Search Results (184)

Climate change and the impacts related to nonbiodegradable synthetic materials highlight the need for sustainable alternatives. Biopolymers from renewable sources show great potential for producing hydrogels, which are three-dimensionally crosslinked materials with high water absorption. In this work, super-absorbent biodegradable hydrogels were produced via single-step reactive extrusion using mixtures of starch, gelatin, cellulose, and xanthan gum, with glycerol as a plasticizer, and citric acid as a crosslinking agent. Pelleted hydrogels were obtained with water absorption between 290% and 363%. Reactive extrusion promoted the formation of new ester and amide bonds, confirmed by FT-IR. Citric acid was effective as a crosslinker, and higher citric acid content (3%) produced samples with greater swelling, supported by the porous internal structure observed. Preliminary agricultural tests showed that the formulation with the highest citric acid content, when added to soil at 5%, significantly increased water-holding capacity and resulted in the highest germination rate of maize seeds. Overall, the extrusion process proved efficient, scalable, and environmentally friendly for producing biodegradable hydrogels for agricultural applications. Full article

It is well known that food waste, especially perishable fruits, is one of the pressing issues worldwide, and as much as 50% of harvested fruits are wasted in developing countries as a result of poor preservation methods. Other traditional options such as plastic films or chemical preservatives are harmful to the environment and to our health. In this work, the limitations are overcome through the fabrication of an innovative camellia saponin/sodium alginate (CS/SA) composite hydrogel film that not only recycles agricultural waste but also improves fruit protection. CS/SA films were prepared by ionic crosslinking with CaCl₂ with different CS content (0–10% w/v, corresponding to 0–3.1 wt% in air-dried films). Detailed SEM, FTIR, XRD and rheological studies indicated that CS addition led to a gradual microstructural densification, stronger intermolecular interactions (involving hydrogen bonding and electrostatic complexation) and superior viscoelasticity, with the best performance at 8% CS (2.5 wt% in dried film). Mechanical tests confirmed that the stable CS/SA film showed higher tensile strength (152 kPa) and compressive strength (353 kPa) than pure SA (10 kPa) with a relatively low Young’s modulus (0.82 MPa) and high elongation at break (116.33%), which could be easily peeled off from fruit surfaces—an essential benefit of this over stiff chitosan/alginate composites. Structure: The composite film exhibited lower porosity (103.2%), reduced moisture content (94.7%), a controlled swelling ratio (800%) and improved barrier property with a water vapor permeability of 1.3 $\times {10}^{-6}$ g·m⁻¹·s⁻¹·kPa⁻¹ and an oxygen permeability of 1.9 × cm³$·\mathsf{\mu }$m·m⁻²·d⁻¹·kPa⁻¹. The 8% CS film showed very strong antioxidant activity (86% DPPH scavenging). Results of application tests on bananas and strawberries indicated that the ripening process was delayed by the CS/SA coatings, the decay rate was decreased from 99.9% (uncoated control) to 55.6% after 9 days, the weight loss was reduced to 29.3%, and the fruit’s firmness and titratable acidity were maintained. This degradable, multifunctional hydrogel film has the potential to be a sustainable measure to simultaneously mitigate food waste, valorize agricultural byproducts, and protect the environment, which could offer substantial benefit for enhancing global food security as well as fruit shelf life. Full article

This study presents an energy-efficient, room-temperature synthesis and characterization of methacrylated pullulan (Pull-MA) hydrogel developed for controlled nutrient delivery in agricultural applications. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analyses confirmed the successful functionalization of pullulan with methacrylate groups, accompanied by a decrease in thermal transition temperatures, indicative of increased polymer chain mobility. The synthesized Pull-MA hydrogel exhibited a high swelling capacity, reaching an equilibrium swelling ratio of 1068% within 5 h, demonstrating its suitability as a carrier matrix. The room-temperature synthesis approach enabled the in situ incorporation of microbial inoculant into the hydrogel network, preserving microbial viability and activity. SEM analysis performed under the different magnifications (1000, 2500, 5000, 10,000, 25,000×) has confirmed brittle nature of xerogels and increasing in structural irregularities with increasing in cultivation broth content.The biological performance of the fertilizer-loaded hydrogels was evaluated through seed germination assays using maize and pepper as model crops. The optimized formulation, T2 (Pull-MA: cultivation broth 1:5 w/w), significantly improved germination efficiency, as evidenced by increased relative seed germination (RSG), root growth rate (RRG), and germination index (GI) compared to both the control and the low-fertilizer formulation (T1, 1:2.5 w/w). These findings highlight the potential of Pull-MA hydrogels as bioactive seed-coating materials that enhance early seedling development through controlled nutrient release. The results lay a solid foundation for further optimization and future application of this system under real field conditions. Full article

