Fatemeh Kavousi

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Fluid mechanics, Membrane separation systems, (bio) reactor design and optimisation, computational fluid dynamics, (bio)process modelling.

Scopus Publications

Porous Scaffolds Made From Starch Nanoparticle-Stabilized Medium Internal Phase Emulsion Polymerization: Effect of Pore Size and Polyaniline on Cell Growth
Fatemeh Kavousi, Shiva Akbari‐Birgani, Sajad Pour‐Esmaeil, Sayed Habib Kazemi, and Nasser Nikfarjam
Wiley
ABSTRACTPolymeric three‐dimensional (3D) porous scaffolds were prepared through medium internal phase emulsion (MIPE) templating. Their potential applicability as substrates for culturing human breast cancer (MCF‐7) cells and human neuroblastoma (SH‐SY5Y) cells was investigated. The crosslinked starch nanoparticle‐stabilized oil‐in‐water MIPEs containing acrylamide/methylenebisacrylamide/poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) in the continuous phase cured in 1 and 6 h to produce 3D porous scaffolds called, respectively, PolyMIPE‐SP and PolyMIPE‐SP after the removal of the internal oil phase. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) micrographs revealed uniform interconnected porous structures with average pore sizes of 46.74 and 7.13 μm for PolyMIPE‐LP and PolyMIPE‐SP, respectively. Cell viability and cell culture studies exhibited that the biocompatibility, proliferation, and growth of SH‐SY5Y and MCF‐7 cells on PolyMIPE‐LP were better than those on PolyMIPE‐SP due to the proper placement of cells in large pores. Then, deposited conductive polyaniline (PANI) nanoparticles on the pore surface of PolyMIPE‐LP induced a rough surface with a nanoprotrusion structure and balanced hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity, enhancing cell growth in the scaffold. The cyclic voltammograms revealed that the conductivity of PolyMIPE‐LP/PANI scaffolds depends directly on the swelling degree of the scaffold. Consequently, these findings make PolyMIPE‐LP/PANI a suitable bioactive substrate for electroactive cell studies, chemo‐photothermal therapy of cancer cells, and drug testing platforms.


Design and Modeling of a Non-Flat Foldable Tubular Kirigami With Compliant Joints
Siyuan Ye, Pengyuan Zhao, Shiyao Li, Fatemeh Kavousi, and Guangbo Hao
ASME International
Abstract This paper applies the kirigami technique to a non-rigid foldable tubular origami to make a rigid foldable tubular design, i.e., a radially closable kirigami (RC-kiri). The laminar emergent torsional (LET) compliant joint is applied to surrogate the crease, which makes the design applicable in practical engineering applications. By incorporating a non-flat folding design, the folding angles of each crease are minimized, leading to a reduction in the strain exerted on engineering materials. The kinetostatic theoretical model is constructed using the principle of virtual work, and its results are compared with those obtained from a simulation model in finite element analysis (FEA). A 3D printed physical model is tested to obtain the relationship between forces and displacements. FEA and experimental results match with theoretical findings. This study builds a bridge between origami and kirigami and expands the application of LET joints to the fabrication of tubular kirigami.


Integration Approaches to Model Bioreactor Hydrodynamics and Cellular Kinetics for Advancing Bioprocess Optimisation
Vishal Kumar Singh, Ioscani Jiménez del Val, Jarka Glassey, and Fatemeh Kavousi
MDPI AG
Large-scale bioprocesses are increasing globally to cater to the larger market demands for biological products. As fermenter volumes increase, the efficiency of mixing decreases, and environmental gradients become more pronounced compared to smaller scales. Consequently, the cells experience gradients in process parameters, which in turn affects the efficiency and profitability of the process. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are being widely embraced for their ability to simulate bioprocess performance, facilitate bioprocess upscaling, downsizing, and process optimisation. Recently, CFD approaches have been integrated with dynamic Cell reaction kinetic (CRK) modelling to generate valuable information about the cellular response to fluctuating hydrodynamic parameters inside large production processes. Such coupled approaches have the potential to facilitate informed decision-making in intelligent biomanufacturing, aligning with the principles of “Industry 4.0” concerning digitalisation and automation. In this review, we discuss the benefits of utilising integrated CFD-CRK models and the different approaches to integrating CFD-based bioreactor hydrodynamic models with cellular kinetic models. We also highlight the suitability of different coupling approaches for bioprocess modelling in the purview of associated computational loads.


