Search Results (506)

This study evaluated the phytotoxicity of diesel oil (DO) using the green alga Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata and the aquatic plant Lemna minor. Toxic effects were assessed in 7-day Algaltoxkit and Lemna bioassays by measuring growth, chlorophyll fluorescence, and biogenic amine (BA) content. L. minor was less sensitive to DO in terms of growth than the alga. Toxicity thresholds (LOEC, 7 days) showed that DO concentrations above 0.11–0.12% significantly inhibited the growth and productivity of both model organisms. Chlorophyll fluorescence proved to be an early and sensitive indicator of DO toxicity. This study also provides the first characterization of BAs in P. subcapitata, identifying histamine, tyramine, putrescine, cadaverine, agmatine, spermidine, and spermine. Agmatine emerged as a common indicator of DO contamination in both species. Its content decreased in P. subcapitata (EC₅₀ = 0.85%) but increased in L. minor (EC₅₀ = 0.38%) under diesel exposure. The findings herein suggest that BA profiling, especially agmatine, can support early detection of hydrocarbon stress in aquatic organisms. Full article

This work presents a techno-economic assessment of hydrogen production via sorption-enhanced gasification (SEG) of hazelnut shells across three plant scales (100 kWth, 1 MWth, and 10 MWth). The overall model is developed through the integration of Aspen Plus^® process simulation, coupled with MATLAB^®-based kinetic reactor modelling, enabling the assessment of the entire process chain. The kinetic SEG model, validated against experimental literature data, was implemented to describe the fluidized bed gasifier behaviour at the three scales. The resulting process streams were subsequently integrated into Aspen Plus^® for downstream upgrading and overall system analysis. The simulations show that the SEG process produces a hydrogen-rich syngas with H₂ contents around 80 vol.%_dry-basis, which is further upgraded to a hydrogen purity of 99.95% with a recovery of 90% via pressure swing adsorption. The process exhibits stable performance across scales, with Cold Gas Efficiency values around 60% and hydrogen yields close to 1 Nm³/kg_Biomass. The economic analysis highlights a decrease in the Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) from 41.3 €/kg at 100 kWth to 6.8 €/kg at 10 MWth. These results indicate that SEG represents a promising pathway for low-carbon hydrogen production, while enabling the valorisation of biogenic residues within a sustainable energy framework. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to enhance wound healing by developing a delivery platform that combines camel milk-derived extracellular vesicles (CM-EVs) with a thermosensitive chitosan/Poloxamer 407 hydrogel (CM-EVs–Gel), addressing the challenges of instability, poor skin penetration, and burst release associated with EVs. Methods: CM-EVs were isolated and analyzed for size, markers, and protein content. A thermosensitive hydrogel was created and infused with CM-EVs. Its gelation, injectability, and release kinetics (using the Higuchi model) were tested. Safety was evaluated through ocular irritation and 28-day skin toxicity in rabbits. Wound healing effectiveness was tested in rats with full-thickness wounds, comparing CM-EVs–Gel, a blank hydrogel, and untreated controls. Results: CM-EVs had an average size of 108.5 nm and expressed CD63, CD81, and Alix. The hydrogel solidified at 37 °C within 10 min and followed the Higuchi model for diffusion-controlled release (R² = 0.974), releasing 81.7% of EVs over 48 h without toxicity. In rats, CM-EVs–Gel achieved 76.31% wound closure by day 6 and 94.7% by day 15, outperforming blank hydrogel (48.77% and 82.1%) and untreated controls (43.14% and 72.3%) (p < 0.01). Histology showed improved re-epithelialization, collagen deposition, and angiogenesis. Conclusions: This study shows that integrating biogenic particle engineering with optimized hydrogel systems allows for controlled release, safety, and enhanced wound healing. Despite missing free EV controls, full rheological data, and mechanistic insights, it highlights comprehensive delivery strategies from particle design to system performance, aligning with the Special Issue’s focus. Full article

