Synthetic organs for transplant and bio-mimic reactors for process intensification using nano-structured micro-porous materials

Abstract

In order to achieve Process Intensification through monolithic micro-reactors in bio-and chemical technology we examined the processing strategy in the human body, taking the liver as a typical organ. The macro-and micro-architectural structure can be mimicked by using nano-structured micro-porous polymers which were used as support in tissue engineering and bioprocess intensification. It was shown that these materials could be used as bone transplant and they are integrated into the body. Their integration could be predicted through in vitro experiments. Metallic versions of these structures with a hierarchy of pore size were produced in order to obtain catalytic bio-or chemical reactors operating at high temperature and/or pressure.

Agro-process intensification: soilborne micro-bioreactors with nitrogen fixing bacterium Azospirillum brasilense as self-sustaining biofertiliser source for enhanced nitrogen uptake by plants

“…It must be indicated that expanded polystyrene beads are used in horticulture as a perlite substitute [ 57 ]. Furthermore, these PHP materials were also used as support for bacteria [ 18 ] and mammalian cells [ 16 , 17 , 31 ] in bioprocess intensification and were shown to have no adverse reaction in animals when they were used as bone graft [ 58 ]. Graft PHPs could not be distinguished from natural bone because bone cells migrated into the graft and even vascularised it [ 58 ].…”

“…Furthermore, these PHP materials were also used as support for bacteria [ 18 ] and mammalian cells [ 16 , 17 , 31 ] in bioprocess intensification and were shown to have no adverse reaction in animals when they were used as bone graft [ 58 ]. Graft PHPs could not be distinguished from natural bone because bone cells migrated into the graft and even vascularised it [ 58 ]. In the absence of any discernible biodegradation of polystyrene, we can expect SRS media to remain in soil without being replenished periodically and therefore limiting the impact of any unforeseen adverse environmental impact.…”

Decellularization Techniques for Tissue Engineering: Towards Replicating Native Extracellular Matrix Architecture in Liver Regeneration

“…Each lobule is constructed around a central vein with rows of hepatocytes arranged in cellular plates radiating outwards, forming a roughly hexagonal pattern. The lobules are surrounded by multiple portal triads, which consist of a branch of the portal vein, a branch of the hepatic artery, and a tributary of the bile duct [14]. Hepatic plates are typically two cells thick and are separated by small bile canaliculi, which empty into bile ducts in the fibrous septa that separate adjacent liver lobules.…”

Hydrogen, Ammonia and Symbiotic/Smart Fertilizer Production Using Renewable Feedstock and CO2 Utilization through Catalytic Processes and Nonthermal Plasma with Novel Catalysts and In Situ Reactive Separation: A Roadmap for Sustainable and Innovation-Based Technology

“…In diffusion-controlled processes or reactions, the reduction of the diffusion path is clearly a target for PI, which can be achieved by using reactors or catalysts with three levels of length scales, especially in gas phase reactions; (1) Macroscopic level for convective transfer, which is always necessary for industrial-scale application, (2) Nano level for mass transfer and (3) Microscopic level for reactor connectivity between the macroscopic and nano-scale levels of the reactor [2,3]. In fact, this concept already exists in physiological processes where mass transfer can take place through lipid bilayers, which can be further facilitated through neural control [153]. Chemical reactors modelled on physiological processes can have significant PI attributes when they are supplemented by structured catalysts operating at high temperatures and pressures in the presence of additional PI fields such as electric, plasma and microwave.…”