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13 pages, 2133 KB  
Article
Development of a Blocking ELISA for Detection of Serum Neutralizing Antibodies Against Duck Adenovirus Type 3
by Mei Tang, Xiaona Shi, Yifei Xiong, Chunxiu Yuan, Qinmin Zhu, Minfan Huang, Bangfeng Xu, Qinfang Liu, Xue Pan, Zhifei Zhang, Qiaoyang Teng, Minghao Yan, Dawei Yan and Zejun Li
Microorganisms 2025, 13(11), 2607; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13112607 (registering DOI) - 16 Nov 2025
Abstract
In 2014, Duck Adenovirus type 3 (DAdV-3) emerged in Muscovy ducks and has since spread rapidly across China, causing significant economic losses to the duck industry. Given this situation, the development of reliable diagnostic tools is crucial for effective disease control. In this [...] Read more.
In 2014, Duck Adenovirus type 3 (DAdV-3) emerged in Muscovy ducks and has since spread rapidly across China, causing significant economic losses to the duck industry. Given this situation, the development of reliable diagnostic tools is crucial for effective disease control. In this study, a neutralizing monoclonal antibody (mAb) 2F12 specific to DAdV-3 was generated, which showed a blocking rate of over 70% and a neutralization titer of up to 1:794. A blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (b-ELISA) was further developed based on mAb 2F12 to efficiently detect neutralizing antibodies against DAdV-3. The cut-off values of percent inhibition (PI) were set based on testing 84 negative duck serum samples, with a value below 16.79% (mean (X¯) + 2 standard deviations (SD)) for negative sera and over 21.62% (X¯ + 3SD) for positive sera. The b-ELISA exhibited a high specificity, reacting exclusively with DAdV-3 positive serum and showing no cross-reactivity with other representative positive sera tested. Additionally, the b-ELISA showed significantly higher sensitivity than the serum neutralization test (SNT), detecting antibodies 16-fold greater than the endpoint dilution of the SNT. The established b-ELISA, validated with 90 field serum samples from six duck farms, was well-suited for clinical detection of DAdV-3 antibodies and for monitoring post-vaccination antibody levels, representing a significant advancement in DAdV-3 detection and prevention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Detection and Immunity of Avian Viruses)
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24 pages, 831 KB  
Review
Exploring the Potential of Haematococcus pluvialis as a Source of Bioactives for Food Applications: A Review
by Joseane C. Bassani, Sthéfani da Cunha, Deborah Catharine de Assis Leite, Creciana M. Endres, Crivian Pelisser, Karine L. Meneghetti, Gabriel Bombo, Alcina M. M. B. Morais, Rui M. S. C. Morais, Geciane T. Backes and Juliana Steffens
Microorganisms 2025, 13(11), 2606; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13112606 (registering DOI) - 16 Nov 2025
Abstract
The search for sustainable and health-promoting food ingredients has positioned microalgae as promising candidates for the development of functional products. Haematococcus pluvialis, a unicellular green microalga, is the richest natural source of astaxanthin, a carotenoid with outstanding antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. [...] Read more.
The search for sustainable and health-promoting food ingredients has positioned microalgae as promising candidates for the development of functional products. Haematococcus pluvialis, a unicellular green microalga, is the richest natural source of astaxanthin, a carotenoid with outstanding antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. In addition to astaxanthin, H. pluvialis provides high-value proteins, essential fatty acids, polysaccharides, and vitamins, which expand its potential applications in the food sector. This review compiles current knowledge on the biology and physiology of H. pluvialis, with emphasis on cultivation strategies, environmental stress factors, and biotechnological tools designed to enhance bioactive compound production. Advances in extraction and purification methods are also discussed, contrasting conventional solvent-based approaches with emerging green technologies. The integration of these strategies with biomass valorization highlights opportunities for improving economic feasibility and sustainability. Applications of H. pluvialis in the food industry include its use as a functional ingredient, natural colorant, antioxidant, and stabilizer in bakery products, beverages, meat analogs, and emulsified systems. Evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies reinforces its safety and effectiveness. Looking ahead, industrial perspectives point to the adoption of omics-based tools, metabolic engineering, and circular economy approaches as drivers to overcome current barriers of cost, stability, and regulation, opening new avenues for large-scale applications in food systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Food Microbial Biotechnology)
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16 pages, 1555 KB  
Article
Gelatin-Based Films Containing Extracts of Prickly Pear (Opuntia guerrana): Characterization and Evaluation of Bioactive Properties
by Arely León-López, Elvia Verónica Flores-Gutiérrez, Antonio de Jesús Cenobio-Galindo, Asael Islas-Moreno, Gabriel Aguirre-Álvarez and Iván Jalil Antón Carreño-Márquez
Foods 2025, 14(22), 3911; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14223911 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025
Abstract
Gelatin has been widely used as a raw material for packaging development in the food industry. Edible films made from biopolymers such as gelatin can incorporate functional ingredients from natural sources like peel powder and fresh pulp from Opuntia guerrana (tuna fruit). The [...] Read more.
