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23 pages, 1240 KB  
Article
Language Twin: A Shared-State Architecture for Terminology-Consistent Document Translation with Human-Edit Propagation: A Pilot Study
by Elliott SeokHyun Ahn
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(8), 3922; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16083922 - 17 Apr 2026
Viewed by 146
Abstract
Large language model (LLM)-based document translation systems typically treat each segment independently, discarding terminology decisions, human corrections, and discourse cues after each generation step. This stateless approach causes terminology inconsistency across segments, failure to propagate approved post-edits downstream, and redundant prompt-token consumption. Existing [...] Read more.
Large language model (LLM)-based document translation systems typically treat each segment independently, discarding terminology decisions, human corrections, and discourse cues after each generation step. This stateless approach causes terminology inconsistency across segments, failure to propagate approved post-edits downstream, and redundant prompt-token consumption. Existing solutions—document-level MT, retrieval-augmented generation, and computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools as a general category—address individual aspects but lack a unified, state-aware architecture with provenance, update rules, and rollback semantics. We propose Language Twin, a shared-state architecture that organizes translation projects into seven versioned layers (L0–L6), supporting selective context loading, scoped human-edit propagation, and reversible updates. A pilot study translated three curated English-to-Korean document bundles (17 segments) using GPT-4o with a temperature of 0.3. The Language Twin condition (P1) achieved numerically higher preferred-term accuracy than the strongest baseline (17/21 vs. 14/21; not statistically significant at this sample size) and showed no repeated downstream errors in the monitored set (0/5 vs. 5/5 against the propagation-disabled ablation; Fisher’s exact test: p = 0.008), while reducing prompt tokens by 39.2% relative to full-context loading (A4). In blinded human evaluation (quadratic-weighted κ = 0.71–0.78), P1 achieved the highest terminology rating (4.38/5 vs. 3.97/5) and lowest post-editing time (16.9 s vs. 19.1 s per segment). These pilot-scale results indicate that governed shared state can improve terminology consistency and editing efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Natural Language Processing to Data Science)
19 pages, 1540 KB  
Article
Strong Antiproliferative Activity Observed in Hammett-Guided Electronic Modulation of GPx-Mimetic Pathways in Aryl Selenoureas
by Paloma Begines, Clara I. Pérez-Lage, Adrián Puerta, José M. Padrón, Óscar López and José G. Fernández-Bolaños
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(8), 3574; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27083574 - 16 Apr 2026
Viewed by 345
Abstract
Organoselenium chemistry has undergone remarkable development over the past five decades, evolving from its initial association with high toxicity into a field with pivotal contributions to materials science, organic synthesis, catalysis, and Medicinal Chemistry. Among the diverse biological activities displayed by organoselenium compounds, [...] Read more.
Organoselenium chemistry has undergone remarkable development over the past five decades, evolving from its initial association with high toxicity into a field with pivotal contributions to materials science, organic synthesis, catalysis, and Medicinal Chemistry. Among the diverse biological activities displayed by organoselenium compounds, their redox behaviour is particularly compelling, as many of these molecules act as efficient mimetics of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GPx). In this work, we investigated the GPx-like activity of a series of N,N′-diaryl selenoureas toward the depletion of H2O2 and cumene hydroperoxide (CumOOH) as model ROS. Their reactivity was correlated with the electronic nature of the aryl substituents using a Hammett-type analysis, revealing a strong dependence of the reaction rate on remote electronic perturbations within the aromatic ring. Combined UV and NMR studies provided mechanistic evidence supporting a catalytic cycle in which selenoureas, operating at sub-stoichiometric loadings (1 mol%) and using a thiol as a cofactor-like molecule, can be used to efficiently scavenge ROS with half-lives of only a few minutes (~10–60 min). Furthermore, these selenoureas exhibited potent antiproliferative activity across several human solid tumour cell lines. Overall, these results offer mechanistic insight into the ROS-eliminating pathways of selenoureas and highlight their potential as chemopreventive or anticancer agents. Full article
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20 pages, 2897 KB  
Article
Enhancing the Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2 Nanoparticles with Cyclodextrin-Functionalized Graphene and Noble Metals for Organic Pollutant Degradation
by Ibtisam M. N. Hamdan, Mohannad T. Aljarrah and Nathir A. F. Al-Rawashdeh
Molecules 2026, 31(8), 1296; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31081296 - 16 Apr 2026
Viewed by 266
Abstract
Contamination of water resources by organic pollutants is a major environmental issue. Utilizing photocatalytic materials for the degradation of these pollutants presents a viable strategy for environmental clean-up. This study introduces the synthesis of an organic/inorganic hybrid photocatalyst of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD)/reduced graphene oxide [...] Read more.
