Search Results (201)

Starch-based bioplastics are renewable and biodegradable, but their wider use is constrained by moisture sorption, humidity-dependent aging, insufficient tensile performance, and weak water- and oxygen barrier stability. This review critically synthesizes the peer-reviewed literature from 2020 to 2026 on enzymatically engineered starch for film, packaging, and thermoplastic applications using an architecture–property framework that links enzyme specificity, chain-length distribution, crystallinity, processing route, and material response. Controlled α-1,4 hydrolysis mainly improves processability by lowering molecular weight, viscosity, and gelatinization resistance. However, excessive hydrolysis can increase water uptake, solubility, and loss of cohesive strength. Debranching by pullulanase or isoamylase increases amylose-like linear chains and can promote B-type crystallinity or V-type starch–lipid complexes, with reported gains in tensile strength, contact angle, and water vapor barrier when the chain lengths and recrystallization conditions are controlled. Branching enzymes and transglycosylases increase branch density or redistribute glucan chains, suppressing retrogradation and improving flexibility, water retention, and aging resistance, but often with trade-offs in strength, crystallinity, and barrier performance. Lipase- and laccase-catalyzed functionalization expands starch functionality by increasing hydrophobicity, compatibility with hydrophobic phases, antioxidant activity, and active-packaging potential. The evidence indicates that enzymatic modification should not be generalized as uniformly improving starch bioplastics; performance gains are conditional on the starch source, amylose content, enzyme dosage, reaction severity, plasticizer composition, processing method, film conditioning, and storage humidity. Industrial implementation remains limited by enzyme cost and reuse, high-solids mass transfer, reaction time, enzyme stability under heat and shear, and reproducibility across botanical sources. Overall, enzymatic molecular editing is most promising when mechanistic architecture control is coupled with standardized structure–property reporting and scalable processing, such as immobilized-enzyme reactors, high-solids systems, and reactive extrusion. Full article

The use of biogenic hydroxyapatite as a sustainable and bioactive alternative to synthetic ceramics has attracted increasing attention for 3D-printed scaffolds in bone tissue engineering. In this work, calcium alginate-based scaffolds reinforced with commercial (cHA) and biogenic hydroxyapatite (bHA) obtained from croaker fish bones (Micropogonias furnieri) were fabricated by 3D printing using hydroxyapatite contents ranging from 10% to 20%. Both hydroxyapatites exhibited hexagonal structures, and all formulations showed rheological behavior suitable for extrusion-based printing. Structural analyses revealed increased diffraction peak intensity with higher hydroxyapatite content, while FTIR spectra showed no significant structural changes. Hydroxyapatite addition increased the compressive modulus, although higher loadings reduced maximum resistance and produced denser, less porous structures. After 14 days in simulated body fluid, scaffolds containing 10% bHA favored apatite deposition, evidenced by increased phosphorus levels. In vitro assays using MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts demonstrated biocompatibility, with metabolic viability above 70% and no toxicity. The 10% bHA formulation also enhanced cell proliferation, adhesion, and migration without increasing reactive oxygen or nitrogen species. Alizarin Red staining indicated osteogenic potential, while micronucleus assays with CHO-K1 cells confirmed the absence of genotoxicity. These findings highlight the potential of biogenic hydroxyapatite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. Full article

The recycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into value-added products suitable for additive manufacturing remains challenging due to molecular degradation and insufficient melt strength. In this study, post-consumer recycled PET was upcycled via chain extension to develop filaments suitable for fused filament fabrication (FFF). Two chain extenders were evaluated: an epoxy-based multifunctional oligomer (Joncryl^® ADR-4468) and a tetrafunctional aromatic dianhydride (pyromellitic dianhydride, PMDA). Joncryl^® ADR-4468 increased the complex viscosity and viscoelastic moduli of rPET; however, the response was non-monotonic and resulted in limited filament dimensional stability. In contrast, rPET/vPET (70/30) blends modified with PMDA exhibited a pronounced and reproducible enhancement in melt viscosity and elasticity, enabling the production of a continuous filament with a stable diameter (1.75 ± 0.05 mm). Differential scanning calorimetry indicated that PMDA had a negligible effect on the glass transition temperature, while slightly reducing crystallinity, which is beneficial for FFF processing. Preliminary printing trials confirmed stable extrusion and controlled deposition behaviour for the PMDA-modified formulation. Overall, the results demonstrate that chain extension using PMDA is an effective strategy to restore melt processability and enable the use of recycled PET in filament-based additive manufacturing. Full article

