Yaaser Q. Almulaiky

Bio: Yaaser Q. Almulaiky is an academic researcher from Taiz University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Immobilized enzyme & Chemistry. The author has an hindex of 12, co-authored 37 publications receiving 432 citations. Previous affiliations of Yaaser Q. Almulaiky include King Abdulaziz University.

Multi-point enzyme immobilization, surface chemistry, and novel platforms: a paradigm shift in biocatalyst design.

Abstract: Engineering enzymes with improved catalytic properties in non-natural environments have been concerned with their diverse industrial and biotechnological applications. Immobilization represents a promising but straightforward route, and immobilized biocatalysts often display higher activities and stabilities compared to free enzymes. Owing to their unique physicochemical characteristics, including the high-specific surface area, exceptional chemical, electrical, and mechanical properties, efficient enzyme loading, and multivalent functionalization, nano-based materials are postulated as suitable carriers for biomolecules or enzyme immobilization. Enzymes immobilized on nanomaterial-based supports are more robust, stable, and recoverable than their pristine counterparts, and are even used for continuous catalytic processes. Furthermore, the unique intrinsic properties of nanomaterials, particularly nanoparticles, also confer the immobilized enzymes to be used for their broader applications. Herein, an effort has been made to present novel potentialities of multi-point enzyme immobilization in the current biotechnological sector. Various nano-based platforms for enzyme/biomolecule immobilization are discussed in the second part of the review. In summary, recent developments in the use of nanomaterials as new carriers to construct robust nano-biocatalytic systems are reviewed, and future trends are pointed out in this article.

An overview of immobilized enzyme technologies for dye and phenolic removal from wastewater

Abstract: Global water pollution caused by dye and phenol contaminants has been reported to have reached an alarming level. These hazardous contaminants pose significant threats to humans and ecosystem, due to their toxicity, carcinogenicity, and mutagenicity. Various technologies have emerged for dyes and phenols removal from wastewater, such as physical adsorption, chemical oxidation, ozonation, extraction, and electrochemical treatments. However, these conventional methods are constrained by low efficiency and stability, high cost, and formation of harmful by-products. In recent years, there has been growing interest towards the development of immobilized enzyme technologies because they are more economical, effective and eco-friendly. Among various enzymes, peroxidases have generated extraordinary interest attributed to their ability to catalyze reactions of a variety of undesirable pollutants, such as dyes and phenol effluents. Immobilization of enzyme can enhance its catalytic efficiency, improve storage and operational stabilities, as well as allow enzyme recovery and reusability. Although numerous existing immobilized enzymatic systems have been established, their practical applications are limited due to mass transfer restriction, lack of feasibility for scaling-up and continuous operations, and difficulty for separation of immobilized enzymes from reaction mixtures. Therefore, much attention has been devoted to the immobilization of enzymes on nano-structured materials. In the current review, effects of process parameters on immobilized enzymes for applications in both dye and phenol treatment are discussed and summarized. Recent advanced technologies as well as challenges and future perspectives for research and development in this field are also highlighted.

Kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) as a superfood: Review of the scientific evidence behind the statement

Abstract: Kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) is a cruciferous vegetable, characterized by leaves along the stem, which, in recent years, have gained a great popularity as a ´superfood´. Consequently, in a popular culture it is listed in many ´lists of the healthiest vegetables´. Without the doubt, a scientific evidences support the fact that cruciferous vegetables included in human diet can positively affect health and well-being, but remains unclear why kale is declared superior in comparison with other cruciferous. It is questionable if this statement about kale is triggered by scientific evidence or by some other factors. Our review aims to bring an overview of kale's botanical characteristics, agronomic requirements, contemporary and traditional use, macronutrient and phytochemical content and biological activity, in order to point out the reasons for tremendous kale popularity.