Search Results (555)

Fast-growing invasive tree species management produces a significant amount of low-density and low-value biomass, which offers a chance for waste valorization in the environmentally friendly construction sector. This study examines the utilization potential of low-value natural waste materials of tree bark, obtained from invasive hardwood species, in the production of environmentally friendly building mortars. More specifically, this study focuses on mixing bark powder of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) and tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima (Miller) Swingle), with two commercial commonly found lime-based mortar powders in five different ratios of bark content (0%, 5%, 10%, 20% and 30%) characterizing the produced composites, in terms of physical, hygroscopic and mechanical properties. Slightly lighter composites were created with the use of bark additives especially at the bark content of 20% and 30%. As regards the compressive strength, the bark shares of 10% and 20% exhibited the most beneficial performance among those studied, though only the weaker performance of mortar type (M1) benefited significantly from bark incorporation. For both mortars, the composites containing black locust bark presented higher resistance to compression strength and elasticity, demonstrating higher composite integration in general and milder, plastic fraction in relation to tree-of-heaven bark-based specimens, the properties of which are considered crucial for the durability of structural materials. However, black locust bark exhibited higher water absorption compared to tree-of-heaven-based specimens. Despite the drawback of higher hygroscopicity, the results show that black locust bark, especially at lower incorporation rates (10–20%), is a promising functional additive for generating lighter, more ductile mortars, supporting the creation of novel building materials and sustainable waste management. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable solutions stimulates the building sector to develop environmentally friendly building materials. However, innovative natural-based options used in residential buildings must also comply with safety standards. This study examines the thermal and fire performance of insulation boards produced from tree bark fibers of two hardwood species, Tilia spp. (Lime) and Robinia pseudoacacia (Black Locust). The samples were fabricated using a wet process without adhesives and fire retardants, achieving thermal conductivity coefficient values of 0.055–0.057 W/m·K at densities ranging from 218 to 231 kg/m³. Density profiling revealed a characteristic vertical gradient associated with wet processing, while wettability measurements indicated hydrophobic surface behavior. Fire tests showed species-dependent behavior: Black Locust panels exhibited smaller damaged zones and lower maximum temperatures, whereas Lime panels showed deeper thermal degradation. No board ignition was observed, and smoke release remained moderate and consistent. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of bark-based insulation boards as sustainable alternatives in building applications. However, further optimization with larger sample sets and the integration of natural flame retardants is recommended to improve performance and safety. Full article

Mannans are structurally composed of β-(1 → 4)-linked mannose units, which are widely distributed in plant cell walls, yeast, and bacterial exopolysaccharides. Mannans have emerged as multipurpose biopolymers with significant industrial and biomedical potential. Celebrated mannans include guar gum, locust bean gum, konjac glucomannan, yeast mannans, and softwood glucomannans. This comprehensive review highlights the sources, structural diversity, extraction methods, physicochemical properties, safety, and functional characteristics. The major bioactivities of mannans, including immunomodulatory, antioxidative, and prebiotic effects, reflect their relevance in biopharmaceutical applications. Moreover, mannans serve as valuable raw materials for developing biodegradable films, hydrogels, and nanocomposites applied in sustainable materials and drug delivery systems. Despite promising applications, challenges related to their large-scale production, standardization, and functional optimization remain to be investigated. Future perspectives focus on integrating advanced biotechnological approaches and chemical modifications to enhance the functional versatility of mannans. Overall, mannans represent a sustainable, multifunctional biopolymer with expanding applications across food, pharmaceutical, and biomedical industries. Full article

