Search Results (15,892)

Phosphorus recovery from wastewater and waste streams has become increasingly critical for addressing phosphate-rock supply insecurity and eutrophication control. Building on previous reviews of phosphorus recovery technologies and product applications, this review presents a product-oriented perspective for evaluating phosphorus recovery, explicitly integrating phosphorus sources, process design, product quality, application requirements, regulatory considerations, and life-cycle assessment (LCA) or techno-economic assessment (TEA). Collectively, the available evidence indicates that phosphorus sources differ substantially in phosphorus concentration, speciation, and impurity profiles, underscoring the importance of source–product matching for effective phosphorus recovery. Different phosphorus sources, therefore, require tailored recovery pathways to produce products that satisfy specific quality and application requirements. Product quality is governed primarily by process design rather than by the recovered mineral itself, with purity, contaminant control, regulatory compliance, and end-use suitability ultimately determining the environmental and economic value of recovered phosphorus. A meaningful comparison of recovery pathways further requires harmonized LCA/TEA, as environmental and economic outcomes are highly sensitive to system boundaries, functional units, and allocation assumptions. In addition, regulatory requirements are emerging as a key determinant of product commercialization and should therefore be incorporated throughout process design and technology development. Overall, this review highlights a shift from removal-oriented phosphorus recovery to product-oriented phosphorus recovery, emphasizing the production of high-quality, application-specific phosphorus products as the foundation for technology selection, product innovation, and the transition toward a circular phosphorus economy. Full article

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan that is found within the body and has both structural and signaling functions in the extracellular matrix. HA is biocompatible and biodegradable; it has a high water content and binds directly to certain cell-surface proteins. Due to these characteristics, it is considered a promising component for the design of biomaterials for regenerative wound healing. This review covers the most recent findings on the use of HA-based biomaterials in soft tissue repair, while also incorporating earlier, foundational studies relevant to the field, focusing on HA’s characteristics, cellular interactions, design, and preclinical and clinical results. The physicochemical characteristics of HA and their influence on cellular responses and tissue regeneration are discussed to show how material properties can be adjusted for specific therapeutic purposes. There have been great advances in chemically modified composite scaffolds and HA matrices, which offer better mechanical stability and controlled degradation. At the same time, new delivery systems have been built using HA, from nanoparticles to gene delivery platforms and growth factors, and these have given the material an active role as a therapeutic agent rather than just a passive one. This narrative review covers the clinical evidence for the effectiveness of commercial products for acute and diabetic wounds, as well as burns and chronic wounds, and discusses where their use is indicated. In the end, the current limitations of the research and future applications and directions are discussed. Full article

Tomato leaf mold, caused by Passalora fulva, is one of the most destructive fungal diseases affecting greenhouse tomato production and can cause substantial yield losses under conditions of high relative humidity and moderate temperatures that favor pathogen infection and disease development. This study evaluated the in vitro antifungal activity of a commercial fungicide formulation, Priori Top^® (azoxystrobin + difenoconazole), and three essential oils derived from Eucalyptus globulus, Artemisia herba-alba, and Mentha pulegium against two monoconidial isolates of P. fulva. Unlike previous studies, which have mainly focused on mycelial growth, the present work simultaneously evaluated the effects of the tested products on mycelial growth, sporulation, and conidial germination, providing a comprehensive assessment of antifungal efficacy across three key developmental stages of the pathogen. Antifungal activity was quantified by estimating IC₅₀ and IC₉₀ values using Probit regression analysis. The azoxystrobin–difenoconazole formulation consistently exhibited the highest antifungal activity across all evaluated parameters and showed the lowest estimated IC₅₀ and IC₉₀ values for both fungal isolates. Among the tested essential oils, Artemisia herba-alba exhibited the greatest antifungal activity, reducing mycelial growth by 83% and 78% at 500 ppm for isolates 1 and 2, respectively, and consistently outperforming Mentha pulegium and Eucalyptus globulus. Differences in sensitivity were observed between the two fungal isolates, indicating intraspecific variability in their response to the tested treatments. These findings demonstrate the strong antifungal efficacy of the azoxystrobin–difenoconazole formulation against P. fulva and identify A. herba-alba essential oil as the most promising botanical treatment for integrated management of tomato leaf mold. Further greenhouse and field studies are required to validate these findings, optimize formulation strategies, and evaluate the practical application of A. herba-alba essential oil under commercial production conditions. Full article

