Saved Queries

by Rodrigo Álvaro Brandão Lopes-Martins, Francisco Gonzalez-Lima, Sérgio Gomes da Silva, Patrícia Sardinha Leonardo, Cristiane Soncino, Roberto Fernandes Pacheco, Carolina Lúcia de Oliveira e Oliveira and Fabrizio dos Santos Cardoso

Life 2025, 15(8), 1206; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15081206 (registering DOI) - 28 Jul 2025

Abstract

Background: Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT/A) is widely used in both clinical and aesthetic settings to induce temporary neuromuscular paralysis by inhibiting acetylcholine release. Although generally regarded as safe and effective, complications such as iatrogenic ptosis or facial asymmetry may occur and persist for several weeks or even months, with no standardized method currently available to accelerate recovery. Objective: This article explores the hypothesis that photobiomodulation (PBM)—a non-invasive modality recognized for its neuroregenerative potential—may facilitate the reversal of BoNT/A-induced neuromuscular blockade. Discussion: PBM enhances mitochondrial activity by stimulating cytochrome c oxidase in nerve and muscle tissues, thereby increasing ATP production and modulating intracellular signaling pathways associated with neuroplasticity, cell survival, and synaptogenesis. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that PBM can upregulate neurotrophic factors (e.g., BDNF, NGF), enhance SNAP-25 expression, and promote structural remodeling of neurons in both young and aged brains. These mechanisms are biologically consistent with the regenerative processes required for recovery from BoNT/A-induced effects. While controlled clinical trials for this specific application are currently lacking, anecdotal clinical reports suggest that PBM may accelerate functional recovery in cases of BoNT/A-related complications. Conclusions: Although this approach has not yet been tested in clinical trials, we propose that photobiomodulation may hypothetically serve as a supportive strategy to promote neuromuscular recovery in patients experiencing adverse effects from BoNT/A. This hypothesis is grounded in robust preclinical evidence but requires validation through translational and clinical research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Physiology and Pathology)

12 pages, 1134 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Household Water Insecurity in the Western Amazon, Amazonas, Brazil: A Preliminary Approach

by Mayline Menezes Da Mata, Adriana Sañudo, Hugo Melgar-Quiñonez, Mauro Eduardo Del Grossi and Maria Angélica Tavares De Medeiros

Water 2025, 17(15), 2253; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17152253 - 28 Jul 2025

Abstract

The objective was to evaluate the quality of an instrument to measure the experience of household water insecurity (WI) and the factors associated with the prevalence of WI in an urban area in a municipality in the Western Brazilian Amazon. A cross-sectional, population-based study was conducted to investigate 983 urban households. The Household Water Insecurity Experiences (HWISE) scale was used to measure the psychometric properties of reliability and validity. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted, and the prevalence ratio (PR, 95% CI) was calculated, considering WI as the dependent variable and the other household variables as independent variables. WI affected 46.2% (95% CI: 43.0–49.4%) of the households, independently associated with: head of the family as parent/other and presence of a child in the household. The instrument exhibited unidimensionality in the factor analyses and was considered to be both reliable and valid, as indicated by a Cronbach’s α coefficient of 0.958. Household WI is a serious public health problem in the Amazon in correlation with both social vulnerability and a lack of public services. As a preliminary approach, the scale proved to be valid and reliable. However, considering the Amazonian context, misunderstandings about some issues by respondents were identified, and further validation studies are needed to improve the intelligibility of these questions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wastewater Treatment and Public Health Surveillance: Advances and Challenges in the One Health Era)

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10 pages, 609 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Scalable Synthesis of 2D TiNCl via Flash Joule Heating

by Gabriel A. Silvestrin, Marco Andreoli, Edson P. Soares, Elita F. Urano de Carvalho, Almir Oliveira Neto and Rodrigo Fernando Brambilla de Souza

Physchem 2025, 5(3), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/physchem5030030 - 28 Jul 2025