The locust Oedaleus decorus undergoes massive outbreaks and engages in round-trip migratory flights across northern China and Mongolia. However, its specific genetic structure remains poorly understood. In this study, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genomes of 163 O. decorus individuals from 16 locations in northern China using high-throughput sequencing data and analyzed its population structure. The results showed that these mitochondrial genomes are 15,142 to 15,914 bp in sizes, with size variation attributed to A + T-rich regions in intergenic spacers. All 13 protein-coding genes exhibited conserved lengths across samples. The overall genetic differentiation between populations was small (Fst = 0.00843), with high gene flow (Nm = 29.40). Both genetic differentiation and DAPC analyses revealed significant genetic differentiation in the New Barag Left Banner (NBL) population compared to the Zhengxiangbai Banner (ZB), Taibus Banner (TP), Xianghuang Banner (XH), and Zhenglan Banner (ZL) populations. The phylogenetic tree and haplotype network suggest Hap_20 is presumably a relatively ancestral haplotype and all haplotypes were divided into two clades, and no population formed a distinct independent clade. Our findings indicate that the O. decorus population in North China exhibits mitochondrial subtype differentiation. The lack of difference in genetic structure across different regions in North China is consistent with a high level of migratory activity by O. decorus in the region. Full article

There has been little research on freezing-induced damage in high-moisture dairy products, specifically sour cream and yogurt. This work aimed to investigate, as a proof-of-concept, if antifreeze additives may prevent quality decrease in high-moisture dairy products due to freeze-induced damage. Whey protein isolate and soy protein isolate were complexed with locust bean gum and lambda carrageenan, in both unhydrolyzed and hydrolyzed forms, and their antifreeze activity was evaluated in a model system as well as in sour cream and yogurt. The biomolecules were also tested individually as controls to determine any synergistic effects. Protein and polysaccharide complexes were found to have ice recrystallization inhibition activity in the model systems by reducing the ice crystal size significantly (35–64%) compared to the negative control at both pH 4.5 and 7.0. However, the complexes failed to prevent freeze-induced damage in the dairy system and all treatments resulted in decreased firmness, cohesiveness, and consistency along with increased graininess, possibly due to the complex interacting with different food components that may have interfered with the antifreeze activity of the tested compounds. Full article

The growing demand for plant-based foods, together with environmental and ethical concerns associated with animal-derived ingredients, has intensified research into alternative gelling agents for the food industry. Within this framework, the review focuses on the use of vegetable hydrocolloids in dairy analogues, confectionery-type gels, and emerging 3D-printed food systems. Plant-based hydrocolloids have emerged as promising candidates to replace animal gelatin across diverse applications. This review highlights recent advances in the use of plant-based hydrocolloids, focusing on κ-carrageenan (κ-C) and its blends with other plant-based gums as functional gelling systems for food products. Particular attention is given to synergistic combinations of κ-C with other hydrocolloids (e.g., locust bean gum, konjac glucomannan, and starches) as strategies to modulate gel strength, stability, and sensory properties. The mechanical and sensory performance of these systems is critically examined. Key advantages of plant hydrocolloids are discussed, such as their versatility, compatibility with a range of ingredients, and gelation under varied conditions, along with their limitations, including difficulties in replicating gelatin’s sensory profile, formulation challenges, and sensitivity to processing parameters. Finally, the review identifies future research directions and formulation strategies aimed at developing innovative plant-based gels that meet both the technological and sensory expectations of manufacturers and consumers in the food sector. Full article

Agro-industrial residues rich in carbohydrates represent low-cost and sustainable feedstock for enzyme production. This study demonstrates that green Arabica coffee press cake, a mannan-rich coproduct of oil extraction, is an efficient carbon source for Aspergillus niger (CFAM 1234) cultivation and for inducing mannanase production. Furthermore, the enzymes obtained were tested for mannose recovery in the enzymatic hydrolysis of healthy and defective coffee beans to investigate their hydrolytic potential. Mannanase production was investigated using various carbon sources—including ground coffee beans; coffee press cake; different particle sizes of coffee press cake; aqueous coffee cake extract (prepared at 30 g·L⁻¹ under constant stirring (300 rpm) at 80 °C for 2 h, followed by filtration.); and a commercial galactomannan, locust bean gum (LBG). CNHSO analysis was performed in the best carbon source (coffee press cake) and LBG. Statistical optimization (Plackett–Burman and Central Composite Rotatable Design) simplified the culture medium composition to coffee press cake (48.78 g·L⁻¹), yeast extract (4 g·L⁻¹), and potassium phosphate (0.25 g·L⁻¹, pH 5.5) and increased mannanases productivity to 22.4 ± 0.6 U·mL⁻¹ within only 3 days (a 42.9% improvement compared to non-optimized conditions, which were 30 g·L⁻¹, carbon source, 4 g·L⁻¹ yeast extract, 1 g·L⁻¹ Al₂O₃, 0.5 g·L⁻¹ potassium phosphate buffer (pH 5.5), 0.5 g·L⁻¹ of MgSO₄·7H₂O, and 0.05 g·L⁻¹ of CaCl₂·2H₂O, which resulted in a maximum of ~20 U·mL⁻¹ in 7 days). The crude extract also exhibited β-mannosidase activity (1.39 ± 0.06 U·mL⁻¹). When applied to the hydrolysis of untreated healthy and defective coffee beans, the enzyme preparation enabled ~25% mannose recovery (considering the value obtained through acid hydrolysis as 100%), highlighting its potential as a mannose resource. The results demonstrate that coproducts from the coffee production chain can be used as an efficient carbon source (coffee cake) for mannanase production, as well as sugar recovery (defective coffee beans), offering an integrated strategy to strengthen the circular bioeconomy and generate carbohydrates with potential industrial and nutritional applications. Full article

