Search Results (4,704)

To investigate how steam-explosion pretreatment affects humification during sawdust composting, an aerobic composting experiment was conducted using sawdust, chicken manure, and spent mushroom substrate as feedstocks. Two treatments were established—a steam-explosion-pretreated sawdust group (SEW) and an untreated sawdust control (CK)—each with three replicate reactors. Samples were collected dynamically at five key composting stages (initial, heating, thermophilic, cooling, and maturation) for physicochemical, enzymatic, and microbial community analyses. Linear mixed-effects model analysis revealed that enzyme activities were significantly affected by treatment, composting time, and their interaction. SEW significantly enhanced cellulase and polyphenol oxidase activities, and increased laccase and peroxidase activities at specific stages. Compared with CK (humic substances, 75.30 g/kg), SEW promoted higher humic substance accumulation (120.80 g/kg) and altered the dynamics of dissolved organic carbon. Microbial co-occurrence networks in SEW (50 nodes, 602 edges) were more complex than CK (49 nodes, 464 edges), indicating tighter microbial interactions. Path analysis revealed that HS in CK was mainly influenced by DOC and temperature, while HS in SEW was associated with enzyme activities, microbial diversity, and Pseudogracilibacillus. These results suggest that steam-explosion pretreatment enhances substrate transformation and humic substance formation during composting. Full article

Nanogrooves provide instructive cues to cells in culture. Several nanofabrication techniques have been developed to create biomimetic substrates, advancing our understanding of cell adhesion. Their integration into nervous system models highlights the critical role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in developing functional tissue constructs for in vitro platforms such as Brain-on-Chip (BoC) and Nervous System-on-Chip (NoC). This study presents a nanofabrication approach that integrates photolithography and microtransfer molding (μTM) to pattern nanogrooves using photocurable polymer NOA81 onto microelectrode array (MEA) plates. The resulting nanogrooves exhibited a pattern periodicity of 976 nm and a ridge width of 232 nm, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. We assessed the biocompatibility and functional impact of these modified substrates using human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neuronal cultures. Neurons cultured on nanogroove-modified MEAs exhibited aligned neural processes due to the anisotropic surface features and expressed vivid spiking behavior and higher burst frequency compared to randomly cultured neuronal networks. In conclusion, the proposed fabrication technique integrates nanogrooves with commercial MEAs using a combination of microtransfer molding and photolithography, resulting in modified culture substrates that enhance spike activity and network organization, aiding in the development of more in vivo-like neural models. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of Nypa fruticans fruit pellet supplementation combined with different CP levels on rumen fermentation characteristics and CH₄ production using an in vitro gas production technique. A 3 × 4 factorial arrangement was used, consisting of three CP levels (12, 14, and 16%) and four levels of Nypa fruticans fruit pellet supplementation (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% of substrate dry matter), with incubation run included as a random effect in the statistical model. Rumen fluid from Thai native beef cattle was incubated under anaerobic conditions. Gas production kinetics, ruminal pH, ammonia–nitrogen (NH₃–N), protozoal populations, digestibility, volatile fatty acids (VFA), and CH₄ production were determined. Significant interactions between CP level and Nypa fruticans fruit pellet supplementation were observed for gas production kinetics. Ruminal pH was influenced by CP level at 24 h, while NH₃–N increased with higher CP levels but decreased with increasing supplementation. Protozoal populations were reduced by Nypa fruticans fruit pellets. Methane production was affected by CP level, Nypa fruticans fruit pellet supplementation, and their interaction. A clearer reduction was observed at 24 h, particularly at higher supplementation levels. At 24 h of incubation, total VFA, propionate, and butyrate concentrations increased with supplementation, whereas no clear effects were observed at 12 h. In vitro dry matter digestibility was affected at 24 h (p < 0.05), but no effect was observed at 48 h, while organic matter digestibility remained unchanged. In conclusion, Nypa fruticans fruit pellets, in combination with CP level, modified rumen fermentation patterns and were associated with lower CH₄ production under in vitro conditions, without negatively affecting digestibility. These findings suggest potential for further in vivo evaluation. Full article