Abstract

A scalable synthesis of two-dimensional titanium nitride chloride (TiNCl) via flash Joule heating (FJH) using titanium tetrachloride (TiCl₄) precursor has been developed. This single-step method overcomes traditional synthesis challenges, including high energy consumption, multi-step procedures, and hazardous reagent requirements. The structural and chemical properties of the synthesized TiNCl were characterized through multiple analytical techniques. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed the presence of TiNCl phase, while Raman spectroscopy data showed no detectable oxide impurities. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed characteristic Ti–N stretching vibrations, further confirming successful titanium nitride synthesis. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging revealed thin, plate-like nanostructures with high electron transparency. These analyses confirmed the formation of highly crystalline TiNCl flakes with nanoscale dimensions and minimal structural defects. The material exhibits excellent structural integrity and phase purity, demonstrating potential for applications in photocatalysis, electronics, and energy storage. This work establishes FJH as a sustainable and scalable approach for producing MXenes with controlled properties, facilitating their integration into emerging technologies. Unlike conventional methods, FJH enables rapid, energy-efficient synthesis while maintaining material quality, providing a viable route for industrial-scale production of two-dimensional materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nanoscience)

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18 pages, 3180 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Golden Moles on Nematode Diversity in Kweek Grassland, Sovenga Hills, Limpopo Province, South Africa

by Ebrahim Shokoohi, Jonathan Eisenback and Peter Masoko

Agriculture 2025, 15(15), 1634; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15151634 - 28 Jul 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of golden moles (Amblysomus sp.) on the abundance, diversity, and community structure of nematodes in kweek grass (Cynodon dactylon) within the Sovenga Hills of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Eight sites were sampled: four with active moles (sites: M1–M4), and four without (sites: T1–T4). Eighty soil samples were collected, and nematodes were extracted. A total of 23 nematode genera were identified, including 3 plant-parasitic and 20 free-living genera. The frequency of occurrence (FO) data showed that Aphelenchus sp. and Acrobeles sp. were the most prevalent nematodes, each occurring in 87.5% of the samples. In contrast, Eucephalobus sp., Tripylina sp., Discolaimus sp., and Tylenchus sp. had the lowest FO, appearing in only 12.5% of samples. The diversity indices (the Shannon index, the maturity index, and the plant-parasitic index) showed significant differences between the two environments. The Shannon index (H′) and maturity index were the most effective indicators of ecosystem disturbance. The lowest H′ was found at T4 (1.7 ± 0.2), compared with a higher value at M1 (2.4 ± 0.1). The principal component analysis (PCA) results revealed a positive correlation between Ditylenchus and the clay in the soil. In addition, Cervidellus was associated with soil pH. Network analysis revealed increased complexity in the nematode community structure at mole-affected sites. These findings suggest that mole activity alters soil properties and indirectly affects nematode diversity and trophic structure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Soils)

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25 pages, 945 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Short-Term Forecasting of the JSE All-Share Index Using Gradient Boosting Machines

by Mueletshedzi Mukhaninga, Thakhani Ravele and Caston Sigauke

Economies 2025, 13(8), 219; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies13080219 - 28 Jul 2025

Abstract

This study applies Gradient Boosting Machines (GBMs) and principal component regression (PCR) to forecast the closing price of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) All-Share Index (ALSI), using daily data from 2009 to 2024, sourced from the Wall Street Journal. The models are evaluated under three training–testing split ratios to assess short-term forecasting performance. Forecast accuracy is assessed using standard error metrics: mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and mean absolute scaled error (MASE). Across all test splits, the GBM consistently achieves lower forecast errors than PCR, demonstrating superior predictive accuracy. To validate the significance of this performance difference, the Diebold–Mariano (DM) test is applied, confirming that the forecast errors from the GBM are statistically significantly lower than those of PCR at conventional significance levels. These findings highlight the GBM’s strength in capturing nonlinear relationships and complex interactions in financial time series, particularly when using features such as the USD/ZAR exchange rate, oil, platinum, and gold prices, the S&P 500 index, and calendar-based variables like month and day. Future research should consider integrating additional macroeconomic indicators and exploring alternative or hybrid forecasting models to improve robustness and generalisability across different market conditions. Full article