Gelatin has been widely used as a raw material for packaging development in the food industry. Edible films made from biopolymers such as gelatin can incorporate functional ingredients from natural sources like peel powder and fresh pulp from Opuntia guerrana (tuna fruit). The formulations GFP, GPP, GM, and the control GF, were developed and characterized. The physicochemical composition of PP and FP (protein, fat, ash, fiber, and carbohydrates) was evaluated. Antioxidant activity showed 98.19 ± 0.21% ABTS radical inhibition for PP. FTIR analysis showed a characteristic peak at 3294–3284 cm−1, associated with the interaction between gelatin and hydroxyl (OH) groups from Opuntia guerrana phenolic compounds. The color and barrier properties of the films were affected by the addition of prickly pear peel and pulp. Mechanical properties such as Young’s modulus and tensile strength showed significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) when pulp was added to the films. The film with PP exhibited the highest concentration of bioactive compounds (phenols, flavonoids, and betalains) and inhibited the ABTS radical 98.24 ± 0.08% and 38.50 ± 2.11% DPPH radical. All films reached biodegradation levels of approximately 90% after 15 days of incubation. The use of prickly pear residues to obtain value-added compounds can significantly modify the physicochemical and functional properties of gelatin films. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Packaging and Preservation)
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27 pages, 6098 KB  
Article
Transcriptomics and Plant Hormone Analysis Reveal the Mechanism of Exogenous GA3 Promoting Reflowering of Phalaenopsis ‘Hatuyuki’
by Xiaohua Ma, Min Yang, Lei Feng, Qingdi Hu, Yaping Hu, Xule Zhang and Jian Zheng
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(22), 11069; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262211069 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025
Abstract
Phalaenopsis orchids are globally significant high-value ornamental flowers due to their strange flower shape, gorgeous color, and long flowering period. The successful implementation of reflowering technology is expected to double the economic value of the Phalaenopsis industry. This study selected the cultivated variety [...] Read more.
