b'Algae Beads as Carbon Dioxide Remediation SourceGuillermo Sanchez and Brandy SreenilaymSponsor: Dr. Gopeekrishnan SreenilaymGreenhouse gases have significantly contributed to record-breaking climate changes worldwide, and a majority are synthesized by the combustion of fuel, such as petroleum-based gasoline in vehicles, producing carbon dioxide (CO2). The goal of this research project is to determine how effective immobilized algae in alginate beads can convert the released CO2 from vehicle emissions into oxygen (O2) and to calculate the rate of O2 released from the beads. The optimized amount of CO2 being used by the algae beads can be maximized by changing conditions such as the various types of algae, using water or ionic liquids as solvent, different temperature ranges, and the size of the alginate beads. The three main motives to using the algae in alginate beads are that it is a renewable green resource and has very simple growth requirements as well as a high efficiency in performing photosynthesis. The CO2/O2 headspace/oxygenanalyzer will be used to record levels of CO2 and O2 present above the solution containing the algae beads. The long-term goal of this research is to determine the proper conditions needed to attach the algae beads to the end of the exhaust system to reduce the amount of CO2 gas released by automobiles.Developing Protein-Polymer Nanoconstructs as Reusable BiocatalystsThomas J. Falkenhausen and Lukas SmidtasSponsor: Dr. GopeekrishnanSreenilayamBiocatalysts is the use of enzymes and proteins to perform chemical transformations. Enzymes and proteins are increasingly used in organic reactions due to excellent chemo-, regio- and stereoselectivity, environmental sustainability, milder reaction conditions, improved productivity, simplified work-streams, and greater economical saving potential. Generally, many of these biocatalytic reactions are performed in aqueous buffer solutions so that the enzymes and proteins remain in their natural form which is also their active form. These aqueous solutions present problems for many organic reactions. These range from low solubility of organic compounds in an aqueous medium, low turnover numbers, and solvent reagent incompatibility. In this experiment, we perform a 3-step construction of engineered myoglobin protein-polymer nano construct (biocatalyst). This process consists of a cationization of the biocatalyst by using an amine, electrostatic attachment of negatively charged detergent and lyophilization to remove water and generate the nano-construct. Once immobilized, the biocatalyst is ready to be used for various organic transformations. The organic transformation performed was the cyclopropanation reaction between styrene and ethyldiazoacetate. Initial results showed formation of product using the engineered myoglobin protein-polymer nano-construct. Based on the initial results, additional reactions will be performed by changing reaction conditions to further optimize product formation. In conclusion, the engineered myoglobin protein-polymer nano construct was constructed and retains its ability to catalyze industrial relevant organic transformations. 20'