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38 pages, 16643 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Investigation of Inclination Effects on a Submerged Plate as Breakwater and Wave Energy Converter Under Realistic Sea State Waves

by Vitor Eduardo Motta, Gabrielle Ücker Thum, Maycon da Silveira Paiva, Rafael Adriano Alves Camargo Gonçalves, Luiz Alberto Oliveira Rocha, Elizaldo Domingues dos Santos, Bianca Neves Machado and Liércio André Isoldi

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(8), 1438; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13081438 - 28 Jul 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of inclination on a submerged plate (SP) device acting as both a breakwater (BW) and a wave energy converter (WEC) subjected to representative regular and realistic irregular waves of a sea state across 11 inclination angles. Numerical simulations were conducted using ANSYS Fluent. Regular waves were generated by Stokes’s second-order theory, while the WaveMIMO technique was employed to generate irregular waves. Using the volume of fluid (VOF) method to model the water–air interaction, both approaches generate waves by imposing their vertical and horizontal velocity components at the inlet of the wave flume. The SP’s performance as a BW was analyzed based on the upstream and downstream free surface elevations of the device; in turn, its performance as a WEC was determined through its axial velocity beneath the plate. The results indicate that performance varies between regular and irregular wave conditions, underscoring the importance of accurately characterizing the sea state at the intended installation site. These findings demonstrate that the inclination of the SP plays a critical role in balancing its dual functionality, with certain configurations enhancing WEC efficiency by over 50% while still offering relevant BW performance, even under realistic irregular sea conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Coastal Engineering)

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19 pages, 15746 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Description of a New Eyeless Cavefish Using Integrative Taxonomic Methods—Sinocyclocheilus wanlanensis (Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae), from Guizhou, China

by Yewei Liu, Tingru Mao, Hiranya Sudasinghe, Rongjiao Chen, Jian Yang and Madhava Meegaskumbura

Animals 2025, 15(15), 2216; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15152216 - 28 Jul 2025

Abstract

China’s southwestern karst landscapes support remarkable cavefish diversity, especially within Sinocyclocheilus, the world’s largest cavefish genus. Using integrative taxonomic methods, we describe Sinocyclocheilus wanlanensis sp. nov., found in a subterranean river in Guizhou Province. This species lacks horn-like cranial structures; its eyes are either reduced to a dark spot or absent. It possesses a pronounced nuchal hump and a forward-protruding, duckbill-shaped head. Morphometric analysis of 28 individuals from six species shows clear separation from related taxa. Nano-CT imaging reveals distinct vertebral and cranial features. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial cytb and ND4 genes place S. wanlanensis within the S. angularis group as sister to S. bicornutus, with p-distances of 1.7% (cytb) and 0.7% (ND4), consistent with sister-species patterns within the genus. Sinocyclocheilus wanlanensis is differentiated from S. bicornutus by its eyeless or degenerate-eye condition and lack of bifurcated horns. It differs from S. zhenfengensis, its morphologically closest species, in having degenerate or absent eyes, shorter maxillary barbels, and pelvic fins that reach the anus. The combination of morphological and molecular evidence supports its recognition as a distinct species. Accurate documentation of such endemic and narrowly distributed taxa is important for conservation and for understanding speciation in cave habitats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Aquatic Animals)

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8 pages, 232 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Clinical Analysis of TMJ Replacement Using a Customized Prosthesis

by Sergio Olate, Víctor Ravelo, Gonzalo Muñoz, Carlos Gaete, Rodrigo Goya and Rômulo Valente

