Search Results (319)

The demand for anion exchange membranes (AEMs) is growing due to their applications in water electrolysis, CO₂ reduction conversion and fuel cells, as well as water treatment, driven by the increasing energy demand and the need for a sustainable future. However, current AEMs still face challenges, such as insufficient permeability and stability in strongly acidic or alkaline media, which limit their durability and the sustainability of membrane fabrication. In this study, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan (CS) biopolymers are selected for membrane preparation. Zinc oxide (ZnO) and porous organic polymer (POP) nanoparticles are also introduced within the PVA-CS polymer blends to make mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) with increased OH⁻ transport sites. The membranes are characterized based on typical properties for AEM applications, such as thickness, water uptake, KOH uptake, Cl⁻ and OH⁻ permeability and ion exchange capacity (IEC). The OH⁻ transport of the PVA-CS blend is increased by at least 94.2% compared with commercial membranes. The incorporation of non-porous ZnO and porous POP nanoparticles into the polymer blend does not compromise the OH⁻ transport properties. On the contrary, ZnO nanoparticles enhance the membrane’s water retention capacity, provide basic surface sites that facilitate hydroxide ion conduction and reinforce the mechanical and thermal stability. In parallel, POPs introduce a highly porous architecture that increases the internal surface area and promotes the formation of continuous hydrated pathways, essential to efficient OH⁻ mobility. Furthermore, the presence of POPs also contributes to reinforcing the mechanical integrity of the membrane. Thus, PVA-CS bio-based membranes are a promising alternative to conventional ion exchange membranes for various applications. Full article

Date pits are considered waste, and micronized date pit powder could be developed for use in foods and bio-products. In this study, micronized date pit powders were extracted by alcoholic sedimentation after ultrasound treatment. The control was considered untreated, i.e., without sonication. Six micronized fractions (i.e., three from control and three from treated) were prepared by three stages of alcoholic sedimentation. In the case of untreated date pit powder, the average particle size of the fractionated date pit powder (i.e., residue) from three stages of alcoholic sedimentation varied from 89 to 164 µm, while ultrasonic treatment showed variation from 39 to 65 µm. The average particle size of the supernatant fractions of untreated date pit powder varied from 22 to 63 µm, while ultrasonic treatment showed variation from 18 to 44 µm. Ultrasound treatment produced smaller particles. In all cases, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed that supernatant fractions contained lumped particles compared to the residue fractions. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) showed the presence of nanoparticles in all extracted fractions. Two glass transitions were observed in all fractions except for the residue from the first sedimentation stage. In addition, higher levels of degradation in the fractionated date pits could be achieved by ultrasonic treatment, as is evident from the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis. Full article

Bio-nanocomposites based on poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and cellulosic nanostructures are favorable for active food packaging applications. The current study systematically investigates the mechanical properties, gas permeation, and swelling parameters of PVA composites with cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) or nano lignocellulose (NLC) fibers. Alterations in these macroscopic properties, which are critical for food packaging applications, are correlated with structural information at the molecular level. Strong interactions between the fillers and polymer host matrix were observed, while the PVA crystallinity exhibited a maximum at ~1% loading. Finally, the orientation of the PVA nanocrystals in the uniaxially stretched samples was found to depend non-monotonically on the CNC loading and draw ratio. Concerning the macroscopic properties of the composites, the swelling properties were reduced for the D1 food simulant, while for water, a considerable decrease was observed only when high NLC loadings were involved. Furthermore, although the water vapor transmission rates are roughly similar for all samples, the CO₂, N₂, and O₂ gas permeabilities are low, exhibiting further decrease in the 1% and 1–5% loading for CNC and NLC composites, respectively. The mechanical properties were considerably altered as a consequence of the good dispersion of the filler, increased crystallinity of the polymer matrix, and morphology of the filler. Thus, up to ~50%/~170% enhancement of the Young’s modulus and up to ~20%/~50% enhancement of the tensile strength are observed for the CNC/NLC composites. Interestingly, the elongation at break is also increased by ~20% for CNC composites, while it is reduced by ~40% for the NLC composites, signifying the favorable/unfavorable interactions of cellulose/lignin with the matrix. Full article

