PROBE FOR SELECTIVELY CHARACTERIZING ENZYMES INVOLVED IN XENOBIOTIC METABOLISM AND METHOD OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME (iEdison No. 0685901-17-0013)
We have developed, or have conceptual designs, for chemical probes to cover the mammalian enzyme families associated with phase 1 (oxidation) and phase 2 (conjugation) drug and xenobiotic metabolism. Our activity-based probes enable the selective characterization of any functionally active isoforms of enzymes within the superfamilies of enzymes that perform phase 1 and 2 metabolism. Specifically, these probes don't provide a readout of the total activity of an enzyme family, but instead provide the activity contribution of individual enzymes. This goes well beyond anything that is commercially available, which primarily measure total enzyme family activities. Specifically we have developed chemical probes for cytochrome P450 enzymes (phase 1), glutathione S-transferases (phase 2), epoxide hydrolases (phase 2), UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs; phase 2), sulfotransferases (phase 2), and we have conceptual designs for aldoketoreductases and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductases (both phase 2). See attached file on phase 1 and 2 drug metabolism. All of the chemical probes enable multimodal profiling, meaning measurements can be made by imaging, flow cytometry, and proteomics. We are currently working on ways to immobilize the probes on to glass or other resin surfaces, such that arrays of probes can be rapidly developed to broadly characterize mammalian metabolism in organ tissues and extracts (e.g. liver), or cell lines and extracts. The arrays we are developing will enable two primary measurements: (1) we will be able to rapidly profile which enzymes are involved in the metabolism of a drug or xenobiotic (e.g., a pesticide); (2) we will be able to rapidly determine the specific phase 1/2 enzymes that are inhibited or activated by a drug or xenobiotic. Important note: the probes for cytochrome P450s were originally developed and published when Aaron Wright was a postdoc at the Scripps Research Institute. They were not patented at that point. We have since published with these probes in other programs at PNNL. However, there is no publication that discusses their use in arrays for rapid characterization of metabolism or inhibition/activation by a drug or xenobiotic.
SELF-REPAIRING CEMENT POLYMER COMPOSITES AND PROCESSES OF MAKING AND USING SAME
New cement-polymer composites and processes of making and using are detailed. One exemplary cement-polymer composite include a Portland cement, an epoxide polymer, a thiol-containing crosslinking agent, and an optional phase separation inhibitor. These composites are dynamically self-healing, mechanically robust, and thermally stable in high temperature environments and can be expected to increase service lifetimes in various applications including energy producing wellbores.
CHROMATIN ACTIVITY PRECIPITATION METHOD AND SYSTEM
Methods and systems for identifying binding sites in macromolecules using small molecule mimics of naturally occurring molecules is disclosed. A reactive probe is provided that mimics small molecule cofactors. A target macromolecule is irreversibly bound to the probe in vivo to selectively pull down or precipitate probe-bound macromolecules. The macromolecules may be, but are not limited to, DNA, RNA, and proteins.
System and Process for Polarity Swing Assisted Regeneration of Gas-Selective Capture Liquids
The proposed project will develop and test a new CO2 capture technology for treating post-combustion emissions. This new solvent-based process couples the unique attributes of non-aqueous, CO2-binding organic liquids (CO2BOLs), with the newly discovered polarity-swing-assisted regeneration (PSAR) process that is unique to switchable ionic liquids. Combining this polarity assist with CO2BOLs is estimated to provide more than 42% energy savings over aque-ous alkanolamine systems. Further, the low regeneration temperatures of the proposed tech-nology also allows for unique energy integration techniques that can further improve this energy savings to more than 65%, such that parasitic load penalties of CO2 capture would be a fraction of current commercial systems.
REINFORCED COMPOSITES WITH REPELLENT AND SLIPPERY PROPERTIES
Compositions and processes are disclosed for forming hydrophobic coatings and lubricant-infused surface coatings. Coatings may be applied to various substrates without prior chemical or temperature treatment of the substrates and over large and irregular surfaces. Coatings are self-healing, antifouling, and have enhanced lifetimes.