Broccoli by-products represent an underutilized source of dietary fiber and bioactive compounds with potential as functional food ingredients. This study evaluated the effect of enzymatic treatment with Viscozyme^® L on broccoli by-products and their incorporation into gluten-free (GF) sourdough breads. Three GF bread formulations were developed: a control bread (BCT), a bread enriched with untreated broccoli by-products (BBC), and a bread enriched with enzymatically treated broccoli by-products (BBE), using a commercial GF bread (COM) as reference. Nutritional composition, antioxidant activity, starch digestibility, and sensory characteristics were evaluated. The incorporation of broccoli by-products significantly improved protein, total dietary fiber, and antioxidant activity compared with COM, with all reformulated breads meeting the EU “high fiber” claim. Enzymatic treatment with Viscozyme^® L further enhanced these properties, with BBE reaching 2.66 g 100 g⁻¹ soluble dietary fiber and 13.51 µM TE g⁻¹ in FRAP, while exhibiting the highest slowly digestible starch content (20.39 g 100 g⁻¹), suggesting a potentially more favorable starch digestibility profile. Sensory evaluation confirmed that these nutritional improvements were achieved without significantly compromising consumer acceptability. Overall, Viscozyme^® L-treated broccoli by-products represent a sustainable, clean-label ingredient for nutritionally enhanced GF bakery products, supporting agri-food by-product valorization within a circular economy framework. Full article

Salinity poses a major threat to sustainable agriculture and coastal ecosystems, resulting in a substantial loss of plant productivity and biodiversity. Although some coastal grass species exhibit natural adaptation to saline conditions, the physiological mechanisms underlying salt tolerance remain incompletely understood, particularly regarding the contribution of plant-associated microorganisms. In a previous study, a commercial cultivar of red fescue (Festuca rubra ssp. rubra cv. Rafael) was shown to be salt sensitive when grown hydroponically, whereas wild populations of F. rubra commonly occur in coastal salt marshes (possibly ssp. litoralis). We hypothesized that this difference in salt tolerance is partly associated with beneficial fungal plant interactions. To test this hypothesis, we investigated whether inoculation with a fungal isolate designated Fusarium sp. 1 and isolated from F. rubra growing on a salt marsh along the Dutch Wadden Sea coast could improve the salinity tolerance of the commercial cultivar. The results showed that inoculation with Fusarium sp. 1 alleviated the salt-induced growth inhibition. At 100 mM NaCl, shoot and root biomass were partially restored relative to non-inoculated controls, accompanied by a significant increase in the shoot-to-root ratio. To investigate the physiological basis of this response, we applied the Microelectrode Ion Flux Estimation (MIFE) technique to quantify Na⁺ -induced K⁺ efflux in roots. Inoculated plants exhibited improved K⁺ homeostasis, characterized by a reduced instantaneous Na⁺-induced K⁺ efflux and a faster recovery of root fluxes. Moreover, inoculated plants grown at 50 and 100 mM NaCl displayed 333% and 397% greater net K⁺ influx, respectively, compared with non-inoculated controls. Our results indicated that inoculation with Fusarium sp. 1 improves the salinity tolerance of F. rubra, likely through enhanced root K⁺ retention. These findings suggest that commercial F. rubra cultivars remain responsive to beneficial microbial associations and highlight the potential of exploring plant–microbe interactions from naturally salt-adapted environments to improve salinity resilience in grasses and potentially other crops. Full article

The development of next-generation organotypic platforms and disease models has proven crucial for the progress toward personalized therapeutic solutions in cancer. Fetal bovine serum (FBS) is a nutrient-rich cell culture supplement that contains essential factors for cell growth. However, in addition to ethical and environmental concerns, the manufacturing of tumor models requires a more standardized and controlled environment. This has led to the commercialization of several alternatives for the substitution of FBS, in the form of both animal-based and synthetic products. We here test the use of two alternatives for the culture of glioblastoma cells in the fabrication of organotypic tumor models, in combination with an insightful review of the existing literature, which allows for the elucidation of the most relevant challenges and potential solutions. We assess metabolic activity and cell proliferation in both 2D and 3D culture systems to determine the influence of serum on cell attachment and growth. The 3D culture systems are fabricated by photopolymerization of gelatin methacrylamide to achieve hydrogels that closely mimic the native tissue’s extracellular environment. We aim to advance our understanding of the role of culture media in these models and provide practical guidance to optimize experimental design and enhance reproducibility, thereby facilitating their broader adoption by the research community. These studies are key for the biofabrication of next-generation organoids and other advanced in vitro tumor models. Full article

