustainable or that it can be sustainable depending on technological assumptions and other scenario variables. Only 17 studies compared the ‘direct’ with the ‘indirect’ Nr reuse route, therefore a system perspective in Nr recovery sustainability assessments should be more widely adopted. Furthermore, Nr reuse should also be analyzed in the context of a ‘new Nr economy’ that relies on decentralized Nr production from renewable energy. It is also recommended that on-par technology readiness level comparisons should be carried out, making use of technology development and technology learning methodologies. Finally, by-products of Nr recovery are important to be accounted for as they are reducing the environmental burdens through avoided impacts.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 13.2
DOI: 10.1016/J.RESCONREC.2022.106406
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“Toward resilient organizations after COVID-19 : an analysis of circular and less circular companies”. Borms L, Brusselaers J, Vrancken KCM, Deckmyn S, Marynissen P, Resources, conservation and recycling 188, 106681 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.RESCONREC.2022.106681
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic had large repercussions for our economy and organizations. Improved resilience can give organizations the ability to withstand crises and build back better and faster. This article assesses resilience of organizations and sole proprietorships in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic with eight circular strategies as explanatory variables. Furthermore, these eight circular strategies are also used to assess the organizations' and sole proprietorships' resilience outside of the COVID-19 pandemic. This analysis is conducted to explain how circular strategies can help companies and sole proprietorships maintain stability. The analysis was performed by means of a survey conducted between May and June 2020 in Flanders (Belgium), using a sample of 542 respondents. After performing a regression analysis combined with expert opinions collected through interviews, we find that companies and sole proprietorships with a higher circularity score have a significantly higher resilience score during crises and during normal times, compared to less circular companies. Furthermore, we find that the size of the company does not matter during a crisis to adapt and react flexibly, while it is important when there is no crisis. Finally, we argue that it is the combination of different circular strategies which yields to the highest results for the organizations' resilience and we provide policy recommendations based on the most asked support measures.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 13.2
DOI: 10.1016/J.RESCONREC.2022.106681
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“Environmental sustainability perception toward obvious recovered waste content in paper-based packaging : an online and in-person survey best-worst scaling experiment”. Van Schoubroeck S, Chacon L, Reynolds AM, Lavoine N, Hakovirta M, Gonzalez R, Van Passel S, Venditti RA, Resources, conservation and recycling 188, 106682 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.RESCONREC.2022.106682
Abstract: This study explores consumers' visual sustainability impressions of paper-based packaging that has incorporated obvious waste content. Two research questions were addressed concerning (i) the environmental sustainability perception of noticeable waste content in packaging and (ii) the impact of the presentation format (i.e., online versus in-person surveys) when studying these perceptions. Best-worst scaling experiments were conducted, which made respondents choose the 'most' and 'least' environmentally friendly package. Packages were designed using paperboard substrates blending either brown linerboard or white hardwood pulp with different recovered waste materials. The results showed that consumers perceive obvious waste-containing packaging as more environmentally friendly than classical packaging (with no visual waste). Samples with a brown base and agricultural waste were perceived as more sustainable compared to white packaging and the use of paper waste. In addition, the presentation format changed respondents' perception, and should therefore be carefully considered when designing surveys.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 13.2
DOI: 10.1016/J.RESCONREC.2022.106682
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“Economic and environmental implications of policy instruments for the circular economy : a case study for postconsumer polyethylene film recycling in Europe”. Larraín M, Billen P, Cifuentes L, Van Passel S, Resources, conservation and recycling 204, 107519 (2024). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.RESCONREC.2024.107519
