Search Results (530)

Melamine sponges have demonstrated significant application potential in the field of adsorption materials due to their unique three-dimensional porous network structure, excellent chemical/mechanical stability, and abundant amino active sites on the surface. However, the development of modified melamine sponges with efficient Congo red dye removal capabilities remains a substantial challenge. In this study, a stable linear polymer network structure was constructed on the surface of melamine sponges via an in situ polymerization strategy based on the Schiff base reaction mechanism. Characterization analyses reveal that the modified sponge not only retained the original porous skeleton structure but also significantly enhanced the density of surface active sites. Experimental data demonstrate that the modified sponge exhibited excellent adsorption performance for Congo red dye, with the adsorption process conforming to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and achieving a practical maximum adsorption capacity of 380.4 mg/g. Notably, the material also displayed favorable cyclic stability. This study provides an efficient adsorbent for Congo red dye-contaminated wastewater treatment through the development of a novel surface-functionalized sponge material while also offering new solutions for advancing the practical applications of melamine-based porous materials and environmental remediation technologies. Full article

The remarkable advantages of zinc anodes render aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) a highly promising energy storage solution. Nevertheless, the uncontrolled growth of zinc dendrites and side reactions pose significant obstacles to the practical application of ZIBs. To address these issues, a straightforward strategy has been proposed, involving the addition of a minute quantity of AgNO₃ to the electrolyte to stabilize zinc anodes. This additive spontaneously forms a hierarchically porous Ag interphase on the zinc anodes, which is characterized by its zinc-affinitive nature. The interphase offers abundant zinc nucleation sites and accommodation space, leading to uniform zinc plating/stripping and enhanced kinetics of zinc deposition/dissolution. Moreover, the chemically inert Ag interphase effectively curtails side reactions by isolating water molecules. Consequently, the incorporation of AgNO₃ enables zinc anodes to undergo cycling for extended periods, such as over 4000 h at a current density of 0.5 mA/cm² with a capacity of 0.5 mAh/cm², and for 450 h at 2 mA/cm² with a capacity of 2 mAh/cm². Full zinc-ion cells equipped with this additive not only demonstrate increased specific capacities but also exhibit significantly improved cycle stability. This research presents a cost-effective and practical approach for the development of reliable zinc anodes for ZIBs. Full article

Utilizing straw feed is an effective strategy to optimize straw resource utilization by incorporating microbial degradation agents to expedite lignocellulose breakdown and enhance feed efficiency. Lignocellulose-degrading species and microbial communities are present in various Earth ecosystems, including the rumen of ruminants, insect digestive tracts, forest soil, and microbial populations in papermaking processes. The rumen of ruminants harbors a diverse range of microbial species, making it a promising source of lignocellulose-degrading microorganisms. Exploring alternative systems like insect intestines and forest soil is essential for future research. Current studies primarily rely on traditional microbial isolation techniques to identify lignocellulose-degrading strains, underscoring the necessity to transition to utilizing microbial culturomics and genome-editing technologies for discovering and manipulating cellulose-degrading microbes. This review provides an overview of lignocellulose-degrading microbial communities from diverse environments, encompassing bacterial and fungal populations. It also delves into the use of metagenomic, metatranscriptomic, and metaproteomic approaches to pinpoint highly efficient cellulase genes, along with the application of genome-editing tools for engineering lignocellulose-degrading microorganisms. The primary objective of this review is to offer insights for further exploration of potential lignocellulose-degrading microbial resources and high-performance cellulase genes to enhance roughage utilization in ruminant rumen ecosystems. Full article