To address the growing demand for environmentally friendly flexible sensors, here, a composite hydrogel of nanocellulose (NC) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was designed and fabricated using Camellia oleifera shells as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based raw materials. Firstly, NC was extracted from Camellia oleifera shells and modified with 2-chloropropyl chloride to obtain a nanocellulose-based initiator (Init-NC) for atomic transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Subsequently, sulfonyl betaine methacrylate (SBMA) was polymerized by Init-NC initiating to yield zwitterion-functionalized nanocellulose (NC-PSBMA). Finally, the NC-PSBMA/PVA hydrogel was fabricated by blending NC-PSBMA with PVA. A Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer (¹H-NMR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), universal mechanical testing machine, and digital source-meter were used to characterize the chemical structure, surface microstructure, and sensing performance. The results indicated that: (1) FT-IR and ¹H NMR confirmed the successful synthesis of NC-PSBMA; (2) SEM, TEM, and alternating current (AC) impedance spectroscopy verified that the NC-PSBMA/PVA hydrogel exhibits a uniform porous structure (pore diameter was 1.1737 μm), resulting in significantly better porosity (15.75%) and ionic conductivity (2.652 S·m⁻¹) compared to the pure PVA hydrogel; and (3) mechanical testing combined with source meter testing showed that the tensile strength of the composite hydrogel increased by 6.4 times compared to the pure PVA hydrogel; meanwhile, it showed a high sensitivity (GF = 1.40, strain range 0–5%; GF = 1.67, strain range 5–20%) and rapid response time (<0.05 s). This study presents a novel approach to developing bio-based, flexible sensing materials. Full article

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp. L.), traditionally cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, is being explored for its agronomic viability in Mediterranean climates. This study assessed the bio-agronomic performance of seven sugarcane varieties and two accessions grown in Sicily, to enhance the fermentation process to produce rum agricole, a spirit derived from fresh cane juice. Agronomic evaluations revealed significant varietal differences, with juice yields of 5850−14,312 L ha⁻¹ and sugar yields of 1.84–5.33 t ha⁻¹. Microbial control was achieved through the addition of lactic acid, which effectively suppressed undesirable bacterial growth and improved fermentation quality. Furthermore, the application of two selected Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains (MN113 and SPF21), isolated from high-sugar matrices such as manna and honey byproducts, affected the production of volatile compounds, particularly esters and higher alcohols. Sensory analysis confirmed a more complex aromatic profile in cane wines fermented with these selected yeasts, with overall acceptance scores reaching 7.5. Up to 29 aroma-active compounds were identified, including ethyl esters and higher alcohols. This research represents the first integrated approach combining lactic acid treatment and novel yeast strains for the fermentation of sugarcane juice in a Mediterranean context. The findings highlight the potential for high-quality rum agricole production in Sicily. Full article

The increasing global demand for sustainable energy solutions has intensified the need to replace fossil fuels in gas turbines, particularly in aviation and power generation where alternatives to gas turbines are currently limited. This review explores the feasibility of utilizing sustainable liquid and gaseous fuels in gas turbines by evaluating their environmental impacts, performance characteristics, and technical integration potential. The study examines a broad range of alternatives, including biofuels, hydrogen, alcohols, ethers, synthetic fuels, and biogas, focusing on their production methods, combustion behavior, and compatibility with existing turbine technology. Key findings indicate that several bio-derived and synthetic fuels can serve as viable drop-in replacements for conventional jet fuels, especially under ASTM D7566 standards. Hydrogen and other gaseous alternatives show promise for industrial applications but require significant combustion system adaptations. The study concludes that a transition to sustainable fuels in gas turbines is achievable through coordinated advancements in combustion technology, fuel infrastructure, and regulatory support, thus enabling meaningful reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and advancing global decarbonization efforts. Full article

