Search Results (535)

Mechanical force offers a distinctive nonequilibrium mode of energy input for lignocellulosic biomass valorization through localized, transient action. This review systematically examines the multiscale physicochemical effects of mechanical force, its synergistic coupling with chemical pretreatments, and its role in enhancing enzymatic hydrolysis. The principal contribution of mechanical force is not merely particle-size reduction, but the exposure of active sites and improvement in substrate accessibility at the molecular level. Coupling mechanical force with chemical pretreatment enables the efficient component fractionation under mild conditions while mitigating irreversible lignin condensation. In high-solids enzymatic hydrolysis, a periodic mechanical energy input can tear fiber bundles, release constrained water, and renew reaction interfaces, thereby allowing enzymes to sustain a high catalytic efficiency at extremely low liquid-to-solid ratios and reducing the dependence on large amounts of free water. An economic analysis indicates that feedstock and enzyme costs dominate the overall process economics. Accordingly, mechanical-force strategies should prioritize the maximized sugar yield and reduced enzyme loading under a controlled energy input. Future research should focus on continuous operation, the balance between mechanical deconstruction and lignin structural integrity, and multidimensional evaluation frameworks that integrate the energy consumption, sugar yield, enzyme dosage, and full-process energy balance. Full article

Ultrasonic-assisted heterogeneous Fenton-like (UHEF) pretreatment is an emerging strategy that overcomes the limitations of traditional homogeneous Fenton systems while enhancing the efficiency of lignocellulosic biomass processing. In this study, we constructed a UHEF system employing iron-loaded zeolite as a heterogeneous catalyst to pretreat eucalyptus sawdust (ES). Process conditions were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) with a central composite design (CCD), yielding a maximum reducing sugar production of 441.45 mg/g. We systematically investigated the mechanism by which UHEF pretreatment enhances the enzymatic hydrolysis of ES through compositional analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), cross-polarization magic-angle spinning carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (CP/MAS ¹³C NMR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, recovery and recycling experiments were conducted to evaluate the reusability of the iron-loaded zeolite. XRD, XPS, and ICP-OES were further used to verify the crystalline structure, surface Fe chemical states, and Fe loading of the catalyst, and Fe leaching was quantified for each reuse cycle. The results demonstrated that UHEF pretreatment effectively removed lignin and hemicellulose from ES, disrupted the cellulose crystalline structure, and generated numerous grooves on the substrate surface. These modifications increased the effective adsorption of cellulase and enhanced reducing sugar production to 4.32 times that of raw eucalyptus sawdust (RES). Although the recycling experiments indicated that the stability of the iron-loaded zeolite requires further improvement, the catalyst retained a certain degree of reusability over four consecutive cycles. These findings demonstrate that UHEF pretreatment is a promising approach with broad application prospects in lignocellulosic biorefinery, consistent with recent advances in advanced oxidation processes for biomass valorization. Full article

Glutamine peptides not only serve as delivery vehicles for supplemental glutamine but also frequently possess unique biological activities that surpass glutamine itself, playing a crucial role in maintaining intestinal health. Corn gluten meal, as a major byproduct of corn processing with substantial production volume, is rich in glutamine, making it an ideal raw material for preparing glutamine peptides. This study aims to establish an enzymatic hydrolysis process for the efficient release of glutamine peptides from corn gluten meal and to identify glutamine peptides with gut health-maintaining effects. The results indicate that stepwise enzymatic hydrolysis of corn gluten meal using Protamex and Trypsin yields a glutamine-rich corn protein hydrolysate (GRCH). A total of 175 glutamine peptides were further identified from the low-molecular-weight fraction of GRCH. Through physicochemical property analysis and molecular docking technology, five glutamine peptides with potential inhibitory activity against the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway were screened, among which QFSLP demonstrated outstanding performance. In vitro experiments demonstrate that QFSLP is fully absorbed by intestinal epithelial cells and effectively alleviates LPS-induced inflammatory responses in intestinal cells. Following QFSLP intervention, the levels of proinflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-8 in cells were significantly reduced (p < 0.05), while the level of the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 was significantly increased (p < 0.05). The findings of this study contribute to the industrial-scale production of glutamine peptides and provide experimental evidence for their development in gut health-related products. Full article

