Counter current chromatography (CCC) is a form of liquid liquid chromatography, which the Brunel Institute for Bioengineering (BIB) team have developed to process scale. In this thesis, its application has been successfully extended to the rapid, scalable purification of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) from mammalian cell culture, using aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) of inorganic salts and polymer. A polyethylene glycol (PEG) and sodium citrate system was found to be the most appropriate by robotic phase system selection. The search for an economical alternative to protein A HPLC is a substantial bioprocessing concern; in this work CCC has been investigated. Initial studies showed that unpredictably, despite separation from impurities being achieved, some loss in the IgG‘s ability to bind to Protein A was seen, as confirmed by Protein A BiaCore analysis. CCC machines were seen to adversely affect IgG functionality. This led to a systematic investigation of the effect of CCC phase mixing on IgG functionality in a number of different CCC instruments, allowing direct comparisons of modes of CCC (hydrodynamic and hydrostatic CCC) and their associated mixing (wave-like and cascade, respectively). The varying g forces produced within the CCC column were determined using a recently developed model to calculate g force range. The effect of interfacial tension was also studied using a custom built 'g' shaker. The optimum CCC mode was identified to be the non synchronous CCC, operated in a hydrodynamic mode but allowing bobbin to rotor speed (Pr ratio) to be controlled independently. In a normal synchronous J type centrifuge a Pr of 1 is fixed, this is where the bobbin and rotor speed are identical I.e. one bobbin rotation (where mixing occurs) to one rotor revolution (where settling occurs). Constraints were seen with this 1:1 ratio and the separation of mAb using ATPS. This work has shown with the use of the non synchronous CCC at a Pr of 0.33, mixing is reduced and rotor rotations increased. Consequently the associated g force range is decreased. Furthermore, by the extension of settling time, the clear separation of the mAb from impurities has been achieved with retention of biological activity. This thesis demonstrates the importance of settling time for ATPS in phase separation and documents the fundamental requirements for the successful separation of biologics. Purified non synchronous CCC samples have additionally undergone rigorous quality control testing at Lonza Biologics by their purification scientists. This work has ultimately showed that with optimisation, the non synchronous CCC can be used to produce biological samples that are of industry standard.

When discussing matters of usability, focus is usually kept on functionality whilst other aspects, such as aesthetics, are neglected. Discussions of aesthetics are on the other hand traditionally kept within the area of fine arts. Considering that both usability and aesthetics are of big importance in people’s lives, it is astonishing to find that their relationship has not been fully explored. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to, with interfaces of a Volvo Logistics environmental calculation tool, explore whether aesthetics (in the form of visual beauty) would affect the perceived usability of a system. Hence, the question of research has been whether a visually attractive user interface will be perceived as more usable than a less attractive one when usability/functionality is kept constant? (Or in more general terms; is beautiful more usable?) To achieve this, two interfaces with the same functionality but with different levels of visual beauty were designed and used in an experiment where participants rated perceived usability and appearance. The results of the experiment were expected; participants perceived the better looking interface as more usable whereas actual usability appears to have been constant.

Metal-halide perovskites have attracted intense research endeavors because of their excellent optical and electronic properties. Different kinds of electronic and optoelectronic devices have been fabricated using perovskites. A feasible approach to utilize these properties in real device applications with improved performance and new functionalities is by fabricating heterostructures with extraneous materials. We have developed mixed-dimensional heterostructure systems using three-dimensional (3D) metal-halide perovskites and different types of different two-dimensional (2D) materials, including semimetal graphene, semiconducting phosphorus-doped graphitic-C3N4 sheets (PCN-S), and plasmonic Nb2CTx MXenes. First, selective growth of single-crystalline MAPbBr3 platelets on monolayer graphene by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is achieved to prepare the MAPbBr3/graphene heterostructures. P-type doping from MAPbBr3 is observed in the monolayer graphene with a decreased work function of 272 meV under illumination. The photoresponse of the fabricated phototransistor heterostructure verifies the enhanced p-type character in graphene. Such kind of charge transfer can be used to improve device performance. Then, bulk-heterojunctions made of MAPbI3-xClx and PCN-S are prepared in solution. The matched band diagram and the midgap states in PCN-S present a convenient and efficient approach to reduce the dark current and increase the photocurrent of the as-fabricated photodetectors. As a result, the on/off ratio increases from 103 to 105, and the detectivity is up to 1013 Jones with an order of magnitude enhancement compared to the perovskite-only device. Last, plasmonic Nb2CTx MXenes and MAPbI3 heterostructures are prepared for photodiodes to broaden the detection band to near-infrared (NIR) lights. The use of the perovskite layer expanded the operation of the diode to the visible range while suppressing the dark current of the NIR-absorbing Nb2CTx layer. The fabricated photodiode reveals a detectivity of 0.25 A/W with a linear dynamic range of 96 dB in the visible region. In the NIR region, the device demonstrates an increased on/off ratio from less than 2 to near 103 and much faster response times of less than 30 ms. The improved performance is attributed to the passivation of the MAPbI3/Nb2CTx interface.

