Search Results (816)

Due to its appealing composition, grape pomace (GP), the major by-product of the wine industry, could be considered an ideal candidate for innovative functional foods development. In this study, a rice/GP-yogurt alternative, also known as gurt, fermented with selected lactic acid bacteria, was designed. An extensive characterization of the gurts led to the selection of the one fermented with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum T0A10. The strains showed good pro-technological performances (fast acidification and growth up to 9 log cfu/g in the specific plant-based composite substrate), as well as the ability to increase DPPH radical scavenging activity compared to the unfermented control (57% against 40%). Then, an in-depth focus on the effect of fermentation on phenolic compounds and their related antioxidant efficacy on human keratinocytes was provided, elucidating a compound/function relationship. Fermentation significantly modified the phenolic profile of the gurt, reducing glycosylated forms of flavonols and phenolic acids and increasing the content of catechin and pyrogallol (more than 100 mg/kg combined). Such modification was responsible for significantly up-regulating (p < 0.05) the expression of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase 2, thus protecting NCTC 2544 cells against oxidative stress. Overall, these findings provide a foundation for developing value-added products from GP, supporting both circular economy initiatives and functional ingredient innovation. Full article

Substrate amendment is a promising strategy to enhance phytoremediation in degraded coastal wetlands, yet the selection of optimal materials and their incorporation ratios remains challenging. This study systematically investigated the effects of five amendments, viz., manganese sand, maifan stone, bentonite, iron–carbon (Fe-C), and vermiculite, across an incorporation ratio gradient (5–40%) on the growth of the mangrove, Kandelia obovata, and the physicochemical properties of coastal wetland substrate. Results demonstrated material-specific and dose-dependent responses. Four amendments (vermiculite, Fe-C, manganese sand, and maifan stone) promoted Kandelia obovata growth to varying degrees, while bentonite exhibited significant inhibition. All amendments ensured the physical stability of the substrate. Nutrient removal efficiency followed the order: Fe-C > vermiculite > maifan stone > manganese sand, with 10% Fe-C showing the highest comprehensive nutrient removal. Conversely, bentonite functioned as a nutrient enrichment agent. The amendments differentially influenced redox potential, CO₂ emissions, and electrical conductivity, yet all maintained a stable substrate pH. A comprehensive evaluation considering plant growth, nutrient removal, and CO₂ sequestration identified maifan stone as the optimal amendment, with the 40% incorporation ratio delivering the most favorable integrated performance. This study provides critical, ratio-specific guidance for selecting and applying substrate amendments in coastal wetland restoration. This study provides critical, ratio-specific guidance for selecting and applying environmentally sustainable amendments, supporting the development of nature-based solutions for long-term coastal wetland restoration. Full article

Environmental and economic concerns due to the increasing use of fossil-based chemicals, especially fuel, may be alleviated by production of renewable fuels based on plant biomass, in particular, waste. Multistep cascades of enzymatic reactions are being increasingly sought to enhance the effectiveness of sustainable, environment-friendly processes. The biochemical transformation of lignocellulosic biomass and oils into fatty acid esters (“biodiesel”) involves biomass pretreatment, followed by polysaccharide hydrolysis and sugar fermentation to alcohol, either sequentially or simultaneously. Subsequent trans-esterification with waste or non-food-based oils is usually carried out in an organic solvent. Biocatalysis in aqueous emulsion offers significant advantages. This study presents a novel “one-pot” emulsion-based process for transforming unmodified cellulose and castor oil into biodiesel via hybridized yeasts with cellulose-coated micro-particles incorporating cellulolytic enzymes and lipases. The resultant consolidated bioprocess of saccharification, fermentation, and transesterification (cSFT) promotes effective substrate channeling and can potentially serve as a model for emulsion-based “one-pot” transformations of cellulose into valuable chemicals. Full article