Crop straw is an abundant lignocellulosic resource, but its efficient bioconversion is hindered by the recalcitrant structure of plant cell walls. This study integrated degradation phenotyping, enzyme activity assays, whole-genome analysis, and comparative transcriptomics to link the wheat-straw degradation performance of strain XH2 with its enzymatic and molecular responses. Strain XH2 was isolated from fully decomposed compost collected in Anhui Province, China, selected based on the formation of a distinct hydrolysis halo on CMC-Congo red agar, and deposited in the China Center for Type Culture Collection (CCTCC) under accession number CCTCC M 2025519. Morphological, cultural, phylogenetic, and genomic analyses identified strain XH2 as Streptomyces thermocarboxydus. Its degradation capacity was evaluated during 28 days of cultivation by measuring straw degradation, lignocellulosic components, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and extracellular enzyme activities. S. thermocarboxydus XH2 caused marked disruption of the wheat-straw surface and achieved a degradation rate of 31.45%. Cellulose and hemicellulose contents decreased from 41.10% to 28.87% and from 30.72% to 16.85%, respectively, whereas lignin decreased from 8.28% to 6.30%. Endoglucanase activity, filter paper activity (FPase, an indicator of total cellulase activity), and xylanase activity peaked on day 7, reaching 35.99, 17.68, and 37.01 U/mL, respectively. Genome analysis revealed multiple genes encoding cellulases and hemicellulases. Comparative transcriptomic analysis after 72 h of cultivation in wheat-straw medium identified 1614 differentially expressed genes relative to Gause No. 1 medium, with major enrichment in ABC transporters and fructose and mannose metabolism. Most genes associated with polysaccharide degradation were upregulated. These findings link the degradation phenotype of S. thermocarboxydus XH2 to its enzymatic and molecular responses and support its further evaluation as a candidate for wheat-straw bioconversion under greenhouse and field conditions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Brassica vegetables are widely promoted as health-promoting foods, but their functional value is still commonly inferred from glucosinolate content alone. However, glucosinolates are biologically inactive precursors whose nutritional relevance depends on their conversion into bioactive hydrolysis products, particularly isothiocyanates (ITCs). This review aims to reconsider Brassica functionality through an ITC-yield-centered perspective rather than a precursor-content-based approach. Methods: This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on the biochemical, technological, gastrointestinal, and analytical determinants of glucosinolate hydrolysis and ITC formation. Particular attention is given to myrosinase activity, specifier proteins, pH, temperature, tissue disruption, food matrix effects, processing conditions, gastrointestinal transformation, inter-individual microbial variability, and the limitations of precursor-based interpretation. Results: The reviewed evidence indicates that similar glucosinolate profiles can result in markedly different levels of bioactive exposure depending on enzymatic activity, processing history, matrix context, and host-related factors. Therefore, precursor abundance alone is an unreliable surrogate for functional efficacy. Functional optimization should not aim at indiscriminate maximization of glucosinolate breakdown, but rather at selective promotion of beneficial ITC-forming pathways while limiting nitriles, epithionitriles, and goitrogenic products such as goitrin. Conversion efficiency emerges as a critical analytical bridge between glucosinolate abundance and food-level ITC formation, while subsequent bioaccessibility and host-related factors determine realized exposure. Conclusions: Brassica functionality could be more meaningfully evaluated through an ITC-yield-centered framework in which precursor abundance and conversion efficiency determine food-level ITC formation, while subsequent bioaccessibility and host-related factors shape realized exposure. This approach provides an integrative basis for breeding, food processing, product development, dietary guidance, and future evaluation of Brassica foods. Full article

Quorum sensing (QS) is critically involved in mediating microbial interactions and serves as a central regulatory mechanism in bacterial pathogenesis. As an emerging countermeasure, quorum quenching (QQ) suppresses QS-regulated virulence through enzymatic or chemical disruption of signal systems. N-acyl homoserine lactone (AHL), an evolutionarily conserved QS signal, coordinates the pathogenicity of multiple plant pathogens, particularly Dickeya zeae, which causes soft rot disease in various crops and leads to substantial agricultural losses. In this study, the QQ strain Acinetobacter schindleri XJ-10 was evaluated for its capacity to degrade AHL and attenuate the pathogenicity of D. zeae EC1 in host plants. Notably, strain XJ-10 exhibited efficient AHL degradation at 0.2 mmol/L within 24 h, achieving a degradation efficiency of 98.80%. Subsequently, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified N-hexanoyl-L-homoserine lactone and propanamide as key intermediates during AHL degradation, confirming complete mineralization to CO₂ and H₂O. Based on the structural characterization of AHL and its intermediates, the metabolic pathway within strain XJ-10 was proposed. The degradation pathway initiates with the hydrolysis of the ester ring of N-hexanoyl-L-homoserine lactone, generating N-hexanoyl-L-homoserine. Subsequent carbon–nitrogen bond scission is predicted to yield N-cyclohexyl-propanamide, which is further catabolized to produce hexanamide and propanamide. Furthermore, strain XJ-10 exhibited biocontrol activity against soft rot disease affecting potato (Solanum tuberosum), radish (Raphanus sativus), and Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis), as its crude enzyme extract effectively reduced disease incidence and severity in planta. While strain XJ-10 showed no detectable acylase activity, it exhibited significant degradation activity against AHL, suggesting a distinct QQ mechanism. Collectively, these findings broaden the scope of QQ-based biocontrol strategies and enhance mechanistic insights into managing bacterial diseases through QS modulation. Full article