Natural pigment lycopene (LYC), a carotenoid, possesses antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anticancer, and immunoenhancing properties. During in vitro culture, this substance protects oocytes and early embryos from damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby enhancing the in vitro maturation (IVM) rate of oocytes and the developmental competence of early embryos. This study aimed to investigate the effects of supplementing different concentrations of LYC (0, 5, 10, and 15 μM) during in vitro culture of sheep oocytes and early embryos on their developmental competence. In contrast to the control group, the 5 μM LYC treatment group displayed a marked increase in the first polar body extrusion rate and the extent of cumulus cell expansion, as well as a significantly higher proportion of normal spindle assembly in sheep oocytes, but 15 μM LYC appeared to negatively affect oocyte maturation. Relative to all other experimental groups, the 5 μM LYC treatment group displayed significantly elevated rates of cleavage and blastocyst rate during early in vitro embryonic development. The levels of ROS in mature oocytes and early embryos were significantly decreased, whereas the GSH level was significantly elevated. Furthermore, LYC treatment significantly enhanced mitochondrial activity and markedly elevated the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in mature oocytes and early embryos. Moreover, the total cell number of blastocysts was significantly increased. Moreover, in early embryos, the transcript levels of genes associated with both oxidative stress and apoptosis were favorably regulated. In conclusion, LYC supplementation boosted the rates of oocyte maturation and blastocyst formation in sheep, while elevating the developmental capacity of early embryos. Full article

In this study, a green technique of mechanochemistry was used to prepare superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) from soybean waste (Okara) and bio-based bifunctional itaconic acid (ItA) in a solventless melt-reactive esterification reaction using reactive extruder. SAPs were produced by reaction of ItA with Okara at 120 °C with and/or without the use of crosslinker N,N′-methylenebis(acrylamide) (MBA) in the presence or absence of free radical initiator, potassium peroxodisulfate (KPS). By varying the amounts of ItA and Okara, the effect of MBA and KPS was investigated on water absorption. The esterification of Okara with ItA was confirmed by attenuated total reflectance–Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopic measurements, while the structural characterization was done using X-ray diffraction, thermal gravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Among the twelve SAPs formulations, the highest water absorption of 35.6 g/g of SAP was shown by SAP prepared from Okara/ItA in a ratio of 1 g/3.5 g and crosslinked with 0.5 wt% MBA. All the SAPs showed moderate centrifuge water retention (CWR) capabilities which show their potential for application in sustainable agriculture. Full article

To reduce the environmental impact associated with fossil-based materials, mechanical recycling represents a key strategy, although it inevitably leads to a decline in rheological, thermal, and mechanical properties due to polymer chain degradation. This study investigated the effect of controlled degradation and subsequent reprocessing of polypropylene (PP) using reactive additives from the Nexamite family. Degradation was induced by adding Nexamite R202 at concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, and 2%, while reprocessing was carried out using Nexamite R203 combined with an antioxidant package. The results show that peroxide addition promotes progressive chain scission, leading to reduced thermal stability and mechanical performance. A moderate peroxide content (1%) provided the best balance between improved processability and mechanical performance, showing high ductility and impact toughness. Subsequent reprocessing with Nexamite R203 enabled a significant recovery of the degraded material’s properties. Formulation PP REC 8.2 exhibited increased melt viscosity, slight thermal stabilization, and a marked improvement in elongation at break while maintaining stress values comparable to the starting degraded material. Overall, the results demonstrate that a strategy based on controlled degradation followed by targeted reprocessing can effectively tune processability and partially restore the performance of recycled polypropylene, offering promising opportunities for the upgrading of recycled PP for higher-value applications. Full article

