Search Results (1,631)

A huge amount of waste is produced annually by the food processing industry which must be valorized into high-value products. Therefore, the aim of this work involves the use of such wastes for production of β-glucans from medicinal basidiomycete strains which are powerful biological response modifiers in several clinical disorders. The production of β-glucans from basidiomycete strains in submerged fermentation was monitored by using monoclonal antibodies of the IgG and IgM classes as well as by Congo red assay in the presence of several agro-industrial waste products such as milk permeate, waste coffee grounds, orange peels and rice husks. Subsequently, these β-glucans were purified by using gel filtration and ion-exchange chromatography. FTIR analysis of several β-glucans was carried out to investigate their structural properties. The adsorption of β-glucans on microtiter plates was dependent on the temperature as well as on the time period of immobilization for ELISA. These mAbs can be used in a competitive ELISA for detection and quantification of β-glucans from basidiomycete mushrooms. Full article

This study investigated the effects of incorporating rice husk ash (RHA) as a partial replacement for cement on the properties of concrete. To determine the optimal replacement level, RHA was used to replace cement in varying proportions, ranging from 0% to 25% in 5% increments. The mix with 0% RHA served as the control. The properties evaluated included setting time, density, and compressive strength. The results revealed that blending RHA with cement increased the initial setting time. This was attributed to the lower calcium oxide (CaO₂) content of RHA, which slows early-age hydration reactions. Conversely, the final setting time was reduced due to the pozzolanic activity of RHA, which enhances later-stage reactions. Additionally, the inclusion of RHA resulted in a decrease in concrete density, owing to its lower specific gravity and bulk density compared to Portland cement. Despite this, RHA-modified specimens exhibited higher compressive strengths than the control specimens. This strength enhancement was linked to the formation of additional calcium–silicate–hydrate (C-S-H) gel due to the pozzolanic reaction between amorphous silica in RHA and calcium hydroxide (CaOH) from hydration reaction. The gel fills concrete voids at the microstructural level, producing a denser and more compact concrete matrix. Based on the balance between strength and durability, the optimal RHA replacement level was identified as 10%. Full article

P-cresol, indole and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) are catabolites of amino acids, formed by the gut microbiome. Most of these aromatic hydrocarbon derivatives are excreted by the colon before reentering the body to form “exogenous” protein-bound uremic toxins (PBUTs), which aggravate chronic kidney disease (CKD). Removal efficiencies of these PBUT precursors from model phosphate-buffered saline solutions by three different surface-modified nanoporous carbon adsorbents (PCs) were studied. PCs were produced by physicochemical and/or acid base activation of carbonized rice husk waste. Removal rates achieved values of 32–96% within a 3 h contact time. High micro/mesoporosity and surface chemistry of the N- and P-doped biochars were established by N₂ adsorption studies, SEM/EDS analysis, XPS and FT-IR-spectroscopy. The ammoxidized PC-N1 had the highest adsorption capacity (1.97 mmol/g for IAA, 2.43 mmol/g for p-cresol and 2.42 mmol/g for indole), followed by “urea-nitrified” PC-N2, whilst the phosphorylated PC-P demonstrated the lowest adsorption capacity for these solutes. These results do not correlate with the total pore volume values for PC-N2 (0.91 cm³/g) < PC-P (1.56 cm³/g) < PC-N1 (1.84 cm³/g), suggesting that other parameters such as the micropore volume (PC-N1 > PC-N2 > PC-P) and the interaction of surface chemical functional groups with the solutes play key roles in the adsorption mechanism. N-doped PC-N1 and PC-N2 have basic functional groups with higher affinity with acidic IAA and p-cresol. The ion-exchange mechanism of phenolic and indolic compound chemisorption by nanoporous carbon adsorbents, modified with surface N- and P-containing functional groups, has been proposed. Full article

