Search Results (1,905)

Jute (Corchorus spp.) is the most important bast fiber crop, providing raw materials for textiles, bio-composites, and papermaking. This study analyzed the chloroplast genomes of two wild long-fruited jute species: Qiaojianyehuangma (QJYHM) and Maliyehuangma (MLYHM). The chloroplast genomes exhibited typical circular quadripartite structures (LSC, SSC, IRa/IRb), containing 129 genes (37 tRNA, 8 rRNA, 84 mRNA). Overall GC content was 36.76%, indicating high genetic conservation. Compared with cultivated varieties, wild varieties exhibit differences in LSC region length, IR boundary positions, and repetitive sequences, reflecting minor sequence variations in the chloroplast genome that occurred during domestication. Codon preference analysis showed both wild species favor A/U-ending synonymous codons, with a strong preference for methionine’s AUG codon. Repetitive sequence analysis revealed 280 and 252 dispersed repeats in Qiaojianyehuangma and Maliyehuangma, respectively, primarily mononucleotide SSRs. Based on Ka/Ks analysis, it was discovered that most chloroplast genes were under purifying selection. In contrast, positive selection signals were detected in rpl23, ycf1, and ycf2, implying their involvement in adaptive evolution. We identified 161 polymorphic sites (97 SNPs, 64 InDels), with ycf1 as a mutation hotspot. Phylogenetic analysis clustered both wild species with Corchorus capsularis with a 100% bootstrap value, forming a well-supported sister group. This study provides basic chloroplast genome data for two wild Corchorus olitorius accessions, revealing their conserved genomic features and minor sequence variations. Full article

Biomass pellets and briquettes are commonly treated as compacted solid biofuels, but their potential extends beyond direct combustion and heat generation. This review aims to synthesise current knowledge on pellets and briquettes as both energy carriers and functional materials for agro-environmental, biological, sorption, and material applications. A structured narrative review was conducted using Web of Science, Scopus, and OpenAlex, complemented by targeted searches of standards, life-cycle assessment studies, and recent experimental literature. This review discusses key physicochemical, mechanical, and environmental properties, including density, moisture content, durability, ash content, higher heating value, elemental composition, storage stability, and biodegradability. It also compares major energy pathways, including combustion, combined heat and power, torrefaction, hydrothermal carbonisation, pyrolysis, and gasification, with non-combustion uses such as fertiliser and microbial carriers, sorbents, bedding materials, mushroom substrates, biocomposites, and lightweight building components. Published studies indicate that the environmental performance of densified biomass depends strongly on feedstock origin, drying energy, transport, end-use technology, and system boundaries. The review proposes a quality-to-function framework in which pellet and briquette quality is interpreted in relation to the intended application rather than through a single universal fuel-quality criterion. This approach supports more precise biomass valorisation within circular bioeconomy systems. Full article