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(15), 5314; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14155314 - 28 Jul 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study aims to uncover the variables related to the success of the intervention. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on patients who underwent joint replacement surgery utilizing a customized alloplastic system between 2018 and 2023, comprising subjects with complete records for both the planning and follow-up phases. The Student’s t-test was applied with a significance threshold of p < 0.05. Results: Forty-eight subjects were admitted for initial analysis, and 31 subjects were evaluated with a minimum follow-up of 1 year and a maximum of 7 years, with a mean age of 36.37 ± 15.53. The TMJ diagnosis was mainly with degenerative TMJ disease, followed by ankylosis and craniofacial syndromes, and an average of 2.1 ± 1.2 previous surgeries were noted. Degenerative joint disease correlated with increased pain (p < 0.0001) and a higher prevalence of prior joint surgery (p < 0.0001). Thirty-one subjects were followed up with 47 prostheses installed; 74.4% underwent complementary surgery with other facial osteotomies. Significant improvements (p < 0.0001) were observed when comparing pain levels pre- and postoperatively, with a decrease from 5.5 (±2.3) to 2.2 (±0.4). Concerning the interincisal opening, there was a significant increase (p < 0001) from 25.85 (±10.2) mm to 35.93 (±4.2) mm in mouth opening. TMJ replacement treatment is efficient and effective, demonstrating stability in follow-up assessments for up to 7 years. Conclusions: The indications for replacement are diverse and may benefit patients who have not yet progressed to end-stage TMJ disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Plastic and Reconstructive Research)

2 pages, 434 KiB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Barbosa et al. Production of rGO-Based Electrospinning Nanocomposites Incorporated in Recycled PET as an Alternative Dry Electrode. Polymers 2022, 14, 4288

by Michelle Chizzolini Barbosa, Claudia do Amaral Razzino, Thiago Domingues Stocco, Moisés das Virgens Santana, Anupama Ghosh, Luiz Fernando Pereira, Carlos Julio Tierra-Criollo and Anderson Oliveira Lobo

Polymers 2025, 17(15), 2056; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17152056 - 28 Jul 2025

Abstract

During the final review of our manuscript [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Electrospinning Technology)

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25 pages, 837 KiB

Open AccessArticle

DASF-Net: A Multimodal Framework for Stock Price Forecasting with Diffusion-Based Graph Learning and Optimized Sentiment Fusion

by Nhat-Hai Nguyen, Thi-Thu Nguyen and Quan T. Ngo

J. Risk Financial Manag. 2025, 18(8), 417; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm18080417 - 28 Jul 2025

Abstract

Stock price forecasting remains a persistent challenge in time series analysis due to complex inter-stock relationships and dynamic textual signals such as financial news. While Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) can model relational structures, they often struggle with capturing higher-order dependencies and are sensitive to noise. Moreover, sentiment signals are typically aggregated using fixed time windows, which may introduce temporal bias. To address these issues, we propose DASF-Net (Diffusion-Aware Sentiment Fusion Network), a multimodal framework that integrates structural and textual information for robust prediction. DASF-Net leverages diffusion processes over two complementary financial graphs—one based on industry relationships, the other on fundamental indicators—to learn richer stock representations. Simultaneously, sentiment embeddings extracted from financial news using FinBERT are aggregated over an empirically optimized window to preserve temporal relevance. These modalities are fused via a multi-head attention mechanism and passed to a temporal forecasting module. DASF-Net integrates daily stock prices and news sentiment, using a 3-day sentiment aggregation window, to forecast stock prices over daily horizons (1–3 days). Experiments on 12 large-cap S&P 500 stocks over four years demonstrate that DASF-Net outperforms competitive baselines, achieving up to 91.6% relative reduction in Mean Squared Error (MSE). Results highlight the effectiveness of combining graph diffusion and sentiment-aware features for improved financial forecasting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Machine Learning Applications in Finance, 2nd Edition)

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12 pages, 659 KiB

Open AccessReview

HTLV-1 in Pregnancy and Neonatal Health: Evidence, Challenges, and Future Directions

by Ana Clara Assis Alves Emerick, Letícia Castilho Yamanaka, Stefany Silva Pereira, Tammy Caram Sabatine, Taline de Brito Cavalcante, Thamy Cristina Campos, Gustavo Yano Callado, Edward Araujo Júnior, Antonio Braga, Gloria Calagna and Evelyn Traina

Diagnostics 2025, 15(15), 1886; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15151886 - 28 Jul 2025