Phalaenopsis orchids are globally significant high-value ornamental flowers due to their strange flower shape, gorgeous color, and long flowering period. The successful implementation of reflowering technology is expected to double the economic value of the Phalaenopsis industry. This study selected the cultivated variety Phalaenopsis ‘Hatuyuki’ as the material to investigate the effects of exogenous gibberellin A3 (GA3) application (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg/L) on its reflowering. Growth phenotype analysis indicates that exogenous GA3 significantly promotes the occurrence of reflowering in Phalaenopsis ‘Hatuyuki’ after the first flowering, specifically manifested in elongated leaves, flower bud differentiation, flower stalk growth, and an earlier onset of flowering. The application of exogenous GA3 significantly enhances the accumulation of starch, soluble sugars, and proteins in Phalaenopsis ‘Hatuyuki’, while inhibiting the synthesis of free fatty acids. Gibberellins (GA3, gibberellin A1 (GA1), and gibberellin A8 (GA8)), cytokinins (6-Benzyladenosine (BAPR) and Kinetin (K)), and indole-3-acetic acids (IAAs) (tryptamine (TRA), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)) are the core endogenous hormones responding to exogenous GA3 spraying treatment. Transcriptome analysis identified a total of 3891 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that the most significantly enriched KEGG pathways included ‘Plant hormone signal transduction’. Key genes involved in the plant hormone signal transduction pathway (AUX, IAA, SAUR, DELLA, MYC2) were validated through qRT-PCR, suggesting that these genes may be crucial for the exogenous GA3 application that promotes the reflowering of Phalaenopsis ‘Hatuyuki’. Additionally, this study highlights 202 core DEGs responsive to exogenous GA3. Combined with the analysis of hormone signaling pathways, it provides a new perspective for uncovering the key molecular modules involved in GA3-regulated reflowering of Phalaenopsis ‘Hatuyuki’. Overall, the findings of this study indicate that exogenous GA3 application can promote the re-flowering of Phalaenopsis ‘Hatuyuki’. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Plant Sciences)
27 pages, 1712 KB  
Review
Host Immunity Mechanisms Against Bacterial and Viral Infections in Bombyx mori
by Sadaf Ayaz, Wei-Wei Kong, Jie Wang, Shi-Huo Liu and Jia-Ping Xu
Insects 2025, 16(11), 1167; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16111167 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025
Abstract
The domesticated silkworm, Bombyx mori, is a highly valued biodiversity and economic asset, acclaimed for its silk production, besides making important contributions to various scientific disciplines. However, the sericulture industry faces ongoing threats from bacterial and viral infections, which severely impact silkworm [...] Read more.
The domesticated silkworm, Bombyx mori, is a highly valued biodiversity and economic asset, acclaimed for its silk production, besides making important contributions to various scientific disciplines. However, the sericulture industry faces ongoing threats from bacterial and viral infections, which severely impact silkworm health and silk yield. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the innate immune response of B. mori against bacterial and viral pathogens, emphasizing the fundamental molecular and cellular defense mechanisms. We explore the humoral and cellular immune response using antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) like peptidoglycan recognition protein (PGRP), and glucan recognition protein (GRP), which activate canonical signaling pathways. The review further highlights the molecular mechanisms underlying the silkworm’s defense against viruses, incorporating RNA interference (RNAi), apoptosis, and distinct signaling pathways such as Toll and Imd, JAK/STAT, and STING. We also discussed the viral suppression strategies and modulation of host metabolism during infection. Furthermore, the review explores the recent use of CRISPR-Cas gene editing to enhance disease resistance, presenting a promising avenue for mitigating pathogen-induced losses in sericulture. By elucidating these mechanisms, the work provides a synthesis that is critical in terms of developing particular interventions and developing more resistant silkworm strains to ensure that the industry of sericulture becomes viable and productive. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Molecular Mechanism of Insect–Virus Interaction)
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16 pages, 2232 KB  
Article
Adaptive Multi-View Hypergraph Learning for Cross-Condition Bearing Fault Diagnosis
by Yangyi Li, Kyaw Hlaing Bwar, Rifai Chai, Kwong Ming Tse and Boon Xian Chai
Mach. Learn. Knowl. Extr. 2025, 7(4), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/make7040147 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025
Abstract
Reliable bearing fault diagnosis across diverse operating conditions remains a fundamental challenge in intelligent maintenance. Traditional data-driven models often struggle to generalize due to the limited ability to represent complex and heterogeneous feature relationships. To address this issue, this paper presents an Adaptive [...] Read more.
