Power generation from unconditioned industrial wastewaters using commercial membranes-based microbial fuel cells

Mohamed, Hend Omar,Obaid, M.,Khalil, Khalil Abdelrazek,Barakat, Nasser A.M. Elsevier 2016 International journal of hydrogen energy Vol.41 No.7

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>The use of commercially available cation and anion exchange membranes to generate power from industrial wastewater obtained from three different industries (food, alcohol and dairy factories) without the addition of external microorganisms or chemicals by using microbial fuel cells (MFCs) was investigated. The results indicate that the original mixed culture of microorganisms presented in wastewater can act as an effective bio-anode. Overall, the tested wastewaters show a good tendency for power generation in both cation- and anion- based MFCs. However, when compared to anion membranes, cation membranes exhibit a distinctly higher performance for all tested wastewaters. Cation membrane-based MFCs generate 1007 mWm<SUP>−3</SUP> of power from food, 627 mWm<SUP>−3</SUP> from alcohol, and 507 mWm<SUP>−3</SUP> from dairy wastewaters while anion membranes generate 190.5, 164, and 38 mWm<SUP>−3</SUP>, respectively. COD analyses and Coulombic efficiency measurements indicate that more organic pollutants are removed and higher efficiency is achieved by using cation membrane-MFCs rather than anion ones. SEM images of the anodes confirmed the formation of active bio-anodes with attached microorganisms, and FT-IR analyses reveal that the anion membranes are slightly affected by the wastewaters, especially by dairy wastewaters while the cation membranes exhibit a comparatively higher stability.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Microbial fuel cells can be effectively utilized with industrial wastewaters. </LI> <LI> Cation membranes exhibit distinctly high performance. </LI> <LI> The suggested MFCs are working without using external microorganisms. </LI> <LI> The as-received industrial wastewaters were used without preliminary treatment. </LI> </UL> </P>

New record of five anaerobic ciliate species from South Korea

OMAR ATEF ISMAIL MOHAMED,정재호 국립생물자원관 2022 Journal of species research Vol.11 No.2

During a field survey to report unrecorded Korean ciliates, we collected five anaerobic ciliate species in two samples from freshwater and marine environments. These species belong to the classes Armophorea and Plagiopylea. The morphology of these species was studied based on live observations, protargol impregnation, and scanning electron microscope. Brachonella contorta is characterized by a size of 80- 100×40-60 μm in vivo, a bullet-shaped body, and about 60 oral polykinetids making 360° spiral around long axis. Brachonella pulchra is characterized by a size of 80-110×50-70 μm in vivo and adoral zone composed of about 40 oral polykinetids with minimal spiralization. Metopus setosus is characterized by a size of 45-70×20-30 μm in vivo, about 22 ciliary rows, very long caudal cilia, and 20 oral polykinetids. Plagiopyla nasuta is a freshwater species characterized by a size of 80-120×50-60 μm in vivo, striated band present, straight extrusomes, and about 70 somatic ciliary rows. The marine Plagiopyla frontata is characterized by a size of 80-120×40-60 μm in vivo, an oval to ellipsoid body shape, 50-60 somatic ciliary rows, and curved extrusomes.

Investigating the effect of membrane layers on the cathode potential of air-cathode microbial fuel cells

Mohamed, Hend Omar,Abdelkareem, Mohammad Ali,Park, Mira,Lee, Jinpyo,Kim, Taewoo,Prasad Ojha, Gunendra,Pant, Bishweshwar,Park, Soo-Jin,Kim, HakYong,Barakat, Nasser A.M. Elsevier 2017 International journal of hydrogen energy Vol.42 No.38

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>This study investigates the effect of cation exchange membrane (CEM) diffusion layers on cathode potential behavior in microbial fuel cells based on a cobalt electrodeposited anode that works in actual industrial wastewater. The structural properties of the modified anode materials were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which showed a strong and clear biofilm layer on the anode surface. Additionally, the structural properties of the utilized cathode materials were evaluated using energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrometry and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) techniques, which confirmed the transfer of cobalt ions through the CEM to the cathode surface. Finally, the performance of the modified anode material with various CEMs as diffusion layers was investigated in air-cathode microbial fuel cells. The results indicate that the metal electrodeposition strategy, which utilizes multiple CEM layers, enhanced the power and current generation by 498.2 and 455%, respectively. Moreover, the Columbic efficiency (CE) increased by 77%, 154.5%, and 232% for the MFC with one, two and three CEM layers, respectively.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Multilayer-cation exchange membrane enhanced cathode potential of MFC. </LI> <LI> Electro deposition of cobalt significantly improved the anode activity. </LI> <LI> Multilayer CEM and Co deposition increased power by 498.2% and current by 455%. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Transition metal nanoparticles doped carbon paper as a cost-effective anode in a microbial fuel cell powered by pure and mixed biocatalyst cultures

