Search Results (27,206)

Indium is a strategically important metal, essential for the production of transparent conductive oxides, flat panel displays, thin-film photovoltaics, and advanced optoelectronic devices. Due to its limited natural abundance and its occurrence in trace amounts alongside other metals in both primary and secondary sources, the recovery of indium through efficient separation techniques has gained increasing attention. This review discusses three major separation strategies for indium recovery: solvent extraction, ion-exchange, and membrane processes, applied to both synthetic solutions and real leachates. D2EHPA has demonstrated its applicability as an effective agent for indium separation, not only in solvent extraction but also as an impregnating agent in polymer resins and membranes. While solvent extraction achieves high recovery rates, ion-exchange resins and membrane-based methods offer significant advantages in terms of reusability, reduced chemical consumption, and minimal environmental impact. The selective separation of indium from impurities such as Fe³⁺ and Sn²⁺ remains a key consideration, which can be addressed by optimizing feed solution conditions or adjusting the selective stripping stages. A comparative overview of these methods is provided, focusing on separation efficiency, operational conditions, and potential integration into close-loop systems. The article highlights recent innovations and outlines the challenges involved in achieving sustainable indium recovery, in line with circular economy principles. Full article

Vanda orchids are a commercially significant genus in the global floriculture industry, yet their cultivation often depends on substantial chemical fertilizer inputs, which raise both economic and environmental concerns. Endophytic bacteria offer a promising, sustainable alternative by promoting plant growth and enhancing nutrient acquisition. This study aimed to characterize native endophytic bacteria and assess their potential to improve nitrogen uptake and growth in Vanda orchids. Three potent nitrogen-fixing bacterial isolates (2R13, 3S19, and 3R14) were selected for this research. Through 16S rRNA sequencing, they were identified as Curtobacteriumcitreum, Stenotrophomonas panacihumi, and Bacillus subtilis, respectively. The efficacy of these isolates was evaluated in both controlled in vitro and practical greenhouse conditions using various dilution ratios. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the successful colonization of isolate 3S19 within the root tissue of inoculated Vanda plantlets. The results revealed a significant interaction between the bacterial treatments and the growing environment. In vitro, isolate 3S19 applied at a 1:25 ratio yielded the highest total nitrogen content (12.46 mg g⁻¹ DW). Conversely, in the greenhouse experiment, isolates 2R13 and 3S19 were most effective at a 1:50 ratio, achieving nitrogen contents of 11.18 and 10.83 mg g⁻¹ DW. Furthermore, bacterial inoculation in the greenhouse generally led to significant improvements in plant growth parameters, including height, leaf count, and root development, compared to non-inoculated controls. These findings highlight the potential of these endophytic bacteria as effective biofertilizers for Vanda orchid cultivation. The contrasting outcomes between the two experimental settings underscore the critical importance of optimizing application rates based on specific environmental conditions to maximize benefits in commercial production. Full article

Sosnovsky’s hogweed (Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden.) is an invasive plant species widely distributed across Eastern Europe and Russia that poses a serious threat to human health due to its pronounced phototoxic properties. Contact with the plant sap followed by exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation frequently results in phytophotodermatitis, which is characterized by erythema, blistering, ulceration, and persistent hyperpigmentation. The development of these photochemical injuries—most notably furanocoumarins—act as potent photosensitizers and induce cellular and DNA damage upon UV activation. This review provides an integrated overview of the geographical spread and invasiveness of H. sosnowskyi, the chemical composition of its biologically active metabolites, and the molecular mechanisms underlying hogweed-induced skin injury. Particular emphasis is placed on the photochemical transformations of furanocoumarins, including psoralens and their photooxidation products, such as 1,2-dioxetanes, which generate reactive oxygen species and DNA crosslinks. In addition, the review examines other compounds derived from hogweed biomass—including furan derivatives, aromatic compounds, fatty acids, sterols, and their oxidative products—that may contribute to phototoxic and cytotoxic effects. Clinical manifestations of hogweed-induced burns, their classification, symptomatology, and current therapeutic approaches are critically discussed, highlighting the absence of standardized treatment guidelines. Rather than serving as a purely clinical or botanical survey, this review frames Sosnovsky’s hogweed injury as a solar-light-activated photochemical hazard, tracing the sequence from environmental sunlight exposure through molecular photochemistry to biological tissue damage. By integrating chemical, biological, and dermatological perspectives, the review aims to clarify injury mechanisms and support the development of more effective preventive and mitigation strategies under real-world exposure conditions. Full article

