Search Results (775)

Biogas production from agricultural residues is a promising solution for renewable energy production, improved waste management, and beneficial impact on climate change mitigation. The aim of this study is to assess the actual use and theoretical potential of agricultural biogas produced from animal manure in Poland at the local level. The potential and actual use of agricultural biogas are presented regionally (16 voivodeships) and locally (314 districts). The theoretical potential of agricultural biogas was estimated based on data from the Agricultural Census conducted by the Central Statistical Office in Poland in 2020. Actual biogas production is based on data from the Register of Agricultural Biogas Producers maintained by the National Support Center for Agriculture. The study shows that Poland is only tapping into the existing potential for agricultural biogas production to a limited extent. Furthermore, both actual agricultural biogas production and the identified theoretical potential vary spatially (greater potential in the northern part of the country, significantly lower in the southern part). This situation is attributed to existing barriers that hinder the utilization of existing potential. Therefore, it is crucial to seek new solutions to reduce existing barriers of an organizational, legal, technical, economic, environmental, spatial, and social nature. Full article

Squalene, a hydrocarbon with several industrial applications, is obtained from plants, animals, and microorganisms. Oleaginous thraustochytrids are also potential sources of squalene. In eukaryotes, squalene, an intermediary in the sterol/cholesterol pathway, accumulates when the activity of squalene epoxidase or an Alternative SQualene Epoxidase (AltSQE) is inhibited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the polyphenols extracted from barley bagasse for enhancement of the squalene content in Thraustochytrium sp. RT2316-16. In the media supplemented with terbinafine, an antifungal compound known as an inhibitor of squalene epoxidase, or the polyphenols from barley bagasse 72 h after inoculation, the squalene concentration was 308.7 ± 0.8 and 286.5 ± 0.1 mg L⁻¹ after 168 h, respectively, whereas in the control medium, it was 85.6 ± 0.2 mg L⁻¹. The final concentrations of the lipid-free biomass (4.5 ± 0.1 g L⁻¹) and total lipids (2.5 ± 0.3 g L⁻¹) were not affected by the polyphenols from barley bagasse; on the contrary, the concentration of total lipids in the terbinafine treatment was 30% lower than in the control. In RT2316-16, the gene coding for AltSQE, which is not found in all thraustochytrids, was upregulated under the control treatment, whereas its relative expression was not affected by terbinafine. The squalene accumulation in RT2316-16 in response to the treatment with polyphenols and the antifungal agent makes this strain a promising source of the triterpenoid. Full article

Waste valorisation has become a key strategy for applying circular economy principles in the agro-industrial field. This study investigated the territorial implementation of the waste composting on a territorial scale. The wastes considered were the post-processing orange waste, spent olive oil pomace, and spent wine grape pomace. Their potential use as soil amendments across the provinces of Sicily was assessed through a GIS-based analysis, taking into account nitrogen (N) application constraints. Moreover, a cascade valorisation scheme was also evaluated: post-processing orange waste was first used as animal feed, and the remaining fraction was directed to composting; olive pomace was first sent to pomace oil extraction mills, and the residual material was subsequently used for composting. Results indicate that N inputs derived from composted residues remain below legal thresholds in all provinces, with relative contributions ranging from 38% to 92% of the regulatory limits. Spatial variability in nitrogen availability reflects the territorial distribution of agro-industrial activities, highlighting the importance of localised management strategies. These findings demonstrate that composting, combined with cascade valorisation, is an effective pathway to close nutrient cycles, reduce waste generation, and support sustainable biomass management in regional agri-food systems. Full article