Reliable bearing fault diagnosis across diverse operating conditions remains a fundamental challenge in intelligent maintenance. Traditional data-driven models often struggle to generalize due to the limited ability to represent complex and heterogeneous feature relationships. To address this issue, this paper presents an Adaptive Multi-view Hypergraph Learning (AMH) framework for cross-condition bearing fault diagnosis. The proposed approach first constructs multiple feature views from time-domain, frequency-domain, and time–frequency representations to capture complementary diagnostic information. Within each view, an adaptive hyperedge generation strategy is introduced to dynamically model high-order correlations by jointly considering feature similarity and operating condition relevance. The resulting hypergraph embeddings are then integrated through an attention-based fusion module that adaptively emphasizes the most informative views for fault classification. Extensive experiments on the Case Western Reserve University and Ottawa bearing datasets demonstrate that AMH consistently outperforms conventional graph-based and deep learning baselines in terms of classification precision, recall, and F1-score under cross-condition settings. The ablation studies further confirm the importance of adaptive hyperedge construction and attention-guided multi-view fusion in improving robustness and generalization. These results highlight the strong potential of the proposed framework for practical intelligent fault diagnosis in complex industrial environments. Full article
18 pages, 4884 KB  
Article
Research on Selected Properties of Concrete Composite with the Addition of Post-Production Metallic Dust
by Bogdan Langier and Izabela Major
Materials 2025, 18(22), 5197; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18225197 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025
Abstract
A major issue in industrial production is the generation of post-production wastes that are not biodegradable. The article presents an innovative solution for the management of industrial waste, which includes, among others, metal dust generated during the grinding of castings. The results of [...] Read more.
A major issue in industrial production is the generation of post-production wastes that are not biodegradable. The article presents an innovative solution for the management of industrial waste, which includes, among others, metal dust generated during the grinding of castings. The results of research on a concrete composite modified with metallic dust, a by-product from cast iron product manufacturing, were presented. The study analyzed the effect of using metallic dust as a partial replacement for fine aggregate at levels of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% on selected concrete properties. Tests included concrete mix consistency, compressive strength after 28 days and 6 months, density after 28 days of curing, bending strength, abrasion resistance using the Boehme disk method, durability in a salt chamber, and air content in hardened concrete. The research results indicate the possibility of using waste metal dust in concrete composites as a substitute for sand as a fine aggregate. An innovative waste processing solution allows the creation of a product with better abrasion resistance and compressive strength parameters while also having a good impact on the environment. Full article
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60 pages, 7411 KB  
Article
An Integrated Methodology for Novel Algorithmic Modeling of Non-Spherical Particle Terminal Settling Velocities and Comprehensive Digital Image Analysis
by Kaan Yetilmezsoy, Fatih Ilhan and Emel Kıyan
Water 2025, 17(22), 3268; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17223268 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025
Abstract
Accurate prediction of settling velocities for irregular particles offers significant advantages in various fields, including more efficient water/wastewater treatment, environmental pollution control, industrial productivity, and sustainable resource utilization. These predictions are essential for advancing sustainable hydraulic engineering and environmental management. In this study, [...] Read more.
Accurate prediction of settling velocities for irregular particles offers significant advantages in various fields, including more efficient water/wastewater treatment, environmental pollution control, industrial productivity, and sustainable resource utilization. These predictions are essential for advancing sustainable hydraulic engineering and environmental management. In this study, a new algorithmic modeling framework was proposed to estimate the terminal settling velocity of irregularly shaped particles/materials. The framework integrates advanced non-linear regression techniques with robust optimization methods. The model successfully incorporated seven key input parameters to construct a comprehensive mathematical representation of the settling process. The proposed explicit model demonstrates superior prediction accuracy compared to existing empirical and drag correlation models. The model’s validity was confirmed using a large and morphologically diverse dataset of 86 irregular materials and rigorously evaluated using an extensive battery of statistical goodness-of-fit parameters. The developed model is a robust and highly accurate tool for predicting the settling behavior of non-spherical particles in the transition flow regime. Beyond its technical merits, the model could offer significant sustainability benefits by enhancing the design and optimization of wastewater treatment systems. More precise predictions of non-spherical particle settling behavior could improve sedimentation or particle removal efficiency, potentially reducing energy consumption and mitigating adverse environmental impacts on industrial waste management and aquatic ecosystem preservation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mathematical Models of Fluid Dynamics)
16 pages, 2724 KB  
Article
Predictive Fermentation Control of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Using Deep Learning Convolutional Neural Networks
by Chien-Chang Wu, Jung-Sheng Chen, Yu-Ching Lu, Jain-Shing Wu, Yu-Fen Huang and Chien-Sen Liao
Microorganisms 2025, 13(11), 2601; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13112601 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025
Abstract
The fermentation of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum is a complex bioprocess due to the nonlinear and dynamic nature of microbial growth. Traditional monitoring methods often fail to provide early and actionable insights into fermentation outcomes. This study proposes a deep learning-based predictive system using convolutional [...] Read more.