Animal transport connects farms with slaughterhouses, breeding units and production sites, but remains one of the most debated animal welfare issues of recent decades. These debates also touch on the EU–Mercosur agreement in the areas of agribusiness and animal farming. The aim of this article is to examine the legislation of Brazil and Germany and the European Union (EU) regarding animal transport, using specific examples to identify differences and similarities that may form the basis for joint discussions on this area of animal welfare. The EU Transport Regulation for the Protection of Farm Animals applies in all EU member states (Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005). In Germany, the Animal Welfare Transport Ordinance transposes EU law into national law. The transport times depend on vehicle type and equipment and vary according to the animal species to be transported. The basic maximum travel time is 8 h for commercial transport and distances longer than 65 km. In Brazil, there exists a wide range of laws, regulations, decrees and guidelines governing the protection of animals during transport in the different Brazilian states, mostly coordinated by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA). Allowed transport times in Brazil vary largely from 4 to 12 h between single state regulations and are less regulated in detail. Maximum Transport durations can be repeated several times after appropriate stops for animal feeding and watering. Similarly to Germany/EU, only animals “fit for travel” are allowed to be transported and the responsibility for the transported animals ends once the last animal has been unloaded at its place of destination. Temperatures in Germany/EU are generally moderate, whereas Brazil and South America have tropical and subtropical climates. Furthermore, the distances between farms and abattoirs in Brazil are generally greater, and transport vehicles often have to travel on unpaved (gravel) roads, e.g., to reach the farms. The key to animal-friendly transport lies in loading healthy, “transport-fit” animals on suitable vehicles with sufficient space and necessary equipment, and licensed and committed drivers. This has to be supported by appropriate legal provisions. Animal welfare laws in both Brazil and Germany/EU aim to ensure the best possible welfare of animals during transit under the given circumstances of transport, in order to prevent pain, suffering and injury. This shared commitment to animal welfare provides a substantiated basis for mutual understanding and cooperation in livestock farming, which may prove helpful in the discussions on the agricultural chapter of the EU–Mercosur Agreement. Full article

The growing demand for environmentally sustainable materials has accelerated the development of bio-based coatings as alternatives to conventional petroleum-derived surface treatments. Among renewable biopolymers, lignin has emerged as a particularly attractive candidate owing to its abundance, renewable origin, aromatic structure, antioxidant activity, ultraviolet shielding capability, and diverse functional groups suitable for chemical modification. As a major by-product of the pulp, paper, and biorefinery industries, lignin represents an underutilized renewable resource with significant potential for value-added coating applications. This review provides an overview of recent advances in lignin-based coatings for sustainable and biodegradable materials. The chemical structure, physicochemical properties, industrial sources, extraction technologies, purification methods, and functionalization strategies of lignin are discussed. Particular attention is given to nanostructured lignin systems, including lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) and chemically modified derivatives, which have demonstrated improved compatibility and performance in coating formulations. Fabrication technologies such as solution casting, dip coating, spray coating, layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly, extrusion processing, and nanocomposite approaches are examined. Mechanical, barrier, thermal, UV-shielding, antioxidant, antimicrobial, hydrophobic, and environmental performance are comparatively assessed. Lignin nanoparticles and chemically modified lignins generally show improved functionality, while waterborne coatings for paper and fiber-based packaging appear closest to practical application. However, lignin heterogeneity, durability, scalability, and limited regulatory evaluation and end-of-life assessment remain major barriers to commercialization. Full article

Background/Objectives: Commercial collagen peptide products may differ in their structural characteristics and in vitro biological properties depending on manufacturing processes and hydrolysis conditions. However, comparative studies integrating simulated gastrointestinal digestion with structural, physicochemical, and cell-based analyses remain limited. This study comparatively evaluated commercially available bovine collagen peptide products marketed in Türkiye before and after simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Methods: Collagen peptide samples were characterized before and after simulated gastrointestinal digestion by determining hydroxyproline content, degree of hydrolysis (DH), molecular weight (MW) distribution, antioxidant activity, and fibroblast responses to investigate digestion-induced structural and biological changes. Results: Significant differences were observed among the evaluated products in hydroxyproline content, degree of hydrolysis, molecular weight distribution, antioxidant activity, and fibroblast responses. Simulated gastrointestinal digestion further hydrolyzed all collagen peptide samples, although the extent of structural modification varied among products. Antioxidant responses also differed following digestion, with some products maintaining relatively stable radical scavenging activity, whereas others exhibited increased or decreased antioxidant responses. Cell viability assays demonstrated that all collagen peptide samples were non-cytotoxic toward L929 fibroblasts under the experimental conditions. Conclusions: The findings indicate that simulated gastrointestinal digestion influences the structural characteristics and in vitro biological responses of commercial collagen peptide products to different extents. The observed differences among products suggest differential in vitro bioactivity associated with their structural characteristics and digestion behavior. Nevertheless, these findings are limited to in vitro observations and require confirmation through peptide characterization, bioavailability studies, animal models, and well-designed clinical investigations before conclusions regarding physiological efficacy or potential health benefits can be drawn. Full article