Aspergillus flavus and its aflatoxins pose serious threats to human and animal health, negatively affecting agricultural productivity and the global economy. Although chemical preservatives are widely used, their effectiveness remains limited by increased fungal resistance and environmental concerns, highlighting the need for sustainable alternatives. Microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) represent a promising biocontrol strategy. Here, we investigate how glutamine regulates mVOC biosynthesis in Streptomyces alboflavus TD-1 and enhances its antifungal activity against A. flavus. Antifungal assays showed that supplementation with 40 mM glutamine significantly enhanced inhibitory activity, leading to 69.0% inhibition of conidial germination and 64.5% inhibition of mycelial biomass. Transcriptome profiling identified 283 differentially expressed genes, including the two-component system regulator gluR, which was strongly upregulated. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated disruption of gluR confirmed its regulatory role. Specifically, the mutant strain produced reduced levels of antifungal mVOCs, such as dimethyl trisulfide and o-anisidine, and exhibited diminished inhibition of A. flavus. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that exogenous glutamine enhances the mVOC-mediated suppression of A. flavus by S. alboflavus TD-1 through nutrient-sensing and transcriptional regulation of volatile biosynthesis. Although aflatoxin levels were not quantified in this study, the enhanced growth inhibition and the identified mVOC shifts provide a mechanistic basis for future studies that directly quantify aflatoxin production under storage-relevant conditions. Full article

Background: Hermetia illucens larvae provide a sustainable bioconversion pathway that transforms agro-industrial residues into protein- and nutrient-dense biomass and frass, suitable for animal feed and soil amendment, respectively. Nevertheless, the potential spread of antibiotic resistance (AR) genes and pathogenic microorganisms poses biosafety concerns. This study examined the impact of four residue-based diet formulations; peas and chickpea (D1), peas and wheat (D2), onion and wheat (D3), and wheat with digestate (D4), on microbial safety during the bioconversion process. Methods: Enterococcus spp. (viable counts), Salmonella spp. (presence/absence), and 13 AR genes associated with resistance to tetracyclines, macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B, β-lactams, vancomycin, and aminoglycosides were quantified in single substrates, diets, larvae, and frass using qPCR. Results: Principal component analysis revealed diet-driven AR gene profiles. D1 lowered the levels of the greatest number of tested AR genes, particularly erm(B), tetracycline, and β-lactam genes in frass, as well as tet(O) and vanB in mature larvae. In contrast, D2 increased the AR gene levels in frass. All diets except D4 eliminated Salmonella spp. Enterococcus spp. loads varied by diet and larval stage, with D2 reducing counts in frass. Conclusions: Diet composition directly shapes microbial dynamics and AR gene dissemination, indicating that legume-based substrates may enhance biosafety in bioconversion systems. Full article

With the rapid growth of the population and the economy, environmental and health issues caused by animal protein consumption have received increasing attention. The world urgently needs alternative proteins as a way out, and microbial proteins have tremendous potential as sustainable protein sources. In this study, Neurospora intermedia FF171 was isolated and identified from Pu-erh fermented tea. FF171 can rapidly produce substantial mycelial biomass using a sugar byproduct as a carbon source. The combination of sugarcane molasses and corn gluten meal as carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively, resulted in a dry biomass of 9.10 ± 0.20 g/L and a protein yield of 6.16 ± 0.11 g/L (67.48% protein content). FF171 exhibits genetic stability, and no mycotoxins were detected in the biomass. Furthermore, the strain’s genome was sequenced and annotated. Bioinformatics analysis, including comparison of specific sequences with reference strains in the GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) database, was conducted to assess potential toxicity, allergenicity, and antimicrobial resistance. The results revealed no virulence or pathogenic factors and no antibiotic resistance genes, while the risk of triggering allergic reactions was minimal. Taken together, these findings suggest that Neurospora intermedia FF171 is a safe and promising candidate for mycoprotein production, with strong potential as a future alternative protein source. Full article