Mohamed, Hend Omar,Sayed, Enas Taha,Obaid, M.,Choi, Yun-Jeong,Park, Sung-Gwan,Al-Qaradawi, Siham,Chae, Kyu-Jung Elsevier 2018 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY - Vol.43 No.46

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>The poor wettability and high cost of the carbonaceous electrodes materials prohibited the practical applications of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) on large scale. Here, a novel nanoparticles of metal sheathed with metal oxide is electrodeposited on carbon paper (CP) to introduce as high-performance anodes of microbial fuel cell (MFC). This thin layer of metal/metal oxide significantly enhance the microbial adhesion, the wettability of the anode surface and decrease the electron transfer resistance. The investigation of the modified CP anodes in an air-cathode MFCs fed by various biocatalyst cultures shows a significant improving in the MFC performance. Where, the generated power and current density was 140% and 210% higher as compared to the pristine CP. Mixed culture of exoelectrogenic microorganism in wastewater exhibited good performance and generated higher power and current density compared to yeast as pure culture. The excellent capacitance with a distinctive nanostructure morphology of the modified-CP open an avenues for practical applications of MFCs.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Metal/Metal oxide nanoparticles are introduced as effective anode catalyst of MFC. </LI> <LI> Catalyst layer enhances the surface wettability of carbon paper anode materials. </LI> <LI> The introduced anode catalyst showed promising results with pure and mixed culture. </LI> <LI> The nanoparticles layers enhanced power and current generation more than 2 times. </LI> <LI> The coulomb efficiency and COD removal percent were strongly increased. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Fe/Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles as anode catalyst for exclusive power generation and degradation of organic compounds using microbial fuel cell

Mohamed, Hend Omar,Obaid, M.,Poo, Kyung-Min,Ali Abdelkareem, Mohammad,Talas, Sawsan Abo,Fadali, Olfat A.,Kim, Hak Yong,Chae, Kyu-Jung Elsevier 2018 CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL -LAUSANNE- Vol.349 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Iron/iron oxide (Fe/Fe<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>3</SUB>) nanoparticles were deposited on the surface of different carbonaceous anode materials: carbon felt (CF), carbon cloth (CC), and graphite (G) as an effective catalyst to improve the anode performance of microbial fuel cell (MFC) based on the real industrial wastewater. Interestingly, the results of the characterization indicated the novel structure of the iron nanoparticles enveloped with a thin layer of iron oxide formed on the anode surfaces. This novel structure enhances the surface wettability of the electrode, the degradation reactions rate of organic compounds, and the microorganism adhesion on the electrode surface, and decreases the electron transfer resistance. Therefore, the generated power and current were considerable improved, where, the generated power was increased by 385%, 170%, and 130%, for the CF, CC, and G electrodes, respectively. Moreover, the MFC based on the modified electrodes achieved the excellent removal percentage (more than 80%) of organic compounds from wastewaters: This study presents a new approach for MFC application on a large scale based on low-cost and high-efficiency anodes for simultaneous power generation and wastewater treatment.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Fe/Fe<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>3</SUB> nanoparticles as catalyst layer were fabricated by electro deposition. </LI> <LI> Catalyst layer enhances the surface wettability of carbonaceous anode materials. </LI> <LI> Significantly increasing in produced power was achieved based on modified anodes. </LI> <LI> The modified anodes were used in MFC to treat the wastewater and produce energy. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Cobalt oxides-sheathed cobalt nano flakes to improve surface properties of carbonaceous electrodes utilized in microbial fuel cells