In this study, spent coffee grounds (SCGs) were incorporated into polylactic acid (PLA) filaments and 3D-printed parts to investigate their effects on thermal, physical, and mechanical properties. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that SCG addition slightly reduced the glass transition temperature of PLA while markedly increasing its crystallinity, whereas thermogravimetric analysis revealed a moderate decrease in degradation onset temperature that remained well above the processing and printing temperatures, ensuring safe fabrication. Tensile testing indicated that SCG incorporation led to noticeable reductions in filament strength and stiffness, whereas the elongation at break was only weakly affected because of counteracting plasticization effects. For the printed parts, SCGs imparted a dark brown coloration, decreased density, and increased moisture uptake due to their porous and hydrophilic nature, while tensile, flexural, and impact strengths were reduced and the tensile modulus and elongation at break remained statistically similar across the 0–20 wt% range. These findings indicate that SCGs can be effectively incorporated to tailor the crystallinity, color, and density of PLA-based 3D-printed composites, albeit with trade-offs in strength and impact performance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Bone infection remains a severe clinical challenge characterized by recurrence, antimicrobial resistance, and high morbidity, driving the search for new therapeutic strategies. Despite advances in developing biomaterials with suitable biocompatibility, biodegradability, and structural properties, the lack of effective antibacterial activity continues to significantly limit the treatment of bone defects. To overcome this issue, we investigated the incorporation of silver-based nanostructures into calcium polyphosphate/alginate (CPP/Alg) matrices as an antibacterial reinforcement strategy for bone-related applications. Methods: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized in aqueous medium via NaBH₄-mediated chemical reduction, using either alginate (Alg) or sodium polyphosphate (PP) as stabilizing agents, enabling a comparative evaluation of biocompatible polymer- and polyphosphate-stabilized systems. Subsequently, AgNPs were incorporated into calcium polyphosphate/alginate (CPP/Alg) matrices to obtain Ag-containing composites. Results: The AgNPs exhibited spherical morphology, Zeta potential values ranging from −38.7 ± 0.2 to −23 ± 0.3 mV, and hydrodynamic diameters between 25.2 ± 0.2 and 143 ± 5 nm. Structural characterization of the biocomposites by X-ray diffraction confirmed hydroxyapatite as the major crystalline phase, while Raman spectroscopy revealed vibrational bands corresponding to both the inorganic and polymeric components. SEM revealed a dense, rough surface, and ICP-OES analysis confirmed the presence of Ag. Antibacterial activity assays demonstrated effective growth inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, with inhibition halos growing with increasing composite dosage. Notably, antibacterial activity was achieved at relatively low Ag contents, underscoring the efficiency of these biocomposites. Conclusions: These findings confirm the effective incorporation of AgNPs into the CPP/Alg matrix and support the classification of composites as promising antibacterial biomaterials for bone regeneration applications. Full article

Poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) is a biodegradable polyester that has garnered widespread attention for its potential applications as a replacement for conventional petroleum-based plastics. However, PLLA’s prolonged biodegradation is a significant limitation in its applications, particularly in single-use packaging, as it can lead to environmental accumulation and hinder the sustainability goals of reducing plastic waste. This paper examines the effect of incorporating thermoplastic chitosan (TPC) on the mechanical and biodegradation properties of PLLA. TPC was prepared using lactic acid as a plasticizer. PLLA/TPC composites were produced by thermo-mechanical processes. TPC contents of 1%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10% were investigated. The PLLA/TPC films exhibited distinct phase separation, as verified by scanning electron microscopy analysis. The incorporation of 2.5% TPC led to a 20.8% enhancement in elongation at break and a 7.4% improvement in tensile toughness relative to pure PLLA film. Nonetheless, both values diminished when the TPC content surpassed 2.5 wt%. The surface wettability of the PLLA/TPC films, assessed via water contact angle measurements and weight loss from soil burial tests, enhanced with greater TPC content. The PLLA/TPC films showed significantly greater weight loss after being buried in soil for 12 months compared to pure PLLA film. The increases in weight loss were 4, 11, 14, and 72 times greater for the TPC contents of 1%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10%, respectively. Incorporating TPC in this study improved the flexibility and biodegradability of PLLA, leading to PLLA-based composites with enhanced potential for environmentally sustainable single-use packaging. Full article

Wound healing is a complex, multi-stage process governed by tightly regulated molecular mechanisms. However, effective regenerative therapies remain with limitations. This study presents a novel marine-derived biocomposite, JPC-ALG-CT, designed to improve wound healing through synergistic bioactive mechanisms. The material incorporates collagen extracted from the jellyfish Rhizostoma pulmo, chitosan derived from the crab Pachygrapsus mormoratus, and polysaccharide-rich extracts from the green alga Cladophora vagabunda, all sourced from the Black Sea. The study is based on the biochemical analysis of these three marine-derived components, highlighting the collagen content of jellyfish, the polysaccharides present in algae, and the bioactive properties of chitosan. The biochemical and physico-chemical properties of each component were characterized, with particular emphasis on the structural features of jellyfish collagen and the functional bioactivity of chitosan and algal polysaccharides. The research findings are supported by the identification of the collagen type extracted from jellyfish, as well as by the characterization of chitosan and green algal extracts. The resulting composite demonstrated significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, indicating its potential to integrate key processes involved in wound repair, including inflammation control and microbial protection. In vitro studies using fibroblast and keratinocyte models showed that the JPC-CT-ALG biocomposite supported cell viability at lower tested concentrations and promoted scratch closure in cell monolayers, suggesting preliminary wound-relevant biological activity. These findings suggest that the combined marine-derived components interact to enchance wound healing at the cellular level. This work evidenced the potential of marine biomaterials as sources for next-generation regenerative therapies and supports further investigation into their molecular mechanisms and in vivo applications for improved wound care. Full article

