Encapsulation of active compounds in Pickering emulsions using bioderived protein-based stabilizers holds potential for the development of novel formulations in the fields of foods and cosmetics. We employ a dodecahedron hollow protein nanocage as a pH-switchable Pickering emulsifier. E2 protein nanocages are derived from pyruvate dehydrogenase multienzyme complex from Geobacillus stearothermophilus which adsorb at the oil/water interface at neutral and basic pH's and stabilize the Pickering emulsions, while in the acidic range, at pH ∼4, the emulsion separates into emulsion and serum phases due to flocculation. The observed process is reversible for at least five cycles. Optimal formulation of a Pickering emulsion composed of rosemary oil, an essential oil, and water has been achieved by ultrasonication and results in droplets of approximately 300 nm in diameter with an oil/water ratio of 0.11 (v/v) and 0.30-0.35% (wt %). Ionic stabilization is observed for concentrations up to 250 mM NaCl and pH values from 7 to 11. The emulsions are stable for at least 10 days when stored at different temperatures up to 50 °C. The resulting Pickering emulsions of different compositions also form a gel-like structure and show shear thinning behavior under shear stress at a higher oil/water ratio.

Synthetic biology has focused on engineering genetic modules that operate orthogonally from the host cells. A synthetic biological module, however, can be designed to reprogram the host proteome, which in turn enhances the function of the synthetic module. Here, we apply this holistic synthetic biology concept to the engineering of cell-free systems by exploiting the crosstalk between metabolic networks in cells, leading to a protein environment more favorable for protein synthesis. Specifically, we show that local modules expressing translation machinery can reprogram the bacterial proteome, changing the expression levels of more than 700 proteins. The resultant feedback generates a cell-free system that can synthesize fluorescent reporters, protein nanocages, and the gene-editing nuclease Cas9, with up to 5-fold higher expression level than classical cell-free systems. Our work demonstrates a holistic approach that integrates synthetic and systems biology concepts to achieve outcomes not possible by only local, orthogonal circuits.

The unique molybdenum oxide-based nucleophilic porous capsule/artificial cell [{(MoVI)MoVI5O21(H2O)6}12{MoV2O4(SO4)30}]72-, according to an X-ray crystallographic study, traps [Al(H2O)6]3+ complexes above the pores while interacting with the latter via hydrogen bonds; this is supported by 27Al NMR studies of the interaction of the capsule with hydrated Al3+ cations in aqueous solution.

Power generation from coal is an essential need to meet world"s energy demand. There are two major challenges in coal-based power generation: improving the efficiency and reducing the emissions level. In fact, these challenges have been under research for a long time. This article focuses on the recent developments of process technologies and coal treatment to improve the performance of coal-based power plant. Barriers to the adoptions of modern developments and additional needs in research are also addressed.

Adsorption of globular proteins at liquid–liquid interface results in compromised structures and functionalities to maintain a thermodynamically favorable state. However, the structural behavior of highly symmetrical supramolecular protein assemblies, adsorbed at the liquid–liquid interface, is not well understood. In this study, a model supramolecular protein assembly, E2 protein nanocage, a dodecahedral cage‐structured protein, is studied upon adsorption at the oil–water interface by both theoretical and experimental analyses. Molecular dynamics simulations and force estimation reveal that noncovalent interactions between E2 subunits dominate over the tangential force experienced by E2 at the interface allowing it to retain its structural integrity. Experimental analyses confirm the adsorption of E2 on the liquid–liquid interface with negligible penetration depth. Molecular structural analyses further suggest the structural integrity of the caged structure of E2 at the oil–water interface with minimal change in the tertiary and secondary structures. In conclusion, this study brings new insights into the behavior of highly symmetrical supramolecular protein assemblies at liquid–liquid interface which is important in preserving their functionalities.