Search Results (200)

The increasing demand for lithium (Li), cobalt (Co), and rare earth elements (REEs) driven by battery technologies, electrification and renewable energy systems has intensified the interest in recovery pathways as an alternative to conventional mining. High-salinity mine waters—including lithium brines, geothermal fluids, and metallurgical effluents—represent both an environmental liability and a significant secondary resource for metal recovery. However, extreme ionic strength, complex metal speciation, and strong competition from major ions severely limit the efficiency and selectivity of traditional extraction technologies. Microalgae and cyanobacteria are promising biological agents for metal recovery via biosorption, bioaccumulation, and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS)-mediated binding, especially in saline and hypersaline systems. This review synthesises current knowledge on microalgal-based recovery of Li, Co, and REEs from high-salinity waters, emphasising co-design principles that integrate strain physiology, their adaptation to the extreme operating conditions, water chemistry, and process engineering. Halotolerant and extremophilic taxa—Nannochloropsis oceanica, Galdieria sulphuraria, and Synechococcus elongatus—are examined as representative models for complementary metal-binding mechanisms and operational niches. Limitations such as weak affinity for lithium, competitive ion suppression, desorption inefficiencies, and scale-up challenges are discussed. Emerging strategies such as modular multi-strain systems, hybrid bio-physicochemical platforms, and biomass valorisation are also addressed. The review concludes that microalgal systems, when co-designed for selectivity and resilience, can contribute to the strategic recovery of critical materials that align with EU, UK and US policies. Full article

The safety profile for bio-derived phenols post-oxidation and their related antioxidant/redox potential remain largely under-explored. Oxidation by fungi, in terms of environmental impacts via fungal oxidation by enzymes, remains an attractive strategy under milder conditions, since it is one route by which many naturally occurring lignocellulosic phenols are modified; thus, an immediate need still exists for characterizing the effects that these modified phenolic compounds may have. Methodology: We examined four different biomass-derived phenolics—vanillin, ferulic acid, syringaldehyde and guaiacol—that were oxidized with fungal laccase and characterized their effects on normal human lung fibroblasts and levels of cellular oxidative stress. Laccase activity was evaluated via the ABTS method and through simple observation and UV-Vis spectroscopic scanning of the phenolics in question, and compared with the untreated version of each phenolic. In addition to assessing the cytotoxic effect and oxidative stress generated by the phenols alone, an ELISA-based measurement assay was used to investigate the relative abundance of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in the human normal lung fibroblast cell line under varying treatment regimes, complemented by phase-contrast microscopy. Scores integrating the biomarkers were analyzed via clustering, PCA, radar and Pearson correlation analyses, to discern distinct trends in antioxidant potential after laccase conversion. Observations: Each of the four tested phenolics demonstrated the presence of laccase activity, leading to substantial differences in visible appearance compared with the control and characteristic absorbance shifts at differing wavelengths from the original molecule. Cell viability dropped dramatically as phenol concentration was increased and the untreated phenolics resulted in diminished confluence and induced greater levels of oxidative damage, from guaiacol and syringaldehyde. Laccase treatment resulted in higher MTT reduction activity and improved cellular morphology compared with the corresponding untreated phenolic compounds. Untreated phenols induced the highest levels of MDA, while decreasing SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH levels. Post-oxidation with laccase, there were lower amounts of lipid peroxidation, along with improved levels of antioxidant activity compared with the control phenol. Multi-technique analyses show clear distinctness between the untreated and laccase-converted phenolic groups. Clustering with multivariate techniques separated all cell groups in line with control samples, grouping the laccase-converted treatments towards the middle and displaying an inverse relationship between MDA and the antioxidant markers. Conclusions: Laccase conversion markedly decreases the adverse effects that bio-derived phenols have on normal cell viability and induces fewer detrimental effects on the cellular redox balance. This is a critical discovery in terms of finding greener methods by which to upgrade bio-derived substances as we research these lignocellulosic phenols. By employing ELISA-based measurements along with multiple analysis techniques, we present a suitable paradigm for studying biological effects in all bio-based goods intended for pharmaceuticals, packaging materials, nutraceuticals or a host of different applications. Full article

