Search Results (440)

Valorization of abundant agricultural residues, particularly lignin, provides the opportunity to divert waste streams while enabling materials to inherently exhibit durable functionalities, including UV-blocking, antioxidant properties and water repellency. This study reports the side-by-side valorization of hemp hurd (HL) and corn stover lignin (CL), extracted using the CELF process, into electrospun lignin/nylon 6 nanofiber membranes, establishing how lignin botanical origin, molecular weight (M_w), and blend ratio govern multifunctional performance relevant to protective membranes in textiles. Lignin–nylon 6 hydrogen bonding was regulated by the OH content and accessibility, M_w, and purity, and influenced the functional properties of the fibers. While stronger in low-M_w nanofibers, these interactions were weakest in low-M_w HL samples due to the lowest purity, despite the highest OH content. Fibers with low-M_w lignin yielded finer, brittle fibers with higher UV blocking, whereas high-M_w fractions showed higher antioxidant performance due to decreased interactions with nylon 6. Overall, lignin/nylon 6 nanofiber membranes delivered biobased UPF 50+ performance, 55–61% antioxidant activity at the optimal concentration, and exhibited tunable water repellency via fraction selection and the blend ratio. In combination with a nanofiber architecture, these membranes can impart durable inherent functionality onto textile substrates without affecting their existing properties, including water vapor permeability, without the use of chemical finishing, while utilizing renewable resources from agricultural residues. Full article

Invasive plant species are increasingly recognized not only as ecological threats but also as potential sources of bioactive compounds with agricultural applications. However, the combined allelopathic and insecticidal potential of Ailanthus altissima’s different plant parts remains insufficiently explored. This study evaluated the bioactivity of different plant part (leaf, bark, and branch) extracts of A. altissima. Secondary metabolites were characterized by HPLC–DAD–MS, while ethanol extracts (0.5–5%) were tested on wheat (Triticum aestivum) seed germination, seedling growth, oxidative status, and on the survival and repellency of the rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae). Biological responses were strongly plant part and concentration-dependent. Leaf extracts contained the highest phenolic levels, dominated by caffeoylquinic acids and quercetin derivatives, whereas bark and branch extracts showed lower but compositionally distinct profiles. Despite this, bark and branch extracts produced the strongest biological effects, inhibiting germination energy and root growth at higher concentrations, while leaf extracts stimulated seedling performance, including increased vigor index, while in insect bioassays, bark and branch extracts caused higher mortality and stronger suppression of rice weevil populations. This study provides new evidence that biomass extracts of the invasive species A. altissima represent a promising source of biologically active compounds with both allelopathic and insecticidal properties, highlighting its potential valorization as a plant-based biopesticide for sustainable pest management. Full article

The use of botanical extracts derived from Jatropha spp. offers a sustainable alternative for controlling insect pests, thereby reducing reliance on synthetic chemical insecticides. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to summarize the published evidence on the insecticidal activity of these extracts. Electronic database searches were conducted to identify relevant studies evaluating Jatropha spp. botanical extracts against insect pests, including mortality, antifeedant activity, time of development, oviposition inhibition, and repellency. A random-effects meta-analysis for continuous variables with 95% confidence intervals was employed to compare treated insects against a control group. The study encompassed 77 articles, which evaluated extracts from various botanical parts of Jatropha curcas and Jatropha gossypifolia against insects from nine taxonomic orders. The results of the meta-analyses demonstrated that aqueous, ethanolic, and methanolic extracts from leaves and seeds were effective in increasing the mortality rate of treated insects. These extracts also affected the insects by prolonging development time, reducing weight gain in larvae and pupae, inhibiting oviposition, and increasing the percentage of repellency. Consequently, the foliar application of botanical extracts obtained from the leaves and seeds of J. curcas and J. gossypifolia represent a sustainable and agroecological alternative for the control of insect pests from different taxonomic orders. Full article

