Merck Virtual Poster Session 2020

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Filter displayed posters (122 keywords)

Drug delivery (2) show more... 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate (1) Adenosine A1 receptor (1) Alzheimer's Disease (1) Amyloid-beta (1) Antimalarials (1) Beverage (1) Bifunctional Chelator (1) Bio-oil selective deoxygenation; Waste scrap tyre char; Nano-sized ZnS; Organic sulphur; In-situ acidity transformation (1) Biometals (1) Blast furnace (1) Blood-brain barrier (1) CO2 utilization (1) CO2 valorization (1) Click Chemistry (1) Colostrum (1) Copper (1) Drug Discovery (1) Dye Degradation; Photocatalyst; Sunlight irradiation; ZnO/CNF composite (1) Energy drink (1) Flexible (1) GPCRs (1) Gold fiber (1) Hydrogen peroxide (1) Hydrogen sulfide (1) Hydrogenation (1) In-situ Methanation (1) Janus nanostructures (1) Lactate biosensor (1) Levoglucosenone and 5-Chloromethyl furfural (1) MOF (1) Malaria (1) Medicinal Chemistry (1) Microplastics (1) Neuroscience (1) P-glycoprotein (1) Plasmodium falciparum (1) Platform chemicals (1) Polycarbonates (1) Pre-treatment (1) ROS. (1) Radiopharmaceutical (1) Redox (1) Schizophrenia (1) Self-assembly (1) Self-powered (1) Slagging (1) Smart textile (1) Solid Oxide Electrolysis (1) Spiral Microfluidics (1) Stretchable electrodes (1) Syngas (1) Synthesis (1) Synthetic Chemistry (1) Technetium-99m (1) Thiosemicarbazone (1) Wastewater treatment (1) Wearable electrochemical sensor (1) adsorption (1) aerobic bioreactor (1) anterior cruciate ligament (1) arthritis (1) atomic force microscopy (1) biodegradation (1) biomass ash (1) charcoal (1) coal injection rate (1) cognitive impairments (1) cold-rolling emulsion wastewater (1) collagen (1) combinatorial high-throughput (1) combustion (1) copolymerization. (1) digestion (1) drug discovery (1) full-scale (1) gender bias (1) gender equality (1) gut development (1) high temperature (1) higher education (1) infrared spectroscopy (1) integrated model (1) ion (1) laser powder bed fusion; additive manufacturing; melt pool; modelling (1) lipids (1) lithium (1) lymphatics (1) magnetoelectric composite (1) material discovery (1) mechanical deformed cells (1) microbial community (1) optimization (1) oxidative stress (1) pH sensor (1) perovskite solar cells (1) perovskite solar panels (1) perovskite synthesis (1) persulfide (1) pharmacokinetics (1) phenols (1) plasmenes (1) plasmon-enhanced catalysis (1) polymer (1) potassium loss (1) premature infants (1) real-time detection (1) rodent touchscreen (1) science education (1) second harmonic generation imaging (1) self-assembly (1) semicoke (1) smart parking (1) soften gold (1) stretchable electrochemical biosensor (1) sunlight harvesting (1) sustainable processing. (1) tactile sensor (1) tissue fatigue damage (1) trisulfide (1) two-dimensional materials (1) working memory (1)

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Faculty of Engineering - Department of Chemical Engineering (18)

Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (7)

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▼ Faculty of Engineering - Department of Chemical Engineering Back to top

Hierarchical Detection and Assessment of Material Fatigue Damage of the Human Anterior Cruciate Ligament Caused by Repetitive Sub-maximal Mechanical Loading

Junjie Chen, Jinhee Kim, Wenhao Shao, Stephen H. Schlect, So Young Baek, Alexis K. Jones, Taeyong Ahn, James A. Ashton-Miller, Mark M. Banaszak Holl, Edward M. Wojtys

Abstract

Type 1 collagen is the most common structural protein found in the human anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The triple helix molecule self-assembles into macro-hierarchical structures allowing shape and form of tissues to be defined and maintained. The ACL enthesis, the anchorage point of the ligament to the femoral condyle, is site is a site of stress concentration and is frequently subjected to overuse. It is known that, under mechanical stress such as fatigue, loading and injury, the tissue undergoes changes in structure and composition in response to the environment. Currently, the extent or location of molecular failure, and structural and compositional changes associated with repetitive sub-failure loadings are still unclear. The goal of this research is to reveal hierarchical structure and chemical composition changes of the human ACL associated with material fatigue from repetitive sub-maximal loading. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and AFM-Infrared (IR) will be employed to directly observe the changes in structure and chemical composition of the ACL on the nanoscale, in addition to Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) imaging and imaging fluorescently labelled collagen hybridizing peptides (CHP) to observe collagen microstructures.