Recycled polypropylene (rPP) biocomposites represent a convergent strategy for plastic waste valorization and agro-industrial residue reutilization. This study quantifies tensile, flexural, and compressive performance (ASTM D638, D790, D695) of rPP biocomposites incorporating raw corn stover (Zea mays), banana pseudostem (Musa spp.), and barley residue (Hordeum vulgare) fibers at 10, 20, and 30 wt%, processed by single-screw extrusion and compression molding without compatibilizer. Two-way ANOVA with Tukey HSD post hoc analysis (α = 0.05) evaluated effects of fiber type and concentration. Tensile strength declined monotonically across all systems, from 24.9 MPa (neat rPP) to 7.9 MPa at 30 wt% banana fiber. Corn fiber exhibited exceptional tensile concentration stability (only −11% across the full range) and the best flexural retention at 10 wt% (36.6 MPa, 79% of neat rPP). A performance plateau was identified at 20 wt% under both tensile and flexural loading, beyond which further addition produced no significant reduction. Under compression, fiber type exerted its largest statistical effect (F = 81.231), all three systems were mutually distinguishable, and no plateau was observed. These results establish a loading-mode-resolved mechanical baseline for uncompatibilized rPP biocomposites, with corn fiber at 10–20 wt% as the most versatile formulation across all loading modes. Full article

Eco-friendly biocomposites were prepared from poly(lactic acid) (PLA) plasticized with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and reinforced with Moroccan sugarcane bagasse fibers at 5, 10 and 15 wt%. The aim was to enhance PLA ductility through PEG incorporation while valorizing locally available lignocellulosic residues. Two processing methods, injection molding and melt extrusion additive manufacturing (MEX, 3D printing), were employed to investigate the influence of manufacturing method on the morphological, thermal, rheological and mechanical properties of the composites. Thermal analysis confirmed that PLA maintained its stability within the processing temperature range, supporting its suitability for MEX. Morphological observations revealed improved fiber dispersion and reduced porosity in injection-molded samples, whereas MEX-printed parts exhibited visible interlayer voids. These microstructural differences explained the superior tensile strength and modulus of injection-molded specimens compared to MEX ones. Full article

The incorporation of cellulosic-based fillers as reinforcements into biocomposites represents a promising strategy to enhance the performance of sustainable packaging materials. In this study, poly(lactic acid)/poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PLA/PHBV) films reinforced with 1 and 3 wt% of cellulose microfibers (CM) derived from yam, potato, and cassava hulls were developed through melt extrusion followed by compression molding. The physicochemical, mechanical, optical, microstructural, thermal, and molecular properties of the films were evaluated. Results showed that both the CM source and concentration significantly influenced the biocomposites performance. Cassava-derived CM at 3 wt% provided the best barrier properties, while increasing CM content, regardless of the source, generally reduced solubility, increased moisture content, enhanced stiffness, and decreased elongation at break, although excessive loading negatively affected structural homogeneity. CM incorporation also reduced film gloss and transparency, particularly in yam-based composites. Thermal analysis indicated a multi-step degradation process with only minor variations in thermal stability, and no major chemical modifications of the biocomposites were detected. Overall, cassava-derived CM produced the most balanced performance, highlighting the importance of filler source and loading in tailoring PLA/PHBV biocomposite functional properties. Full article