To develop cosmetic film-forming agents that combine sustainability with functionality, this study synthesized a series of bio-based polyols using epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) as raw material through acid-catalyzed ring-opening reactions. These polyols partially replaced petroleum-based polyols and reacted with isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI). By incorporating β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), a water-based polyurethane (CPS-ESO) was successfully developed that combines degradability with active ingredient delivery capability. Experiments demonstrated that the resulting CPS-M film exhibits excellent water repellency (contact angle 66.7°), mechanical properties (tensile strength 14.21 MPa, elongation at break 229.42%), adhesion (Level 0), and breathability, while displaying controllable degradation behavior under both enzymatic and alkaline hydrolysis conditions. Due to the cavity structure of β-cyclodextrin, this material efficiently loaded resveratrol (RES) at a loading rate of 0.16%. Formulated into a setting spray (F1), the product demonstrated outstanding makeup longevity (lowest ΔE value after water/sweat immersion), anti-friction performance (ΔE value after friction only one-third of the control group), and antioxidant activity (DPPH scavenging rate of 86.25%), with RES remaining stable under high-temperature storage conditions. This study provides new insights for designing green multifunctional cosmetic film-forming agents. Full article

The evolution of resistance in mosquitoes to conventional insecticides such as pyrethroids presents a challenge to vector control. Thus, alternative active ingredients for insecticides to manage pyrethroid-resistant populations of mosquitoes are needed. The goal of this study was to evaluate the toxic and repellent efficacy of geraniol, a plant secondary metabolite, as a potential alternative for controlling pyrethroid-resistant Aedes aegypti. We found that addition of geraniol to rearing water of 1st instar larvae caused concentration-dependent mortality within 24 h in both strains. The resistance ratio of geraniol (2.8) was modest compared to that of cypermethrin (435.3). Topical application of geraniol to adult female mosquitoes caused dose-dependent mortality in both strains within 24 h. The resistance ratio of geraniol (1.1) was minimal compared to that for cypermethrin (457). In spatial repellency assays, geraniol repelled adult females from both strains in a dose-dependent manner. The repellency resistance ratio of geraniol (2.6) was modest compared to that for pyrethrum extract (>132). Our findings suggest that geraniol has potential use as a toxicant and repellent for controlling pyrethroid-resistant populations of Ae. aegypti. Full article

The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, is a major agricultural pest that causes economic losses in the cultivation of most crops worldwide. Pesticide resistance and the phase-out of many active pesticidal substances have accelerated research into alternative methods for pest management. The effects of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on plants, as well as their potential use in pest management, have attracted the attention of researchers for the last 25 years. In this study, the repellent effects of UV-A, blue, and red LEDs on T. urticae were investigated using choice tests in laboratory conditions. The lethal effect of red LED light on adult individuals was determined by a no-choice test. Importantly, red LED caused 67.0 ± 4.5% (mean ± SE) mortality in adults in the no-choice test. Second, the UV-A LED clearly had a strong repellent effect on T. urticae in the choice tests. In the “UV-A vs. white LED” and “UV-A vs. darkness” choice tests, the egg-laying percentage in the UV-A part remained below 0.55%. Furthermore, UV-A also had a significant repellent effect on T. urticae larvae. In the choice tests, the larval ratio in the UV-A part was less than 5%. The results of laboratory experiments indicated that red and UV-A LEDs have significant lethal and repellent effects on T. urticae. Comprehensive investigations should be performed in greenhouses using different strategies to optimize how these potential effects can be used in pest management. Full article