Where engineering meets biology: The Computational Fluid Dynamic analysis of a stacked duckweed bioreactor
Daniel Maguire, Neil E. Coughlan, Marcel A.K. Jansen, Edmond P. Byrne, and Fatemeh Kavousi
Elsevier BV



Hydrogen Separation Using Ceramic Membranes
Fatemeh Kavousi, Anna O'Sullivan, Archishman Bose, and Sudipta De
CRC Press



On the rise: Development of a multi-tiered, indoor duckweed cultivation system
Neil E. Coughlan, Daniel Maguire, Abin Abraham Oommen, Cian Redmond, Rachel O'Mahoney, Éamonn Walsh, Holger Kühnhold, Edmond P. Byrne, Fatemeh Kavousi, Alan P. Morrison,et al.
Wiley
AbstractDuckweed species (Lemnaceae) are suitable for remediation and valorization of agri‐feed industry wastewaters and therefore can contribute to a more sustainable, circular economy where waste is a resource. Industrial applications will, however, require space efficient cultivation methods that are not affected by prevailing weather conditions. Here, the development and operation of a multi‐tiered duckweed bioreactor is described. The developed prototype bioreactor depicted in this paper is composed of four cultivation layers (1 m2 each) with integrated LED lighting (generating up to 150 μmol m−2 s−1), a system of pumps and valves to manage the recirculatory flow (2.5 L min−1) of wastewater, and an automatic harvesting system. Using a nutrient poor medium, good growth of the duckweed species Lemna minor was achieved in the bioreactor, and this was matched by strong nutrient depletion from the medium, especially for phosphorus (45‐mg total phosphorus [TP] removed per m−2 day−1). A fully automatic harvesting arm reliably captured similar amounts of duckweed biomass across multiple harvesting cycles, revealing a future scenario whereby labor and interventions by human operators are minimized. Further developments to advance the system towards fully automated operation will include, for example, the use of specific nutrient sensors to monitor and control medium composition. It is envisaged that multi‐tiered, indoor bioreactors can be employed in the agri‐feed industry where wastewaters are, in many cases, continuously generated throughout the year and need remediating immediately to avoid costly storage. Given the extensive use of automation technology in conventional wastewater treatment plants, multi‐tiered duckweed bioreactors can be realistically integrated within the operating environment of such treatment plants.Practitioner Points Duckweed is suitable for remediation and valorization of agri‐feed wastewater. Industrial duckweed applications require space efficient cultivation methods. Development and operation of a multi‐tiered duckweed bioreactor is detailed. Flow dynamics and automatic harvesting in the bioreactor are optimized. It is concluded that a multi‐tiered bioreactor can be used in industry.


DISPERSION IN THE RESIDENCE TIME OF SIZE-DISPERSED PARTICLES IN SEDIMENTATION
Kevin Cronin, , Fatemeh Kavousi, Chengbin Tang, , and
Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Przyrodniczego we Wrocławiu (WUELS Publishing House))
Theoretical expressions have previously obtained for the statistics of the residence time distribution of particles falling individually in a stationary, Newtonian liquid. The dispersion in the residence or sedimentation time arises both from the size dispersion that may be present in the particles and also because of fluctuations in the axial velocity of the particles about the time-invariant terminal velocity. Such fluctuations are inevitable, except at extremely low Reynolds numbers. The size dispersion is represented by the Log-Normal distribution, as is customary for many particle populations. The erratic nature of particle velocity is represented by a dispersion coefficient and then incorporated into a corresponding Peclet number. The dispersion coefficient reflects both the level of fluctuation in velocity and the representative time-scale of the velocity fluctuation. In addition to residence time distribution, the level of correlation or dependence between particle size and particle residence time can be determined by this method. The theoretical work was previously validated using glass and plastic particles falling in glycerol and water, characterized by low (Re ≈ 1) and high (Re ≈ 1000) Reynolds numbers, respectively. For this paper, new experiments were conducted examining the fall of expanded polystyrene particles with a range of sizes in air. Experiments were carried out with single particle falls and batch (groups of particles) falls. In addition to using different fluids and particles to the previous work, the tests were conducted over a wider range of Reynolds numbers. Results demonstrated that the theory was still valid for these new experiments. Dispersion in residence time and the relationship between particle size and its residence time were predicted with reasonably good accuracy.


