Search Results (1,527)

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

This study developed a biodegradable dissolvable face mask incorporating liposomal kojic acid (KA) and licochalcone A from licorice extract (LE) to enhance skin delivery and performance. Liposomes were prepared by thin-film hydration method. The film matrix, composed of PVA/PVP/PEG400/HA, was optimized using factorial design to achieve suitable mechanical strength and rapid dissolution. The optimized mask, containing liposomal KA (1% w/v) and licochalcone A (0.025% w/v), was evaluated for antioxidant activity, ex vivo skin deposition, and short-term efficacy (Approval from the Institutional Review Board of Silpakorn University, Thailand; Ethics Approval No. REC 67.1001-146-7726/COA 68.0320-013 Date of registration: 20 March 2025). The optimized liposomes exhibited a mean particle size of 66–72 nm, entrapment efficiency above 65%, and a zeta potential of −12.5 mV (licochalcone A) and −1.67 mV (KA). Liposomal licochalcone A and KA showed potent antioxidant activity compared to their native forms. The optimized film dissolved within approximately 15 min on moist skin and showed favorable handling properties. Ex vivo studies revealed significantly higher skin deposition of both KA and licochalcone A from the liposomal mask compared with free and liposomal dispersions (p < 0.05). In a 7-day clinical evaluation, the mask significantly improved skin hydration and reduced melanin index (p < 0.05). No irritation or adverse reactions were observed, and user satisfaction was high. This liposomal dissolvable mask offered an effective, well-tolerated, and eco-friendly approach to enhancing skin brightness and hydration, supporting its potential as a sustainable cosmeceutical innovation. Full article

Pleurotus nebrodensis has raised the interest of the food and nutraceutical industry due to its valuable organoleptic characteristics coupled with antibacterial and antitumor properties. Given this interest, this study aimed to identify effective, cheap, and eco-friendly technologies to prepare extracts able to convey the bioactive compounds while retaining the typical mushroom aroma. Two aqueous extracts were prepared based on a freeze–thaw (FT) and ultrasound-assisted (UA) method. The extracts, both in liquid and lyophilized form, were analyzed by HPLC to determine the phenolic compounds. Moreover, the volatile organic compounds, total phenolics, total flavonoids, total phenolic acids, procyanidins, and ascorbic acid were determined, while the antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS radical scavenging activity, ferric-reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP), and cupric-reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assays. The UA extraction showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) phenolics (5.05 vs. 4.02 µg/g DW) and flavonoids (0.74 vs. 0.23 µg/g DW) but lower procyanidins (12.33 vs. 15.93 µg/g DW) and ascorbic acid (6.23 vs. 7.02 µg/g DW) than the FT extracts, resulting in lower antioxidant activity. Among the phenolic constituents, gallic acid was found to be the most abundant in all P. nebrodensis extracts. Regarding aroma, FT more effectively preserved volatile alcohols and aldehydes—particularly 1-octen-3-ol and hexanal—while UA led to greater volatile losses. These results highlight that the extraction method significantly affects both antioxidant composition and volatile integrity, with implications for designing P. nebrodensis-based food ingredients. Full article

The bacterium Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae is an important pathogen that causes wilt leaf blight disease in rice (Oryza sativa L.), leading to a reduction in rice yield. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the potential of a surfactant complex composed of CO₂ nanobubbles (CO₂-NBs) coated with sorbitan monostearate (Sp60) and a crude extract of Trichoderma polyalthiae as active ingredient delivery agents for controlling leaf blight under both laboratory and greenhouse conditions. The addition of Sp60 and crude extract as surfactants significantly influenced the size uniformity and stability of CO₂-NBs at the nano level, with the nanobubbles remaining intact in water for up to 14 days. In addition, CO₂-NBs with crude extract and Sp60 reduced the severity of wilt, with an minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 64 µg/mL and an minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) value of 128 µg/mL, and inhibited the disease by more than 50% in greenhouse conditions. Therefore, this study presents a creative and eco-friendly approach to managing bacterial leaf blight in rice that is innovative and relevant to sustainable plant protection. Full article

