Search Results (307)

Agricultural by-products, such as banana pseudostems (BPS), present a sustainable solution for waste reduction and the recovery of valuable metabolites with biotechnological applications. This study investigated the potential of BPS as a substrate for bio-fermentation, specifically for the cultivation of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Maçã cultivar BPSs (MBPS) and Nanica cultivar BPSs (NBPS) flour samples showed differences in carbohydrate composition, especially in resistant starch (16.7 and 2.7%), cellulose (27.0 and 52.4%), and hemicellulose (25.4 and 33.8%), respectively. Phenolic compound content in NBPS was higher than in MBPS (193.9 and 153.5 GAE/100 g, respectively). The BPS starches and flour were well assimilated by the probiotic LAB cultures. Limosilactobacillus fermentum SJRP30 and SJRP43 showed significant growth in media with gelatinized Maçã flour (GMF) and non-gelatinized Nanica flour (NGNF) BPS by-products (Log 9.18 and 9.75 CFU/mL, respectively), while Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG exhibited the highest growth (Log 11.31 CFU/mL) in the medium with NGNF BPS by-products. The probiotic Lbs. casei SJRP146 and Lmb. fermentum SJRP30 and SJRP43 presented high enzymatic activity and the ability to assimilate D-xylose. Only Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus SJRP57 and SJRP49 were able to assimilate starch. Their prebiotic potential under in vitro gastrointestinal digestion was evidenced by promoting the selected probiotic bacteria’s protection and maintaining their viable cells after challenging conditions, likely associated with the BPS composition. Lab. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus SJRP57, Lacticaseibacillus casei SJRP145, and Lmb. fermentum SJRP43 performed similarly to the commercial strain Lbs. rhamnosus GG. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using cost-effective and abundant agricultural waste as a promising sustainable ingredient with potential prebiotic activity, via eco-friendly production methods that do not require chemical or enzymatic extraction. The prebiotic potential under in vitro gastrointestinal digestion was evidenced by promoting the selected probiotic bacteria’s protection and maintaining their viable cells after challenging conditions, likely associated with the BPS composition. These results demonstrate the feasibility of cost-effective and abundantly available agricultural waste using eco-friendly production (without chemical or enzymatic extraction methods), as a promising sustainable ingredient with potential prebiotic activity. Full article

Enhancing the sustainability of growing media is an important objective in soilless vegetable cultivation. Here, we evaluated the potential of pine bark to replace perlite in coir-based substrates for lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. ‘Godzilla’) cultivation. The experiment followed a factorial design with two coir-based substrate blends—one amended with perlite and the other with pine bark—and two nutrient solution EC levels (1.5 ± 0.2 and 2.5 ± 0.2 dS m⁻¹). The plants were cultivated in Styrofoam containers containing a substrate mix of 80% coir, 12% compost, and 8% perlite or pine bark (v/v). Replacing perlite with pine bark did not affect leaf macronutrient concentrations but increased leaf Fe and B levels. Increasing the EC of the nutrient solution increased leaf N, P, and K, with a significant rise in nitrogen. The substitution of perlite with pine bark in coir-based substrates did not affect leaf dry weight, head fresh weight, or chlorophyll content, total phenols, ascorbic acid, or proline, even under different salinity levels. The findings indicate the pine bark is an alternative to perlite, supporting comparable agronomic and quality outcomes in lettuce. Further research is recommended to confirm these results in crops with longer growing cycles. Full article

Easily accessible and inexpensive potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃) has been applied as the base-catalyst for the synthesis of novel classes of functionalized nanomaterials. This eco-friendly approach has been proven to be effective for a wide range of substrates, leading to nine isocyanate derivatives of silsesquioxanes (SQs) with yields exceeding 90% in mild and transition metal-free conditions. The application potential of chosen products was assessed on the basis of thermogravimetric analyses and photochemical measurements. Full article