Presented by

Jinhee Kim

Institution

Monash University, University of Michigan

Keywords

anterior cruciate ligament, atomic force microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, collagen, second harmonic generation imaging, tissue fatigue damage

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Available November 19, 2020 10am-12pm AEST

Carbon dioxide to polycarbonates via copolymerization with epoxides

Shamseldin Mohamed

Abstract

As the issues of climate change and CO2 emissions continue to loom over the world, in this work we aim to utilize carbon dioxide to produce polycarbonates. With the use of zinc based heterogeneous catalysts we managed to successfully produce poly cyclohexene carbonates with a productivity of 250 g polymer per g of catalyst. All while incorporating up to 25 weight % CO2 in the final polymer product. Ongoing work targets further understanding of the reaction kinetics and introducing renewably sourced epoxides to further improve the sustainability of the process.

For questions: Shamseldin Mohamed Email: shamseldin.mohamed@monash.edu

Presented by

Shamseldin Mohamed <shamseldin.mohamed@monash.edu>

Institution

Monash University

Keywords

Polycarbonates, CO2 utilization, copolymerization.

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Available November 18th, 19th, 20th 12:30 - 1:00 pm, other times please email.

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Enabling perovskite solar panel manufacturing by combinatorial high-throughput material discovery

Adam Surmiak,Sebastian O Furer, David P McMeekin, Kevin Rietwyk, Nastaran Meftahi, Anthony Chesman, Doojin Vak, Salvy Russo, Udo Bach

Abstract

Perovskite solar cells (PSC) have reached an astonishingly high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.2% in 20201, which is an impressive result taking into account the novelty of this technology. Despite the advantages in comparison with state-of-art silicon solar cells (26.2%) such as fabrication costs, lower energy intensive manufacturing process, band-gap tunability, there remain drawbacks such as stability, poor reproducibility, hysteresis. Degradation of perovskite and the stability of the devices are dominant limiting factors for commercialisation of this class of solar cells. While degradation of perovskite by moisture or high temperatures can be minimized through encapsulation, additives or moisture- and oxygen-free fabrication environments, further degradation mechanisms have been reported. These include memory-like effects, light induced degradation, ionic movements, decomposition of complex inorganic-organic structures and electrical stress induced problems. We point out that the optimum PSCs recipe is not only limited to finding of the best efficient small (< 0.1 cm2) solar cell, but satisfying performer in broader context such as scalable fabrication methodology, cost of materials, stability and efficiency. Furthermore, reports of highly efficient devices are pre-dominantly claimed whilst utilization of expensive electrodes, interlayer materials and non-scalable fabrication methods, shrinking likelihood of industrial transition of PSC technology. We develop system which are streamlining the discovery process significantly reducing manual efforts and time required for material discovery and consequently we are speeding up the renewable energy growth.

Presented by

Adam Surmiak

Institution

Monash University

Keywords

perovskite solar cells, combinatorial high-throughput, material discovery, perovskite synthesis, perovskite solar panels

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Available 1-2 Monday

Self-assembled Janus Plasmene Nanosheet as Flexible 2D Photocatalysts

Runfang Fu, Qianqian Shi,* Zijun Yong, James C. Griffith, Lim Wei Yap, & Wenlong Cheng*

Abstract

Abstract: Leaf is a free-standing photocatalytic system that can effectively harvest solar energy and convert CO2 and H2O into carbohydrates in a continuous manner without the need of regeneration or tedious product extraction steps. Despite encouraging advances achieved in designing artificial photocatalysts, most of them function in bulk solution or on rigid surfaces. Here, we report on a 2D flexible photocatalytic system based on close packed Janus plasmene nanosheets. One side of Janus nanosheets is hydrophilic with catalytically active palladium while the opposite side is hydrophobic with plasmonic nanocrystals. Such a unique design ensures a stable nanostructure on a flexible polymer substrate, preventing dissolution/degradation of plasmonic photocatalysts during chemical conversion in aqueous solutions. Using catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol as the model reaction, we demonstrated efficient plasmon-enhanced photochemical conversion on our flexible Janus plasmene. The photocatalytic efficiency could be tuned by adjusting palladium thickness or types of constituent building blocks or their orientations, indicating the potential of tailor-made catalyst design for desired reaction. Furthermore, the flexible Janus plasmene nanosheets were designed into a small 3D printed artificial tree, which could continuously convert 30 ml of chemicals in 45 minutes.