The use of biogenic hydroxyapatite as a sustainable and bioactive alternative to synthetic ceramics has attracted increasing attention for 3D-printed scaffolds in bone tissue engineering. In this work, calcium alginate-based scaffolds reinforced with commercial (cHA) and biogenic hydroxyapatite (bHA) obtained from croaker fish bones (Micropogonias furnieri) were fabricated by 3D printing using hydroxyapatite contents ranging from 10% to 20%. Both hydroxyapatites exhibited hexagonal structures, and all formulations showed rheological behavior suitable for extrusion-based printing. Structural analyses revealed increased diffraction peak intensity with higher hydroxyapatite content, while FTIR spectra showed no significant structural changes. Hydroxyapatite addition increased the compressive modulus, although higher loadings reduced maximum resistance and produced denser, less porous structures. After 14 days in simulated body fluid, scaffolds containing 10% bHA favored apatite deposition, evidenced by increased phosphorus levels. In vitro assays using MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts demonstrated biocompatibility, with metabolic viability above 70% and no toxicity. The 10% bHA formulation also enhanced cell proliferation, adhesion, and migration without increasing reactive oxygen or nitrogen species. Alizarin Red staining indicated osteogenic potential, while micronucleus assays with CHO-K1 cells confirmed the absence of genotoxicity. These findings highlight the potential of biogenic hydroxyapatite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. Full article

The chemical composition of chocolate is influenced by multiple factors, including cocoa genotype, fermentation, roasting, and formulation, which complicate the identification of reliable compositional descriptors. In this study, amino acid and biogenic amine profiles were determined by LC–MS/MS in 91 commercial dark chocolates (56–100% cocoa content) to assess their potential for product characterization. Because the analytical sequence extended over several days, different signal-correction strategies (including internal standard normalization and quality-control-based drift correction) were evaluated to compensate for instrumental variability prior to chemometric analysis. Signal reductions of up to 91% were observed, and the selected correction procedures improved measurement precision by up to 18-fold. A total of 19 amino acids and 8 amines were detected, with tyrosine, hydroxyproline, proline, leucine, phenylalanine, and valine being the most abundant compounds. Principal Component Analysis revealed a compositional gradient primarily associated with cocoa content, whereas classifications based on cocoa variety, geographical origin, and certification status showed limited discrimination. In contrast, Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis achieved a balanced classification accuracy of 75.2% under repeated M-fold cross-validation when classifying samples according to manufacturer. Furthermore, permutation tests were carried out, confirming that the observed classification performance was highly unlikely to arise by chance. These findings indicate that amino acid and biogenic amine profiles in commercial dark chocolates are influenced mainly by cocoa content and manufacturer-related factors, whereas the effects of cocoa origin and variety appear less evident within the products evaluated. Full article

The development of bio-based adhesives has emerged as a viable strategy to reduce fossil-derived resin consumption in wood and wood-based panel applications. This review provides a polymer-focused assessment of adhesive systems derived from proteins, carbohydrates, lignin, and tannins, emphasizing molecular architecture, crosslinking chemistry, interfacial interactions, and structure–property relationships. Adhesive performance is primarily dictated by functional group density, crosslinking efficiency, and network topology. Protein-based adhesives rely on hydrogen bonding and covalent crosslinking with lignocellulosic substrates but require structural modification to improve hydrothermal stability. Carbohydrate-based systems, including starch and cellulose derivatives, offer reactive hydroxyl functionalities that enable oxidation, esterification, and etherification pathways for enhanced network formation. Lignin and tannins, characterized by phenolic and aromatic structures, facilitate condensation reactions and enable partial substitution of phenol in thermosetting resins, supporting low-formaldehyde or formaldehyde-free formulations. Hybrid polymer networks, particularly protein–carbohydrate and lignin-modified systems, demonstrate improved crosslink density, reduced hydrophilicity, and enhanced mechanical performance. Life cycle analyses indicate that increasing biogenic carbon content and minimizing fossil-based cross-linkers can lower global warming potential (GWP) and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. Overall, a structure–property–sustainability framework is proposed to guide molecular design and performance optimization of next-generation bio-based wood adhesives. Full article