Contamination of water resources by organic pollutants is a major environmental issue. Utilizing photocatalytic materials for the degradation of these pollutants presents a viable strategy for environmental clean-up. This study introduces the synthesis of an organic/inorganic hybrid photocatalyst of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD)/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and titanium oxide (TiO2) nanoparticles. The nanocomposite was characterized by using FT-IR, XRD, SEM, and EDAX, and the photocatalytic activity was studied by measuring the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) under simulated solar radiation. The synthesized nanocomposite showed excellent stability and performance, with up to 92% photodegradation of MB. To further enhance the photocatalytic activity, the synthesized nanocomposite underwent modification with Ag and Pt nanoparticles. Within 90 min, photodegradation rates of 100% and 97% for MB were attained with Pt and Ag nanoparticles that were loaded at 5 wt.%, respectively. The photocatalyst’s reusability was evaluated through multiple usage cycles. Additionally, the impact of functionalization on the band gap alteration of TiO2 is reported. Full article
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26 pages, 2245 KB  
Article
Energy Recovery and Techno-Economic Analysis of Hydrothermal Carbonization and Anaerobic Digestion of Food Waste
by Ahmed Mohammed Inuwa, Victor Oluwafemi Fatokun, Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh, Sudesh Rathilal and Usman Mohammed Aliyu
Clean Technol. 2026, 8(2), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/cleantechnol8020057 - 9 Apr 2026
Viewed by 485
Abstract
The sustainable valorization of food waste is essential for advancing the circular bioeconomy and reducing the environmental impacts of organic waste disposal. This study presents an integrated approach combining hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and anaerobic digestion (AD) to recover renewable energy and valuable resources [...] Read more.
The sustainable valorization of food waste is essential for advancing the circular bioeconomy and reducing the environmental impacts of organic waste disposal. This study presents an integrated approach combining hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and anaerobic digestion (AD) to recover renewable energy and valuable resources from food waste. The process was simulated in Aspen Plus® version 14.1 using thermochemical and biochemical reaction models to evaluate the effects of feed moisture (60–85%) and HTC temperature (180–280 °C) on performance. Integration of HTC and AD increased overall energy recovery by 26–38% compared to standalone AD, with a feed moisture of 85%, organic loading of 4 kg VS m−3 d−1, and mesophilic/thermophilic temperatures of 35 and 55 °C. Improvements resulted from higher methane yield (0.42 m3 CH4 kg−1 VS) from HTC liquor and energy-rich hydrochar (25–29 MJ kg−1). The techno-economic assessment indicated a net energy ratio of 2.3, an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 18.6%, and a 4.8-year payback period, confirming economic viability. Sensitivity analysis highlighted energy prices and feedstock costs as key drivers, while Monte Carlo simulation demonstrated stability under ±20% uncertainty. Optimal conditions (HTC at 220 °C, 65% moisture, and 100 kg h−1 solid loading) significantly enhanced profitability and carbon efficiency. Overall, the integrated HTC–AD process offers a technically, economically, and environmentally sustainable route for converting food waste into renewable energy and biochar, supporting circular bioeconomy and net-zero energy goals. Full article
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20 pages, 7971 KB  
Article
From Virulence to Therapy: T6SS-Derived Antimicrobial Peptides A7 Combats APEC and MRSA Infections
by Qin Lu, Zhaoran Zhang, Ziyi Zhang, Xiaodan Li, Chenchen Wang, Huanchun Chen, Qingping Luo and Chen Tan
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(7), 3277; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27073277 - 4 Apr 2026
Viewed by 275
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, particularly avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), poses a severe threat to the breeding industry and human health. To develop novel antibiotic alternatives, we adopted a “converting virulence into therapy” strategy by [...] Read more.
