Search Results (276)

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is increasingly attracting the attention of Mediterranean farmers due to its broad environmental adaptability and low input requirements. Although still relatively underexplored, this species holds remarkable potential as a source of natural dyes and bioactive phytochemicals with recognized health-promoting and phytotherapeutic properties. In this study, the effects of genotype and sowing time on safflower’s productive and qualitative traits were investigated by testing six genotypes and two sowing times (autumn and spring) in an open-field trial conducted in central Tuscany. The Pieve genotype achieved the highest floret dry yield per head, number of heads per plant, and total floret yield per plant, whereas the Montola 2000 genotype was distinguished by its elevated polyphenol concentration and pronounced antioxidant activity. Autumn sowing resulted in higher yields of bioactive pigments, including carthamin and yellow quinochalcones, alongside greater total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. Conversely, spring sowing appeared to limit pigment biosynthesis, likely due to environmental stressors such as elevated temperature and excessive light exposure. Overall, these findings highlight the strong influence of genotype and sowing time on the accumulation of health-beneficial compounds in safflower. By optimizing these factors, safflower can be strategically valorized as a multipurpose crop in the Mediterranean region, combining economic and environmental sustainability with the production of natural compounds of high nutraceutical and phytotherapeutic value. Full article

The massive influx of pelagic Sargassum in the Caribbean poses a serious environmental, social, and economic problem, as the stranded biomass is often treated as waste and deposited in landfills. This literature review synthesizes recent research highlighting its potential for valorization in various industries, turning this challenge into an opportunity. Sargassum has low levels of protein and lipids. Still, it is particularly rich in carbohydrates, such as alginates, fucoidans, mannitol, and cellulose, as well as secondary metabolites, including phenolic compounds, flavonoids, pigments, and phytosterols with antioxidant and bioactive properties. These biochemical characteristics allow for its application in renewable energy (bioethanol, biogas, biodiesel, and combustion), agriculture (fertilizers and biostimulants), construction (composite materials, cement additives, and insulation), bioremediation (adsorption of heavy metals and dyes), and in the health sector (antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and pharmacological uses). A major limitation is its high bioaccumulation capacity for heavy metals, particularly arsenic, which increases environmental and health risks and limits its direct use in food and feed. Therefore, innovative pretreatment and bioprocessing are essential to mitigate these risks. The most promising approach for its utilization is a biorefinery model, which allows for the sequential extraction of multiple high-value compounds and energy products to maximize benefits, reduce costs, and sustainably transform Sargassum from a coastal pest into a valuable industrial resource. Full article

Fungi have emerged as versatile biotechnological platforms for addressing environmental challenges with potential co-benefits for human health. Among them, Pleurotus ostreatus stands out for its ligninolytic enzyme systems (notably laccases), capacity to valorize lignocellulosic residues, and ability to form functional mycelial materials. We conducted an evidence-mapped review, based on a bibliometric analysis of the Scopus corpus (2001–2025; 2085 records), to characterize research fronts and practical opportunities in environmental remediation and sustainable bioprocesses involving P. ostreatus. The mapped literature shows sustained growth and global engagement, with prominent themes in: (a) oxidative transformation of phenolic compounds, dyes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; (b) biodegradation/bioconversion of agro-industrial residues into value-added products; and (c) development of bio-based materials and processes aligned with the circular bioeconomy. We synthesize how these strands translate to real-world contexts, reducing contaminant loads, closing nutrient loops, and enabling low-cost processes that may indirectly reduce exposure-related risks. Key translational gaps persist: standardization of environmental endpoints, scale-up from laboratory to field, performance in complex matrices, life-cycle impacts and cost, ecotoxicological safety, and long-term monitoring. A practical agenda was proposed that prioritizes field-scale demonstrations with harmonized protocols, integration of life-cycle assessment and cost metrics, data sharing, and One Health frameworks linking environmental gains with plausible health co-benefits. In conclusion, P. ostreatus is a tractable platform organism for sustainable remediation and bio-manufacturing. This evidence map clarifies where the field is mature and where focused effort can accelerate the impact of future research. Full article