With the requirement for reducing carbon footprint in engineering construction, porous vegetation concrete is increasingly receiving attention for use in completed slope restoration. Cemented soil is introduced after the completion of porous vegetation concrete stabilization and functions mainly as a revegetation substrate. An important consideration for cemented soil in this application is its ability to maintain strength and water stability and possess moisture retention capacity, without causing much increase in alkali release or diffusion. This present study investigated a newly developed twofold stabilization system involving both cement binders and organic waterborne epoxy resin to meet the requirements of synthetically enhancing slope stabilization and restoration. Changes in the unconfined compressive strength and water stability were analyzed, whilst mineralogical composition and microstructure characteristics were investigated. The results indicated that moderate incorporation of triethylenediamine (TETA)-cured epoxy resin (1–2% by soil mass) moderately reduced strength and increased water stability with controlled alkali release in cemented soil. Mineralogical and microstructural analysis revealed that TETA-cured epoxy resin retarded cement hydration and refined particle bonding, exhibiting less consolidated pore structure characteristics. The twofold stabilization was exceptional in enhancing structural stability exposed to repeated humidity variation, albeit it yielded increased strength reduction rate from <7% to 9–16% under UV irradiation. Potentials of calcium sulfoaluminate cement and Portland slag cement were also investigated. A pilot-scale vegetation trial with representative plant species gave general agreement with effects observed in the laboratory in alkali reduction and moisture retention. The results provided an ecological approach for better restoring completed slopes that were stabilized using porous vegetation concrete. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pregnancy is associated with increased renal secretory clearance of drugs mediated by organic anion transporters (OATs) and organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2). Circulating concentrations of pregnancy-related hormones (PRHs) increase with gestational age, providing a plausible mechanism for renal OAT and OCT2 regulation. Methods: Using primary human proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs), we quantified the effects of PRHs, at trimester-specific concentrations, on the mRNA expression of renal drug transporters (apical and basal) and metabolizing enzymes (DMETs), as well as endocytic receptors. PTECs from three female, premenopausal donors were cultured in an optimized Transwell system that maintains measurable OAT activity. PTECs were then exposed for 72 h to trimester-matched PRH cocktails at physiologic (1×) or supraphysiologic (10×) concentrations, with medium replaced every 24 h. DMET and endocytic receptor mRNA were quantified by RT-qPCR, and uptake activities of OAT1/2/3, OCT2, OAT4, and OCTN1 were measured with selective substrates or substrate–inhibitor pairs. Results: At 1× PRHs, renal DMET and endocytic receptor mRNA expression was unchanged across trimester-related PRH concentration except for consistent downregulation of PEPT2. Uptake activity for all measured transporters was unchanged. At 10× PRHs, selective changes in mRNA expression of transporters were observed (e.g., induction of OAT1), but these changes did not translate into changes in activity. Conclusions: Our data argue against PRHs as the main driver of the increase in OAT-mediated drug secretion during pregnancy. Alternative mechanisms (e.g., flow-dependent mechanotransduction and untested hormones [e.g., prolactin, hCG]) should be evaluated to explain gestation-dependent changes in renal secretory clearance of drugs. Full article

Solid-state fermentation (SSF) is a pivotal biotechnology in the circular economy, leveraging agri-food industrial waste and byproducts to produce high-value bioproducts while minimizing organic waste. By aligning with sustainability goals and zero-waste principles, SSF enables the production of enzymes, bioactive compounds, and secondary metabolites for food, agriculture, and biomedical applications. Recent advancements have optimized critical parameters, including substrate selection, culture conditions, and scalable bioreactor designs, enhancing process efficiency and reducing environmental impact. Despite progress, challenges persist in maximizing production yields and fostering industrial adoption. Addressing these hurdles, particularly through integrated environmental and techno-economic analyses, is essential to solidify SSF’s role as a sustainable and competitive bioprocessing method. This review analyzes the latest advances in SSF, including the valorization of food and agro-industrial wastes, innovative bioreactor designs, microbial engineering for more efficient strains, bioenergy production and its integration into biorefineries, and contributions to the circular bioeconomy. Thus, SSF emerges as a key technology in sustainable industrial biotechnology, offering eco-friendly alternatives and promoting a more efficient production model. Full article

