This review gives a survey on the latest most representative developments and progress concerning ionic liquids, from their fundamental properties to their applications in catalytic processes. It also highlights their emerging use for biomass treatment and transformation.

Ionic liquids and catalysis: Recent progress from knowledge to applications

Trends in bioconversion of lignocellulose: Biofuels, platform chemicals & biorefinery concept

Polymeric ionic liquids: Broadening the properties and applications of polyelectrolytes

Interleukin-6 and its receptors: A highly regulated and dynamic system

Interleukin-6: Biology, signaling and strategies of blockade.

Ionic liquids are considered as an alternative to organic solvents for catalysis. The literature in this field is reviewed with focus on advantageous use of ionic liquids in biocatalysis and biotransformations. The overview reveals that the exploration and mapping of ionic liquids with respect to biocatalysis is still sketchy. It is apparent that advantages can be gained in view of activity, stability and selectivity. Furthermore, integration of reaction and separation has a high potential in the field. The review presents quantitative data on the productivities, space–time yields, as well as stability as far as they can be extracted from the literature.

/pdf/ionic-liquids-in-biotechnology-applications-and-perspectives-4h0nre4b72.pdf

Ionic liquids in biotechnology: applications and perspectives for biotransformations

Interleukin-6 signalling: more than Jaks and STATs.

IL (interleukin)-6 exerts pro- as well as anti-inflammatory activities. Beside many other activities, IL-6 is the major inducer of acute phase proteins in the liver, acts as a differentiation factor for blood cells, as migration factor for T-cells and is a potent inducer of the chemokine MCP-1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1). Recent studies have focused on the negative regulation of IL-6 signal transduction through the IL-6-induced feedback inhibitors SOCS (suppressor of cytokine signalling) 1 and SOCS3 or the protein tyrosine phosphatases SHP-2 (Src homology 2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2) and TcPTP (T-cell protein tyrosine phosphatase). Studies on the cross-talk between pro-inflammatory mediators (IL-1, tumour necrosis factor, lipopolysaccharide) and IL-6 elucidated further regulatory mechanisms. Less is known about the regulation of IL-6 signal transduction by hormone/cytokine signalling through G-protein-coupled receptors. This is particularly surprising since many of these hormones (such as prostaglandins and chemokines) play an important role in inflammatory processes. In the present study, we have investigated the inhibitory activity of PGE 1 (prostaglandin E 1 ) on IL-6-induced MCP-1 expression and have elucidated the underlying molecular mechanism. Surprisingly, PGE 1 does not affect IL-6-induced STAT (signal transducer and activator of transcription) 3 activation, but does affect ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase) 1/2 activation which is crucial for IL-6-dependent expression of MCP-1. In summary, we have discovered a specific cross-talk between the adenylate cyclase cascade and the IL-6-induced MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) cascade and have investigated its impact on IL-6-dependent gene expression.

/pdf/prostaglandin-e1-inhibits-il-6-induced-mcp-1-expression-by-2a5h1kecvy.pdf

Prostaglandin E1 inhibits IL-6-induced MCP-1 expression by interfering specifically in IL-6-dependent ERK1/2, but not STAT3, activation.

SHPS-1/SIRP1α contributes to interleukin-6 signalling

Biphasic reaction media are extending the scope of technical biocatalysis. Thorough investigation of the factors affecting catalyst performance under these conditions is of key importance for the successful implementation of catalytic processes. Here, we present a reactor setup suitable for comprehensive systematic characterization and optimization of biocatalyzed reactions in biphasic systems with distinct phases. It is distinguished by small volumes allowing reproducible experimentation with minimum amounts of solvent and catalyst. The interfacial area is kept constant and independent stirring of both phases is allowed in order to minimize superimposing effects. Evaporation of low-volatile organic solvents is prevented by use of airtight construction. The broad applicability of this mini-reactor is demonstrated with regard to determination of mass transfer, enzyme productivity, and enzyme stability in both batch and continuous mode.

/pdf/biphasic-mini-reactor-for-characterization-of-biocatalyst-2fy7jm26th.pdf

Pia J. Müller

Papers

Ionic liquids in biotechnology: applications and perspectives for biotransformations

Interleukin-6 signalling: more than Jaks and STATs.

Prostaglandin E1 inhibits IL-6-induced MCP-1 expression by interfering specifically in IL-6-dependent ERK1/2, but not STAT3, activation.

SHPS-1/SIRP1α contributes to interleukin-6 signalling

Biphasic mini-reactor for characterization of biocatalyst performance.