The world’s energy demand increases daily, fostering the search for renewable fuels to reconcile production needs with environmental sustainability. To prevent the severe atmospheric impact of fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions is both essential and urgent, reinforcing the necessity of developing and adopting renewable fuel alternatives. Therefore, this work aimed to produce bio-oil through sugarcane bagasse fast pyrolysis. The methodology is based on fast pyrolysis operation in a fluidized bed reactor (pilot plant) as a thermochemical method for bio-oil production. This research required the conditioning of the raw material for system feeding, along with optimizing key variables, operating temperature, airflow, and sugarcane bagasse feed rate, to achieve improved yields compared to previous studies conducted in this pilot plant. The sugarcane bagasse was conditioned through drying and milling, followed by characterization using various analytical methods, including calorific value, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), particle size analysis by laser diffraction (Mastersizer—MS), and ultimate analysis (determining carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen by difference). The bio-oil produced showed promising yield results, with a maximum estimated value of 61.64%. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis confirmed the presence of aromatic compounds, as well as ester, ether, carboxylic acid, ketone, and alcohol functional groups. Full article

The wine industry produces substantial amounts of organic waste, particularly in the form of dealcoholized grape pomace—the primary residual biomass that remains after the fermentation process and the extraction of alcohol from winery by-products. This study explores the potential of upcycling dealcoholized pomace, an often-overlooked by-product, into a sustainable platform for innovative bio-based materials. Using a multidisciplinary approach that combines materials science, biotechnology, and principles of the circular economy, we carefully examine the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of dealcoholized pomace. Our research includes comprehensive analyses of its structural integrity, biodegradability, and potential applications, including biocomposites, eco-friendly packaging solutions, and other sustainable materials. The results of our study highlight not only the promising performance characteristics of dealcoholized pomace, such as its strength-to-weight ratio and biocompatibility, but also underscore its significant role in advancing waste valorization strategies. By effectively transforming waste into valuable resources, we contribute to the development of sustainable materials, thereby supporting a more circular economy within the wine industry and beyond. Full article

Conventional mild hydrotreatment processes of bio-oil present significant challenges of a high degree of polymerization, a low oil yield, high coke formation, and poor catalyst recovery. To address these challenges, the current study looked into investigating and enhancing the properties of raw bio-oil organic phase samples via a solvent-assisted stabilization approach using methanol (METH), ethanol (ETH), isopropyl alcohol (IPA), and ethyl ether (DME). Solvents like methanol (METH) and ethanol (ETH), which are highly polar, yielded higher oil fractions (64% and 62%, respectively) compared to less polar solvents like ethyl ether (DME) at 59%. Isopropyl alcohol (IPA), with intermediate polarity, achieved a balanced oil yield of 63%, indicating its ability to dissolve both polar and non-polar components. Moisture reduction in stabilized bio-oils followed the order IPA > ETH > METH > DME, with IPA showing the highest reduction due to its structural characteristics facilitating dehydration. Viscosity reduction varied, with IPA > ETH > DME > METH. Carbon recovery in stabilized bio-oils ranged from 65% to 75% for DME, ETH, and METH and was 71% for IPA. The heating values of stabilized bio-oils ranged from 28 to 29 MJ/kg, with IPA-stabilized bio-oil showing the highest value (29.05 ± 0.06 MJ/kg). METH demonstrated high efficiency (74.8%) in stabilizing bio-oil, attributed to its strong hydrogen-donating capability. ETH followed closely at 69.5%, indicating its comparable performance in bio-oil stabilization. With moderate efficiency (69.3%), IPA presents a balanced alternative considering its molecular structure and hydrogen solubility. In contrast, DME exhibited lower efficiency (63.6%) due to its weaker hydrogenation capability and propensity for undesired side reactions. The current study suggests that subcritical conditions up to 200 °C are adequate for METH, ETH, and IPA in bio-oil stabilization, comparable to results obtained under supercritical conditions. Full article