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna Jacq.) is a medicinal and nutritional plant widely recognized for its rich phytochemical composition and diverse health-promoting properties. The fruit, leaves, and flowers contain significant amounts of polyphenols, flavonoids, flavonols, phenolic acids and dye compounds with antioxidant properties that contribute to its strong antioxidant capacity. Numerous studies have demonstrated hawthorn’s beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, including regulation of blood pressure, lipid metabolism, and cardiac function. Additionally, hawthorn exhibits anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hypolipidemic, and antidiabetic properties, supporting its role in the prevention and management of chronic diseases. Its potential as a functional food ingredient and natural health supplement is increasingly recognized. However, further clinical trials and standardization of bioactive components are needed to confirm its efficacy, safety, and optimal dosage. Overall, hawthorn represents a valuable natural resource for promoting human health and well-being through diet and phytotherapy. Therefore, the aim of this study is to present—based on the scientific literature—the antioxidant properties of hawthorn and to assess the possibility of using this plant as a functional ingredient. Full article

Water pollution poses a pressing global environmental threat, driving an urgent need for efficient, stable, and eco-friendly water treatment techniques. Semiconductor photocatalysis has emerged as a highly promising solution, utilizing solar energy to thoroughly degrade pollutants under mild conditions without secondary pollution. Among numerous photocatalysts, the graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄)/layered double hydroxides (LDHs) heterostructures represent a kind of high-performance photocatalysts that combine the integrated advantages of both components. These composites exhibit enhanced visible-light absorption, a highly efficient charge separation and transfer, and a significantly increased specific surface area that promotes the enrichment and degradation of pollutants. The synergistic interaction between g-C₃N₄ and LDHs not only mitigates their individual limitations but also creates a superior photocatalytic system with improved adsorption capacity and reaction kinetics. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in g-C₃N₄/LDHs composite photocatalysts for aquatic pollutant removal. It elaborates on the structural synergies, synthesis routes, and optimization strategies, with a particular focus on applications and mechanistic insights into the degradation of various pollutants-including organic dyes, drugs, and phenolics. Finally, the review outlines current challenges and future research directions, such as deepening mechanistic understanding, designing multifunctional systems, and advancing toward scalable implementation, providing a valuable reference for developing next-generation photocatalytic water treatment technologies. Full article

Trametes polyzona is a white-rot basidiomycete with increasing relevance in environmental biotechnology due to its ligninolytic enzymes, biodegradation capacity, and versatile metabolic responses to diverse substrates. To provide an integrated and updated understanding of its biotechnological potential, we conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines. A total of 46 studies published between 1991 and 2024 were analyzed, covering enzymatic production profiles, degradation of xenobiotics, extraction of bioactive metabolites, and experimental conditions influencing performance. Across the literature, T. polyzona consistently exhibits high ligninolytic activity, including laccase specific activities reported up to 1637 U/mg, together with efficient transformation of dyes, pesticides, and phenolic pollutants, and promising antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. However, substantial methodological heterogeneity was identified, particularly in strain characterization, fermentation parameters, and analytical approaches used to quantify enzymatic and biodegradation outcomes. These inconsistencies limit cross-study comparability and hinder process standardization. This review integrates current evidence; highlights critical gaps, such as limited ecotoxicological assessment of degradation products and scarce multi-omics characterization; and identifies key opportunities for process optimization in submerged/solid-state fermentation, bioreactor scaling, and the valorization of fungal metabolites. Overall, T. polyzona remains an underutilized resource with distinct advantages for applied mycology, environmental remediation, and industrial biotechnology. Full article

The rapid increase in global population and industrial activities has intensified the discharge of toxic organic pollutants—including antibiotics, dyes, phenolic compounds, and pesticides—into the environment, posing critical threats to both ecosystems and human health. Conventional treatment technologies remain largely inadequate for their complete removal, particularly for pollutants with complex structures and high persistence. Among advanced approaches, photocatalytic systems have emerged as a sustainable and environmentally friendly technology, capable of mineralizing organic pollutants into harmless end products. However, their large-scale application is hindered by inherent limitations such as restricted visible-light activity, low quantum efficiency, and rapid recombination of charge carriers. This mini-review critically examines recent advances aimed at overcoming these bottlenecks, including band gap engineering, metal and non-metal doping, and the incorporation of carbon-based nanomaterials (e.g., CNTs, GO, CQDs). Special emphasis is placed on strategies that enhance photocatalytic activity under visible light, as well as the emerging potential of waste-derived carbon-based photocatalysts for sustainable applications. Finally, key research gaps—such as scalability, long-term stability, and techno-economic feasibility—are discussed to provide future perspectives on the rational design of next-generation photocatalysts. Full article

