{"title":"Preface for a Special Issue on Sustainable Catalysis","authors":"Feng-Shou Xiao","doi":"10.1021/cbe.6c00076","DOIUrl":"10.1021/cbe.6c00076","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":100230,"journal":{"name":"Chem & Bio Engineering","volume":"3 7","pages":"633–634"},"PeriodicalIF":8.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148611683","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chem & Bio EngineeringPub Date : 2026-07-23Epub Date: 2026-03-26DOI: 10.1021/cbe.5c00167
Francesca von Ziegner, Grit Brauckmann, Christoph Witthoefft, Paul Bubenheim, Thomas Waluga
{"title":"Development of an Experimental Setup and a Validated Model for a Highly Integrated Biocatalytic Process","authors":"Francesca von Ziegner, Grit Brauckmann, Christoph Witthoefft, Paul Bubenheim, Thomas Waluga","doi":"10.1021/cbe.5c00167","DOIUrl":"10.1021/cbe.5c00167","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The development and validation of a mathematical modelfor a highlyintegrated biocatalytic process are presented. A multienzymatic cascadecomprising three parallel and sequential reaction steps was implementedin a miniplant setup, integrating an enzyme membrane reactor (EMR)and a reactive extraction centrifuge (REC) to enable intensified biotransformations.Laboratory-scale experiments were conducted to obtain the kineticand thermodynamic data necessary for model development. The resultingprocess model captures both the enzymatic reaction kinetics and thedynamic behavior of the integrated unit operations. Model validationwas performed under representative process conditions in the miniplantsystem. The results demonstrate good agreement between the model andexperimental data, confirming the predictive power of the model andsupporting its use in future process design, scale-up, and optimization.This work underscores the importance of model-based development foradvancing sustainable and efficient biocatalytic processes.</p>","PeriodicalId":100230,"journal":{"name":"Chem & Bio Engineering","volume":"3 7","pages":"641–649"},"PeriodicalIF":8.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148611636","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"All-Dry Molecular Scale Processing for Shaping Open Pockets with CO2 Affinity in a Covalent Organic Framework","authors":"Zhiwen Chen, Yicheng Luo, Jipeng Xu, Ming Zhang, Chunxiao Li, Rundao Chen, Yingwu Luo, Zongbi Bao, Cheng Lian, Junjie Zhao","doi":"10.1021/cbe.6c00035","DOIUrl":"10.1021/cbe.6c00035","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Carbon dioxide capture is key toachieving carbon neutralityandaddressing climate change. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) withtailored pore structures have emerged as potential candidates forCO<sub>2</sub> adsorption. However, previous postsynthetic modificationmethods often face an inevitable trade-off between increasing adsorptionsites and maintaining pore accessibility. Herein, we report an all-drymolecular scale processing (MSP) approach that forms open pocketsin COF mesopores by covalently grafting chains with Zn open metalsites and primary amine groups as dual CO<sub>2</sub>-philic sites.The resulting COF not only maintains a BET surface area up to 1180m<sup>2</sup> g<sup>–1</sup> but also enables an ideal selectivityfor CO<sub>2</sub>/N<sub>2</sub> of 153 at 100 kPa, which is almost10-fold higher than the pristine COF. Mechanistic investigations revealthat micropore filling and strong binding sites contribute to enhancedCO<sub>2</sub> adsorption. The pore engineering strategy reportedhere provides essential insights for developing the next generationof adsorbent materials.</p>","PeriodicalId":100230,"journal":{"name":"Chem & Bio Engineering","volume":"3 7","pages":"650–655"},"PeriodicalIF":8.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148611622","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chem & Bio EngineeringPub Date : 2026-06-25Epub Date: 2026-02-23DOI: 10.1021/cbe.5c00150
Jingkai Zhao, Manli Rao, Yao Shen, Qiaoli Wang, Jiexu Ye, Ke Feng, Shihan Zhang