The transition toward sustainable biorefinery processes requires efficient strategies for lignocellulosic biomass deconstruction and valorization. In this study, an integrated enzymatic system combining fungal holocellulases and laccases with a bacterial galactolipase was developed and evaluated. The consortium, composed of Trametes hirsuta GMA-01, Mycothermus thermophilus CBS 619.91, and Burkholderia lata BL02, was produced using agro-industrial substrates and applied to the hydrolysis of different lignocellulosic biomasses. The incorporation of galactolipase activity enhanced the saccharification yields for leaf-derived substrates, reaching up to 292.0 mg/g for spinach leaves and 236.0 mg/g for corn straw, compared to fungal systems alone. This effect is associated with the selective hydrolysis of membrane-associated galactolipids, improving substrate accessibility to holocellulolytic enzymes. Proteomic analysis confirmed the partial identification of the BL02 enzyme as an ester hydrolase, while structural modeling based on homologous Burkholderia lipases provided preliminary insights into features that may be compatible with the accommodation of bulky polar substrates. In addition, the enzyme catalyzed the synthesis of sugar fatty acid esters with conversion yields above 50% for glucose and xylose in binary solvent systems. These findings support the role of galactolipases as accessory enzymes and highlight their potential application in integrated and sustainable biorefinery processes. Full article

The utilization of agro-industrial waste in the bioeconomy is crucial for reducing the environmental impact. This study investigated the valorization of a common oat processing waste—oat hulls—using enzyme preparations of different origin and enzyme cocktails based on them. Oat hulls were used in native form and after chemical pretreatment. The following three enzyme preparations were used for enzymatic hydrolysis: Agrocell Plus, CelloLux-A, and Ultraflo Max. An enzyme cocktail consisting of the three enzyme preparations was found to provide a conversion degree of 45% for native oat hulls with simultaneous hydrolysis of cellulose and hemicelluloses, with glucose accounting for only 41% of the total reducing sugars. Enzymatic hydrolysis of the chemically pretreated product confirmed the effectiveness of using enzyme cocktails: the yield of reducing sugars increased 1.4–1.8 times compared to the individual enzymes. The use of the enzyme cocktail consisting of the three enzyme preparations provided a 99% conversion of the accessible fraction of the substrate. Visualization by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the hydrolysis of native oat hulls revealed the disappearance of substrate surface irregularities, while in the case of the chemically pretreated product, the substrate disintegration was observed. The comparison of the SEM results of the two substrates before and after hydrolysis confirms the effectiveness of the enzyme cocktails. The contribution of glucose to the total concentration of reducing sugars in the hydrolyzates obtained from the chemically pretreated oat hulls was 85–91%, which allows for predicting the successful application of these hydrolyzates as nutrient media for the biosynthesis of value-added products. Full article