Sustainable production of high-quality chitosan from agro-industrial by-products remains a challenge in biotechnology. This study aimed to improve chitosan production from fermented rice bran and rice husk using Rhizopus oryzae in solid-state fermentation (SSF), and evaluated the physicochemical and biological properties of the resulting biopolymer. A full factorial design (2³) was applied to assess key fermentation parameters, including moisture content, substrate composition, and nitrogen supplementation. Among the tested conditions, the highest chitosan yield was at 55% moisture, 50% rice husk, and 1.8 g/L urea. The obtained chitosan was characterized for degree of deacetylation (DD) using FTIR and NMR, and molecular weight (MW) by viscometry. Antimicrobial activity was tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and antioxidant capacity was measured via DPPH and ABTS assays. The chitosan exhibited a high DD (86.4 ± 0.6%) and a MW of 59.65 kDa, values comparable to commercial standards. It showed strong antimicrobial activity, particularly against Gram-negative strains. Antioxidant assays confirmed concentration-dependent activity, reaching 94% DPPH inhibition at 5.00 mg mL⁻¹. Overall, the results demonstrate that agro-industrial residues can be effectively transformed into high-quality, bioactive chitosan, offering a sustainable and circular alternative to conventional production routes. Full article

This study assessed the production and characterisation of biochars derived from the pyrolysis and co-pyrolysis of urban biosolids (BSs) combined with two lignocellulosic biomasses: rice husk (RH) and pruning waste (PW). The treatments were conducted at 300, 400, and 500 °C to evaluate the influence of temperature and mass ratio on the physicochemical, structural, and biological properties of the material. Co-pyrolysis significantly improved the material’s properties, enhancing carbon content, surface area, porosity, and pH, while reducing ash and heavy metal concentrations. RH promoted greater porosity and alkalinity, whereas PW increased carbon content and improved maize germination. Biochars produced at 400–500 °C met the stability criterion (H/C < 0.7) set by the International Biochar Initiative (IBI) and the European Biochar Certificate (EBC). However, zinc (Zn) remained the most limiting element for certification. Overall, the findings demonstrate that the co-pyrolysis of BSs with agroforestry biomasses is an effective and sustainable strategy for generating stable and environmentally safe biochars, suitable for use as soil amendments and for the sustainable valorisation of BSs. Full article

The worldwide population is anticipated to reach 10.12 billion by the year 2100, thereby amplifying the necessity for sustainable agricultural methodologies to secure food availability while reducing ecological consequences. Conventional synthetic pesticides, while capable of increasing crop yields by as much as 50%, present considerable hazards such as toxicity, the emergence of resistance, and environmental pollution. This review examines biopesticides, originating from microbial (e.g., Bacillus thuringiensis, Trichoderma spp.), plant, or animal sources, as environmentally sustainable alternatives which address pest control through mechanisms including antibiosis, hyperparasitism, and competition. Biopesticides provide advantages such as biodegradability, minimal toxicity to non-target organisms, and a lower likelihood of resistance development. The global market for biopesticides is projected to be valued between USD 8 and 10 billion by 2025, accounting for 3–4% of the overall pesticide sector, and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12–16%. To mitigate production costs, agro-industrial byproducts such as rice husk and starch wastewater can be utilized as economical substrates in both solid-state and submerged fermentation processes, which may lead to a reduction in expenses ranging from 35% to 59%. Strategies for process intensification, such as the implementation of intensified bioreactors, continuous cultivation methods, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven monitoring systems, significantly improve the upstream stages (including strain development and fermentation), downstream processes (such as purification and drying), and formulation phases. These advancements result in enhanced productivity, reduced energy consumption, and greater product stability. Patent activity, exemplified by 2371 documents from 1982 to 2021, highlights advancements in formulations and microbial strains. The integration of circular economy principles in biopesticide production through process intensification enhances the safety, quality, and sustainability of food systems. Projections suggest that by the 2040s to 2050s, biopesticides may achieve market parity with synthetic alternatives. Obstacles encompass the alignment of regulations and the ability to scale in order to completely achieve these benefits. Full article