The fermentation of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum is a complex bioprocess due to the nonlinear and dynamic nature of microbial growth. Traditional monitoring methods often fail to provide early and actionable insights into fermentation outcomes. This study proposes a deep learning-based predictive system using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to classify fermentation trajectories and anticipate final cell counts based on the first 24 h of process data. A total of 52 fermentation runs were conducted, during which real-time parameters, including pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen, were continuously recorded and transformed into time-series feature vectors. After rigorous preprocessing and feature selection, the CNN was trained to classify fermentation outcomes into three categories: successful, semi-successful, and failed batches. The model achieved a classification accuracy of 97.87%, outperforming benchmark models such as LSTM and XGBoost. Validation experiments demonstrated the model’s practical utility: early predictions enabled timely manual interventions that effectively prevented batch failures or improved suboptimal fermentations. These findings suggest that deep learning provides a robust and scalable framework for real-time fermentation control, with significant implications for enhancing efficiency and reducing costs in industrial probiotic production. Full article
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51 pages, 1801 KB  
Review
An Overview of Environmental Performance Indicators in the Construction Industry
by Iva Mrak, Kristina Galjanić, Tomaš Hanak and Ivan Marović
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(22), 12135; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152212135 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025
Abstract
This paper analyzes environmental performance indicators (PIs) in the construction and building industry using bibliometric and content analysis, particularly in the fields of architecture and civil engineering. The paper aims to present a framework for environmental performance in the construction industry, focusing on [...] Read more.
This paper analyzes environmental performance indicators (PIs) in the construction and building industry using bibliometric and content analysis, particularly in the fields of architecture and civil engineering. The paper aims to present a framework for environmental performance in the construction industry, focusing on projects and their impacts. It addresses which research fields are most focused on this area, whether the topic is currently relevant, whether it shows a positive or negative trend, what related topics exist, and what general overlaps or gaps are present. It also examines which PIs are most frequently mentioned and whether the topics and indicators align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). The results reveal a fragmented research area, with both complex PIs and very narrow PI applications, highlighting the need to bridge these gaps and address the challenge of insufficient data. The research uses QtoQ Target Mapping to map the PIs to the UN SDGs and provide an overview of coverage. The findings indicate that this topic is highly important and researched across various disciplines, and that the PIs and their analysis further contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. Full article
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19 pages, 665 KB  
Review
Microalgae-Based Biostimulants: Effects on Growth and Stress Resistance in Agricultural Crops
by Carla Arenas Colarte, Iván Balic, Óscar Díaz, Ignacio Cortes, Adrián A. Moreno, Maximiliano J. Amenabar, Miguel Castro Retamal and Nelson Caro Fuentes
Plants 2025, 14(22), 3488; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14223488 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025
Abstract
Microalgae grow rapidly, require minimal space, can proliferate in non-agricultural land, do not compete with human food sources, and can be cultivated in a variety of environments, including wastewater. They are considered an ecological source of bioactive compounds, offering an environmentally friendly alternative [...] Read more.
Microalgae grow rapidly, require minimal space, can proliferate in non-agricultural land, do not compete with human food sources, and can be cultivated in a variety of environments, including wastewater. They are considered an ecological source of bioactive compounds, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional industrial production methods, which are often resource-intensive. It is important to emphasize that both the species of microalgae and the specific culture conditions play a decisive role in the generation and storage of valuable bioactive compounds, which can act as biostimulants. Biostimulants are organic compounds or microorganisms capable of enhancing crop quality parameters by optimizing nutrient and water use efficiency, while also strengthening tolerance to abiotic stress. The aim of this article is to provide an updated understanding of biostimulants, their modes of action, and their role in regulating plant responses to abiotic stress. It further incorporates examples of successful trials that demonstrate the advantageous applications of microalgae-based biostimulants, while also addressing the barriers and limitations to their commercialization and integration into sustainable agricultural practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Physiology and Metabolism)
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20 pages, 4787 KB  
Article
The Sustainable Synthesis of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles and Their Effect on the Growth of Metal Resistant Microorganisms
by Vira Hovorukha, Iryna Bida, Ruslan Mariychuk, Romana Smolkova, Adriana Eliašová, Vladyslav V. Lisnyak, Liudmyla M. Grishchenko, Hanna Maikova, Joanna Makuchowska-Fryc, Ewa Moliszewska and Oleksandr Tashyrev
Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10232; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210232 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025
Abstract
Silver and gold nanoparticles (NPs) have gained considerable attention in recent years due to their wide-ranging applications in medicine, agriculture, industry, and other fields where they may interact with the environment. Green synthesis of NPs supports sustainability by reducing chemical waste and energy [...] Read more.