The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, particularly avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), poses a severe threat to the breeding industry and human health. To develop novel antibiotic alternatives, we adopted a “converting virulence into therapy” strategy by leveraging the type VI secretion system (T6SS) of the APEC strain ACN17-20. Guided by the structural analysis of T6SS Protein 00145, we rationally designed a series of amphipathic α-helical polypeptides. Among them, polypeptide A7 emerged as a lead candidate, exhibiting potent broad-spectrum antibacterial activity with negligible cytotoxicity against mammalian cells. Mechanistic studies revealed that A7 exerts a rapid bactericidal effect through a dual mode of action: physical disruption of bacterial membrane integrity leading to cytoplasmic leakage, and induction of lethal oxidative stress via reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Furthermore, A7 demonstrated excellent efficacy in eradicating pre-formed bacterial biofilms, addressing the challenge of persistent infections in breeding environments. In a mouse sepsis model induced by APEC and MRSA, A7 treatment significantly improved survival rates (60–80%), reduced bacterial loads in vital organs, and attenuated the systemic cytokine storm (TNF-α and IL-1β), thereby alleviating immune-mediated tissue damage. In conclusion, this study identifies polypeptide A7 as a safe therapeutic agent with a dual mechanism of action, providing a promising strategy to combat MDR infections and reduce antibiotic dependence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Microbiology)
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15 pages, 8294 KB  
Article
Corrosion Protection of a Novel Inhibitor@LDH Conversion Film on Steel: Insights from Long-Term Marine Atmospheric Field Experiments
by Zhenxi Wen, Qibo Li, Yuwan Tian, Yue Yu and Danmei Wu
Coatings 2026, 16(4), 426; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16040426 - 2 Apr 2026
Viewed by 381
Abstract
The marine atmospheric environment, characterized by a high chloride content, high humidity, and a high corrosion rate of structural steel, urgently demands anticorrosion methods that are compatible with other technologies such as alloy steel and organic coatings. In this study, an inhibitor-loaded conversion [...] Read more.
The marine atmospheric environment, characterized by a high chloride content, high humidity, and a high corrosion rate of structural steel, urgently demands anticorrosion methods that are compatible with other technologies such as alloy steel and organic coatings. In this study, an inhibitor-loaded conversion film was grown in situ on a steel surface to prevent chloride-induced corrosion. Specifically, a Mg-Fe layered double hydroxide (LDH) conversion film was grown on the steel surface, and p-aminobenzoate (pAB) inhibitor ions were intercalated into the LDH. After half a year of natural corrosion in the actual marine atmospheric environment, the average corrosion rate of steel with the inhibitor@LDH film was 36.20 µm/a, which was 21% lower than that of the steel substrate (45.91 µm/a). The inhibitor@LDH film also effectively suppressed local pitting corrosion, with the density of corrosion pits significantly reduced by 64%. Furthermore, the inhibitor@LDH film promoted the formation of a denser and thinner rust layer on the steel surface, with a smaller crack width, fewer cracks, and an increased α-FeOOH/γ-FeOOH ratio. In summary, the inhibitor@LDH conversion film inhibits general and local corrosion on steel in a marine atmospheric environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Corrosion- and Wear-Resistant Coatings)
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13 pages, 21937 KB  
Article
Hydrophobic Capillary Ceramic-Membrane Contactor for Recovering Ammonia from Sludge Hydrolysate
by Shiji Sun, Mengfei Liu, Dawei Gong, Kaiyun Fu, Xianfu Chen, Minghui Qiu and Ping Luo
Membranes 2026, 16(4), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes16040140 - 1 Apr 2026
Viewed by 495
Abstract
Efficient recovery of ammonia from sludge hydrolysate (SH) remains a challenging task. This study developed a superhydrophobic capillary ceramic-membrane contactors (MCs), which, by establishing a stable gas-phase mass transfer interface, provides a reliable guarantee for ammonia recovery under high-temperature, high-pH, and high-organic-load conditions. [...] Read more.