Although CsbD-like proteins have been studied extensively in bacteria, their functions in eukaryotes remain largely uncharacterized. Our study investigated the CsbD homolog MaCsbD in the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium acridum and uncovered its importance for coping with environmental stress. Loss of MaCsbD resulted in delayed conidial germination, reduced conidial yield, and heightened sensitivity to UV-B irradiation and heat shock. The mechanism analysis revealed that the absence of MaCsbD led to a decline in DNA repair capacity, a weakening of the antioxidant defense mechanism, and a reduction in the induction of heat shock proteins. The determination of the accumulation levels of protective metabolites, melanin, and trehalose in the conidia showed that their contents were significantly decreased. Phylogenetic analysis further revealed that CsbD-like domains are conserved across fungi, suggesting an evolutionary role in stress adaptation. Virulence against locusts was unchanged, indicating that MaCsbD primarily supports abiotic stress tolerance rather than pathogenicity. MaCsbD is therefore required for robust fungal stress responses and identifies a potential target for improving the field performance of fungal biocontrol strains. Full article

This study reports the immobilization of β-mannanase from Aspergillus niger—either unmodified or genipin-modified—within polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels (PVA@mannanase and PVA@mannanase-Gen) for the enhanced production of mannooligosaccharides (MOSs). All enzyme preparations showed an optimal pH of 5.0, while immobilization shifted the optimal temperature from 40 °C for the free enzyme to 55 °C for the immobilized forms. Genipin modification notably improved stability, increasing the half-life from 25.3 h (free enzyme) to 429.2 h in PVA@mannanase-Gen, and raised catalytic efficiency by approximately 2.3-fold. Both immobilized preparations retained over 75% of their activity after five reuse cycles at pH 5 and 55 °C. Using PVA@mannanase-Gen under these optimized conditions, MOSs were effectively produced, with mannotetraose as the predominant product. To explore their potential applications, the MOSs generated from locust bean gum were evaluated for effects on MCF-7 and HCT-116 cancer cell lines, resulting in moderate growth inhibition (~24–25% at 0.4 mM after 24 h). Together, these findings demonstrate that the immobilization of the genipin-modified enzyme not only enhances β-mannanase stability and performance but also supports the efficient production of MOSs with promising antitumoral activity. Full article

