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Celastrol, one of the top five traditional natural products with high potential for modern drug development, exerts potent broad-spectrum biological activities, yet its poor aqueous solubility, low bioavailability, potential toxicity, and limited selectivity severely compromise its drug-likeness. Advanced drug delivery strategies, mainly including multifunctional polymer/lipid/protein-based organic nanoparticles, metal/silica-based inorganic nanoparticles, vesicles represented by liposomes, and nanoemulsions, are expected to overcome these druggability hurdles of celastrol via oral, transdermal or intravenous administration. This review summarizes recent progress in a series of celastrol formulations, including novel dosage forms and delivery routes accompanied with consequential pharmacological effects and mechanisms of action, which have the potential to bring about better druggability conducive to future medical treatment. Full article

The 4th International Electronic Conference on Processes—Sustainable Process Design, Engineering, Control and Systems Innovation (ECP 2025) was hosted online from 20 to 22 October 2025. The event presented recent process/systems-related research in the fields of chemistry, biology, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, materials, energy, environment, food, and engineering. The main topics and sessions of the conference were as follows: Environmental and Green Processes; Chemical Processes and Systems; Food Process Engineering; Process Control and Monitoring; Materials Manufacturing and Sustainable Packaging; Pharmaceutical Processing and Particle Processes. Full article

Tree-derived bio-based polymer materials, including natural rubber, raw lacquer, pine resin, and tree gums, are important renewable resources for sustainable forestry and green manufacturing. However, their collection still largely depends on manual operations, which may cause unstable yield, tree damage, and low operational efficiency. This review examines intelligent identification technologies for tree-derived material collection from the perspectives of multimodal perception and machine learning. The collection requirements and recognition targets of typical materials are first analyzed, including trunk localization, tapping line detection, bark feature extraction, tree state assessment, and safe tool–bark interaction. Visual, RGB-D, LiDAR, spectral, force/tactile, and environmental sensing technologies are then reviewed, and their roles in complex forest perception and robotic operation are discussed. Machine learning methods, including traditional classifiers, object detection, image segmentation, point cloud processing, temporal modeling, few-shot learning, transfer learning, and uncertainty-aware evaluation, are further examined. Representative cases in rubber tapping, lacquer collection, and pine resin harvesting are compared to reveal the transition from single-sensor recognition to perception–decision–execution integration. Key challenges are identified in dataset standardization, model generalization, edge deployment, force-aware control, and biological mechanism integration. Future directions are proposed toward autonomous, low-damage, and high-yield intelligent collection systems. Full article

The relationship between corporate digitalization and green management practices has received increasing scholarly attention, but existing empirical findings remain inconsistent. To clarify this relationship, this research conducts a meta-analysis based on 94 effect sizes from 82 empirical studies, adopting a multivariable research framework to integrate existing findings and explore the factors that contribute to the generation of heterogeneity. The findings indicate that corporate digitalization facilitates green management practices, a conclusion robust across three key dimensions: environmental performance, green innovation, and green supply chain management. Furthermore, the findings show that digitalization exerts a stronger positive effect in non-manufacturing firms, non-heavy-polluting firms, and high-tech firms, while measurement approaches emerge as a critical factor influencing empirical outcomes. These findings provide integrated evidence on the digitalization–green management relationship, clarify its key boundary conditions, and offer practical implications for firms seeking to advance low-carbon transformation through digital technologies. Full article

Green synthesis of metal nanoparticles has attracted significant attention due to its sustainability, yet achieving precise control over their physicochemical properties via continuous-flow systems remains a challenge. This study evaluates the sustainable synthesis of copper nanoparticles using 3D-printed microfluidic reactors fabricated via the fused filament technique with glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate. A systematic experimental design was performed to investigate the effects of the reducing agent concentration, the channel architecture, and the medium pH on particle size and morphology. Fluid dynamics theoretical modeling revealed a laminar flow regime, dominated by advection, where the serpentine geometry successfully induced stable homogeneous mixing. Statistical analysis identified pH as the most critical factor, demonstrating that an alkaline medium of pH 8 combined with a 5:1 reductant-to-precursor ratio optimizes the production of uniformly spherical copper nanoparticles with significantly smaller diameters. Advanced experiments also assessed the influence of flow rates and stabilizer agents on particle size, morphology and purity. These findings validate the integration of additive manufacturing and continuous microfluidics as a robust, low-cost, and eco-friendly platform for the reproducible and scalable production of metallic nanoparticles. Full article