This systematic review aimed to examine recent advances (2021–2025) in the conversion of agricultural biomass into biomaterials, biofertilizers, and bioproducts. Studies were included when addressing biomass types, pretreatment methods, conversion technologies, or resulting applications. Non-agricultural biomass, non-original research, and works outside the defined timeframe were excluded. Literature was identified in Scopus and Web of Science, complemented by Espacenet, Google Scholar, and institutional databases (USDA, FAO, IRRI, ABARES, UNICA, and CONAB, among others), totaling 108 documents referenced in this work. Risk of bias was minimized through predefined eligibility criteria and full-text assessment. Results were narratively synthesized, supported by figures and tables highlighting technological trends. Studies involving a wide range of agricultural biomasses (e.g., rice straw, corn stover, wheat straw, and sugarcane bagasse) were evaluated. Main outcomes included the development of bioplastics, biofoams, composites, hydrogels, bioceramics, biochar-based fertilizers, organic acids, enzymes, and green solvents. Evidence consistently indicated that pretreatment strongly influences conversion efficiency and that enzymatic and thermochemical routes show the highest potential for integrated biorefineries. Limitations included heterogeneity in biomass composition, variability in methodological quality, and scarcity of large-scale studies. Overall, findings underscore agricultural biomass as a strategic feedstock for circular bioeconomy models, with implications for sustainable materials, renewable energy, and low-carbon agriculture. Continued innovation, supportive policies, and improved logistics are essential for scaling biomass-based technologies. Full article

Pectin is widely used in different areas like biomedical, pharmaceutical, food, and environmental industries thanks to its gelling properties. Pectin hydrogels are of great interest because of their wide biomedical applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, wound healing, the food industry, agriculture, and cosmetic products because of their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and non-toxic nature. This review provides an understanding of pectin-based hydrogels and their applications in various industrial areas. In addition, an overview of emerging technologies and recent applications of pectin hydrogels is provided, including the controlled and targeted release of bioactive compounds or drugs. They are used as a scaffold for cell growth, as a wound dressing to promote healing, as a fat replacer in food, and as a texturizer in skin-care products. It also serves as a coating for seeds to improve their germination and growth. This paper also identifies knowledge gaps and future research direction for optimizing pectin hydrogels. Full article

Conventional agricultural practices, based on intensive irrigation and heavy fertilizer and pesticide inputs, are increasingly incompatible with climate change, soil degradation, and sustainability goals. Hydrogels have emerged as promising soil amendments to improve water and nutrient management, and fall broadly into two categories: synthetic polyacrylate/polyacrylamide-based systems and natural biobased hydrogels derived from polysaccharides such as alginate, cellulose, and chitosan. The latter, often obtained from agro-industrial residues, offer biodegradable and potentially lower-impact alternatives to persistent synthetic matrices. This review analyzes recent advances in the design and application of nanocomposite hydrogels in agricultural crops, with emphasis on high-value systems such as tomato, chili pepper and maize. Representative studies show that hydrogel–nanofertilizer formulations can increase soil water retention in tomato from ~55–56% to ~78–79%, nearly double swelling capacity in wheat, reduce irrigation requirements by around 15% in legumes, and improve plant biomass by ~30–40% under drought conditions. In parallel, nanocomposite hydrogels loaded with micronutrients, phytochemicals or biostimulants can enhance nutrient uptake, provide 36–80% protection against Fusarium wilt, and reduce postharvest pathogen growth by up to ~90%, while in some cases improving the nutraceutical quality of fruits. These outcomes illustrate a dual mechanism of action in which the hydrogel matrix acts as a micro-reservoir that buffers water and nutrients, whereas nano- and phytochemical components operate as physiological eustressors that modulate plant defense and metabolism. Finally, we discuss environmental and translational challenges, including hydrogel biodegradation pathways, the long-term fate and ecotoxicity of released nanoparticles, regulatory uncertainty, and market and field acceptance. Addressing these gaps through integrative agronomic, ecotoxicological, and regulatory studies is essential to ensure that nanocomposite hydrogels evolve into truly sustainable smart carriers for fertilizers, pesticides, and biostimulants in future cropping systems. Full article