FRICTION STIRRING INTERLOCKING OF DISSIMILAR MATERIALS
A new solid-phase technique called Friction Stir Interlocking (FSI) will be developed for joining lightweight metals to composites, composites, thermoset plastics, or other non-metallic materials. FSI will enable joining of magnesium (Mg) and aluminum (Al) to non-metals and would fill a critical technology gap identified by VTO for multi-materials joining. In FSI, mechanical interlocks (i.e. fasteners) can be created with a variety of patterns and cross sections as illustrated in the adjacent figure. As a friction stir process, numerous interlocks can be created quickly and uniformly, in a single pass, offering reduced cost and improved process efficiency compared to conventional metal-to-non-metal fasteners. Technical Approach:Two approaches for joining Mg and Al to non-metals are described as follows. The first approach is illustrated in the adjacent schematic. Here, pins that match the material of the metal sheet are inserted up through holes cut in the metal and non-metal sheets ending flush with the top of the metal sheet. A specially designed FSW tool then traverses the joint and welds the pins to the metal sheet to complete the joint. The large hydrostatic pressure in the plasticizing metal during welding will fill any small tolerance gaps, between the pin OD and CF hole ID. A thermally activated adhesive film, such as 3MTM 583 for example, can be applied between the metal-non-metal interface prior to welding to improve joint strength. The film will also serve as a barrier to galvanic corrosion by sealing against electrolyte imbibition into the joint interfaces. The joint could certainly be made without the added step of an adhesive film if desired. The short process time (a few seconds) and low process temperature (as low as 250 degrees C for Mg) make the FSI approach attractive for joining Mg and Al to CF without substantially degrading the CF material properties. Key tasks to be completed on this project are 1) tooling design, 2) process development, 3) property characterization and 4) modeling and simulation. The second approach is illustrated in the schematics below and involves embedding metal inserts within the non-metal and subsequently friction stir welding Mg or Al sheet to the metal insert. In friction stir scribe welding of metals to composites, the stirring action and high input act to disrupt the fiber and weaken the matrix. Furthermore process speeds are extremely slow. If metal inserts can be inserted during the fabrication process of the composite, mechanical interlocks can be created without degrading material properties. Metal plates can then be welded to the embedded inserts. This offers improved joint strength and dramatically improved process speeds. A similar FSW welds to inserts may lead to a cost competitive, production viable solution for metal to carbon fiber joining Below are schematics of cross sections of various interlock configurations. For this concept it is appropriate for bar inserts that run the entire course of the weld. Alternatively inserts can be smaller inserts to accommodate spot or stitch welds. The primary invention in the second approach is to embed an insert in the composite during manufacture of the composite blank to create an interlocked metal surface on the composite such that an FSW metal to metal weld can be made joining a metal part to the embedded insert. The primary invention is the process of embedding an insert during fabrication of the composite blank (examples: injection molding, compression molding, winding, layups etc. for the purpose of effectuation a composite to metal joint by FSW (or FSW variant) of a metal part to a metal insert embedded in the composite.
REACTOR ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS OF PERFORMING REACTIONS (iEdison No. 0685901-18-0022)
The purpose of this invention is to capture concentrated solar radiation, converting the energy to chemical energy at a higher efficiency and lower cost than prior art. This is accomplished by operating a high temperature endothermic reaction such as methane steam reforming where the heat of reaction is largely or completely provided by solar energy. A spiral counter-cross flow arrangement of reaction channels and recuperative heat exchange channels enables efficient thermal spreading of inhomogeneous solar irradiation. The reduction of hot spots leads to lower OPEX and CAPEX through improvements to reactor's operability under high flux conditions and longer reactor life by reducing thermal stress, respectively.
Friction Stir Weld Tools Having Fine Grain Structure
The invention is the process of fabrication and the chemical makeup of a tool used for Friction Stir Welding and Processing. The novel aspects in the fabrication method allow for the tool to be made in fewer steps than current practice, allow the use of lower cost methods in fabrication, reduces the need for rare and expensive elements, and result in better distribution and homogeneity of the chemical constituents in the alloy product itself. The net result is expected to produce a tool blank that will be significantly lower cost, higher performance, and more durable than existing products. The invention allows for a significant reduction in densification process temperature when compared to commercial tooling.
Production of Nanocrystalline Metal Powders via Combustion Reaction Synthesis
Nanocrystalline metal powders comprising tungsten, molybdenum, rhenium or niobium can be synthesized using a combustion reaction. Methods for synthesizing the nanocrystalline metal powders are characterized by forming a combustion synthesis solution by dissolving in water an oxidizer, a fuel, and a base-soluble, ammonium precursor of tungsten, molybdenum, rhenium, or niobium in amounts that yield a soichiometric burn when combusted. The combustion synthesis solution is then heated to a temperature sufficient to substantially remove water and to initiate a self-sustaining combustion reaction. The resulting powder can be subsequently reduced to metal form by heating in a reducing gas environment.
Method for Forming Hollow Profile Non-Circular Extrusions Using Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion (ShAPE)
A process for forming extruded products using a device having a scroll face configured to apply a rotational shearing force and an axial extrusion force to the same preselected location on material wherein a combination of the rotational shearing force and the axial extrusion force upon the same location cause a portion of the material to plasticize, flow and recombine in desired configurations. This process provides for a significant number of advantages and industrial applications, including but not limited to extruding tubes used for vehicle components with 50 to 100 percent greater ductility and energy absorption over conventional extrusion technologies, while dramatically reducing manufacturing costs.