Mohamed, Hend Omar,Abdelkareem, Mohammad Ali,Obaid, M.,Chae, Su-Hyeong,Park, Mira,Kim, Hak Yong,Barakat, Nasser A.M. Elsevier 2017 Chemical engineering journal Vol.326 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>A novel nanoflakes of cobalt sheathed with cobalt oxide is electrodeposited on four different carbonaceous anodes; carbon cloth (CC), carbon paper (CP) graphite (G) and activated carbon (AC), to introduce as high-performance anodes of microbial fuel cell (MFC). Interestingly, characterizations results indicated that novel metallic nanoflakes that sheathed by a thin layer of cobalt oxide were formed on the surface of the different anode materials. Moreover, using a simple and effective electrodeposition technique for fabricating of cobalt/cobalt oxide nanoflakes is introduced to overcome the hydrophobicity and the interfacial electron transfer of the anodes. The thin layer of cobalt/cobalt oxide nanoflakes significantly enhanced the microbial adhesion, the wettability of the anode surface and decrease the electron transfer resistance. Alternatively, the toxicity risk of the pure cobalt is overcome by the cobalt oxide layer. The application of the modified anodes in an air-cathode MFCs fed by industrial wastewater resulted in a significant improving in cell performance for the different anode materials. Where, the observed increasing in the power was 103, 137, 173 and 71% for the CC, CP, G and AC electrodes, respectively. This proposed treatment technique represented a high-performance, excellent microbial adhesion, easy fabrication and scale-up anodes for MFC.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Cobalt oxides-sheathed cobalt nano flakes was deposited on anodes using electrodeposition. </LI> <LI> The modified anodes were used in MFC to treat the wastewater and produce energy. </LI> <LI> The modified anodes shows promising results in single air-cathode MFC. </LI> <LI> The results of the modified anodes were strongly enhanced compared to the pristine anodes. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Effective strategies for anode surface modification for power harvesting and industrial wastewater treatment using microbial fuel cells

Mohamed, Hend Omar,Sayed, Enas Taha,Cho, Hyunjin,Park, Mira,Obaid, M.,Kim, Hak-Yong,Barakat, Nasser A.M. Academic Press 2018 Journal of Environmental Management Vol. No.

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>This study investigates three different strategies for anode surface treatment by doping superficial nitrogen groups on the anode surfaces of carbon cloth (CC) and carbon paper (CP). The chosen anodes were hydrothermally treated in the presence of an ammonia solution (AST), a mixture of nitric acid and sulfuric acid (AHT), and solid urea (UT) at 180 °C for 3 h. The utilized characterization techniques confirmed doping of nitrogen on the anode surfaces and a decrease in the oxygen-bonded carbon content. Furthermore, the results showed that the power and current densities were significantly affected by the surface modification techniques. Interestingly, the AST strategy achieved the highest power density of 159.3 mW<SUP>−2</SUP> and 91.6 mWm<SUP>−2</SUP>, which revealed an increase in power of 115% and 56.8% for CC-AST and CP-AST, respectively. Additionally, the maximum coulombic efficiencies were 63.9% and 27.5% for the CC-AST and CP-AST anodes, respectively. Overall, these results highlight the significance of anode surface modification for enhancing MFC performance to generate electricity and treat actual wastewater.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Performance of CC and CP anodes in MFCs were enhanced by three different methods. </LI> <LI> The suggested MFC is working without using external microorganisms or mediators. </LI> <LI> The power generation was significantly affected by the modification techniques. </LI> <LI> The power density was increased by 103 and 61% for CC-AST and CP-AST. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Derived Epidermal Progenitor Cells Conditioned Media Ameliorate Skin Aging in Rats

Badr Omar I.,Anter Aya,Magdy Ihab,Chukueggu Marvellous,Khorshid Moamen,Darwish Mohamed,Farrag Mohamed,Elsayed Menna,Amr Youmna,Amgad Yomna,Mahmoud Tasnim,Kamal Mohamed M. 한국조직공학과 재생의학회 2024 조직공학과 재생의학 Vol.21 No.6