Globalization and international trade have increased the importance of customs authorities in ensuring national security. However, regulatory differences regarding substances such as cannabis derivatives, the emergence of new psychoactive substances (NPSs), and the limitations of detection technology challenge customs in identifying suspicious cross-border goods. Traditional attribute extraction methods struggle with professional terminology and cross-sentence reasoning, making it difficult to regulate unknown or emerging substances. To address this, we propose a generative question answering (QA) framework based on inverse reinforcement learning (IRL) that converts attribute extraction into natural language QA tasks. Our approach, CAESAR (Chemical-Attribute Extraction with Sub-rewArd Reinforcement), uses a customs database to match known profiles and cross-references extracted attributes with benchmarks to enhance detection. It integrates the BioBART model with multi-objective reward optimization, using QA templates to capture implicit attributes. IRL automates the learning of reward weights from expert annotations. Experiments show that CAESAR achieves a competitive F1 score of 77.82 on explicit attributes and obtains the highest BLEU score and the lowest perplexity among the compared generative methods. For implicit attributes, ROUGE-L and BLEU scores are 43.08 and 44.46, respectively, with a perplexity of 11.3. These results are obtained in an open-ended generative QA setting rather than a closed-set classification setting, indicating that the proposed framework can provide practically useful attribute-level evidence for customs-oriented risk pre-screening and expert-assisted prioritization. This study offers an efficient solution for mining implicit knowledge in chemical texts and provides insights into multi-objective generative tasks. Full article

Albic soils are a typical problematic soil type distributed worldwide. These soils are characterized by a thin humus layer, low organic matter content, nutrient insufficiency, and weak microbial activity. Therefore, microbial-based approaches hold great potential for the amelioration of Albic soils. This review synthesizes microbial characteristics, influencing factors, amelioration mechanisms, and related technical efficacy of Albic soils. Microbial communities of Albic soils exhibit distinct regional characteristics, with Acidobacteriota and Proteobacteria dominating the bacterial community. Reasonable agricultural management practices—including deep plowing and subsoil mixing, combined organic fertilization and straw return—can increase microbial biomass by 62–248% and enhance enzyme activities by 12–303%, ultimately increasing crop yield by 1.5–13%. Such practices drive fertility enhancement and ecological functional improvement in Albic soils. Inoculation with functional microbes (e.g., Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, Trichoderma) alleviates Albic soil acidification by 1.1–3.8%, activates recalcitrant nutrients, and accelerates Soil Organic Matter (SOM) decomposition. Through extracellular polymeric substance secretion, such inoculation promotes aggregate formation, improving soil permeability and structural stability. However, challenges remain for current research, including difficult microbial agent colonization, unstable amelioration effects, and a lack of long-term field studies. Future research should utilize bio-omics technologies, artificial intelligence, and big data technologies to analyze microbial functions and regulate soil quality for cultivated land improvement and sustainable agriculture development. Full article

Acinetobacter baumannii, a prominent opportunistic pathogen in healthcare settings, causes severe infections and poses significant challenges for clinical treatment. This study investigates the synergistic effects of α-pinene combined with meropenem (MEM) on A. baumannii biofilm formation and lung injury in mice, aiming to develop new strategies to combat persistent infections and antibiotic resistance. α-pinene combined with MEM exhibited strong synergistic antibacterial activity against carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB 5E9). The combination significantly inhibited biofilm formation, extracellular polymer production, surface motility, and quorum sensing. The expression of key genes such as ompA, bfmR, bap, csuAB, abaI, and abaR was reduced by up to 61%. In vivo, the treatment alleviated weight loss, decreased the bacterial load in lung tissue, and reduced lung inflammation. Furthermore, it significantly suppressed proteins involved in the inflammatory response and the MAPK pathway, including TLR4, NF-κB, NLRP3, TRAF6, ERK2, p38 MAPK, JNK, and TNF-α. The combination of α-pinene and MEM synergistically inhibits A. baumannii biofilm formation and alleviates the inflammatory response in a mouse model, offering a potential therapeutic approach for combating A. baumannii infections. Full article