Video presentation: Self-assembled Janus Plasmene Nanosheet as Flexible 2D Photocatalysts Watch my 3-minute video presentation: https://vimeo.com/477012986 Ask a question or contact me about my research Name (Full Name): Runfang Fu Email: Runfang.Fu@monash.edu

Presented by

Runfang Fu

Institution

Monash University, Chemical engineering

Keywords

Self-assembly, Janus nanostructures, plasmenes, two-dimensional materials, plasmon-enhanced catalysis, sunlight harvesting

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Mechanoelectrical-converted, flexible magnetoelectric materials served as a new-typed, self-powered tactile sensor

Xuan Zhang, Bin Su, Ruiping Zou and Aibing Yu

Abstract

Tactile sensors, via converting externally mechanical stimuli to electrical signals, contribute to advances in humanoid robots, human-computed interaction and healthcare monitoring, etc. Due to some drawbacks from power supply of commercial batteries such as complex assembly, large volume and routine replacement, a self-powered and sustainable strategy is essential and indispensable for the next-generation tactile sensors. Currently, piezoelectricity pioneered by Wang et al. has been widely applied to the field of self-powered flexible tactile sensors. However, the relatively high Young’s modulus and considerable internal resistance of piezoelectric materials result in complicated synthesis technique and low current density output nonconform to certain practical applications. Faraday's laws of electromagnetic induction, as a crucial power supply mode in human society, has been significantly less explored in the miniaturized, self-powered flexible system. Herein, we present magnetoelectric type soft composites with low Young’s modulus via a simple molding method, enabling for tactile sensing in a self-powered mode. Combined with Maxwell numerical simulation, the magnetoelectric composites were confirmed to exhibit anisotropic mechano-electrical conversion and relatively high output current density. Additionally, the magnetoelectric composites served as tactile sensors had a promising potential in smart parking system for precisely calculating the parking time, regardless of the waste time to search the parking space.

Presented by

Xuan Zhang

Institution

Chemical Engineering, Monash University

Keywords

Flexible, Self-powered, magnetoelectric composite, tactile sensor, smart parking

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Modelling and optimization of the ironmaking blast furnace with an integrated mathematical model

Lingling LIU, Shibo KUANG, Baoyu GUO, Aibing Yu

Abstract

This study presents an integrated mathematic model for simulating an entire ironmaking blast furnace (BF). It enables linking the model with operating parameters at the BF top and bottom directly. The reliability of this model is first examined through various applications. Two parametric studies are then carried out to demonstrate its applicability and usefulness. This integrated model would open up a cost-effective method to examine the effect of top and bottom factors on BF performance under different conditions in a comprehensive matter.

Presented by

LingLing Liu <lingling.liu@monash.edu>

Institution

Department of Chemical Engineering, Monash University

Keywords

Blast furnace, integrated model, coal injection rate, charcoal, semicoke, optimization

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Stretchable Gold Fiber-based Wearable Textile Electrochemical Biosensor toward pH and Lactate Monitoring from Human Sweat

Ren Wang

Abstract

Past several years have witnessed growing interest in developing wearable sensors for non-invasive monitoring vital signs of chemical/biological markers such as pH and lactate. Therefore, increasing research efforts have been directed to develop wearable pH and lactate sensors towards continuous non-invasive monitoring sweat pH and lactate values in the out-of-hospital environments without disturbing daily activities. In this context, textiles can be seen as a promising platform for the integration of wearable chemical sensors due to their inherent breathability, flexibility, softness and comfortableness. Here, a dry-spinning method was used to fabricate stretchable, strain-insensitive and highly conductive gold fibers. Such gold fibers could be used to fabricate pH and lactate-sensing working electrodes, reference electrode, counter electrodes and further weaved into textiles in standard two or three-electrode system with a planar layout. The obtained fiber-based pH sensors feature a great sensitivity (60.6 mV/pH), high selectivity against cationic interference and a high stretchability (up to 100% strain). The textile lactate biosensors showed a high sensitivity of 19.13 μA/mM∙cm2 in phosphate-buffered solution (PBS) and 14.6 μA/mM∙cm2 in artificial sweat. The sensitivity could be maintained under high tensile strain up to 100% without external structural design in both system. The results presented here indicate the potential application of wearable smart textile towards non-invasive health monitoring.

