Search Results (1,156)

The demand for effective downstream processing of adeno-associated virus (AAV) is increasing as gene therapies advance toward broader clinical applications. Robust, efficient, and scalable ultrafiltration and diafiltration (UF|DF) operations are essential for generating high-quality AAV preparations, with tangential flow filtration (TFF) serving as a critical unit operation for vector concentration, impurity reduction, and buffer exchange while maintaining viral functionality. Development of TFF processes requires careful consideration of membrane characteristics—including chemistry, pore size or channel architecture—as these parameters directly influence vector retention, fouling behavior, and overall process efficiency. Equally important is the optimization of critical process parameters such as recirculation rate, transmembrane pressure (TMP), and total processing time, all of which govern hydrodynamic performance and product quality. This study assessed two Sartocon^® Hydrosart^® TFF cassette architectures—ECO-Screen and E-Screen—for the ultrafiltration and diafiltration of AAV8 clarified lysate. Through flux characterization and controlled small-scale evaluations, cassette-specific operating regions were defined. Both configurations supported high viral genome retention; however, the E-Screen geometry achieved faster processing and superior removal of host–cell protein and DNA contaminants, whereas the ECO-Screen format allowed for efficient operation under reduced pump rates and, therefore, lower shear conditions. Reproducibility assessments demonstrated minimal run-to-run variability, confirming the robustness of the optimized operating parameters. A 10-fold scale-up further validated the linearity and predictability of the UF|DF process, with consistent impurity-reduction profiles and only modest deviations in viral recovery. Collectively, these findings provide a quantitative basis for rational cassette selection in AAV purification workflows and establish a scalable, scientifically grounded UF|DF framework applicable across development and manufacturing scales. Full article

Lead (Pb) contamination in water poses a significant threat to both human health and the environment as it is toxic even at very minimal concentrations. In the scope of this study, a novel magnetic composite material, AC/Fe₃O₄/PANI-SDS, was synthesized to efficiently eliminate Pb²⁺ ions from polluted water. Each component of the composite has a significant impact: the activated carbon provides a large surface area for adsorption, the magnetic iron oxide (Fe₃O₄) allows easy magnetic recovery from water systems using a magnet, and the polyaniline (PANI) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) improve the capability of the material to attract and hold onto Pb²⁺ ions. To assess the surface, magnetic, and structural properties of the prepared material, several characterization techniques were applied, such as FTIR, XRD, SEM-EDS, BET analysis, VSM, and zeta potential measurements. These tests confirmed that the composite has the right structure and functional groups to perform as a capable and efficient adsorbent. Batch adsorption studies were used to evaluate the effects of pH, interaction time, initial Pb²⁺ ion concentration, and temperature on removal efficiency. The findings highlight the composite’s remarkable adsorption efficiency after 220 min under optimal conditions, specifically at pH 6. Adsorption kinetic studies demonstrated strong agreement with the pseudo-second-order model, while isotherm analysis showed that the Langmuir model provided the highest correlation coefficient within the investigated concentration range. This fitting suggested apparent Langmuir-type adsorption behavior, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 348.39 mg/g. Thermodynamic assessment demonstrated that the elimination of Pb²⁺ ions is an endothermic and spontaneous process. In addition, the composite can be reused and recycled repeatedly without significantly reducing its effectiveness, offering an economical and ecologically sustainable approach. The findings of this research highlight the potential of the AC/Fe₃O₄/PANI-SDS composite as a new, efficient, and eco-friendly adsorbent for the elimination of Pb²⁺ ions from solutions. In real-world applications, its high capacity for adsorption, ease of separation, and reusability make it a promising treatment for heavy metal contamination. Full article