Sodium alginate, a natural anionic polysaccharide, exhibits broad potential applications in food, biomedicine, and environmental engineering due to its favorable biocompatibility, degradability, and functional tunability. This review systematically summarizes its chemical structure, physicochemical characteristics, sources, and extraction methods. It also focused on modification strategies, including chemical approaches (e.g., esterification, oxidation, sulfation, graft copolymerization), physical methods (composite modification, irradiation cross-linking, ultrasound treatment), and biological (e.g., enzyme regulation), and elucidated their underlying mechanisms. In the context of food science, special emphasis is placed on food-compatible chemistries and mild modification routes (such as phenolic crosslinking, enzyme-assisted coupling, and other green reactions) that enable the development of edible films, coatings, and functional carriers, while distinguishing these from non-food-oriented chemical strategies. The review further highlights novel applications of modified sodium alginate in areas including food packaging, functional delivery systems, drug release, tissue engineering, and environmental remediation (heavy metal and dye removal). Overall, this work provides a comprehensive perspective linking modification pathways to food-relevant applications and clarifies how chemical tailoring of alginate contributes to the design of safe, sustainable, and high-performance bio-based materials. Full article

Ensuring food safety and quality has become increasingly critical due to the complexities introduced by globalization, industrialization, and extended supply chains. Traditional analytical methods for food quality control, such as chromatography and mass spectrometry, while accurate, face limitations including high costs, lengthy analysis times, and limited suitability for on-site rapid monitoring. Electrochemical sensors integrated with molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have emerged as promising alternatives, combining high selectivity and sensitivity with portability and affordability. MIPs, often termed ‘plastic antibodies,’ are synthetic receptors capable of selective molecular recognition, tailored specifically for target analytes. This review comprehensively discusses recent advancements in MIP-based electrochemical sensing platforms, highlighting their applications in detecting various food quality markers. It particularly emphasizes the detection of antioxidants—both natural (e.g., vitamins, phenolics) and synthetic (e.g., BHA, TBHQ), artificial sweeteners (e.g., aspartame, acesulfame-K), colorants (e.g., azo dyes, anthocyanins), traditional contaminants (e.g., pesticides, heavy metals), and toxicants such as mycotoxins (e.g., aflatoxins, ochratoxins). The synthesis methods, including bulk, precipitation, surface imprinting, sol–gel polymerization, and electropolymerization (EP), are critically evaluated for their effectiveness in creating highly selective binding sites. Furthermore, the integration of advanced nanomaterials, such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, and metallic nanoparticles, into these platforms to enhance sensitivity, selectivity, and stability is examined. Practical challenges, including sensor reusability, regeneration strategies, and adaptability to complex food matrices, are addressed. Finally, the review provides an outlook on future developments and practical considerations necessary to transition these innovative MIP electrochemical sensors from laboratory research to widespread adoption in industry and regulatory settings, ultimately ensuring comprehensive food safety and consumer protection. Full article

The ability of ultrasound/peracetic acid (US/PAA) to degrade the azo dye Sunset Yellow FCF (SSY) was evaluated considering the impacts of power, pH, inorganic carbon, common salts, radical scavengers, and real water matrices. Pseudo-first-order rate constants revealed synergy indices of 2.90, 3.28, 2.22, and 2.03 at electrical powers of 40, 60, 80, and 100 W, respectively. Selective scavenger assays revealed a mixed radical regime. ^•OH radical involvement was confirmed by inhibition with alcohols (tert-butanol, 2-propanol), benzoic acid, nitrobenzene, sodium azide, and phenol, while suppression by TEMPO highlighted the key role of PAA-derived acyl and peroxyl radicals. Nitrobenzene caused pronounced inhibition at elevated doses, while nitrite acted as a decisive quencher by converting ^•OH and other oxidants into less reactive species. Carbonate alkalinity exerted dual effects: at acidic pH (3.7–4.4) it diverted ^•OH radicals to carbonate radicals and reduced cavitation through dissolved CO₂, whereas at near-neutral pH it buffered conditions toward the optimum (pH 9) and enhanced degradation. Common anions (chloride, sulfate, nitrate) at ≤10 mM produced minor effects. Tests in environmental waters revealed the following reactivity order: seawater > ultrapure water > tap water ≈ Zamzam water > tertiary effluent. Enhanced performance in seawater was attributed to halide-mediated formation of reactive chlorine and bromine species, while inhibition in effluent was linked to organic matter scavenging. Overall, US/PAA emerges as a robust and adaptable advanced oxidation process for azo dye abatement across diverse water matrices. Full article

