Search Results (3,737)

Anaerobic digesters operating under neotropical conditions face significant technological constraints. High humidity, intense solar radiation, and pronounced diurnal temperature variations increase conductive, convective, and radiative heat losses. These factors reduce internal thermal stability and directly affect methane production rates and overall energy efficiency. As a result, thermal instability becomes a recurrent operational bottleneck in biogas plants without active temperature control. This review examines the thermal and dynamic behavior of anaerobic reactors from a process-engineering perspective. It integrates energy balances, heat-transfer mechanisms, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling. The combined effects of temperature gradients, hydrodynamic mixing patterns, and structural material properties are analyzed to determine their influence on thermal homogeneity, microbial stability, and methane yield consistency under mesophilic conditions. Technological strategies to mitigate thermal losses are evaluated. These include passive insulation using low-conductivity materials, geometry optimization supported by numerical modeling, and thermal recirculation schemes, as these factors govern temperature distribution and process resilience. Current limitations are also discussed, particularly the frequent decoupling between ADM1-based kinetic models and transient heat-transfer analysis. This separation restricts predictive capability under real-scale diurnal temperature oscillations. The development and validation of coupled hydrodynamic–thermal–biokinetic models under fluctuating neotropical boundary conditions are proposed as critical steps. Such integrated approaches can enhance operational stability, ensure consistent methane production, and improve energy self-sufficiency in organic waste valorization systems. Full article

The expansion of the global agri-food industry has led to the generation of large volumes of processing by-products that, although traditionally treated as waste, represent valuable sources of bioactive phytochemicals with potential for sustainable valorisation. This review critically examines the integration of fruit, vegetable, cereal, and dairy processing side streams into functional dairy products. Particular attention is given to recent advances in green and emerging extraction technologies, including ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and supercritical fluid extraction, with emphasis on their efficiency, environmental performance, and effects on the stability and recovery of phytochemicals. The review also discusses the health-related properties of these bioactive compounds, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulatory effects, in relation to their incorporation into milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream matrices. In addition, key barriers to industrial implementation are assessed, including compound stability, sensory constraints, bioavailability, and current regulatory limitations. Beyond direct fortification, the review also considers broader valorisation pathways, such as the biotechnological production of microbial enzymes from agro-industrial biomass, as relevant strategies for supporting circularity. Overall, this review highlights how sustainable extraction approaches and functional dairy innovation can contribute to improving the nutritional value, resource efficiency, and circularity of the dairy sector. Full article

High-viscosity reservoirs are widely distributed across various countries with abundant reserves. However, their high resin and asphaltene content leads to elevated oil viscosity and low recovery rates. Conventional chemical flooding techniques are unsuitable for the development of such high-viscosity oilfields. Chemical viscosity reduction technologies face challenges such as low viscosity reduction efficiency, poor economic feasibility, and unclear mechanisms. Microbial-assisted chemical viscosity reduction represents a relatively novel approach. This study systematically investigated the enhanced oil recovery performance of a microbial-assisted chemical viscosity reducer. The results demonstrated that this microbial-assisted chemical viscosity reducer achieved a viscosity reduction rate exceeding 85% for five different crude oil samples. It effectively altered the wettability of oil-wet surfaces, improved the oil film stripping rate by 50–65% compared to pure chemical flooding agents, and achieved ultra-low oil–water interfacial tension on the order of 10⁻³ mN/m with crude oil, leading to an enhanced oil recovery (EOR) enhancement of 22–26%. The underlying mechanism is that viscosity-reducing bacteria degrade asphaltene in heavy oil, thereby weakening intermolecular forces. Their metabolites enhance the emulsion stability of the chemical viscosity reduction process. Chemical viscosity reducers enhance the physiological cycle and metabolic activity of microorganisms while also emulsifying and dispersing heavy oil and improving emulsion stability. Therefore, this novel microbial-assisted chemical viscosity reduction technology offers a new and effective EOR method for high-viscosity reservoirs. Full article