This study investigates the application of soybean peroxidase (SBP), an enzyme extracted from a soybean processing byproduct, for the decolourization and oxidative treatment of three industrial azo dyes: Acid Orange 7 (AO7), Acid Orange 20 (AO20), and Reactive Black 5 (RB5), each at a concentration of 50 µM. These dyes are widely used in textile, paper, and leather industries and persist in wastewater. Optimization experiments were conducted at room temperature (approximately 22 °C) to examine the effects of pH, SBP activity, and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) concentration. Optimal degradation conditions were identified as: pH 3.5, 0.075 U/mL SBP, and 0.0375 mM H₂O₂ for RB5; pH 3.0, 0.5 U/mL SBP, and 0.0375 mM H₂O for AO7; and pH 3.0, 0.0025 U/mL SBP (200-fold less than for the isomeric AO7) and 0.0625 mM H₂O₂ for AO20. Under these conditions, dye conversion was very rapid, reaching >97% decolouration in 30 s. The initial first-order rate constants and half-lives were ≥10.7 min⁻¹ and ≤0.065 min (AO7), ≥7.3 min⁻¹ and ≤0.095 min (AO20), and ≥8.5 min⁻¹ and ≤0.081 min (RB5). When normalized to enzyme activity, AO7 showed the highest catalytic efficiency. These findings support the use of SBP as a low-cost, eco-friendly, and effective biocatalyst for the rapid treatment of dye-containing industrial wastewater. Full article

The global shipping industry faces escalating sustainability risks arising from geopolitical disruptions, operational instability, and tightening environmental regulations. These risks often first emerge in qualitative market narratives, limiting the effectiveness of conventional backward-looking indicators. This study proposes a sustainability-oriented natural language processing (NLP) framework for the early detection of sustainability-critical stress in global shipping. Using 155 weekly expert-curated shipping market reports published between 2022 and 2025, the framework integrates topic modeling and domain-tuned sentiment analysis to extract sustainability-relevant signals from unstructured text. Critical-to-Quality (CTQ) factors are reconceptualized as sustainability-critical performance dimensions encompassing economic sustainability (freight rate stability), operational sustainability (schedule reliability, lead time, vessel utilization, and equipment availability), and environmental sustainability (eco-efficiency). Topic–sentiment interactions are quantified using network analysis and ElasticNet-based estimation to construct composite CTQScores, which capture the intensity and persistence of sustainability stress. Empirical validation using observed market performance indicators demonstrates that the CTQScores exhibit strong directional accuracy and systematically precede market adjustments, supporting their role as early warning indicators rather than predictive forecasts. The framework is operationalized as a Sustainability Risk Radar, enabling proactive monitoring of economic, operational, and environmental risks. The findings demonstrate how NLP-based analytics can support ESG-aligned sustainability risk monitoring and resilience-oriented decision-making in global shipping systems. Full article

With the accelerated deployment of new energy vehicles and the global pursuit of carbon neutrality and carbon peaking goals, lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries have become a dominant technology in the energy storage market. The rapid expansion in their production and application has led to a surge in the number of spent LFP batteries, raising urgent concerns regarding resource recovery and environmental sustainability. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recycling technologies for spent LFP batteries, which are categorized into three major routes: (i) conventional metallurgical recycling, including pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processes; (ii) direct regeneration strategies, such as electrochemical and solid-state approaches; and (iii) emerging green technologies, which leverage external fields or novel eco-friendly solvents to enhance recovery efficiency. The fundamental mechanisms, advantages, and limitations of each approach are systematically analyzed and compared. Finally, we also discuss current challenges and future directions for developing high-efficiency, low-cost, and environmentally benign recycling systems. These technological advances are expected to not only promote resource circularity and reduce ecological burdens but also provide a solid foundation for the sustainable evolution of the lithium-ion battery industry. Full article

Lime kiln dust (LKD), a by-product of the paper industry, generates about 100 tonnes of waste per 400,000 tonnes of kraft paper produced, while global aquaculture yields more than 16 million tonnes of oysters annually, 65–90% of which is made up of shells. This study explores their valorisation in the production of more eco-friendly mortars by partially replacing hydrated lime with LKD and oyster shell powder (OSP). In addition, a vinegar solution (VS), prepared by reacting oyster shells with white vinegar (~5% acetic acid), was used as an alternative mixing liquid instead of water. The LKD and OSP were tested at different substitution levels, showing promising mechanical performance, supporting their use as sustainable alternatives in mortar production. Replacement levels of 25%, 50% and 90% achieved compressive strengths ≥ 0.4 MPa at 28 days. At 28 days, the reference lime mortar prepared with water reached 0.83 MPa, while the use of the vinegar solution increased the compressive strength to 1.86 MPa, representing an improvement of approximately 124%. Regarding binder replacement by wastes, the most efficient mechanical performance was obtained for mixtures with 50% LKD substitution, reaching 2.04 MPa at 28 days and 3.11 MPa at 60 days, increasing by 10% and 43%, respectively, while mixtures incorporating oyster shell powder showed more stable mechanical behaviour across substitution levels. Using a hot-mixing process with quicklime in the presence of the vinegar-based solution and sand may account for the higher strengths, due to the heat/steam generated during lime hydration prior to moulding and verified by microscopy. In addition, VS-containing mixes showed higher aragonite contents and detectable phosphorus-bearing compounds, which may further contribute to matrix densification and strengthening. Overall, the results indicate that the combined use of uncalcined calcium-based wastes and a vinegar-based solution can contribute to the development of calcium-based mortars with good mechanical performance, supporting circular economy strategies and the reduction in calcined-binder use in construction materials. Full article