{"title":"Bioelectrode Healing via Engineered Electrode Reconstruction on Biofilms under Strong Acid and Ultrahigh Current Density","authors":"Jingkai Zhao, Manli Rao, Yao Shen, Qiaoli Wang, Jiexu Ye, Ke Feng, Shihan Zhang","doi":"10.1021/cbe.5c00150","DOIUrl":"10.1021/cbe.5c00150","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Novelbioelectrodes are being developed to advance theapplicationsof bioelectrocatalytic technology in various energy and environmentalscenarios. However, concerns about the sustainability of engineeredelectrodes during prolonged operation is keeping raised. This studyproposes a novel bioelectrode healing strategy via in situ electrodereconstruction on biofilms. The amount of viable cells in healed bioelectrodedecreases by 24.23% because of the extreme conditions of strong acid(pH 0.1) and ultrahigh current density (−4.4 to 8.5 ×10<sup>5</sup> mA m<sup>–2</sup>) during the redeposition ofsponge-like polyaniline@carbon nanotube; however, it quickly recoversto 1.88-fold that of the unhealed bioelectrode. Compared with thecontrol, the healed bioelectrode attains a 2.61-fold toluene degradationkinetics (2.71 h<sup>–1</sup>), a 1.36-fold power density (401.4mW m<sup>–2</sup>), and a 1.09-fold Coulombic efficiency (14.69%),which are also considerably higher than the literature results. Theenergy cost for electrode healing (19.05 J) accounted for ∼4.7%of the energy recovered in the following operation, thus confirmingthe energy efficiency of the healing strategy. In addition, the outputvoltage of the healed bioelectrode decreases by 17.1% at the end ofa 60-day operation, with the corresponding decrement being 41.0% forthe unhealed control. Furthermore, the elevated concentrations ofATP, NADH, and c-type cytochromes, along with the upregulated genesrelated to intracellular and extracellular electron transfer, arefound to be the driving forces behind the superior and durable performance.</p>","PeriodicalId":100230,"journal":{"name":"Chem & Bio Engineering","volume":"3 6","pages":"585–597"},"PeriodicalIF":8.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148355308","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Strategies for Mitigation of Intermediate CO2 Poisoning to Promote Electrocatalytic Efficiency during Urea Oxidation Reaction","authors":"Sannibha Das, Prachi Upadhyay, Akash Joshy, Sankar Chakma","doi":"10.1021/cbe.5c00161","DOIUrl":"10.1021/cbe.5c00161","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Urea electrolysis plays a key role in various urea wastevalorizationprocesses. In this regard, the complex six-electron transfer process,urea oxidation reaction, is the key to achieving maximum efficiency.In this study, we developed multilayered α-Ni(OH)<sub>2</sub> sheets through a sonochemical approach. We used Fe<sup>3+</sup> todope the α-Ni(OH)<sub>2</sub> sheets in three different compositions.The synthesized catalysts were analyzed by using XRD, SEM, EDX, FTIR,and XPS. Using EDX and XPS, successful doping of iron was confirmed.The electrocatalytic activities were characterized by CV, LSV, EIS,and CA techniques. Through CV analysis, it was identified that Fe<sup>3+</sup> did not directly participate in the electrochemical reaction;rather, due to high Lewis acidity, it was modulating the electronicenvironment of Ni<sup>2+</sup> ions. Iron doping induced a reductionin the onset potential and synergistically increased the catalyticcurrent by promoting a higher number of active sites for urea adsorption.Tafel analysis concluded that the improved reaction kinetics was dueto iron incorporation. Using Nyquist and Bode plots, it was identifiedthat iron doping promoted CO<sub>2</sub> production as RDS. Therefore,catalyst poisoning due to prolonged adsorption of CO<sub>2</sub> wasdiminished, and subsequently, catalyst stability was increased. Overall,while Fe<sup>3+</sup> doping has proved to be a significant methodto enhance catalytic activity, careful optimization of concentrationis required to build a state-of-the-art catalytic architecture forurea waste valorization.</p>","PeriodicalId":100230,"journal":{"name":"Chem & Bio Engineering","volume":"3 6","pages":"598–609"},"PeriodicalIF":8.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148355414","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"New Frontiers in AI-Nano Converged Platforms for Intelligent Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Safety Evaluation","authors":"Huijie Zhou, Jiming Xu, Xinyu Qin, Jing Zhang, Wenjiang Zou, Mohsen Shakouri, Jun Wu, Lvzhou Li, Yuping Li, Jianning Ding, Huan Pang","doi":"10.1021/cbe.5c00188","DOIUrl":"10.1021/cbe.5c00188","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The complexity of nanomedicine poses a significant challengetotraditional empirical methods. Machine learning (ML), with its abilityto parse high-dimensional data and predict nonlinear interactions,is empowering AI nano fusion platforms, driving innovation in diagnosticand therapeutic evaluation paradigms. This review explores breakthroughapplications of ML in core areas of nanomedicine, including intelligentdiagnosis (such as ML enhanced nanosensors for high-precision noninvasivecancer early screening), precision therapy (such as closed-loop systemdriven rational design and delivery optimization of nanomedicine),safety assessment (such as interpretable AI prediction of biologicaland environmental toxicity of nanomaterials), and clinical translation(to address scientific challenges related to standardization, reproducibility,and regulatory). The paper provides an in-depth analysis of the keybottlenecks currently facing the transition from laboratory to clinicalapplication, such as batch differences, dynamic interference, andregulatory lag. Based on recent research progress, a future pathto achieve an intelligent closed-loop of “design diagnosisand treatment evaluation” is proposed, providing key insightsfor the development of the next generation of safe and efficient intelligentnanodiagnosis and treatment platforms.