This study evaluates the potential of fine-grained waste gneiss as a soil improver, with particular emphasis on its chemical and grain composition and its effects on plant growth. The experimental material consisted of mixtures of fine-grained waste gneiss with varying proportions (from 0.38% to 7.5% in the pot) supplemented with varying proportions of dolomite (from 0.14% to 0.22% in the pot). Pot experiments were conducted for 57 days under controlled conditions using selected crops. Plant response was assessed based on growth rate, green mass production, and dry mass. For most tested variants, the results demonstrated a dose-dependent enhancement in plant productivity associated with gneiss supplementation. Compared to the control, experiments containing higher proportions of fine-grained gneiss resulted in an increase in green and dry mass from 8.14% to 78.73% and by 12.5% to 96.88%, respectively. Additionally, strong positive correlations between gneiss content and yield parameters (Pearson’s r > 0.8) were observed. In contrast, the dolomite fraction mainly conceptually affected soil chemical properties, including calcium and magnesium availability and pH stabilization. Overall, the findings suggest that fine-grained waste gneiss acts as a growth-promoting soil conditioner, as evidenced by the marked improvement in plant biomass. The findings confirm the high potential of waste gneiss as a functional soil improver, supporting sustainable resource management and aligning with the principles of the circular economy. Full article

This review synthesizes four decades of scientific and industrial developments in packaging glass, integrating structural, technological, and sustainability perspectives. Glass remains the benchmark material for inert, transparent, and fully recyclable containment, yet its scope has expanded from conventional bottles and vials to advanced functional and electronic encapsulation. Packaging glasses are classified into five main families—soda–lime, borosilicate, aluminosilicate, recycled (cullet-rich), and functional/electronic—and compared across key domains: mechanical, thermal, chemical, optical, barrier, and hermetic. Quantitative tables and normalized diagrams illustrate how compositional and processing trends govern structure, processability, and performance. Advances in forming, surface engineering, and melting practice are analyzed for their contributions to lightweighting, durability, and decarbonization. Sustainability is addressed through cullet utilization, energy demand, life-cycle indicators, and regulatory alignment, defining pathways toward circular and low-carbon production. Overall, packaging glass emerges as a circular, chemically stable, and traceable material system, while advances in high-integrity glass formulations now support hermetic encapsulation for diagnostic, electronic, and energy devices. Full article

Natural bioactive peptides have emerged as pivotal candidates in modern science due to their multifaceted biological activities and versatile applications across biomedicine, biotechnology, and nutraceuticals. These molecules exhibit a broad pharmacological spectrum including antimicrobial, antiplatelet, antioxidant, antihypertensive, and antitumor properties, positioning them as potent therapeutic agents and essential functional food constituents. Compared to synthetic alternatives, their inherent structural diversity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability offer a superior safety profile by minimizing systemic toxicity and adverse effects. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the primary natural reservoirs of these peptides, which encompass terrestrial flora and fauna as well as marine organisms and microorganisms, while elucidating their complex mechanisms of action and structure–function relationships. Furthermore, we evaluate contemporary methodologies for peptide identification and optimization, such as high-throughput proteomics, computational modeling, and strategic chemical modifications aimed at enhancing metabolic stability and bioavailability. Although bottlenecks in extraction, scalable production, and proteolytic susceptibility persist, recent breakthroughs in recombinant technology and rational design are facilitating their industrial translation. Finally, we discuss future perspectives focused on the synergy between artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and sustainable circular economy strategies to maximize the therapeutic accessibility and functional efficacy of natural peptides. Full article