This study focuses on the development of antibacterial polymer nanocomposites based on biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the polymer matrix. Silver nanoparticles were produced using an aqueous extract from dried Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) leaves, which proved to be highly effective in reducing silver ions and stabilizing the resulting nanoparticles. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by FTIR, UV-Vis, TEM, SEM, and DLS analyses. The nanoparticles were predominantly spherical, with more than 70% having diameters below 20 nm. Subsequently, AgNPs were incorporated into the PVA matrix via an ex situ approach to fabricate nanocomposite fibers and thin films. SEM analysis confirmed successful incorporation and uniform distribution of AgNPs within the polymer structures. The nanocomposites exhibited pronounced antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Streptococcus uberis) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria, with nanofibers demonstrating superior performance compared to thin films. These findings highlight the potential of lavender-extract-mediated AgNPs as sustainable functional fillers for the fabrication of eco-friendly antibacterial materials applicable in biomedical and food packaging fields. Full article

The agro-industrial valorization of citrus waste represents a promising avenue to employ underutilized bioresources. This research investigated the potential of the peels of BARI malta 1 (sweet orange), a widely grown variety in Bangladesh, as a viable and new source for pectin extraction. Pectin is a polysaccharide, having extensive applications in the pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food business as a thickening, texturizer, emulsifier, gelling agent, and stabilizer. This study investigated the optimum extraction conditions for maximum yield, characterization, and physicochemical properties of the obtained pectin and compared the results with the pectin obtained from other sources. Comprehensive characterization through Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) confirmed the structural identity, crystallinity, thermal stability, and morphological features of the extracted pectin. Physicochemical properties, including moisture content, ash content, equivalent weight, methoxyl content, and degree of esterification, indicate the suitability and superiority of the extracted pectin for industrial applications. This research approach not only supports eco-friendly processing of citrus waste but also opens avenue for circular economy initiatives in Bangladesh. Full article

The increasing discharge of recalcitrant organic dyes from the textile industry necessitates the development of efficient and sustainable wastewater treatment technologies. This study reports the successful eco-friendly fabrication of magnetically separable cerium–manganese ferrite (Ce-MnFe₂O₄) nanocatalysts via a one-pot green synthesis route, utilizing an aqueous extract of Brachychiton populneus leaves. The structural, morphological, magnetic, and optical properties of the synthesized nanocatalysts were systematically investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the formation of a phase-pure cubic spinel structure, with evidence of Ce³⁺ ion incorporation leading to lattice expansion and the formation of beneficial oxygen vacancies. The composite material exhibited superparamagnetic behavior with a high saturation magnetization of 38.7 emu/g, which facilitates efficient magnetic separation and recovery. Optical studies revealed a direct bandgap of 2.33 eV, enabling significant photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation. The Ce-MnFe₂O₄ nanocatalyst demonstrated superior performance, achieving degradation efficiencies of 96% for methylene blue and 98% for Congo Red within 90 min. Furthermore, the catalyst demonstrated good operational stability, maintaining 62% of its initial degradation efficiency for CR and 51% for MB after five consecutive reuse cycles. These results underscore the potential of this green-synthesized, magnetically recoverable nanocatalyst as a highly effective and sustainable solution for the remediation of dye-contaminated industrial effluents. Full article