The transition toward sustainable manufacturing requires an understanding of how industrial policies shape firms’ long-term green innovation capabilities. This study investigates the impact of China’s intelligent manufacturing pilot policy on enterprises’ sustainable green innovation, conceptualizing the policy as an exogenous driver of systemic transformation at the firm level. Using multi-period difference-in-differences (DID) regression on an unbalanced panel dataset of Chinese listed companies from 2010 to 2023, we find that the intelligent manufacturing pilot policy exerts a significantly positive effect on enterprises’ sustainable green innovation. Mechanism analyses reveal that the policy promotes sustainable green innovation through three pathways: facilitating digital transformation, alleviating financing constraints, and enhancing ESG performance. Heterogeneity analysis further indicates that the policy effects are more pronounced in eastern regions, among non-state-owned enterprises, in non-heavily polluting industries, and in technology-intensive industries. These findings provide insights into how systemic policy interventions can drive sustainable innovation at the firm level, with implications for policymakers and enterprises seeking to align industrial upgrading with long-term green development. These findings are interpreted through a system transformation lens, where intelligent manufacturing policies trigger co-evolutionary changes across digital, financial, and governance subsystems. Full article

Diabetic wounds are characterized by persistent hyperglycemia, excessive ROS accumulation, sustained inflammation, and impaired angiogenesis, yet current treatments remain suboptimal. To address these challenges, we developed a mild heat stimulating and microenvironment reprogramming hydrogel (termed C-4-N) via a green synthetic strategy. L-Arginine (L-Arg) triggered the spontaneous self-polymerization of protocatechuic aldehyde (PA) into poly (protocatechuic aldehyde) (PPA) nanoparticles, onto which ginsenoside Compound K (CK) was subsequently loaded, yielding CK/L-Arg/PPA nanoparticles. These nanoparticles were then uniformly embedded into a dynamic disulfide network composed of α-lipoic acid (LA)-modified chitosan (CS-LA) and 4-arm-PEG-SH under UV irradiation without toxic photo-initiators, forming the C-4-N hydrogel. The C-4-N hydrogel reprogrammed the diabetic wound microenvironment through three synergistic mechanisms, lowering blood glucose and scavenging ROS via the coordinated actions of LA, CK and PPA, promoting M1-to-M2 macrophage polarization via downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) and upregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, TGF-β1), further amplified by mild photothermal stimulation of 40–43 °C. In a diabetic rat model, the C-4-N hydrogel achieved a near-complete wound closure rate of 99.49 ± 0.10% on day 13 upon mild photothermal stimulation, accompanied by enhanced re-epithelialization, organized collagen deposition, vascular maturation, and systemic glucose regulation. In summary, this green synthesized, mild heat-stimulating hydrogel establishes a synergistic microenvironment reprogramming paradigm for chronic diabetic wound managements. Full article

Against the backdrop of carbon peaking, carbon neutrality, and digital economy development, exploring the pathways through which artificial intelligence (AI) applications in manufacturing enterprises empower green transformation is of great significance. Using panel data on Chinese A-share listed manufacturing companies from 2005 to 2024 and a difference-in-differences (DID) model, this study examined the impact of the National Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Application Pilot Zones (AI Pilot Zones) policy on corporate green innovation. The results showed that the establishment of AI Pilot Zones significantly promoted green innovation among manufacturing enterprises, and this conclusion remained robust after parallel trend tests, PSM-DID estimation, and alternative variable measurements. Mechanism analysis revealed that financing constraints served as a key mediating channel, and that AI policies promoted green innovation through a serial mediation mechanism involving fintech development and the alleviation of financing constraints. Moderation analysis indicated that both human capital and digital transformation enhanced the policy effect. Heterogeneity analysis suggested that the policy’s impact was more pronounced among non-state-owned enterprises, large enterprises, and firms located in eastern regions. This study provides empirical evidence on the effectiveness of AI Pilot Zones in promoting green innovation among manufacturing firms and clarifies the underlying mechanisms. Full article