The Upper Oligocene–Lower Miocene Alibonca Formation retains an essential record of intricate relationships among carbonate platform evolution, volcanic–sedimentary inflow, and high-purity silica deposition. This study examines the stratigraphic structure, paleoenvironmental development, and industrial viability of the Ağın diatomite deposits using comprehensive sedimentological, mineralogical, and geochemical investigations. Stratigraphic evidence indicates that the formation commenced with Early Miocene alluvial fan and shallow restricted marine sub-basin sedimentation prior to evolving into a significant marine incursion. This marine phase created a resilient carbonate platform structure consisting of reef-core, fore-reef, and back-reef sub-environments. Simultaneously, vigorous regional synsedimentary volcanism introduced high-flux silica pulses into the basin, acting as a major catalyst for diatom proliferation and high biological productivity within a restricted sub-basin setting. Geochemical analyses indicate that these bright white, diatomite deposits formed in conjunction with potassium-rich clays in a relatively deep, low-energy, and confined sub-basin of the Alibonca Sea. The high concentration of bulk SiO₂ and low trace element baselines are consistent with a high-purity deposional system and a low total rare earth element (ΣREE) abundance. However, their relatively high Al₂O₃ and K₂O contents indicate significant volcanic and terrigenous detrital input together with authigenic clay mineral formation during diatomite deposition, classifying the deposits as clay-bearing (argillaceous) diatomites rather than exceptionally pure diatomites. Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) values indicate moderate continental chemical weathering under mostly hot and humid paleoclimatic conditions. The rapid terrestrial runoff and nutrient influx stimulated significant diatom growth before the ultimate late Early Miocene marine regression, transforming the area into a subaerial, volcanically influenced terrestrial environment. The Ağın deposits exemplify intra-platform marine silica sinks, demonstrating how tectonic–magmatic influences can surpass typical carbonate factory conditions to provide economically valuable biogenic mineral resources. Full article

This study investigates the use of mussel shells (MSs), a biogenic by-product of the food industry, as a partial replacement for ground granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) in alkali-activated mortars. Given their high CaCO₃ content, MSs represent a sustainable secondary raw material that reduces both waste disposal burden and reliance on natural resources, while offering a low-carbon alternative to conventional cement-based binders. Alkali-activated mussel shell/slag mortars (AAMSs) were produced with MS replacement ratios of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% by mass of GBFS. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium silicate (Na₂SiO₃) were used as alkaline activators. Fresh specimens were cured at 60 °C for 48 h. The experimental program included workability, compressive and flexural strength, water absorption, porosity, density, capillarity, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), and freeze–thaw (F-T) resistance tests. Increasing MS content slightly reduced flowability and mechanical strength, while increasing water absorption, porosity, and capillarity. The M0 series achieved the highest 28-day compressive strength (54.06 MPa), while M15 exhibited the highest flexural strength (5.23 MPa). Following F-T cycling, the 5% and 10% MS series demonstrated the best compressive strength (30 MPa). The 10% MS exhibits a relatively balanced overall performance, providing the best balance between mechanical performance, F-T resistance, and microstructural stability, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analyses showing elevated Ca/Si ratios and the formation of Ca-rich crystalline phases. Full article

Biomineralization in plant tissues is a widespread process accompanied by carbon fixation in biogenic minerals. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of CaCO₃ application to soil on the formation and localization of biominerals in the pericarp of fruits of Buglossoides arvensis (L.) I.M. Johnst., as well as on the accumulation of carbon in minerals. B. arvensis seeds were sown in the soil treated with CaCO₃ at concentrations of 0.0 (0 Ca), 2.5 (2.5 Ca), 5.0 (5 Ca), 7.5 (7.5 Ca), and 10.0 (10 Ca) t ha⁻¹. As a result of CaCO₃ application, on average across all treatments, the increase in soil pH was 30%, and the calcium and silicon content in the soil increased by 60 and 39%, respectively. The fruit weight was 4, 28, 42, and 21% higher in 2.5 Ca, 5 Ca, 7.5 Ca, and 10 Ca plants than in 0 Ca plants. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed the presence of silica and calcium carbonate in the pericarp of B. arvensis fruits, but showed no significant differences in the localization of biominerals in the pericarps between the treatments. The content of biosilica (phytoliths) was lower in 2.5 Ca, 5 Ca, 7.5 Ca, and 10 Ca plants than in 0 Ca plants, respectively, by 11, 14, 25, and 19%. The content of organic carbon occluded in a unit mass of phytoliths was, on average, 49% higher in treated than in 0 Ca plants. The content of carbonate fraction in fruits was 13, 14, 20, and 21% higher in 2.5 Ca, 5 Ca, 7.5 Ca, and 10 Ca plants than in 0 Ca plants, reflecting the effect of soil calcium levels on carbonate content in B. arvensis pericarp. Thus, in the pericarp of fruits, the ratio of silica to carbonates changed towards a decrease in silica content and an increase in carbonate content as the availability of calcium in the soil increased. In summary, B. arvensis responds to increased soil calcium and soil pH by increasing carbon accumulation in biominerals formed in fruit pericarps, supporting the potential for variability in plant biomineralization characteristics under changing growth conditions. Full article