Presented by

Ren Wang <ren.wang@monash.edu>

Institution

Monash University, Faculty of Engineering

Keywords

Wearable electrochemical sensor, Smart textile, Gold fiber, pH sensor, Lactate biosensor, Stretchable electrodes

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Available December 3th 13:00-17:00

Energy comparison of CO2 valorization to methane through different electrolytic routes

Saheli Biswas, Aniruddha P. Kulkarni, Sankar Bhattacharya

Abstract

The global energy consumption has been increasing ever since the dawn of industrialization. World energy outlook 2019 reported that in 2018, worldwide energy consumption increased by 2.3%, which was almost twice the average rate of growth since 2010. The deleterious aftermath was an overall CO2 emission of 33.1 Gt in 2018 and 33.3 Gt in 2019, which was equivalent to 2.4 ppm rise in the total concentration of atmospheric. Such an effect has made a compelling case for the valorization of atmospheric CO2 into fuels and chemicals, i.e. capturing CO2 from the atmosphere and converting it to fuels or chemicals through zero-emission processes. Methane (CH4) is one such high-valued fuel since it is the primary constituent of natural gas (50-90%) and can be effectively used for any application where natural gas is being currently used. Global energy statistical yearbook states that from 2010 to 2018, global natural gas consumption has increased by 11% and IEA has predicted that this value will rise to almost 55% by 2040. The most commonly studied route of CH4 synthesis is a two-step process: - production of H2 (from water electrolysis) in an alkaline (AEL) or proton exchange membrane electrolyzer (PEM) followed by its reaction with CO2 in a subsequent thermochemical reactor to generate CH4. However, a comparatively early-stage technology that offers one-step direct conversion of atmospheric CO2 into CH4 inside the electrolyzer itself is based upon solid oxide electrolysis. It can be used for the in-situ synthesis of CH4 from co-electrolysis of steam and air-captured CO2 with a right combination of electrocatalyst and process conditions to support methanation reactions. More interestingly, it is a green technology with nearly zero emission, and can be coupled with renewable energy sources to make the process more sustainable. However, this route is not yet well-established with a dearth of knowledge on the fundamental mechanism, reaction pathways and development of materials tailored to improve the reaction kinetics, product selectivity, and process efficiency. One of our research goals was to determine if this one-step route is more energy efficient than other two-step electrolytic routes of CH4 synthesis. So, in my poster, I will present an energy efficiency comparison of CH4 synthesis using four electrolytic routes. Our results show that in-situ CH4 synthesis in SOEC via co-electrolysis of steam and air-captured CO2 is a more energy-efficient and sustainable way of one-step atmospheric CO2 recycling as compared to other state-of-the-art electrolyzers like AEL/PEM or even SOEC coupled with a methanation reactor. In fact, energy requirement with in-situ methanation in SOEC is 18% less than the presently used two-step process of methane synthesis. So, this process is worthy of further investigations directed towards the understanding of reaction mechanism and enhancement of CH4 production rate.

Presented by

Saheli Biswas

Institution

Monash University, Chemical Engineering Department

Keywords

CO2 valorization, Solid Oxide Electrolysis, In-situ Methanation

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Effective pre-treatment of biomass for its conversion to high-value platform chemicals

Chandan Kundu

Abstract

The fossil fuel-dependent energy generation and chemical production are being replaced by renewable energy sources. Biomass is one such prominent renewable energy source, and its conversion to energy through pyrolysis is an established process. The pyrolysis generates three major products, namely, bio-oil, char, and gas. Although bio-oil is a potential fuel, a major setback to its commercialization is the difficulty in extracting highly valuable platform chemicals (Levoglucosenone (LGO) and 5-Chloromethayl furfural (5-CMF)) either before or after its usage as a fuel. The extraction of LGO and 5-CMF from bio-oil is expected to increase the market demand of biomass as an alternative renewable source of energy. This forms the pretext of our research. Synthesis of platform chemicals through fast pyrolysis of biomass is still an emerging technology. However, there are limited studies on acid pre-treatment of biomass before its thermochemical conversion to value-added chemicals. Our aim is to extract platform chemicals and provide high calorific value bio-oil from a single reaction. The constituents of lignocellulosic biomass can be converted thermo-chemically to LGO and 5-CMF. Acid treatment catalytically expedites biomass reactions and its thermal degradation to chemicals, enhancing both yield and selectivity of these chemicals. This study shows the production of LGO and 5-CMF from pre-treated biomass through a thermo-catalytic route in a fluidized bed reactor. We used both hardwood and softwood for our experiments. At first, lignin was removed from the wood samples through peracetic acid pre-treatment. Then the delignified biomass were pyrolysed in a fluidized bed reactor in the temperature range of 250 to 500°C.

Our results showed that the pre-treatment at 90°C for five hours effectively removed both hemicellulose sugar and lignin from hardwood and softwood. We found that delignified biomass effectively improved the yield and selectivity of platform chemicals during thermo-catalytic conversion at 400°C.