Developing environmentally friendly and cost-effective substrates is critical to enhance resource efficiency and productivity in plant factories with artificial lighting (PFALs). This study employed a molded coconut coir substrate (coconut coir composited with polyurethane hydrophilic adhesive, MCCS) in PFALs to cultivate lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and pak choi (Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis). During the transplanting stage, the roots exposed outside the MCCS of lettuce and pak choi were 13.40% and 19.92% shorter, respectively, than in the sponge treatment, and more amenable to mechanical transplanting. This compensated for the neglect of operational efficiency in traditional lifecycle assessment (LCA). Furthermore, compared with sponge and rockwool, MCCS significantly enhanced the yield of lettuce and pak choi by up to 27.33% and 67.19%, respectively. Meanwhile, MCCS significantly increased the chlorophyll content of lettuce compared to sponge by 8.56%. Compared with rockwool, MCCS significantly increased the chlorophyll b content (7.36%), antioxidant content, and antioxidant activity (total phenolics by 13.59%, total flavonoid by 18.43%, FRAP by 12.96%, and DPPH by 19.87%) of lettuce. For pak choi, MCCS increased the soluble protein content in the blade and total phenolics content in the petiole by 32.01% and 14.76%, respectively. More importantly, the use of MCCS led to a significant reduction in the energy consumption per unit area yield of lettuce and pak choi, with maximum reductions of 22.98% and 40.91%, respectively. This eco-friendly substrate is suitable for replacing sponge and rockwool in the production of lettuce and pak choi in PFALs. Full article

Environmental monitoring plays a key role in understanding and mitigating the effects of climate change, pollution, and resource mismanagement. The growth of printed sensor technologies offers an innovative approach to addressing these challenges due to their low cost, flexibility, and scalability. Printed sensors enable the real-time monitoring of air, water, soil, and climate, providing significant data for data-driven decision-making technologies and policy development to improve the quality of the environment. The development of new materials, such as graphene, conductive polymers, and biodegradable substrates, has significantly enhanced the environmental applications of printed sensors by improving sensitivity, enabling flexible designs, and supporting eco-friendly and disposable solutions. The development of inkjet, screen, and roll-to-roll printing technologies has also contributed to the achievement of mass production without sacrificing quality or performance. This review presents the current progress in printed sensors for environmental applications, with a focus on technological advances, challenges, applications, and future directions. Moreover, the paper also discusses the challenges that still exist due to several issues, e.g., sensitivity, stability, power supply, and environmental sustainability. Printed sensors have the potential to revolutionize ecological monitoring, as evidenced by recent innovations such as Internet of Things (IoT) integration, self-powered designs, and AI-enhanced data analytics. By addressing these issues, printed sensors can develop a better understanding of environmental systems and help promote the UN sustainable development goals. Full article

Titanium alloys such as Ti-6Al-4V are widely used in biomedical implants due to their excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility, but their bioinert nature limits osseointegration and antibacterial performance. This study proposes a multifunctional surface coating system integrating a thermally oxidized TiO₂ interlayer with a hydroxyapatite (HAp) top layer synthesized via a green route using Hylocereus undatus extract. The HAp was deposited by electrophoretic deposition (EPD), enabling continuous coverage and strong adhesion to the pre-treated Ti-6Al-4V substrate. Structural, morphological, chemical, and electrical characterizations were performed using XRD, SEM, EDS, Raman spectroscopy, and impedance spectroscopy. Bioactivity was assessed through apatite formation in simulated body fluid (SBF), while antibacterial properties were evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus. The results demonstrated successful formation of crystalline TiO₂ (rutile phase) and calcium-rich HAp with good surface coverage. The HAp-coated surfaces exhibited significantly enhanced bioactivity and strong antibacterial performance, likely due to the combined effects of surface roughness and the bioactive compounds present in the plant extract. This study highlights the potential of eco-friendly, bio-inspired surface engineering to improve the biological performance of titanium-based implants. Full article