This study evaluated locust bean gum (LBG), a polysaccharide thickening agent, as an anti-corrosion active compound against sweet corrosion for N80 carbon steel used in the oil and gas sector. The assessment involved weight loss and electrochemical measurements at different temperatures (e.g., 25 °C and 80 °C) and immersion durations (up to 168 h) in a CO₂-saturated 2 wt.% KCl solution. The electrochemical results showed that LBG effectively inhibited sweet corrosion at both temperatures, and its efficacy increased with its concentration, reaching maximum inhibition efficiency of 84.11% at 25 °C and 55.81% at 80 °C, using 0.3 g L⁻¹ of LBG after 24 h of immersion. At 25 °C, and with 0.3 g L⁻¹ of LBG, the inhibition action of LBG did not change, even after 168 h of immersion (e.g., 83.97%). At 80 °C, LBG showed a good inhibition up to 72 h (e.g., 47.04%), after which LBG had no additional protective effect. This result is attributed to the formation of a FeCO₃ layer that covered the entire metal surface, blocking the adsorption of LBG. Potentiodynamic tests revealed that LBG’s inhibitory effect is of a mixed type. The Temkin adsorption isotherm model accurately described the data, indicating that LBG adsorption involves primarily physical interactions, with some chemical contributions. Activation energy and heat of adsorption calculations support the physical nature of LBG’s adhesion. FTIR analysis confirmed the interaction between LBG and N80 carbon steel, while SEM-EDS provided visual evidence of LBG’s influence on the metal surface. Full article

Climate change is driving the need for forest management strategies that simultaneously enhance ecosystem resilience and contribute to climate change mitigation. Voluntary carbon markets (VCMs), regulated in the European Union by the Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF), offer potential financial incentives for such management, but eligibility criteria—particularly biodiversity requirements—limit the applicability of certain species. This study assessed the ecological and economic outcomes of six alternative management scenarios for a 4.7 ha, 99-year-old Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) stand in western Hungary, comparing them against a business-as-usual (BAU) regeneration baseline. Using field inventory data, species-specific yield tables, and the Forest Industry Carbon Model, we modelled living and dead biomass carbon stocks for 2025–2050 and calculated potential CO₂ credit generation. Economic evaluation employed total discounted contribution margin (TDCM) analyses under varying carbon credit prices (€0–150/tCO₂). Results showed that an extended rotation yielded the highest carbon sequestration (958 tCO₂ above BAU) and TDCM but was deemed operationally unfeasible due to declining stand health. Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) regeneration provided high mitigation potential (690 tCO₂) but was ineligible under CRCF rules. Grey poplar (Populus × canescens) regeneration emerged as the most viable option, balancing biodiversity compliance, climate adaptability, and economic return (TDCM = EUR 22,900 at €50/tCO₂). The findings underscore the importance of integrating ecological suitability, market regulations, and economic performance in planning carbon farming projects, and highlight that regulatory biodiversity safeguards can significantly shape feasible mitigation pathways. Full article

Galactomannans, like locust bean gum, are polysaccharides widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries because of their rheological and functional properties. However, their optical and thermal characterization is challenging due to their viscous and highly dispersive nature, which hinders the applicability of conventional spectroscopic and calorimetric techniques. In this study, photopyroelectric techniques were used to simultaneously determine, for the first time, the optical absorption coefficients and thermal diffusivity of locust bean gum in aqueous suspension at various concentrations. Optical characterization was performed at 660 nm (visible) and 1550 nm (near-infrared), revealing strong absorption at 1550 nm associated with hydroxyl group overtones and allowing reliable quantification at concentrations as low as 0.5 g/100 mL. Thermal characterization yielded diffusivity values ranging from 1.50 × 10⁻³ to 1.47 × 10⁻³ cm²/s, with a slight decreasing trend as concentration increased. These results confirm the applicability of photopyroelectric methods for the dual optical and thermal characterization of galactomannans and highlight their potential for analyzing complex biopolymer suspensions where traditional methods fall short. Full article