Modelling of a Tubular Kirigami (RC-kiri) with Outside Lamina Emergent Torsional Joints
Siyuan Ye, Pengyuan Zhao, Shiyao Li, Fatemeh Kavousi, and Guangbo Hao
Springer Nature Switzerland



A Novel Radially Closable Tubular Origami Structure (RC-ori) for Valves
Siyuan Ye, Pengyuan Zhao, Yinjun Zhao, Fatemeh Kavousi, Huijuan Feng, and Guangbo Hao
MDPI AG
Cylindrical Kresling origami structures are often used in engineering fields due to their axial stretchability, tunable stiffness, and bistability, while their radial closability is rarely mentioned to date. This feature enables a valvelike function, which inspired this study to develop a new origami-based valve. With the unique one-piece structure of origami, the valve requires fewer parts, which can improve its tightness and reduce the cleaning process. These advantages meet the requirements of sanitary valves used in industries such as the pharmaceutical industry. This paper summarizes the geometric definition of the Kresling pattern as developed in previous studies and reveals the similarity of its twisting motion to the widely utilized iris valves. Through this analogy, the Kresling structure’s closability and geometric conditions are characterized. To facilitate the operation of the valve, we optimize the existing structure and create a new crease pattern, RC-ori. This novel design enables an entirely closed state without twisting. In addition, a simplified modeling method is proposed in this paper for the non-rigid foldable cylindrical origami. The relationship between the open area and the unfolded length of the RC-ori structure is explored based on the modeling method with a comparison with nonlinear FEA simulations. Not only limited to valves, the new crease pattern could also be applied to microreactors, drug carriers, samplers, and foldable furniture.


Comparison for the production of essential oil by conventional, novel and biotechnology methods
Fardin Ghasemy-Piranloo, Fatemeh Kavousi, and Mahshid Kazemi-Abharian
Informa UK Limited
ABSTRACT Essential oils have many interesting applications in industry food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, agriculture. Essential oils can be produced by various techniques, including conventional, novel and biotechnology methods. Novel extraction methods can be considered as a good alternative to conventional methods due to short extraction time, high efficiency and quality, non-decomposition of compounds due to heat and no pollution. Recently, due to the limitations of extraction methods, the attention of scientists has been focused on synthesizing aromatic compounds through biotechnological methods. In the biotechnology method, there is no concern about factors such as climate conditions, supply shortages, natural disasters, plant disease and a high-quality product is obtained. Biotechnology could provide an environmentally friendly alternative that does not require as much land and resources as traditional methods. This review covers up-to-date literature on extraction methods of essential oils, including conventional methods, novel methods and biotech methods, and a generally comparison between them.


Highly interconnected macroporous structures made from starch nanoparticle-stabilized medium internal phase emulsion polymerization for use in cell culture
Fatemeh Kavousi and Nasser Nikfarjam
Elsevier BV



Synthesis and characterization of a magnetic polymer nanocomposite for the release of metoprolol and aspirin
Fatemeh Kavousi, Mojtaba Goodarzi, Davood Ghanbari, and Kambiz Hedayati
Elsevier BV



Hydrodynamics and gas transfer performance of confined hollow fibre membrane modules with the aid of computational fluid dynamics
Fatemeh Kavousi, Eoin Syron, Michael Semmens, and Eoin Casey
Elsevier BV



Optimal design of drainage channel geometry parameters in vane demister liquid-gas separators
Fatemeh Kavousi, Yaghoub Behjat, and Shahrokh Shahhosseini
Elsevier BV