The use of methane as a carbon source for producing bacterial single-cell protein (SCP) has been one of the most interesting developments in recent years. Most of these upcoming industries are using a methanotroph, Methylococcus capsulatus Bath, for SCP production using natural gas as the substrate. In the present study, we have explored the possibility of using an indigenously isolated methanotroph from a rice field in India, Methylomagnum ishizawai strain KRF4, for producing SCP from biogas [derived from cow dung]. The process was eco-friendly, required minimal instruments and chemicals, and was carried out under semi-sterile conditions in a tabletop fish tank. As the name suggests, Methylomagnum is a genus of large methanotrophs, and the strain KRF4 had elliptical to rectangular size and dimensions of ~4–5 µm × 1–2 µm. In static cultures, when biogas and air were supplied in the upper part of the growing tank, the culture grew as a thick pellicle/biofilm that could be easily scooped. The grown culture was mostly pure, from the microscopic observations where the large size of the cells, with rectangular-shaped cells and dark granules, could easily help identify any smaller contaminants. Additionally, the large cell size could be advantageous for separating biomass during downstream processing. The amino acid composition of the lyophilized biomass was analyzed using HPLC, and it was seen that the amino acid composition was comparable to commercial fish meal, soymeal, Pruteen, and the methanotroph-derived SCP-UniProtein^®. The only difference was that a slightly lower percentage of lysine, tryptophan, and methionine was observed in Methylomagnum-derived SCP. Methylomagnum ishizawai could be looked at as an alternative for SCP derived from methane or biogas due to the comparable SCP produced, on the qualitative level. Further intensive research is needed to develop a continuous, sustainable, and economical process to maximize biomass production and downstream processing. Full article

Zwitterionic hydrogels have emerged as eco-friendly anti-fouling materials owing to their superior hydration-mediated resistance to biofouling. Nevertheless, their practical utility remains constrained by intrinsically poor mechanical robustness. Herein, this study proposes a novel strategy to develop novel tough zwitterionic hydrogels by freezing the gels’ polymer network. As a proof of concept, a zwitterionic hydrogel was synthesized via copolymerization of hydrophobic monomer phenyl methacrylate (PMA) and hydrophilic cationic monomer N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) methacrylamide (DMAPMA), followed by post-oxidation to yield a zwitterionic structure. At service temperature, the rigid and hydrophobic PMA segments remain frozen, while the hydrophilic zwitterionic units maintain substantial water content by osmotic pressure. Synergistically, the zwitterionic hydrogel achieves robust toughness and adhesiveness, with high rigidity (66 MPa), strength (4.78 MPa), and toughness (2.53 MJ/m³). Moreover, the hydrogel exhibits a distinct temperature-dependent behavior by manifesting softer and more stretchable behavior after heating, since the thawing of the gel network at high temperatures increases segmental mobility. Therefore, it achieved satisfactory adhesiveness to substrates (80 kPa). Additionally, the hydrogel demonstrated remarkable anti-fouling performance, effectively suppressing biofilm formation and larval attachment. In summary, this work opens up promising prospects for the development of zwitterionic hydrogels with high application potential. Full article

Paper’s inherent hydrophilicity and porosity cause inadequate barrier properties, failing under high humidity/temperature. This study successfully developed a hydrophobic nanocoating agent (xLNPs-OTS) through silanization modification using D276 (lignin nanoparticles with a diameter of 276 nm) as the substrate and OTS (octadecyltrichlorosilane) as the functionalizing agent. By applying the coating to paper surfaces followed by a hot-pressing process, the paper achieved comprehensive performance enhancements, including superior water, oil, and vapor barrier properties, thermal stability, mechanical strength, frictional resistance, and self-cleaning capabilities. The Cobb 60 value of LOTSC3.5T120t30 (the coating made from the OTS silanized lignin with the coating amount of 3.5 g/m² and a hot-pressing at 120 °C for 30 min) coated paper is as low as 3.75 g/m², and can withstand hot water at 100 °C for 60 min. The Cobb 60 value of the LOTSC20T120t30 (the coating made from the OTS silanized lignin with the coating amount of 20 g/m² and a hot-pressing at 120 °C for 30 min) coated paper is reduced to 0.9 g/m², the Kit grade is 6, and all coated papers are endowed with self-cleaning features. This study advances lignin’s high-value utilization, driving sustainable packaging and supporting eco-friendly paper material development. Full article