Driven by global carbon reduction targets, supersulfated cement has emerged as a promising low-carbon cementitious material. This study investigates the influence of a polycarboxylate superplasticizer (PCE) on the rheological behavior and early interfacial evolution of phosphogypsum-based supersulfated cement (PSSC). Rheological measurements, pore solution ion analysis, hydration heat analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM–EDS) are employed to correlate early hydration processes with structural development. The results indicate that the incorporation of PCE significantly reduces the initial yield stress and moderates the structural build-up rate. At a PCE dosage of 0.3 wt.%, the initial static yield stress decreases from 1313 Pa to approximately 125 Pa, while the structural build-up index I_s,s reaches 10.19, indicating improved particle dispersion while maintaining progressive structural reconstruction during hydration. Phosphogypsum (PG) functions not only as a sulfate source but also as an active interfacial substrate that promotes the preferential nucleation of AFt on its surface. In the absence of PCE, continuous Ca–P-enriched layers form on PG particles, accompanied by localized AFt accumulation. After the incorporation of PCE, the primary crystalline phases remain unchanged; however, gypsum dissolution and AFt formation are delayed. Meanwhile, Ca–P enrichment shifts from continuous coverage to a more dispersed distribution, promoting the spatially separated growth of AFt crystals rather than dense localized aggregation. Overall, PCE influences the evolution of the structure and properties of the system by regulating early interfacial reactions and the spatial organization of hydration products. Full article

This review proposes a “phenomenon–mechanism–regulation” framework for understanding nitrogen immobilization during the conversion of green waste into growing media. Nitrogen immobilization acts as a double-edged sword: intense short-term immobilization, typically occurring within the first 1–2 weeks after substrate establishment, can rapidly deplete mineral nitrogen and induce plant nitrogen deficiency, whereas the immobilized nitrogen is subsequently incorporated into microbial biomass and lignin-associated organic pools, forming a slow-release reservoir that enhances nitrogen retention and reduces leaching losses. Owing to its extremely high C/N ratio (often >100) and the coexistence of labile carbon fractions and recalcitrant compounds (e.g., lignin and phenolics), green waste exhibits substantially stronger immobilization potential than conventional media. Empirical evidence indicates that nitrogen immobilization can reach 10–115 mg N·L⁻¹ within a few days in wood-derived substrates, and additional fertilization of up to 100 mg N·L⁻¹ may be required to maintain crop growth. Mechanistically, nitrogen immobilization is governed by the coupling of microbial assimilation—driven by stoichiometric C/N imbalance (typically triggered when C/N > 20–25)—and abiotic chemical fixation, including reactions between NH₄⁺/NO₂⁻ and lignin-derived phenolics forming stable organic nitrogen compounds. The relative dominance of these pathways is jointly regulated by carbon quality, nitrogen form, and pH. Based on these mechanisms, regulatory strategies are summarized at multiple scales, including feedstock pretreatment to reduce labile carbon availability, substrate formulation to optimize C/N balance, and model-assisted intelligent fertigation to synchronize nitrogen supply with crop demand. Overall, this study provides a theoretical basis for improving green waste valorization and promoting sustainable horticultural production. Full article