This study developed poly(lactic acid) (PLA) biocomposites reinforced with pine wood flour (10, 20, and 30 wt%) to achieve the interphase through chemical modification. Specifically, the wood flour was treated with poly(propylene glycol) toluene 2,4-diisocyanate terminated (PEGTDI), while 1 wt% poly(lactic acid)-g-maleic anhydride (PLA-g-MA) was integrated as a reactive compatibilizer during extrusion and thermocompression. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis corroborated the occurrence of urethane formation and ester/anhydride linkages, as substantiated by the presence of characteristic bands indicative of surface carbamation at 1645 and 1726 cm⁻¹. Thermal analysis revealed that both the pine wood flour and coupling agents promoted PLA crystallization; however, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated a decrease in thermal stability for functionalized composites, suggesting a trade-off between enhanced interfacial interaction and heat resistance. Mechanical testing demonstrated a significant reinforcement effect, with the Young’s modulus increasing by up to 22% in untreated composites. The coupling agents effectively optimized stress transfer at low fiber loadings (10 wt%), while flexural modulus improvements were predominant at higher loadings (20–30 wt%) regardless of treatment. These findings underscore the criticality of surface modification and compatibilizer selection for tailoring the structural and thermo-mechanical properties of PLA-based biocomposites, thereby providing a pathway for optimized performance in structural applications. Full article

Polymer blends constitute a strategy for tailoring the properties of commercial polymers, leading to the development of materials designed for specific applications. In this work, the effect of the mixing sequence of the reactive compatibilizer styrene–acrylonitrile functionalized with epoxy groups (SAN-g-Epoxy) on the performance of poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT)/acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) blends was investigated. PBT/ABS blends (60/40 wt%) were prepared by reactive extrusion in a twin-screw extruder followed by injection molding, incorporating five parts per hundred resin (phr) of SAN-g-Epoxy through different mixing sequences, aiming to understand how the processing order influences interfacial reactions, morphology, and the final properties of the material. The results indicated that SAN-g-Epoxy promotes reactive compatibilization between PBT and ABS, as evidenced by a significant increase in torque and complex viscosity, as well as by an increase in the intensity of the carbonyl band in the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra. By scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the presence of the compatibilizer resulted in a pronounced morphological refinement of the dispersed ABS phase, reducing the average particle size from approximately 4.34 µm to about 0.47–0.54 µm. Among the processing strategies, the route (PBT/SAN-g-Epoxy) + ABS exhibited the best mechanical performance under impact, reaching 206.7 J/m. However, the simultaneous mixing sequence PBT/ABS/SAN-g-Epoxy showed the best balance of properties, with gains of 203% in impact strength, 8.8% in elastic modulus, and 40.1% in heat deflection temperature (HDT) compared to neat PBT. The results indicate that PBT can be improved and tailored for engineering applications. Full article

The conducted study was focused on the development of a new type of polymer blends intended for additive manufacturing applications, in particular, the material extrusion method (MEX). The developed materials were prepared from recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) and amorphous copolymers poly(ethylene terephthalate-glycol) (PETG), and poly(cyclohexylenedimethyl terephthalate-glycol) (PCTG). The basic blend systems were additionally modified with POE-g-GMA impact modifier (IM) during the reactive extrusion process. The main aim of the work was to assess the effectiveness of using composite additives and their influence on the mechanical and thermomechanical parameters of the tested systems. To prepare the composites, selected polymer blends were modified with 10% of talc (T) and carbon fibers (CF). The properties evaluation includes the mechanical/thermomechanical testing, thermal analysis and structural observations. The accuracy of printing was measured using optical scanning methods. The test results indicate that even the relatively small amount of the CF filler could lead to a significant increase in tensile modulus from reference 1.6 GPa to 2.9 GPa; the same improvement applies to strength values, where the CF-modified materials reached 45 MPa, compared to the reference 31 MPa. The heat deflection tests (0.455 MPa) after annealing revealed the maximum HDT of around 170 °C for both types of CF-modified materials. The Vicat test results were also favorable for annealed materials. Considering that the Vicat/HDT results after the 3D-printing process usually reach around 70 °C, the performed heat treatment strongly enhanced the heat resistance for most of the prepared blends. The performed studies revealed that for most of the prepared materials, the brittleness was a common drawback for both MEX-printed and injection-molded materials. Full article