Seafood processing environments represent some of the most demanding hygienic settings in the global food sector. High humidity, variable temperatures, and heavy organic residues promote the persistence of Listeria monocytogenes, Vibrio spp., and Salmonella spp., making sanitation both critical and inherently complex. This review synthesizes recent advances in hygienic design, sanitation technologies, and workforce safety as interconnected elements of a single “hygiene continuum.” Building upon Codex, FDA, and European hygiene frameworks (2020–2024), the review examines how engineering design, Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) systems, and occupational hygiene jointly determine microbial control, sustainability, and workforce well-being. Particular focus is given to biofilm dynamics, emerging disinfection technologies, and automation through cleaning-in-place (CIP) and cleaning-out-of-place (COP) systems. Recent trends—including digital monitoring, eco-efficient cleaning, and human-centered facility design—are discussed as drivers of next-generation hygiene management. Collectively, these insights demonstrate that hygienic performance in seafood processing is not a fixed endpoint but a living system linking design, management, and human behavior toward safe, sustainable, and resilient seafood production. Full article

The genus Lupinus (Fabaceae) represents an exceptional model system for studying evolutionary processes mediated by pollinators and environmental factors. This review synthesizes evidence on phenotypic variability of floral traits, trait selection by biotic and abiotic factors, and the eco-evolutionary implications of these interactions. Pollinators shape floral traits through specialized selection that optimizes pollination efficiency while maintaining plasticity toward autogamy under pollinator scarcity. At the same time, abiotic pressures drive adaptations to climate and elevation, which Lupinus achieves through phenotypic plasticity, such as adjusting flowering time, and through mutualisms with soil microbes that reduce abiotic stress. Ecological implications reveal contrasting dynamics, where native species sustain specialized pollination networks, while invasive species such as L. polyphyllus Lindl. disrupt these interactions through competitive exclusion. Thus, these two factors collectively drive Lupinus phenotypic diversity through specialized adaptations and plasticity. Finally, we emphasize the need for integrated studies combining genomics and ecological modeling to decipher the adaptive mechanisms of this genus. Full article

The accelerating global demand for sustainable energy, driven by population growth, industrialization, and environmental concerns, has intensified the search for renewable alternatives to fossil fuels. Biofuels, including bioethanol, biodiesel, biogas, and biohydrogen, offer a viable and practical pathway to reducing net carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. Yet, their large-scale production remains constrained by biomass recalcitrance, high pretreatment costs, and the enzyme-intensive nature of conversion processes. Recent advances in enzyme immobilization using magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), covalent organic frameworks, metal–organic frameworks, and biochar have significantly improved enzyme stability, recyclability, and catalytic efficiency. Complementary strategies such as cross-linked enzyme aggregates, carrier-free immobilization, and site-specific attachment further reduce enzyme leaching and operational costs, particularly in lipase-mediated biodiesel synthesis. In addition to biocatalysis, nanozymes—nanomaterials exhibiting enzyme-like activity—are emerging as robust co-catalysts for biomass degradation and upgrading, although challenges in selectivity and environmental safety persist. Green synthesis approaches employing plant extracts, microbes, and agro-industrial wastes are increasingly adopted to produce eco-friendly nanomaterials and bio-derived supports aligned with circular economy principles. These functionalized materials have demonstrated promising performance in esterification, transesterification, and catalytic routes for biohydrogen generation. Technoeconomic and lifecycle assessments emphasize the need to balance catalyst complexity with environmental and economic sustainability. Multifunctional catalysts, process intensification strategies, and engineered thermostable enzymes are improving productivity. Looking forward, pilot-scale validation of green-synthesized nano- and biomaterials, coupled with appropriate regulatory frameworks, will be critical for real-world deployment. Full article