Background: The development of multitarget drugs capable of simultaneously inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 proteases—3CL^pro and PL^pro—may enhance therapeutic efficacy against COVID-19. Given the historical use of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the management of respiratory diseases, phenylethanoid glycosides (PGs) represent an attractive and chemically diverse natural product scaffold for the discovery of antiviral agents. Objectives: This study aimed to identify promising candidates within this class capable of simultaneously inhibiting both target proteases. Methods: The PG structures described in the literature between 1950 and 2020 were gathered and curated to construct a dedicated database, which was subsequently subjected to virtual screening. In silico ADMETox predictions and 2D ligand–protein interaction analyses were then employed to evaluate the identified hit PGs. Ligand stability within the binding sites of the proteases was further assessed using free energy landscape (FEL) and MM/GBSA calculations, while enzymatic inhibition of the commercial PG was evaluated via FRET assays. Results: Virtual screening identified 22 PGs with multitarget potential, predominantly sourced from Asia, followed by the Americas and Europe. The hit compound magnoloside I is found in Magnolia officinalis, a species widely used in TCM for respiratory conditions and officially prescribed during the COVID-19 pandemic. A second hit, calceolarioside B, inhibited more than 90% of the enzymatic activity of both proteases in the FRET assay. Conclusions: Together, these findings highlight phenylethanoid glycosides as promising scaffolds for dual protease inhibition. Full article

Boar taint is a persistent challenge in pork production, caused primarily by the accumulation of androstenone and skatole in adipose tissue. It affects 5–40% of uncastrated male pigs and is perceived negatively by a substantial proportion of consumers, with skatole detectable by almost all individuals. Traditional surgical castration effectively prevents boar taint but is increasingly criticized on animal welfare grounds. Immunocastration using gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) vaccines has emerged as a promising alternative, providing reversible suppression of reproductive function while maintaining growth efficiency. This review integrates current knowledge on the biochemical basis of boar taint, evaluates the performance of commercial vaccines such as Improvac^® and GonaCon^®, and examines economic, regulatory, and consumer factors influencing adoption. Immunocastration presents limitations due to variability in immune responses, the need for multiple doses, and challenges related to public perception. To address these challenges, intensive research is underway on single-dose formulations, precision adjuvants, and advanced delivery technologies, all of which are expected to drive the next generation of immunocastration vaccines. Full article

A field trial was conducted on a single commercial swine farm to compare the integrated control efficacy of an inactivated vaccine and a live attenuated vaccine against mycoplasmal pneumonia of swine (MPS). Mhp exposure in the herd was confirmed by qPCR prior to trial initiation. Initially, 30 five-day-old piglets were randomly assigned to three groups (10 piglets per group): non-immunized control, inactivated vaccine, and live attenuated vaccine, for clinical safety evaluation. Based on this, another 900 five-day-old piglets, confirmed Mhp-negative by antigen detection, were randomly allocated to three separate rearing zones (300 piglets per zone), with each zone randomly assigned to one of the three treatment groups. Parameters assessed included mucosal (sIgA) and serum (IgG) antibody levels, pulmonary inflammatory cytokine (e.g., IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) expression, lung lesion scores, and histopathological changes, with all evaluations performed by technicians blinded to group allocation. Growth performance and economic indicators were also recorded. Both vaccines exhibited favorable safety profiles. The live attenuated vaccine significantly enhanced nasal sIgA and serum IgG levels (p ≤ 0.01), whereas the inactivated vaccine only significantly elevated serum IgG (p ≤ 0.01) but had no significant effect on sIgA (p ≥ 0.05). The live attenuated vaccine group showed the lowest lung lesion scores, as well as the mildest pulmonary inflammation and pathological damage. Meanwhile, swine in this group achieved higher average daily gain, lower mortality, and lower feed conversion ratio, with a 3-day shorter rearing period than the non-immunized group and an 11.27 CNY reduction in combined vaccination and medication cost per swine compared with the inactivated vaccine group. In conclusion, under the conditions of this single-farm trial, the live attenuated vaccine demonstrated superior efficacy in integrated MPS control and production performance improvement. Full article