Abstract

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV), a retrovirus associated with severe conditions such as leukemia/lymphoma and myelopathy, exhibits variable global prevalence, with higher rates observed in regions such as northeastern Brazil and sub-Saharan Africa. While intrauterine transmission can occur via viral expression in placental tissue and contact with umbilical cord blood, the predominant route is vertical transmission through breastfeeding. Diagnostic testing, particularly serological screening with ELISA and confirmatory methods such as Western blot and PCR, is essential for early detection during pregnancy. The implementation of prenatal screening programs, as seen in Japan and Brazil, has proven effective in reducing vertical transmission by guiding interventions such as breastfeeding cessation in infected mothers. Beyond clinical implications, the psychosocial impact on affected pregnant women highlights the need for an interdisciplinary approach. Although the association between HTLV infection and adverse obstetric outcomes remains controversial, studies suggest increased risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, and other neonatal complications. Given the importance of early diagnosis and prevention, universal prenatal screening protocols represent a critical strategy to reduce viral transmission and its long-term consequences. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease)

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13 pages, 736 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Birding via Facebook—Methodological Considerations When Crowdsourcing Observations of Bird Behavior via Social Media

by Dirk H. R. Spennemann

Birds 2025, 6(3), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds6030039 - 28 Jul 2025

Abstract

This paper outlines a methodology to compile geo-referenced observational data of Australian birds acting as pollinators of Strelitzia sp. (Bird of Paradise) flowers and dispersers of their seeds. Given the absence of systematic published records, a crowdsourcing approach was employed, combining data from natural history platforms (e.g., iNaturalist, eBird), image hosting websites (e.g., Flickr) and, in particular, social media. Facebook emerged as the most productive channel, with 61.4% of the 301 usable observations sourced from 43 ornithology-related groups. The strategy included direct solicitation of images and metadata via group posts and follow-up communication. The holistic, snowballing search strategy yielded a unique, behavior-focused dataset suitable for analysis. While the process exposed limitations due to user self-censorship on image quality and completeness, the approach demonstrates the viability of crowdsourced behavioral ecology data and contributes a replicable methodology for similar studies in under-documented ecological contexts. Full article

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13 pages, 4956 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Crystal Anisotropy in Femtosecond Laser Processing of Single-Crystal Diamond

by Guolong Wang, Ji Wang, Kaijie Cheng, Kun Yang, Bojie Xu, Wenbo Wang and Wenwu Zhang

Nanomaterials 2025, 15(15), 1160; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15151160 - 28 Jul 2025

Abstract

The single-crystal diamond (SCD), owing to its extreme physical and chemical properties, serves as an ideal substrate for quantum sensing and high-frequency devices. However, crystal anisotropy imposes significant challenges on fabricating high-quality micro-nano structures, directly impacting device performance. This work investigates the effects of femtosecond laser processing on the SCD under two distinct crystallographic orientations via single-pulse ablation. The results reveal that ablation craters along the <100> orientation exhibit an elliptical shape with the major axis parallel to the laser polarization, whereas those along the <110> orientation form near-circular craters with the major axis at a 45° angle to the polarization. The single-pulse ablation threshold of the SCD along <110> is 9.56 J/cm², representing a 7.8% decrease compared to 10.32 J/cm² for <100>. The graphitization threshold shows a more pronounced reduction, dropping from 4.79 J/cm² to 3.31 J/cm² (31% decrease), accompanied by enhanced sp² carbon order evidenced by the significantly intensified G-band in the Raman spectra. In addition, a phase transition layer of amorphous carbon at the nanoscale in the surface layer (thickness of ~40 nm) and a narrow lattice spacing of 0.36 nm are observed under TEM, corresponding to the interlayer (002) plane of graphite. These observations are attributed to the orientation-dependent energy deposition efficiency. Based on these findings, an optimized crystallographic orientation selection strategy for femtosecond laser processing is proposed to improve the quality of functional micro-nano structures in the SCD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends and Prospects in Laser Nanofabrication)

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28 pages, 14491 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Catalytically Active Oxidized PtOx Species on SnO₂ Supports Synthesized via Anion Exchange Reaction for 4-Nitrophenol Reduction

by Izabela Ðurasović, Robert Peter, Goran Dražić, Fabio Faraguna, Rafael Anelić, Marijan Marciuš, Tanja Jurkin, Vlasta Mohaček Grošev, Maria Gracheva, Zoltán Klencsár, Mile Ivanda, Goran Štefanić and Marijan Gotić