With the growing demand for eco-friendly food packaging, poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT)/polylactic acid (PLA) composite films have emerged as promising biodegradable alternatives, but their inherent limitations (e.g., poor antioxidant capacity, weak UV stability, and insufficient antimicrobial activity) hinder practical applications. This study aimed to address these drawbacks by incorporating Rosmarinus officinalis L. extract (RM) as a natural multifunctional additive. PBAT/PLA/RM blend films with RM concentrations of 0.1%, 0.3%, 0.5%, and 1% were fabricated via melt extrusion and blown film processing. Key characterizations were conducted to evaluate thermal stability, mechanical properties, morphology, antioxidant activity, UV-shielding performance, antimicrobial efficacy, and biodegradability. The results showed that RM significantly enhanced the antioxidant capacity of the films, with the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity achieved at 0.3% RM. UV-blocking performance improved incrementally with increasing RM concentration, and films containing ≥0.5% RM filtered over 90% of UVA and UVB radiation. All composite films met biodegradability standards, with over 90% degradation observed after 240 days of composting, though RM prolonged the initial degradation stage by inhibiting early microbial activity. However, the antimicrobial effect of RM was limited, and concentrations exceeding 1% caused film stickiness, impeding processing. This work demonstrates that RM is a viable natural additive for functionalizing PBAT/PLA films, offering enhanced antioxidant and UV-shielding properties while maintaining biodegradability, thus providing a promising solution for sustainable food packaging. Full article

The increasing environmental impact of synthetic antifouling paints has stimulated the search for natural, eco-friendly alternatives. In this study, alcoholic and aqueous extracts of the macroalgae Ulva ohnoi and Asparagopsis taxiformis were evaluated for their antifouling potential on aluminum substrates representative of boat hulls. Extracts were applied to aluminum plates coated with gelcoat under three different surface conditions (non-worn, worn, highly worn). The treated panels were submerged at 5 m and biofilm and fouling development was monitored every 96 h using digital imaging and quantitative segmentation. All treated surfaces exhibited significantly lower fouling colonization than the untreated control (p < 0.001). Among treatments, the aqueous extract of A. taxiformis produced the lowest degree of colonization across all surface conditions, while U. ohnoi extracts showed moderate antifouling activity. Increased surface wear enhanced overall colonization but did not suppress extract efficacy. These results demonstrate that both algal species possess active compounds capable of inhibiting early biofilm formation on marine substrates. Although less potent than conventional biocidal coatings, their biodegradability and absence of ecotoxicity represent a substantial environmental advantage. Future studies should focus on the chemical characterization of active metabolites, the formulation of hybrid bio-based coatings, and long-term field testing under dynamic marine conditions. Full article

Marine plants are a rich source of bioactive compounds with unique properties. The Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica is particularly abundant in phenolics and flavonoids, which exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, a phenolic-rich extract (POS) was obtained from beach-cast P. oceanica leaves using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), an eco-friendly technique that preserves thermolabile compounds and avoids organic solvents. POS was incorporated into a base cream (POS-enriched cream) to evaluate its bioactive potential in topical applications. The antioxidant capacity of POS and the cream formulation was firstly evaluated using the DPPH radical scavenging assay, confirming strong radical scavenging activity for the POS (IC₅₀ = 2.32 ± 0.33 mg/mL) and significant activity for the POS-enriched cream (IC₅₀ = 16.76 ± 0.58 mg/mL) compared to a base cream as control (IC₅₀ = 37.62 ± 1.27 mg/mL). The antioxidant and photoprotective effects of POS were investigated in human skin fibroblasts (HS-68) exposed to oxidative stress and UV-induced damage, while anti-melanogenic activity was assessed in human epidermal melanocytes (HEM) by measuring tyrosinase activity and melanin content. POS significantly reduced ROS accumulation and modulated key molecular pathways involved in apoptosis (p-JNK), inflammation (NF-κB), energy balance (p-AMPK), and collagen synthesis (Col1A1) in fibroblasts. In melanocytes, both POS pure extract and POS-enriched cream effectively inhibited tyrosinase activity while maintaining unaltered basal melanin levels, indicating a modulatory rather than fully suppressive effect. These findings highlight the potential of P. oceanica SFE extracts as sustainable natural marine-derived products for photoprotection and anti-melanogenesis, thereby bridging the gap between marine waste stream management and applications in skin health and anti-aging strategies. Full article