The rapid growth of personal protective equipment (PPE) consumption has generated unprecedented volumes of polymer-based waste, posing a major challenge to the transition from a linear to a circular economic model. The challenges associated with PPE recycling are strongly linked to the sector of origin—including healthcare, laboratories, cleanrooms, and food processing—as this factor determines contamination levels and critically influences subsequent recycling steps. PPE waste originating from the healthcare sector requires stringent decontamination processes, which directly affect the final properties of recycled materials and their suitability for upcycling or downcycling applications. Another decisive factor is source segregation, together with labeling and sorting, given the intrinsic material heterogeneity of PPE, which commonly includes polypropylene (PP) masks, polycarbonate (PC) protective eyewear, and nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) gloves. Mechanical and chemical recycling routes, including processes specifically developed for elastomeric materials, play a complementary role depending on the cleanliness and composition of the waste streams. The potential for downcycling and upcycling of recycled PPE is closely linked to polymer integrity and process compatibility. When appropriate segregation strategies and tailored recycling technologies are implemented, PPE waste can be effectively diverted from incineration. Under these conditions, PPE—once emblematic of single-use culture—can become a representative example of how complex polymer products may be reintegrated into sustainable material loops, contributing to resource efficiency and circular-economy objectives. Full article

Polyphenols are a structurally diverse group of plant secondary metabolites widely recognized for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and chemoprotective properties, which have stimulated their extensive use in food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic products. However, their chemical heterogeneity, wide polarity range, and strong interactions with plant matrices pose major challenges for efficient extraction, separation, and reliable analytical characterization. This review provides a critical overview of contemporary strategies for the extraction, separation, and identification of polyphenols from plant-derived matrices. Conventional extraction methods, including maceration, Soxhlet extraction, and percolation, are discussed alongside modern green technologies such as ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, and supercritical fluid extraction. Particular emphasis is placed on environmentally friendly solvents, including ethanol, natural deep eutectic solvents, and ionic liquids, as sustainable alternatives that improve extraction efficiency while reducing environmental impact. The review further highlights chromatographic separation approaches—partition, adsorption, ion-exchange, size-exclusion, and affinity chromatography—and underlines the importance of hyphenated analytical platforms (LC–MS, LC–MS/MS, and LC–NMR) for comprehensive polyphenol profiling. Key analytical challenges, including matrix effects, compound instability, and limited availability of reference standards, are addressed, together with perspectives on industrial implementation, quality control, and standardization. Full article

This study investigated chemical variations in softwood juvenile wood, focusing on intra-ring variation between earlywood (EW) and latewood (LW) components along the radii. While no radial trends in lignin content and hydroxyphenyl/guaiacyl (H/G) ratio were found, the variation between EW and LW within a single growth ring was highly significant. Analytical pyrolysis demonstrated that earlywood contained, on average, 2.4% more lignin than latewood. Surprisingly, EW exhibited a lower H/G ratio (0.036) compared to LW (0.041), challenging the typical correlation between high lignin content and high H/G ratios. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the pyrolysis products confirmed distinct structural differences in lignin between EW and LW, reflecting their disparate functional roles—transport and mechanical support, respectively. Overall, analytical pyrolysis was highly effective for assessing the significant intra-ring variation in both lignin content and structural composition. Full article

