• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.33 no.4
• /
• pp.552-558
• /
• 2023

Levulinic acid (LA) is a valuable chemical used in fuel additives, fragrances, and polymers. In this study, we proposed possible biosynthetic pathways for LA production from lignin and poly(ethylene terephthalate). We also created a genetically encoded biosensor responsive to LA, which can be used for screening and evolving the LA biosynthesis pathway genes, by employing an LvaR transcriptional regulator of Pseudomonas putida KT2440 to express a fluorescent reporter gene. The LvaR regulator senses LA as a cognate ligand. The LA biosensor was first examined in an Escherichia coli strain and was found to be non-functional. When the host of the LA biosensor was switched from E. coli to P. putida KT2440, the LA biosensor showed a linear correlation between fluorescence intensity and LA concentration in the range of 0.156-10 mM LA. In addition, we determined that 0.156 mM LA was the limit of LA detection in P. putida KT2440 harboring an LA-responsive biosensor. The maximal fluorescence increase was 12.3-fold in the presence of 10 mM LA compared to that in the absence of LA. The individual cell responses to LA concentrations reflected the population-averaged responses, which enabled high-throughput screening of enzymes and metabolic pathways involved in LA biosynthesis and sustainable production of LA in engineered microbes.

• Industry Promotion Research
• /
• v.9 no.1
• /
• pp.21-29
• /
• 2024

In the rapidly advancing information society, electronic devices, including smartphones and tablets, are increasingly digitized and equipped with high-performance features such as flexible displays. This study focused on optimizing the manufacturing process for Transparent Conductive Films (TCF) by using the cost-effective conductive polymer PEDOT and transparent substrate PET as alternatives to expensive materials in flexible display technology. The variables considered are production speed (m/min), coating maximum temperature (℃), and PEDOT supply speed (rpm), with surface resistivity (Ω/□) as the response parameter, using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Optimization results indicate the ideal conditions for production: a speed of 22.16 m/min, coating temperature of 125.28℃, and PEDOT supply at 522.79 rpm. Statistical analysis validates the reliability of the results (F value: 18.37, P-value: < 0.0001, R²: 0.9430). Under optimal conditions, the predicted surface resistivity is 145.75 Ω/□, closely aligned with the experimental value of 142.97 Ω/□. Applying these findings to mass production processes is expected to enhance production yields and decrease defect rates compared to current practices. This research provides valuable insights for the advancement of flexible display manufacturing.

• Journal of Mushroom
• /
• v.22 no.1
• /
• pp.31-36
• /
• 2024

Plastics are widely used in industries in human society and because of their structural stability, degradation is a serious global issue. To estimate the degradation of plastic, 31 edible mushrooms were cultured with the selected plastic films (polyethylene [PE], polystyrene [PS], and poly(ethylene terephthalate) [PET]) for 3 months at 25 ℃. Measuring the weight of the films showed that four species of mushrooms, namely Porostereum spadiceum, Ganoderma lucidum, Coprinellus micaceus, and Pleurotus ostreatus, exhibited the highest degrees of plastic degradation. In addition, the mushrooms and fungi that exhibited the most significant plastic degradation were cross-cultured to promote this degradation. As a result, cross-cultivation of G. lucidum and Aspergillus niger showed a weight loss of 2.49% for the PET film. For the PS film, Aspergillus nidulans showed a weight loss of 4.06%. Cross-cultivation of A. nidulans and C. micaceus, which showed a weight loss of 2.95%, was noted as an alternative for PS biodegradation, but is harmful to humans. These bio-degradation effects of edible mushroom will contribute to the development of alternatives for eco-friendly plastic degradation.

• Clean Technology
• /
• v.17 no.2
• /
• pp.124-133
• /
• 2011

In addition to six substances regulated in EU RoHS including lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), priority substances are identified in new RoHS II as hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) and diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP). In this study, 20 plastic samples were collected from 12 domestic electrotechnical companies and levels of four restricted substances were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, Among 20 parts that compose washer, refrigerator or microwave oven, HBCDD was detected in three samples of NBR material with the amount of 42~381 mg/kg while DBP and BBP was not detected in any samples collected respectively, implying that these substance may not be used widely in plastic materials for EEE. However, DEHP was detected in all samples of NBR, PP, PBT, EPDM and PVC materials with the amount of 42 up to 59,400 mg/kg that exceeds the limit value of 0.1 wt% (1,000 mg/kg). Presence of a restricted substance in polymer material makes a great negative influence on a number of final product. To cope with coming RoHS II as well as REACH, action not to use DEHP in plastic material or the relevant notification in case of REACH seems to be needed. Screening test of Arsenic compounds such as diarsenic pentaoxide, diarsenic trioxide, lead hydrogen arsenate, triethyl arsenate that are included in REACH SVHC was done by ICP measurement Arsenium was detected in four samples made of NBR and PBT materials in the level of 15~700 mg/kg. By considering the screening method used in this study, the amount of arsenium compounds in the thermistor made of PBT material has a high chance of exceeding the regulated limit value.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
• /
• v.50 no.6
• /
• pp.1068-1075
• /
• 2012

Poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT)/Nylon6,12 core/shell micro fiber were prepared by extrusion molding. To investigate their optimum extrusion conditions, compatibility of PBT/Nylon6,12 blend micro fiber in conformity to their weight ratio and manufacture temperature was explored with SEM morphology and DSC. The alterations in their mechanical properties by extrusion speed were compared and analyzed through a UTM. In comparison with SEM figures, the domain sizes of Nylon6,12 were gradually declined by increasing the extrusion temperature of blends. Furthermore, according to these SEM images, the phase separation between Nylon6,12 domain and PBT matrix became indistinct with increasing of weight percentage of Nylon6,12. In case of DSC, the boundaries of two peaks were almost disappeared when increasing the extrusion temperature and also intervals of each two melting peaks became narrow as increasing the Nylon6,12 ratio. The mechanical properties including tensile strength, elongation, flexural strength and flexural modulus were increased as the increase in the extrusion temperature until $260^{\circ}C$. However, the mechanical properties were actually deteriorated over $260^{\circ}C$. The tensile strength, elongation, flexural strength and flexural modulus at $260^{\circ}C$ were 560 $kg_f/cm^2$, 220%, 807 $kg_f/cm^2$ and 22,146 $kg_f/cm^2$, respectively. These values are more than intermediate values of mechanical properties of PBT and Nylon6,12. These results mean that there is compatibility between PBT and Nylon6,12. Based on the extrusion conditions that produced optimum compatibility of blend, as a result, our group obtained micro fibers with the core/shell structure.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
• /
• v.31 no.2
• /
• pp.186-193
• /
• 2013

Potential of consumer unit packaging was investigated for quality maintenance during export simulation in king oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus eryngii). Mushrooms were harvested in late May, precooled to $4^{\circ}C$ within 6 hours, and then packaged for shipping in two ways: 2 kg bulk packaging in a polyethylene (PE) bag or three types of unit packaging methods such as 400 g in polypropylene film bag (PPB), 200 g on styrofoam tray + PE shrinkage film wrapping (STW), and 200 g in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers (PETC). For local distribution of bulk-packaged commodity, mushrooms were sorted again and packaged into 3 consumer units in the same way as for the initial shipping packages. Simulation of refrigerated container shipping was performed in a walk-in type pilot storage at $0.5^{\circ}C$ for 5 weeks, while local marketing simulation was carried out on the shelf at $7^{\circ}C$ for 7 days. During the shipment simulation, creation of modified atmosphere (MA) was substantial in 2 kg bulk packages with low $O_2$ below 2% and high $CO_2$ over 15% whereas, in PPB and PETC unit packages, relatively higher $O_2$ concentrations were observed. On the shelf at $7^{\circ}C$, $CO_2$ concentrations rapidly increased in PPB and PETC packages despite the short marketing period. Overall marketability evaluated by off-flavor, browning, and texture rating was maintained at excellent level when 2 kg bulk packaging in PE or unit packaging in PPB and PETC were used for shipment. In contrast, establishment of MA was very slight in STW packages during shipment and local distribution resulting in poor quality after export simulation. The results suggested that shipment using adequate consumer unit packaging is more practical and economically beneficial than using bulk packaging in the export program consisting of 5-week shipment and 7-day local distribution.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.35 no.2
• /
• pp.192-198
• /
• 2006

Treatment effects of grape fruit stem extracts (GFSE) containing trans-resveratrol on the storage property of fresh jujube (Zizyphus jujube) were investigated. Fresh jujubes were packed in different storage containers [polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene (PE)], and treated with GFSE containing trans-resveratrol of 10, 30 and 50 ppm, respectively. The storage vessels filled with $N_2$ gas, and stored in refrigerator $(0{\pm}1^{\circ}C)$ during 18 weeks, and then quality characteristics during storage period were analysed. Ethylene gas increased until 8 weeks and decreased afterward. Decaying of jujube started at $6\~8$ weeks in control, but it did at 14 week storage for the fruits at $50\%$ maturity treated with 10 ppm of GFSE and packed in PE vessel. Soluble solid (Brix degree) and total acidity of fresh jujube slightly increased in all the treatments during storage period. Hardness slightly increased until 4 weeks and decreased afterward. Vitamin C content was at the highest content of $86.8\~273.4$ mg/100g for most of treatments at 2 weeks and decreased afterward. Storage stability was higher for $50\%$ maturity fruits than for the $70\%$ maturity, and higher for PE vessels than PET containers. Storage period of fresh jujube in this experiment ranges in $10\~12$ weeks for $50\%$ maturity fruits treated with 10 ppm of GFSE and packed in PE vessel.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
• /
• v.42 no.4
• /
• pp.452-458
• /
• 2010