This study presents a novel structural modification strategy for lignin, utilizing a ternary eutectic solvent system (TESS), which induces targeted derivatization. The resulting lignin-based functional hydrogel (LBFH), prepared via rational cross-linking of derivatized lignin precursors, exhibits exceptional hygroscopic properties, with a water swelling ratio of 934.0%. Water absorption kinetics were subjected to rigorous analysis through the employment of a dual-modeling strategy that incorporates Schott kinetics and Fickian diffusion mechanisms, thereby elucidating the synergistic dynamic processes underlying surface adsorption and matrix penetration. Remarkably, LBFH maintains 48.6% water retention capacity after 7 days atmospheric exposure (25 °C, 60% RH), demonstrating unprecedented environmental stability among biopolymer hydrogels. The engineered properties of LBFH suggest its potential application in sustainable agricultural practices as drought-resistant soil amendments, and in environmental remediation as contaminant-adsorptive matrices. Full article

Climate change presents significant global challenges, with rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and degrading ecosystems threatening both human societies and the environment. The increasing intensity of these climatic effects demands innovative approaches to adaptation and mitigation. Hydrogels, three-dimensional networks of crosslinked polymers with water absorption and retention properties, have become viable multipurpose materials for climate solutions in response to these pressing issues. This review examines four primary applications of hydrogels as climate technologies: atmospheric water harvesting, passive cooling, soil health enhancement, and energy conservation. These materials address climate challenges through their unique properties including high water absorption capacity, stimuli-responsive behavior, and biocompatibility. By effectively capturing moisture, hydrogel-based devices provide sustainable freshwater production in areas with limited water resources. For thermal management, they offer passive cooling through evaporative processes, reducing energy consumption compared to conventional air conditioning systems. Superabsorbent hydrogels in agriculture help drought-resistant crop development in arid areas and improve soil water retention. Smart windows with thermochromic hydrogels allow for passive energy savings by dynamically modulating the sun’s light without the need for additional electricity. Through integrated deployment techniques, biodegradable formulations from sustainable sources handle various climate issues while ensuring environmental compatibility. Full article

Sperm cryopreservation is a key technique in assisted reproductive technologies (ART), livestock breeding, fertility preservation, and wildlife conservation. However, the freeze–thaw process induces significant oxidative stress through the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by mitochondria, which can lead to impaired sperm motility, membrane damage, DNA fragmentation, and reduced fertilization potential. MitoQ is a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant consisting of a ubiquinone moiety conjugated to triphenylphosphonium (TPP⁺). MitoQ selectively accumulates in the mitochondrial matrix, where it efficiently scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS) at their point of origin. This targeted action helps preserve mitochondrial function, sustain ATP production, and inhibit apoptotic signaling. Extensive experimental evidence across diverse species, including bulls, rams, boars, humans, dogs, and goats, shows that MitoQ supplementation during cryopreservation enhances post-thaw sperm viability, motility, membrane integrity, and DNA stability. Optimal dosing between 50 and 150 nM achieves these benefits without cytotoxicity, although higher doses may paradoxically increase oxidative damage. Compared to conventional antioxidants, MitoQ offers superior mitochondrial protection and enhanced preservation of sperm bioenergetics. Future directions involve exploring synergistic combinations with other cryoprotectants, advanced delivery systems such as nanoparticles and hydrogels, and detailed mechanistic studies on long-term effects. Overall, MitoQ represents a promising adjunct for improving sperm cryopreservation outcomes across clinical, agricultural, and conservation settings. Full article

Functional hydrogels are cutting-edge materials that are important in various fields, such as biomedical engineering, agriculture, pollution control, artificial organs, electronics, and domestic products. They are essential to contemporary scientific and industrial advancements because of their adaptability and versatility. The new synthesis techniques and multidimensional applications of different kinds of hydrogels are the goals of this study. The special qualities of hydrogels are one of the main reasons for their widespread use. Because of their stimulus-responsivity, these materials may alter their properties in response to external environmental signals, including light exposure, pH, and temperature. Their biodegradability and biocompatibility make them appropriate for ecological and medicinal applications, while their intrinsic flexibility guarantees adaptation across many applications. Furthermore, the ability of hydrogels to self-heal and be reused enhances their sustainability and efficiency. The preparation of hydrogels with these unique qualities necessitates exacting preparation methods and cautious raw material selection based on the application. To improve their operation and make sure they satisfy the required performance standards in various sectors, a variety of chemical and physical modifications are used. The functional processes of hydrogels in each sector are thoroughly examined in this review, which offers in-depth information on their interactions, efficacy, and the science underlying their uses. By providing a comprehensive overview, this analysis hopes to provide readers with a solid knowledge of potential hydrogels, empowering them to investigate new avenues for research and optimize their uses across a range of sectors. Full article

