Search Results (1,703)

Plastic pollution is a major global challenge, especially nanoplastics (NPs) emerging as harmful pollutants due to their small size, reactivity, and persistence in ecosystems. Among them, cigarette butts composed of cellulose acetate (CA) are one of the most widespread and hazardous sources of terrestrial NPs. In this study, the immunotoxic, biochemical, and histopathological effects of cellulose acetate nanoplastics (CA-NPs) derived from smoked cigarette butts (SCB-NPs), unsmoked cigarette butts (USCB-NPs), and commercial cellulose acetate (CCA-NPs) were evaluated on the earthworm Allolobophora caliginosa. Adult worms were exposed for 30 days to 100 mg/kg CA-NPs in artificial soil under controlled laboratory conditions. Results revealed that SCB-NPs induced the most pronounced alterations, including increased lysozyme and metallothionein levels, reduced phagocytic and peroxidase activities, and depletion of protein and carbohydrate reserves. Histological examination showed vacuoles in epithelial layer vacuolization, space between muscle fiber disruption, and degeneration in gut and body wall, especially under SCB-NP exposure. USCB-NPs and CCA-NPs caused milder but still significant effects. Taken together, these findings highlight that the high toxicity of SCB-NPs is due to the presence of combustion-derived toxicants (nicotine, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and heavy metals), which exacerbate oxidative stress, immune suppression, and tissue damage in soil invertebrates. This study underscores the ecological risk of cigarette butt-derived NPs and calls for urgent policy measures to mitigate their terrestrial impacts. Full article

Gut microbes play a crucial role in regulating physiological processes such as host energy metabolism, nutrient absorption, and environmental adaptation. The predicted functions of gut microbes can be influenced by many factors, both extrinsic and intrinsic to the hosts. The plateau pika is a key species in the alpine ecosystem of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Previous research on the plateau pika primarily examined how extrinsic factors affected its gut microbiota. However, studies on intrinsic factors are scarce. Here, we used live-trapping to capture plateau pikas and collect cecum contents. Using metagenomic sequencing of cecum content samples, we characterized and compared the gut microbial composition and predicted function of plateau pika in adult (n = 9) and juvenile (n = 9) populations. The results indicated that Bacillota and Bacteroidete were the major bacterial phyla. The core gut microbial genera were the same, but the relative abundance of Oscillospira in juveniles was significantly lower than that in adults. The changes in the proportion of cellulose-degradation-related bacterial communities in juveniles suggest that they tend to choose low-fiber diets. In this study, we found no significant differences in the gut microbial composition and diversity, KEGG level 1 metabolic pathways, or CAZy class level between adult and juvenile plateau pikas. In total, the composition and predicted functions of cecal microorganisms in juvenile and adult male plateau pikas were not different. Regarding KEGG level 2 metabolic pathways, the juvenile group had a higher relative abundance of metabolic pathways for cofactors and vitamins, terpenoids, and polyketides, whereas the adult group had a higher relative abundance of energy metabolism. However, the resulting differences remain unclear. Therefore, future research should validate the above findings on a broader spatio-temporal scale and conduct cross-species comparisons to construct a microbial ecological framework for the health management of plateau wild animals. Full article

Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPADs) convert ordinary cellulose into an active analytical platform where capillary gradients shape transport, surface chemistry guides recognition, and embedded electrodes or optical probes translate biochemical events into readable signals. Progress in fabrication—from wax and stencil barriers to laser-defined grooves, inkjet-printed conductive lattices, and 3D-structured multilayers—has expanded reaction capacity while preserving portability. Detection strategies span colorimetric fields that respond within porous fibers, fluorescence and ratiometric architectures tuned for low abundance biomarkers, and electrochemical interfaces resilient to turbidity, salinity, and biological noise. Applications now include diagnosing human body fluids, checking food safety, monitoring the environment, and testing for pesticides and illegal drugs, often in places with limited resources. Researchers are now using learning algorithms to read minute gradients or currents imperceptible to the human eye, effectively enhancing and assisting the measurement process. This perspective article focuses on the newest advancements in the design, fabrication, material selection, testing methods, and applications of µPADs, and it explains how they work, where they can be used, and what their future might hold. Full article