Abstract: The objective of this paper is to examine the recycling rates for mechanical and thermochemical recycling of postconsumer polyethylene flexible packaging after the implementation of different policy instruments. The study uses a supply chain equilibrium model that incorporates market data and techno-economic assessments to simulate market equilibrium. It combines this with a life cycle assessment to explore the environmental implications of implementing different policy instruments. The results show that instruments that do not target a specific technology are more likely to increase thermochemical recycling than mechanical recycling. Furthermore, a higher recycling rate is not equivalent to a better environmental outcome. An increased collection target that ensures a supply of plastic waste would increase the overall recycling rates the most. A recycled content standard for mechanical recycling would lead to the highest increase in mechanical recycling, with top results for environmental indicators, but low results for economic indicators.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM); Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS)
Impact Factor: 13.2
DOI: 10.1016/J.RESCONREC.2024.107519
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“The environmental impacts of the lignin-first biorefineries : a consequential life cycle assessment approach”. Tschulkow M, Pizzol M, Compernolle T, Van den Bosch S, Sels B, Van Passel S, Resources, conservation and recycling 204, 107466 (2024). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.RESCONREC.2024.107466
Abstract: The emerging reductive catalytic fractionation biorefinery which is currently under development aims to convert woody biomass efficiently into high-value products. Despite its potential, the environmental consequences of its implementation are not well known. Therefore, a forward-looking consequential life cycle assessment examines greenhouse gas emissions associated with its products (pulp, phenolic monomers, and oligomers) compared to alternative market options. Findings indicate that current greenhouse gas emissions exceed those of the existing alternatives, with by-products and the gaseous waste stream as major contributors. Process adaption to (i) produce higher-valued products (bleached pulps, phenols, and propylene) and (ii) incinerate gaseous waste stream for energy are proposed, potentially reducing emissions by up to 50 %, outperforming alternative options. Compared to land-based transportation, waterways can increase feedstock availability by up to 1000 km without an increase in emissions. In conclusion, the consequential approach provides valuable insights for enhancing and optimizing the environmental performance of the process.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 13.2
DOI: 10.1016/J.RESCONREC.2024.107466
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“Meta-analysis of CO₂, conversion, energy efficiency, and other performance data of plasma-catalysis reactors with the open access PIONEER database”. Salden A, Budde M, Garcia-Soto CA, Biondo O, Barauna J, Faedda M, Musig B, Fromentin C, Nguyen-Quang M, Philpott H, Hasrack G, Aceto D, Cai Y, Jury FA, Bogaerts A, Da Costa P, Engeln R, Galvez ME, Gans T, Garcia T, Guerra V, Henriques C, Motak M, Navarro MV, Parvulescu VI, Van Rooij G, Samojeden B, Sobota A, Tosi P, Tu X, Guaitella O, Journal of energy chemistry 86, 318 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JECHEM.2023.07.022
Abstract: This paper brings the comparison of performances of CO2 conversion by plasma and plasma-assisted catalysis based on the data collected from literature in this field, organised in an open access online data-base. This tool is open to all users to carry out their own analyses, but also to contributors who wish to add their data to the database in order to improve the relevance of the comparisons made, and ultimately to improve the efficiency of CO2 conversion by plasma-catalysis. The creation of this database and data-base user interface is motivated by the fact that plasma-catalysis is a fast-growing field for all CO2 con-version processes, be it methanation, dry reforming of methane, methanolisation, or others. As a result of this rapid increase, there is a need for a set of standard procedures to rigorously compare performances of different systems. However, this is currently not possible because the fundamental mechanisms of plasma-catalysis are still too poorly understood to define these standard procedures. Fortunately how-ever, the accumulated data within the CO2 plasma-catalysis community has become large enough to war-rant so-called “big data” studies more familiar in the fields of medicine and the social sciences. To enable comparisons between multiple data sets and make future research more effective, this work proposes the first database on CO2 conversion performances by plasma-catalysis open to the whole community. This database has been initiated in the framework of a H2020 European project and is called the “PIONEER DataBase”. The database gathers a large amount of CO2 conversion performance data such as conversion rate, energy efficiency, and selectivity for numerous plasma sources coupled with or without a catalyst. Each data set is associated with metadata describing the gas mixture, the plasma source, the nature of the catalyst, and the form of coupling with the plasma. Beyond the database itself, a data extraction tool with direct visualisation features or advanced filtering functionalities has been developed and is available online to the public. The simple and fast visualisation of the state of the art puts new results into context, identifies literal gaps in data, and consequently points towards promising research routes. More advanced data extraction illustrates the impact that the database can have in the understanding of plasma-catalyst coupling. Lessons learned from the review of a large amount of literature during the setup of the database lead to best practice advice to increase comparability between future CO2 plasma-catalytic studies. Finally, the community is strongly encouraged to contribute to the database not only to increase the visibility of their data but also the relevance of the comparisons allowed by this tool. (c) 2023 Science Press and Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by ELSEVIER B.V. and Science Press. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creati- vecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 13.1