Owing to their outstanding thermal and mechanical properties, polyimides (PIs), polyamides (PAs), and poly(amide-imides) (PAIs) are essential for developing and manufacturing modern high-tech products, including electroactive ones. Despite their large-scale production for diverse applications, the synthesis of these polymers traditionally relies on highly toxic solvents such as N,N-dimethylacetamide, N,N-dimethylformamide, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), and m-cresol. This work investigates the possibility of replacing these hazardous solvents with a more sustainable and “green” alternative, N-butyl-2-pyrrolidone (NBP). We have thoroughly studied and analyzed the synthesis of various PIs, PAs, and PAIs via one- and two-step polycondensation of tetracarboxylic acid dianhydrides with diamines, low-temperature polycondensation of terephthaloyl chloride with diamines, and low-temperature polycondensation of tetracarboxylic acid dianhydrides and terephthaloyl chloride with diamines, respectively. Our results demonstrate that substituting NBP for NMP presents distinct characteristics and outcomes for each process. By optimizing the reaction conditions, we were able to obtain high-molecular-weight products (M_n = 37–346 kDa; M_w = 133–537 kDa) for all polymer classes studied. Thus, this work establishes NBP as a suitable and promising solvent for synthesizing PIs, PAs, and PAIs with diverse chemical structures and tunable molecular weight characteristics. Full article

The expanding insect farming industry generates up to 67,000 tons of frass per year. Its potential use as fertilizer is promising, but has not yet been widely studied. This study aimed to characterize the chemical composition, organic matter structure, ecotoxicity, and phytotoxicity of frass from four insect species in order to evaluate its potential as a fertilizer. We compared four types of insect frass (IF) (Tenebrio molitor, Galleria mellonella, Hermetia illucens, and Acheta domesticus) to Eisenia fetida vermicompost (EFV). We used physicochemical analyses (pH, electrical conductivity (EC), macro-micronutrients and dissolved organic carbon (DOC), spectroscopy (solid-state ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)) and thermogravimetry/differential scanning calorimetry (TGA/DSC: R₁, R₂, Tmax), together with phytotoxicity (germination index, %GI) and ecotoxicity (toxicity units, TU) bioassays. Composition was species-dependent: A. domesticus showed the highest levels of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K); the concentration of DOC was higher in insect frass (IF) than in EFV, with the highest concentration found in IF of T. molitor. ¹³C NMR/FTIR profiles distinguished between frass (carbohydrates/proteins and chitin signals) and EFV (humified, oxidized matrix). Thermal stability followed: G. mellonella (R₁ ≈ 0.88) ≥ A. domesticus (0.79) > H. illucens (0.73) > EFV (0.67) > T. molitor (0.50). In bioassays, T. molitor and A. domesticus exhibited phytotoxicity (%GI < 30), whereas G. mellonella and H. illucens did not. EFV exhibited the highest %GI. Dilution increased %GI in all materials, especially in T. molitor and A. domesticus, and reduced acute risk (TU). Frass is not a uniform input: its agronomic performance emerges from the interaction between EC (ionic stress), the availability of labile C (DOC, C/N and low-temperature exotherms), and structural stability (R₁/R₂ and aromaticity). In terms of formulation, IF can provide nutrients that mineralize rapidly, whereas EFV contributes stability. Controlling the inclusion and dilution of materials (e.g., limiting the amount of T. molitor in blends) and considering the mixing matrix helps to manage phytotoxicity and ecotoxicity, and realize the fertilizer value of the product. Full article

Radiation is widely used as a powerful tool for inducing molecular transformation and expanding chemical diversity; however, its application in clinically relevant antibiotics remains limited. Minocycline (1), a clinically used tetracycline antibiotic, was subjected to gamma irradiation at doses of up to 30 kGy, resulting in the formation of a previously unreported radiation-induced derivative, minocyclinosin A (2). The structure of the newly generated compound was elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, including one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, which revealed extensive A-ring cleavage, degradation, and recyclization to form a unique cyclopenta[b]anthracene-type tetracycline scaffold. Biological evaluation revealed that minocyclinosin A exhibited enhanced anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 macrophages, while maintaining antibacterial activity against skin inflammation-associated Staphylococcus species. High-performance liquid chromatography further demonstrated a clear dose-dependent molecular conversion, with irradiation at 30 kGy affording minocyclinosin A as the major product with a conversion efficiency of approximately 78.3%. Full article