Efficient recovery of ammonia from sludge hydrolysate (SH) remains a challenging task. This study developed a superhydrophobic capillary ceramic-membrane contactors (MCs), which, by establishing a stable gas-phase mass transfer interface, provides a reliable guarantee for ammonia recovery under high-temperature, high-pH, and high-organic-load conditions. In a controllable simulation system, the system investigated the effects of key operational parameters such as pH, flow rate, and feed ammonia concentration on ammonia mass transfer behavior, and verified the feasibility of this MCs in efficient ammonia removal. Then, this membrane contactor was applied to the actual sludge hydrolysate (SH) system, and its anti-pollution effects, wetting stability, and adaptability to fluctuating conditions under long-term continuous operation were evaluated. The results showed that after operating for 10 h, the ammonia removal in the simulation system and the actual system reached 93.6% and 90.3%, respectively. During long-term operation, the ammonia recovery reached 90.3%. Meanwhile, the organic matter in SH was completely retained, and (NH4)2SO4 was not contaminated by organic matter. Throughout the entire operation process, the contact angle of the membrane remained above 129.6°. This study provides a theoretical basis and practical reference for recovering ammonia using a hydrophobic capillary ceramic-membrane contactor in SH. Full article
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34 pages, 8380 KB  
Review
Advances and Challenges in Aerobic Granular Sludge Membrane Bioreactors for Treating Sulfamethoxazole in Wastewater
by Qingyu Zhang, Bingjie Yan, Xinhao Sun, Zhengda Lin, Lu Liu, Haijuan Guo and Fang Ma
Membranes 2026, 16(4), 139; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes16040139 - 1 Apr 2026
Viewed by 610
Abstract
Sulfamethoxazole (SMX) is one of the most frequently detected antibiotics in aquatic environments and is difficult to remove by conventional biological treatment because of its persistence, potential toxicity to microbial communities, and associated risk of antibiotic resistance selection. Aerobic granular sludge membrane bioreactors [...] Read more.
Sulfamethoxazole (SMX) is one of the most frequently detected antibiotics in aquatic environments and is difficult to remove by conventional biological treatment because of its persistence, potential toxicity to microbial communities, and associated risk of antibiotic resistance selection. Aerobic granular sludge membrane bioreactors (AGMBRs), which combine the compact and stratified structure of aerobic granular sludge with membrane-based solid–liquid separation, have emerged as a promising platform for SMX-contaminated wastewater treatment because they provide high biomass retention, decoupled sludge retention time (SRT) and hydraulic retention time (HRT), and stable effluent quality. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in AGMBRs for SMX removal, with emphasis on how operating parameters (e.g., dissolved oxygen, hydraulic retention time, organic loading rate, C/N ratio, and sludge retention time) and membrane-related factors (e.g., membrane flux, aeration-induced shear, membrane type, and pore size) affect treatment performance and process stability. The main SMX attenuation pathways in AGMBRs are discussed from three perspectives: sorption and partitioning within granules and extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs), microbial biodegradation and co-metabolism, and membrane retention that prolongs effective contact time and shapes microbial ecology. Particular attention is given to the dual role of EPS and soluble microbial products (SMPs), which contribute to granule stability and SMX tolerance but also accelerate membrane fouling through cake-layer formation, pore blocking, and transmembrane pressure increase. Current challenges include incomplete understanding of transformation products, ARG- and MGE-related risks, long-term fouling–biodegradation interactions, and the lack of pilot-scale validation. Future research should therefore focus on mechanism clarification, integrated control of removal and fouling, energy-efficient operation, and scale-up of AGMBRs for practical antibiotic wastewater treatment. Full article
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20 pages, 5419 KB  
Article
Preparation of PSA-DOX/ICG-Lip and Evaluation of Its Efficacy Against Cervical Cancer
by Jingya Bai, Jiamin Huang, Qian Zhang, Wenjun Su, Xiaohui Tang, Mukadaisi Amuti, Guorui Zhu, Qi Shen, Jian Yang and Mei Wang
Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(4), 434; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18040434 - 31 Mar 2026
Viewed by 378
Abstract
Objectives: To fabricate polysialic acid (PSA)-modified liposomes co-loaded with doxorubicin (DOX) and indocyanine green (ICG) for synergistic chemotherapy and photothermal therapy, and to enhance the anti-cervical cancer efficacy of liposomes via neutrophil targeting. Methods: PSA-DOX/ICG liposomes (PSA-DOX/ICG-Lip) were prepared by microfluidic [...] Read more.