The buildup of non-biodegradable plastic waste and poor management of agro-industrial by-products have caused a major environmental crisis. The present research addresses the development of novel materials supporting the circular bioeconomy. This study aimed to develop and characterize bio-composite films derived from native Oxalis tuberosa starch and keratin microparticles (KMPs) extracted from cattle horn waste. The experimental methodology employed a 2³ factorial design and involved the characterization of the films included the evaluation of physical and optical properties and the identification of functional groups via spectroscopy, mechanical tests, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results revealed significant interactions (p ≤ 0.05). Higher processing temperatures were the main reason for the drop in water activity (a_w) and moisture content (MC) levels. Concurrently, the incorporation of KMPs reduced water solubility, increased opacity, and enhanced thermal stability. FTIR analysis confirmed the existence of intermolecular interactions between the hydroxyl and amide functional groups. In conclusion, bio-composites composed based on Oxalis tuberosa starch and keratin microparticles represent a sustainable alternative to mitigate the use of conventional plastics in the industry. Full article

This study investigates the effect of 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS) concentration on the mechanical, interfacial, and fracture behavior of epoxy/microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) composites derived from oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB). GPTMS was incorporated at 1, 3, and 5 Phr to improve compatibility between hydrophilic MFC and the hydrophobic epoxy matrix. Mechanical testing revealed that GPTMS concentration significantly influenced composite performance in a concentration-dependent manner, with 1 Phr GPTMS providing the most balanced reinforcement. At this concentration, tensile strength increased by 14.5% from 32.88 ± 3.61 MPa to 37.65 ± 1.42 MPa, while flexural strength improved by 5.55% from 70.24 ± 5.30 MPa to 74.14 ± 4.10 MPa compared with the unmodified composite. Tensile modulus also increased from 2.07 ± 0.06 GPa to 2.21 ± 0.16 GPa, accompanied by improved flexural modulus from 2.39 ± 0.12 GPa to 2.47 ± 0.21 GPa. SEM analysis revealed that the optimized formulation promoted more uniform MFC dispersion, improved interfacial integrity, reduced void formation, and enhanced fracture resistance through tortuous crack propagation, localized radial crack branching, and matrix tearing. In contrast, higher GPTMS concentrations (3 and 5 Phr) reduced mechanical efficiency, with flexural strength declining to 65.27 ± 5.33 MPa and 66.16 ± 4.23 MPa, respectively, due to increased fiber pull-out, interfacial heterogeneity, and more continuous crack propagation. FTIR analysis suggested possible silane-related interfacial modifications consistent with GPTMS incorporation, although these findings are interpreted as supportive rather than definitive evidence of grafting. Overall, the results demonstrate that moderate GPTMS incorporation (1 Phr) is the optimum strategy for enhancing epoxy/MFC composite performance, offering a practical pathway for developing sustainable lightweight bio-based composites with balanced strength, stiffness, and fracture resistance. This research contributes to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting sustainable utilization of oil palm biomass waste for advanced engineering materials. Full article

Conventional epoxy polymers and their composites are increasingly challenged by environmental concerns, high manufacturing costs, and limited recyclability, necessitating the exploration of sustainable alternatives. Many research groups have sought to develop alternate polymers from various renewable resources, such as lignin, polyphenols, natural resins, saccharides, and plant oils. This new type of polymer has led to the emergence of bio-based polymers, which are often used with different reinforcements as bio-based composites. In this review, the synthesis of different bio-epoxy resins is discussed in detail along with their chemical structures. Subsequently, the enhancements in the properties of these bio-composites with the addition of different nanomaterials such as carbonaceous nanofillers (carbon nanotubes, graphene nanoplatelets, graphene oxide, etc.), cellulose-based nanomaterials, inorganic nano-silica (spherical and mesoporous), and nano-clay is explained. Lastly, the properties of these bio-composites and their applications in civil engineering are highlighted. This review has provided a detailed overview of the developments in bio-composites that can be used as a guide for the development of a new class of bio-composites using other alternate resources. Full article