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

Integration Approaches to Model Bioreactor Hydrodynamics and Cellular Kinetics for Advancing Bioprocess Optimisation
VK Singh, I Jimnez del Val, J Glassey, F Kavousi
Bioengineering 11 (6), 546 2024



Where engineering meets biology: The Computational Fluid Dynamic analysis of a stacked duckweed bioreactor
D Maguire, NE Coughlan, MAK Jansen, EP Byrne, F Kavousi
Aquacultural Engineering 104, 102375 2024



On the rise: Development of a multi‐tiered, indoor duckweed cultivation system
NE Coughlan, D Maguire, AA Oommen, C Redmond, R O'Mahoney, ...
Water Environment Research 95 (12), e10964 2023



Modelling of a tubular kirigami (RC-kiri) with outside lamina emergent torsional joints
S Ye, P Zhao, S Li, F Kavousi, G Hao
IFToMM International Conference on Mechanisms, Transmissions and 2023



A novel radially closable tubular origami structure (RC-ori) for valves
S Ye, P Zhao, Y Zhao, F Kavousi, H Feng, G Hao
Actuators 11 (9), 243 2022



Hydrodynamics and gas transfer performance of confined hollow fibre membrane modules with the aid of computational fluid dynamics
F Kavousi, E Syron, M Semmens, E Casey
Journal of Membrane Science 513, 117-128 2016



Experimental and numerical study of mass transfer and hydrodynamic performance of confined hollow fibre membrane modules
F Kavousi, M J Semmens, E Syron, E Casey
Euromembrane conference, Aachen, Germany 2015



Optimal design of drainage channel geometry parameters in vane demister liquid–gas separators
F Kavousi, Y Behjat, S Shahhosseini
Chemical Engineering Research and Design 91 (7), 1212-1222 2013



Two phase gas-liquid vane demister simulation and evaluating the effect of drainage channels on separation efficiency
F Kavousi, Y Behjat, Sh Shahhosseini
Farayandno Scientific Journal, Iran 37 (7), 17-30 2011



Evaluating the effect of turbulent dispersion models on the simulation of a vane liquid-gas separator
F kavousi, Y Behjat, Sh Shahhosseini
7th international Chemical Engineering Congress & Exhibition, Kish, Iran 2011



DISPERSION IN THE RESIDENCE TIME OF SIZE-DISPERSED PARTICLES IN SEDIMENTATION
K Cronin, F Kavousi, C Tang

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

Optimal design of drainage channel geometry parameters in vane demister liquid–gas separators
F Kavousi, Y Behjat, S Shahhosseini
Chemical Engineering Research and Design 91 (7), 1212-1222 2013
Citations: 73



Hydrodynamics and gas transfer performance of confined hollow fibre membrane modules with the aid of computational fluid dynamics
F Kavousi, E Syron, M Semmens, E Casey
Journal of Membrane Science 513, 117-128 2016
Citations: 27



A novel radially closable tubular origami structure (RC-ori) for valves
S Ye, P Zhao, Y Zhao, F Kavousi, H Feng, G Hao
Actuators 11 (9), 243 2022
Citations: 14



Where engineering meets biology: The Computational Fluid Dynamic analysis of a stacked duckweed bioreactor
D Maguire, NE Coughlan, MAK Jansen, EP Byrne, F Kavousi
Aquacultural Engineering 104, 102375 2024
Citations: 4



On the rise: Development of a multi‐tiered, indoor duckweed cultivation system
NE Coughlan, D Maguire, AA Oommen, C Redmond, R O'Mahoney, ...
Water Environment Research 95 (12), e10964 2023
Citations: 4



Modelling of a tubular kirigami (RC-kiri) with outside lamina emergent torsional joints
S Ye, P Zhao, S Li, F Kavousi, G Hao
IFToMM International Conference on Mechanisms, Transmissions and 2023
Citations: 2



Integration Approaches to Model Bioreactor Hydrodynamics and Cellular Kinetics for Advancing Bioprocess Optimisation
VK Singh, I Jimnez del Val, J Glassey, F Kavousi
Bioengineering 11 (6), 546 2024
Citations: 1