This study reports that titanium nanoparticles can be used as a surface coating to enhance the corrosion resistance of 316 stainless steel. It specifically examines the influence of the deposition temperature (T_dep) on the coating’s structural and morphological properties, including corrosion behavior. TiO₂ nanoparticles were thoughtfully deposited on steel substrates at temperatures of 300, 400, and 500 °C using a horizontal hot-wall tubular reactor. This equipment was expertly engineered at the CIDETEQ laboratory through the metal–organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) concept. Titanium isopropoxide [Ti(OC₃H₇)₄] was used as the precursor for the coating synthesis. Structural analysis was conducted using X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Corrosion performance was evaluated under accelerated conditions in 0.5 M H₂SO₄ using potentiodynamic anodic polarization (AP), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The corrosion test indicates that increasing T_dep significantly differentiates the coating morphology and improves corrosion resistance. AP revealed that the pitting potential (E_pit) shifted to more positive values, ranging from +1.4 to +1.5 V. CV voltammograms indicated that coated samples had lower passive current densities (I_p ≈ 10⁴ to 10⁵ A/cm²) than the bare substrate. EIS analysis demonstrated that the coating deposited at 500 °C processed the most favorable electrochemical performance, resisting corrosion for over 28 days. This coating achieved the highest electrical resistance (297 kΩ·cm²) and the lowest capacitance (2.7 μF/cm²), attributed to the formation of a crystalline anatase phase composed of pyramidal-like nanoparticle agglomerates (~40 nm). The dense packing structure effectively blocks charge-transfer pathways, restricting electron and ion transfer. Finally, MOCVD-based chemical surface modification with TiO₂ nanoparticles is considered an innovative method to improve the corrosion resistance of stainless steel, thereby prolonging its durability under accelerated sulfuric acid exposure. Full article

Dark fermentation is commonly used for producing biohydrogen as a green hydrogen, which can be used as an alternative to fossil fuels. Pilot-scale studies on continuous biohydrogen production from molasses are still limited. In this study, a 60 L pilot-scale up-flow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) dark fermentation system was operated continuously for biohydrogen production from molasses. The reactor achieved an average hydrogen production rate of 3.64 L H₂/L-d. Attention was paid to evaluating total sugar, rather than COD alone, as a more appropriate process indicator for substrate conversion and hydrogen production performance. In addition, metabolic pathway characteristics and microbial community structure were examined. The results provide useful pilot-scale operational data for the implementation of fermentative biohydrogen production technology. Full article

Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) have already been applied in various fields, like construction, architecture, packaging, waste management and many others, as sustainable replacement materials. The composites created from such materials are lightweight, biodegradable and can take many different geometrical shapes. As there are many different combinations of fungal mycelium and organic substrates, it is not only important to investigate and determine which of these combinations perform best from an acoustic perspective but also from an environmental point of view. The sound absorption qualities of these biocomposites have been investigated. It was found that the sound absorption coefficients range from 0.33 to 0.49 in the mid-high frequency range for the four different mixtures of substrate and oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus). The results from the acoustic testing are promising, but the environmental impact of these mycelium-based composites also needs to be determined. The impacts from water and especially from energy, used during the growth and preparation cycles, are the main contributors to the environmental impact of MBCs, which is also confirmed by the relevant literature. A cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted, utilizing the ReCiPe method, with selected environmental impact categories, based on real-world production data and the scientific literature. The results obtained were also compared with a commercially produced acoustical stone wool panel. The influence on environmental impact of the different substrates is also analyzed, determining which MBC is the most environmentally friendly and has the best acoustical properties. Full article

Cutaneous melanoma is the most lethal form of skin cancer because of its aggressiveness, rapid metastasis, and high therapeutic resistance. The 2018 World Health Organization (WHO) classification emphasized that melanoma comprises distinct subtypes defined by cumulative sun damage, site of origin, and molecular characteristics, which explain differences in mutational burden, immunogenicity, and treatment response. Immunotherapy with anti-PD-1 therapy such as nivolumab and pembrolizumab changed the therapeutic landscape by restoring CD8+ T-cell activity and improving survival. Still, many patients show primary or acquired resistance influenced by low PD-L1 expression, loss of antigen presentation, tumor metabolic plasticity, and an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Mitochondria are central to this process. They regulate ATP generation through oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), redox control, apoptosis, and the metabolic programming needed for T-cell activation. In the tumor microenvironment (TME), hypoxia, nutrient restriction, and PD-1 signaling reduce mitochondrial biogenesis, increase fission and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and lead to exhaustion and impaired effector function. Moreover, tumor cells outcompete immune cells for key nutrients such as glucose and glutamine, while increased lactate production and extracellular acidosis further suppress mitochondrial respiration in T cells. Strategies to overcome resistance include restoring oxidative metabolism, activating PGC-1α, supplying metabolic substrates, and combining checkpoint blockade with inhibitors of glycolysis or glutaminolysis to enhance the immune response. Full article