This project places itself in the field of textile design within flat knitting textiles intended as prototypes for interactive textiles with multifunctional purposes and aesthetics. The purpose of the project is to suggest alternative design solutions towards knitted textiles in the field of sportswear that not only acts as a second skin both in terms of appearance and functionality, as well as aesthetic details once the knit interacts with a moving body. The aim of the project, but also offers visual and contrasting functions such as expandability, rigidness and stretch, as well as creating aesthetic details caused by movement of the human body. The design process was conducted in experimental knitting on both industrial and domestic knitting machines, workshops entailing the relation between the knits and the body as well as technically developing the proper bindings to work in unity. Analysis of the knits were made which led to the solely use of these bindings: rib, spacer, links links, ripple and mesh. The outcome of the projects resulted in four knitted textile prototypes, where one of them is designed as a product in the shape of a top, and the others as knitted fabrics each representing two opposing functions. The conclusion drawn in retrospect of this project that by placing opposing bindings parallel, such ripple and links links, it is possible to achieve two opposing functions as well as different visual perception within the same area of a knitted piece.

No description available.

Brewer's spent grain (BSG) is a main by-product of beer manufacturing and is rich in nutrients including 15-30% protein, making it a potentially valuable protein source for human food. Current challenges of extracting protein from BSG include low yields and high manufacturing costs, but the rising trend of plant-based diets for environmental and health reasons increases BSG's appeal. This research proposes an innovative extraction process utilizing wet fractionation and enzymatic purification that targets fiber to effectively separate proteins form BSG. Additionally, the feasibility of BSG protein as a food ingredient is explored, offering a unique approach that limits harsh processing commonly used for protein extraction. The choice of the enzyme (CTec 2 and Viscozyme L), enzyme dose, and incubation time (1, 3, 6, 9, and 24 hrs) were investigated to maximize protein content and recovery and further evaluate processing effects on protein functionality. Following wet fractionation, there was a notable reduction in fiber from 48.6% in the BSG to 22.5% in the filtrate (PRF) on a dry basis. Additionally, the protein content increased from 22.8 to 40.0% from the BSG to the PRF, respectively. The coarse fiber (CF) had an average protein content of 6.30%, highlighting the effectiveness of wet fractionation in enhancing protein recovery from BSG. The optimal enzymatic treatments condition identified was using CTec 2 to degrade fiber at a dose of 6.00% (g enzyme/g solid) for 24 hours. The enzymatic fiber hydrolysis proved to be able to remove lignocellulosic biomass from BSG resulting in a defatted protein concentrate (DPC) with a high protein content (52.8%) along with a high recovery rate (63%). All treatments resulted in protein functionality similar to the two control treatments. Varying fiber hydrolysis conditions did not have a significant effect on the functional properties. Several functional properties were improved using limited hydrolysis (LH) using proteases. LH had negative impacts on foaming stability and emulsifying properties; however, it improved the solubility, foaming capacity, WHC, and OHC of the BSG protein. Potential applications for the DPC include low moisture applications such as protein bars or granola. The DPCs could also have potential use in meat alternatives due to the high WHC and OHC and the need for varying protein solubility in meat alternatives. The LH protein has greater potential in applications such as protein beverages due to the high solubility. This process presents a promising protein extraction approach from BSG, offering producers the flexibility to tailor it to their specific application needs. After obtaining the protein concentrate, additional steps like defatting or limited hydrolysis can be applied to improve the purity and functionality of the result protein. Notably, this approach contributes to sustainable food production by addressing food waste and meeting the rising demand for sustainable protein sources to support the nutritional needs of a growing global population. / Master of Science in Life Sciences / Brewer's spent grain (BSG) is a by-product of beer manufacturing with rich nutrients, including 15-30% protein. It holds potential as a valuable protein source for human food. Current challenges of extracting protein from BSG include low yields and high costs, but the rising trend of plant-based diets for environmental and health reasons increases BSG's appeal. Its abundant availability year-round makes it an attractive option for human food. In this study, an innovative process to extract protein from BSG was explored using wet fractionation to separate the BSG by size. Enzymes were then used to remove remaining fiber. Various enzymes and times were tested to optimize extraction and achieve a high protein content and recovery rate. The protein's physicochemical and functional properties were then evaluated for potential uses in human food. After wet fractionation, nearly half the fiber was removed, and the protein content increased by 17.2%. Using an enzyme called CTec 2 for 24 hours worked best, resulting in a protein concentrate with a high protein content (52.8%) and good recovery (63.0%). Changes in enzyme treatments did not have a significant effect on the protein functional properties. Potential applications for the protein concentrates include low moisture applications such as protein bars or granola due to the poor solubility. The protein concentrates could also have potential use in meat alternatives due to the water and oil holding properties. The low solubility of the protein concentrates was improved using a process called limited hydrolysis making it possible to apply to products like protein beverages. This research highlights BSG's potential as a valuable protein source for protein bars, meat alternatives, and protein beverages. These findings provide a promising approach to utilize BSG as a valuable plant protein source for a healthier and more environmentally friendly food production.