A series of biocomposites were elaborated by incorporating cellulose fibers, obtained from raw alfa plant, into a new polyurethane (PU) matrix synthesized from jojoba oil. The cellulose content was adjusted between 0% and 50%. To examine their properties, several characterization methods were employed. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses confirmed that the extracted cellulose and the polyurethane matrix have high interfacial adhesion. Thermal stability was assessed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). They indicate that the composites remained thermally stable in air up to 265 °C and exhibited glass transition temperatures (Tg) in the range of −38 to −7 °C, depending on the fiber percentage inside the polyurethane-based biocomposite. The corresponding mechanical properties increased with the addition of cellulose, reaching optimal improvement at 40% fiber content. Full article

Human health is profoundly influenced by external factors, with stress being a primary contributor. In this context, the digestive system is particularly susceptible. The prevalence of diseases affecting the small intestine and colon is increasing. Consequently, insoluble plant fibers, such as cellulose and hemicellulose, play a crucial role in promoting intestinal transit and maintaining colon health. Lettuce is a widely consumed leafy vegetable with high nutritional value and has been intensively studied through hydroponic cultivation. This study aims to optimize the cultivation conditions and freeze-drying process of Lugano and Carmesi lettuce varieties (Lactuca sativa L.) by identifying the optimal growth conditions, freeze-drying duration, and sample surface area in order to achieve an optimal percentage of insoluble fibers. Carmesi and Lugano varieties were selected based on their contrasting growth characteristics and leaf morphology, allowing to assess whether treatments and processing conditions have consistent effects on different types of lettuce. The optimal freeze-drying parameters were determined to include a 48 h freeze-drying period, a maximum sample surface area of 144 cm², and growth under combined conditions of supplementary oxygenation and LED light exposure. The optimal fiber composition, cellulose (21.61%), hemicellulose (11.84%) and lignin (1.36%), was found for the Lugano variety, which exhibited lower lignin and higher cellulose contents than the Carmesi variety. The quantification of hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin was performed using the well-known NDF, ADF and ADL methods. Therefore, optimized freeze-dried lettuce powder, particularly from the Lugano variety, presents a high-value functional ingredient for enriching foods and developing nutritional supplements aimed at digestive health. Full article

Agave lechuguilla fibers exhibit high tensile strength, low density and durability, but their use in natural rubber composites is underexplored. This study investigates alkaline-treated fibers (149–180 µm) as reinforcements for natural latex. Fibers were pretreated with a methanol–acetone mixture, followed by immersion in 10% NaOH at 70 °C for 1 h, removing lignin and hemicellulose as confirmed by FTIR and SEM. Thermogravimetric analysis showed three weight-loss stages: moisture/volatiles (9.4%), hemicellulose (peak at 341 °C), and cellulose/lignin (peak at 482 °C), with <3% residue above 500 °C. Treated composites exhibited enhanced tensile strength (4.68 ± 1.2 MPa vs. 1.3 ± 0.8 MPa for untreated) and elongation at break (530 ± 51% vs. 452 ± 32%). Hardness increased from 21.8 (neat latex) to 30.3, and compression resistance was improved. Optical microscopy revealed strong fiber–matrix adhesion with uniform dispersion. Alkaline treatment enhances interfacial bonding and mechanical performance, making A. lechuguilla fibers a sustainable reinforcement for eco-friendly composites in automotive, construction, and packaging sectors. Full article

