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Research Progress
  • 02

    01 2024

    Single-Cell Precision: iCyanVS Greatly Accelerates Cyanobacterial Analysis

    Researchers from the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology (QIBEBT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have pioneered a revolutionary rapid growth screening method for cyanobacteria—dubbed "iCyanVS".Utilizing an original Raman-activated cell sorting equipment (RACS-Seq), this method eliminates the need for cell separation (typically taking ~20 days) and cultivation (usually requiring ~5 days). Instead, it successfully identifies and isolates engineered cyanobacterial single cells with robust growth in high-salt environments from a mixed mutant library, a process that involves around 12 hours of 13C-labeling followed by a 10-minute measurement. Cyanobacteria, as unique photosynthetic prokaryotic organisms, possess the extraordinary ability to directly convert sunlight, seawater, and carbon dioxide into a wide variety of bio-based products.
      Currently, the evaluation of cyanobacterial ...

  • 28

    12 2023

    Developments in Dual-atom Catalysts Make Renewable Energy Sources More Efficient

    In the race towards developing more “green” ways to sustain a population that runs on carbon-based energy, quick, efficient and large-scale technology and processes are vital. A main method to move away from carbon dependence is water-splitting systems (WWSs) which rely on solar-powered batteries. While it’s a great idea, the process is bogged down with complicated and slow steps, reducing its ability to be appropriately scaled for expansive use. Researchers sought an improved design to increase the speed and stability of the main half reactions needed for WSSs to function at a high caliber: oxygen reduction reactions, oxygen evolution reactions, and hydrogen evolution reactions. As it turns out, the controllable regulation of cobalt (Co) from nanoparticle to single-atom to dual-atom can be a key step forward for the decarbonization of the energy sector. The rapidly developing field of green energy constantly seeks improvements, and recent advances in dual-atom catalysts hold the potential to revolutionize energy conversion technologies.
      In the pursuit of sustainable alternatives to carbon-bas...

  • 21

    12 2023

    Magnesiophilic Three-Dimensional Substrate Enables Planar Electroplating/Stripping Process of Magnesium Metal Anode

    Researchers from the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology (QIBEBT) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have discovered that using the practical polyolefin separator indeed cause the short-circuit of coin cell even at the low current density. They have established a layer-by-layer planar growth model for short-circuit suppression, and proposed the design strategy of 3D magnesiophilic for achieving planar Mg electroplating/stripping behavior. As a promising candidate to current lithium-ion batteries, rechargeable magnesium batteries have attracted extensive attention due to the superior properties of magnesium (Mg) metal anodes, such as high volumetric capacity (3833 mAh/cm3), abundant...

  • 18

    12 2023

    Qingdao Energy Institute develops a new biomimetic adsorption material based on rare earth hyperaccumulated plants

    Recently, the Green Reaction Separation and Process Enhancement Technology Center of Qingdao Energy Institute has developed a new type of biomimetic adsorption material based on rare earth hyperaccumulated groups which has made a series of progress for green and efficient adsorption of low concentration rare earth ions in leaching tailings. Under the background of the two-carbon strategy era of carbon peak and carbon neutrality, energy transformation has become a global consensus. Rare earth elements are known as "industrial vitamins" and " mother of new materials". As the strategic ...

  • 08

    12 2023

    Study Reveals CO2 Sink/Source and Environmental effects of Seaweed Farming Under Synergistic Influence of Macroalgae and Microorganisms

    Recently, researchers from the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology (QIBEBT) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have revealed dynamic CO2 sink/source and environmental effects of seaweed farming at different growth stages of kelp under the microbial regulation. Their findings were published in Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment on Nov. 16. Under climate scenarios, seaweed farming is now used globally as a promising approach to achieve carbon neutrality. Seaweed farming contributes substantial amounts of organic carbon to the ocean, part of which can be locked for a long term in the ...

  • 08

    12 2023

    Particulate Organic Carbon Released During Macroalgal Growth Has Significant Carbon Sequestration Potential in Ocean

    Recently, researchers from the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology (QIBEBT) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have revealed the fate of macroalgae-released POC and their carbon sequestration effects. Macroalgae are the most productive plants in coastal ecosystems. They have attracted worldwide interest due to their ability to sequester carbon. The growth of macroalgae can produce significant amounts of particulate organic carbon (POC), but it ...