Presented by

Chandan Kundu <chandan.kundu@monash.edu>

Institution

Monash University

Keywords

Pre-treatment, Platform chemicals, Levoglucosenone and 5-Chloromethyl furfural

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Microbial Community and Function Perspective of a Full-Scale Aerobic Cold-Rolling Emulsion Wastewater (CREW) Treatment System

Meng Tang, Zhikao Li, Xiwang Zhang

Abstract

Cold-rolling emulsion wastewater (CREW) is an important type of wastewater generated from steel cold-rolling processes. In this study, a full-scale biochemical process, an aerobic bioreactor, was employed to treat CREW. Based on the consecutive one-year field data, it was found that the average removal rate of total oil, TOC and COD reached 75.2%, 83% and 81%, respectively. The results of high-throughput sequencing demonstrated that the dominant phyla was Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Bacteroidetes, which was consistent with other reported wastewater aerobic biochemical treatment systems. The 12-month average relative abundance of one dominant class, Alphaproteobacteria, was slightly higher than that of Betaproteobacteria, which is different from many reported cases that studied oil containing wastewater. Combined with the results of the GC×GC-MS analysis of the influent and effluent, it was hypothesized that this phenomenon was driven by the presence of phenols. Finally, the rationale of the hypothesis was discussed in detail according to the redundancy analysis, as well as the function and classification of dominant bacteria at genus level.

Presented by

Meng Tang

Institution

Monash University, Department of Chemical Engineering.

Keywords

cold-rolling emulsion wastewater, full-scale, aerobic bioreactor, biodegradation, microbial community, phenols

Softening Gold for Stretchable Electrochemical Biosensors to Real-time and In-situ Monitor Living Cells

Quanxia Lyu, Yunzhi Ling, Qingfeng Zhai, Shu Gong, Jennifer Dyson, Wenlong Cheng*

Abstract

Traditional electrochemical biosensing electrodes (e.g. gold disk, glassy carbon electrode, etc.) can undergo sophisticated design to detect chemicals/biologicals from cells. However, such electrodes are typically rigid and non-stretchable, rendering it challenging to detect cellular activities in real-time and in-situ when cells are in mechanically deformed states. Gold has been widely used as sensing electrodes for probing biological events due to their high conductivity, chemical inertness, biocompatibility, wide electrochemical window, and facile surface modification. So the development of mechanical compliant electrochemical biosensors based on gold to monitor mechanically deformed cells is of great interest. We report two soften gold strategies for the stretchable electrochemical cell-sensing platform. Living cells can grow directly on the fabricated stretchable high-surface-area soft gold electrodes with strong adhesion, demonstrating their excellent biocompatibility. Further cell stimulation by adding chemicals induced H2O2, which can be detected in real-time and in-situ by the soft gold cell-sensing platform for both natural and stretched states of cells. Our results indicate the soft gold electrochemical biosensors may serve as a general cell-sensing platform for living organisms under mechanical deformed states.

Presented by

Quanxia lyu

Institution

Monash University, Department of Chemical Engineering

Keywords

soften gold, stretchable electrochemical biosensor, real-time detection, mechanical deformed cells

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Available November 19th, 1pm- 2pm EST

Analysis of Microplastics from Great Australian Bight using Label-free Spiral Microfluidic Device

Chen Liu, Shubham Dighe, Jing Zhang, Bee Luan Khoo (CUHK), Justine Barrett (CSIRO), Mark Banaszak Holl

Abstract

This research aims at analyzing the microplastics present in the deep-sea sediment samples collected from the Great Australian Bight (GAB). A label free spiral microfluidic device is used for separating the microplastic using the principle of spiral microfluidics. The research is bifurcated into two segments, firstly analyzing the functioning of microfluidic device by optimizing the parameters like flow rate and fluid density used for separation and lastly combining the observations from the initial experimental runs to carry out the separation on samples from Great Australian Bight (GAB). Finally, an initial foundation is laid for carrying out further research on separation of microplastics.

Presented by

Shubham Dighe, Chen Liu

Institution

Monash University, Department of Chemical Engineering; City University of Hong Kong; CSIRO

Keywords

Microplastics, Spiral Microfluidics

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Modelling of Melt Pool Dynamics in Laser Powder Bed Fusion Process in Additive Manufacturing

E.L. Li, L. Wang, R.P. Zou, A.B. Yu and Z.Y. Zhou

Abstract

A model is developed to investigate heat transfer and melt pool behavior in the laser powder bed fusion process.The main features of powder melting and solidification can be well captured by this model. Marangoni force caused by the temperature gradient drives the molten liquid to flow away from the laser spot. The increase of laser powder leads to more melted powders. Video presentation: MVPS2020-Erlei Li-modelling of melt pool dynamics in laser powder bed fusion process in additive manufacturing Watch my 3-minute video presentation: https://vimeo.com/479680315 Ask a question or contact me about my research Name (Full Name): Erlei Li Email: erlei.li@monash.edu