Objectives: To fabricate polysialic acid (PSA)-modified liposomes co-loaded with doxorubicin (DOX) and indocyanine green (ICG) for synergistic chemotherapy and photothermal therapy, and to enhance the anti-cervical cancer efficacy of liposomes via neutrophil targeting. Methods: PSA-DOX/ICG liposomes (PSA-DOX/ICG-Lip) were prepared by microfluidic technology. The physicochemical properties, including drug encapsulation efficiency (EE), loading capacity (LC), particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and stability, were systematically characterized. The in vitro anti-tumor activity was evaluated using cellular uptake, apoptosis assays, reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection, and a cell scratch test in HeLa and C33a cells. The in vivo therapeutic efficacy was verified using a nude mouse xenograft model of cervical cancer combined with histopathological analysis. Results: Microfluidic preparation yielded PSA-DOX/ICG-Lip with favorable physicochemical properties: the EE and LC of DOX were 96.52 ± 0.43% and 8.70 ± 0.04%, respectively, while those of ICG were 90.72 ± 1.10% and 0.82 ± 0.02%. The average particle size was 92.68 ± 1.14 nm with a PDI of 0.04 and a zeta potential of −9.66 ± 0.46 mV. The liposomes maintained good stability in terms of EE, particle size, PDI, and zeta potential after 28 days of storage at 4 °C and room temperature, with PSA modification significantly reducing the drug leakage rate. In vitro drug release studies showed that 808 nm laser irradiation triggered a significant increase in drug release from the liposomes. ICG encapsulated in liposomes mediated localized photothermal heating, and PSA targeting precisely confined the therapeutic effect to the tumor site, minimizing damage to adjacent normal tissues. In vitro experiments demonstrated that PSA-DOX/ICG-Lip, combined with laser irradiation, significantly enhanced cellular uptake, elevated intracellular ROS levels, inhibited cancer cell migration, and induced apoptosis. In vivo studies confirmed that this formulation markedly suppressed tumor growth in nude mice, with a tumor inhibition rate of 81.5%, and exhibited good biocompatibility without obvious organ toxicity. Conclusions: The microfluidically prepared PSA-DOX/ICG-Lip possesses high drug encapsulation efficiency, uniform particle size, good stability and sustained drug release properties. It can efficiently convert light energy into thermal energy, target neutrophils to enhance the affinity for cervical cancer cells, and exert a synergistic anti-tumor effect via the combination of chemotherapy and photothermal therapy, which provides a promising nanoplatform for the precise treatment of cervical cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Drug Delivery and Controlled Release)
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21 pages, 2828 KB  
Article
Multi-Objective Coordinated Scheduling and Trading Strategy for Economy and Security of Source–Grid–Load–Storage Under High Penetration of Renewable Energy
by Xianbo Ke, Jinli Lv, Xuchen Liu, Yiheng Huang and Guowei Qiu
Processes 2026, 14(7), 1117; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14071117 - 30 Mar 2026
Viewed by 305
Abstract
With the continuous integration of a large amount of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power into the power system, the economic and secure scheduling of the power grid, as a crucial carrier for electricity transmission, becomes of paramount importance. However, [...] Read more.
With the continuous integration of a large amount of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power into the power system, the economic and secure scheduling of the power grid, as a crucial carrier for electricity transmission, becomes of paramount importance. However, issues such as voltage fluctuations at grid nodes, low renewable energy consumption rates, and increased active power losses, caused by the widespread integration of high proportions of renewable energy, urgently need to be addressed. To effectively solve these problems, this paper proposes a multi-objective coordinated optimization scheduling method for the economy and security of source–grid–load–storage based on an effective scenario-screening approach. Firstly, an iterative self-organizing data analysis algorithm based on density noise application spatial clustering is designed to efficiently generate typical output scenarios for renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. Meanwhile, to achieve low-carbon scheduling objectives, green certificate and carbon trading mechanisms are introduced. A multi-objective coordinated scheduling and trading model for the economy and security of large power grids, sources, loads, and storage is constructed with the goal of enhancing renewable energy consumption, and it is solved using the weight assignment method and an improved particle swarm optimization algorithm. Finally, the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method are validated and illustrated based on an improved IEEE standard node test system. Full article
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30 pages, 13743 KB  
Article
Crosslinked-AuNPs@CD-MOF Incorporated into PLA-Zein Composite Film with Humidity-Responsive Antimicrobial Release for Agaricus bisporus Preservation
by Tahirou Sogore, Meimei Guo, Jin Huang, Xinyu Liao, Tian Ding and Mofei Shen
Foods 2026, 15(7), 1164; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15071164 - 30 Mar 2026
Viewed by 410
Abstract
Foodborne pathogens cause hundreds of millions of illnesses annually, underscoring the urgent need for advanced antimicrobial food packaging materials. The objective of this study was to develop a crosslinked cyclodextrin metal–organic framework, loaded with gold nanoparticles (CL-AuNPs@CD-MOF) and integrated into a PLA-Zein composite [...] Read more.