No description available.

No description available.

The diversity of microorganisms and the influence of their enzymatic activities in soil are critical to the maintenance of good soil health. Changes in these parameters may be the earliest predictors of soil quality changes, potentially indicating anthropogenic influences. The goal of this study was to investigate the soil microbial diversity and function of grasslands along an urbanization gradient. Soil samples were collected in the Potchefstroom municipal area, South Africa, at specific sites. Sampling sites were described as urban, suburban and rural - according to the V-I-S (Vegetation-Impervious surface-Soil) model of Ridd (1995). Soil samples were collected over a warmer, wet season (May) and a colder, dry season (August) over two years (2007 and 2008). Collected soil samples were characterised using certain physical and chemical parameters. Plant species composition and abundance were determined at each site, along with basic site data (soil compaction, percentage ground cover, percentage bare ground, percentage organic material present). The Shannon-Weaver diversity index was used to calculate biodiversity values for all the investigated sites regarding collected plant species composition. The microbial component of the soil was quantified and characterized using culture-dependent and culture-independent techniques. Culture-dependent techniques included the investigation of the aerobic heterotrophic bacteria and fungi. Organisms were plated out on different media, and the bacterial component was broadly grouped using morphology. Dominant organisms were identified by sequencing of PCR amplified 16S ribosomal DNA fragments. Shannon-Weaver index for bacterial diversity was determined for each of the sites. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) profiling of selected bacterial communities were also conducted. Microbial community function was determined using enzyme assays of five major groups of enzymes, namely (i) dehydrogenase; (ii) β-glucosidase; (iii) acid phosphatase, (iv) alkaline phosphatase and (v) urease. Plant species results were then brought into context with microbiological diversity and functionality results using multivariate statistics. Physical and chemical parameters of the collected soil samples revealed patterns present along the urbanization gradient. The pH values were mostly higher in the sub-urban and urban sites than in the rural sites. Electrical conductivity values were generally highest in the sub-urban sites. Plant species composition revealed trends along the urbanization gradient. Ordinations clearly grouped the plant species into rural, sub-urban and urban groups regarding plant species composition. Rural sites had the highest number of plant species. Shannon-Weaver values regarding the plant diversity supported the plant species composition data indicating higher plant diversity in the rural areas, followed by the sub-urban and the urban areas. Plant structural data indicated that forbs were most numerous in the rural sites, and less so in the urban sites. Higher average aerobic heterotrophic bacterial levels were present in the urban soil samples. The bacterial levels were lower in the sub-urban and rural soil samples. Subsequent identification of the dominant bacteria in the soil samples revealed organisms of the genus Bacillus dominated the aerobic heterotrophic bacterial communities in the soil samples. Bacillus species dominated the soil samples along the urbanization gradient. Shannon-Weaver indices based on culture-dependent methods indicated that urban sites had the highest biodiversity. These results could have been exaggerated, because of an overestimation of the number of bacterial morphotypes present in samples. Fungal levels were higher in the soil from samples collected at the rural samples sites. The culture-independent method (DGGE) was not optimized and inconclusive results were obtained. Enzyme assays revealed that potential dehydrogenase, β-glucosidase and urease activity followed a trend along the urbanization gradient, with urban samples registering the highest values and rural sites the lowest. Enzymes involved in carbohydrate catabolism (β-glucosidase and dehydrogenase) registered significantly higher potential activity in urban sites than the sub-urban and rural sites. The results could indicate that urban sites have the potential to lose carbon at higher rates than the rural sites. This aspect may need further investigation. Higher potential urease activity could indicate higher N-cycling in the urban soil environment. Ordination results for soil-, plant- and microbial diversity as well as microbial functionality indicated certain trends along the urbanization gradient. Plant species composition and structure data indicated that urbanization has a definite effect on the plant communities in the urban ecosystem. Results regarding aerobic heterotrophic bacteria populations and potential enzyme activity of the dehydrogenase, β-glucosidase (both active in the carbon cycle) and urease (active in the nitrogen cycle) illustrated clear trends along the urbanization gradient. In conclusion, results indicated that urbanization has an effect on plant species composition, and the population and function of aerobic heterotrophic bacteria and the fungal population. Furthermore, this study demonstrated the potential of using microbial diversity and activity as tools to investigate carbon utilization and storage along an urban-rural gradient. / MSc (Environmental Sciences), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011