Presented by

Erlei Li

Institution

Monash University, Department of Chemical Engineering

Keywords

laser powder bed fusion; additive manufacturing; melt pool; modelling

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Selective Deoxygenation of Biomass Volatiles into Light Oxygenates Catalyzed by S-Doped, Nano-size Zinc-Rich Scrap Tyre Char

Qiaoqiao Zhou, Sasha Yang, Huanting Wang, Zhenyu Liu, Lian Zhang

Abstract

In this paper, we report the unique properties and catalytic performance of scrap tyre char, an otherwise low-value waste derivative on the selective deoxygenation of biomass volatiles (derived from flash pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass at 500oC) into value-added light oxygenates including furfural and phenol. Due to the inclusion of sulphur (S) and zinc oxide (ZnO) as additives during the prior tyre manufacturing process, the pyrolysis-derived tyre char is rich in both organically bound S and nano-sized zinc sulphide (ZnS) that are highly dispersed within the carbonaceous matrix. Detailed characterisations of the fresh and spent catalysts have been conducted to elaborate the unique mechanisms, upon the use of XPS, TEM-SAED, XAS, NEXAFS, Pyridine-FTIR, and NH3-TPD. As has been confirmed, multiple acidic sites are present in tyre char, including organically bound S serving as a weak Brønsted acid and nano-sized ZnS being a strong Lewis acid. The former acid is active for dehydration, whilst the latter one mainly catalyses the decarboxylation and decarbonylation reactions. Upon the interaction with adsorbed oxygen-bearing species and water molecules, the ZnS-centered active acid site can in-situ transform into a ZnSOx-centered super strong acid site, which is a Brønsted acid that is able to enhance the deoxygenation extent remarkably. More interestingly, the organic S enables an in-situ sulphidation of the less active ZnO on the catalyst surface, thereby enabling a continuous exposure of bio-oil vapour to the highly active ZnS and its sulphate derivative. This in turn enlarges the lifetime of the catalyst and its strong stability upon cyclic tests.

Presented by

Qiaoqiao Zhou

Institution

Monash University, Department of Chemical Engineering

Keywords

Bio-oil selective deoxygenation; Waste scrap tyre char; Nano-sized ZnS; Organic sulphur; In-situ acidity transformation

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Available 2-3 pm on Wednesday or Thursday

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In the biomass-fired boilers/gasifiers, severe deposition and fouling take place because of the emission of alkali and alkaline earth metals (AAEM). For operating and designing purpose of boiler/gasifier, it is critical to understand the emission and speciation characteristics of AAEM in a heated gas environment under reducing condition. Unfortunately, the understanding associated with the emission of AAEM out of bio-slag is very limited at present. Most of the information available currently are quantitative rather than qualitative. However, it is also crucial to understand the effect of AAEM emission on the bio-slag propensity and flowability structurally. Among the AAEM found in the biomass ash, potassium (K) is the most abundant one (up to 53.58 wt.%). Thus, in this study efforts were made to understand the effect of K loss on the bio-ash slagging propensity and flowability both quantitatively and qualitatively by conducting experiments under a mild reducing environment at high temperatures. Experiments were conducted on various biomass ash at different temperature, residence time, and inclination angle to understand the influence of several parameters on K loss. Moreover, additive K was added into the ash in form of KOH and KCl to understand its effect on slagging propensity and flowability. The key conclusions that came from this study are: (i) Bio-slag travel length and mass loss are highly influenced by basic to acidic ratio of bio-ash. (ii) Temperature and inclination angle highly influences the release behaviour of K. With increasing temperature K loss gradually increases. However, at low inclination angle bio-slag starts corroding the plate due to its corrosive nature. Thus higher K loss takes place at low inclination angle. Whereas, at a higher inclination angle, they do not get the chance to corrode the plate due to the low interaction between slag and plate. Thus, a higher quantity of K remains in the slag. (iii) Residence time has less effect on the K loss, most of the vaporisation takes place at the initial stage, later, very little or no vaporisation takes place (iv) For bio-ash 4 or similar type of ashes if more than 70 wt.% potassium remains in the slag, it will enhance the bio-slag flowability.