Foodborne pathogens cause hundreds of millions of illnesses annually, underscoring the urgent need for advanced antimicrobial food packaging materials. The objective of this study was to develop a crosslinked cyclodextrin metal–organic framework, loaded with gold nanoparticles (CL-AuNPs@CD-MOF) and integrated into a PLA-Zein composite film with humidity-responsive antimicrobial release, as a sustainable and high-performance packaging solution to address the critical limitations of conventional materials in controlling microbial contamination during food storage. Therefore, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized via a green approach using CD-MOFs as stabilizers and p-coumaric acid as a natural reducing agent, then crosslinked with diphenyl carbonate (DPC) to produce CL-AuNPs@CD-MOF. Crosslinking conditions were optimized to a CD-MOF:DPC ratio of 1:1, 1080 min reaction time, and 80 °C, preserving the cubic morphology and crystalline structure while transforming burst release into sustained antimicrobial activity against E. coli and S. aureus over 7 days. Then, the incorporation of CL-AuNPs@CD-MOF into PLA-Zein films yielded a composite packaging material with favorable mechanical and barrier properties, including a water vapor transmission rate of 539.44 g/m2·24 h and an oxygen permeability of 235.90 cm3/m2·24 h·0.1 MPa. Progressive elimination of E. coli, S. aureus, and L. monocytogenes over 7 days was confirmed, with antimicrobial efficacy originating exclusively from the CL-AuNPs@CD-MOF component. Application on Agaricus bisporus over 12 days of refrigerated storage demonstrated superior preservation performance: mushrooms inoculated with L. monocytogenes and packaged with CL-AuNPs@CD-MOF/PLA-Zein exhibited a weight loss of only 6.20 ± 2.06%, compared to 17.74 ± 3.15% for PLA-Zein and 41.50 ± 3.01% for PE controls. Color stability was equally improved, with lightness values of 71.46 ± 1.47 retained under CL-AuNPs@CD-MOF/PLA-Zein packaging, versus 58.37 ± 0.86 for PLA-Zein and 23.34 ± 2.34 for PE. Mushrooms inoculated with E. coli and S. aureus followed consistent trends. These results establish CL-AuNPs@CD-MOF/PLA-Zein as a promising multifunctional antimicrobial packaging platform for sustainable food preservation. Full article
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17 pages, 1921 KB  
Article
Investigating the Use of Fe-Rich Sludge from Electrochemical Peroxidation in Tannery Wastewater Treatment to Enhance Volatile Fatty Acids (VFAs) Production
by Erika Pasciucco, Sara Corti, Francesco Pasciucco, Eleftherios Touloupakis, Raffaella Margherita Zampieri, Giulio Petroni, Tianshi Li, Renato Iannelli and Isabella Pecorini
Water 2026, 18(7), 803; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18070803 - 27 Mar 2026
Viewed by 545
Abstract
Fenton-based processes are widely used advanced oxidation methods that are known for degrading persistent pollutants. However, these techniques often generate significant amounts of iron-containing sludge, which poses environmental disposal challenges due to its complex composition. Furthermore, the sludge produced by the Fenton process [...] Read more.