Background/Objectives: Inflammatory skin disorders such as dermatitis, psoriasis, and acne that affect patients’ quality of life and health require safe and effective active delivery systems. In Thai traditional medicine, Curcuma aromatica has long been used to treat skin disorders and for cosmetic skin care. However, the research is scarce. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a novel anti-inflammatory and anti-acne hydrogel patch containing C. aromatica extract. Methods: The hydrogel patch formulations were prepared, and their mechanical properties, in vitro release, skin permeation, in vitro anti-inflammatory and anti-acne activities, and physicochemical properties were studied. Results: The C. aromatica hydrogel patch (CA2 formulation) made from carrageenan, locust bean gum, PVP-K30, and C. aromatica extract displayed excellent physical appearance and mechanical properties; it was smooth, durable, and flexible. Curcumin, an active ingredient, was released from the C. aromatica hydrogel patch within the first 30 min (19.07 ± 1.14%), reaching its peak at 12 h (50.40 ± 3.94%), with sustained permeation of 38.18 ± 0.45% at 24 h. Data from the drug release and permeation study better fit Higuchi’s kinetic model. Additionally, the CA2 hydrogel patch demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity, with an IC₅₀ value of 19.85 ± 0.82 μg/mL, and was also effective against Cutibacterium acne, with an inhibition zone of 12.70 ± 2.10 mm. Conclusions: The developed C. aromatica hydrogel patch not only showed great physicochemical properties but also had anti-inflammatory and anti-acne activities; it prolonged curcumin release, enabling delivery of the drug to treat skin inflammation disorders. The CA hydrogel patch is suitable for use as an anti-acne facial mask and for inflamed skin areas; however, it should be further evaluated in clinical trials. Full article

The carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is receiving growing attention for its agro-industrial potential, particularly due to its seeds, which are the source of locust bean gum (LBG), a galactomannan-rich polysaccharide with wide applications in food and pharmaceutical industries. Efficient dehusking of carob seeds is critical to maximize LBG purity and yield, yet current industrial methods pose environmental concerns and lack robust quality control tools. In this study, we demonstrate the use of Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS) and Kubelka–Munk (KM) modeling as a rapid, non-destructive technique to assess dehusking efficiency. By combining spectral data from four complementary spectrometers (450–1800 nm), we identified key reflectance and absorbance features capable of distinguishing raw, industrially treated, and laboratory-dehusked seeds. Notably, our laboratory-treated seeds exhibited a considerably lower reflectance in the NIR plateau (800–1400 nm) compared to raw and industry-treated seeds, and their KM-reconstructed skin showed enhanced absorption bands at 960, 1200, and 1400 nm, consistent with more complete husk removal and improved light penetration. Principal Component Analysis revealed tighter clustering and lower variability in lab-processed seeds, indicating superior process reproducibility. These results establish DRS as a scalable, green analytical tool to support quality control and optimization in carob processing. Full article

Despite the oligotrophic conditions of the southeastern Levantine Sea and northern Red Sea, six lobster species—five slipper lobsters (Scyllaridae) and one spiny lobster (Palinuridae)—maintain permanent, reproducing populations in the study area. Additionally, there are isolated records of four other sporadic lobster species. In the southeastern Mediterranean, permanent species include the Mediterranean slipper lobster,Scyllarides latus, small European locust lobster, Scyllarus arctus, and pygmy locust lobster, Scyllarus pygmaeus. In the northern Red Sea, they include the clamkiller slipper lobster, Scyllarides tridacnophaga, Lewinsohn locust slipper lobster, Eduarctus lewinsohni, and pronghorn spiny lobster, Panulirus penicillatus. This review synthesizes current knowledge of their biology and ecology, including distribution, habitat, reproduction and development, feeding, predators and anti-predatory adaptations, behavior, sensory modalities, environmental impacts, threats, and conservation. Recent advances focus mainly on larger, commercially valuable species (S. latus, S. tridacnophaga, P. penicillatus), while major gaps remain for oceanic post-embryonic stages and the nektonic nisto postlarva, as well as for smaller, often cryptic species (S. arctus, S. pygmaeus, E. lewinsohni). Addressing these gaps will require targeted research, using modern methodologies, in coastal, deep, and open waters, coupled with citizen-science surveys. While many Indo-Pacific decapods have been established in the Mediterranean, no immigrant lobster species have successfully colonized Levant waters, despite rare records of three non-indigenous species (NIS). However potential NIS predators and shifts in mollusk compositions, the main prey of some native lobsters, may affect the latter. Large lobsters remain targeted by fisheries despite protective regulations, which are not always effective or obeyed. No-take marine protected areas (MPAs) or nature reserves can be effective if sufficiently large and well-managed. Habitat loss from marine construction can be partly compensated by stable, environmentally safe artificial reefs tailored to lobster behavioral ecology. The categories of the studied lobsters’ species in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, last updated over fifteen years ago, should be re-evaluated. Full article