Aiming to obtain chemicals from renewable sources to mitigate global warming, the catalytic pyrolysis of tamarind pulp, obtained from juice industries, was studied. Catalysts based on HZSM-5 zeolite prepared from rice husk ash using ultrasound, microwaves, and a combination of both were used. The catalysts were characterized by elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction, specific surface area and porosity measurements, scanning electron microscopy, and acidity measurements. The specific surface areas and the micropore volumes were slightly affected by the treatments, with microwave alone or combined with ultrasound having the strongest effect. The number of acid sites increased, and the relative number of strong sites decreased with the treatments. The relative amount of Bronsted to Lewis sites was increased by ultrasound and decreased by microwave, alone or combined. These catalysts decreased oxygenated products and increased BTEX production during tamarind pulp pyrolysis. Product distribution was similar for all cases, meaning that HZSM-5 with the following characteristics is a selective catalyst for BTEX in tamarind pulp pyrolysis: specific surface area = 310–347 m²/g; micropore volume = 0.099–0.105 cm³ g⁻¹; acidity = 327 to 571 µmol NH₃ g_cat⁻¹; and ratio of Bronsted to Lewis acid sites = 0.034 to 0.044. Full article

Wood polymer composite (WPC), composed of polymer matrices reinforced with natural fibers, is increasingly used in structural and non-structural applications due to its sustainability and performance. Although teak and rice husk are common natural reinforcements, the use of oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) remains underexplored despite their abundance as agricultural waste. This study investigates the potential of OPEFB as an alternative reinforcement for recycled polyethylene-based WPC containing 20 wt% fiber and compares its morphology and performance with teak and rice husk. Compositional analysis shows that OPEFB exhibits lignin and cellulose contents as well as crystallinity comparable to teak, while exceeding rice husk in several structural parameters. These characteristics contribute to the highest tensile strength observed among the composites (37.45 MPa). Although its Shore D hardness is the lowest (58.8), the value remains within the acceptable range for construction applications. Combined with its favorable production costs, OPEFB emerges as a viable, resource-efficient alternative to conventional natural fibers, expanding the options for sustainable WPC development. Full article

This work investigated the effects of gamma irradiation on the adsorption capacities of rice husk (RH) for the removal of Cu²⁺, Cr³⁺, and Zn²⁺ ions from aqueous solutions, with potential applications in wastewater remediation. RH samples were gamma-irradiated at doses up to 40 kGy and characterized using SEM-EDS, XRF, FTIR, XRD, and BET analyses. While morphological and textural changes remained subtle, FTIR and SEM-EDS confirmed the formation and intensification of oxygen-containing functional groups, including –OH, –COOH, and C=O, as well as increased exposure of silica (Si–O) on the surfaces, which substantially enhanced surface reactivity of RH toward metal ions. Batch adsorption experiments revealed that 40-kGy irradiated RH samples (RH-40) exhibited the highest removal efficiencies compared to non-irradiated and lower-dose samples (RH-0, RH-10, RH-20, and RH-30), specifically with improvements of 415% for Cu²⁺, 502% for Cr³⁺, and 663% for Zn²⁺ compared to RH-0, determined at the initial concentration of 10 mg/L. Kinetic studies also showed rapid adsorption within the first 10–15 min, dominated initially by boundary-layer diffusion, followed by chemisorption-driven equilibrium behavior. The pseudo-second-order (PSO) model provided an excellent fit for all metals (R² = 0.999), indicating maximum model-predicted kinetic capacities of 555.56 mg/g (Cu²⁺), 769.23 mg/g (Cr³⁺), and 434.78 mg/g (Zn²⁺). Langmuir isotherms also fitted well (R² = 0.941–0.995), with predicted monolayer capacities of 535.33 mg/g (Cu²⁺), 491.64 mg/g (Cr³⁺), and 318.88 mg/g (Zn²⁺). Freundlich modeling further indicated favorable heterogeneous adsorption, with K_F values of 42.614 (Zn²⁺), 20.443 (Cr³⁺), and 16.524 (Cu²⁺) and heterogeneity factors (n) greater than 1 for all metals. These overall results suggested that gamma irradiation substantially enhanced RH functionality that enabled fast and high-capacity heavy-metal adsorption through surface oxidation and carbon valorization. Gamma-irradiated RH, therefore, represented a promising, low-cost, and environmentally friendly biosorbent for wastewater treatment applications. Full article