Fenton-based processes are widely used advanced oxidation methods that are known for degrading persistent pollutants. However, these techniques often generate significant amounts of iron-containing sludge, which poses environmental disposal challenges due to its complex composition. Furthermore, the sludge produced by the Fenton process contains a high content of Fe(III) compounds, which can serve as an iron source to stimulate dissimilatory iron reduction (DIR), enhancing the performance of anaerobic digestion. Based on the characterization results from a previous study, this work investigated the use of the ferrous precipitate generated by the electrochemical peroxidation process applied to tannery wastewater treatment as an additive to enhance volatile fatty acids (VFAs) production during dark fermentation. The performance of ferrous precipitate (R-Fe3O4) was compared to that of conventional magnetite (Fe3O4) during dark fermentation under high organic loading conditions, emphasizing their potential to enhance hydrolysis efficiency and VFAs production yields, while promoting sustainable resource recovery and reuse within a circular bioeconomy framework. The results showed that the addition of both Fe3O4 and R-Fe3O4 significantly increased the VFAs yields, with a predominance of long-chain fatty acids. The presence of CaCO3 in the ferrous precipitate contributed to maintaining a stable pH environment, supporting microbial activity and enhancing the hydrolysis of soluble compounds. Moreover, the availability of essential micronutrients within the ferrous precipitate favored greater microbial diversity. Consequently, the addition of R-Fe3O4 promoted VFAs production, even at higher organic loading rates, suggesting a promising application of Fenton-based by-products as functional additives to improve the economic and environmental performance of the dark fermentation process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Water Cycle Management and Circular Economy)
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16 pages, 2121 KB  
Review
Photoelectrochemical Production of Peroxydisulfate (PDS), a Clean Oxidant: Recent Development and Challenges
by Zeeshan Haider, Muhammad Imran and Tahir Muhmood
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(7), 3066; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27073066 - 27 Mar 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 371
Abstract
Peroxydisulfate (PDS, S2O82−) is an important oxidant for a wide range of industrial applications, including organic synthesis, polymer preparation, wastewater treatment and environmental remediation. Currently, PDS is commercially produced by electrolysis of sulfate solution. Photoelectrochemistry (PEC) provides an [...] Read more.
Peroxydisulfate (PDS, S2O82−) is an important oxidant for a wide range of industrial applications, including organic synthesis, polymer preparation, wastewater treatment and environmental remediation. Currently, PDS is commercially produced by electrolysis of sulfate solution. Photoelectrochemistry (PEC) provides an alternative approach to PDS generation by reducing the energy required to drive this process. Because PEC uses solar light as an abundant, free resource, it is an attractive technique for PDS generation compared to electrolysis. WO3, owing to its excellent stability in acidic environments, is an excellent metal oxide candidate for producing PDS. Withstanding stronger acidic pH as well as absorption of visible light as a major fraction of solar light renders WO3 a promising material for PEC-based PDS production when compared with other semiconductors. This mini review examines light-assisted, sustainable production of PDS on WO3 photoanodes. It mainly involves the oxidation of the anion bisulfate, HSO4−, in a highly acidic pH. The efficiency of photoelectrochemical generation of PDS is greatly influenced by important factors, including suppressing recombination of photoinduced charge carriers, cocatalyst loading, minimizing competing side reactions, and establishing coupled reactions. In this review, we briefly discussed the key highlights to date in the application of WO3 as a stable photoanode material for producing PDS. It provides insight into the potential of photocatalysis as an emerging route for the sustainable synthesis of PDS as a valuable chemical oxidant. Besides the significant progress made so far, the PDS production rate remains low, and minimizing the recombination tendency to achieve a higher photocurrent density could further boost PEC-based PDS production. Full article
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24 pages, 1315 KB  
Article
Algal and Cyanobacteria Cell Walls as Biosorbents for Phenolic Compounds: Comparative Performance and Sustainability Assessment of Limnospira platensis 
by Lorenzo Mollo, Alessandra Norici, Linda Raffaelli and Alessia Amato
Bioengineering 2026, 13(4), 373; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering13040373 - 24 Mar 2026
Viewed by 439
Abstract
Adsorption is a method widely used to remove low-molecular-weight organics from wastewaters, and phenolic compounds from olive mill wastewater are a persistent class of bioactive pollutants of environmental concern. We screened eleven microalgal candidates at 0.10 g·L−1 using batch kinetics fitted with [...] Read more.