There is a growing demand for alternative low cost and sustainable weed management technology suitable for aerobic and organic farming. This study evaluates 915 MHz microwave heating as a potential non-chemical approach for managing weedy rice while assessing its impact on soil physicochemical properties and selected microbial groups. Microwave power levels of 10, 20, and 30 kW were applied to soil at depths of 2.5, 8.9, and 15.2 cm under controlled laboratory conditions. Weed emergence was quantified using the total germinability index (TGI), and soil physicochemical and microbial responses were analyzed in separate experiments. TGI decreased significantly with increasing microwave power and decreasing soil depth, ranging from 0.84 (10 kW at 15.2 cm) to 0 (20 kW at 2.5 cm and 30 kW at 8.9 cm). For 8.9 cm soil depth, energy levels between 176 and 265 kJ/kg resulted in 80–100% emergence suppression, while treatment of 15.2 cm soil at 30 kW for 30 s (188 kJ/kg) reduced TGI by approximately 80% and germination by 64% relative to control. Soil physicochemical properties showed minimal changes, with values remaining within agronomically acceptable ranges. Total bacterial abundance was not significantly affected, whereas ammonia-oxidizing archaea and bacteria were reduced following treatment. These results indicate that microwave heating can effectively suppress weedy rice emergence under controlled conditions, primarily through thermal effects. However, TGI reflects emergence suppression and does not distinguish underlying mechanisms such as lethality, injury, or dormancy. Additionally, limitations including low replication, lack of depth-matched controls, and limited spatial temperature measurements should be considered. Further field-scale studies are needed to validate performance, optimize energy requirements, and assess long-term soil impacts. Full article

Vegetation restoration can regulate soil microbial habitat and carbon supply by altering soil physicochemical properties. However, it remains unclear how different vegetation restoration patterns influence soil microbial carbon cycling functions through these changes. This study investigated four vegetation restoration models including two coniferous forests —Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco. (Cupressaceae, PO) and Pinus densiflora Siebold and Zucc. (Pinaceae, PS); one broadleaf forest—Quercus acutissima Carruth. (Fagaceae, QA); and a shrub (SH), using wasteland (WL) as a control. This study employed metagenomic sequencing technology in conjunction with analysis based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. The research examined alterations in soil physicochemical characteristics, microbial community structure, and functional pathway associated with carbohydrate metabolism, carbon fixation, and methane metabolism. Vegetation restoration patterns had a strong impact on soil characteristics and microbial composition. Compared to WL, the PO treatment exhibited significant increases in soil organic carbon (SOC, 110.71%), phosphorus (TP, 400%), and bulk density (BD, 22.4%). Significant differences were observed in soil carbon cycle functional pathways, with overall abundance following the trend PO > WL > SH > PS > QA. The relative abundance of carbon fixation, methane metabolism, and carbohydrate metabolism pathways was highest in PO, significantly higher than in QA. Mantel test showed soil phosphorus, pH, and C; N strongly linked to microbial carbon cycling pathways, marking them as key regulators. We found that PO showed the highest abundance of carbon-cycling-related functional pathways, whereas PS showed a comparatively weaker response, suggesting species-specific variation rather than a uniform coniferous–broadleaf pattern. Vegetation restoration controls microbial carbon cycling through soil properties, especially phosphorus, pH, and nutrient balances. This knowledge supports better restoration planning for ecosystem carbon management. Full article

This study investigated the synergistic effects of liquid fermentation of rapeseed meal (RSM) on feed microbiota, growth performance, and muscle development in growing pigs. RSM was fermented using four compound probiotics and eleven enzyme preparations, and microbial changes were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Seventy-two Duroc × Jingfen White pigs were randomly assigned to three groups: soybean meal (Ctrl), RSM, and fermented RSM (FRSM). FRSM showed higher trichloroacetic acid-soluble protein (TCA-sp) content and significantly lower neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), anti-nutritional factors (ANFs), and toxins (TS) (p < 0.01). Fermentation increased microbial diversity, with higher abundances of Lactobacillus and Pediococcus. Compared with Ctrl and RSM, the feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) decreased in the FRSM group (p < 0.01). FRSM also improved serum antioxidant capacity, enhanced intestinal villus height (VH)and villus height/crypt depth ratio (VH/CD), and upregulated the expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, occludin) and the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 (p < 0.01). FRSM group also increased myofiber diameter and cross-sectional area in the longissimus dorsi and elevated MyoD, MyoG and Myf5 expression (p < 0.01). RNA-seq revealed 2094 differentially expressed genes enriched in metabolic pathways. Overall, FRSM improved growth performance, intestinal health, and muscle development in growing pigs, which may guide the development of protein resource utilization technologies. Full article