Albumin-based nanoparticles are promising drug delivery systems due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to improve targeted drug release. Among various preparation methods, radiation-induced cross-linking in the presence of ethanol has been proposed in the literature as an effective method for producing protein nanoparticles with preserved bioactivity and controlled size. However, the mechanisms by which ethanol radicals contribute to protein aggregation remain insufficiently understood. In this study, we investigate the role of ethanol in the aggregation of albumins to determine whether its presence is necessary or beneficial for nanoparticle formation. Using pulse radiolysis, spectroscopy methods, resonance light scattering (RLS), and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, we examined aqueous ethanol solutions of albumins before and after irradiation. Our results show that ethanol concentrations above 40% (v/v) significantly promote both radiation-induced and spontaneous protein aggregation. Mechanistic analysis indicates that ethanol radicals react with albumin similarly to hydrated electrons, mainly targeting disulfide bridges. This reaction leads to the formation of sulfur-centered radicals and the formation of intermolecular disulfide bonds that stabilize protein nanostructures by excluding the formation of dityrosine bridges, as described in the literature. In contrast, ethanol concentration below 40% does not favor the radiation-induced aggregation compared to the solution containing t-BuOH. These results provide novel insights into the role of organic cosolvents in protein aggregation and contribute to a broader understanding of the mechanisms of formation of albumin-based nanoparticles using ionizing radiation. Full article

Trans fatty acids (TFAs) pose significant health risks, including cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders. However, the lack of high-resolution, high-sensitivity, and high-throughput quantitative methods for TFA analysis has led to fragmented data on TFA content in edible oils, which constrains research on the quality assessment of edible oils. In this study, we developed a high-resolution and high-sensitivity gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method to simultaneously determine 23 TFA isomers. The method validation demonstrated good sensitivity, linearity, accuracy, and precision. Based on the proposed method, we analyzed 170 samples of 11 common edible oils, establishing a comprehensive TFA profile for each type. Ruminant fats (beef tallow, mutton tallow, butter) had high TFA levels (0.8–4.8 g/100 g), dominated by vaccenic acid (C18:1 t11) and conjugated linoleic acid, while vegetable oils (soybean, corn, peanut and sesame oil) exhibited lower concentrations (0.5–2.2 g/100 g), especially monounsaturated TFAs. Particularly, soybean oil was rich in C18:3 isomers, while shortening presented the closest similarity to sesame oil. Cluster analysis distinguished oils by TFA composition, highlighting low-TFA clusters (sunflower oil, pork lard, cream). In conclusion, the high-resolution, high-sensitivity, and high-throughput TFA quantification method developed in this study provides technical support for establishing characteristic TFA profiles in edible oils, while offering data support to further quality assessment. Full article

This study presents an investigation on the potential of using one-year-old field-stored Medicago sativa (alfalfa) as a raw material for a multi-output biorefinery. The main objective was to fractionate the biomass into valuable components—crude protein, hemicellulose-derived polysaccharides, lignin, and cellulose—and to explore the latter’s suitability in papermaking. To this end, three pretreatment strategies (water, alkaline buffer, and NaOH solution) were applied, followed by soda pulping under varying severity conditions. Both solid and liquid fractions were collected and chemically characterized using FTIR, HPLC, and standardized chemical methods. Water-based pretreatment was most effective for protein extraction, achieving over 40% protein content in precipitated fractions. The harshest pulping conditions (20% NaOH, 160 °C, 60 min) yielded cellulose-rich pulp with high glucan content, while also facilitating lignin and hemicellulose recovery from black liquor. Furthermore, the pulps derived from alfalfa stems were tested for papermaking. When blended with old corrugated cardboard (OCC), the fibers enhanced tensile and burst strength by 35% and 70%, respectively, compared to OCC alone. These findings support the valorization of unexploited alfalfa deposits and suggest a feasible biorefinery approach for protein, fiber, and polymer recovery, aligned with circular economy principles. Full article

The traditional papermaking process uses petroleum-based additives, which raise environmental concerns. As a result, these concerns have attracted the scientific community to explore green additives by introducing environmentally friendly cellulose modifications as additives to the papermaking process. A promising way to process pulp is the application of deep eutectic solvent-like mixtures, which expand new possibilities for delignification processes. This article aims to characterize the physical properties of pulps modified with deep eutectic solvent-like mixtures and to compare these properties to untreated softwood kraft pulp and pulp obtained after oxygen delignification (commercially available pulp; obtained from Mondi Štětí a.s.). The physical properties (mechanical and optical) of the original pulp and delignified pulps were evaluated based on the degree of beating (Schopper–Riegler degree), zeta potential, water retention value, tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and whiteness. Technology employing deep eutectic solvent-like mixtures shows great promise for sustainable pulp production; however, its full-scale adoption will require further research focused on process optimization, solvent recovery, and economic cost reduction. Full article