Effective project management (PM) is increasingly required for strategy implementation, business transformation management, continual improvement and pioneering product development and service provision. The systematic approach of PM (based on best practices and experience) aims to improve the chances of project success in a competitive environment where scarce resources (capital, human, opportunity, time, etc.) needs to be utilized most effectively. The contribution a project management office (PMO) can make in the medium sized consulting engineering industry to deliver more successful projects was investigated. The investigation involved determining the current state of both PM and PMO maturity in medium sized consulting engineering organisations in South Africa. Furthermore, the required maturity, or level of development, of PM and PMOs were also determined using the prediction orientated Delphi survey method. In the literature study, the concepts of PM, PMO and their maturity determination, successful project delivery, background to the consulting engineering industry in South Africa and similar PM and PMO maturity studies were investigated. From the literature study, an existing maturity survey was selected for each of the concepts PM and PMO. These existing and tested maturity surveys were combined into a single survey. Some demographic information deemed applicable from the literature study was also included in the survey and distributed in a multi-round survey to medium sized organisations similar to the author's organisation, operating in the mining and energy sectors mainly. The current PM and PMO maturity of the organisations taking part in the survey were determined in round 1 of the survey. The required PM and PMO maturity were determined from the round 2 survey results that were completed after the respondents were provided with the round 1 survey statistically averaged maturity levels in an effort to reach a form of consensus amongst the respondents. The round 1 survey was distributed to 161 respondents (response rate of 53%). Round 2 was distributed to the 86 respondents that completed round 1 (response rate of 55%). From the survey results and literature study it was found that there is a definite increase in PM and PMO maturity required in order for medium sized consulting engineering organisations to deliver more successful projects in the mining and energy sector. It was also seen that the maturity levels required for both PM and PMO are not the maximum maturity levels possible. From the empirical study, a definite relationship between PMO and PM was confirmed and it was seen that generally an organisation with a PMO tends to have higher PM maturity levels. For a PMO to be successful, from literature it was seen that the PMO needs to adapt to the organisation and environment it functions in. It was also discovered that a PMO is successful if it reaches the goals it set for itself. The PMO also contributes by systematically and continuously improving and adapting the PM of the company to add the most value to both internal and external customers of the PMO. It is the researcher's opinion that the study is not representative of all medium sized consulting engineering organisations in SA and further research is required to determine industry specific PM and PMO maturity levels and to determine the resulting contribution a PMO can make in this regard. / MBA, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014