Sweeteners occupy a pivotal role in the global transition toward sustainable, health-aligned, and resource-efficient food systems. Conventional sucrose production carries significant environmental burdens, while escalating metabolic health concerns intensify demand for viable alternatives. This paper reframes sweeteners not as commodity ingredients, but as digitally engineered, biologically manufactured, and circularity-optimized materials within the emerging bioeconomy. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI), metabolic engineering, precision fermentation, and lignocellulosic valorization are fundamentally reshaping sweetener innovation. We introduce the Sweetener Innovation 4.0 framework, in which AI functions as the integrative engine linking molecular design, bioprocess optimization, and system-level sustainability. Across diverse sweetener classes, including steviol glycosides, mogrosides, rare sugars, sweet proteins, and forestry-derived polyols, AI accelerates discovery, improves metabolic flux control, optimizes downstream processing and enables more adaptive manufacturing systems. This digital–biological convergence is progressively decoupling sweetness production from land-intensive agriculture, reducing dependence on geographically constrained crops, and enabling resilient, low-carbon manufacturing pathways. Comparative life-cycle assessments highlight substantial sustainability gains, but also reveal persistent methodological gaps, particularly in accounting for downstream-processing energy and digital infrastructure emissions. Socioeconomic analysis further underscores the importance of equitable transitions, transparent labeling, and effective consumer communication as fermentation-derived sweeteners enter global markets. Looking forward, we identify key frontiers for Sweetener Innovation 4.0, including de novo AI-designed sweeteners, autonomous fermentation systems, carbon-negative feedstocks, personalized sweetness modulation, and integrated circular biorefineries. Together, these developments position sweeteners as a top domain for demonstrating how AI, biotechnology, and sustainability principles can jointly reshape ingredient development and industrial systems within the 21st-century circular-economy. Full article

Traditional plastic preservation films face significant environmental challenges due to their non-degradable nature and limited functional versatility. In contrast, hydrocolloid–nanomaterial composite films—which integrate biopolymer matrices (e.g., cellulose, chitosan, alginate and gelatin) with nanoparticles such as SiO₂, Se, TiO₂, or ZnO—have emerged as a prominent research focus. These composite films preserve the inherent biodegradability and biocompatibility of hydrocolloids, while the nanomaterials, when stably dispersed, enhance interfacial interactions through electrostatic forces, hydrogen-bonding, or coordination bonds. This synergy endows the films with multifunctional properties, including antimicrobial activity, antioxidant capacity, UV-shielding performance, and stimuli-responsive intelligence. Prepared via techniques like electrospinning, solution casting, reactive extrusion, and coating, they exhibit excellent mechanical strength, barrier properties, and multifunctionality, effectively extending the shelf life of fruits, vegetables, meats, etc. However, challenges remain: nanomaterial dispersion, migration risks, and scalable production. This review summarizes recent advances to guide green preparation optimization, balance performance and safety, and advance sustainable development in food packaging. Full article

In vitro maturation (IVM) is highly susceptible to influences of the culture environment, which can lead to increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and thereby induce a stress response in oocytes, ultimately reducing the developmental potential of early embryos. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an ovarian endocrine factor that can enhance the function of follicular granulosa cells and promote oocyte maturation, but the specific pathways remain unclear. We supplemented IVM cultures of sheep oocytes with BDNF and examined aspects of oocyte nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation. The addition of 50 ng/mL BDNF promoted the expansion of cumulus cells and increased the rates of first polar body extrusion, cleavage, and blastocyst formation. Compared with untreated controls, BDNF-treated oocytes had improved Ca²⁺ homeostasis, enhanced expression of antioxidant genes, decreased ROS levels and expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress genes, and increased mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial biogenesis, and numbers of cells with proper distributions of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. Further analysis indicated that BDNF affected oocyte maturation by increasing the numbers of transzonal projections and gap junctions during the IVM process. In summary, the addition of BDNF during the IVM process improved sheep oocyte maturation and embryo development by reducing oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress. These findings deepen our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of BDNF during IVM and provide experimental data to improve in vitro embryo production from sheep oocytes. Full article