Concentrated wastewater streams, like vacuum blackwater (VBW), pose significant management challenges due to their high organic strength and pathogen loads. This review evaluates an integrated biorefinery model employing sequential black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) bioconversion and thermophilic anaerobic digestion (TAD) as a circular solution for effective VBW management. The BSFL pretreatment facilitates bio-stabilization, mitigates ammonia inhibition via nitrogen assimilation, and initiates contaminant degradation. However, this stage alone does not achieve complete hygienization, as it fails to inactivate resilient pathogens, including helminth eggs and spore-forming bacteria, thus precluding the safe direct use of frass as fertilizer. By directing the frass into TAD, the system addresses this limitation while enhancing bioenergy recovery: the frass serves as an optimized, nutrient-balanced substrate that increases biomethane yields, while the sustained thermophilic conditions ensure comprehensive pathogen destruction, resulting in the generation of a sterile digestate. Additionally, the harvested larval biomass offers significant valorization flexibility, making it suitable for use as high-protein animal feed or for conversion into biodiesel through lipid transesterification or co-digestion in TAD to yield high biomethane. Consequently, the BSFL-TAD synergy enables net-positive bioenergy production, achieves significant greenhouse gas mitigation, and co-generates digestate as sanitized organic biofertilizer. This cascading approach transforms hazardous waste into multiple renewable resources, advancing both process sustainability and economic viability within a circular bioeconomy framework. Full article

Nowadays, consumer demand for functional foods with health benefits has grown significantly. In response to this trend, a variety of potentially probiotic foods have been developed—most notably kefir and kefir-like beverages, which are highly appreciated for their tangy flavor and health-promoting properties. Traditionally, kefir is made by fermenting cow’s milk with milk kefir grains, although milk from other animals—such as goats, ewes, buffalo, camels, and mares—is also used. Additionally, non-dairy versions are made by fermenting plant-based milks (such as coconut, almond, soy, rice, and oat) with the same type of grains, or by fermenting fruit and vegetable juices (e.g., apple, carrot, fennel, grape, tomato, prickly pear, onion, kiwifruit, strawberry, quince, pomegranate) with water kefir grains. Despite their popularity, many aspects of kefir production remain poorly understood. These include alternative production methods beyond traditional batch fermentation, kinetic studies of the process, and the influence of key cultivation variables—such as temperature, initial pH, and the type and concentration of nutrients—on biomass production and fermentation metabolites. A deeper understanding of the fermentation process can enable the production of kefir beverages tailored to meet diverse consumer preferences. Full article

(1) Background: Oat (Avena sativa L.) is a crop that is widely used in human nutrition, while it also plays an important role in animal husbandry as a high-quality forage crop. However, this crop is particularly susceptible to combined biotic stressors, including insect pests (Agriotes lineatus) and fungal infections (Fusarium spp.). These stresses act synergistically: root damage caused by wireworms increases the plant’s susceptibility to fungal infection, while pathogens further limit nutrient uptake and root system development. In recent years, the reduced efficacy of chemical pesticides against both insect pests and fungal pathogens has highlighted the need for alternative strategies in oat protection, leading to an increased focus on developing bacterial bio-inoculants as sustainable and effective biocontrol agents. (2) Methods: This study aimed to identify bacterial strains capable of suppressing wireworms (Agriotes lineatus) and Fusarium spp. in oats, while simultaneously promoting plant growth. Bacterial isolates were screened for key Plant Growth Promoting (PGP) and biocontrol traits, including IAA and siderophore production, phosphate solubilization, and the presence of toxin- and antibiotic-coding genes. (3) Results: The highest insecticidal effect against wireworms was recorded for Bacillus velezensis BHC 3.1 (63.33%), while this isolate also suppressed the growth of F. proliferatum for 59%, F. oxysporum for 65%, F. poae for 71%, and F. graminearum for 15%. The most effective Bacillus strains (with insecticidal and antifungal activity) were identified and tested in two pot experiments, where their ability to enhance plant growth in the presence of insects and fungi was evaluated under semi-controlled conditions. An increase in plant biomass, grain yield, and nitrogen content was observed in oat inoculated with B. velezensis BHC 3.1 and B. thuringiensis BHC 2.4. (4) Conclusions: These results demonstrate the strong potential of both strains as multifunctional bio-inoculants for enhancing oat growth and mitigating the adverse effects of wireworm damage and Fusarium infection. Full article