DOI: 10.1016/J.JECHEM.2023.07.022
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“Plasma-catalytic methanol synthesis from CO₂, hydrogenation over a supported Cu cluster catalyst : insights into the reaction mechanism”. Cui Z, Meng S, Yi Y, Jafarzadeh A, Li S, Neyts EC, Hao Y, Li L, Zhang X, Wang X, Bogaerts A, Acs Catalysis 12, 1326 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1021/ACSCATAL.1C04678
Abstract: Plasma-catalytic CO, hydrogenation for methanol production is gaining increasing interest, but our understanding of its reaction mechanism remains primitive. We present a combined experimental/computational study on plasma-catalytic CO, hydrogenation to CH3OH over a size-selected Cu/gamma-Al2O3 catalyst. Our experiments demonstrate a synergistic effect between the Cu/gamma-Al2O3 catalyst and the CO2/H-2 plasma, achieving a CO2 conversion of 10% at 4 wt % Cu loading and a CH3OH selectivity near 50% further rising to 65% with H2O addition (for a H2O/CO2 ratio of 1). Furthermore, the energy consumption for CH3OH production was more than 20 times lower than with plasma only. We carried out density functional theory calculations over a Cu-13/gamma-Al2O3 model, which reveal that the interfacial sites of the Cu-13 cluster and gamma-Al2O3 support show a bifunctional effect: they not only activate the CO2 molecules but also strongly adsorb key intermediates to promote their hydrogenation further. Reactive plasma species can regulate the catalyst surface reactions via the Eley-Rideal (E-R) mechanism, which accelerates the hydrogenation process and promotes the generation of the key intermediates. H2O can promote the CH3OH desorption by competitive adsorption over the Cu-13/gamma-Al2O3 surface. This study provides new insights into CO2 hydrogenation through plasma catalysis, and it provides inspiration for the conversion of some other small molecules (CH4, N-2, CO, etc.) by plasma catalysis using supported-metal clusters.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 12.9
DOI: 10.1021/ACSCATAL.1C04678
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“Bio-electrochemical COD removal for energy-efficient, maximum and robust nitrogen recovery from urine through membrane aerated nitrification”. De Paepe J, De Paepe K, Gòdia F, Rabaey K, Vlaeminck SE, Clauwaert P, Water Research 185, 116223 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.WATRES.2020.116223
Abstract: Resource recovery from source-separated urine can shorten nutrient cycles on Earth and is essential in regenerative life support systems for deep-space exploration. In this study, a robust two-stage, energy-efficient, gravity-independent urine treatment system was developed to transform fresh real human urine into a stable nutrient solution. In the first stage, up to 85% of the COD was removed in a microbial electrolysis cell (MEC), converting part of the energy in organic compounds (27-46%) into hydrogen gas and enabling full nitrogen recovery by preventing nitrogen losses through denitrification in the second stage. Besides COD removal, all urea was hydrolysed in the MEC, resulting in a stream rich in ammoniacal nitrogen and alkalinity, and low in COD. This stream was fed into a membrane-aerated biofilm reactor (MABR) in order to convert the volatile and toxic ammoniacal nitrogen to non-volatile nitrate by nitrification. Bio-electrochemical pre-treatment allowed to recover all nitrogen as nitrate in the MABR at a bulk-phase dissolved oxygen level below 0.1 mg O2 L-1. In contrast, feeding the MABR directly with raw urine (omitting the first stage), at the same nitrogen loading rate, resulted in nitrogen loss (18%) due to denitrification. The MEC and MABR were characterised by very distinct and diverse microbial communities. While (strictly) anaerobic genera, such as Geobacter (electroactive bacteria), Thiopseudomonas, a Lentimicrobiaceae member, Alcaligenes and Proteiniphilum prevailed in the MEC, the MABR was dominated by aerobic genera, including Nitrosomonas (a known ammonium oxidiser), Moheibacter and Gordonia. The two-stage approach yielded a stable nitrate-rich, COD-low nutrient solution, suitable for plant and microalgae cultivation.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 12.8
DOI: 10.1016/J.WATRES.2020.116223
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“Modulating the mixed potential for developing biosensors: Direct potentiometric determination of glucose in whole, undiluted blood”. Cánovas R, Blondeau P, Andrade FJ, Biosensors &, Bioelectronics 163, 112302 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.BIOS.2020.112302