The growing environmental concerns associated with petroleum-based plastics require the development of sustainable, biodegradable alternatives. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a family of biodegradable bioplastics, offer a promising potential as eco-friendly substitutes due to their renewable origin and favorable degradation properties. This research investigates the use of synthetic condensate, mimicking the liquid fraction from drying and shredding of household food waste, as a viable substrate for PHA production using mixed microbial cultures. Two draw-fill reactors (DFRs) were operated under different feed organic concentrations (2.0 ± 0.5 and 3.8 ± 0.6 g COD/L), maintaining a consistent carbon-to-nitrogen ratio to selectively enrich microorganisms capable of accumulating PHAs through alternating nutrient availability and deficiency. Both reactors achieved efficient organic pollutant removal (>95% soluble COD removal), stable biomass growth, and optimal pH levels. Notably, the reactor with the higher organic load (DFR-2) demonstrated a modest increase in PHA accumulation (19.05 ± 7.18%) compared to the lower-loaded reactor (DFR-1; 15.19 ± 6.00%), alongside significantly enhanced biomass productivity. Polymer characterization revealed the formation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), influenced by the substrate composition. Microbial community analysis showed an adaptive shift towards Proteobacteria dominance, signifying successful enrichment of effective PHA producers. Full article

The high cost of mushroom spawn remains a critical constraint to economically viable mushroom cultivation, particularly for small-scale farmers. This study investigated four spawn types, including stick (giant mimosa stalks, GMS), sawdust, sorghum, and liquid culture as inoculum sources for 10 edible mushroom species. The results indicated that GMS stick spawn provides excellent conditions for the mycelial growth of seven species, outperforming other spawn types in terms of colonization rate and pinhead formation. Mushrooms grown on GMS substrate demonstrated rapid development, with full colonization occurring within 11 to 26 days and pinhead initiation between 18 and 47 days, depending on the species. Among the mushroom species tested, Schizophyllum commune exhibited the fastest growth, reaching full colonization in 11 days and forming pinheads after 18 days of inoculation. In comparison, Auricularia polytricha showed the slowest development. Economically, GMS spawn was the most cost-effective at 0.074 USD per unit, significantly lower than sawdust (0.24 USD), sorghum (0.29 USD), and potato dextrose broth (PDB; 2.80 USD). The conversion from PDB with GMS could reduce industrial inoculum costs from 35,000 USD to 600 USD annually. These findings demonstrate the potential of GMS as an effective, low-cost, and sustainable spawn option that can enhance mycelial growth and support eco-friendly farming practices. Full article

Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) are an emerging category of cost-effective and environmentally sustainable materials that are attracting significant research and commercial interest across various industries, including construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and biomedicine. These materials harness the natural growth of fungi as a low-energy bio-fabrication method, converting abundant agricultural by-products and waste into sustainable alternatives to energy-intensive synthetic construction materials. Their affordability and eco-friendly characteristics make them attractive for both research and commercialisation. Currently, mycelium-based foams and sandwich composites are being actively developed for applications in construction. These materials offer exceptional thermal insulation, excellent acoustic absorption, and superior fire safety compared to conventional building materials like synthetic foams and engineered wood. As a result, MBCs show great potential for applications in thermal and acoustic insulation. However, their foam-like mechanical properties, high water absorption, and limited documentation of material properties restrict their use to non- or semi-structural roles, such as insulation, panelling, and furniture. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the fabrication process and the factors affecting the production and performance properties of MBCs. It addresses key elements such as fungal species selection, substrate choice, optimal growth conditions, dehydration methods, post-processing techniques, mechanical and physical properties, termite resistance, cost comparison, and life cycle assessment. Full article