Presented by

Tanvir Alam

Institution

Monash University, Department of Chemical Engineering

Keywords

Slagging, biomass ash, potassium loss, high temperature, combustion

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▼ Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Back to top

Aminobenzimidazoles as Antimalarials with an Unknown Mechanism of Action

Jomo K. Kigotho (1), Shane M. Devine (1), Matthew P. Challis (2), Darren J. Creek (2), Raymond S. Norton (1) and Peter J. Scammells (1)

Abstract

Malaria poses a major global health challenge as resistance develops to current treatments, requiring new antimalarials with alternate mechanisms of action. A fragment screen at MIPS identified 2-arylbenzimidazoles as potential antimalarial lead compounds, while a contemporaneous high throughput screen by AstraZeneca found a structurally similar compound containing a 2-aminobenzimidazole (ABI) to be a potent inhibitor (IC50 <100 nM) of both drug sensitive and drug resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum suggesting a possibly novel mechanism of action.

Compounds were assessed for antiplasmodial activity in a 72 hour, SYBR green, growth inhibition assay against Pf 3D7 with the 2 amino and phenol moieties found to be crucial to antiplasmodial activity. Substitution around the phenol has been explored, with a number of substituents improving potency while methyl and methoxy derivatives were twice as potent as the parent compound. Substitution on the amine directly was achieved through a titanium (IV) mediated synthesis and a number of alkyl derivatives were successfully synthesised. While all of these derivatives were less potent than the parent compound, several retained sub-micromolar activity suggesting room for alternate substituents at this position. Initial attempts at benzimidazole substitution were not regioselective but a synthetic method to access these derivatives has now been optimised. Substitution was tolerated with fluoro and bromo derivatives, while methyl substituents increased antimalarial activity at all 4 positions. Future work will focus on larger substituents and the use of hydrogen bond donors or acceptors while the ADME profile of this exciting series will be explored further.

Presented by

Jomo Kigotho

Institution

Medicinal Chemistry (1) and Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics (2), Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville

Keywords

Malaria, Medicinal Chemistry, Antimalarials, Synthetic Chemistry, Plasmodium falciparum, Drug Discovery, Synthesis

Abstract

Clinical outcomes for inflammatory arthritis have improved significantly with the use of immune-modulating drugs. However, some patients remain refractory to treatment and many experience side effects that compromise quality of life. Recent reports highlight the role of the lymphatic system and its resident immune cells in the development of inflammatory arthritis and suggest the potential to better treat disease and reduce side effects by targeting therapeutics the lymphatics. To assess the potential to target therapeutics to the joint-draining lymph node, experiments were conducted to assess the lymph and plasma pharmacokinetics, and lymph node uptake of model therapeutics after intravenous (IV) injection, intra-articular (IA) or subcutaneous (SC) injection or rituximab (a model biological immunomodulator) at or near the knee joint. IA administration appeared to promote rapid and more complete absorption of RTX compared to SC administration. RTX was transported from the IA and SC injection sites preferentially via the lymphatics, but a greater percentage of the dose was recovered in lymph after IA administration (~15% compared to <5% after SC). Importantly, IA but not SC injection promoted therapeutic targeting to the knee joint-draining iliac lymphatics, which are dysfunctional in inflammatory knee arthritis, while minimising exposure at healthy, unaffected lymphatics. IA injection therefore represents a novel mode of administration to target large molecular weight treatments to the joint-draining lymphatics.

Presented by

Alina Lam

Institution

Monash University

Keywords

Drug delivery, pharmacokinetics, arthritis, lymphatics

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▼ Faculty of Science - School of Chemistry Back to top

A national study on the gendered experiences of Australian undergraduate science students

Camilla R. Fisher

Abstract

Currently, only 29% of the Australian science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) qualified workforce are women. One way to rectify this gender imbalance is by recruiting more women in undergraduate STEM degrees, as this is a critical time point in the STEM career pathway. Yet, Australian research into the gender issues that remain at the university level in the STEM fields is limited. This national study used an online questionnaire to capture the gendered experiences of undergraduate science students across eight different institutions. Specifically, their feelings of belonging, science identity, and experiences of gender bias while at university were reported. Findings highlighted the importance of high levels of belonging and science identity for female science students. Additionally, experiences of gender bias were reported by both male and female-identifying students. Examples of discriminatory experiences often related to negative experiences of group work for female students, while male students reported diversity initiatives in STEM, such as women-only scholarships, as discriminatory against males. These findings have implications for university science educators and future research and interventions addressing gender inequality in the STEM fields.