Urban densification threatens biodiversity, yet conventional greenspace expansion is constrained by limited land availability. Living wall systems (LWS) offer potential biodiversity enhancement through vertical green infrastructure, though their ecological value remains underexplored. This study evaluated the biodiversity performance of three LWS in Plymouth, UK, using multi-taxa surveys to assess invertebrate communities, bird assemblages, and bat activity. A scoping review of 2638 publications revealed limited research on LWS biodiversity, with only 27% of biodiversity-focused papers referencing specific species. Field surveys employed standardised protocols including flower-visiting pollinator observations, spider assessments, soil invertebrate extraction using Tullgren funnels, acoustic bird monitoring, and bat emergence surveys across soil-based and hydroponic systems. Results demonstrated that soil-based LWS supported significantly higher invertebrate diversity than hydroponic systems, with 481 soil invertebrates recorded across 19 families. Plant species composition strongly influenced biodiversity outcomes, with Hedera helix, Erigeron karvinskianus, and Lonicera japonica attracting the most pollinator species (5 each). Bird abundance was significantly higher at LWS sites compared to control areas, with confirmed breeding by three species. However, current UK Biodiversity Net Gain frameworks undervalue LWS contributions due to their classification as artificial habitats. These findings indicate that appropriately designed soil-based LWS can deliver meaningful urban biodiversity benefits when integrated with strategic plant selection and species-based valuation approaches. Full article

This study presents the synthesis and comprehensive characterization of tin dioxide nanoparticles (SnO₂NPs). SnO₂NPs were obtained using a conventional wet-chemistry route and an environmentally friendly green-chemistry approach employing plant extracts from rooibos leaves (Aspalathus linearis), pomegranate seeds (Punica granatum), and kiwifruit peels (family Actinidiaceae). The thermal stability and decomposition profiles were analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), while their structural and physicochemical properties were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), Raman spectroscopy, and attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the nanoscale morphology and uniformity of the obtained particles. The photocatalytic activity of SnO₂NPs was evaluated via the degradation of methyl orange (MeO) under UV irradiation, revealing that nanoparticles synthesized using rooibos extract exhibited the highest efficiency (68% degradation within 180 min). Furthermore, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy was employed to study the adsorption behavior of L-phenylalanine (L-Phe) on the SnO₂NP surface. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating the use of pure SnO₂ nanoparticles as SERS substrates for biologically active, low-symmetry molecules. The calculated enhancement factor (EF) reached up to two orders of magnitude (10²), comparable to other transition metal-based nanostructures. These findings highlight the potential of SnO₂NPs as multifunctional materials for biomedical and sensing applications, bridging nanotechnology and regenerative medicine. Full article

A major milestone for the European Union in reducing the environmental impact of its economy was the announcement of the European Green Deal. This strategy emphasizes that energy is the cornerstone of sustainable economic development and that its main objective is to address climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It is clear that energy production must come primarily from renewable sources. The Polish biogas market is still small compared to neighboring countries, with around 300 biogas plants, including landfill gas recovery systems and facilities at wastewater treatment plants. However, agricultural biogas plants offer significant opportunities for growth. Both the agricultural and processing industries generate large quantities of by-products that serve as good substrates for biogas production. This article presents the characteristics of one Polish province in terms of agricultural biogas potential. It discusses the availability of substrates for biogas production, including biodegradable waste and plant- and animal-based materials. On this basis, the potential for agricultural biogas production was estimated. It was found that the main obstacle to the development of agricultural biogas plants in the Lubuskie Province is the considerable fragmentation of farms. Full article

A biodegradable, lightweight substrate for facility-based stereoscopic planting was developed via a one-step polyurethane foaming process. The substrate was synthesized by incorporating a biomass mixture of bamboo charcoal and cassava flour into a polyurethane foam matrix. This study investigated the effects of varying the content ratios of polyether polyol, isocyanate, bamboo charcoal powder, and cassava flour on the structural and functional properties of the composite foam. Results indicated that the biomass blend significantly influenced the foam’s physicochemical properties, water retention capacity, hardness, and elasticity. Specifically, bamboo charcoal powder enhanced the porosity and degradation rate of the foam, whereas the swelling of cassava flour upon water absorption improved the matrix’s resilience and cohesion. A polyether polyol/isocyanate ratio of 4:1 yielded a substrate with superior physicochemical properties, water retention capacity, germination rate, seedling index, and plant dry weight. Subsequently, the optimal overall performance was achieved at a biomass/polyol–isocyanate ratio of 1:3. This optimal formulation exhibited a degradation rate of 6.24 ± 0.94%, porosity of 66.07 ± 1.10%, and water retention capacity of 86.03 ± 1.59%. Consequently, it also produced the highest seed germination rate (84 ± 5.16%), seedling index (12.49 ± 1.94), and mature plant dry weight (4.00 ± 0.51 g). Microscopic analysis confirmed that the biomass addition refined the substrate’s pore structure, leading to greater uniformity and stability of the internal pores. This enhancement reduced the foam’s susceptibility to collapse and improved its elasticity and cohesion, thereby making it more amenable to mechanized handling and planting operations. Full article

Specifically engineered heavy liquid metals are proposed as candidate coolants and tritium breeders for advanced nuclear applications. Understanding the wetting behaviours of these liquids on relevant substrate configurations is crucial to tackle the challenges associated with corrosion protection and flow diagnostics development. However, detailed investigations are scarce in the literature. In this experimental study, an apparatus is designed to measure contact angles of different liquid metals over a mirror-polished horizontal SS-304 substrate. This paper presents design aspects of the developed test facility, as well as initial results obtained using direct imaging and the Low-Bond Axisymmetric Drop Shape Analysis algorithm-based image processing technique. Methodological validation is achieved through surrogate liquids/liquid metals (H₂O, Hg, Ga, GaInSn), prior to taking measurements from molten lead (Pb) droplets at 425 °C. Estimated contact angles obtained using the two techniques lie within ±10% deviation. Towards the end, the paper lays out plans for future upgrades for studies of wetting behaviours of molten Pb/Pb alloys on substrates with relevant surface properties, including bare P-91 and reduced-activation ferritic–martensitic steels, along with Al₂O₃/Er₂O₃-coated versions of these materials, to generate a database for Gen-IV fission reactors and fusion power plants. Full article

Addressing global food waste challenges, this study investigated plant-based byproducts, spent coffee grounds, apple, and chokeberry pomaces, as sources of phenolic acids and biodegradable carriers for lipase immobilization. The goal was to enhance the lipophilicity and functionality of natural phenolics by enzymatic lipophilization. Microbial lipase from A. oryzae was immobilized on these materials, with native spent coffee grounds (NSCG) showing the highest activity (6.0 U/g hydrolytic; 1036 U/g synthetic). Chlorogenic acid (CGA), predominant in extracts, served as a model substrate. Using response-surface methodology, optimal conditions for butyl-CGA synthesis were determined. This is the first report of CGA lipophilization using food-waste-immobilized biocatalysts, where reaction yield for NSCG increased with alcohol chain length, peaking with dodecanol (34.06%). Among synthesized esters, butyl chlorogenate displayed the highest antioxidant activity, comparable to free CGA and BHT, and increased lipophilicity, though a “cut-off” effect appeared for longer chains. Medium-chain esters (C6, C8) showed selective antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. While lipophilization of chokeberry pomace and spent coffee grounds extracts reduced antioxidant activity, short-chain esters (C4–C6) improved rapeseed oil stability. The findings highlight food waste as a sustainable source for developing biocatalysts and value-added bioactives with enhanced functional properties. Full article

The growing medium is one of the key factors determining the yield and quality of lavender oil. The research conducted in greenhouse conditions aimed to assess the impact of a substrate with a reduced peat content enriched with compost from sewage sludge and bark on the growth, yield, and chemical composition of the oil from the inflorescences and leafy stems of English lavender ‘Sentivia Blue’. The plants were grown in pots filled with peat and chemical fertilizer, or in a substrate containing bark and sewage sludge compost, with or without fertilizer. Media affected the growth, leaf greenness index, and biomass production of lavender. Plants growing in peat with fertilizer were the tallest and widest. In turn, the highest number of inflorescences and the highest dry weight of inflorescences and leafy stems were found in plants grown in a mixture of bark and sewage sludge compost, with the addition of fertilizer. A significant interaction between the plant organ and the type of substrate was demonstrated, which affected the content of specific oil components. The content of essential oil was higher in inflorescences (1.15%) than in leaves (0.21%). The oil from the inflorescences was dominated by linalool, caryophyllene oxide, and linalyl acetate, while caryophyllene oxide, borneol, and geranyl acetate dominated in the leafy stems. The highest linalool content was found in oil obtained from inflorescences of plants grown in both media, based on bark and sewage sludge compost. The results show that the best quality parameters of the raw material and oil, including particularly high dry weight and linalool content, were obtained when the plants were grown in a medium consisting of bark, sewage sludge compost, and chemical fertilizer. Full article

The sustainable valorisation of agro-industrial by-products offers a promising pathway to address global protein demand while supporting circular food systems. This study explored the biotechnological potential of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo), sunflower (Helianthus annuus), and walnut (Juglans regia L.) oilseed cakes as substrates for developing vegan yoghurt-like fermented beverages. Each formulation was fermented with Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, and comprehensively evaluated for composition, functionality, sensory properties, and bioactivity. The oilseed-based beverages exhibited protein levels between 3.7–4.6%, fibre content up to 1.9%, and reduced syneresis (14–18%) compared with the commercial almond-based product (21.5%). The walnut-based variant (WOCY) showed the highest total polyphenol content (1108.97 mg GAE kg⁻¹) and antioxidant activity (412.54 mg Trolox kg⁻¹ DPPH; 51.5 mg TE g⁻¹ DW ABTS), surpassing both the almond-based vegan yoghurt (238.82 mg GAE kg⁻¹) and dairy reference (96.10 mg GAE kg⁻¹). Preliminary sensory profiling through the Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) method indicated that pumpkin- and walnut-based samples were most associated with “creamy texture,” “nutty aroma,” and “very pleasant” descriptors, achieving acceptance comparable to or higher than conventional yoghurts. Microbiological analyses confirmed product safety and high viable cell counts (<10⁸ CFU mL⁻¹) after 14 days of storage. Oilseed cakes serve as efficient substrates for producing nutrient-dense, antioxidant-rich, and sensorially appealing plant-based fermented beverages, supporting functional food innovation and promoting circular bioeconomy through the sustainable valorisation of agro-industrial by-products. Full article

Although sewage sludge in agriculture can promote circular economy goals, concerns remain about the transfer of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) into crops and soils. This study evaluated the uptake and risk of 27 CECs in tomatoes cultivated in peat substrate amended with stabilised anaerobically digested (dried) sludge from a local municipal wastewater treatment plant at two rates corresponding to nitrogen and nitrogen/potassium requirements. Peat substrate served as the control. Additional treatments included CEC-spiked media and peat amended with non-dried sludge. Analysis was performed with LC–MS/MS. In tomato fruits, ibuprofen (15.8 ng/g) and triclosan (17.9 ng/g) were quantified at the low amendment rate, while caffeine (381 ng/g), carbamazepine (18.1 ng/g), ciprofloxacin (306 ng/g) and ibuprofen (5.3 ng/g) were quantified at the high amendment rate. Dietary exposure estimates were below the health-based reference values for most compounds; however, a potential risk was identified for bisphenol S when non-dried anaerobically digested sludge was applied. Soil risk quotients (RQ > 1) for several CECs at the end of the experiment indicate possible ecological concern. These findings emphasise that monitoring CECs in sludge-amended soil remains essential to ensure the safety of sludge reuse in agriculture. Full article