Aronia melanocarpa, a plant with nutrient-rich fruits, with application in the food and pharmaceutical industry, has been extensively investigated but, nevertheless, the exploration of the secondary metabolites profile from its by-products remains quite limited. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the possibility of using some different natural mineral waters from Romania, as green solvents, for the extraction of bioactive compounds from aronia stems and fruits by applying eco-compatible working techniques (maceration for 24 h, and ultrasonication at room temperature and 50 °C for 30 min). The effect of five natural mineral waters (one with medium and four with low mineral content) on the extraction capacity and phytochemical profile of stems and fruits’ extracts was monitored using fast and efficient analysis techniques (electrochemical, spectroscopic, and chromatographic) and compared with that of classical solvents. The results showed that, in the case of stems, extraction by maceration was, for all types of water used, the most efficient, followed by ultrasonication at room temperature. Also, at the same time, in most cases, all mineral waters showed better performance than distilled water, and the highest efficiency of the extraction process was recorded for natural water with a medium mineralization level. The similarity observed in the phytochemical profiles of aqueous extracts from the aronia stems and the fruits highlights both the potential of this by-product as a source of bioactive compounds and the efficiency of natural mineral waters as green extraction solvents. Full article

Enzyme technology, characterized by high efficiency, environmental compatibility, and precise controllability, has become a pivotal biocatalytic approach for quality enhancement and nutritional improvement in modern food industries. This review summarizes recent advances and underlying mechanisms of enzyme applications in food processing optimization, nutritional enhancement, and functional food development. In terms of process optimization, enzymes such as transglutaminase, laccase, and peroxidase enhance protein crosslinking, thereby markedly improving the texture and stability of dairy products, meat products, and plant-based protein systems. Proteases and lipases play essential roles in flavor development, maturation, and modulation of sensory attributes. From a nutritional perspective, enzymatic hydrolysis significantly improves the bioavailability of proteins, minerals, and dietary fibers, while simultaneously degrading antinutritional factors and harmful compounds, including phytic acid, tannins, food allergens, and acrylamide, thus contributing to improved food safety and nutritional balance. With respect to functional innovation, enzyme-directed production of bioactive peptides has demonstrated notable antihypertensive, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities. In addition, enzymatic synthesis of functional oligosaccharides and rare sugars, glycosylation-based modification of polyphenols, and enzyme-assisted extraction of plant bioactive compounds provide novel strategies and technological support for the development of functional foods. Owing to their high specificity and eco-friendly nature, enzyme technologies are driving food and nutrition sciences toward more precise, personalized, and sustainable development pathways. Despite these advances, critical research gaps remain, particularly in the limited mechanistic understanding of enzyme behavior in complex food matrices, the insufficient integration of multi-omics data with enzymatic process design, and the challenges associated with translating laboratory-scale enzymatic strategies into robust, data-driven, and scalable industrial applications. Full article

Research has demonstrated that incorporating nitrate into animal feed can effectively decrease methane production in ruminants, though its impact on carcass characteristics and meat attributes in Hu sheep requires further investigation. This experiment examined how a dietary inclusion of 3% calcium nitrate (CN) influenced slaughter parameters, meat properties, gut microbial populations, and host gene regulation in Hu sheep. The study involved sixty healthy male Hu sheep aged 120 days with comparable body weights (31.11 ± 3.39 kg), randomly allocated into two groups: a control group receiving standard feed (CON) and a CN-supplemented group. The trial lasted 60 days, including a 15-day adaptation period and a 45-day formal trial period. They were housed individually and fed twice daily (at 8:00 and 18:00). The findings revealed that CN supplementation notably reduced the water loss rate in the longissimus dorsi muscle (LD), elevated meat color brightness, and enhanced the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), particularly n-6 PUFA, along with the n-3/n-6 PUFA ratio. Conversely, it reduced the levels of saturated fatty acids such as myristic acid (C14:0) and oleic acid (C18:1n9t). Additionally, the treatment boosted ruminal Ammoniacal nitrogen content and total short-chain fatty acid production, thereby contributing to energy metabolism in the animals. Microbiological examination demonstrated that CN supplementation led to a decrease in Fibrobacterota and Methanobrevibacter populations within the ruminal environment, while promoting the growth of Proteobacteria in the duodenal region. The gene expression profiling of digestive tract tissues showed an increased activity in nitrogen processing genes (including CA4) and oxidative phosphorylation pathways (such as ATP6), indicating an improved metabolic efficiency and acid–base homeostasis in the host animals. These findings demonstrate that CN-enriched diets enhance the carcass characteristics of Hu sheep by modifying intramuscular lipid profiles through gastrointestinal microbial community restructuring and metabolic pathway adjustments. Such modifications affect energy utilization and acid–base equilibrium, ultimately impacting muscle characteristics and adipose tissue distribution, presenting viable approaches for eco-friendly livestock farming practices. Full article