Video presentation: A national study on the gendered experiences of Australian undergraduate science students Watch my 3-minute video presentation: https://vimeo.com/475713792 Ask a question or contact me about my research: Camilla Fisher (camilla.fisher@monash.edu)

Presented by

Camilla Fisher

Institution

Monash University

Keywords

gender bias, gender equality, higher education, science education

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Quantification of hydrogen peroxide in selected commercial beverages

Dilini Bopitiya, Jie Zhang and Louise E. Bennett

Abstract

Quantification of hydrogen peroxide in selected commercial beverages

Dilini Bopitiya1, Jie Zhang1 and Louise E. Bennett1 1School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a reactive oxygen intermediate that regulates essential biochemical reactions but also causes irreversible tissue damage under dysregulated or acute exposure conditions. It was hypothesized that mixtures of redox-active ingredients used in ‘functional” beverages added for their anti-oxidant properties, might actually exert a net pro-oxidant effect, which would be detectable as H2O2. The levels of H2O2 were analysed in a selection of Energy drinks (E, N=28), Soft drinks (S, N=6) and Mineral waters (W, N=6). Catalase-sensitive concentrations of H2O2 in drinks were measured using the ‘FOX’ assay [1] with and without sample treatment by catalase. In addition to fresh samples, effects of sample purging with either air or nitrogen was also investigated. The concentrations of H2O2 measured in beverages off-the-shelf ranged from 0.41 to 51.0 µM. Mean concentrations of H2O2 in drinks were: Energy drinks (9.39±0.69 µM), Soft drinks (4.52±0.67 µM) and Mineral waters (3.60±0.28 µM). Under, air-purged conditions, mean H2O2 contents were: 15.60+15.84; 1.39+2.06 and 0.30+0.21 µM in E, S and W drinks, respectively, showing the potential for increased production of H2O2 in Energy drinks after opening. The research indicates that the redox chemistry of ingredients in Energy drinks could produce significant concentrations of H2O2 with unknown risks to health.

Reference 1. Wolff, S.P., [18] Ferrous ion oxidation in presence of ferric ion indicator xylenol orange for measurement of hydroperoxides, in Methods in Enzymology. 1994, Academic Press. p. 182-189.

Presented by

Dilini Bopitiya

Institution

Monash University, Faculty of Science, School of Chemistry, Clayton, Victoria

Keywords

Hydrogen peroxide, Beverage, Redox, Energy drink

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Available November 17, 8.30-9.00am

Synthesis & Characterisation of a Hexadentate Bis(thiosemicarbazone) Chelator for Technetium Radiopharmaceuticals

Cormac A. A. Kelderman & Brett M. Paterson

Abstract

Approximately 40 million nuclear imaging scans are conducted yearly worldwide with over 95% of these scans implementing single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), most of which utilise 99mTc (t1/2 = 6.02 h; 90% γ).[1] Rhenium is a group 7 congener of technetium and can be used as a non-radioactive substitute for technetium coordination chemistry due to the similar electronegativity, ionic radii and accessible oxidation states.[2] Bis(thiosemicarbazones) have shown to coordinate a variety of transition metal ions in either a neutral or anionic form through N and S donor atoms.[3] A hexadentate bis(thiosemicarbazone) has been shown to coordinate Re5+.[3]

This research utilises 1H and 13C{1H} NMR, high resolution mass spectrometry and high-pressure liquid chromatography for characterisation of bis(thiosemicarbazonato) Re5+ complexes to investigate the coordination chemistry. Preliminary radiolabelling with [99mTc]Tc5+, distribution coefficients and stability studies have been used to investigate the biological properties of the hexadentate bis(thiosemicarbazonato) technetium and rhenium complexes.

References: [1] (a) S. Pascu, J. Dilworth, J. Label. Compd. Radiopharm. 2014, 57, 191-194. (b) P. J. Blower, Dalton Trans. 2015, 44, 4819-4844. [2] Chemistry of the Elements (Second Edition) (Eds N. N. Greenwood, A. Earnshaw) 1997, 24, 1040-1069 (Elsevier: UK). [3] B. M. Paterson, J. M. White, P. S. Donnelly, Dalton Trans. 2010, 39, 2831-2837.

Video presentation: MVPS2020 – Cormac Kelderman – Synthesis & Characterisation of a Hexadentate Bis(thiosemcarbazone) Chelator for Technetium Radiopharmaceuticals Watch my 3-minute video presentation: https://youtu.be/mGV19ZUQCTc Ask a question or contact me about my research at: Name: Cormac Kelderman Email: cormac.kelderman1@monash.edu

Presented by

Cormac Kelderman <cormac.kelderman1@monash.edu>

Institution

School of Chemistry, Monash University

Keywords

Technetium-99m, Thiosemicarbazone, Bifunctional Chelator, Radiopharmaceutical

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Available Tuesday 17th November 2-3pm (Password: 782915)

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