The early post-weaning period in piglets is characterized by physiological and environmental stress that can impair intestinal function and growth performance. Plant-derived feed additives have gained interest as a nutritional strategy to support gut integrity and productivity. Extracts from Cynara scolymus stimulate bile secretion and exhibit antioxidant properties, whereas inulin may promote beneficial microbial populations and intestinal functionality through prebiotic activity. This study evaluated the biological activity of a feed additive containing Cynara scolymus extract and inulin on intestinal functional indicators and productive performance of post-weaned piglets under intensive production conditions. Four hundred and eight piglets were randomly assigned to two groups: a control group (CON) that was fed a basal diet, and a treatment group (CSI) that was supplemented with the additive (5% Cynara scolymus extract and 14% inulin) at 300 g/ton of feed. Plasma cortisol and citrulline concentrations were measured during the first 15 days post-weaning. On day 16 post-weaning, intestinal parameters were evaluated, including gastrointestinal pH; enterobacteria and lactic acid bacteria counts; volatile fatty acids; bacterial adhesion to ileal mucus; disaccharidase activity; and small intestinal histomorphology. Growth performance was monitored during the 50-day nursery phase. Compared with CON piglets, CSI piglets exhibited higher plasma citrulline concentrations (72.72 ± 20.87 vs. 47.54 ± 17.05 µM; p < 0.001), indicating improved intestinal epithelial functionality. CSI supplementation also increased the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio (3.67 ± 0.75 vs. 2.68 ± 0.64; p = 0.001), suggesting enhanced intestinal epithelial integrity. Furthermore, CSI piglets showed higher average daily gain (0.53 ± 0.07 vs. 0.44 ± 0.09 kg/day; p = 0.003) and a better feed conversion ratio (1.27 ± 0.20 vs. 1.57 ± 0.57; p = 0.004). These results suggest that Cynara scolymus extract and inulin supplementation has beneficial biological effects on intestinal epithelial functionality and productive performance in post-weaning piglets under commercial conditions. Full article

Growing environmental concerns over petroleum-based plastics have increased interest in sustainable and biodegradable alternatives such as polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). PHB is a naturally produced biopolymer synthesized by microorganisms and is widely recognized for its biodegradability, biocompatibility, renewability, and thermoplastic properties. Despite these advantages, PHB use remains limited by brittleness, high crystallinity, low thermal stability, a narrow processing window, and high production costs. This review discusses the production, properties, biodegradation behavior, and applications of PHB, with a focus on strategies to improve its performance. Modification approaches, including copolymerization, polymer blending, filler reinforcement, plasticization, and hybrid composite formulation, are critically reviewed to evaluate their effects on the thermal, mechanical, and processing behavior of PHB-based materials. The review also highlights recent developments in additive manufacturing, particularly fused deposition modeling/fused filament fabrication (FDM/FFF) for the extrusion of biodegradable PHB composite filaments. In addition, the biodegradation of PHB under various environmental conditions, including soil, compost, freshwater, marine, aerobic, and anaerobic environments, are discussed. Current challenges, research gaps, commercialization barriers, and future opportunities related to sustainable feedstocks, advanced composites, additive manufacturing, and circular economy integration are addressed. Overall, PHB shows strong potential as a sustainable alternative for packaging, biomedical, agricultural, and three-dimensional (3D) printing applications. Full article

Modern agriculture faces critical challenges, including climate change, soil degradation, and reliance on synthetic inputs, necessitating sustainable alternatives. A promising approach is applying microbial solutions. This study investigated the effects of a commercially available powder-formulated seed coating product containing Rhizoglomus irregularis and Azospirillum spp. on high-linoleic sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) under field conditions at three Hungarian sites with contrasting soil properties. Plant growth parameters, yield, and the rhizosphere’s microbial carbon-source utilisation potential were assessed to evaluate treatment effects. Seed-applied inoculation increased plant height, stem diameter, and biomass, although responses varied with site conditions and sampling time. The agronomic response was highly site-dependent: the strongest effect was observed at a low-pH, phosphorus-limited site, where seed inoculation achieved a significant yield increase of 18–21%, while effects at sites with higher pH and sufficient phosphorus resulted only in minor, statistically non-significant numerical trends. Distinct shifts in culture-dependent carbon-source utilisation potential were detected by Biolog EcoPlate™ analysis, showing temporal and site-specific variability. These results indicate that seed-applied formulations offer a logistically feasible, targeted delivery method for plant-beneficial microbes, with their agronomic efficacy fundamentally governed by site-specific soil chemical profiles and baseline nutrient availability. Overall, the agronomic benefits of inoculation appear to be context-dependent and more pronounced under nutrient-limited conditions, highlighting the critical importance of site-specific application strategies and the need for further long-term studies. Full article