To address the problem of environmental pollution caused by the extensive use of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) mulch film, this study developed a novel sprayable mulch using natural fibers and biodegradable polymers. Urea–formaldehyde resin (UF), strengthened with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), was used as a modifier to induce beneficial physicochemical structural changes in PVA-modified urea–formaldehyde (PUF) resins. Characterization of these resins was conducted using Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Preparation of the biodegradable mulch was conducted using Xuan paper waste residue (XP) as an enhancer, with PUF as the auxiliary agent. The resulting film (PUF-XP) was examined for differences in thickness, morphological characterization, and rate of weight loss, and the effects of different covering films on cucumber growth, root development, soil temperature, and weed control were evaluated. Characterization reveals that when the PVA content was 4% (W4UF), the film had the lowest free formaldehyde content (0.26%) and highest elongation at break (5.70%). In addition, W4UF could easily undergo thermal degradation at 278.4 °C and possessed a close-knit, three-dimensional structural network. W4UF was then mixed with paper powder and water in various proportions to produce three mulch films (BioT1, BioT2, and BioT3) that demonstrated excellent water retention and heat preservation and inhibited weed growth by 68.8–96.8%. Compared to no mulching (NM), BioT1 increased both the specific root length and root density, as well as improved the plant height, stem diameter, and total biomass of the cucumbers by 43.5%, 34.1%, and 33.9%, respectively. Therefore, a mass ratio of paper powder, water, and W4UF of 1:30:2 produced a biodegradable mulch film that could be used as an alternative to LDPE, mitigating the environmental pollution rendered by synthetic plastic mulch films and offering the potential for a sustainable agricultural application. Full article

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is one of the most important bio-based and industrial compostable materials in food packaging. Its barrier properties towards oxygen and moisture are well documented. However, data on barrier properties of PLA towards organic molecules are scarce in the literature. This study investigated the diffusion of various organic molecules, including n-alkanes, 1-alcohols, 2-ketones, ethers, esters, amines, and aromatics, in two commercial PLA films with thicknesses of 20 µm and 30 µm. The diffusion coefficient (D_P) values were determined from lag time in permeation tests conducted at temperatures ranging from 20 °C to 90 °C. The films were also characterized in terms of crystallinity, rigid and mobile amorphous fractions, and molecular weight. Activation energies (E_A) were calculated based on the temperature dependence of the D_P using the Arrhenius approach. In total, 290 D_P values for 55 individual substances were determined, and 38 E_A values were derived from these data. The E_A correlated well with the molecular volume of the investigated substances. Moreover, the pre-exponential factor D₀ showed a correlation with E_A. These correlations enabled the establishment of diffusion modeling parameters for PLA, allowing the prediction of D_P for untested substances. The diffusion behavior of PLA was further compared with the literature data for polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene naphthalate, providing insights into the relative performance of these materials. Full article

Despite the potential of film dressings for wound healing, many formulations lack an optimized design in order to ensure that the ingredients were carefully chosen to increase the product’s efficacy and stability, while also ensuring the patient’s comfort during the treatment. Moreover, commercially available film dressings do not contain herbal extracts or other active substances with wound healing properties, highlighting a gap in the market and the need for further research in this direction. The aim of this work was the development and optimization of a bio-inspired formulation of a complex herbal extract-loaded film-dressing to be used in wound care, using the quality by design approach. After setting the quality target product profile with the critical quality attributes and undergoing the risk assessment, the design of experiments was implemented. All the selected ingredients were biodegradable, aligning with the current need for a natural approach, based on their biocompatibility and reduced environmental impact. A D-optimal experimental plan was used, in which the types and concentrations of film-forming agents and plasticizers were varied: xanthan gum, acacia gum, sodium carboxymethylcellulose and glycerol, 1,3-propanediol, and xylitol, respectively. All formulations contained polyvinyl alcohol and a previously studied complex herbal extract. The films were characterized in terms of uniformity of mass, film thickness, swelling degree, folding endurance, adhesive, and mechanical properties. The optimized formulation was achieved by maximizing the swelling degree, adhesive properties, hardness, deformation at target, and elongation at break. The optimized film was characterized, and the in vitro total polyphenolic content release from the film was evaluated. Following the understanding of the influences of the formulation factors on the film characteristics, the composition of the optimized film-dressing was determined as follows: 5% polyvinyl alcohol, 0.25% xanthan gum, 10% glycerol, and 20% complex herbal extract. The optimized film exhibited high swelling degree (627.28%), high adhesive properties (adhesive force of 28.00 g and adhesiveness of 0.20 mJ), high elasticity (deformation at target of 29.80%, and elongation at break of 106.90%), as well as good mechanical properties (hardness of 2616.00 g), which are suitable characteristics for use on wounds. Moreover, the optimized film-dressing exhibited a sustained release, with a maximum release of polyphenols of 88.00% after 8 h. Full article