The Internet of Things (IoT) is one of the pivotal technologies driving the digital transformation of industry, business, and personal life. Along with new opportunities, the exponential growth of IoT devices also brings environmental challenges, driven by the increasing accumulation of e-waste. This paper introduces a novel, compact, cubic-shaped rectenna with a 3D-printed composite substrate featuring five identical patches. The design aims to integrate RF energy harvesting technology with eco-friendly materials, enabling its application in powering next-generation sustainable IoT systems. Due to its symmetrical design, each patch antenna achieves a bandwidth of 130 MHz within the frequency range of 2.4 GHz to 2.57 GHz, with a maximum efficiency of 60.5% and an excellent isolation of below −25 dB between adjacent patch antennas. Furthermore, measurements of the rectifier circuit indicate a maximum conversion efficiency of 33%, which is comparable to that of other rectennas made on 3D-printed substrates. The proposed visually unobtrusive design not only enhances compactness but also allows the proposed rectenna to harvest RF energy from nearly all directions. Full article

This study presents an experimental and comprehensive data-driven framework to gain deeper insights into the effect of acidic pretreatment in enhancing the biomethane yield of Xyris capensis. The experimental workflow involves subjecting the Xyris capensis to different concentrations of HCl, exposure times, and digestion retention time in mesophilic anaerobic conditions. Key insights were gained from the experimental dataset through correlation mapping, feature importance assessment (FIA) using the Gini importance (GI) metric of the decision tree regressor, dimensionality reduction using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and operational cluster analysis using k-means clustering. Furthermore, different clustering techniques were tested with an Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) tuned with particle swarm optimization (ANFIS-PSO) for biomethane yield prediction. The experimental results showed that HCl pretreatment increased the biomethane yield by 62–150% compared to the untreated substrate. The correlation analysis and FIA further revealed exposure time and acid concentration as the dominant variables driving biomethane production, with GI values of 0.5788 and 0.3771, respectively. The PCA reduced the complexity of the digestion parameters by capturing over 80% of the variance in the principal components. Three distinct operational clusters, which are influenced by the pretreatment condition and digestion set-up, were identified by the k-means cluster analysis. In testing, a Gaussian-based Grid-Partitioning (GP)-clustered ANFIS-PSO model outperformed others with RMSE, MAE, and MAPE values of 5.3783, 3.1584, and 10.126, respectively. This study provides a robust framework of experimental and computational data-driven methods for optimizing the biomethane production, thus contributing significantly to sustainable and eco-friendly energy alternatives. Full article

The design and investigation of electrochromic devices have advanced significantly, including distinct applications such as self-charged smart windows, aerospace interactive windows, low power flexible and ecofriendly displays, automatic dimming rearview, wearable smart textiles, military and civilian camouflage systems, electrochromic sensors, among others. Although significant progress has been made in related fields, achieving the full potential of electrochromic devices to meet the standards of maturity and practical applications remains a persistent challenge. Electrochromic devices are typically multilayered structures that can be designed as either rigid or flexible systems, depending on the type of substrate employed. Conventional electrochromic devices comprise layered structures that include transparent electrodes, electrochromic materials, ionic conductors, and ion storage materials. On the other hand, multifunctional systems integrate bifunctional materials or distinct functional layers to simultaneously achieve optical modulation and additional capabilities such as energy storage. The development of advanced materials, comprehensive electrochemical kinetic analysis, the optimization and advancement of process techniques and deposition methods, and innovative device designs are active areas of extensive global research. This review focuses on the recent advances in multifunctional electrochromic materials and devices with particular emphasis on the integration of electrochromic technology with other functional technologies. It further identifies current challenges, proposes potential solutions, and outlines future research directions focused on advancing this technology in both niche and scalable applications. Full article