The increasing demand for sustainable bioplastics is constrained by the high production costs associated with refined carbon sources, highlighting the need for low-cost, renewable feedstocks. This study evaluated the potential of spent coffee grounds (SCG), an abundant and sustainable feedstock for generating polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) using Cupriavidus necator. First, SCG was subjected to solvent extraction to remove coffee oil, followed by extraction of phenolic compounds, and the remaining biomass was referred to as SCGO. The originality of this work lies in the systematic comparison of acid, alkaline, and peracetic acid pretreatments and their subsequent evaluation for microbial PHA production. SCGO was subjected to various chemical pretreatments, including acid (H₂SO₄), alkaline (NaOH), and peracetic acid (PAA) pretreatment. The effects of the different pretreatments on SCGO delignification, hydrolysis yield, and enzymatic saccharification to release monomeric sugars were evaluated. Among the tested methods, alkaline pretreatment provided the highest delignification efficiency, enzymatic saccharification, and fermentable sugar recovery, resulting in superior bacterial growth and PHA production. Under optimized conditions, the alkaline-pretreated SCGO hydrolysate supplemented with corn steep liquor produced a maximum biomass concentration of 6.5 ± 0.26 g/L, 60.0 ± 1.45% PHA accumulation, and a PHA titer of 3.89 ± 0.14 g/L. Structural and thermal characterization confirmed that the produced polymer possessed properties comparable to those of conventional poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB). Overall, this study demonstrates that integrated valorization of spent coffee grounds can effectively generate fermentable substrates for microbial PHA production, providing a sustainable approach for converting agro-industrial residues into high-value bioplastics while supporting circular bioeconomy strategies. Full article

Background: Soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis), traditionally used for both medicinal and culinary purposes, is rich in high-quality protein and amino acids, making it an excellent raw material for the preparation of bioactive peptides. In recent years, soft-shelled turtle peptides have gradually become a research focus due to their significant physiological functions, including antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-fatigue activities. Methods: This review systematically sorts out and analyzes 76 relevant research papers published from 2002 to 2026 and comprehensively elaborates on the current state of soft-shelled turtle peptide research, encompassing sources, preparation, and purification strategies, while placing special emphasis on the diverse functional activities and the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed bioactivities. Results: For preparation, enzymatic hydrolysis has become the mainstream method due to its high efficiency and mild conditions; fermentation offers the advantages of low cost and the ability to simultaneously remove odours and enhance flavour, demonstrating good application potential. This review summarizes five key bioactivities, including antioxidant, anti-fatigue, antihypertensive, antitumor, and immunomodulatory effects, and specifically focusing on the current evidence from in vitro and animal studies. Antioxidant and antihypertensive activities have been validated in vivo, whereas the rest remain only tested in vitro, highlighting the need for deeper mechanistic investigation. Conclusions: The review provides an in-depth analysis of the molecular mechanisms through which soft-shelled turtle peptides exert their physiological activities, including free radical scavenging and the regulation of signaling pathways. This review highlights the potential of soft-shelled turtles as a sustainable source of bioactive peptides and offers strategic recommendations for future research. Full article

The enzymatic conversion of lignocellulosic biomass (LB) into fermentable sugars is important for the development of sustainable biorefineries. This study investigated the immobilisation of Trichoderma reesei (T. reesei) cellulase on amine-functionalised magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and evaluated the resulting biocatalyst for the hydrolysis of pretreated hemp hurd (HH) biomass. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provided evidence consistent with cellulase association with the nanoparticles, with the estimated dry-state particle diameter increasing from 22.4 ± 0.4 to 27.8 ± 0.3 nm after immobilisation. The selected immobilised catalyst loading produced approximately 89% of the total filter-paper assay response obtained with the selected free-enzyme loading, although this comparison was not normalised to protein content. During 7 h hydrolysis experiments, glucose production increased progressively for both enzyme forms. Across the tested enzyme dilutions, immobilised cellulase generated approximately 88–91% of the glucose produced by free cellulase. The immobilised enzyme also retained approximately 64% of its initial hydrolysis performance after five reuse cycles. These findings demonstrate the potential of magnetic cellulase nanobiocatalysts for recoverable and reusable hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass. However, further studies are required to determine protein-normalised activity, immobilisation efficiency, longer-term stability, process economics and industrial scalability. Full article

Crustacean processing industries, particularly those that process shrimp, crab, and lobster, generate substantial quantities of biological waste, consisting primarily of shells, heads, and exoskeletons. These by-products contribute significantly to environmental pollution due to their high organic load, slow degradability, and improper disposal practices. Nevertheless, they represent valuable reservoirs of bioactive compounds such as chitin, proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, and minerals, as well as biologically active enzymes and enzyme inhibitors, which possess immense potential in food, pharmaceutical/cosmetic, biomedical and environmental sectors. Unlike previous studies that primarily focus on individual components or specific extraction techniques, this review comparatively evaluates both conventional extraction techniques (acid–alkali treatment and solvent extraction) and emerging green approaches (supercritical fluid extraction, enzymatic hydrolysis, pulsed electric fields, ultrasound-assisted extraction, cold plasma, microwave-assisted extraction and high-pressure processing), highlighting their efficiencies, sustainability, and influence on compound quality. The review study further explores the diverse applications of the recovered constituents in food preservation, nutraceutical development, biodegradable packaging, and functional ingredient formulation. Moreover, current challenges concerning process optimization, industrial scalability, economic feasibility, and environmental impact are critically evaluated. Full article

