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Biotech / Medical : SANGUINE CORP. (SGNC) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Prospector who wrote (5375)	5/12/2001 12:38:32 PM
From: Prospector	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 5402

Other Fuel Cells. Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) are a relatively new member of the fuel cell family. These cells are similar to the PEM cells in that they both use a polymer membrane as the electrolyte. However, in the DMFC, the anode catalyst itself draws the hydrogen from the liquid methanol, eliminating the need for a fuel reformer. Efficiencies of about 40% are expected with this type of fuel cell, which would typically operate at a temperature between 120-190 degrees F. Higher efficiencies are achieved at higher temperatures. Regenerative fuel cells. Still a very young member of the fuel cell family, regenerative fuel cells would be attractive as a closed-loop form of power generation. Water is separated into hydrogen and oxygen by a solar-powered electrolyser. The hydrogen and oxygen are fed into the fuel cell that generates electricity, heat and water. The water is then recirculated back to the solar-powered electrolyser and the process begins again. NASA and others are currently researching these types of fuel cells worldwide. Presentation by Professor XXXXX, Ph.D., Professor and Chair, Chemical Engineering, Virginia XXXXX University. Professor XXXX reviewed various types and application of electrochemical technology highlighting the differences between energy-consuming and energy-producing devices. Professor XXXX noted that PFCs have been used (in some form) in fuel cells since the first practical application of the technology. In spite of this long history Professor XXX was enthusiastic about opportunities for perfluoronated materials in improved fuel cell applications. He suggested that the need to increase the efficiency (power generation) might be satisfied by using PFCs in new membranes and electrodes as well as increasing the oxygen transport to the catalyst. Professor as reviewed the prospects of using PFCs as a biomaterial in areas such as matrix for controlled release of drugs; muscle implants and other therapies requiring electromechanically active components. Other opportunities using PFCs include enhanced oxygen transport in biosensors, media for reactions in supercritical fluids and tissue engineering where increased oxygen transport aids in vitro cell and tissue growth. Professor XXXX presented several possible opportunities for additional R& D between Sanguine and XXXX Corporation (DAA). XXXX is a small fuel cell company in XXXX. Professor XXXX is a consultant to XXXX. Professor XXXX also described a unit at VCU that does research on a very costeffective basis. The unit employs primarily post-graduate students and has a history of successful accomplishments. It was the consensus of the SAB that fuel cell technology offered significant opportunities and that Admiral XXXX XXX continue to work with Professor XXXX to identify specific initiatives for Sanguine participation. Professor XXXX presentation can be found at Appendix C. After Professor XXXX prepared presentation and discussion, the SAB requested a “tutorial” on PFCs. Professor XXXX conducted a “chalk-talk” on PFCs that measurably increased the knowledge of the SAB and highlighted the need for expanding the SAB to include additional expertise in chemistry and physics. Remediation of Hydrocarbon Products Methyl-t-butyl ether (MTBE), as gasoline oxygenate used to reduce carbon monoxide emissions, has become widely used in the petroleum industry. It is one of the fastest growing chemical products of the last few years. There is little data on the biological fate of MTBE. Little information about biodegradation of MTBE by pure cultures has been reported. Fifteen pure bacterial strains have been reported from biotreater sludge and other sources with the capacity to degrade on MME when it is the sole carbon source. Seven strains have been classified as belonging to the genus’s Rhodococcus, Flavobacterium, Pseudomonas, or Oerskovia. These cultures degraded up to 40% of XXX ppm of MTBE in 1﷓2 weeks of incubation at XX-XXXC. These strains also grow on tbutanol, butylfonnate, isopropanol, acetone and pyruvate as sole carbon sources. Use of these compounds in combination with MTBE showed a reduction in the degradation of MTBE. The growth of some isolates on MTBE is very slow, however, in some instances, very little increase in cell number occurs even though degradation of MTBE is occurring. The availability of pure cultures that degrade MTBE will allow the determination of the pathway intermediates and the rate limiting steps as well as considerations for bioaugmentation. .