Abstract: The growing demand for tools to generate chemical information in decentralized settings is creating a vast range of opportunities for potentiometric sensors, since their combination of robustness, simplicity of operation and cost can hardly be rivalled by any other technique. In previous works, we have shown that the mixed potential of a Pt electrode can be controlled with analytical purposes using a coating of Nafion, thus providing a way to develop a potentiometric biosensor for glucose. Unfortunately, the linear range of this device did not match the relevant clinical range for glucose in blood. This work presents a novel strategy to control the mixed potential that allows the development of a potentiometric biosensor for the direct detection of glucose in whole, undiluted blood without any sample pretreatment. By changing the ionomer, the analytical response can be tuned, shifting the linear range while keeping the sensitivity. Aquivion, a polyelectrolyte from the same family as Nafion, is used to stabilize the mixed potential of a platinized paper-based electrode, to entrap the enzyme and to reduce the interference from negatively charged species. Factors affecting the generation of the signal and the principle of detection are discussed. Optimization of the biosensor composition was achieved with particular focus on the characterization of the linear range and sensitivity. The accurate measurement of blood sugar levels in a single drop of whole blood with excellent recovery is presented.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 12.6
DOI: 10.1016/J.BIOS.2020.112302
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“The sweet detection of rolling circle amplification : glucose-based electrochemical genosensor for the detection of viral nucleic acid”. Ciftci S, Cánovas R, Neumann F, Paulraj T, Nilsson M, Crespo GA, Madaboosi N, Biosensors &, Bioelectronics 151, 112002 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.BIOS.2019.112002
Abstract: Herein, an isothermal padlock probe-based assay for the simple and portable detection of pathogens coupled with a glucose oxidase (GOx)-based electrochemical readout is reported. Infectious diseases remain a constant threat on a global scale, as in recurring pandemics. Rapid and portable diagnostics hold the promise to tackle the spreading of diseases and decentralising healthcare to point-of-care needs. Ebola, a hypervariable RNA virus causing fatalities of up to 90% for recent outbreaks in Africa, demands immediate attention for bedside diagnostics. The design of the demonstrated assay consists of a rolling circle amplification (RCA) technique, responsible for the generation of nucleic acid amplicons as RCA products (RCPs). The RCPs are generated on magnetic beads (MB) and subsequently, connected via streptavidin-biotin bonds to GOx. The enzymatic catalysis of glucose by the bound GOx allows for an indirect electrochemical measurement of the DNA target. The RCPs generated on the surface of the MB were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, and among other experimental conditions such as the type of buffer, temperature, concentration of GOx, sampling and measurement time were evaluated for the optimum electrochemical detection. Accordingly, 125 μg mL−1 of GOx with 5 mM glucose using phosphate buffer saline (PBS), monitored for 1 min were selected as the ideal conditions. Finally, we assessed the analytical performance of the biosensing strategy by using clinical samples of Ebola virus from patients. Overall, this work provides a proof-of-concept bioassay for simple and portable molecular diagnostics of emerging pathogens using electrochemical detection, especially in resource-limited settings.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 12.6
DOI: 10.1016/J.BIOS.2019.112002
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“Are aptamer-based biosensing approaches a good choice for female fertility monitoring? A comprehensive review”. Cánovas R, Daems E, Langley AR, De Wael K, Biosensors and bioelectronics 220, 114881 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.BIOS.2022.114881
Abstract: The WHO estimates that 8–10% of couples are facing fertility problems, often due to inaccuracy in predicting the female's ovulation period controlled by four key hormones. The quantification and monitoring of such key hormones are crucial for the early identification of infertility, but also in improving therapeutic management associated with hormonal imbalance. In this review, we extensively summarize and discuss: i) drawbacks of laboratory methods for fertility testing (costly, invasive, complex) and commercially available point-of-care tests (measuring only one/two of the four key hormones), ii) the understanding of different biosensors for fertility monitoring, and iii) an in-depth classification and overview of aptamer-based sensing of the hormones of interest. This review provides insights on hormone detection strategies for fertility, with a focus on the classification of the current ‘aptasensing’ strategies, aiming to assist as a basic guide for the development of accurate fertility window monitoring tools based on aptamers.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Impact Factor: 12.6
DOI: 10.1016/J.BIOS.2022.114881
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