The development of printable, biocompatible, biodegradable, and cost-effective bioinks, or biomaterial inks, remains a focal point in extrusion-based bioprinting research. In this study, fish gelatin (FG) was reinforced with microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) to formulate biomaterial inks. These FG/MCC composite inks were fabricated into 3D scaffolds using an extrusion bioprinter. The influence of MCC concentration on printability was systematically evaluated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses confirmed the formation of hydrogen bonds between MCC and FG, indicating molecular-level interactions. Notably, MCC incorporation enhanced the rheological properties of the ink and significantly improved the compressive strength of printed scaffolds. Furthermore, MCC content modulated key scaffold characteristics, including porosity, degradation rate, swelling behavior, and microarchitecture. These findings demonstrate that FG/MCC composite hydrogels exhibit optimal properties for extrusion-based 3D bioprinting, offering a promising platform for tissue engineering applications. Full article

Chromium (III) ions are essential for biological functions, whereas chromium (VI) ions (Cr (VI)) pose toxicity risks to both humans and animals. Therefore, it is crucial to remove these ions from industrial sources. In this work, to remove hazardous Cr (VI) from wastewater or convert it to Cr (III), catechol-modified alkali lignin (CAL) was prepared using catechol, acetone, and alkali lignin, which is a byproduct in the paper-pulping process. The sample was characterized using a combination of techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Various factors influencing the adsorption behavior of CAL were investigated. The adsorption behavior aligns with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and adheres to the Langmuir isotherm model. CAL simultaneously achieves Cr (VI) adsorption (498.4 mg/g) and reduction (54.6% to Cr (III)), surpassing single-function lignin adsorbents by integrating catechol’s redox capacity with lignin’s structural stability, which is another way to efficiently utilize Cr (VI) solutions. The mechanism of adsorption and reduction is discussed, which is influenced by its functional groups. In brief, this method paves a new path for the utilization of alkali lignin and provides novel opportunities for the removal of Cr (VI) contamination. Full article

Wood is a naturally abundant, biodegradable, and renewable material with significant potential as an alternative to petroleum-based materials. However, its inherent heterogeneity, anisotropy, and modest mechanical properties limit its application in high-performance structural uses. Delignification, a critical process in papermaking and biorefining, has emerged as a promising pretreatment technique to enhance the properties of wood for advanced subsequent applications. This process selectively removes lignin while preserving the aligned cellulose structure, thereby improving mechanical strength, dimensional stability, and potential for functionalization. Various delignification methods, including alkaline, acidic, and reductive catalytic fractionation, have been explored to optimize the wood’s structural and chemical properties. When combined with densification or impregnation, delignified wood exhibits superior mechanical performance, making it suitable for a range of applications, including structural materials, optical devices, biomedical applications, and energy storage. This detailed review examines the chemistry and mechanisms of delignification, its impact on the physical and mechanical properties of wood, and its role in developing sustainable, high-performance bio-based materials. Furthermore, challenges and future opportunities in delignification research are discussed, highlighting its potential for next-generation wood-based innovative applications. Full article

Aglycone-type soy isoflavones, recognized for their bioactive phytoestrogen properties, face industrial limitations due to their low natural abundance and inefficient conversion. This study optimized a multi-enzyme synergistic catalysis system using soybean sprout powder, achieving high conversion rates and purity through response surface methodology. The optimal enzyme system comprised β-glucosidase (25 U/mL), cellulase (200 U/mL), hemicellulase (400 U/mL), and β-galactosidase (900 U/mL) at pH 5.0, 50 °C, and 3.2 h. This system yielded an aglycone conversion rate of 92% and glycoside hydrolysis rate of 97%, outperforming single-enzyme approaches. Upon post-purification with AB-8 macroporous resin, the product reached a purity of 58.1 ± 0.54% and exhibited strong antioxidant activity, with DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging rates of 81.01 ± 0.78% and 71.37 ± 1.01%, respectively. In a zebrafish central nervous system injury model induced by mycophenolate mofetil, the 500 μg/mL sample group significantly reduced neural apoptosis fluorescence intensity compared to controls (p < 0.05), achieving a neuroprotective rate of 76.58%, which was similar to the effect of L-reducing glutathione. This study offers an efficient, cost-effective enzymatic strategy for producing aglycone soy isoflavones, highlighting their potential in functional foods and neuroprotective applications. Full article