Sustainable management of permanent grasslands requires evidence-based selection of fertilization practices that support long-term soil organic matter quality and ecosystem function. This study addresses the need to identify optimal agricultural practices in permanent grasslands and the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on soil humic substances (HS) composition and stability. Grassland plots were amended after cutting with mineral fertilizer (NPK), farmyard manure (FYM), cattle slurry (CS), or digestate (DIG), and humic acids (HA) were isolated using the standard International Humic Substances Society procedure. The elemental composition, total carbon and nitrogen contents, C/N ratio, and selected biogenic elements were determined using routine laboratory methods, while infrared spectroscopy, fluorescence excitation–emission matrix analysis, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy were applied to characterize chemical structure and semiquinone radical concentrations. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated distinct clustering of fertilization treatments, which was supported by a statistically significant effect (p < 0.05) based on ANOVA. The results suggest that the fertilization regime was associated with variation in HS composition and radical abundance. DIG and NPK treatments showed lower O/C ratios and radical concentrations, potentially reflecting more reduced humic acids. In contrast, FYM and CS treatments tended to exhibit higher radical concentrations and O/C ratios. These findings highlight the importance of fertilizer type in shaping soil organic matter dynamics in managed grassland ecosystems and provide a scientific basis for the development of sustainable soil management strategies and environmentally sound fertilization practices in permanent grassland systems. Full article

The color origin of precious coral, a highly valued biogenic polycrystalline gemstone, has long remained elusive. In this study, an integrated approach employing spectrophotometry, Raman, FTIR, and UV-Vis spectroscopy, coupled with Spearman correlation analysis, was utilized to investigate a color-graded series of precious coral samples ranging from white to red. The results demonstrate that the calcareous composition of the samples tested in our study consists exclusively of calcite. The actual chromophores are identified as a blend of multiple distinct polyene species, characterized by Raman shifts at 1126 and 1515 cm⁻¹, with density functional theory (DFT) calculations determining the number of conjugated (C=C) bonds in the polyene chain to be 10–11. Inherently exhibiting a red-orange hue, the progressive accumulation of these polyenes drives a systematic color transition from orange to red. Both absorption bands at 314 nm and 532 nm in the UV-Vis spectra are attributed to the polyene pigment molecules. Specifically, the broad 532 nm band is dominated by π-π* electronic transitions, while the 314 nm band likely arises from terminal benzene rings and their derivatives. As the pigment concentration increases, this band exhibits pronounced broadening and an increase in absorbance, accompanied by a redshift in the maximum absorption peak. This spectral evolution leads to an intensified absorption in the yellow-orange region, elucidating the intrinsic mechanism underlying the color transition of precious coral from orange to red with increasing pigment content. This work lays a solid foundation for the non-destructive identification of precious corals and future research on their color genesis. Full article

To improve the fish quality of air-drying topmouth culter, this study was carried out to add 0.2 wt% of antioxidants (tebutylhydroquinone (TBHQ) and tea polyphenol (TP)) in combination with salt to salinate topmouth culter and to investigate the effect of antioxidants on the quality as well as structural characteristics of topmouth culter during air-drying at 25 °C for 24 h. The water content of the fish ranged from 63.45% to 66.01% when air-dried for 24 h. During air-drying, the water content decreased by 10%, water activity decreased, and the proportion of bound water increased slightly. The loss of water in the fish led to a dense structure and a significant increase in firmness and chewiness. The air-dried fish had reduced brightness and increased redness and yellowness. In addition, the results showed that the addition of 0.2 wt% of TP and/or TBHQ reduced the chemical spoilage of salted air-dried fish, as reflected in total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN), thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), and total viable count (TVC) and biogenic amine content, thus maintaining the quality of the fish meat. This study can provide a theoretical basis and value for the practical use of antioxidants in salted air-dried topmouth culter. Full article