The most common species of tick in Europe is the castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus), which is found in forests, parks, and gardens and is active almost all year round. Ticks are among the most important arthropods and vectors of disease, transmitting a wide range of parasites that sometimes lead to the death of infected organisms. The peak incidence of tick-borne diseases occurs between May and September; however, due to global warming, people are increasingly exposed to tick-borne diseases throughout the year. In order to increase the possibility of preventing the transmission of diseases by ticks, it is necessary to become thoroughly familiar with the life cycle of ticks and the environment in which they live. Vaccines are available for some diseases, such as tick-borne encephalitis, while others require a highly specific diagnosis. Another major problem is the long period between the tick bite, which often goes unnoticed or is even ignored by the patient or the doctor, and the development of tick-borne diseases. Increasing attention is being paid to the prevention of tick-borne diseases through prevention of tick bites, quick tick removal, use of repellents, appropriate land management, vaccinations, and the use of plants as natural acaricides. Full article

The genus Erysimum (Brassicaceae) comprises more than 150 species distributed mainly across Europe, Central Asia, East Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and North America, many of which are traditionally used for treating cardiovascular, respiratory, and inflammatory disorders. Plants of this genus are rich in various groups of secondary metabolites, including cardenolides, glucosinolates and isothiocyanates released from them, sterols, phenolic compounds such as flavonoids and tannins, and other secondary metabolites. This review synthesizes its unique phytochemical profile, characterized by the coexistence of ancestral glucosinolates and independently evolved cardenolides. Over 100 cardenolide structures based on 15 aglycones have been reported from Erysimum, although the structural characterization of several compounds remains inconsistent or incomplete, with some glycosides still absent in major chemical databases. A variety of pharmacological activities have been documented for extracts and isolated constituents, including cardiotonic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic effects, supporting the therapeutic potential of the genus. Ecologically, the genus employs a two-tiered defense strategy where strophanthidin-based compounds deter butterfly oviposition and digitoxigenin-based compounds repel larval feeding. This review summarizes current knowledge on the taxonomy, distribution, phytochemical composition, and biological activities of Erysimum species, with a focus on cardenolide diversity, structural ambiguities, and research gaps that require further investigation. Full article

Although Telenomus remus is an important parasitoid of Spodoptera frugiperda, the chemical basis for its host selection behavior remains unclear. To elucidate the chemical basis of this behavior, this study combined behavioral ecology and chemical ecology methods to systematically investigate the host location and recognition behaviors of this wasp, as well as the semiochemicals that regulate these behaviors. In Y-tube olfactometer assays, T. remus exhibited a significantly stronger olfactory preference for eggs of S. frugiperda over those of S. litura (p < 0.05) or the non-host Ostrinia furnacalis. A total of 759 metabolites belonging to 11 categories were identified via metabolomics analysis, and principal component analysis (PCA) clearly distinguished between host eggs and non-host eggs. Analysis of differential metabolites revealed that the significantly upregulated metabolites in host eggs mainly included aldehydes, ketones and esters, followed by hydrocarbons, alcohols and amines. Subsequently, we screened and verified the effects of the significantly upregulated metabolites in host eggs compared with non-host eggs on the host-selection behavior of T. remus, including indole, 2-hexanol, and trans-1,2-dimethylcyclohexane, as well as 2-heptadecanone and n-nonadecane—two alkane compounds which are specifically upregulated on the surface of S. frugiperda eggs. Behavioral validation demonstrated that 2-hexanol exerted a significant repellent effect on T. remus, whereas trans-1,2-dimethylcyclohexane exhibited a significant attractive effect on the parasitoid wasp. Among the metabolites specifically upregulated in S. frugiperda eggs, 2-heptadecanone exhibited significant attractive activity at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 1.0 mg/mL. This study is the first to report that the cycloalkane compound trans-1,2-dimethylcyclohexane acts as a potential broad-spectrum chemical marker for T. remus to recognize the eggs of host species belonging to the family Noctuidae, while 2-heptadecanone may further enhance its preference for the optimal host S. frugiperda. These findings provide novel candidate molecular targets for the development of behavioral regulators targeting egg parasitoids against S. frugiperda. Full article