Diffuse pollution from agricultural runoff, characterized by intermittent discharges of complex contaminant mixtures, including nutrients, pesticides, and heavy metals (HMs), poses a persistent threat to global water quality. Conventional “end-of-pipe” strategies often fail to address these decentralized, nonpoint sources. This review examines the evolution of Permeable Reactive Barriers (PRBs) from static, abiotic filters into modern Permeable Reactive Bio-Barriers (PRBBs), engineered as dynamic, fixed-bed biofilm reactors. A key advancement in PRBB efficacy is the exploitation of biofilm plasticity, particularly in response to coexistence with organic and inorganic pollutants. While heavy metals are traditionally viewed as inhibitors, this review synthesizes evidence showing that subinhibitory HM levels can act as structural and functional drivers. These metals induce the upregulation of Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPSs), creating a “protective shield” that sequesters metals and confers functional resilience on the microbial consortia responsible for nutrient removal and pesticide biodegradation. The review analyzes contaminant removal mechanisms, highlighting the bio-chemo synergy between reactive media and biofilms, and proposes a classification framework based on target contaminants, media, and technological integration. Significant focus is placed on emerging hybrid multi-media systems designed to protect the microbial community from toxic metal shocks, alongside the integration of artificial intelligence for predictive control. While challenges in hydraulic sustainability and field validation remain, PRBBs represent a compact, low-energy, and scalable ecotechnology. PRBBs offer a strategically targeted solution within the Nature-Based Solutions toolkit for building resilient protection of aquatic ecosystems at the critical land-water interface. Full article

The bio-colonization of building materials by green algae is a widespread problem. To prevent this, it is advisable to use natural substances to avoid environmental damage. This study examined the effectiveness of four essential oils (cinnamon, thyme, oregano and hop) and four oil-based substances (trans-cinnamaldehyde, thymol, carvacrol and β-caryophyllene) in preventing bio-colonization. The effectiveness of these chemicals against three algal species (Haematococcus pluvialis, Chlorella mirabilis and Stichococcus sp.) and a mixture of these species was tested. The tests were carried out under laboratory conditions over a period of 14 days. The concentrations tested were in the range of 3–200 mg/L. Growth densities were assessed spectrometrically as absorbencies at a wavelength of 750 nm. Caryophyllene, thymol, oregano oil, and hop oil did not negatively affect the growth of algal biomass. The algicidal effect increased in the following order for the other chemicals: cinnamon oil and trans-cinnamon aldehyde < thyme oil and carvacrol. Their biocidal effect was influenced by their structure, particularly their molecular weight and solubility in fat (log K_ow). H. pluvialis was a less sensitive species than the smaller S. sp and Ch. mirabilis. The artificial biofilm was sensitive to thyme oil and carvacrol, similarly to natural biofilms, as was demonstrated in previously published studies. Full article

This study aims to develop and characterize novel dermatocosmetic formulations designed to hydrate the skin, improve its appearance, reduce wrinkles, and provide antioxidant, anti-ageing, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory benefits, along with potential protection against UVA and UVB radiation. The formulations contain the following ingredients: xanthan gum (0.5%), Calendula officinalis oil (5%), Argania spinosa oil (5%), Helianthus annuus oil (5%), liposomes containing a hydroalcoholic extract of pomace from local red or white grapes (2%), an olive oil-based emulsifier (6%), vitamin E (0.5%), cetearyl alcohol (3%), propylene glycol (8%), and purified water (up to 100%). The natural ingredients used in these formulations, i.e., the red or white grape pomace extract from the aforementioned Romanian varieties, the oils of Calendula officinalis, Argania spinosa, and Helianthus annuus, xanthan gum, and the olive oil-based emulsifier (Olliva), promote the concept of ‘green cosmetics’. The use of liposomes to deliver bioactive substances from hydroalcoholic extracts allows the gradual release of active ingredients into the skin. An alternative for incorporating grape pomace extract into a cream-type matrix involves the use of liposomes. Liposomes loaded with red or white grape pomace extract were prepared using the thin-film hydration technique, followed by ultrasonication and extrusion. The obtained formulations were characterized using bio-physico-chemical analysis procedures in terms of consistency, colour, homogeneity, aroma, pH, stretch, texture, stability, and antioxidant activity/free radical scavenging capacity, as well as in vitro polyphenol release behaviour. These newly developed dermatocosmetic formulations were the subject of a patent application in Romania. Full article

Portable toilets (PTs) play a crucial role in addressing global sanitation needs at events, construction sites, disaster areas, and remote locations. However, conventional cleaning products for PTs often contain harmful chemicals, which pose environmental risks. These substances negatively impact wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) microorganisms and overload treatment systems. Worldwide regulatory changes are pushing for products that are safe for both end-users and the environment. This trend is driving the need for new formulations and technologies in PT products. While popular PT cleaning solutions effectively control odors and pathogens, they often cause ecotoxicity and regulatory issues. Consequently, there is a growing need to explore alternative solutions free from the drawbacks of harmful chemicals. This review examines available environmentally friendly solutions and critically evaluates their potential for use in cleaning portable toilets. Biopreparations containing microorganisms and/or enzymes show exceptional promise. These solutions accelerate organic breakdown, increase the biodegradability of PTs wastewater, suppress odors, and reduce sludge volume. Transitioning to sustainable, bio-based cleaners is essential for environmental protection and regulatory compliance. Therefore, despite some limitations of biopreparations, it is envisioned that the future portable toilets will move towards engineered biopreparation for sustainable, chemical-free sanitation solutions. Full article