The problem of textile industry waste has become increasingly relevant. Recycling clothing industry waste to build acoustic panels is one of the most popular and relatively inexpensive ways to use clothing industry waste. We see a lack of information on the acoustic properties of panels made from waste from the clothing industry. The aim of this research is to determine the acoustic properties of a wide range of clothing industry waste recycled into acoustic panels. The acoustic panels were made from clothing industry waste, a different composition of textile and paper residues generated during digital printing processes. We see that panels made from square-cut scraps knitted and woven fabrics, and from yarns and fibers have relatively good acoustic properties. The panel made only of paper had good acoustic properties, the production of panels from paper and textile resulted in similar acoustic properties. Analyzing the acoustic properties of the double specimen, it was found that testing the double-layered panels, the insertion loss is better; by tripling the samples, it was found that although the acoustic properties improved, they were only marginal. Cellulose fiber boards were characterized by significantly higher air resistance. The air resistance of the boards made from fabric scraps was lower. Full article

Constipation is a global health issue, with a prevalence of approximately 16%, and insufficient dietary fiber intake is a major contributing factor. Citrus peel residue contains a high proportion of dietary fiber, accounting for about 20–44% of its composition. In this study, the constipation-relieving effects of three functional components derived from citrus peel residue—cellulose (CEL), pectin (PEC), and citrus peel powder (CPP)—were systematically compared using a loperamide-induced mouse model. All groups were administered an equivalent dose of 200 mg/kg daily. The results showed that supplementation with CEL, PEC, and CPP improved defecation parameters. Among these, PEC effectively modulated the SCF/C-kit and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways. Compared with the model group, PEC increased Akkermansia abundance by approximately 34% and reduced Desulfovibrio abundance by about 26% Additionally, the smaller particle size and improved solubility of PEC promote the production of beneficial metabolites, thereby alleviating constipation. In contrast, CEL primarily alleviates constipation through its physical properties. At equivalent doses, CPP provides less constipation relief due to its lower component concentrations and a primary composition of insoluble dietary fiber. These findings provide preliminary mechanistic insights and support further exploration of citrus by-products as functional food candidates for the management of constipation. Full article

In this work, a multifunctional surface engineering strategy was developed to impart both flame-retardant and hydrophobic properties to cotton fabrics. In the first stage, cellulose fibers were modified with poly(methylvinyl)siloxane containing trimethoxysilyl groups, 2,4,6,8-tetramethyl-divinyl-bis(trimethoxysilylpropyltioethyl)cyclotetrasiloxane, or tetrakis(vinyldimethylsiloxy)tetrakis(trimethoxysilylpropyltioethyl)octasilsesquioxane (POSS). All modifiers contained alkoxysilyl groups capable of forming covalent bonds with cellulose hydroxyl groups. The modification was performed using a dip-coating process followed by thermal curing. This procedure enabled the formation of Si-O-C linkages and the generation of a reactive organosilicon layer on the cotton surface. In the second step, O,O′-diethyl dithiophosphate was grafted directly onto the vinyl-functionalized fabrics via a thiol-ene click reaction. This process resulted in the formation of a phosphorus- and sulfur-containing protective layer anchored within the siloxane-based network. The obtained hybrid coatings were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and SEM-EDS. These analyses confirmed the presence and uniform distribution of the modifiers on the fiber surface. Microscale combustion calorimetry demonstrated a substantial reduction in the heat release rate. Thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTG) revealed increased char formation and altered thermal degradation pathways. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) increased for all modified fabrics, confirming enhanced flame resistance. Water contact angle measurements showed values above 130°, indicating effective hydrophobicity. As a result, multifunctional textile surfaces were obtained. In addition, the modified fabrics exhibited partial durability toward laundering and retained measurable flame-retardant and hydrophobic performance after repeated washing cycles. Full article