BACKGROUND: Skin alterations are among the most prominent signs of aging, and they arise from both intrinsic and extrinsic factors that interact and mutually influence one another. The use of d-galactose as an aging model in animals has been widely employed in anti-aging research. Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (Ad-MSCs) are particularly promising for skin anti-aging therapy due to their capacity for effective re-epithelization and secretion of various growth factors essential for skin regeneration. Accordingly, we aimed to examine the potential utility of Ad-MSCs as a therapy for skin anti-aging. METHODS: In this study, we isolated and characterized adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (Ad-MSCs) from the epididymal fat of male Sprague Dawley rats. We assessed the in vitro differentiation of Ad-MSCs into epidermal progenitor cells (EPCs) using ascorbic acid and hydrocoritsone. Additionally, we induced skin aging in female Sprague Dawley rats via daily intradermal injection of d-galactose over a period of 8 weeks. Then we evaluated the therapeutic potential of intradermal transplantation of Ad-MSCs and conditioned media (CM) derived from differentiated EPCs in the d-galactose-induced aging rats. Morphological assessments, antioxidant assays, and histopathological examinations were performed to investigate the effects of the treatments. RESULTS: Our findings revealed the significant capability of Ad-MSCs to differentiate into EPCs. Notably, compared to the group that received CM treatment, the Ad-MSCs-treated group exhibited a marked improvement in morphological appearance, antioxidant levels and histological features. CONCLUSIONS: These results underscore the effectiveness of Ad-MSCs in restoring skin aging as a potential therapy for skin aging. BACKGROUND: Skin alterations are among the most prominent signs of aging, and they arise from both intrinsic and extrinsic factors that interact and mutually influence one another. The use of d-galactose as an aging model in animals has been widely employed in anti-aging research. Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (Ad-MSCs) are particularly promising for skin anti-aging therapy due to their capacity for effective re-epithelization and secretion of various growth factors essential for skin regeneration. Accordingly, we aimed to examine the potential utility of Ad-MSCs as a therapy for skin anti-aging. METHODS: In this study, we isolated and characterized adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (Ad-MSCs) from the epididymal fat of male Sprague Dawley rats. We assessed the in vitro differentiation of Ad-MSCs into epidermal progenitor cells (EPCs) using ascorbic acid and hydrocoritsone. Additionally, we induced skin aging in female Sprague Dawley rats via daily intradermal injection of d-galactose over a period of 8 weeks. Then we evaluated the therapeutic potential of intradermal transplantation of Ad-MSCs and conditioned media (CM) derived from differentiated EPCs in the d-galactose-induced aging rats. Morphological assessments, antioxidant assays, and histopathological examinations were performed to investigate the effects of the treatments. RESULTS: Our findings revealed the significant capability of Ad-MSCs to differentiate into EPCs. Notably, compared to the group that received CM treatment, the Ad-MSCs-treated group exhibited a marked improvement in morphological appearance, antioxidant levels and histological features. CONCLUSIONS: These results underscore the effectiveness of Ad-MSCs in restoring skin aging as a potential therapy for skin aging.

Synthesis of New 4-Oxo-2-Thioxo-1,2,3,4-Tetrahydropyrimidine Derivatives with an Incorporated Thiazolidinone Moiety ...

Mahmoud Mohamed Bahgat,Amany Sayed Maghraby,Mogeda Emam Heiba,Andreas Ruppel,Omar Abd-elfattah Mohamed Fathalla 대한약학회 2005 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.28 No.9

5-Substituted 4-oxo-2-thioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine were synthesized by interaction of 4- oxo-2-thioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-5-sulfonylhydrazide with some aldehydes to give the corresponding Schiff-bases, which after cyclization gave corresponding thiazolidinones. For some of the thiazolidinones, Mannich bases reaction was carried out. All the derivatives were tested for their possible inhibitory effect on Schistosoma mansoni cercarial elastase (CE). Only, N'-(4-methylbenzyledine)-4-oxo-2-thioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-5-sulfonylhydrazide was found to have potent inhibitory effect on the CE activity with IC50 = 264 µM. Upon its use as a paint for mice tails before infection with S. mansoni cercariae, the compound formulated in jojoba oil caused a significant reduction (93%; P-value = 0.0002) in the worm burden. IgG & IgM in mice sera were measured by using several S. mansoni antigens by ELISA. Sera from treated infected mice (TIM) 2, 4, and 6 weeks (W) post infection (PI) showed 1.2 folds lower, 1.2 folds higher, 1.7 folds lower IgM reactivity against soluble cercarial antigenic preparation (CAP), respectively, when compared with sera collected from infected untreated mice (IUM). Sera from TIM 2, 4, and 6WPI showed 1.3, 1.6, and 1.7 folds higher IgG reactivity, respectively against CAP than the IgG reactivity from IUM. Sera from TIM 2, 4 and 6WPI showed 1.5, 1.2 folds lower and 1.4 folds higher IgM reactivity, respectively against soluble worm antigenic preparation (SWAP) when compared with sera collected from IUM. Sera from TIM 2, 4, and 6WPI showed 1.4, 1 folds lower and 1 fold higher IgG reactivity, respectivley to SWAP when compared with sera from IUM. Sera from TIM 2, 4, and 6WPI had generaly lower IgM and IgG reactivities against soluble egg antigen (SEA) when compared with sera from IUM.