A geopolymer, derived from agricultural waste, was used as an efficient, sustainable, and low-cost adsorbent of methylene blue, a recurrent industrial dye contaminant. The geopolymer was synthesized via a standard alkali activation process using wheat husk ash calcinated at 1050 °C. Adsorption capabilities were evaluated through batch kinetic experiments. The removal efficiency was determined by ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry, and the adsorption kinetics were fitted to various models. The geopolymer demonstrated a maximum adsorption capacity of 270.58 mg/g for methylene blue, achieving a removal efficiency of 85.20% under optimal conditions. Kinetic analysis confirmed that the adsorption process is best described by the pseudo-second-order model. This suggests that chemisorption, which involves chemical bonding or electron exchange between the dye and the negatively charged aluminosilicate structure of the geopolymer, is the rate-limiting mechanism. This demonstrates that geopolymers are effective and promising adsorbents, valorizing an agricultural waste stream into a functional material for the efficient treatment of dye-polluted wastewater. The competitive capacity and favorable chemisorption mechanism position the geopolymer as a promising material for the remediation of dye-contaminated industrial effluents. Full article

Background: Comprehensive and accurate compound composition characterization in natural sources has high relevance in food and nutrition, health and medicine, environmental and agriculture research areas, though profiling of plant metabolites is a challenging task due to the structural complexity of natural products. This study delves into the identification and characterization of compounds within the Plantago genus, leveraging state-of-the-art analytical techniques. Methods: Utilizing an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) system in conjunction with Orbitrap™ IQ-X™ Tribrid™ mass spectrometer (MS), we employed a Phenyl-Hexyl HPLC column alongside optimized extraction protocols to analyze both husk and leaf samples. To maximize compound identification, we implemented data-dependent acquisition (DDA) methods including MS² (ddMS2), MS³ (ddMS3), AcquireX™ deep scan, and real-time library search (RTLS). Results: Our results demonstrate a significant increase in the number of putatively yet confidently assigned compounds, with 472 matches in P. lanceolata leaves and 233 in P. ovata husk identified through combined acquisition methods. The inclusion of an additional fragmentation level (MS³) noticeably enhanced the confidence in compound annotation, facilitating the differentiation of isomeric compounds. Furthermore, the application of low-energy fragmentation (10 normalized collision energy (NCE) for higher-energy collisional dissociation (HCD)) improved the detection and grouping of MS¹ fragments by 55% in positive mode and by 16% in negative mode, contributing to a more comprehensive analysis with minimal loss in compound identification. Conclusions: These advancements underscore the potential of our methodologies in expanding the chemical profile of plant materials, offering valuable insights into natural product analysis and dereplication of untargeted data. Full article

The rapid growth and seasonal availability of agricultural materials, such as straws, stalks, husks, shells, and processing wastes, present both a disposal challenge and an opportunity for renewable fuel production. Solar-assisted thermochemical conversion, such as solar-driven pyrolysis, gasification, and hydrothermal routes, provides a pathway to produce bio-oils, syngas, and upgraded chars with substantially reduced fossil energy inputs compared to conventional thermal systems. Recent experimental research and plant-level techno-economic studies suggest that integrating concentrated solar thermal (CSP) collectors, falling particle receivers, or solar microwave hybrid heating with thermochemical reactors can reduce fossil auxiliary energy demand and enhance life-cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) performance. The primary challenges are operational intermittency and the capital costs of solar collectors. Alongside, machine learning (ML) and AI tools (surrogate models, Bayesian optimization, physics-informed neural networks) are accelerating feedstock screening, process control, and multi-objective optimization, significantly reducing experimental burden and improving the predictability of yields and emissions. This review presents recent experimental, modeling, and techno-economic literature to propose a unified classification of feedstocks, solar-integration modes, and AI roles. It reveals urgent research needs for standardized AI-ready datasets, long-term field demonstrations with thermal storage (e.g., integrating PCM), hybrid physics-ML models for interpretability, and region-specific TEA/LCA frameworks, which are most strongly recommended. Data’s reporting metrics and a reproducible dataset template are provided to accelerate translation from laboratory research to farm-level deployment. Full article

To optimize and model the fermentation process of Beauveria bassiana, adsorbed carrier solid-state fermentation (ACSSF) was used with rice husk as the inert support. The sample pretreating method was improved by combining homogenization and ultrasonic treatment after dry crushing; the large particles (100–1000 μm in size) were broken and the content of small particles (2–100 μm in size) increased, and the relative standard deviation of the biomass detection method was as low as 3.32% (intra-day) and 3.75% (inter-day). The most suitable carbon source—cassava starch—and the most suitable nitrogen source—corn steep liquor powder (CSLP)—were screened from multiple carbon and nitrogen sources. Through single-factor optimization and an artificial neural network combining genetic algorithm optimization, the optimal recipe including cassava starch 0.0314 g·cm⁻³, CSLP 0.004885 g·cm⁻³ and water 0.2630 g·cm⁻³ was obtained, and the highest biomass yield was verified as 0.1379 g·cm⁻³, which was 45.0% higher than the original recipe before the optimization (0.0951 g·cm⁻³). The modeling of microbial growth was based on the Logistic model and executed by nonlinear regression with the R² value as high as 0.9525 and absolute value of the residues completely under 0.003 g·cm⁻³, which validated not only the feasibility of modeling the growth kinetics of B. bassiana using total biomass content, but also the reliability of the improved biomass pretreating and determination method. Full article

Background: Better understanding factors leading to suicide and prevention opportunities is a global public health priority. This qualitative pilot study tested whether reviewing inquest recordings could generate insights during COVID-19 and inform public health prevention programmes across a predominantly rural and coastal area where there are significant health inequalities. Methods: Fifty-five inquest recordings reached a suicide conclusion between March 2020 and January 2021. Stratified sampling was used to obtain two samples from each month. Template analysis was employed to thematically analyse data from 30 inquests. Results: Risk factors during this period were social isolation, anxiety, difficulty in routine creation and maintenance, low mood and economic impact. Remote working in a more rural/coastal area impacted both healthcare service users and staff. Lockdown and other multiple risk factors impacted those at increased risk of poor mental health and suicide. Conclusions: There is a need to identify those at risk and with deteriorating mental health. All age trauma-informed approaches are needed to prevent individuals from reaching crisis along with more equitable services and community support due to the complex nature of suicide. This requires consideration of digital access/exclusion, training, continuity of care and enhanced care of those with additional needs and multiple vulnerabilities. Full article

Background: Chinese Yellow Earth is a key subtropical agricultural resource in southwestern China; however, its productivity is limited by acidity and poor nutrient retention. This study examined how reduced nitrogen plus organic amendments affect its soil microbial structure and maize yield. Methods: A field experiment with four treatments evaluated reduced nitrogen fertilization amended with rice husk plus rapeseed cake (RS) or RS with biochar (BC). Soil properties (pH, nitrogen, organic matter) and maize yield were analyzed. Metagenomic analysis (NR database) characterized microbial communities, and correlation analysis with Mantel tests identified key relationships. Results: Combined organic amendments under reduced N significantly increased soil pH, nitrogen components, and organic matter, increasing maize yield by 4.41–8.97%. Metagenomics revealed enriched beneficial genera including Sphingomonas and Bradyrhizobium. Yield positively correlated with nitrate nitrogen and a beneficial microbial cluster containing Lysobacter and Reyranella, whereas Steroidobacter negatively correlated with key fertility indicators. Mantel tests revealed nitrate nitrogen as the primary correlate of functional gene community succession. Conclusions: This study reveals that reduced nitrogen with organic amendments promotes soil improvement and microbial modulation, demonstrating potential as a sustainable practice to maintain crop productivity in Chinese Yellow Earth. The observed trend toward yield improvement underscores its promise and warrants further validation through additional trials. Overall, the findings highlight the beneficial effects of these amendments on soil health and their role in supporting sustainable subtropical agriculture under reduced nitrogen input. Full article