This study presents a novel, circular-economy-driven strategy for valorizing post-consumer denim waste into high-performance hydrogels through a fully integrated and eco-friendly process. Unlike conventional approaches that rely on virgin cellulose or harsh chemical treatments, our method uniquely combines high-energy mechanochemical pretreatment, in situ carboxymethylation to produce carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), and citric acid/urea-based crosslinking, all using recycled denim as the sole cellulose source. High-energy milling effectively reduced particle size and lowered the crystallinity index (CI) from 75.7% to 66.1%, transforming the fibrous structure into a more reactive substrate for etherification. Successful CMC synthesis was confirmed by FTIR (COO⁻ stretch at 1587 cm⁻¹), while citric acid crosslinking generated ester bonds (C=O at ~1724 cm⁻¹), forming a 3D network further tailored by urea, acting as a green porogen. The resulting hydrogels exhibited enhanced thermal stability (TGA) and a tunable porous morphology (SEM), with pore sizes reaching up to 147 µm as the urea content increased. Notably, the hydrogel Hy/CMC/U2/CA achieved an exceptional swelling capacity of 1900%, which is among the highest reported for denim-derived or citric acid-crosslinked systems. The objective of this work is to demonstrate, for the first time, the feasibility of converting waste denim directly into functional hydrogels without intermediate purification steps, offering a scalable and sustainable route for agricultural applications, such as soil water retention, controlled nutrient release, or environmental remediation, within a true circular economy framework. Full article

Hydrogel microneedles (HMNs) act as non-invasive devices that can effortlessly merge with the human body for drug delivery and diagnostic purposes. Nonetheless, their improvement is limited by intricate and repetitive issues related to material composition, structural geometry, manufacturing accuracy, and performance enhancement. At present, there are only a limited number of studies accessible since artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) for HMN are just starting to emerge and are in the initial phase. Data is distributed across separate research efforts, spanning different fields. This review aims to tackle the disjointed and narrowly concentrated aspects of current research on AI/ML applications in HMN technologies by offering a cohesive, comprehensive synthesis of interdisciplinary insights, categorized into five thematic areas: (1) material and microneedle design, (2) diagnostics and therapy, (3) drug delivery, (4) drug development, and (5) health and agricultural sensing. For each domain, we detail typical AI methods, integration approaches, proven advantages, and ongoing difficulties. We suggest a systematic five-stage developmental pathway covering material discovery, structural design, manufacturing, biomedical performance, and advanced AI integration, intended to expedite the transition of HMNs from research ideas to clinically and commercially practical systems. The findings of this review indicate that AI/ML can significantly enhance HMN development by addressing design and fabrication constraints via predictive modeling, adaptive control, and process optimization. By synchronizing these abilities with clinical and commercial translation requirements, AI/ML can act as key facilitators in converting HMNs from research ideas into scalable, practical biomedical solutions. Full article