This study develops iridium (Ir)-based catalysts for the hydrogenation of dodecanoic acid, a medium-chain fatty acid abundant in palm kernel and coconut oils, for producing fatty alcohols and alkanes. Among various supports such as AlOOH, SiO₂, TiO₂, Nb₂O₅, MoO₃, Ta₂O₅, ZrO₂, and WO₃ for 7.5 wt% Ir loading, an Ir-impregnated Nb₂O₅ (Ir/Nb₂O₅) catalyst demonstrated remarkable performance with 100% conversion and a high dodecanol yield (89.1%) under mild conditions (170 °C, 4.0 MPa H₂), while at higher temperatures and pressures (200 °C, 8.0 MPa H₂), Ir-impregnated MoO₃ (Ir/MoO₃) produced dodecane as the main product with a yield of 90.7%. These findings can tailor product selectivity toward desired bio-based chemicals and fuels, offering sustainable pathways for fatty acid hydrogenation by optimizing catalyst supports and reaction conditions in the Ir-based catalyst. Full article

Nanoarchitectonics influences the properties of objects at micro- and even macro-scales, aiming to develop better structures for protection of product. Although its applications were analyzed in different areas, nanoarchitectonics of food packaging—the focus of this review—has not been discussed, to the best of our knowledge. The (A) structural and (B) functional hierarchy of food packaging is discussed here for the enhancement of protection, extending shelf-life, and preserving the nutritional quality of diverse products including meat, fish, dairy, fruits, vegetables, gelled items, and beverages. Interestingly, the structure and design of packaging for these diverse products often possess similar principles and methods including active packaging, gas permeation control, sensor incorporation, UV/pulsed light processing, and thermal/plasma treatment. Here, nanoarchitechtonics serves as the unifying component, enabling protection against oxidation, light, microbial contamination, temperature, and mechanical actions. Finally, materials are an essential consideration in food packaging, particularly beyond commonly used polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics, with emphasis on biodegradable (polybutylene succinate (PBS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polycaprolactone (PCL), and polybutylene adipate co-terephthalate (PBAT)) as well as green even edible (bio)-materials: polysaccharides (starch, cellulose, pectin, gum, zein, alginate, agar, galactan, ulvan, galactomannan, laccase, chitin, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, etc.). Nanoarchitechnotics design of these materials eventually determines the level of food protection as well as the sustainability of the processes. Marketing, safety, sustainability, and ethics are also discussed in the context of industrial viability and consumer satisfaction. Full article

Hepatic lipogenesis combined with elevated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is central to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, the therapeutic targeting of key molecules is considerably less accomplished. Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapies offer a new solution for various human ailments. Comprehensive bio-functional validation studies are essential to assess the impact of AAVs in the target organ for developing both preclinical and clinical gene therapy programs. Here, we have established a robust and efficient protocol for high-titer AAV production to enable detailed Selective ORgan Targeting (SORT) of AAV1, 5, 7, and 8 in vivo. Our results for in vivo SORT showed single organ (liver) targeting by AAV8, no organ targeting by AAV1, and dual organ transduction (liver-brain and liver-VAT) by AAV5 and AAV7. Using a human dataset and preclinical murine models of NASH, we identified an inverse correlation between ER stress-triggered CRELD2 and the de novo lipogenesis driver FASN. Furthermore, liver-specific silencing of CRELD2 via AAV8-shCreld2 strongly supports the contribution of CRELD2 to de novo lipogenesis through FASN regulation. Thus, our study demonstrates a robust method for producing clinically translatable AAVs that could be readily adapted for liver and/or liver-VAT or liver-brain targeted gene therapy. Full article