Biopolymers are increasingly explored as safer and more sustainable food packaging materials. This study evaluated the migration behavior of intentionally and non-intentionally added substances (IAS and NIAS), as well as the safety of gelatin and xanthan gum blends reinforced with microcrystalline cellulose, with and without oxygen plasma treatment, incorporating glycerol and limonene as plasticizers. Migration tests were conducted according to European Union (EU) Regulation No. 10/2011 using simulants of different polarities, and IAS/NIAS were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC–MS and UPLC-QTOF-MS). Films containing limonene were also evaluated for antioxidant activity. Results showed that plasticizer migration is strongly influenced by simulant polarity, glycerol predominantly migrated into hydrophilic media, whereas limonene and its derivatives exhibited higher migration in fatty simulants. Ethanol 95% acted as a conservative worst-case simulant, promoting extensive migration, while substantially lower migration levels were observed in isooctane and tenax plasma treatment resulted in modest changes in volatile compound migration, while significantly enhancing the antioxidant activity of limonene-containing films. Although overall migration levels were low under most of the tested conditions, NIAS formation, particularly from limonene degradation, highlights the need to account for chemical stability and simulant type when assessing bio-based films. Overall, the study demonstrates that film composition, surface modification, and simulant characteristics jointly influence migration behavior and functional performance under the evaluated conditions reinforcing the need to adapt current regulatory frameworks to the specific behavior of biopolymeric packaging materials. Full article

Green Analytical Chemistry (GAC) provides a framework for reducing hazardous reagents, energy consumption, and waste. The topic has gained momentum across many chemical industries over the past 25 years; however, progress in implementing sustainable methods and conducting greenness assessments within forensic laboratories has been comparatively slow. The purpose of this review is to highlight green approaches to analytical separation methods, including greenness assessment metrics, that have been reported in the literature for forensic chemistry and toxicology applications and to raise awareness of GAC in the forensic field. Recent scientific literature highlights promising advances in greener sample preparation and chromatographic approaches, particularly in forensic toxicology and seized-drug analysis. Emerging trends include the use of green solvents, bio-based and deep eutectic solvent systems, and the rapid expansion of microextraction techniques such as SPME, LPME, MEPS, FPSE, and DLLME, which reduce solvent volumes, minimize waste, and support higher-throughput workflows. Parallel developments in portable and miniaturized chromatographic instrumentation such as miniaturized LC–MS systems with increased detection specificity and Lab-on-a-Chip applications show promise for in situ measurements in the field. Ambient ionization mass spectrometry—in particular, DESI and DART—has had a major impact on forensic chemistry by providing tools for the rapid and direct analysis of chemical compounds in complex matrices with little or no sample preparation. Greenness assessment tools—including AGREE, AGREEprep, Eco-Scale, GAPI, and BAGI—are increasingly applied to evaluate analytical methods in forensic chemistry and toxicology, including those used for novel psychoactive substances. Although many green methodologies are well documented, their routine implementation remains limited. The continued integration of green solvents, microextractions, portable instrumentation, and standardized greenness metrics will be essential for advancing sustainable forensic separations. Full article

Functional coatings for food packaging offer innovative approaches to extend shelf life, preserve quality and introduce active properties such as antimicrobial or antioxidant effects. These coatings include natural bio-based films (e.g., polysaccharide or protein-based) and synthetic polymers enhanced with additives or nanomaterials. Despite their advantages (e.g., improved barrier properties, spoilage inhibition, or intelligent sensing) they also pose safety concerns. Migration of chemical constituents and additives into food can lead to toxicological risks, such as cytotoxicity or endocrine disruption. Non-intentionally added substances (NIASs) and nano-sized components further complicate safety assessments. This review outlines the main types of functional coatings, their active mechanisms, and associated safety issues. Particular focus is placed on migration phenomena, chemical interactions and health risks from common migrants including plasticizers, monomers, nanoparticles and essential oils. The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2025/40), adopted in December 2024 and published in the Official Journal in January 2025, introduces comprehensive sustainability and substance-restriction requirements, including strict criteria for food packaging materials that will apply from 12 August 2026. Emerging challenges include the assessment of bio-based and recycled coatings and the toxicology of nanomaterials. Balancing functionality with safety remains crucial for next-generation, sustainable and health-compliant food packaging. Full article