This study contributes to the advancement of circular economy practices in polymer manufacturing by applying machine learning algorithms (MLA) to predict the tensile strength of recycled low-density polyethylene (LDPE) building films. As the construction and packaging industries increasingly seek eco-efficient and low-carbon materials, recycled LDPE offers a valuable route toward sustainable resource management. However, ensuring consistent mechanical performance remains a challenge when reusing polymer waste streams. To address this, tensile tests were conducted on LDPE films produced from recycled granules, measuring tensile strength, strain, mass per unit area, thickness, and surface roughness. Three established machine learning algorithms—feed-forward Neural Network (NN), Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost)—were implemented, trained, and optimized using the experimental dataset using R statistical software (version 4.4.3). The models achieved high predictive accuracy, with XGBoost providing the most robust performance and the highest level of explainability. Feature importance analysis revealed that mass per unit area and surface roughness have a significant influence on film durability and performance. These insights enable more efficient production planning, reduced raw material usage, and improved quality control, key pillars of sustainable technological innovation. The integration of data-driven methods into polymer recycling workflows demonstrates the potential of artificial intelligence to accelerate circular economy objectives by enhancing process optimization, material performance, and resource efficiency in the plastics sector. Full article

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a perennial herb traditionally valued for its aromatic and therapeutic properties. In recent years, however, growing attention has shifted toward the technical and environmental potential of the plant’s industrial by-products, particularly the fibrous material left after extraction. This review integrates botanical knowledge with engineering and industrial perspectives, highlighting the role of licorice fiber in advancing sustainable innovation. The natural fiber obtained from licorice roots exhibits notable physical and mechanical qualities, including lightness, biodegradability, and compatibility with bio-based polymer matrices. These attributes make it a promising candidate for biocomposites used in green building and other sectors of the circular economy. Developing efficient recovery processes requires collaboration across disciplines, combining expertise in plant science, materials engineering, and industrial technology. The article also examines the economic and regulatory context driving the transition toward more circular and traceable production models. Increasing interest from companies, research institutions, and public bodies in valorizing licorice fiber and its derivatives is opening new market opportunities. Potential applications extend to agroindustry, eco-friendly cosmetics, bioeconomy, and sustainable construction. By linking botanical insights with innovative waste management strategies, licorice emerges as a resource capable of supporting integrated, competitive, and environmentally responsible industrial practices. Full article

Achieving the ambitious EU goals of zero-waste manufacturing requires innovative tools and methodologies that address both efficiency and environmental sustainability. This study presents a comprehensive methodology for assessing the efficiency and eco-efficiency of industrial processes, in order to support zero-waste manufacturing strategies. The proposed approach assesses critical performance metrics while integrating environmental-impact analysis to provide a holistic view of process optimization. The methodology was applied to two industrial use cases in the composites sector, a field with significant environmental impact due to the resource-intensive nature of composite manufacturing and challenges associated with the end-of-life management. By implementing this dual assessment, the study identifies key areas for improvement in operational performance and sustainability, offering actionable insights for process optimization and waste reduction. The results reveal that labor costs emerged as the primary contributor to the total costs for both use cases, more than 50%. On the other hand, the resin infusion phase accounts for the majority of the environmental impacts, accounting for more than 70% of the total impacts. This analysis highlights that eco-efficiency assessments, integrating environmental and cost data, allow the identification of inefficiencies, helping industries to prioritize improvement areas. In this specific case, the high environmental impact of resin infusion needs enhanced waste monitoring and process optimization, while the labor-intensive operations need streamlined workflows to reduce operational time and associated costs. The present methodology intends to serve as a practical tool for industries aiming to balance high-performance manufacturing with reduced environmental impact. Full article