Achieving a circular and climate-neutral bioeconomy by 2050 requires not only high-quality recycling but also the large-scale integration of renewable carbon from biomass and atmospheric CO₂ into material systems. Plastics represent the world’s largest and most rapidly growing carbon sink, positioning them as a critical intervention point for replacing fossil-based feedstocks with renewable alternatives. Because plastic packaging is one of the most visible material streams encountered by consumers in daily life, a transition toward sustainable, recyclable bioplastics has the potential to deliver both meaningful environmental benefits and strong societal impact, accelerating public awareness and acceptance of renewable carbon solutions. Poly(ethylene furanoate) (PEF)—a fully bio-based polyester synthesized from plant-derived 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) and monoethylene glycol (MEG)—offers a promising pathway toward more sustainable packaging due to its superior mechanical strength and gas-barrier performance relative to polyethylene terephthalate (PET). This study presents a cradle to grave life cycle assessment (LCA) of PEF resin production and PEF bottle applications, using industrially relevant, at-scale process data covering biomass feedstock conversion, polymer synthesis, packaging manufacture, use phase, and end of life. Bottle applications were selected as a focal point due to their technical maturity, commercial relevance, and suitability for direct comparison with incumbent PET systems. The results indicate that PEF can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 71% and fossil resource depletion by 26% compared to PET at the resin level when biogenic carbon uptake is included. Moreover, the material’s enhanced functional properties enable lightweight, recyclable bottle designs with carbon footprint reductions of up to 88% for 500 mL formats under a baseline recycling rate scenario of 72%, with the remaining share directed to municipal solid-waste incineration with energy recovery. Sensitivity analyses reveal that virgin PEF maintains environmental advantages over PET even when PET incorporates high levels of recycled content, highlighting the complementary roles of renewable carbon and circular material strategies. Prospective scenario modeling underscores the importance of sustainable feedstock selection and process electrification, with sucrose-based routes offering the largest potential for further decarbonization. Overall, the findings demonstrate that PEF is a scalable biopolymer capable of delivering substantial climate benefits while supporting circularity objectives. By targeting a highly visible consumer application—plastic packaging—this transition amplifies the societal impact of adopting renewable carbon materials. The study provides actionable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and sustainability practitioners working to advance a more resilient, renewable, and consumer-recognizable plastics economy. Full article

Phytoncides are major bioactive compounds in biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) from landscape plants and benefit human health. However, interspecific differences in phytoncides and their associations with leaf functional traits remain unclear. We analyzed BVOCs from eight landscape trees using dynamic headspace adsorption and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results showed that a total of 32 BVOCs were identified at the same site and during the same season. Eucalyptus robusta (E. robusta) exhibited the highest phytoncide content, with gamma-terpinene, DL-limonene, and 3-carene. Ficus religiosa (F. religiosa) showed the highest isoprene. Schima superba (S. superba) was rich in alpha-pinene and beta-pinene, and Cunninghamia lanceolata (C. lanceolata) was dominated by alpha-terpinene. Lagerstroemia indica (L. indica) displayed the largest leaf length (LL), leaf area (LA), leaf dry weight (LDW), and specific leaf weight (SLW). F. religiosa had the greatest leaf width (LW) and leaf fresh weight (LFW). C. lanceolata and E. robusta had the smallest leaf traits. Correlations showed that LA was positively correlated with isoprene and five monoterpenes in S. superba. SLW was positively correlated with isoprene and three monoterpenes in F. religiosa, and leaf temperature (LT) was negatively correlated with isoprene and four monoterpenes in E. robusta. PCA revealed covariation and opposing trends between leaf traits and phytoncides. This study suggests that E. robusta, C. lanceolata, F. religiosa and S. superba are potential tree species of high-phytoncide content for scientific and rational planting of landscape forests. Full article

In this study, two folate-producing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum bacteria, known as Grx1201 and Grx1202, were screened with folic acid assay medium (FAAM). When 4 μg/100 mL of exogenous folic acid was added to FAAM, the maximum folate production of Grx1201 and Grx1202 reached 9.01 μg/100 mL and 10.47 μg/100 mL, respectively, which were 2.30 and 2.14 times greater than those of the control. High survival rates of Grx1201 and Grx1202 were observed at pH 3.0. Antibiotic resistance, biogenic amine-synthesizing ability, and hemolytic ability analyses revealed that Grx1201 and Grx1202 were safe for biological application. To determine the reason for the synthesis of folate, the transcription levels of key genes in the folate synthesis pathway in Grx1201 and Grx1202 were analyzed and compared. Grx1201 and Grx1202 reported here can greatly improve the folate content in functional foods. Full article