Cellulose Filters and Bioplastics Overview

Cellulose-Based Water Filters

• Cellulose acetate is the most common material used in household water filters due to its chemical resistance, porosity, and high flow rate.
• Other forms of cellulose include paper, cotton, and wood fibers.
• Cellulose filters are made by cutting, washing, and drying cellulose materials, forming a layer with heat and pressure, attaching it to a filter medium, and assembling it into a housing.
• Cellulose filters can be chemically treated to increase hydrophilicity or add antimicrobial agents.

Bioplastics

• Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a class of biodegradable and biocompatible polyesters produced by microorganisms.
• PHAs are a type of bioplastic.

DNA Vaccines

• DNA vaccines offer several advantages over traditional vaccines, including:
  • Stimulating a stronger and longer-lasting immune response with fewer doses.
  • Easier to manufacture and store.
• DNA vaccines are effective in preventing rabies infection in both animals and humans.

RNA Vaccines

• RNA vaccines are a type of vaccine that uses genetic material (RNA) from a pathogen to stimulate an immune response.
• RNA vaccines have several advantages over traditional vaccines:
  • Faster production time
  • Can Target multiple antigens
  • May be safer

Proteins

• Proteins contribute to various biological processes, including mechanical support and cell regulation.
• Collagen is the main structural protein, providing support to tissues such as skin, tendons, and bones.
• Elastin provides elasticity and stretchability to tissues.
• Keratin forms hair, nails, and the outer layers of skin.
• Actin and myosin are involved in muscle contraction.
• Tubulin forms the structural basis of microtubules (involved in cell division and transport).
• Laminin, part of the extracellular matrix, provides structural support to cells in tissues.
• Receptor proteins bind to signaling molecules like hormones and growth factors.
• Enzymes catalyze specific chemical reactions in the body.
• Transcription factors bind to DNA and regulate gene expression.

Biodiesel

• Biodiesel is a renewable fuel made from lipids like vegetable oils and animal fats.
• Biodiesel is produced through transesterification, where lipids react with an alcohol and catalyst to produce fatty acid methyl esters (FAME).
• Benefits of biodiesel include:
  • Renewable source
  • Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
  • Improved engine performance
  • Biodegradability
• Biodiesel production faces limitations such as higher production costs and the need for efficient processing methods.

Lipids as Cleaning Agents

• Lipids are used as emulsifiers and surfactants in personal care products (shampoos, soaps, lotions) and industrial cleaners for metal cleaning, degreasing, and stain removal.
• Lipids are also used in laundry detergents to improve cleaning and enhance performance.

Biosensors

• Biosensors are devices that use biological components (enzymes, antibodies, nucleic acids) to detect and quantify target analytes.
• Biosensors can be used to detect a wide range of substances including glucose, toxins, and pollutants.
• Examples of enzymes used in biosensors:
  • Choline esterase(ChE): Used to detect toxic substances.
  • Alkaline phosphatase (ALP): Used to detect inorganic phosphates.
  • Urease: Used to detect urea.
• Biosensors are characterized by:
  • Sensitivity: Detecting analytes at low concentrations.
  • Specificity: Recognising specific analytes.
  • Rapid response time: Providing real-time results.
  • Portability: Being small and portable.
  • Cost-effectiveness: Being cheaply manufactured.
• Some limitations of biosensors include:
  • Stability: Sensitivity to environmental conditions like temperature and pH.
  • Interferences: Affected by substances in the sample.
• Glucose oxidase (GOx) is commonly used in biosensors to detect glucose levels.
• GOx catalyzes the oxidation of glucose, producing a measurable signal by a transducer.

Explore the world of cellulose-based water filters, their manufacturing process, and the role of bioplastics like PHAs. This quiz also covers the innovative concept of DNA vaccines and their benefits in immunization. Test your knowledge in these essential areas of biotechnology and materials science.