This study focuses on enhancing the performance of piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs) fabricated by electrospinning (ES) of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) infused with varying concentrations (0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 wt.-%) of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles. Structural changes and the β-phase proportion in nanofibers (NFs) were examined using XRD and FTIR-ATR. Surface morphology and roughness were characterized using FE-SEM and AFM, respectively. The water-repellent characteristics of the NFs were assessed through WCA measurements. Electrical output (voltage and current) was evaluated under mechanical pressure using a customized setup that applied 1.0 kgf at 1.0 Hz. The pristine PVDF-based PENG generated an output of 1.7 V and 0.53 μA, while the composite NF with 5 wt.-% CuO (5PCu) delivered a significantly enhanced output of 13.7 V and 1.6 μA. The 5PCu device was further tested for detecting human activities, including tapping, wrist movements, walking, and jumping, thereby demonstrating its potential for self-powered wearable electronics. Full article

Wood remains a cornerstone material in construction and outdoor applications, yet its durability is continually compromised by fungal decay and insect infestation. Increasing regulatory restrictions on conventional wood preservatives and growing sustainability demands have intensified interest in bio-based alternatives. Among these, essential oils exhibit strong antifungal and insect-repellent activity but suffer from high volatility, leaching, and limited durability under moisture exposure. This review examines recent advances in chitosan nanoparticle-based encapsulation of essential oils as a strategy to overcome these limitations and enable more sustainable and environmentally responsible wood protection systems. The review synthesizes current knowledge on nanoparticle synthesis routes, physicochemical properties, bioactive delivery mechanisms, antifungal and anti-termite performance, and behavior under moisture and weathering conditions, alongside sustainability and regulatory considerations. The reviewed literature demonstrates that chitosan nanoparticles enhance essential oil retention, stability, and controlled release, leading to improved resistance against biological deterioration compared with unencapsulated formulations. In addition to performance benefits, these nano-enabled systems align with circular bioeconomy principles by utilizing renewable and waste-derived feedstocks while avoiding heavy metals and persistent synthetic biocides. Despite promising laboratory results, challenges remain related to long-term field performance, scalability, and environmental fate. Overall, chitosan–essential oil nano-formulations represent a versatile platform for next-generation, low-hazard wood protection, offering a promising pathway toward sustainable and durable wood preservation technologies. Full article

Carvone-rich essential oils (EOs), and carvone specifically, exhibit a broad spectrum of protective effects against major agricultural threats. They display strong antifungal and moderate antibacterial effects, effectively inhibiting numerous phytopathogenic fungi. EOs exhibit significant insecticidal, acaricidal, and repellent activity against various insects and mites, and some EOs are highly effective against agricultural nematodes, suppressing mobility and egg hatching. Crucially, the EOs demonstrate a strong capacity to suppress the germination and initial growth of different weed species, highlighting their viability as natural herbicides. This review analyzes the chemical composition, biological effects, and potential agricultural applications of carvone and carvone-rich essential oils, primarily sourced from Mentha spicata (Lamiaceae), Carum carvi (Apiaceae), and Anethum graveolens (Apiaceae). The biological activity of these EOs is significantly influenced by their specific composition, which varies among plant species and chemotypes. While EOs’ inherent volatility limits direct field application, this challenge is being successfully addressed by innovative formulation technologies, such as nanoemulsification and encapsulation, which enhance stability, bioavailability, and targeted delivery. In conclusion, carvone-rich EOs offer effective, environmentally low-risk agents for the integrated management of pathogens, pests, and weeds in sustainable agriculture. They help reduce reliance on synthetic chemicals and minimize the potential for resistance development. Full article