Daqu functions as a core saccharifying and fermenting starter in Baijiu production and acts as a complex microecological reactor in open solid-state fermentation. The formation of Baijiu flavor is closely associated with microbial community assembly, enzymatic activities, and metabolic interactions occurring within Daqu. However, the open production environment also exposes the Daqu system to multiple external disturbances that may influence its microecological stability and fermentation performance. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding the microecology of Daqu, focusing on microbial succession, metabolic pathways related to flavor formation, and environmental factors affecting Daqu quality. Particular attention is given to how external disturbances during production and storage may influence microbial communities, enzymatic functions, and aroma compound formation. Based on current knowledge, a conceptual framework linking environmental factors, microbial community dynamics, metabolic activity, and flavor outcomes is proposed. In addition, strategies for maintaining microecological stability and ensuring flavor consistency are discussed, including environmental management, process optimization, physical control technologies, and integrated quality monitoring systems. Emphasis is placed on combining process control with modern analytical approaches such as multi-omics technologies and process analytical technologies (PAT) to improve traceability and precision management during Daqu production. Overall, this review provides a systematic perspective on the relationships among Daqu microecology, process conditions, and flavor formation and highlights future research directions for achieving stable and controllable Baijiu fermentation systems. Full article

Gut dysbiosis, defined as a disruption in the structure or function of the intestinal microbiota, is increasingly recognized as a key contributor to inflammatory, metabolic, and neuropsychiatric diseases. Conventional interventions such as broad-spectrum antibiotics, generic probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) often show limited and inconsistent efficacy because they lack specificity, durability, and robust safety controls. In contrast, recent advances in DNA-based technologies are reshaping the therapeutic landscape by enabling targeted, programmable, and mechanistically informed modulation of the gut ecosystem. This review presents an integrated overview of three major domains driving this shift: CRISPR-based systems that selectively delete, silence, or reprogram microbial genes; synthetic biology-driven live therapeutics engineered to sense disease-associated cues and execute controlled responses; and metagenomics-informed strategies that tailor interventions to patient-specific microbial gene profiles and functional deficits. Additionally, we examine the continued evolution of FMT toward DNA-optimized workflows and defined microbial consortia that offer safer, more standardized alternatives to crude donor material. Across these domains, we discuss delivery platforms (including bacteriophages, conjugative plasmids, extracellular vesicles, and synthetic nanoparticles), and compare their efficiency, specificity, and scalability. We further highlight how DNA-guided interventions interface with host immunity—shaping Treg/Th17 balance, mucosal barrier function, and inflammatory signaling—while also analyzing ecological and evolutionary risks, biocontainment strategies, and regulatory classification gaps that will govern clinical translation. Together, these developments signal a transition from empirical microbiome manipulation to rational ecosystem engineering. DNA-guided therapies hold strong promise for precise and personalized management of gut-related diseases, but their success will depend on rigorous ecological risk assessment, long-term monitoring, and adaptive regulatory frameworks alongside continued technological innovation. Full article

Xinjiang, a key grain production region in arid Northwest China, faces severe water scarcity and low agricultural water use efficiency. Although subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) has been widely studied for horticultural crops, a comprehensive synthesis focusing on SDI system design, water–fertilizer management, and soil–crop responses in wheat production under arid conditions remains limited. This knowledge gap restricts the development of optimized irrigation strategies for wheat cultivation in Xinjiang, where extreme aridity, widespread oasis agriculture, soil salinization risk, and the dominance of densely planted wheat create management requirements that differ from those of humid regions and horticultural production systems. Therefore, this review summarizes the development of SDI technology, its system design parameters, and integrated water–fertilizer management strategies, while systematically integrating recent advances in soil–crop–microbial interactions and resource use efficiency under arid conditions, which have rarely been synthesized in previous SDI reviews. Synthesizing current knowledge on the impacts of SDI on soil water dynamics, soil properties, microbial communities, crop root architecture, biomass production, and resource use efficiency, this review further discusses general advances in SDI in the context of their relevance to Xinjiang, with particular emphasis on how regional soil–climate conditions and wheat production practices influence system design, fertigation management, and field applicability. Multiple studies indicate that SDI can simultaneously reduce evaporation and deep percolation, mitigate surface salt accumulation, promote deeper root development, and improve crop productivity and resource use efficiency. However, high initial investment and maintenance costs, along with risks of emitter clogging, still hinder its large-scale adoption. For Xinjiang’s wheat and other densely planted crops, future research should prioritize optimizing subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) systems, as studies have shown that SDI can increase water use efficiency (WUE) by 20–30% and enhance crop yield by 10–15%, particularly under water-scarce conditions. The study’s findings are as follows: (1) optimize SDI system parameters for local soil–climate conditions, (2) elucidate the synergistic mechanisms between water–fertilizer coupling and soil–crop systems, and (3) develop cost-effective and durable system components. Importantly, these findings are particularly relevant for Xinjiang, where extreme aridity, soil salinization, and limited water resources require region-specific optimization of SDI systems. These efforts will support efficient and sustainable wheat production in Xinjiang and other arid regions. Full article