The effectiveness of periodate-assisted photocatalysis in removing the cationic dye Safranin O (SO) was evaluated using a UV/TiO₂/IO₄⁻ process operated at room temperature under near-neutral pH conditions. Under base conditions ([IO₄⁻] = 0.15 mM, [TiO₂] = 0.4 g/L, [SO] = 10 mg/L), the ternary system achieved a pseudo-first-order rate constant of 0.6212 min⁻¹, outperforming the UV/TiO₂ and UV/IO₄⁻ processes by approximately 21- and 29-fold, respectively. This yielded a synergy ratio of about 12 compared to the sum of the binary processes. Targeted quenching experiments revealed the operative pathways. Strong inhibition by ascorbic acid and phenol indicates that interfacial holes and ^•OH are key oxidants. Methanol caused a moderate slowdown, consistent with ^•OH and hole scavenging. Benzoquinone and oxalate suppressed removal by intercepting the electron and O₂^•− pathways, respectively. Dichromate markedly inhibited the process via optical screening and competition for electrons. Azide had little effect, suggesting a minor role for singlet oxygen. Matrix studies showed progressively slower kinetics from deionized water to mineral water to seawater. This was due to halides, sulfate, alkalinity, and TiO₂ aggregation driven by ionic strength. Additional tests confirmed that the dominant modulators of performance were humic acid (site fouling and light screening), chloride and sulfate (radical speciation and surface effects), nitrite (near-diffusion radical quenching), and bicarbonate at pH 8.3 (conversion of ^•OH to CO₃^•−). Nonionic surfactants (Tween 80, Triton X-100) also depressed SO removal through micellar sequestration and competitive adsorption on TiO₂. The study confirms the potential of UV/TiO₂/IO₄⁻ as a tunable AOP capable of delivering rapid and reliable dye degradation under a wide range of water quality conditions. The mechanistic mapping unifies two roles for IO₄⁻, an electron acceptor that inhibits recombination and a photochemical precursor of iodine centered and ^•OH radicals and connect these roles to the observed synergy and to the trend across deionized water, mineral water, and seawater. The scavenger outcomes assign the main oxidant flux to holes and ^•OH radicals with a contributory electron or O₂^•− branch from IO₄⁻ reduction. Full article

The agro-industrial residue known as hemp cake, derived from non-psychoactive Cannabis sativa L., represents a sustainable alternative for the development of protein-rich ingredients. In Ecuador, particularly in Bolívar Province, this by-product has been underutilized. However, similar challenges in the valorization of hemp residues have also been reported in other regions, where they are often discarded or used as low-value animal feed. These issues are not exclusive to Bolívar, and since protein stability depends primarily on drying and storage rather than geographic relocation, the valorization strategies proposed in this study can be extrapolated to other production zones. Protein concentrates were extracted from freeze-dried flower cake (TL, freeze-dried hemp cake) and oven-dried flower cake (TS, oven-dried hemp cake) using isoelectric precipitation, yielding protein concentrates from freeze-dried cake (CPL) and oven-dried cake (CPS). Protein content was determined using the Dumas combustion method, the Bradford dye-binding method, and the bicinchoninic acid (BCA) method. Functional properties such as solubility, water absorption, oil absorption, foaming capacity, and foam stability were evaluated, together with total phenolic and flavonoid content and in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Results demonstrated high protein values (up to 90.42%), remarkable functional properties, and strong bioactive potential, supporting hemp cake concentrates as sustainable alternatives for food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical applications Full article