Soil salinization restricts the sustainable development of global agriculture, expanding at an annual rate of approximately 1 million hectares. In China, the total area of saline–alkali land reaches 170 million hectares, of which the arable land area exceeds 50 million hectares. The arid northwest region witnesses worsening soil salinization due to arid climate and improper irrigation practices, which seriously affects the yield of crops such as spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.). As a leafy vegetable with high nutritional value and economic significance, spinach exhibits growth inhibition, leaf yellowing, and disrupted physiological metabolism under saline–alkali stress. Therefore, this study investigates the alleviating effects and mechanisms of Attapulgite Clay-g-(AA-co-AAm) Hydrogel (ACH) on spinach under salt stress (NaCl) and alkaline stress (NaHCO₃). The results show that ACH has a loose, porous structure. As the addition of Attapulgite Clay increases, the surface roughness and porosity improve while retaining organic functional groups (amide groups, carboxyl groups) and inorganic Si-O bonds, providing a structural foundation for stress mitigation. In terms of yield enhancement, ACH effectively alleviates salt–alkali stress: under severe salt stress (SS2), 0.2% ACH increased leaf area by 91% and leaf weight by 95.69%; under mild alkaline stress (AS1), 0.2% ACH increased leaf area by 46.3% and leaf weight by 46.21%; and under severe mixed salt–alkali stress (MS2), 0.4% ACH increased root weight by 49.83%. Physiologically, ACH reduced proline content (51.25% reduction under severe mixed stress) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content (68.98% reduction under severe alkaline stress) while increasing soluble sugar content (63.54% increase under mixed stress) and antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD, POD, CAT). In terms of ion regulation, ACH reduced Na⁺ accumulation in roots and leaves (61.12% reduction in roots and 36.4% reduction in leaves under severe salt stress) and maintained potassium–sodium balance. To conclude, ACH mitigates the adverse effects of salt–alkali stress by coordinately modulating spinach’s growth, physiological metabolic processes, and ion balance. This synergistic regulatory effect ultimately contributes to sustaining high yields of spinach. Full article

Hydrogels comprise three-dimensional networks of hydrophilic polymers and have attracted considerable interest in various sectors, including the biomedical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and food industries. These materials offer significant benefits for food packaging applications, such as high mechanical strength and excellent water absorption capacity, thereby contributing to the extension of product shelf life. Therefore, the aim of this study is to compare the performance of citric acid and glutaraldehyde as crosslinking agents in gelatine-based hydrogels reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), contributing to the development of safe and environmentally responsible materials. The hydrogels were prepared using the casting method and characterised in terms of their physical, mechanical, and structural properties. The results indicated that hydrogels crosslinked with glutaraldehyde exhibited higher opacity, lower transparency, and greater mechanical strength, whereas those crosslinked with citric acid demonstrated improved clarity, reduced water permeability, and enhanced swelling capacity. The incorporation of CNC further improved mechanical strength, reduced weight loss, and altered both surface homogeneity and optical properties. Microstructural results obtained by SEM were consistent with the mechanical properties evaluated (TS, %E, and EM). The Gel-ca hydrogel displayed the highest elongation value (98%), reflecting better cohesion within the polymeric matrix. In contrast, films incorporating CNC exhibited greater roughness and cracking, which correlated with increased rigidity and mechanical strength, as evidenced by the high Young’s modulus (420 MPa in Gel-ga-CNC2). These findings suggest that the heterogeneity and porosity induced by CNC limit the mobility of polymer chains, resulting in less flexible and more rigid structures. Additionally, the DSC analysis revealed that gelatine hydrogels did not exhibit a well-defined Tg, due to the predominance of crystalline domains. Systems crosslinked with citric acid showed greater thermal stability (higher Tm and ΔH_m values), while those crosslinked with glutaraldehyde, although mechanically stronger, exhibited lower thermal stability. These results confirm the decisive effect of the crosslinking agent and CNC incorporation on the structural and thermal behaviour of hydrogels. In this context, the application of hydrogels in packaged products represents an eco-friendly alternative that enhances product presentation. This research supports the reduction in plastic consumption whilst promoting the principles of a circular economy and facilitating the development of materials with lower environmental impact. Full article

Polymers have long been central to modern materials science, but their durability has also made them major contributors to environmental pollution. A new generation of bio-based and nanostructured polymers is now reshaping this field, offering materials that are functional, reversible, and sustainable. This review examines their role across three interconnected domains: cultural heritage conservation, the protection of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs), and environmental sustainability. In heritage science, polymers are moving away from synthetic resins toward renewable systems such as chitosan, nanocellulose, and PLA, which provide stability while remaining reversible and compatible with delicate substrates. In agriculture, biodegradable coatings, controlled-release carriers, and edible films are improving MAP protection, extending shelf life, and reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides. In environmental applications, polymers are being reinvented as solutions rather than problems—through degradable mulches, functional hydrogels, and nanocomposites that clean soils and waters within a circular economy framework. Looking across these domains reveals strong synergies. The same principles—biodegradability, multifunctionality, and responsiveness—apply in each context, turning polymers from passive barriers into intelligent, adaptive systems. Their future success will depend not only on chemistry but also on life-cycle design, policy alignment, and public trust, making polymers key enablers of sustainability. Full article