Adsorption is a method widely used to remove low-molecular-weight organics from wastewaters, and phenolic compounds from olive mill wastewater are a persistent class of bioactive pollutants of environmental concern. We screened eleven microalgal candidates at 0.10 g·L−1 using batch kinetics fitted with the Lagergren pseudo-first-order model to obtain rate constants (k) and fitted equilibrium capacities (qe). Cyanobacteria, particularly Anabaena spp. and Limnospira platensis, exhibited the highest adsorptive potential in the screening; wall-less species (e.g., Dunaliella salina, Isochrysis galbana) showed negligible surface adsorption, indicating that the presence and type of cell wall highly influence biosorption. L. platensis was selected for detailed study because of its established industrial cultivation and valorisation potential. Equilibrium experiments with HCl-functionalized L. platensis at four biomass loadings (0.10–1.00 g·L−1; initial phenolic mix 30 mg·L−1) showed that increasing dose reduced equilibrium concentration (Ce) but decreased specific uptake from ≈77 mg·g−1 to ≈18 mg·g−1 while removal rose from ~26% to ~61%. Nonlinear isotherm fitting favoured the Freundlich model (1/n < 1), consistent with heterogeneous, multi-site adsorption. Targeted macromolecular extractions abolished phenol uptake, demonstrating that the intact protein–polysaccharide matrix is essential for binding. L. platensis route delivered higher single-cycle removal (≈61%) compared to the maize-derived activated carbon reference (≈49%) while also incurring a 1.3-fold lower GWP (approximately 3 kg CO2-eq per treatment) than the activated carbon route (approximately 4 kg CO2-eq per treatment) in our model. Overall, L. platensis represents a lower-impact alternative for natural phenols remediation, especially when integrated into valorisation pathways that recover algal co-products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microalgae Biotechnology and Microbiology: Prospects and Applications)
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Review
Collagen Supplementation on Tendon-Related Structural and Performance Outcomes: A Systematic Review
by Albert Buchalski, Michael Jeanfavre, Colby Altorelli and Gretchen Leff
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2026, 11(1), 130; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11010130 - 23 Mar 2026
Viewed by 3968
Abstract
Background: Tendons adapt to mechanical loading by increasing cross-sectional area (CSA), stiffness, and matrix organization, with structural remodeling critical for both rehabilitation and performance. Collagen supplementation has been proposed to enhance this process by supplying key amino acids for collagen synthesis; however, inconsistent [...] Read more.
Background: Tendons adapt to mechanical loading by increasing cross-sectional area (CSA), stiffness, and matrix organization, with structural remodeling critical for both rehabilitation and performance. Collagen supplementation has been proposed to enhance this process by supplying key amino acids for collagen synthesis; however, inconsistent results across trials have limited its clinical and athletic application. Methods: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials evaluating collagen supplementation in humans was conducted. PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched from database inception through May 2025. Risk of bias was assessed using the PEDro scale (≥6/10 classified as good-to-excellent quality). Due to substantial heterogeneity in supplementation protocols, training modalities, and outcome measures, results were synthesized narratively without meta-analysis. Data extraction included collagen type, dose, training modality, intervention duration, and outcome measures. Results: Of 887 unique citations, eight RCTs (n = 257; ages 18–52; 246 M:11 F) met the inclusion criteria. All studies incorporated resistance or plyometric training (3–15 weeks). Three of four studies reported significantly greater increases in tendon CSA in collagen groups versus placebo. Four studies investigated tendon stiffness and Young’s modulus; the two using higher doses (15–30 g/day) demonstrated significant between-group improvements favoring collagen, while lower-dose studies (~5 g) showed only within-group effects. Muscle strength improved with training in all trials, but no additive effects of collagen were observed. One study reported improvements in eccentric rate of force development and deceleration impulse with collagen, though gross explosive metrics (e.g., jump height) were unaffected. Conclusions: Collagen supplementation (15–30 g) with vitamin C (≥50 mg) may enhance tendon remodeling when combined with high-intensity resistance training (≥70% 1 RM). The current literature suggests strong evidence (GRADE A) for increases in tendon CSA and stiffness, strong evidence (GRADE A) against an effect on muscle strength, and conflicting evidence (GRADE C) for muscle cross-sectional area and physical performance. Limitations include small sample sizes, heterogeneous protocols, and short intervention durations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Effects of Resistance Training on Musculoskeletal Health)
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