L-leucine, an essential amino acid which cannot be synthesized in mammals, has extensive applications in various fields. However, the large-scale production of L-leucine still faces various challenges in terms of strain and process optimization. In this study, E. coli A211 was used as the initial strain, and a double enhancement strategy of CRISPR-associated transposase genome integration and a plasmid was employed to enhance the L-leucine metabolic pathway. We constructed four engineered strains—E. coli A101, E. coli B201, E. coli CD301, and E. coli bcd401. The transcriptional levels of key genes (leuA, leuCD, leuB, and bcd) in L-leucine biosynthesis were significantly upregulated to boost L-leucine production. Fermentation screening revealed that E. coli CD301 exhibited the highest L-leucine titer (0.57 ± 0.01 g/L), presenting a 97% increase compared with the parental strain. The fermentation process of E. coli CD301 was further optimized using single-factor optimization followed by response surface methodology of variables such as temperature, C/N ratio, and inoculum size, leading to an enhanced L-leucine titer of 0.89 ± 0.03 g/L, a 56.1% improvement over the pre-optimization level. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of CRISPR-associated transposase genome integration and plasmid double enhancement strategy, providing new insights into metabolic engineering approaches for improving L-leucine production via fermentation with E. coli. Full article

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a versatile carbohydrate-derived platform chemical that has been used for the synthesis of a number of commercially valuable compounds. In this study, several chromium (Cr)-doped, biomass-derived hydrochar catalysts were synthesized via the one-pot method using starch, eucalyptus wood, and bagasse as carbon sources. Then, the performance of these synthesized materials for the catalytic conversion of glucose into HMF was evaluated by, primarily, the yield of HMF. The synergistic interactions between the Cr salt and the different biomass components were investigated, along with their effects on the catalytic efficiency. The differences in the catalytic activity of the synthesized materials were analyzed through structural characterization, as well as assessments of the acid density and strength. Among the catalysts, Cr₅BHC₁₈₀ derived from bagasse presented the highest activity, achieving an HMF yield of 64.5% in an aqueous solvent system of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and saturated sodium chloride (NaCl) at 170 °C after 5 h. After four cycles, the HMF yield of Cr₅BHC₁₈₀ decreased to 38.7%. Characterization techniques such as N₂ adsorption–desorption and Py-FTIR suggested that such a decline in the HMF yield is due to pore blockage and acid site coverage by humic by-products, as demonstrated by the fact that regeneration by calcination at 300 °C restored the HMF yield to 50.5%. Full article

3,4-dimethylpyrazole (DMPZ), when used as a nitrification inhibitor, exhibits volatility, poor thermal stability, high production costs, and limited functionality restricted to nitrogen fixation. To address these limitations and introduce novel phosphorus-solubilizing and soil-loosening abilities, herein, a poly (acrylamide-co-acrylic acid)-encapsulated NI (P(AA-co-AM)-e-NI) is synthesized by incorporating linear P(AM-co-AA) macromolecular structures into NI systems. The P(AA-co-AM)-e-NI demonstrates an obvious phase transition from a glassy state to a rubbery state, with a glass transition temperature of ~150 °C. Only 5 wt% of the weight loss occurs at 220 °C, meeting the temperature requirements of the high-tower melt granulation process (≥165 °C). The DMPZ content in P(AA-co-AM)-e-NI is 1.067 wt%, representing a 120% increase compared to our previous products (0.484 wt%). P(AA-co-AM)-e-NI can effectively reduce the abundance of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and prolong the duration during which nitrogen fertilizers exist in the form of ammonium nitrogen. It can also cooperatively enhance the conversion of insoluble phosphorus into soluble phosphorus in the presence of ammonium nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N). In addition, upon adding P(AA-co-AM)-e-NI into soils, soil bulk density and hardness decrease by 9.2% and 10.5%, respectively, and soil permeability increases by 10.5%, showing that it has a good soil-loosening ability and capacity to regulate the soil environment. Full article