A probabilistic model for crystal growth applied to protein deposition at the microscale

A probabilistic discrete model for 2D protein crystal growth is presented. This model takes into account the available space and can describe growing processes of different nature due to the versatility of its parameters which gives the model great flexibility. The accuracy of the simulation is tested against a real protein (SbpA) crystallization experiment showing high agreement between the proposed model and the actual images of the nucleation process. Finally, it is also discussed how the regularity of the interface (i.e. the curve that separates the crystal from the substrate) affects to the evolution of the simulation.Comment: 13 pages, 12 figure

Preparation of NiNbO/AISI-430 ferritic stainless steel monoliths for catalytic applications

AISI 430 ferritic stainless steel was used as a substrate to make catalytic monolithic structures. To increase the surface roughness of the substrate, the steel was oxidized at temperatures in the range of 900–940 °C and times in the range of 30–120 min. The oxide layer formed was characterized. Treatment at 940 °C for 60 min was found to be optimal for obtaining a Cr-rich rough oxide layer, with good adherence and homogeneity. Catalytic monoliths were prepared by dip-coating into four different slurries containing the Ni–Nb mixed oxide catalyst. The samples were characterized and tested in the oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of ethane to ethylene. The structured catalysts were active for the ODH of ethane, with very good selectivity to ethylene. The catalytic performance was remarkably constant for 170 h on stream at 400 °C.Fil: Santander, José Anibal. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Bahía Blanca. Planta Piloto de Ingeniería Química (i); Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur; ArgentinaFil: Lopez, Eduardo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Bahía Blanca. Planta Piloto de Ingeniería Química (i); Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur; ArgentinaFil: Tonetto, Gabriela Marta. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Bahía Blanca. Planta Piloto de Ingeniería Química (i); Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur; ArgentinaFil: Pedernera, Marisa Noemi. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Bahía Blanca. Planta Piloto de Ingeniería Química (i); Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur; Argentin