Silver and gold nanoparticles (NPs) have gained considerable attention in recent years due to their wide-ranging applications in medicine, agriculture, industry, and other fields where they may interact with the environment. Green synthesis of NPs supports sustainability by reducing chemical waste and energy use while improving their biocompatibility through plant phytochemicals. Accordingly, it is important to assess the effects of metal NPs on microorganisms, which play vital roles in ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles. This study aimed to investigate microbial growth dynamics in the presence of green-synthesized silver and gold NPs (using an aqueous extract of Mentha × piperita leaves) and to evaluate potential mechanisms of their interaction. Microorganisms were cultivated in 96-well microtiter plates, and growth curves were analyzed alongside bacterial enumeration on Petri plates. Silver NPs affected the growth of Brevundimonas vesicularis USM1, Pseudarthrobacter oxydans USM2, and Pseudomonas putida USM4, although these strains exhibited partial resistance. In contrast, gold NPs did not inhibit the growth of the tested strains. The ability of Brevundimonas vesicularis USM1 to precipitate metal NPs highlights its potential for sustainable bioremediation applications. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the environmental impact and sustainability aspects of silver and gold NPs in microbial systems. Full article
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20 pages, 1861 KB  
Article
An Exploratory Study of the Nutritional Composition and Caco-2 Safety Assessment of Elche Date Flour and Its Green Hydroethanolic Extracts
by Katarzyna Dawidowicz, Sergio Martinez-Terol, Estrella Sayas-Barberá, José Ángel Pérez-Álvarez, Francisco J. Marti-Quijal, Patricia Roig and Juan Manuel Castagnini
Foods 2025, 14(22), 3908; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14223908 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025
Abstract
The Elche palm grove (Spain) produces large surpluses of fresh date fruits due to low industrial processing and strict market standards. This exploratory study assessed the potential of these fruits as sustainable ingredients through the production of freeze-dried date flour and its green [...] Read more.
The Elche palm grove (Spain) produces large surpluses of fresh date fruits due to low industrial processing and strict market standards. This exploratory study assessed the potential of these fruits as sustainable ingredients through the production of freeze-dried date flour and its green hydroethanolic extracts. Computer vision analysis of nine local cultivars (D1–D9) revealed broad chromatic and phenotypic diversity. Mineral and heavy metal analyses in the flour indicated high nutritional value and overall safety: D8 was richest in Mg (1.23 mg/g), P (0.78 mg/g), Fe (15.32 mg/kg), Zn (9.20 mg/kg), Cu (5.22 mg/kg), and Se (68 µg/kg), while D4 showed the highest K (22.1 mg/g) and D1 the highest Ca (1.94 mg/g). Lead and cadmium were highest in D8 and arsenic in D1, although all values remained within the regulatory limits. Hydroethanolic extracts exhibited remarkable compositional variability: D4 and D5 had the greatest carbohydrates (737.70 ± 55.79 mg/g DM), D8 and D9 the highest proteins (up to 40.31 ± 1.33 mg/g DM), and D2 and D8 the highest carotenoids (up to 36.44 ± 1.55 μg/g DM). D8 also showed the highest phenolics (13.98 ± 2.93 mg GAE/g DM) and antioxidant capacity. Cytotoxicity assays in Caco-2 cells showed no significant effects up to 1000 µg/mL. These preliminary findings suggest that green-extracted date fractions may combine nutritional richness, antioxidant potential, and biological safety, providing a basis for future studies on their application as natural and sustainable food ingredients. Full article
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13 pages, 2187 KB  
Article
Towards Portable One-Drop Voltammetry with Doped Screen-Printed Electrodes to Control Preservatives: A New Tool for Diuron and Isoproturon in the Paint Industry
by Sergio Huertas-Bastidas, Yolanda Moliner-Martínez and Pilar Campíns-Falcó
Sensors 2025, 25(22), 6987; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25226987 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025
Abstract
The use of preservatives such as diuron and isoproturon in the paint industry is essential to protect products against microbial attack. However, these compounds are subject to strict regulation due to the harmful effects they have on the environment and human health. Therefore, [...] Read more.