Silicon carbide–aluminum (SiC–Al) composites offer high hardness, wear resistance, thermal stability, and strength-to-weight ratio, making them suitable for advanced engineering applications. Fabricating these composites via powder metallurgy and infiltration methods has been reported. However, there is no reported study on fabricating SiC–Al composites using binder jetting additive manufacturing (BJAM) followed by sintering without infiltration. The present study aims to fill this gap. In this study, samples were printed by BJAM using SiC–Al mixed powders with two volumetric ratios (SiC:Al) of 60:40 and 80:20, respectively. These printed samples were then sintered at different temperatures (950 °C, 1200 °C, and 1400 °C). The results show that, using this new approach, the printed green samples retained structural integrity after sintering and that interparticle bonding was achieved. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to fabricate a SiC–Al composite via binder jetting additive manufacturing using a mixed powder, followed by sintering without infiltration. Full article

The successful application of extrusion-based 3D-printed geopolymer mortars largely depends on precursor chemistry, activator composition, mixture proportions, and fresh-state behavior, which is highly sensitive to time-dependent structural build-up. This review examines the relationships among mix design, geopolymerization chemistry, rheological properties, and printability requirements for 3D-printed geopolymer mortars. Particular emphasis is placed on the effects of precursor type, alkaline activator characteristics, liquid-to-solid ratio, additives, and fibers on flowability, yield stress, viscosity, extrudability, buildability, shape retention, and interlayer bonding. The review further discusses how geopolymerization kinetics influence the evolution of fresh-state properties, the printable time window, and the transition from extrusion to structural stability. In addition, early-age performance is evaluated in terms of setting behavior, green strength development, and layer-interface integrity. Current challenges, including the lack of standardized test methods, limited comparability among published studies, and the complex coupling between material design and process parameters, are also highlighted. Finally, the review identifies key research gaps and proposes future directions for developing robust, printable, and sustainable geopolymer mortar systems for additive manufacturing in construction. Full article

Against the backdrop of accelerating digitalization and intelligent transformation, intelligent manufacturing has emerged as a key driver of green transition in manufacturing. However, evidence on its effects and the mechanisms underlying corporate green innovation remains limited. Using panel data of Chinese A-share manufacturing firms from 2011 to 2023, this study exploits the pilot policy of intelligent manufacturing as a quasi-natural experiment and employs a difference-in-differences (DID) approach. Results indicate that intelligent manufacturing significantly enhances firms’ green innovation, with robust evidence across multiple checks. Mechanism analysis shows that this effect operates through an integrated dynamic capability channel, whereby firms strengthen their adaptive capability, absorptive capability for green knowledge and digital technologies, and innovation capability through technological integration, thereby improving green innovation. Moreover, intellectual property protection strengthens this mechanism by increasing innovation returns and enhancing the capability-to-innovation conversion efficiency. Heterogeneity results suggest stronger effects in non-high-tech firms, non–heavily polluting industries, and technology-intensive firms, reflecting differences in digital readiness and resource reconfiguration capacity. Overall, this study provides causal evidence on the green effects of intelligent manufacturing, clarifies internal mechanisms, and highlights institutional and firm-level heterogeneity, with implications for digital-driven green transformation and policy design. Full article

The study investigated the tensile strength and elongation properties of abaca fiber-reinforced polymer (AFRP) composites after varying durations of seawater soaking, with a focus on their potential for reinforcing fiber-optic cables. It aims to bridge industrial technology education, experiential learning, and green technology by evaluating abaca fiber as a sustainable alternative to synthetic aramid yarn. Conducted at Caraga State University, Cabadbaran Campus (CSUCC), the research utilized a quasi-experimental product development design involving industrial technology students and instructors. Tensile strength testing and comparative analysis were performed on abaca fiber samples (A, B, and C) subjected to different seawater soaking durations. Results show that soaking time significantly affects the fiber strength, with Sample A achieving the highest tensile strength (5631.5 MPa) and Sample C the lowest (1679.8 MPa). Findings indicate that prolonged exposure to seawater weakens abaca fiber, emphasizing the need for controlled treatment to optimize its industrial applications. This study emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning in industrial technology education, promoting critical thinking and technical skills while underscoring sustainability. The research advocates for eco-friendly materials in industrial applications and highlights the potential of abaca fiber composites. Future studies should investigate pre-treatment methods to enhance fiber durability, assess the long-term environmental performance, and conduct large-scale pilot testing to evaluate commercial viability. By integrating sustainable innovations into industrial technology education, this study contributes to advancing natural fiber composites for manufacturing and telecommunications infrastructure. Full article