This study investigates the industrial validation of a granular additive derived from waste tire textile fibers (WTTF) developed to replace the conventional cellulose stabilizing additive in stone mastic asphalt (SMA) mixtures while enhancing their mechanical performance. Building on previous laboratory-scale findings, this work evaluates the feasibility and mechanical behavior of this recycled-fiber additive under real asphalt-plant production conditions, advancing a sustainable solution aligned with circular economy principles. Three asphalt mixtures were fabricated in a batch plant: a reference SMA (SMA-R) containing a commercial cellulose additive, an SMA incorporating the WTTF additive (SMA-F), and a reference hot mix asphalt (HMA-R). The WTTF additive was incorporated in a 1:1 proportion relative to the cellulose additive. Performance was assessed through tests of cracking resistance (Fénix test), stiffness modulus, fatigue resistance (four-point bending test), moisture susceptibility (ITSR), and resistance to permanent deformation (Hamburg wheel tracking). Industrial validation results showed that the SMA-F mixture met the design criteria and achieved superior mechanical performance relative to the reference mixtures. In particular, SMA-F exhibited greater ductility and toughness at low temperatures, reduced susceptibility to moisture-induced damage, and higher fatigue resistance, with an increase in fatigue durability of up to 44% compared to SMA-R. The results confirm that the WTTF additive is both feasible and scalable for industrial production, offering a solution that not only improves pavement mechanical performance but also promotes the valorization of a challenging waste material. Full article

This work presents an approach to water-dispersible polylactide (PLA) particle fabrication and their application in low-temperature film formation using a combination of mechanical dispersion and ultrasonication techniques. Stable PLA dispersions were obtained after removal of surfactant and allowed for thin-film preparation, exhibiting a significantly reduced minimum film formation temperature (MFFT) from 128 °C to 80 °C after reducing the characteristic particle size from ~2.2 µm to ~140 nm. To tailor the interfacial behavior and mechanical flexibility of the resulting coatings, a set of conventional and bio-based plasticizers was evaluated, including epoxidized fatty acids, PEG-400, and several hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDESs) synthesized from menthol and carboxylic acids. Compatibility between PLA and each plasticizer was predicted using Hansen solubility parameters. The efficiency of plasticization was assessed through glass transition temperature suppression in solvent-cast films. The combination of submicron PLA particles and selected plasticizers enabled film formation at temperatures as low as 48 °C, confirming the potential of these systems for energy-efficient coating technologies. Furthermore, composite coatings incorporating micro-sized cellulose fibers (L/D ≈ 10.5–11.5) regenerated from agricultural residues were successfully obtained, demonstrating the feasibility of integrating bio-derived fillers into waterborne PLA formulations. In this study, the use of water-insoluble deep eutectic solvents type plasticizers for PLA coatings from water dispersions was reported for the first time. This establishes a foundation for developing sustainable, low-VOC, and low film formation temperature PLA-based coating materials. Full article

Wood polymer composite (WPC), composed of polymer matrices reinforced with natural fibers, is increasingly used in structural and non-structural applications due to its sustainability and performance. Although teak and rice husk are common natural reinforcements, the use of oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) remains underexplored despite their abundance as agricultural waste. This study investigates the potential of OPEFB as an alternative reinforcement for recycled polyethylene-based WPC containing 20 wt% fiber and compares its morphology and performance with teak and rice husk. Compositional analysis shows that OPEFB exhibits lignin and cellulose contents as well as crystallinity comparable to teak, while exceeding rice husk in several structural parameters. These characteristics contribute to the highest tensile strength observed among the composites (37.45 MPa). Although its Shore D hardness is the lowest (58.8), the value remains within the acceptable range for construction applications. Combined with its favorable production costs, OPEFB emerges as a viable, resource-efficient alternative to conventional natural fibers, expanding the options for sustainable WPC development. Full article