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology is emerging as an effective tool for bioelectricity generation and wastewater treatment. This work is aimed at investigating the impact of an Fe₂O₃-modified carbon felt (CF) anode in a dual-chamber MFC for the treatment of synthetic wastewater containing sunset yellow FCF dye (at different concentrations). The Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles were synthesized using a hydrothermal approach, characterized, and then used to modify CF as an MFC anode. The MFC experiments were performed using bare and Fe₂O₃-modified CF anodes to investigate their efficiency in decolorizing sunset yellow FCF dye while simultaneously generating bioelectricity. Furthermore, the phytotoxicity of synthetic wastewater containing the sunset yellow FCF dye on wheat plants (Triticum aestivum) was investigated before and after treatment in MFCs. MFCs 1, 3, and 5 were equipped with bare CF anodes and fed with synthetic wastewater containing sunset yellow FCF dye at 250 mg/L, 200 mg/L, and 150 mg/L, respectively. Whereas MFC-2, -4 and -6 were equipped with Fe₂O₃-modified CF anodes and fed with sunset yellow FCF dye at concentrations of 250 mg/L, 200 mg/L, and 150 mg/L, respectively. MFC-2, -4 and -6 demonstrated superior MFC operational characteristics regarding dye decolorization with simultaneous power generation. The power densities for MFC-2, -4 and -6 were calculated to be 303.03 mW/m², 353.45 mW/m², and 402.15 mW/m², with dye decolorization efficiencies of 76 ± 3.0%, 80 ± 4.2%, and 93.3 ± 3.0%, respectively. Moreover, phytotoxicity studies revealed that the treated wastewater samples exhibited lower phytotoxicity than the untreated samples. Conclusively, MFCs fabricated with Fe₂O₃-modified CF displayed better operational performance characteristics compared to those equipped with an unmodified CF anode. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of high-intensity ultrasound (40 W/5 min), applied with and without mild heating (59 °C and 23 °C), and of pasteurization (63 °C/30 min), on the physicochemical, rheological, and microbiological parameters, as well as on ascorbate oxidase activity, total carotenoid content, phenolic compound profile, and antioxidant capacity of passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims.) pulps. Ultrasound processing induced changes in color (L*, a*, and b*), resulting in high ∆E values. Following ultrasound treatment, an increase in apparent viscosity at 100 s⁻¹ was observed. Ultrasound also promoted partial inactivation of ascorbate oxidase and a significant reduction in mold and yeast counts. Moreover, the application of ultrasound without heating (US-20) promoted the retention of 55% of ascorbic acid after 63 days of storage. The condition with heating (US-60) led to an increase in catechin content in both bright red passion fruit pulp (173.96%) and yellow passion fruit pulp (5.89%), demonstrating a balance between the retention of bioactive compounds, microbial inactivation, and reduction in ascorbate oxidase activity. Therefore, these results highlight ultrasound as a non-thermal and sustainable technology capable of extending shelf life, maximizing the preservation of bioactive compounds, and enhancing the functional properties of fruit pulps. Full article

Based on the previously screened high-performance strain Lactobacillus LP707, this study systematically investigated the effects of its co-fermentation with yeast on properties of millet starch. By comparing starch samples from unfermented, yeast-only fermented, Lactobacillus-only fermented and co-fermented treatments, it was found that co-fermentation reduced the amylose content of millet starch to 17.45% and shifted the molecular weight distribution toward lower values. Scanning electron microscopy revealed more pronounced surface erosion features on the co-fermented starch granules. X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed that co-fermentation did not alter the A-type crystalline pattern of starch; however, the short-range ordered structure ratio (1.45), relative crystallinity (20.78%), and gelatinization enthalpy (7.32 J/g) were significantly reduced, indicating dissociation of ordered structures. Pasting property analysis showed that the final viscosity and setback value of co-fermented starch decreased significantly. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance analysis of water distribution indicated an increased proportion of free water with reduced mobility in the co-fermented starch gel. In vitro digestion confirmed higher hydrolysis rates and increased rapidly digestible starch content in co-fermented starch. In summary, co-fermentation with Lactobacillus LP707 and yeast more effectively modified properties of millet starch, providing a theoretical foundation for targeted functional improvement through microbial co-fermentation technology. Full article