Environmental information disclosure is a critical pathway for manufacturing enterprises to advance the modern environmental governance system. Using the New-Generation Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Development Pilot Zones (NAIDP) as a quasi-natural experiment, this study employs panel data of Chinese A-share listed manufacturing firms from 2011 to 2023 to investigate the effect and underlying mechanism of the NAIDP on corporate environmental information disclosure. The results indicate that the NAIDP significantly enhances enterprises’ environmental information disclosure, and this positive effect is more salient for non-state-owned, superior digital infrastructure, and non-heavy-pollution enterprises. Mechanism tests demonstrate that the NAIDP functions by mitigating information asymmetry and enhancing internal control. Further analysis of the moderating effect suggests that management’s environmental awareness and regional environmental regulation intensity positively strengthen the promotional effect of the NAIDP. This study not only supplements micro-level empirical evidence for the environmental governance effect of artificial intelligence applications but also provides practical insights for policy optimization to facilitate the green transformation of the manufacturing industry. Full article

Under a dual-carbon background, promoting substantive green innovation in manufacturing enterprises has become a central topic in green transition research. This paper constructs an evolutionary game model involving manufacturing enterprises and consumers under market mechanisms and government intervention to analyze the evolutionary patterns and stability conditions of their strategic choices. Using case data and numerical simulations, it explores the role of government guidance in addressing market failures and fostering green innovation in manufacturing. The findings reveal the following: (1) Under market mechanisms, system evolution is influenced by multiple factors. If enterprises prioritize short-term gains by accelerating symbolic green innovation, consumer trust erodes, leading to a shift toward traditional consumption and ultimately driving the system toward market failure. (2) Under government intervention, incentive subsidies must reach a specific threshold to effectively guide manufacturers toward substantive green innovation. Such subsidies also lower the marginal cost of low-carbon consumption, enhancing consumer willingness to purchase green products. Furthermore, government regulation demonstrates positive promoting effects on the green behaviors of both manufacturers and consumers, with a more pronounced impact on the former. (3) The policy combination of incentive subsidies and government supervision significantly shapes evolutionary trajectories through a synergistic mechanism of “reward incentives and regulatory rigidity.” Policy mismatches may trap the system in market failure. Only when subsidy intensity sufficiently compensates for innovation costs and regulatory capacity exceeds enforcement efficiency thresholds can the system stably evolve toward a substantive green innovation, low-carbon consumption state, fostering a virtuous cycle of supply–demand synergy. Full article

The continuous rise in carbon emissions poses a serious threat to the global climate, driving the urgent need for efficient CCUS technologies. Ionic liquids (ILs), with their negligible vapor pressure, excellent thermal stability, and tunable molecular structures, have emerged as promising materials for CO₂ capture. However, the high viscosity of bulk ILs severely restricts gas mass transfer. To overcome this limitation, integrating ILs with porous materials featuring large surface areas and well-defined pore structures has emerged as a synergistic strategy, combining the high CO₂ affinity and selectivity of ILs with the rapid mass transfer and structural stability of porous supports. This review systematically summarizes the CO₂ capture mechanisms and limitations of bulk ILs and further highlights recent advances in the design, synthesis, and applications of IL-based hybrid adsorbents. Particular attention is given to confinement-enhanced mechanisms, whereby nanoscale confinement fundamentally alters the physicochemical behavior of ILs, transforming them from disordered bulk liquids into ordered, interface-dominated systems. In addition, the life-cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis of IL hybrid systems are critically evaluated. Full article