</p>","PeriodicalId":100230,"journal":{"name":"Chem & Bio Engineering","volume":"3 6","pages":"555–584"},"PeriodicalIF":8.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148355305","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Ultrarapid Purification of Manganese-52 from Chromium-52 Targets via Potentiostatic Anodic Dissolution and Chelation Ion Chromatography","authors":"Qi Zhao, Junyi Wang, Junhua Xu, Mengxian Liu, Kaimin Shih","doi":"10.1021/cbe.5c00131","DOIUrl":"10.1021/cbe.5c00131","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Manganese-52 (<sup>52</sup> Mn, <em>t</em><sub>1/2</sub> = 5.6 days) is an attractive positron-emitting isotopefor integratedpositron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Its availability,however, is constrained by the challenge of achieving rapid, high-purityseparation from cyclotron-irradiated chromium-52 (<sup>52</sup>Cr)targets. This study presents an ultrarapid, two-step purificationstrategy that couples potentiostatic anodic dissolution with single-columnchelation ion chromatography. Electrochemical analysis indicates thatthe Mn target undergoes rapid oxidation and is dissolved as amminecomplexes in an ammonium/ammonium chloride buffer (pH 8) at 0.7 V(vs Hg/HgO), whereas the Cr target remained almost passivated andtrace Cr leached was precipitated on the target surface as Cr(OH)<sub>3</sub> under identical conditions. The sharp decrease in anodiccurrent density, induced by the distinct dissolution behavior of Mn/Crtargets, provides a convenient real-time endpoint for assessing completeMn dissolution. The resulting analyte was then loaded directly ontoiminodiacetate resins (Diaion CR11) and eluted with HCl, convertingthe ammine complexes to hydrated Mn<sup>2+</sup>. Simulated experimentsachieved a Mn chromatographic recovery of 98.65% with >99.99% puritywithin 30 min. This integrated approach offers significant advantagesin processing speed and recovery yield over conventional methods,demonstrating high potential for the production of clinical <sup>52</sup> Mn.</p>","PeriodicalId":100230,"journal":{"name":"Chem & Bio Engineering","volume":"3 6","pages":"610–618"},"PeriodicalIF":8.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148355421","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chem & Bio EngineeringPub Date : 2026-06-25Epub Date: 2026-04-29DOI: 10.1021/cbe.6c00054
Roufen Wu, Jiahe Li, Ze Ji, Xiao Han, Da Zhang, Khak Ho Lim, Zhenglong Li, Tiffany Abitbol, Wen-Jun Wang, Xuan Yang
{"title":"Nanoengineered All-Cellulose Bilayer Barrier Papers for High-Performance and Recyclable Food Packaging","authors":"Roufen Wu, Jiahe Li, Ze Ji, Xiao Han, Da Zhang, Khak Ho Lim, Zhenglong Li, Tiffany Abitbol, Wen-Jun Wang, Xuan Yang","doi":"10.1021/cbe.6c00054","DOIUrl":"10.1021/cbe.6c00054","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Plastic packaging poses a major environmentalchallenge, yet mostpaper-based alternatives rely on unsustainable coatings and additivesto achieve barrier and mechanical performance. Here, we introducean all-cellulose bilayer barrier paper in which cellulose nanofibrils(CNFs) function as a dual-purpose coating and reinforcement. Ratherthan applying CNFs as a postcoating, we employ a simple filtrationprocess combining pulp fibers and CNFs that induces spontaneous bilayerformation, yielding a dense CNF layer atop a pulp-rich substrate.This design delivers outstanding performance: oil resistance exceedscommercial standards even at 85 °C (KIT Level 12), water contactangle increases by >60°, water absorption is significantlyreduced(Cobb<sub>60</sub> decreases from 290 to 50 g·m<sup>–2</sup>), and thermal stability can hold up to 270 °C. While air permeabilitydecreases to near zero, the material maintains a moderate oxygen transmissionrate at 50% relative humidity (97 cc·m<sup>–2</sup>·day<sup>–1</sup>·atm<sup>–1</sup>). Beyond a 200% improvementin mechanical strength and wet strength suitable for food packagingapplications, the bilayer structure remains robust under folding andpeeling, outperforming commercial papers for hot food, refrigeratedmeats, and baking. Importantly, the all-cellulose composition enablesover 98% fiber recovery by recycling, substantially reducing the carbonfootprint relative to commercial food barrier papers with limitedrecyclability. By combining nanoengineering, high functionality, andcircularity, this work establishes a biobased platform for sustainablefood packaging with broad societal and environmental impact.