Geochemical, multi-isotopic studies and geothermal potential evaluation of the complex Djibouti volcanic aquifer (republic of Djibouti)

Awaleh, Mohamed Osman,Boschetti, Tiziano,Soubaneh, Youssouf Djibril,Kim, Yongje,Baudron, Paul,Kawalieh, Ali Dirir,Ahmed, Moussa Mahdi,Daoud, Mohamed Ahmed,Dabar, Omar Assowe,Kadieh, Ibrahim Houssein,A Elsevier 2018 Applied geochemistry Vol.97 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>The complex Djibouti volcanic aquifer system was studied to improve understanding of the recharge conditions of the Awrlofoul low-enthalpy geothermal system located in the middle of the aquifer. Forty-four thermal and non-thermal groundwater samples were analyzed to determine their major chemical compositions, trace element compositions, and multi-isotopic compositions (δ<SUP>2</SUP>H(H<SUB>2</SUB>O), δ<SUP>18</SUP>O(H<SUB>2</SUB>O), δ<SUP>18</SUP>O(SO<SUB>4</SUB>), δ<SUP>34</SUP>S(SO<SUB>4</SUB>), δ<SUP>13</SUP>C(DIC), <SUP>14</SUP>C, <SUP>87</SUP>Sr/<SUP>86</SUP>Sr, δ<SUP>11</SUP>B, δ<SUP>15</SUP>N(NO<SUB>3</SUB> <SUP>−</SUP>), and δ<SUP>18</SUP>O(NO<SUB>3</SUB> <SUP>−</SUP>)). Statistical analysis (Hierarchical Cluster Analysis and Principal Component Analysis) of chemical composition identified three main water groups, two affected by salinization (C1 and C2) and one fresh water group useful for drinking (C3). The latter group includes thermal water from the Awrlofoul geothermal field. This separation into three different water groups is also clear on a Langelier-Ludwig plot and is confirmed by analysis of historical chemical data over the last 30 years. The main causes of salinization are contamination of the fresh groundwater either by recent seawater intrusions (C2) or mixing with Ca-Cl fossil saline water (C1). The C1 waters are also highly affected by Mg/Ca-Na clay exchange. As expected, the <SUP>11</SUP>B/<SUP>10</SUP>B isotope ratio of the intruded salt water, both recent and fossil, was much higher than that of seawater (δ<SUP>11</SUP>B up to +55‰). Unexpectedly, groundwater of meteoric origin (i.e., unaffected by a seawater intrusion), also showed a δ<SUP>11</SUP>B higher than that of seawater (46.3‰ < δ<SUP>11</SUP>B < 51.3‰). That the unexpectedly high δ<SUP>11</SUP>B values are likely due to <SUP>10</SUP>B sequestration resulting from interaction with clay and/or carbonate precipitation is demonstrated by activity diagrams and saturation indices. The C1 water group is also affected by nitrate contamination (56.8 ± 19.2 mg/l). That the nitrate contamination is likely due to manure contamination is indicated by comparing the dual isotopic composition of nitrate to the boron isotope ratios. The isotopic composition of sulfate highlighted the importance of SO<SUB>2</SUB>-disproportionation to the local sulfate minerals that interacted with the meteoric recharge, while the strontium isotope ratios showed the importance of the seawater-basalt interaction with the fossil saline water component. The results of the mixing analysis using chemical composition, δ<SUP>13</SUP>C(DIC), and <SUP>14</SUP>C data by geochemical software (NetpathXL) confirmed the presence of ternary mixing with at least three sources (seawater, meteoric, and fossil) in the waters with the highest chloride concentrations. The estimation of groundwater age by <SUP>14</SUP>C was complicated by overexploitation (as testified by the lumped parameters approach). However, the fossil saline water component was dated back to the Holocene Humid Period.</P> <P>To estimate the temperature of the Awrlofoul low-enthalpy geothermal system, a multi-method geothermometric approach was applied. Chemical (mainly SiO<SUB>2</SUB>) and isotope (sulfate-water oxygen fractionation) geothermometers were employed together with multiple mineral equilibria. These different geothermometric approaches estimated a temperature range of 102 °C–140 °C for the geothermal reservoir, with a mean temperature of about 110 °C.</P> <P>Finally, a conceptual model was proposed for the Awrlofoul low-enthalpy geothermal system on the basis of the geochemical and isotopic data of the thermal and non-thermal groundwaters combined with the geology and hydrogeology of the study area.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI>