Search Results (524)

Safe drinking water is essential, yet millions of people remain exposed to contaminated supplies. Conventional treatments such as chlorination and UV light can kill microbes, but they also create harmful byproducts, face resistance issues, and are not always sustainable. Green-synthesized nanomaterials (GSNMs) are emerging as an eco-friendly alternative. Produced with plants, microbes, algae, and natural polymers, these materials merge nanotechnology with green chemistry. Among them, silver, zinc oxide, copper oxide, titanium dioxide, and graphene-based nanomaterials show strong antimicrobial effects by disrupting membranes, generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), and damaging genetic material. Compared with chemically made nanoparticles, GSNMs are often safer, cheaper, and more environmentally compatible. Nevertheless, concerns about toxicity, environmental fate, and large-scale use remain. This review highlights recent progress in GSNM synthesis, antimicrobial mechanisms, and safety considerations, highlighting their potential to enable sustainable water disinfection while identifying critical areas for further research. Full article

Polymers have long been central to modern materials science, but their durability has also made them major contributors to environmental pollution. A new generation of bio-based and nanostructured polymers is now reshaping this field, offering materials that are functional, reversible, and sustainable. This review examines their role across three interconnected domains: cultural heritage conservation, the protection of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs), and environmental sustainability. In heritage science, polymers are moving away from synthetic resins toward renewable systems such as chitosan, nanocellulose, and PLA, which provide stability while remaining reversible and compatible with delicate substrates. In agriculture, biodegradable coatings, controlled-release carriers, and edible films are improving MAP protection, extending shelf life, and reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides. In environmental applications, polymers are being reinvented as solutions rather than problems—through degradable mulches, functional hydrogels, and nanocomposites that clean soils and waters within a circular economy framework. Looking across these domains reveals strong synergies. The same principles—biodegradability, multifunctionality, and responsiveness—apply in each context, turning polymers from passive barriers into intelligent, adaptive systems. Their future success will depend not only on chemistry but also on life-cycle design, policy alignment, and public trust, making polymers key enablers of sustainability. Full article

Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are increasingly applied in agriculture to enhance soil water retention, reduce nutrient loss, and mitigate drought stress—challenges expected to intensify under global climate change. While their benefits for crop growth are well documented, much less is known about their influence on free-living microorganisms. Here, we examined the effects of three SAP chemistries—potassium polyacrylate (DCM Aquaperla^®), starch-based polyacrylamide (Zeba Plus SP^®), and γ-polyglutamate (Stockosorb^® 660 Medium)—on the growth and pigment composition of Chlorella vulgaris Beijerinck across three initial cell densities (22.8 × 10³, 228 × 10³, and 2.228 × 10⁶ cells/mL). Six spectral indices, derived from weekly absorbance measurements over seven weeks, were used to track biomass and pigment allocation. Nonparametric repeated-measures analysis and principal component analysis revealed strong effects of SAP type, algal density, and time. Zeba consistently maintained biomass comparable to the control while enhancing carotenoid- and xanthophyll-sensitive indices, suggesting pigment reallocation without growth suppression. Stockosorb produced intermediate responses, whereas Aquaperla frequently reduced biomass-related measures, particularly at high density. Pigment allocation was also density-dependent, with low-density cultures investing proportionally more in carotenoids. Overall, these results show that SAP–microbe interactions are strongly influenced by polymer chemistry and starting biomass, with implications for biotechnology, environmental risk assessment, and sustainable crop production systems that aim to support both algal and plant resilience under drought. Full article

Sustainable agriculture aims to meet the growing food demands of a rising global population while minimizing negative impacts on the environment, preserving natural resources, and ensuring long-term agricultural productivity. However, conventional agricultural practices often involve excessive use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and water, leading to soil degradation, water pollution, and ecosystem imbalances. In this context, agricultural nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative field, offering innovative solutions to enhance crop productivity, improve soil health, and ensure sustainable agricultural practices. This review has explored the wide-ranging uses of nanotechnology in agriculture, highlighting innovative plant-targeted delivery systems—such as polymer-based nanoparticles, carbon nanomaterials, dendrimers, metal oxide particles, and nanoemulsions—as well as its contributions to minimizing pesticide application, alleviating plant stress, and improving interactions between plants and nanoparticles. By examining recent research and development, the review highlights the potential of nanotechnology to address critical challenges such as pest resistance, nutrient management, and environmental sustainability. In conclusion, we believe that, in the immediate future, key priorities should include: (1) scaling up field trials to validate laboratory findings, (2) developing biodegradable nanomaterials to ensure environmental safety, and (3) integrating nanotechnology with digital agriculture platforms to enable real-time monitoring and adaptive management. These steps are essential for translating promising research into practical, sustainable solutions that can effectively support global food security. Full article

Using the method of laser ablation in liquid, submicron-sized particles of zero-valent amorphous selenium (Se SMPs) were created. A number of composite polymer materials were manufactured based on polyurea and Se SMPs at concentrations ranging 0.1–2.5 wt.%. The manufactured materials showed no significant surface or internal defects at either the macro or micro level. It was found that the Se SMPs were not uniformly distributed inside the polymer, but formed ordered areas with slightly higher and lower concentrations of the particles. It was demonstrated that the manufactured materials did not generate a significant amount of active oxygen species, which could damage biological objects such as protein molecules and DNA, while also exhibiting pronounced bacteriostatic properties without significantly affecting the growth and reproduction of mammalian cells. Materials containing 0.25 and 1% Se SMPs, when added to soil, improved the morphometric parameters of radish plants (Raphanus sativus var. sativus). These polymer composite materials based on polyurea with the addition of Se SMPs are promising functional materials for agriculture due to their antibacterial activity. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics has driven interest in bio-based packaging derived from renewable plant biomass. Cellulose, the most abundant biopolymer on Earth, provides high tensile strength, water resistance, and biodegradability, making it a key raw material for eco-friendly packaging. However, its extraction and processing are hindered by lignin, a complex polymer that adds structural rigidity but reduces cellulose accessibility. Recent research has identified plant microRNAs (miRNAs) as powerful post-transcriptional regulators capable of modifying cell wall composition by simultaneously targeting multiple genes involved in lignin biosynthesis, cellulose synthesis, and secondary cell wall formation. By fine-tuning specific miRNAs, it is possible to increase cellulose yield, reduce lignin content, and enhance overall biomass productivity without severely compromising plant growth or stress tolerance. This review summarizes the roles of major plant miRNAs in biomass regulation and outlines biotechnological strategies such as transgenic overexpression, target mimicry, artificial miRNAs (amiRNAs), and CRISPR-based editing for improving bio-based packaging feedstocks. Harnessing miRNA-mediated gene regulation offers a promising pathway toward producing high-quality biomass with optimized cellulose–lignin ratios, enabling more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable packaging material production. Full article

Current food packaging, primarily made of non-biodegradable plastics, significantly contributes to environmental pollution. New packaging systems for food applications from biopolymers and/or with multifunctional properties are being developed as substitutes for synthetic polymers. The increasing concern over the environmental effects of packaging waste is driving a transition toward renewable packaging materials. Edible films and coatings play a vital role in maintaining food quality by preventing the loss of aroma, flavour, and important components, while also extending shelf life. Biopolymers, including polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids, are gaining attention as the future of packaging due to the environmental issues linked to petrochemical-based plastics. Modern packaging should not only protect products but also be biodegradable, recyclable, and have a minimal ecological impact. This review comprehensively summarises edible packaging in the form of single-use, fast-dissolving pouches for food applications as a circular approach and a sustainable solution in food technology. Innovations have resulted in the development of a unique packaging solution made from renewable sources. This packaging utilises plant and animal by-products to create edible films and pouches that are easy to seal. Edible packaging is emerging as a sustainable alternative, designed to simplify food packaging while minimising waste. Fast-dissolving scalable packaging, particularly edible films that dissolve in water, is used for individual servings of dry foods and instant beverages. This includes items like breakfast cereals, instant coffee or tea, and various powdered products. Additionally, there is an innovative approach to single-use packaging for oils and powders, leveraging the convenience and efficiency of these fast-dissolving films. Edible pouch packaging, made from safe and edible materials, provides a biodegradable option that decomposes naturally, thereby reducing pollution and the need for disposal. Full article

Biofumigation was originally proposed as an alternative to toxic fumigants for the treatment of agricultural soils, owing to the biocidal effect of isothiocyanates (ITCs) released by some plant species like Brassicaceae. However, biofumigation also presents limitations; thus, an advanced and viable alternative could be the use of controlled-release systems such as gelled polymer networks. In the present work, we explore the use of biocompatible hydrogels based on sodium alginate (ALG) and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), conveniently loaded with a Brassicaceae extract for this purpose. The extract was characterized by means of HPLC-MS, showing its high glucosinolate content, especially glucoraphanin, a secondary metabolite produced by several species of this family. The physicochemical properties of the synthesized gels were investigated by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), rheometry, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), both in the presence and absence of the loaded extract. Loading and release kinetics (in water) were studied by means of HPLC-DAD, and the Weibull model was employed to interpret the results. It was found that both hydrogels can effectively confine the Brassicaceae extract’s active principle, slowly releasing it in an aqueous environment. Both systems possess excellent properties for real applications, with the CMC-based hydrogels being slightly preferable over the ALG ones due to their higher encapsulation efficiency, mechanical properties, and overall features. These systems are promising tools for combating harmful microorganisms due to the biocidal properties of glucosinolates, but their potential goes beyond their use in agriculture, as they could be applied as antifouling or antimicrobial agents in cultural heritage cleaning or other fields. Full article

Arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) and extensins influence cell wall assembly and regulate plant cell mechanical properties through interactions with extracellular matrix polymers. These proteins may play a key role in the biochemical events underlying postharvest treatments aimed at controlling fruit texture and turgor loss associated with senescence-related disorders. We studied the temporal and spatial accumulation patterns of extensin and AGP isoforms constitutively expressed along with the profiling of nucleotide sugars UDP-galactose, UDP-arabinose, UDP-glucuronic acid, and UDP-rhamnose in Mara des Bois strawberries under different storage conditions. We also assessed the expression timing of AGP-encoding genes (FvAFP4, FvAGP5) and genes involved in key steps of post-translational glycosylation (FvP4H1, FvGAT20, FvGAT7). Whereas extensins are down-regulated, AGPs are transcriptionally regulated by cold and cold-high CO₂ and post-translationally modulated after transfer to 20 °C. Based on their subcellular localization, molecular properties, isoform-specific glycosylation, UDP-sugar availability, and timing-regulated expression, AGPs are likely involved in cell wall assembly and modulation of mechanical properties. Consequently, they may influence fruit texture and enhanced softening resistance, potentially counteracting senescence-associated disorders through CO₂-responsive signaling mechanisms. Conversely, the decrease in both UDP-galactose levels and AGPs gene expression in non-cold-stored senescent strawberries at 20 °C further supports their relevance in AGPs biosynthesis regulation and underscores their potential as markers for improving postharvest storage strategies. Full article

Cellulose, the most abundant polymer on this planet, is widely produced by plants and many bacterial species. Certain cyanobacterial species also synthetize cellulose, though typically at much lower yields compared to other bacteria. Cyanobacteria are particularly intriguing in this context, as they uniquely combine the features of Gram-negative bacteria with plant-like features, such as oxygenic photosynthesis and CO₂ fixation. This review highlights the structure and biosynthesis of cellulose in cyanobacteria, and explores the distinctive features compared with those of bacterial and vascular plants. We also discuss current strategies to enhance cellulose production in cyanobacteria through genetic engineering, synthetic redesign and environmental modulation, and propose key knowledge gaps. This review thus provides a foundation for advancing both fundamental understanding and the development of sustainable cellulose-based biotechnologies. Full article

The mounting global concern regarding the accumulation of plastic waste underscores the necessity for the development of innovative solutions, with particular emphasis on the incorporation of plant-based biofillers into polymer composites as a sustainable alternative to conventional materials. This review provides a comprehensive and structured overview of the recent progress (2020–2025) in the integration of plant-based biofillers into both thermoplastic and thermosetting polymer matrices, with a focus on surface modification techniques, physicochemical characterization, and emerging industrial applications. Unlike the prior literature, this work highlights the dual environmental and material benefits of using plant-derived fillers, particularly in the context of waste valorization and circular material design. By clearly identifying a current research gap—the limited scalability and processing efficiency of biofillers—this review proposes a strategy in which plant-derived materials function as key enablers for sustainable composite development. Special attention is given to extraction methods of lignocellulosic fillers from renewable agricultural waste streams and their subsequent functionalization to improve matrix compatibility. Additionally, it delineates the principal approaches for biofiller modification, demonstrating how their properties can be tailored to meet specific needs in biocomposite production. This critical synthesis of the state-of-the-art literature not only reinforces the role of biofillers in reducing dependence on non-renewable fillers but also outlines future directions in scaling up their use, improving durability, and expanding performance capabilities of sustainable composites. Overall, the presented analysis contributes novel insights into the material design, processing strategies, and potential of plant biofillers as central elements in next-generation green composites. Full article

Mulching is a sustainable agronomic practice that can improve soil quality and fruit characteristics in crops. This study investigated the influence of sheep wool mulch and a soil conditioner on growth, the accumulation of bioactive compounds, and soil enzymatic activity in apple orchards. A two-year field experiment (2023–2024) was conducted using three experimental methods: mulching with sheep wool (V2), application of a soil conditioner, corn starch-based polymer (V3), and a combination of sheep wool and corn starch-based polymer (V4) along with a control (V1). Tree growth parameters, fruit physicochemical properties, total phenolic and flavonoid content, and soil enzyme activities (dehydrogenase, catalase, phosphatase) were assessed. Data were analyzed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Pearson’s correlation. PCA showed that the combined variant (V4) improved fruit size, weight, and bioactive compound content, while wool mulch alone (V2) was associated with higher fruit yield and better vegetative growth. Catalase activity correlated positively and consistently with bioactive compounds in both years, while phosphatase activity showed an intensified positive relationship in 2024. Dehydrogenase activity was negatively correlated with phenolic content in both seasons. Organic and integrated mulching practices can beneficially modulate both aboveground and belowground plant–soil interactions. The combined variant proved to be the most effective strategy, enhancing fruit nutritional quality and supporting sustainable apple orchard management. Full article