The broad substrate specificity of enzymes, while advantageous for catalytic diversity, often leads to undesired side reactions and reduced product yields in engineered metabolic pathways. To address this challenge, we developed a programmable protein scaffold based on a self-assembled γPFD-SpyCatcher hydrogel for the in vivo co-immobilization of SpyTag-cyclized cascade enzymes, enabling the co-immobilization of cascade enzymes in a spatially organized manner. Enzymes with broad substrate specificities were linearly fused with SpyTags, facilitating their spatial organization on the nanoscaffold within engineered E. coli to ensure directed catalytic flux. Using this strategy, the yields of pinene and caffeoyl-CoA were enhanced by 5.8-fold (reaching 94.5 mg/L) and 2.4-fold (reaching 78.6 mg/L), respectively, compared to free enzyme systems. This work establishes an effective approach to mitigate the limitations posed by broad enzyme specificity and demonstrates its potential for applications in synthetic biology and industrial biotechnology. Full article

Phenol derivatives display a prominent role in many biologically active molecules. Boron-containing molecules are considered valuable precursors for their synthesis. Therefore, the rise of photochemistry has led many researchers to develop novel, sustainable protocols that exploit the advantages offered by different irradiation sources. For this reason, the application of novel photocatalysts that promote challenging organic transformations is highly valued. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) is a semiconductor photocatalyst widely used in organic chemistry for promoting complex organic transformations. Herein, we report a green and efficient methodology for the hydroxylation of boronic acids to the corresponding hydroxyl derivatives, using g-C₃N₄ as the photocatalyst. The heterogeneous photocatalyst (g-C₃N₄) was prepared by thermal polycondensation of melamine and characterized by XRD, FESEM/EDS, and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Green LED irradiation was employed as the energy source and air as the active oxidant. A variety of substrates were tested, showcasing excellent functional group tolerance in the aerobic photochemical protocol. Mechanistic studies were conducted to investigate the reaction pathway and to identify the oxygen species generated. Full article

Modern agriculture is increasingly reliant on imported fertilizers and subject to price volatility, compounded by environmental pressures arising from the overuse of synthetic fertilizers. This study assessed the impact of Furcellaria lumbricalis algal biostimulant, produced by anaerobic fermentation, on dry matter yield and plant development indicators of garden radish (Raphanus raphanistrum subsp. sativus) in five soil substrate types. Biostimulant doses aimed at reducing mineral fertilizer application to 75% of the full rate while maintaining or improving yield were evaluated; yet no statistically significant effect on dry matter yield was observed, and the hypothesis was therefore not statistically confirmed. The experiment included five substrate types (sandy clay, sandy clay with organic matter, sand, sand with organic matter, and peat) and six fertilizer/biostimulant treatments, including 75% mineral fertilizer combined with 3%, 6%, and 12% algal biostimulant concentrations. Linear mixed models showed that substrate type (F = 19.58; p < 0.001) and fertilizer variant (F = 5.00; p < 0.001) had statistically significant effects on total dry matter yield, but their interaction was not statistically significant. All 75% and 100% mineral fertilizer variants with and without biostimulant produced statistically significantly higher yields than the unfertilized control (p = 0.0016–0.0337). The leaf development indicator (AtLeaf) index was statistically significantly higher in all biostimulant variants compared to the unfertilized control. Principal component analysis (PCA) and redundancy analysis (RDA) demonstrated that substrate type determines the primary structure of the substrate–plant system, while biostimulant effects were expressed as modulation of existing processes within the substrates. The results indicate substrate-specific responses to Baltic Sea algal Furcellaria lumbricalis digestate with statistically significant effect observed only in peat, consistent with previous findings, while no significant effects were detected in other substrates. Although the effects of the biostimulant on dry matter yield were not consistently statistically significant, the observed trends in plant development indicators and substrate–plant system responses suggest that Furcellaria lumbricalis digestate may have potential as a nutrient recycling component within a circular bioeconomy framework. Full article