</p>","PeriodicalId":100230,"journal":{"name":"Chem & Bio Engineering","volume":"3 6","pages":"619–632"},"PeriodicalIF":8.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148355288","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Mg2+-Dependent Remodeling of Biomolecular Condensates’ Microenvironments for Tunable Molecular Uptake and Altered Biochemical Dynamics","authors":"Yifeng Zhu, Xinran Yu, Chengying Yin, Xingxin Liu, Zhengyan Wu, Delong Zhang, Hyeon Jeong Lee, Liangfei Tian","doi":"10.1021/cbe.6c00002","DOIUrl":"10.1021/cbe.6c00002","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Biomolecular condensates have emergedas a transformativeparadigmin biomedical and materials sciences due to their unique capacityfor molecular sequestration and dynamic adaptability. Precise modulationof their microenvironmental properties enables versatile applicationsincluding protocell engineering, targeted therapeutics, and smartbioreactor systems. Here, we demonstrate that multivalent ions, exemplifiedby magnesium ions (Mg<sup>2+</sup>), exert concentration-dependentregulation of condensate physicochemical properties and biologicalfunctions. Using a model system composed of cationic arginine decamer(R10) and anionic polyglutamate (PolyE), we systematically show thatMg<sup>2+</sup> concentration gradients influence the size distribution,surface charge, viscosity, and internal polarity. Critically, we establishlinks between ion-induced microenvironmental changes and functionaloutcomes: (i) dsDNA structural stability and ssDNA hybridization kineticsare altered in an ion-dependent manner; (ii) guest molecule enrichmentcapacity shows selective tuning; and (iii) alkaline phosphatase (ALP)catalytic efficiency exhibits nonlinear dose–response relationships.These findings offer mechanistic insights into cellular ion homeostasisand provide design principles for ion-responsive synthetic condensateswith programmable functionality. Our work bridges fundamental biophysicalprinciples with translational applications in smart biomaterials andprecision medicine.</p>","PeriodicalId":100230,"journal":{"name":"Chem & Bio Engineering","volume":"3 5","pages":"535–545"},"PeriodicalIF":8.4,"publicationDate":"2026-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148152775","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chem & Bio EngineeringPub Date : 2026-05-28Epub Date: 2026-03-24DOI: 10.1021/cbe.5c00179
Ye Wang, Yinuo Xie, Rong Dong, Yuanpeng Wang
{"title":"Enhancement Strategies for Bioelectrocatalytic Conversion of Organic Waste","authors":"Ye Wang, Yinuo Xie, Rong Dong, Yuanpeng Wang","doi":"10.1021/cbe.5c00179","DOIUrl":"10.1021/cbe.5c00179","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Bioelectrocatalytic conversion of organic waste usesrenewableelectricity to convert organic waste into high-value chemicals andfuels under mild conditions. It is regarded as a strategic link connectingwaste refinement and the green economy, providing a sustainable approachfor the high-value utilization of waste resources. This article systematicallyreviews: (1) the basic principles and reaction mechanisms of bioelectrocatalyticconversion of organic waste; (2) the development history and key breakthroughsof organic waste biological electrochemical conversion; (3) microbialengineering strategies based on genetic engineering and syntheticbiology; (4) the directions for process and reactor optimization.This review uniquely integrates advancements in biological innovationand process engineering, offering a holistic perspective on synergisticoptimization across molecular, microbial, and reactor scales. By explicitlybridging microbial carbon/electron flux engineering with bioreactordesign and process coupling, it aims to establish a comprehensiveroadmap for accelerating the industrial-scale application of bioelectrocatalytictechnologies in organic waste treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":100230,"journal":{"name":"Chem & Bio Engineering","volume":"3 5","pages":"496–512"},"PeriodicalIF":8.4,"publicationDate":"2026-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148152846","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}