Tropical lignocellulosic residues are increasingly relevant feedstocks for lignin-containing nanocellulose composites, but their performance cannot be predicted from botanical origin or bulk lignin percentage alone. This review defines the interface as the geometrical boundary between phases and the interphase as the finite, compositionally graded region in which lignin distribution, nanocellulose morphology, adsorbed water, and the surrounding matrix jointly govern stress transfer and mass transport. Using an evidence-weighted framework, the literature is organized into the following categories: residual-lignin nanofibrils, redeposited-lignin systems, lignin nanoparticle assemblies, compatibilized thermoplastic hybrids, and all-lignocellulosic sheets. Representative quantitative observations show that controlled residual lignin can the increase water contact angle from approximately 35 degrees to 78 degrees and reduce oxygen permeability by up to 200-fold in nanopapers, while selected PLA/LCNF systems show tensile-strength and modulus increases of 37% and 61%, respectively; however, high or poorly distributed lignin can suppress fibrillation, lower viscosity, weaken gel networks, and reduce reproducibility. The most defensible near-term product windows are packaging layers, grease/oil barrier papers, coatings, paper-like multilayers, and selected porous media. Thermoplastic matrices remain process-sensitive, and biomedical, additive-manufacturing, nano-reactor, and energy-material claims require stronger validation of the extractables, rheology, humidity history, TEA/LCA metrics, and end-of-life behavior. This review, therefore, provides a critical, application-backward roadmap for tropical biorefineries in which interfacial function, wet handling, drying energy, and process integration are assessed together rather than treated as independent variables. The abbreviations used in the abstract are defined as follows: CNFs, cellulose nanofibrils; CNC, cellulose nanocrystals; LCNF, lignin-containing cellulose nanofibrils; LCNCs, lignin-containing cellulose nanocrystals; PLA, poly(lactic acid); PHB, polyhydroxybutyrate; PHAs, polyhydroxyalkanoates; PVA, poly(vinyl alcohol); DESs, deep eutectic solvents; TEA, techno-economic analysis; LCA, life-cycle assessment; ML, machine learning. Full article

This study investigates the mechanical, structural, and thermal performance of bio-based composite laminates reinforced with nonwoven fibrous materials derived from polylactic acid (PLA), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), and polyamide 1010 (PA1010). The fibrous reinforcements, produced using melt-blown and electrospinning techniques, were characterized in terms of morphology, fibre diameter distribution, and wettability, and subsequently incorporated into bio-resin laminates to strengthen them. The curing behaviour of the composites was evaluated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results demonstrate that fibre structure and morphology strongly influence resin impregnation and interfacial interactions. Mechanical properties varied significantly depending on the reinforcement type. PA1010-based laminates exhibited the highest strength and stiffness due to their compact and uniform fibrous structure. PBS-based systems showed intermediate behaviour, while PLA-based composites displayed lower strength but higher deformability. DSC results indicated that fibre type affected crosslinking efficiency. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed similar initial thermal stability of laminates (T₅% ≈ 299–313 °C), governed by the resin matrix, while differences at higher temperatures reflected the type of reinforcement used. These findings highlight the importance of fibre morphology and interfacial compatibility in designing sustainable composite laminates reinforced with recycled fibrous materials. Full article

To address the global challenge of desertification, it is essential to develop sustainable and biodegradable materials for sand fixation to support ecological restoration in arid regions. In this work, a CNS/PAM biocomposite system was constructed through the supramolecular assembly of highly flexible two-dimensional cellulose nanosheets (CNS) and polyacrylamide (PAM). Benefiting from the flexible layered structure of CNS and the abundant hydroxyl and carboxyl groups on their surface, a conformal coating and an interparticle bridging network were formed via hydrogen bonding and coordination interactions with mineral cations. The introduction of PAM further regulated the hydrogen-bonding network, which improved structural uniformity and mechanical integrity. The resulting composites showed strong resistance to both wind and water erosion (erosion loss < 0.1%) and reached a compressive strength of up to 0.23 MPa, while maintaining good environmental compatibility. This study clarifies the structure–interaction–property relationships of cellulose nanosheet-based supramolecular assemblies and provides a new theoretical basis and practical pathway for designing biodegradable sand-fixing materials. Full article