Sustainable oil and gas development demands eco-friendly and cost-effective drilling fluids. Water-based drilling fluids (WBDFs) are preferred over oil-based alternatives for their lower environmental impact, but they often suffer from excessive fluid loss in permeable formations, leading to thick filter cakes, reduced mud weight, and operational delays. Conventional chemical additives mitigate this issue but pose environmental and health risks due to their toxicity and non-biodegradability. This study explores the use of biodegradable additives extracted from avocado seed (AS), rambutan shell (RS), tamarind shell (TS) and banana trunk (BT) biomass in four particle sizes of 300, 150, 75 and 32 μm to improve filtration control in WBDFs. All four materials were crushed by ball milling and characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX). In accordance with API Spec 13A recommendations, several water-based drilling fluids (WBDFs), including reference fluid and modified fluids formulated with biodegradable additives at a fixed percentage of 3 wt% and varied particle sizes, were prepared. The rheological and filtration properties of the formulated drilling fluids were investigated by conducting industry-standard rheology and filtration tests under LPLT conditions (100 psi, 25 °C) and HPHT conditions (1500 psi, 75 °C). The results show that 32 μm tamarind shell powder delivered the strongest performance, reducing fluid loss by 82.4% under HPHT conditions and producing the thinnest mud cake (0.33 mm); it also reduced fluid loss by 72.8% under LPLT conditions, outperforming the other biodegradable materials. Full article

Agricultural biomass has potential as a renewable and versatile carbon feedstock for developing eco-friendly and biodegradable polymers capable of replacing conventional petrochemical plastics. To address the growing environmental concerns associated with plastic waste and carbon emissions, lignocellulosic residues, edible crop by-products, and algal biomass were utilized as sustainable raw materials. These biomasses provided carbohydrate-, lipid-, and lignin-rich fractions that were deconstructed through optimised physical, chemical, and enzymatic pretreatments to yield fermentable intermediates, such as reducing sugars, organic acids, and fatty acids. The intermediates were subsequently converted through tailored microbial fermentation processes into biopolymer precursors, primarily polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and lactate-based monomers. The resulting monomers underwent polymerization via polycondensation and ring-opening reactions to produce high-performance biodegradable plastics with tunable structural and mechanical properties. Additionally, the direct extraction and modification of naturally occurring polymers, such as starch, cellulose, and lignin, were explored to develop blended and functionalized bioplastic formulations. Comparative evaluation revealed that these biomass-derived polymers possess favourable physical strength, thermal stability, and biodegradability under composting conditions. Life-cycle evaluation further indicated a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and improved carbon recycling compared to fossil-derived counterparts. The study demonstrates that integrating agricultural residues into bioplastic production not only enhances waste valorization and rural bioeconomy but also supports sustainable material innovation for packaging, farming, and consumer goods industries. These findings position agriculture-based biodegradable polymers as a critical component of circular bioeconomy strategies, contributing to reduced plastic pollution and improved environmental sustainability. Full article

Vegetable cultivation is currently facing complex challenges related to climate change, with negative repercussions on plant performance. In this scenario, the employment of eco-friendly agronomic tools capable of boosting plant tolerance to abiotic stresses is fundamental. Among them, the use of non-microbial biostimulants, such as seaweed extracts (SwEs), and microelements, like selenium (Se), is considered an efficient approach to overcome abiotic stresses. In this experiment, the performance of chicory plants cultivated under three different irrigation levels (100%, 75% or 50% of substrate water holding capacity) and treated with SwE, Se or their combination (SwE + Se) was evaluated. The results revealed that drought stress significantly decreased growth, productivity and relative water content but increased soluble solid content, dry matter percentage, and proline and malondialdehyde concentrations. The application of Swe, Se or Swe + Se enhanced growth, productive features and soluble solid content and reduced dry matter percentage, proline and malondialdehyde compared to the control. Based on our results, Se and SwE combined application could be a valuable approach to face moderate drought stress on curly endive plants and improve productive and quality traits. Full article