This study aimed at improving the packaging technology of Yukwa to improve the quality and extend the shelflife using secondary packaging. After packaging the Yukwa using an OPP film, P2, P3, and P4 packaging materials were applied secondarily. Various films including (1) P1: OPP (oriented polypropylene), (2) P2: P1+OPP/LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene), (3) P3: P1+PET (polyethylene terephthalate)/NY (nylon)/CPP (cast polypropylene) and (4) P4: P1+PET/AL (aluminum)/NY/CPP (P4) were used for packaging Yukwa. The experiment was conducted at $25^{\circ}C$ for 12 weeks. P1 showed the highest acid value score (1.26 mg KOH/g), and P3 had the highest peroxide value score (32.91 meq/kg) among all packaging groups. Nevertheless, these values did not exceed the guideline values of 2.0 g KOH/g and 40 meq/kg specified in the Korean food code. The overall color difference showed a tendency for decreasing Hunter 'L' values and increasing 'a' and 'b' values; however, no noticeable difference in the outer appearance was observed in any of the packaging treatments except in the P1 for greater than 10 weeks of storage. Some texture defects were observed in the Yukwa when the moisture contents dropped below 5%. The P4 packaging treatment had the lowest moisture permeability and showed the least rheological deterioration change, followed by P3 and P2. In conclusion, the use of a secondary packaging with less gas and moisture permeability was more effective for maintaining the quality and extending the shelf-life of Yukwa than other types of packaging material.

• Journal of the Korean Electrochemical Society
• /
• v.8 no.3
• /
• pp.139-145
• /
• 2005

[ $SnO_x$ ] films on the flexible substrate of PET film were prepared at ambient temperature under a $(CH_3)_4Sn(TMT: tetra-methyl tin)-H_2-O_2$ atmosphere in order to obtain transparent conductive polymer by using ECR-MOCVD(Electro Cyclotron Resonance Metal Organic Chemical Yfpor Deposition) system. The prepared $SnO_x$ thin films show generally over $90\%$ of optical transmittance at wavelength range of 380-780nm and about $1\times10^{-2\~3}ohm{\cdot}cm$ of electrical resistivity. In the present study, effects of $O_2/TMT\;and\;H_2/TMT$ mole ratio on the properties of $SnO_x$ films are investigated and the other process parameters such as microwave power, magnetic current power, substrate distance and working pressure are fixed. Based on our experimental results, the $SnO_x$ film composition ratio of Sn and O directly influences on the electrical and optical properties of the films prepared. The $SnO_x$ film with low electric resistivity and high transmittance could be obtained by controlling the process parameters such as $O_2/TMT\;and\;H_2/TMT$ mole ratio, which play an important role to change the composition ratio between Sn and O. An increase of $O_2/TMT$ mole ratio brought on the increases 0 content in the $SnO_x$ film. On the other hand, an increase of $H_2/TMT$ mole ratio lead to decreases the oxygen content in the film. The optimized composition ratio of oxygen : tin Is determined as 2.4: 1 at $O_2/TMT$ of 80 and $H_2/TMT$ of 40 mole ratio, respectively.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
• /
• v.30 no.3
• /
• pp.281-287
• /
• 2011

BACKGROUND: According to Korean regulations, bottled waters (BWs) can not be treated with chemical disinfectants like chlorine, so UV and ozone disinfection is applied. During the past several years, chemicals were detected in some BWs, and the public was concerned about the safety of BWs. METHODS AND RESULTS: Mineral waters were stored for 180 days at $25^{\circ}C$ and $50^{\circ}C$, tested acetaldehyde and formaldehyde by HPLC. When mineral waters were put in a PET bottles, the formaldehyde level ranged from 5 to $66{\mu}g/L$ during 180 days at $50^{\circ}C$. While the acetaldehyde level ranged from 31 to $221{\mu}g/L$, it was low than $16{\mu}g/L$ in glass bottle. CONCLUSION(s): This result showed that formaldehyde and acetaldehyde were detected higher in PET bottles than glass bottles, these also increased depending on the time of storage. Concentration of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde could be significantly influenced by the time of storage and temperature.