Search Results (5)

Most polymeric plastics used as food packaging are obtained from petroleum or made with non-biodegradable synthetic molecules, which slowly degrade and leach into the environment, resulting in the accumulation of microplastics along the trophic chains. To mitigate these impacts, biodegradable packaging derived from agro-industrial biomass residues has emerged as a promising alternative. In this study, bio-based methylcellulose films reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) extracted from low-quality coffee beans were developed and fully characterized. The extracted CNCs presented a needle-like morphology, with an average height of 7.27 nm and a length of 221.34 nm, with 65.75% crystallinity, were stable at pH 7–8, and presented thermogravimetric mass loss of 8.0%. Methylcellulose films containing 0.6% w/w of CNC were produced by casting and characterized in terms of thermal, mechanical, and optical properties. Notably, the incorporation of CNCs resulted in significantly more flexible and less rigid films, as evidenced by the higher elongation at break (57.90%) and lower Young’s modulus (0.0015 GPa) compared to neat methylcellulose film. The tensile strength was not affected (p > 0.05). Additionally, the MCNC 0.6% films effectively blocked UV light in the 200–300 nm range without compromising transparency. Altogether, these findings underscore the MCNC 0.6% film as a flexible, biodegradable packaging material suitable for food industry application. Full article

Coffee bean sorting is currently based primarily on visual appearance and near-infrared techniques that probe the bean’s skin. However, sorting based on compositional differences has significant potential to optimize the roasting process. We present a novel coffee bean sorting method using terahertz (THz) spectroscopy, which effectively penetrates both green and roasted beans. Our findings show that the optical properties of coffee beans at THz frequencies are primarily governed by internal moisture levels. To demonstrate industrial feasibility, we implement a robot-guided THz sensing system capable of scanning beds of beans for automated sorting. More broadly, our results confirm the potential of THz technology for moisture content analysis across various applications. Full article

Great efforts are constantly being made by industry-specific coffee agencies to standardize the certification of coffee quality. In consequence, international trade requires quick and reliable analyses because of their high cost, the risk of misclassification, the difficulty of large-scale analysis, and, most importantly, the subjectivity generated by tasters. A powerful analytical method that can be used to accurately evaluate and identify coffee varieties is Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS). In this study, it provided a quick, cost-effective, and residue-free method commonly used in laboratories for direct analysis, determining multi-elemental composition, and exploring the organic composition of roasted coffee. The mineral composition of eight varieties of pure roasted coffee was determined using a pulsed nanosecond laser produced from a Nd:YAG laser at 1064 nm. The most important spectral variables for coffee variety identification were sequestered using LIBS coupled with a chemometric-tool-based principal component analysis (PCA). The nine main wavelengths chosen corresponded to the elements of C(I), Mg(II, I), Ca(II), Fe(I), K(I), H(I), and O(I), in addition to the CN group. The overall findings indicated that using LIBS to identify coffee varieties is feasible based on a simple, quick, and eco-friendly strategy without the requirement for complex preparation or wasting time in preparation. Such studies can help to protect the coffee market and businesses by certifying product quality. Using LIBS and full statistical illustrations with PCA, the prevention of unfair competition, protection of consumers, and determination of coffee quality can be achieved. Full article

Seed priming is a novel approach that is undertaken to improve seed germination and therefore potentially enhance growth and yield. Low-cost, eco-friendly, and efficient seed treatment as a means of enhancing growth and yield is still being sought for high-value crops such as pomegranates (Punica granatum L.), particularly in areas situated at high altitudes such as the Taif region. The uptake of nanoparticles (NPs) by plants provides a potential pathway for NP exposure. Therefore, it is imperative to understand NP uptake via seed priming and their unique properties within plants. In the present study, titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂NPs) were green-synthesized and utilized as priming agents for pomegranate seeds at a concentration of 40 mg/mL for 24 h. The adsorption of NPs was verified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis/spectroscopy (EDX), while their incorporation was detected by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). To validate the EM results, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP–OES) techniques were further undertaken. The results confirmed the successful synthesis of pure anatase TiO₂NPs by employing aqueous extracts of pomegranate fruit peel (PPE) and coffee ground beans (CE). All of the analytical techniques employed in this research confirmed the incorporation of TiO₂NPs inside seeds, even after storage during priming treatment. This study lays the foundation for future sustainable seed technologies in terms of crop productivity and seed germination. Full article

Recent studies concerning graphene quantum dots (GQDs) focus extensively on their application in biomedicine, exploiting their modifiable optical properties and ability to complex with various molecules via π–π or covalent interactions. Among these nascent findings, the potential therapeutic efficacy of GQDs was reported against Parkinson’s disease, which has to date remained incurable. Herein, we present an environmentally friendly approach for synthesizing GQDs through a waste-to-treasure method, specifically from coffee waste to nanodrug. Consistent with the previous findings with carbon fiber-derived GQDs, the inhibitory effects of coffee bean-derived GQDs demonstrated similar effectiveness against abnormal α-synuclein fibrillation and the protection of neurons from relevant subcellular damages. The fact that a GQDs-based nanodrug can be prepared from a non-reusable yet edible source illustrates a potential approach to convert such waste materials into novel therapeutic agents with minimal psychological rejection by patients. Full article