Pesticide residues from agrochemicals pose significant environmental and public health risks due to their persistence and widespread contamination of soil, water, and crops. The persistent challenge of pesticide contamination requires innovative and sustainable treatment strategies to safeguard public health and environmental integrity. Although wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are designed to mitigate these pollutants, their efficiency varies, and certain pesticides persist or transform into more toxic by-products during treatment. Therefore, developing alternative methods for the effective removal of pesticide residues is imperative. This review critically evaluates the potential of adsorption, particularly using green adsorbents, as a sustainable and efficient approach for removing pesticide contaminants from soil and wastewater. Green adsorbents, derived from agricultural and industrial by-products such as sea materials, biomasses, humic acid, spent mushroom substrate, biochar, and cellulose-based adsorbents, offer a cost-effective, abundant, and environmentally friendly solution for soil treatment and water purification. Their high pollutant-binding capacity, selectivity, and affinity make them promising candidates for widespread application in soil and wastewater treatment. Ongoing research focuses on optimizing the scalability and real-world application of these adsorbents for large-scale remediation efforts. In conclusion, addressing the risks posed by pesticide residues necessitates revisiting agricultural practices and wastewater treatment strategies. The integration of green adsorbents offers a sustainable approach to mitigating pesticide contamination, thereby protecting public health and supporting environmental sustainability. This review highlights the importance of adopting green adsorbents as viable alternatives to conventional treatment methods, emphasizing their potential to revolutionize wastewater management and mitigate the adverse impacts of pesticide residues on ecosystems and human well-being. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aims to screen the extracts of tomato plant waste (aerial parts—mixture of leaves, stems, and bunches resulting from tomato crop maintenance, and axillary shoots—resulting from pruning practices) and evaluate their antifungal, prebiotic, and cytotoxic effects. Methods: A phytochemical profiling was performed to analyze volatile and semi-volatile compounds by GC-MS, functional groups by FTIR, soluble sugars by HPLC-RI, and glycoalkaloids by LC-MS/MS. Tomato plant waste extracts were further tested in vitro, and their biological effects were assessed with probiotic microorganisms (Enterococcus faecium ATCC 19434, Enterococcus faecium VL43, Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 8014, and Lactobacillus plantarum GM3) to determine their prebiotic-like properties, particularly after demonstrating strong antifungal activity against several Candida species, such as Candida albicans ATCC 10231, Candida parapsilosis ATCC 22019, Candida glabrata ATCC 64677, and Candida auris 6328. The extracts were also evaluated for the cytotoxic effect against HEP-G2, HeLa, and HT-29 cell lines, while cytotoxicity assays confirmed no significant effects on the normal HEK-293 cell line compared to the control. Results: The in vitro antimicrobial activity and prebiotic-like substrate assay proved the difference between extract effects against Candida species (C. glabrata—MIC 125 µg/mL) and, respectively, the influence on Lactobacillus strains growth (up to a 1.6-fold increase in OD₆₀₀). Furthermore, they exhibited selective cytotoxicity against HEP-G2, HeLa, and HT-29 cancer cell lines, while showing no significant toxicity on normal HEK-293 cells. Conclusions: Overall, this research highlights tomato axillary shoots as a sustainable source of bioactive compounds, with potential applications in developing natural, plant-based prebiotic products that exhibit antifungal and antitumor activity. This research focuses on developing natural, plant-based prebiotic products with antifungal and cytotoxic effects. Full article

Straw returning is a critical practice with profound strategic importance for sustainable agricultural development. However, within a comprehensive soil health evaluation framework, research analyzing the impact of tobacco straw returning on soil ecosystem health from the perspectives of microbial taxa and functional genes remains insufficient. To investigate the effects of tobacco straw returning on virulence factor genes (VFGs), methane-cycling genes (MCGs), nitrogen-cycling genes (NCGs), carbohydrate-active enzyme genes (CAZyGs), antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and their host microorganisms in soil, this study collected soil samples from a long-term tobacco-rice rotation field with continuous tobacco straw incorporation in Shaowu City, Fujian Province. Metagenomic high-throughput sequencing was performed on the samples. The results demonstrated that long-term tobacco straw returning influenced the diversity of soil VFGs, MCGs, NCGs, CAZyGs, ARGs, and their host microorganisms, with richness significantly increasing compared to the CK treatment (p < 0.05). In the microbially mediated methane cycle, long-term tobacco straw returning resulted in a significant decrease in the abundance of the key methanogenesis gene mttB and the methanogenic archaeon Methanosarcina, along with a reduced mtaB/pmoA functional gene abundance ratio compared to CK. This suggests enhanced CH₄ oxidation in the tobacco-rice rotation field under straw returning. Notably, the abundance of plant pathogens increased significantly under tobacco straw returning. Furthermore, a significantly higher norB/nosZ functional gene abundance ratio was observed, indicating a reduced capacity of soil microorganisms to convert N₂O in the tobacco-rice rotation field under straw amendment. Based on the observation that the full-rate tobacco straw returning treatment (JT2) resulted in the lowest abundances of functional genes prkC, stkP, mttB, and the highest abundances of nirK, norB, malZ, and bglX, it can be concluded that shifts in soil physicochemical properties and energy substrates drove a transition in microbial metabolic strategies. This transition is characterized by a decreased pathogenic potential of soil bacteria, alongside an enhanced potential for microbial denitrification and cellulose degradation. Non-parametric analysis of matrix correlations revealed that soil organic carbon, dissolved organic carbon, alkaline-hydrolyzable nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium were significantly correlated with the composition of soil functional groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, long-term tobacco straw returning may increase the risk of soil-borne diseases in tobacco-rice rotation systems while potentially elevating N₂O and reducing CH₄ greenhouse gas emission rates. Analysis of functional gene abundance changes identified the full-rate tobacco straw returning treatment as the most effective among all treatments. Full article