Stomatal blockers are hydrophobic polymers applied to leaves to physically block stomatal pores and restrict gas exchange, and which have potential as plant growth regulators to retard growth. Three experiments in a heated glasshouse, one sown in autumn and two sown in winter, were conducted with pot-grown rapeseed plants at the four-leaf stage to evaluate retardant potential of two bio-based polymers: di-1-p-menthene (DPM) and extracted cauliflower leaf wax. Both stomatal blockers reduced stomatal conductance and plant dry weight in the autumn-sown experiment, when solar radiation was high during leaf development and stomatal conductance of water-treated plants was relatively high. Wax was more effective than DPM at reducing plant dry weight, despite no difference in stomatal conductance. In the two winter-sown experiments, when solar radiation was lower during leaf development, stomatal conductance in water-treated plants was less than in the autumn-sown experiment. Stomatal conductance was reduced by the blockers in the winter-sown experiments, but plant dry weight was unaffected. It was concluded that stomatal blockers may have potential to act as plant growth regulators to retard growth in rapeseed, but further research is necessary to define the circumstances when a response will occur. Full article

Indigenous Mexican fermented beverages, such as pulque, colonche, tepache, and water kefir, are pillars of the country’s cultural and gastronomic heritage. Their sensory attributes and health-promoting properties arise from complex microbial consortia, in which lactic acid bacteria (LAB), mainly Lactobacillus and Leuconostoc, acetic acid bacteria (AAB), primarily Acetobacter, and yeasts such as Saccharomyces and Candida interact and secrete exopolysaccharides (EPSs). Dextran, levan, and heteropolysaccharides rich in glucose, galactose, and rhamnose have been consistently isolated from these beverages. EPSs produced by LAB enhance the viscosity and mouthfeel, extend the shelf life, and exhibit prebiotic, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities that support gut and immune health. Beyond food, certain EPSs promote plant growth, function as biocontrol agents against phytopathogens, and facilitate biofilm-based bioremediation, underscoring their biotechnological potential. This review integrates recent advances in the composition, biosynthetic pathways, and functional properties of microbial EPSs from Mexican fermented beverages. We compare reported titers, outline key enzymes, including dextransucrase, levansucrase, and glycosyltransferases, and examine how fermentation variables (the substrate, pH, and temperature) influence the polymer yield and structure. Finally, we highlight emerging applications that position these naturally occurring biopolymers as sustainable ingredients for food and agricultural innovation. Full article

Background: The aim of this review is to summarize and evaluate the properties of antibacterial polysaccharides for application in dental implantology to identify knowledge gaps and provide new research ideas. Methods: The electronic databases PubMed, Medline, ProQuest, and Google Scholar were used to search for peer-reviewed scientific publications published between 2018 and 2025 that provide insights to answer research questions on the role of antibacterial polysaccharides in combating pathogens in dental implantology without triggering immune reactions and inflammation. Further research questions relate to the efficacy against various dental pathogens and the understanding of the antibacterial mechanism, which may enable the development of functionalized polysaccharides with long-term antibacterial activity. Results: Biomedical implants have revolutionized medicine but also increased the risk of infections. Implant infections are a major problem in implantology and lead to implant failure and replacement. An antibacterial coating could be an excellent strategy to extend the lifespan of implants and improve the quality of the patient’s life. Bacterial resistance to antibiotics poses significant challenges for researchers, forcing them to search for new ways to prevent bacterial infections in implantology. Antibacterial natural polymers have recently received considerable research attention due to their long-term antibacterial activity. Polysaccharides from marine sources, such as chitosan and alginate, or pectin, xanthan, etc., from various plants, appear to be promising biopolymers for such applications in implantology due to their antibacterial activity, biocompatibility, and osteogenic properties. The antibacterial activity of these natural biopolymers depends on their chemical and physical properties. Nanopolysaccharides exhibit higher antibacterial activity than conventional polysaccharides, but their toxicity to human cells must be considered. Their antibacterial activity is based on the disruption of bacterial DNA or RNA synthesis, increased cell wall permeability, membrane disruption, and cytoplasmic leakage. Conclusions: Polysaccharides are a class of natural polymers with a broad spectrum of biological activities. They exhibit antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anticoagulant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral activity. Furthermore, polysaccharides are non-cytotoxic and exhibit good biocompatibility with osteogenic cells. Bactericidal polysaccharides are attractive new antibacterial materials against implant infections and open up new perspectives in implantology. Full article