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of reactive extrusion (thermomechanical and chemical process) on the chemical composition, techno-functional properties, glucose and cholesterol adsorption capacity, and bioactive compound profile of spent coffee grounds (SCG). SCG was extruded using citric acid or alkaline hydrogen peroxide as reagents, and a control sample was extruded without reagents. Treatment with citric acid resulted in the highest levels of total dietary fiber (79.6 g/100 g) and insoluble fiber (76.2 g/100 g), especially cellulose, and significantly improved glucose (32.7 mmol/L) and cholesterol (4.5 mg/g) adsorption at neutral pH. Treatment with alkaline hydrogen peroxide increased water retention capacity (3.9 g/g). Although chemical treatments reduced total polyphenol and antioxidant activity, they effectively broke down the lignocellulosic matrix, thereby increasing fiber availability and functionality. Extrusion without reagents (processes induced by mechanical and thermal factors) favored the retention of caffeine and chlorogenic acids, increasing soluble fiber and maintaining antioxidant capacity. Therefore, reactive extrusion is a technological strategy that aligns with the principles of the circular economy, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to landfill disposal and adding value to spent coffee grounds by transforming lignocellulosic residue into functional ingredients with broad application potential. Full article

Conventional alkaline extraction of plant proteins typically requires highly alkaline conditions (pH ≥ 11) and extended extraction times (~1 h). Although protease addition can lower extraction pH and improve functionality, it often requires prolonged hydrolysis. In this study, enzymatic reactive extrusion (eREX) using Alcalase, followed by a short duration alkaline extraction (5 min, pH 9), was evaluated as an alternative approach for producing protein-rich extracts from canola meal. The eREX process increased protein recovery by 48% and 42% compared with alkaline extraction conducted without and with Alcalase, respectively. The resulting powdered extracts reached a protein content of up to 49% and consisted primarily of partially hydrolyzed proteins (10–23 kDa) with increased surface hydrophobicity. Amino acid analysis showed substantial enrichment of essential amino acids, particularly histidine and sulfur-containing amino acids. Functional properties were improved, including enhanced solubility across pH 2–10, high foaming stability (88%), and increased oil-binding capacity (~5.5 g g⁻¹), while in vitro digestibility remained comparable (~85%). Techno-economic analysis indicated reductions in water use (~11%), energy consumption (~48%), and production cost (16–25%). Overall, eREX provides a rapid, higher-throughput, and cost-effective strategy for producing premium canola protein ingredients. Full article

In vitro oocyte maturation (IVM) is a pivotal process influencing the success of embryo production in laboratory and clinical settings. However, oxidative stress (OS) often compromises oocyte quality during IVM. Antioxidants such as melatonin and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) are known to mitigate OS by neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and bolstering antioxidant defenses. Despite extensive studies on their individual effects, the synergistic impact of melatonin and EGCG remains underexplored. Utilizing a mouse model, this study evaluated their combined effect on oocyte maturation, focusing on nuclear and cytoplasmic development, intracellular ROS, glutathione (GSH) levels, and subsequent embryonic competence. The results demonstrated that melatonin and EGCG significantly enhanced the polar body extrusion rate (p < 0.05), with the combination group achieving the highest rate of 91.96%. Cumulus expansion was observed to improve across all treated groups, with the combination treatment showing the highest cumulus expansion index (CEI) of 3.06. Furthermore, the combination treatment significantly reduced ROS levels and increased GSH content, indicating enhanced antioxidant capacity (p < 0.01). Embryonic development outcomes, including cleavage and blastocyst rates, were markedly higher in the combination group at 75.23% and 53.97%, respectively, demonstrating superior developmental potential (p < 0.01). These findings suggest that the melatonin–EGCG combination offers a novel and effective strategy to combat oxidative damage during IVM, thereby improving oocyte quality and embryonic development potential in mice. Full article