Nanomaterials 2025, 15(15), 1159; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15151159 - 28 Jul 2025

Abstract

An anion exchange-assisted technique was used for the synthesis of platinum-decorated SnO₂ supports, providing nanocatalysts with enhanced activity for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP). In this study, a series of SnO₂ supports, namely SnA (synthesized almost at room temperature), SnB (hydrothermally treated at 180 °C), and SnC (annealed at 600 °C), are systematically investigated, all loaded with 1 mol% Pt from H₂PtCl₆ under identical mild conditions. The chloride ions from the SnCl₄ precursors were efficiently removed via a strong-base anion exchange reaction, resulting in highly dispersed, crystalline ~5 nm cassiterite SnO₂ particles. All Pt/SnO₂ composites displayed mesoporous structures with type IVa isotherms and H₂-type hysteresis, with SP1a (Pt on SnA) exhibiting the largest surface area (122.6 m²/g) and the smallest pores (~3.5 nm). STEM-HAADF imaging revealed well-dispersed PtOx domains (~0.85 nm), while XPS confirmed the dominant Pt⁴⁺ and Pt²⁺ species, with ~25% Pt⁰ likely resulting from photoreduction and/or interactions with Sn–OH surface groups. Raman spectroscopy revealed three new bands (260–360 cm⁻¹) that were clearly visible in the sample with 10 mol% Pt and were due to the vibrational modes of the PtOx species and Pt-Cl bonds introduced due the addition and hydrolysis of H₂PtCl₆ precursor. TGA/DSC analysis revealed the highest mass loss for SP1a (~7.3%), confirming the strong hydration of the PtOx domains. Despite the predominance of oxidized PtOx species, SP1a exhibited the highest catalytic activity (k_app = 1.27 × 10⁻² s⁻¹) and retained 84.5% activity for the reduction of 4-NP to 4-AP after 10 cycles. This chloride-free low-temperature synthesis route offers a promising and generalizable strategy for the preparation of noble metal-based nanocatalysts on oxide supports with high catalytic activity and reusability. Full article

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17 pages, 509 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Use of Trichoderma, Aspergillus, and Rhizopus Fungi for the Biological Production of Hydrolytic Enzymes and Uronic Acids from Sargassum Biomass

by Cristina Agabo-García, Muhammad Nur Cahyanto, Widiastuti Setyaningsih, Luis I. Romero-García, Carlos J. Álvarez-Gallego and Ana Blandino

Fermentation 2025, 11(8), 430; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation11080430 - 27 Jul 2025

Abstract

The objective of this study was the evaluation of fungal solid-state fermentation (SSF) for the production of alginate lyase and extraction of uronic acids from Sargassum sp. For this purpose, the fungi Trichoderma asperellum, Aspergillus oryzae, and Rhizopus oryzae were applied (alone or combined) to Sargassum sp. biomass through SSF (10⁷ spores g_biomass⁻¹, 30 °C, and 7 days of treatment). In general, individual SSF with all three fungi degraded the biomass, achieving a marked synergy in the production of cellulase, laminarinase, and alginate lyase activities (especially for the last one). Trichoderma was the most efficient species in producing laminarinase, whereas Rhizophus was the best option for producing alginate lyase. However, when dual combinations were tested, the maximal values of alginate lyase activities were reached (13.4 ± 0.2 IU g_biomass⁻¹ for Aspergillus oryzae and Rhizopus oryzae). Remarkably, uronic acids were the main monomeric units from algal biomass solubilization, achieving a maximum yield of 14.4 mg_uronic g_biomass⁻¹, with the A + R condition being a feasible, eco-friendly alternative to chemical extraction of this monomer. Additionally, the application of all the fungal pretreatments drastically decreased the total phenolic content (TPC) in the biomass from 369 mg L⁻¹ to values around 44–84 mg L⁻¹, minimizing the inhibition for possible subsequent biological processes in which the residual solid can be used. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Biotechnology: Exploring the Potential of Solid State Fermentation for Sustainable Production)

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