Modern agriculture faces significant challenges, such as population growth, the reduction in productive agricultural land, and, most importantly, climate change. To address these issues, non-thermal plasma treatment of seeds and plants has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional chemical-based methods. This advanced technology, a powerful chemical reactor in the gas phase, has various applications, from stimulating seed germination and plant growth to controlling pathogens. The effects of non-thermal plasma on seeds include morphological and chemical changes in the seed coat, increased permeability and water uptake, and the activation of some internal biochemical mechanisms. Studies have demonstrated improvements in germination, plant development, and the activation of internal biochemical mechanisms with the intensified production of secondary metabolites. Non-thermal plasma also contributes to reducing the microbial load, providing an effective and environmentally friendly method of disinfection. This review synthesises the current knowledge on non-thermal plasma sources used in plasma agricultural applications for seed treatments, emphasising that in some cases the exposure of seeds to such discharge stimulates germination and also promotes early seedling growth. In addition, it highlights reported biochemical and nutraceutical improvements, including changes in antioxidant capacity, phenolic content and other bioactive compounds which add considerable value to the resulting plants. Finally, the decontamination potential is discussed, along with results discussing the potential of NTP to decontaminate seeds, associated with an extension to the shelf-life of products and identifying key challenges and research gaps for implementing this technology in agricultural practices. The integration of this technology into modern agriculture, including vertical farms and hydroponic systems, opens up the prospect for more sustainable and productive agriculture. However, scaling up the process and optimising processing parameters remain important challenges that require further attention, research and technological development. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance represents one of the most formidable global health crises of the 21st century, driven by the diminishing efficacy of conventional antibiotics due to bacterial adaptation and biofilm formation. In response, antimicrobial nanoformulations have emerged as a transformative therapeutic paradigm, offering multifaceted and innovative mechanisms to combat resistant pathogens. This comprehensive review delineates the broad scope and distinct novelty of nano-enabled antimicrobial strategies, moving beyond the single-target limitations of traditional drugs. We systematically explore the diverse architectural classes of nanoformulations—including metallic, polymeric, and self-assembling nanostructures—and elucidate their unique mechanistic actions. These encompass (1) physical disruption of microbial membranes via electrostatic interactions; (2) catalytic generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species to induce an ‘oxidative storm’; (3) intracellular sabotage of essential metabolic pathways; (4) the ‘Trojan horse’ strategy for enhanced drug delivery and bioavailability; (5) efflux pump bypass to counteract a major resistance mechanism; (6) penetration and eradication of resilient biofilms; and (7) disarming pathogens through quorum sensing and virulence inhibition. Furthermore, this review highlights the immunomodulatory potential of nanoformulations; their activity beyond bacteria against fungi, viruses, and parasites; and the critical role of the nano-bio interface defined by surface physicochemistry. We also address the translational pathway, considering challenges in nanotoxicology, scalability, and regulatory approval, alongside the ecological impact and economic horizon of these technologies. This sector is projected to reach USD 5.4 to 8.96 billion by 2033 to 2034, with compound annual growth rates of 11 to 21% across antimicrobial nanomaterials, nanocoatings, and nanomedicine applications. By integrating insights from computational modeling and in silico design, this review underscores how nanoformulations leverage synergistic, multi-target approaches to overcome resistance, enhance therapeutic efficacy, and represent a significant leap forward in the future of infectious disease management. The novelty lies in the holistic and mechanistic synthesis of how nanotechnology is redefining antimicrobial warfare, offering a promising arsenal to avert a post-antibiotic era. Full article

The neonatal development period from the time of birth can be considered the period of greatest physiological changes throughout the human lifespan. These changes are partly due to dietary or environmental factors and are also modulated by genetic, neuronal, and humoral influences. The focus of research is increasingly on the microbial colonization of the neonatal intestine, since the establishment of a healthy, symbiotic newborn microbiota not only corresponds closely with nutrient metabolism, immune functions, and growth, but also with the brain as part of the so-called “gut–brain axis”. At the same time, a critical time window of opportunity opens up for the early infant microbiota, which is accessible to modulating approaches in favor of normal infant development. Although the definition of “normal” microbiota in infants still remains challenging, the microbiota of infants delivered at term can be discussed as the gold standard—provided they were exclusively breastfed and have not been exposed to antibiotics. Advances in sequencing technologies now also allow us to identify and characterize the microbiota at the strain level and to provide the scientific rationale for new approaches to modulate the early-life microbiome in a more targeted and personalized way—applicable also for formula-fed children who cannot be supplied with human milk. This review addresses the challenges associated with the “healthy” development of a newborn during the first weeks and months of life and discusses potentially modifiable external factors in light of the requirements for the establishment of a functional gut microbiota, gastrointestinal system, and gut–brain axis. Full article