Egg products are a convenient and safe form of eggs, possessing valuable nutritional and functional properties. The egg processing industry is responsible for the enormous amounts of biomass in the form of animal by-products (ABPs). According to EU legislation, the ABPs are under strict control from the formation to the disposal of biomass, as they carry a risk to the ecosystem and public health. For this reason, restrictions have been introduced on their use after disposal, ranging from bioactive applications in medical, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products, as well as feed. The shells are subject to special conditions for processing and use. The by-products of egg breaking are divided into solid (eggshells and eggshell membranes) and liquid (technical albumen) by-products. The biological value is determined by the composition, which varies significantly across the by-products. In the context of the circular economy, all egg by-products contain valuable substances that can be used in food and non-food industries. First, eggshells are the leading by-product, composing 95% of the inorganic substance calcium carbonate, which, after processing, can be used in agriculture, food and feed industries, and medicine. Second, there is a liquid by-product containing proteins from the egg white and a small part of fats from the yolk. Literature data on this by-product are scarce, but there is information about its use as a feed additive, while the extracted and purified proteins can be useful in pharmacy. Egg membranes constitute only 1% of the egg mass, but humanity has long known about the benefits of collagen, keratin, and glycosaminoglycans, including hyaluronic acid, which compose this material. The processed membranes can be used as a food additive, in cosmetics, medicine, or pharmacy, just like other egg by-products mentioned above. This literature review focuses on the possible methods and techniques for processing by-products and their potential application. The literature sources in this review have been selected according to their scientific and practical applicability. The utilization of these by-products not only reduces the impact on the environment but also facilitates the creation of value-added materials. Full article

Within the global epidemiological landscape, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) stands out as a major contributor to infectious disease burden. The persistent public health crisis it presents arises from a dual challenge: intrinsic multidrug resistance coupled with a high rate of healthcare-associated infections. Recent studies have shown that propolis has unique advantages in bacterial infection prevention and treatment. The present study revealed that propolis ethanolic extract (PEE) exhibited notable antibacterial activity against both MRSA ATCC 43300 and MRSA CI2, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 128 μg/mL for each strain. Crystal violet (CV) staining and XTT sodium reduction assays were employed to evaluate the anti-biofilm efficacy of PEE. CV staining revealed that PEE significantly inhibited biofilm formation and reduced the biomass of pre-formed biofilm. Additionally, the XTT sodium reduction assay demonstrated a substantial reduction in the metabolic activity of the biofilm-embedded. Scanning electron microscopy and bacterial adhesion experiments revealed that PEE significantly reduced bacterial adhesion and aggregation. Furthermore, experiments on the synthesis of extracellular polysaccharides and proteins showed that PEE inhibits the production of water-soluble and alkali-soluble polysaccharides and extracellular proteins. Real-time quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis revealed that PEE inhibited the expression of icaADBC, fnbAB, clfAB, and sarA. These results revealed that PEE inhibits biofilm formation and development by inhibiting the expression of sarA, icaADBC, fnbAB, and clfAB, thereby reducing the synthesis of extracellular polysaccharides and proteins to attenuate the adhesion capacity of MRSA. In summary, this study provides experimental evidence for the development of PEE as a potential antimicrobial agent for the prevention and treatment of MRSA-associated infections. Future work will focus on identifying its key active monomers and investigating its therapeutic effects and mechanisms of action in animal models. Full article

The use of plant growth simulation models, such as the Agricultural Crop Simulator (AgS), can support planning and management decisions in pasture-based animal production systems. AgS is a biophysical model that is being developed to focus on crops relevant to the Brazilian economy. Originally, the model was parameterized for Marandu palisadegrass (Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu) under continuous stocking method and cutting regimes. The objective of this study was to parametrize and evaluate the performance of AgS in simulating Marandu palisadegrass biomass production under rotational stocking methods. Field data from an experiment assessing pre-grazing heights of Marandu palisadegrass grazed by beef cattle was used to evaluate the model. The simulations initially underestimated leaf and total biomass production, regardless of pre-grazing height. These results suggested that differences between cutting and grazing methods make additional model calibration necessary. Differences related to regrowth of leaves were addressed and the new calibration resulted in higher biomass allocation to leaves and stems, reducing the mean error in the 25 cm treatment from −1.001 to −253 kg ha⁻¹ and the rRMSE from 41% to 34%. AgS showed potential for simulating rotational stocking after adjustments were made, and future calibrations should consider different management and environmental conditions. Full article

