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Immobilization of chloroplasts from grass within a silica matrix synthetized by HIPE method

Abstract:

The deficient disposition of the pruning waste, from grass (Poaceae), has been converted into a considerable environmental problem since it is discarded in common garbage dumps. As a result, gases and lixiviates are generated producing a negative impact on the environment. This project takes advantage of these residues to isolate their chloroplasts, with the aim of subsequently developing bioreactors that absorb CO2. The encapsulation of grass chloroplasts into silica monolith with a hierarchical texture, using high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) method was carried out. The isolated chloroplasts were analysed by UV-Vis spectroscopy to estimate the amount of chlorophylls a and b present in the grass. Moreover, the synthesized samples were characterized by fluorescence spectroscopy for monitoring their photosynthetic activity, having an activity up to at least 90 days.