The intestine is considered a habitat for both bacteria and parasites. In this study, many fecal bacterial isolates and the protozoan Blastocystis sp. were recovered from stool samples of individuals with gastrointestinal conditions. Isolated bacteria were tested for extracellular protease production, and the most potent producer was identified by 16SrDNA gene sequencing as P. aeruginosa FZM498. The enzyme was extracted and purified to electrophoretic homogeneity by the DEAE-Sepharose ion-exchanger and SDS-PAGE revealed a major band at 42.15 KDa. It exhibited maximal activity at 35 °C with thermostability at 60 °C (T_1/2 = 200.04 min). It was most active at pH 8.0 and stable at 5.0–9.5. Enzymatic activity was greatly stimulated in the presence of Fe²⁺ ions, but was repressed by Zn²⁺ and Hg²⁺ ions. Inhibition by PMSF, TLCK, aprotinin, benzamidine, and SBTI protease reagents suggests a serine protease family. The V_max and K_m dynamic constants against azocasein were 36.232 U/mL and 0.0072 mM, respectively. It exhibited the lowest K_m value against the synthetic substrate D-Val-Leu-Lys-pNA among all substrates, indicating a plasmin-like activity. Interestingly, when tested against Blastocystis sp., cysts appeared progressively shrunken, ruptured, and mycelial-like, indicating complete structural collapse with leakage of intracellular contents. The importance of this research is that it is the first study to test the anti-Blastocystis activity of an extracted bacterial serine protease from the gut. This could be a promising, eco-friendly, natural alternative as an anti-Blastocystis agent. The objective of this study was to isolate, purify, and biochemically characterize an extracellular serine protease produced by gut-associated bacteria, as well as to assess its in vitro anti-Blastocystis efficacy as a potential natural and ecologically friendly antiparasitic therapy. Full article

This study presents a green synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) capped with Haloxylon (P1) and Calligonum (P2) extracts. The use of plant-derived biomolecules as natural capping agents offers an environmentally friendly strategy to tune surface chemistry and to enhance the photocatalytic behavior of ZnO NPs. ZnO/plant extracts nanocomposites were prepared via a hydrothermal route and systematically characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–Vis spectroscopy, and photoluminescence (PL), followed by evaluation of their photocatalytic performance against methylene blue (MB) under UV irradiation. XRD confirmed a wurtzite structure with crystallite sizes ranging from 8.95 to 10.93 nm, while PL spectra indicated an improved charge carrier separation in extract-capped ZnO. The characteristics and pollutant removal performance of the greenly synthesized ZnO composites were compared with those of a chemically synthesized ZnO nanoparticles reference sample. Adsorption tests under dark conditions revealed a strong difference between the materials: ZnO-P1 removed 48% of MB, whereas ZnO-P2 adsorbed only 7%, demonstrating a much higher affinity of the Haloxylon-derived surface groups toward MB. In comparison, the chemically synthesized ZnO exhibited an adsorption capacity of 54%, confirming that the Haloxylon-mediated surface provides a comparable efficient dye uptake prior to irradiation. After UV irradiation, all samples exhibited a photocatalytic activity with a total MB removal reached ~59% for the reference ZnO sample and ~53% for ZnO-P1 compared to about 13% for the ZnO-P2. Kinetic analysis also confirmed that ZnO-P1 possessed a high degradation rate constant, indicating a better intrinsic photocatalytic efficiency in addition to the strong adsorption contribution. The enhanced performance of plant-capped ZnO is attributed to phytochemical-induced surface defects, which facilitated charge separation and boosted the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Overall, these results demonstrate that Haloxylon and Calligonum extracts are effective and sustainable capping agents, providing a low-cost, eco-friendly approach for designing ZnO nanocatalysts composites with promising applications in wastewater treatment and environmental remediation. Full article