Laccases, a class of multicopper oxidases found in diverse biological sources, have emerged as key green biocatalysts with significant potential for eco-friendly pollutant degradation. Their ability to drive electron transfer reactions using oxygen, converting pollutants into less harmful products, positions laccases as promising tools for scalable and sustainable treatment of wastewater, soil, and air pollution. This review explores laccase from a translational perspective, tracing its journey from laboratory discovery to real-world applications. Emphasis is placed on recent advances in production optimization, immobilization strategies, and nanotechnology-enabled enhancements that have improved enzyme stability, reusability, and catalytic efficiency under complex field conditions. Applications are critically discussed for both traditional pollutants such as synthetic dyes, phenolics, and pesticides and emerging contaminants, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, microplastic additives, and PFAS. Special attention is given to hybrid systems integrating laccase with advanced oxidation processes, bioelectrochemical systems, and renewable energy-driven reactors to achieve near-complete pollutant mineralization. Challenges such as cost–benefit limitations, limited substrate range without mediators, and regulatory hurdles are evaluated alongside solutions including protein engineering, mediator-free laccase variants, and continuous-flow bioreactors. By consolidating recent mechanistic insights, this study underscores the translational pathways of laccase, highlighting its potential as a cornerstone of next-generation, scalable, and eco-friendly remediation technologies aligned with circular bioeconomy and low-carbon initiatives. Full article

This research focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and photocatalytic performance of Cu-based polyoxometalate (Cu-POM) as an effective catalyst for the degradation of organic dyes, specifically Congo Red (CR) and Phenol Red (PR). The main goals are to synthesize Cu-POM using a controlled self-assembly technique, characterize its optical and structural characteristics using FTIR, XRD, SEM, TGA, and UV-Vis spectroscopy, and estimate its photocatalytic activity when exposed to UV light. The outcomes confirm the successful formation of Cu-POM with well-defined nanostructures and a crystalline polyoxometalate framework. The determined optical bandgap of 3.65 eV indicates its strong UV-light responsiveness. The photocatalytic degradation experiments demonstrated high removal efficiencies of 58.1% for CR and 64.6% for PR under UV irradiation, corresponding kinetic rate constants of 0.00484 min⁻¹ and 0.00579 min⁻¹, respectively. The superior photocatalytic activity is attributed to the efficient charge carrier separation and high surface area of Cu-POM. These findings highlight the potential of Cu-POM as a promising heterogeneous photocatalyst for sustainable wastewater treatment and environmental remediation. Full article

This study investigates the impacts of the gas environment, water matrix, and reactive species on the TiO₂-mediated photocatalytic degradation of safranin O (SO), a dye commonly found in wastewater. A slurry reactor (UVA, 365 nm) was used to quantify SO oxidation while systematically varying the SO concentration (5–40 mg/L), the TiO₂ loading (0–3 g/L), the temperature (15–45 °C), and the pH (2–12). The dissolved gases (air, nitrogen, and argon) and matrices (deionized water, mineral water, and seawater) were also examined. Eight mechanistic probes (ascorbic acid, methanol, azide, nitrite, benzoquinone, oxalate, sucrose, and phenol) were used to identify active oxidants. UVA/TiO₂ achieved rapid decolorization in approximately 90 min at 10 mg/L of SO and 0.4 g/L of TiO₂. Decolorization rates decreased with increasing SO concentration due to active-site competition and inner-filter effects. Rates also exhibited a bell-shaped dependence on TiO₂ loading due to light scattering and aggregation at high solids concentrations. Temperature exhibited a non-monotonic profile with an optimum around 25 °C, and the pH displayed an optimum range with maximal removal occurring around pH 10 and declining at pH 12. Air saturation outperformed N₂ and Ar, indicating that O₂ is the terminal electron acceptor. Photocatalytic performance decreased in the order deionized water > mineral water > seawater, owing to bicarbonate/chloride scavenging and ionic-strength effects. Scavenger tests converged on ^•OH dominance, with measurable contributions from superoxide/hydrogen peroxide (O₂^•−/H₂O₂) and valence-band holes (h⁺); singlet oxygen (¹O₂) played a minor role. These findings underscore the critical interplay between operational and environmental factors and offer a practical framework for scaling TiO₂-based SO abatement in real waters. Full article