The aging population and increasing prevalence of oxidative stress-related diseases underscore the need for functional food and pharmaceutical formulations enriched with bioactive compounds. This study aimed to design sustainable emulsion systems incorporating enzymatically modified fats with enhanced functional and bioactive properties. Enzymatic interesterification was employed as an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical catalysis, enabling the transformation of natural lipids without generating undesirable trans isomers. The lipid phase was formulated from blends of hemp oil, a plant-derived source rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids with documented antioxidant potential, and mutton tallow, in an effort to valorize meat industry by-products. Systematic evaluation of emulsion stability, viscosity, and textural properties was conducted using Turbiscan analysis and texture profile analysis. The results demonstrated that xanthan gum concentration was the primary determinant of structural stability, physicochemical stability, and structural integrity of the emulsion systems. Formulation no. 38 (0.8% w/w xanthan gum) was identified as the statistically most stable system based on Turbiscan Stability Index values (TSI = 1.4). Although emulsions containing 1.0% w/w xanthan gum exhibited similarly low TSI values and slightly smaller final droplet diameters, formulation E38 showed the smallest increase in droplet size during storage (<1 µm), indicating superior resistance to structural changes over time. Fat composition showed minimal influence on emulsion behavior, suggesting that lipid selection should prioritize nutritional and bioactive value. These findings indicate that emulsions based on enzymatically modified fats and stabilized with natural polysaccharides can serve as physically stable systems with potential applicability in food, cosmeceutical, and pharmaceutical formulations intended for bioactive compound delivery. Full article

Sweet corn (Zea mays var. saccharata) is a widely cultivated crop valued for its sweet flavor and high nutritional content. Over the past decade, the area devoted to sweet corn grain production has increased substantially, driven by both its nutritional qualities and its economic value. In this context, we aimed to evaluate the impact of three genotypes (Royalty F₁, Hardy F₁ and Deliciosul de Bacau,) under two fertilization types (chemical and organic) compared with a control version on yield, biometrical, biochemical, and quality parameters. This research was carried out between 2022 and 2023 at an experimental station situated in the North-East region of Romania. The results revealed significant influences of cultivar, fertilization method, and the interaction between these two experimental factors on most of the analyzed indicators. Regardless of the fertilization type, the genotype Hardy F₁ showed higher levels of photosynthetic activity, polyphenols (2.22 mg/g d.w.) and sucrose (6.7 g/100 g d.w.), leading to greater yield (13,995 kg/ha) than that of Deliciosul de Bacau and Royalty F₁. Research on fertilization has shown that sweet corn grains under an organic method have higher levels of lycopene, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total phenolic content (TPC), and fructose. In contrast, chemical fertilization more effectively supported growth, photosynthetic activity, yield, and the content of antioxidants and tannins. Regarding the combined influence of these factors, most of the nutritional characteristics of Royalty F1 were enhanced by organic fertilization, whereas those of the Hardy F1 genotype were improved by chemical fertilization. These findings provide practical guidance for selecting appropriate genotype–fertilization combinations to optimize the yield and nutritional quality of sweet corn and highlight key priorities for further research on sustainable fertilization strategies under climate change conditions. Full article

The article examines the waste management challenges associated with basalt fiber-based mineral insulation materials generated during the production of thermal insulation products. In response to the environmental and economic issues linked to their disposal, a chemical processing approach is proposed to convert this waste into a mineral powder suitable for construction applications, particularly as an additive in asphalt concrete. A detailed technological scheme of the chemical treatment process is presented, and the optimal proportions of waste, water, and electrolyte (sulfuric acid), along with the corresponding processing conditions, are identified. The chemical and mineralogical composition of the raw materials and the resulting powder are investigated, and laboratory tests are carried out confirming its suitability as an active mineral additive. The chemical and mineralogical characteristics of the raw waste and resulting product are analyzed using XRD, SEM-EDS, and standard physical tests. In addition, the proposed technology provides a notable reduction in waste volume, thereby decreasing the load on landfills and contributing to more sustainable resource utilization. Full article