Transport decarbonization cannot rely exclusively on electrification, particularly in regions where charging infrastructure, vehicle affordability, and fleet renewal remain constrained. This review critically assesses advanced bioethanol as a complementary transition fuel for road transportation, integrating evidence on lignocellulosic and residual biomass conversion, ethanol–gasoline blend behavior in spark-ignition (SI) engines, regulated and unregulated emissions, life cycle assessment (LCA), and scalability barriers. A critical narrative and integrative approach were applied, using literature retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science and organized across production pathways, engine performance, environmental impacts, technological challenges, and Latin American deployment conditions. The evidence indicates that advanced bioethanol can valorize agricultural and agro-industrial residues, reduce fossil-carbon dependence, and lower carbon monoxide (CO) and unburned hydrocarbon (HC) emissions in suitable SI engines. However, large-scale implementation remains strongly influenced by pretreatment performance and enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency, together with feedstock logistics, fermentation robustness, ethanol recovery energy demand, and overall biorefinery economics. Life-cycle performance remains pathway-dependent, with potential trade-offs in land use, water demand, toxicity, acidification, and eutrophication. Overall, advanced bioethanol should be understood as a realistic short- to medium-term complement to electrification rather than a universal carbon-neutral solution. Full article

This paper presents a comprehensive design, implementation, and feasibility analysis of a sustainable styrene production plant that integrates conventional ethylbenzene dehydrogenation with bio-based feedstock processing. Located on the Gujarat coastline, India, the proposed facility is designed to produce 220,000 tonnes per year of styrene while addressing environmental, social, and economic sustainability objectives. Agricultural corn stover sourced from local farms is valorised via pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, and two-phase simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (TPSSF), achieving ethanol yields of up to 477 kg per tonne of biomass. Bioethanol is subsequently alkylated with benzene over a beta-zeolite catalyst, delivering a 95% conversion with respect to bioethanol and 85.8% selectivity to ethylbenzene. This intermediate is then dehydrogenated at 550 °C using a potassium-promoted iron oxide catalyst to produce styrene with a 96.2% selectivity. Extensive heat integration, benzene recycling, and a steam-to-ethylbenzene ratio of 7:1 enhance energy efficiency and process robustness. Techno-economic analysis demonstrates that the plant remains commercially viable and profitable despite the incorporation of renewable feedstocks. The utilisation of corn stover reduces biomass waste and greenhouse gas emissions, lowers dependence on fossil resources, and supports local employment and supply chains. By embedding sustainability, safety, process integration, and economic assessment within a unified design framework, this work provides an industry-relevant and transferable model for low-carbon styrene manufacture aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals 7, 12 and 13. Full article

Protein hydrolysates (PHs) have emerged as a pivotal category of plant biostimulants in sustainable agriculture. They are derived from the enzymatic, chemical, or thermal hydrolysis of agro-industrial by-products of animal or plant origin. These complex mixtures of free amino acids, oligopeptides, and polypeptides enhance crop productivity, nutrient use efficiency, and abiotic stress resilience. This review examines and compares the production methods, chemical composition, agronomic performance, physiological mechanism, and safety profiles of animal-derived (A-PHs) and vegetal-derived (V-PHs) protein hydrolysates, with particular emphasis on hydrolyzed collagen (HC) as an emerging biostimulant. Furthermore, the specific physiological roles of proline in mediating plant stress tolerance and hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins in maintaining cell wall integrity are evaluated. Animal-derived sources, including collagen, keratin, and fish by-products, are characterized by elevated glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline concentrations, amino acids with established roles in root architecture promotion, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging, and osmotic adjustment under stress. Conversely, V-PH exhibit richer bioactive peptide profiles and superior environmental sustainability indices. Underlying mechanisms encompass hormone-like activities mimicking auxin and gibberellin signaling, transcriptional reprogramming of nitrogen assimilation pathways, antioxidant enzyme modulation, and rhizosphere microbiota stimulation. Full article