Polysaccharide-degrading microorganisms express a repertoire of hydrolytic enzymes that act in synergy on plant cell wall and other natural polysaccharides to elicit the degradation of often-recalcitrant substrates. These enzymes, particularly those that hydrolyze cellulose and hemicellulose, have a complex molecular architecture comprising discrete modules which are normally joined by relatively unstructured linker sequences. This structure is typically comprised of a catalytic module and one or more carbohydrate binding modules (CBMs) that bind to the polysaccharide. CBMs, by bringing the biocatalyst into intimate and prolonged association with its substrate, allow and promote catalysis. Based on their properties, CBMs are grouped into 43 families that display substantial variation in substrate specificity, along with other properties that make them a gold mine for biotechnologists who seek natural molecular “Velcro” for diverse and unusual applications. In this article, we review recent progress in the field of CBMs and provide an up-to-date summary of the latest developments in CBM applications.

Carbohydrate Binding Modules: Biochemical Properties and Novel Applications

Biodegradation of phenol by Pseudomonas putida immobilized in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) gel.

Mass transfer effect and intermediate detection for phenol degradation in immobilized Pseudomonas putida systems

The use of microbial catalysts in the biodegradation of organic compounds has advanced significantly during the past three decades. It has been found that large numbers of microbes co-exist in almost all natural environments, particularly in soils. Many natural and synthetic organic chemicals are readily biodegradable in natural environment. Biodegradation of materials involve initial proximity, allowing adsorption or physical access to the substrate, secretion of extra cellular enzymes to degrade the substrates or uptake via transport systems followed by intracellular metabolism. The efficiency of biodegradation of organic compounds is influenced by the type of the organic pollutant, the nature of the organism, the enzyme involved, the mechanism of degradation and the nature of the influencing factors. Phenolic compounds are hazardous pollutants that are toxic at relatively low concentration. Accumulation of phenol creates toxicity both for flora and fauna. Since phenol is toxic and cause pollution, it must be removed from the environment.

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Biodegradation of phenol

Biodegradation of phenolic industrial wastewater in a fluidized bed bioreactor with immobilized cells of Pseudomonas putida.

http://www.clemkuek.com/papers/P17column.pdf

Continuous degradation of phenol at low concentration using immobilized Pseudomonas putida

Simulation is used for many purposes: for example, to analyse a complex system, to visualise the functioning of a system, and to optimise or tune a system. While there is no limitation on the use of simulation, the general consensus is that an analytical solution, if one is possible, is always to be preferred to simulation as a methodology. In the field of information systems, client-server models exhibit a degree of complexity and richness not amenable to easy analytical solutions, except for some specific algorithms useful in limited contexts. Simulation could, therefore, be a good strategy to analyse the client-server systems and help in better implementation of feasible solutions. This paper examines the current state of client-server models and use of simulation in dealing with the problems encountered. The paper then compares the seven-layer OSI model for communications architecture and recommends that a similarly layered approach is likely to prove useful in simulating client-server systems. In the process, the paper also points out that the simulation models bring into a sharp focus the importance of software metrics, an area of vital importance in software development.

/pdf/use-of-simulation-to-test-client-server-models-2kz3evfa54.pdf

Use of simulation to test client-server models

Short Term Crude Oil Pricing: Simulation of a Global Energy System in the Discrete Modelling Environment

/pdf/use-of-simulationto-test-client-servermodels-44idqxg8t8.pdf

Roger Jenkins

Papers

Continuous degradation of phenol at low concentration using immobilized Pseudomonas putida

Use of simulation to test client-server models

Short Term Crude Oil Pricing: Simulation of a Global Energy System in the Discrete Modelling Environment

Use of simulationto test client-servermodels