The reliance on synthetic repellents such as N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) has raised health and environmental concerns, prompting the search for safer, plant-based alternatives. Catnip (Nepeta cataria L.), a rich source of iridoid monoterpenes, particularly nepetalactones, known for strong insect-repellent activity. However, their efficient extraction and molecular mechanisms in insect inhibition remains challenging. This study examined the chemical composition, protein–ligand interactions, and safety profiles of nepetalactones in comparison with DEET, with particular focus on mosquito odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) from Anopheles gambiae (AgamOBP), Culex quinquefasciatus (CquiOBP), and Aedes aegypti (AaegOBP). GC–MS/MS analysis identified nepetalactone isomers as the predominant constituents in catnip extracts obtained via steam distillation and olive oil extraction from dried leaves. Molecular docking results indicated that cis,cis-, cis,trans-, and nepetalactone isomers exhibited higher binding affinities toward the target OBPs than DEET. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations confirmed that all nepetalactone–OBP complexes exhibited stable conformations characterized by low average RMSD values and persistent hydrogen bond formation. Notably, cis,trans-NL–AaegOBP, NL–AaegOBP, and cis,cis-NL–AgamOBP complexes displayed lower binding free energies (ΔG_MM-PBSA) compared to DEET. These findings suggest that nepetalactones stabilize OBP–ligand interactions while inducing subtle conformational flexibility, potentially disrupting mosquito odorant recognition in a manner distinct from DEET. ADMET predictions indicated that nepetalactones exhibit favorable absorption, distribution, and safety profiles with reduced predicted toxicity compared to DEET. Collectively, these results establish nepetalactones as promising candidates for the development of effective, safe, and sustainable plant-based repellents. Full article

This research investigates the potential of secondary lavender biomass (Lavandula officinalis) as a raw material for paper production within the context of the circular economy and its practical applications. Lavender stems, a by-product of essential oil extraction, were processed using the nitrate–alkali pulping method. The chemical composition of the raw material was analysed according to TAPPI standards, and the resulting pulp was characterised in terms of its mechanical and physical properties, including tensile strength and air permeability. Lavender stems contained 29.43% cellulose and 24.10% lignin, indicating moderate delignification efficiency under the applied conditions. The pulp yield was 24.2% with a Kappa number of 15.9. Of the prepared sheets, the paper with a weight of 80 g·m⁻² showed the best mechanical properties, with a breaking length of 1.71 km and a tensile strength index of 16.76 N·m·g⁻¹. In addition, lavender-based paper demonstrated measurable repellent activity against Tineola bisselliella, reducing insect presence by 70% compared to control samples, as determined by controlled laboratory exposure tests. This bioactivity is attributed to residual volatile compounds such as linalool and linalyl acetate, originating from lavender biomass. Overall, lavender secondary biomass represents a promising non-wood fibre for the production of biodegradable, functional paper materials that combine structural integrity with natural repellent properties. Full article

Drosophila suzukii (Diptera) is a polyphagous fly responsible for a huge loss in production of thin-skinned berries, usually controlled with low-selective synthetic pesticides, which can be toxic for biodiversity and human health. Biorational control of D. suzukii is challenging, despite many known lethal compounds, since most experiments happen in laboratory conditions, and agroecosystems include complex biotic and abiotic variables. Nanoencapsulation rises as an efficient alternative for optimizing pesticide development by protecting active ingredients and increasing selectivity. This review aimed to gather recent (over the last 5 years) research about plant-derived insecticides with the potential to control D. suzukii, examining their toxicity mechanisms and exposure methods, and to identify research gaps and perspectives, especially for nanoproducts. These efforts resulted in the selection of 31 articles, evaluating lethality and behavioral modulation caused by plant-based compounds, which exerted mainly attraction, repellency, and oviposition deterrence. Most studies were carried out under laboratory conditions, mostly testing plants from the Lamiaceae and Asteraceae botanical families, indicating essential oils as potential short-life pesticides against every life stage of D. suzukii, although their physicochemical instability limits field application. There are few studies addressing nano-pesticides for controlling D. suzukii, and these data contribute to botanical prospection for pesticide compounds and point to the development of plant-based nano-pesticides for controlling D. suzukii as a research gap with potential to enable field trials. Full article