This work focused on the development of eco-friendly bio-composites based on polylactic acid (PLA) and sugarcane bagasse (SCB) as a natural fiber from Moroccan vegetable waste. First, the fiber surface was treated with an alkaline solution to remove non-cellulosic components. Then, the composite materials with various amounts of treated sugarcane bagasse (TSCB) were fabricated using two routes, melt processing and solvent casting. The primary objective was to achieve high fiber dispersion/distribution and homogeneous bio-composites. The dispersion properties were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Subsequently, the thermal, mechanical, and melt shear rheological properties of the obtained PLA-based bio-composites were investigated. Through a comparative approach between the dispersion state of fillers with extrusion/injection molding and solvent casting method, the work aimed to identify the most suitable processing route for producing PLA-based composites with optimal dispersion, improved thermal stability, and mechanical reinforcement. The results support the potential of TSCB fibers as an effective bio-based additive for PLA filament production, paving the way for the development of eco-friendly and high-performance materials designed for 3D printing applications. Since the solvent-based route did not allow further improvement and presents clear limitations for large-scale or industrial implementation, the transition toward 3D printing became a natural progression in this work. Material extrusion offers several decisive advantages, notably the ability to preserve the original morphology of the fibers due to the moderate thermo-mechanical stresses involved, and the possibility of manufacturing complex geometries that cannot be obtained through conventional injection molding. Although some printing defects may occur during layer deposition, the mechanical properties obtained through 3D printing remain promising and demonstrate the relevance of this approach. Full article

This study investigated the effects of solid-state fermentation with a compound microbial inoculant on the nutritional composition, microbial community structure, and metabolic products of green jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.) straw. The results demonstrated that solid-state fermentation significantly enhanced the nutritional value of the straw, as evidenced by a marked increase in crude protein content and significant reductions in neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and cellulose content. Metagenomic analysis revealed that fermentation substantially altered the microbial community structure of the straw, with a pronounced increase in the relative abundance of bacteria from the phylum Pseudomonadota (particularly genera such as Klebsiella and Enterobacter), and an upward trend in the abundance of fungi from the phylum Basidiomycota (Astraeus). Functional annotation indicated that fermentation enhanced the potential of the straw microbiota in genetic information processing, ABC transporters, and starch and sucrose metabolism, while attenuating the oxidative phosphorylation pathway. Metabolomic analysis identified 1176 differential metabolites, with significant increases in bioactive compounds such as peptides, amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and flavonoids following fermentation. Correlation analysis further revealed significant associations between specific microorganisms (Klebsiella, Enterobacter, and Aureobasidium) and key metabolites (amino acids, peptides, and flavonoids) in the fermented green jujube straw. This study confirms that solid-state fermentation can effectively improve the nutritional value and functional properties of the agricultural by-product green jujube straw by reshaping its microbial ecosystem and metabolic network. Full article

Sugarcane bagasse (SCB) is a lignocellulosic byproduct with low biodegradability, limiting its potential for biological processes such as biogas production. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether a short-term biological pretreatment with the cellulolytic bacterium Proteus mirabilis KC94 could enhance SCB hydrolysis, improve nutrient balance, and increase biomethane potential (BMP). Three treatments were compared: untreated bagasse (UB), sterilized bagasse (SB), and KC94-pretreated bagasse (PB). Glucose release was highest in PB (61.83 ± 0.8 mg/mL), indicating enhanced cellulose degradation in PB relative to UB (53.19 ± 0.9 mg/mL) and SB (44.00 ± 0.5 mg/mL). Elemental analysis revealed a more balanced nutrient profile in PB, characterized by optimal carbon and nitrogen levels, and reduced sulfur content, indicating microbial assimilation and potential biological desulfurization. Scanning electron microscopy revealed pronounced structural disruption, increased porosity, and fiber delamination in PB, confirming the efficacy of KC94-mediated lignocellulosic pretreatment. BMP assays conducted over a 31-day incubation period revealed that PB produced the highest cumulative methane yield (99 ± 0.7 mL CH₄/g VS), representing 19% and 25% increases over UB and SB, respectively. PB biomethanation was also faster compared to the other two substrates. These findings demonstrate the novelty of a 5-day bacterial pretreatment strategy, which significantly improves lignocellulosic hydrolysis and methane yield. Specifically, P. mirabilis KC94 pretreatment increased glucose release by 16–40% and cumulative methane yield by 19–25% compared to untreated and sterilized controls. This cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach highlights the potential of P. mirabilis KC94 to valorize sugarcane bagasse, advancing sustainable energy recovery and circular bioeconomy practices. Full article