The use of preservatives such as diuron and isoproturon in the paint industry is essential to protect products against microbial attack. However, these compounds are subject to strict regulation due to the harmful effects they have on the environment and human health. Therefore, analytical strategies to control the production process at paint plants are fundamental to ensure suitable products. In the present work, a low-cost portable square-wave voltammetry device with commercial screen-printed electrodes was proposed to control the starting products and to determine isoproturon and diuron levels in manufactured paint products. Under the optimized conditions (electrolyte HClO4 0.18 M, nickel oxide-doped carbon electrodes, ESW = 0.02 V, Estep = 0.0015 V, and ƒ = 15 Hz), the results indicated satisfactory analytical performance, with detection limits of 3.5 and 3.0 mg L−1 for isoproturon and diuron, respectively, and precision lower than 7.5% for both biocides. The analytical strategy employed to achieve satisfactory selectivity involved taking advantage of the specific interaction of cysteine with 1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one (BIT) as a potential interferent in some commercial products and the use of matrix match calibration. A recovery study provided values in the range of 92–104% for accuracy validation. A sample pretreatment step was needed due to the paint composition, and a miniaturized method was proposed here. The novelty of this method lies in the use of a portable voltammetry device in real-world industrial applications to control the paint production process using a cost-effective, time-saving, sustainable, and green protocol. The HEXAGON tool is used for assessing greenness and sustainability. The choice of reagents like HClO4 and the minimization of waste from the small volumes used align with the principles of using safer solvents, a key concern in green and sustainable chemistry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Industrial Sensors)
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17 pages, 5230 KB  
Article
Scalable Advanced Dual-Engineered Superhydrophobic Aluminum Surfaces for Industrial-Grade Corrosion Protection
by N. Rahul, Ho-Eon Sung, Sang Won Lee and Min-Suk Oh
Metals 2025, 15(11), 1248; https://doi.org/10.3390/met15111248 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025
Abstract
Superhydrophobic coatings on aluminum play a crucial role in enhancing corrosion resistance in harsh marine and chloride-rich environments. This study introduces a scalable fabrication method for superhydrophobic aluminum surfaces exhibiting outstanding corrosion resistance. The process involves a two-step technique combining chemical etching with [...] Read more.
Superhydrophobic coatings on aluminum play a crucial role in enhancing corrosion resistance in harsh marine and chloride-rich environments. This study introduces a scalable fabrication method for superhydrophobic aluminum surfaces exhibiting outstanding corrosion resistance. The process involves a two-step technique combining chemical etching with atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (AP-CVD) of perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane (PFOTES). Hierarchical micro- and nanostructures were created by HCl etching, followed by conformal PFOTES functionalization to impart low surface energy. The fabricated surfaces demonstrated water contact angles reaching as high as 175°, coupled with very-low-contact-angle hysteresis, indicative of the Cassie–Baxter wetting state. Electrochemical analyses in saline environments demonstrated a substantial increase in charge transfer resistance and a reduction in corrosion rates by more than an order of magnitude compared to uncoated aluminum, with inhibition efficiencies exceeding 98%. Extended salt spray testing corroborated the durability and efficacy of the dual-modified surfaces. This facile and cost-effective method offers promising prospects for multifunctional aluminum components in marine, infrastructure, and aerospace applications where long-term protection against aggressive environments is required. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Corrosion and Protection)
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