Amidst the dual global pressures of plastic pollution and resource scarcity, the transition to a circular economy has become an imperative. The valorization of biomass waste from agricultural, food, and animal processing into biodegradable packaging materials presents a key strategy to address this challenge. This review aims to systematically construct a comprehensive knowledge framework for the field, addressing the thematic fragmentation and methodological limitations of existing literature through integrated cross-stream analysis, combined bibliometric and technological assessment, and identification of emerging research frontiers. We begin with a bibliometric analysis to delineate the field’s evolutionary trajectory since 2008, global collaboration networks, core research themes, and emerging frontiers, revealing a clear progression from environmental impact assessment to functional material innovation. Subsequently, this review delves into the complete technological chain, from the green extraction of bio-based materials from three major waste streams to the comparison of traditional and advanced film fabrication methods. We then elaborate on the critical performance evaluation dimensions, including mechanical, barrier, biodegradable, safety, and functional properties, and summarize current applications in sectors such as food and medicine. Finally, we critically assess the core challenges related to cost, performance stability, and large-scale production, and provide a systematic outlook on future research directions, particularly the development of high-performance, multifunctional, and intelligent materials. This review offers a comprehensive and data-driven reference framework for researchers and industry stakeholders in the field. Full article

The production and use of biogas can play a key role in the transition to a low-emission and circular economy. Animal waste is an available, local substrate for biogas plants, although it is used less frequently than plant waste. Therefore, the main aim of this research is to assess the potential of animal biomass and the possibility of producing biogas from it to meet energy needs in EU countries. The potential was estimated for the 27 European Union Member States. Data comes from the Statistical Office of the European Union from 2024. Biomass volumes and the potential for biogas production were estimated using formulas available in the literature. Analyses indicate that European Union countries have significant potential for biogas production from existing biomass from animal waste. Even in countries with relatively high current production, there is significant potential for the production and use of larger quantities of biogas. To achieve climate goals, besides large investments, micro-biogas plants are gaining importance. Small installations may prove to be a solution for countries with quite small and dispersed animal production. Widespread utilization of the potential of biomass from animal waste requires institutional support as well as dissemination of knowledge among various stakeholder groups. Full article

Beef production on chemically uniform grass monocultures can limit nutrient synchrony and contribute to uneven pasture use. We evaluated whether supplementing tannins with bioactive plant secondary compounds improves foraging dynamics and landscape use by beef cattle grazing a meadow bromegrass monoculture in ways aligned with rangeland sustainability. Twenty-four Angus cow–calf pairs were allocated to six 3.6-ha paddocks (four pairs/paddock), randomly assigned to Control (Ctrl; n = 3) or Tannin treatment (TT; n = 3). Animals received 1 kg/cow/day of DDGs, with TT receiving an added 0.4% tannins (2:1 condensed:hydrolyzable). Grazing occurred during four 15-day periods (July–September) across two years. Data were analyzed with mixed-effects models. Tannins did not alter biomass removal or cow weight loss (p > 0.05). However, TT cows exhibited longer evening grazing (2.9 vs. 2.1 h), fewer standing-to-lying transitions (5.7% vs. 7.3%), and more even spatial grazing distribution (CV = 1.861 vs. 2.13; p < 0.05), and greater water consumption (147 vs. 121 L/day; p < 0.01). Average daily gain of calves was numerically greater in TT compared to Ctrl (1.03 vs. 0.93 kg/day; p = 0.27). Collectively, these shifts promoted by tannins point to enhanced evening intake opportunities and reduced patch overuse, outcomes consistent with improved welfare and more uniform pasture utilization two pillars of sustainable grazing. Increased water demand under tannins highlights a management consideration for arid systems. Overall, moderate tannin inclusion was compatible with sustainable grazing by promoting even pasture use and potentially improving nutrient use efficiency without compromising intake. Full article