/$$ /$$ /$$$$$$ /$$$$$$$ /$$$$$$$ /$$ /$$ /$$$$$$ /$$$$$$$ /$$$$$$$$
| $$ | $$ /$$__ $$| $$__ $$| $$__ $$| $$ /$ | $$ /$$__ $$| $$__ $$| $$_____/
| $$ | $$| $$ \ $$| $$ \ $$| $$ \ $$| $$ /$$$| $$| $$ \ $$| $$ \ $$| $$
| $$$$$$$$| $$$$$$$$| $$$$$$$/| $$ | $$| $$/$$ $$ $$| $$$$$$$$| $$$$$$$/| $$$$$
| $$__ $$| $$__ $$| $$__ $$| $$ | $$| $$$$_ $$$$| $$__ $$| $$__ $$| $$__/
| $$ | $$| $$ | $$| $$ \ $$| $$ | $$| $$$/ \ $$$| $$ | $$| $$ \ $$| $$
| $$ | $$| $$ | $$| $$ | $$| $$$$$$$/| $$/ \ $$| $$ | $$| $$ | $$| $$$$$$$$
|__/ |__/|__/ |__/|__/ |__/|_______/ |__/ \__/|__/ |__/|__/ |__/|________/
In this video, we showcase a project demonstration for industrial applications, featuring a brief animation of a hypothetical machine based on our research. This machine illustrates how glutathione nanoparticles could be produced from e-waste using enzymes immobilized in resin, offering an eco-friendly method for upcycling electronic waste.
CAD Design & Animation: Stavros Karvelas
Voiceover: ElevenLabs
Music: Suno
The e-PHAESTUS Crucible is an innovative system designed to transform electronic waste into valuable materials through the production of glutathione and its use in nanoparticle formation. The system consists of several chambers, valves, and pumps that collaborate to create an efficient and scalable upcycling process. Here's how it works step by step:
At the core of the system is the enzyme reactor chamber, where immobilized enzymes are embedded in resin. These enzymes catalyze the conversion of amino acids into glutathione. To ensure sustained activity and protect the enzymes from external degradation, the chamber features a sliding UV-protective lid. This setup guarantees a continuous and stable production of glutathione.
As the process advances, the glutathione concentration increases in a dedicated chamber. Amino acids, continuously fed into the enzyme reactor, are converted into glutathione, which accumulates in this chamber. This controlled environment allows the system to efficiently produce a concentrated glutathione solution.
When the desired concentration of glutathione is achieved, an automated valve stops the flow of the mixture. This valve isolates the amino acid supply from the glutathione solution, preventing waste and ensuring optimal resource management.
At this stage, a filtration system ensures that only amino acids can pass through, while glutathione remains in the concentration chamber. The amino acids are separated and cycled back into the system. This filtration step guarantees that no glutathione is lost during the recycling process.
The filtered amino acids are collected in a dedicated reservoir. A pump equipped with a heating element recirculates the amino acids back into the enzyme reactor chamber, ensuring they are at an optimal temperature for enzyme activity. This creates a closed-loop system that maximizes the yield of glutathione.
The cycle repeats, with amino acids continuously converted into glutathione until the required concentration is reached in the concentration chamber.
Once enough glutathione has been produced, the automated valve and pump are stopped, effectively isolating the amino acid reservoir from the rest of the system. A tap in the glutathione concentration chamber opens, allowing the concentrated glutathione solution to be transferred to a new container for the next phase of the process.
In the nanoparticle formation chamber, a propeller-like mixer is installed at the bottom to continuously stir the glutathione solution. Above, a metal frame holds cages or nets filled with electronic waste. The e-waste is suspended in the chamber, where the glutathione solution interacts with metal ions extracted from the waste.
As the system operates, glutathione binds to the metal ions, facilitating the formation of glutathione-coated nanoparticles. This upcycling process transforms hazardous electronic waste into valuable metal nanoparticles that can be utilized for various industrial applications.
By leveraging synthetic biology, advanced filtration, and nanoparticle technology, the e-PHAESTUS Crucible provides a novel solution to the global e-waste challenge, transforming waste into valuable resources in an eco-friendly and efficient manner.