In this study, we investigated the effects of indole on biofilm formation inhibition in Pantoea agglomerans (P. agglomerans). In the biofilm growth assay, indole inhibited biofilm formation across all the growth time. Depending on biofilm growth stage, indole exhibited biofilm inhibition and anti-bacterial effects on planktonic cells. Through the analysis of the proportion rate between biofilm and Colony Forming Units (CFU) and inhibition rate of indole, we confirmed that depending on the biofilm stage of P. agglomerans, indole treatment timing was more important than the treatment duration. By comparing gene expression rates through rt-qPCR P.agglomerans affected by indole was found to significantly change quorum sensing (pagI/R) and indole transportation (bssS) gene expressions. Throughout all, indole exhibited both antimicrobial and anti-biofilm effects on P. agglomerans. In addition, we confirmed the anti-biofilm effects of indole on mature biofilm. In conclusion, indole as a signal molecule, can exhibit anti-biofilm effects through bacterial quorum sensing inhibition and indole affects. Therefore, indole can regulate biofilm bacteria especially gram-negative opportunistic pathogens.

In this study, we investigated the in vitro anti-biofilm activities of plant extracts of chives (Allium tuberosum), garlic (Allium sativum), and radish (Raphanus sativus L.) against environment harmful bacteria (gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and, gram-negative Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli O157:H7). In the paper disc assay, garlic extracts exhibited the highest anti-biofilm activity. The Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of all plant extracts was generally higher for gram-negative bacteria than it was for gram-positive bacteria. Gram-negative bacteria were more resistant to plant extracts. The tetrazolium dye (XTT) assay revealed that, each plant extract exhibited a different anti-biofilm activity at the MIC value depending on the pathogen involved. Among the plant extracts tested, garlic extracts (fresh juice and powder) effectively reduced the metabolic activity of the cells of food-poisoning bacteria in biofilms. These anti-biofilm activities were consistent with the results obtained through light microscopic observation. Though the garlic extract reduced biofilm formation for all pathogens tested, to elucidate whether this reduction was due to antimicrobial effects or anti-biofilm effects, we counted the colony forming units of pathogens in the presence of the garlic extract and a control antimicrobial drug. The garlic extract inhibited the E. coli O157:H7 biofilm effectively compared to the control antimicrobial drug ciprofloxacin; however, it did not inhibit S. aureus biofilm significantly compared to ciprofloxacin. In conclusion, garlic extracts could be used as natural food preservatives to prevent the growth of foodborne pathogens and elongater the shelf life of processed foods.

In this study, we evaluated the potential of 70% ethanol extract from Persicaria nepalensis (PNE) as a cosmetic ingredient by primary skin irritation, ocular irritation, and maximization tests for delayed hypersensitivity in New Zealand white rabbits and Hartley guinea pig. Skin safety study was performed to evaluate the potential toxicity of PNE using the primary irritation test. In the primary irritation test, 50% PNE was applied to the skin, and no adverse reactions such as erythema and edema were observed at the intact skin sites. Therefore, PNE was classified as a practically non-irritating material based on a primary irritation index of "0.0.". In the ocular irritation test, the 50% PNE applied did not show any adverse reactions in the different parts of rabbit eyes, including the cornea, iris, and conjunctiva. Thus, PNE was classified as a practically non-irritating material based on an acute ocular irritation index of "0.0.". Skin sensitization was tested by the Guinea Pig Maximization Test (GPMT) and Freund's Complete Adjuvant (FCA) using an intradermal injection of 10% PNE. Edema and erythema were not observed 24 and 48 h after the topical application of PNE in skin sensitization test, which exhibited a sensitization score of "0.0.". Therefore, it can be suggested that P. nepalensis could be used as potential candidates for cosmoceutical ingredients, without any major side effects.

Sulfur hexa-fluoride has been used as a etching gas in semiconductor industry. From the globally environmental issues, it is urgent to control the emissions of this significant greenhouse gas. The main objective of this experimental investigation was to find the effective catalyst for SF6 decomposition. The precursor catalyst of hexa-aluminate was prepared to investigate the catalytic activity and stability. The precursor catalyst of hexa-aluminate was modified with Ni to enhance the catalytic activities and stability. The catalytic activity for SF6 decomposition increased by the addition of Ni and maximized at 6wt% addition of Ni. The addition of 6wt% Ni in precursor catalyst of hexa-aluminate improved the resistant to the HF and reduced the crystallization and phase transition of catalyst.

The main objective of this experimental investigation was CH4 recovery from biogas generated in municipal and wastewater treatment plant. The polysulfone hollow fiber membrane was prepared in order to investigate the permeation properties of CH4 and CO2. Permeability of CO2 in Polysulfone membrane was 11-fold higher than of CH4 gas. A membrane pilot plant for upgrading biogas was constructed and operated at a municipal wastewater treatment plant. The raw biogas contained 66 ~ 68 Vol % CH4, the balance being mainly CO2. The effect of the operating pressure of feed and permeate side and feed flowrate on CH4 recovery concentration and efficiency were investigated with double stage membrane pilot plant. The CH4 concentration in the retentate stream was raised in these tests to 93 Vol % CH4.

Emission of air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons (HC), SO2, and particulate matter (PM) and CO2 from ship during 2009 in Busan port was estimated based on activity-based method. The significant fraction (> 50%) of ship emission resulted from container and general cargo ships. Emission at port operation mode was the most dominant compared to at sea and maneuvering modes. Emission at North port was the largest source of air pollutants among ports. The magnitudes of air pollutants NOx, SO2, HC, CO2, and PM in Busan port were 8.7 × 103, 8.23 × 103, 0.35 × 103, 4.86×106, and 0.67 × 103 ton/yr, respectively. The ratio of NOx to VOC is about 25. Our ship emission estimate is 2 times higher than that in CAPSS emission inventory.