The anaerobic thermal decomposition of plant biomass produces raw materials such as wood charcoal, wood oil, or biogas, which can be used to replace conventional fossil fuels. This enables the development of environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional fuels without the need to develop new technologies, such as engines. The aim of the study was to verify the substances produced during the anaerobic thermal decomposition process of wheat straw. Measurement was carried out by pyrolysis at eight selected temperatures between 350 °C and 1050 °C, with an increase of 100 °C. The analysis was performed on a pyrolyzer coupled to a gas chromatograph (PY/GC-MS). An ANOVA test was used to detect the significance of the results. Based on the ANOVA analysis, the distribution of compound classes in the three temperature regimes was statistically significant. Phenolic compounds reached their highest relative abundance (or relative content) at 650 °C, while PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) were absent below 550 °C and increased sharply above 850 °C. The results illustrate the thermal decomposition pathway of straw biomass: low-temperature pyrolysis favors the formation of oxygen-rich bio-oils, while higher temperatures increase aromatic condensation and PAH production. Full article

Agriculture faces increasing challenges in ensuring food security under a changing climate, where abiotic stresses such as salinity and drought represent major constraints to crop productivity. These stresses induce complex physiological and biochemical alterations in plants, including osmotic imbalance, oxidative damage, and disruption of metabolic pathways, ultimately impairing growth and yield. In this context, the application of biostimulants has emerged as a sustainable strategy to enhance plant resilience. While synthetic products are widely available, growing attention is being directed toward natural bio-based products, particularly those derived from renewable biomasses and organic wastes, in line with circular economy principles. This review critically examines the current literature on bio-based products with biostimulant properties, with particular emphasis on vermicompost-derived extracts, humic-like substances, and macro- and microalgae extracts, focusing on their role in mitigating salt and drought stress in plants. The reviewed studies consistently demonstrate that these bio-products enhance plant tolerance to abiotic stress by modulating key physiological and biochemical processes, including hormonal regulation, activation of antioxidant defence systems, accumulation of osmoprotectants, and regulation of secondary metabolism. Moreover, evidence indicates that these bio-based inputs can improve nutrient use efficiency, photosynthetic performance, and overall plant growth under stress conditions. Overall, this review highlights the potential of non-microbial bio-based biostimulants as effective and sustainable tools for climate-resilient agriculture, while also underlining the need for further research to standardize formulations, clarify mechanisms of action, and validate their performance under field conditions. Full article

Microbial contamination of food is a crucial cause of food spoilage and foodborne diseases, posing a severe threat to global public health. Although chemical preservatives are effective, their potential hazards to human health and the environment, coupled with the growing demand for “clean label” products, have driven the search for natural alternatives. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), recognized as the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) microorganisms, have emerged as the promising bio-preservatives due to their safety, effectiveness, and multifunctionality. This review systematically summarized the core antimicrobial properties of LAB, including their inhibitory spectrum against foodborne pathogens, spoilage microorganisms, viruses, parasites, and their ability to degrade toxic substances such as mycotoxins, pesticides, and heavy metals. Key inhibitory mechanisms of LAB are highlighted, encompassing the production of antimicrobial metabolites, leading to metabolism disruption and cell membrane damage, nutrition and niche competition, quorum-sensing interference, and anti-biofilm formation. Furthermore, recent advances in LAB applications in preserving various food matrices (meat, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, cereals) are integrated, including their roles in enhancing food sensory quality, extending shelf life, and retaining nutritional value. The review also discusses critical factors influencing LAB’s inhibitory activity (medium composition, culture conditions, ionic components, pathway regulator, etc.) and the challenges associated with the application of LAB. Finally, future research directions are outlined, including the novel LAB and metabolites exploration, AI-driven cultural condition optimization, genetic engineering application, nano-encapsulation and active packaging development, and building up the LAB-based cellular factories. In conclusion, LAB and their antimicrobial metabolites hold great promise as green and safe food preservatives. This review is to provide comprehensive theoretical support for the rational improvement and efficient application of LAB-based natural food preservatives, contributing to the development of a safer and more sustainable food processing and preservation systems. Full article