Electrochemistry-Based CO2 Removal Technologies.

Unprecedented increase in atmospheric CO2 levels calls for efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective technologies for CO2 removal, including both capture and conversion approaches. Current CO2 abatement is largely based on energy-intensive thermal processes with a high degree of inflexibility. In this Perspective, it is argued that future CO2 technologies will follow the general societal trend towards electrified systems. This transition is largely promoted by decreasing electricity prices, continuous expansion of renewable energy infrastructure, and breakthroughs in carbon electrotechnologies, such as electrochemically modulated amine regeneration, redox-active quinones and other species, and microbial electrosynthesis. In addition, new initiatives make electrochemical carbon capture an integrated part of Power-to-X applications, for example, by linking it to H2 production. Selected electrochemical technologies crucial for a future sustainable society are reviewed. However, significant further development of these technologies within the next decade is needed, to meet the ambitious climate goals.

Utilization of industrial citrus pectin side streams for enzymatic production of human milk oligosaccharides.

This study reports the enzymatic upgrading of fucosylated xyloglucan from depectinized citrus residues into 2'-fucosyllactose, a fucosylated human milk oligosaccharide. Alkaline and enzymatic xyloglucan extractions were compared. Of the original fucose present in the depectinized residues of lemon and orange, 35-36% and 48-51% were extracted as fucosylated xyloglucan by enzyme- or alkaline treatment, respectively. Furthermore, the enzymatically extracted xyloglucan structures had a narrower molecular weight distribution around 1 kDa, contrary to a more polydisperse distribution of the alkaline extracted xyloglucans, ranging from 1 to 500 kDa. The applicability of the fucosylated-xyloglucan extracts in transfucosylation reactions, was determined by use of a selected fungal fucosidase, resulting in yields of 10.2-11.4% enzymatic extracts, and 6.5-7.4% for alkaline extracts (orange and lemon respectively). The results demonstrate that depectinized citrus side streams are a useful source of fucosylated xyloglucan, preferably extracted by an enzyme catalyzed approach.

Effects of Post-Exertional Malaise on Markers of Arterial Stiffness in Individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Background: Evidence is emerging that individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) may suffer from chronic vascular dysfunction as a result of illness-related oxidative stress and vascular inflammation. The study aimed to examine the impact of maximal-intensity aerobic exercise on vascular function 48 and 72 h into recovery. Methods: ME/CFS (n = 11) with gender and age-matched controls (n = 11) were randomly assigned to either a 48 h or 72 h protocol. Each participant had measures of brachial blood pressure, augmentation index (AIx75, standardized to 75 bpm) and carotid-radial pulse wave velocity (crPWV) taken. This was followed by a maximal incremental cycle exercise test. Resting measures were repeated 48 or 72 h later (depending on group allocation). Results: No significant differences were found when ME/CFS were directly compared to controls at baseline. During recovery, the 48 h control group experienced a significant 7.2% reduction in AIx75 from baseline measures (p < 0.05), while the matched ME/CFS experienced no change in AIx75. The 72 h ME/CFS group experienced a non-significant increase of 1.4% from baseline measures. The 48 h and 72 h ME/CFS groups both experienced non-significant improvements in crPWV (0.56 ms-1 and 1.55 ms-1, respectively). Conclusions: The findings suggest that those with ME/CFS may not experience exercise-induced vasodilation due to chronic vascular damage, which may be a contributor to the onset of post-exertional malaise (PEM).