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34 pages, 1955 KiB  
Review
Advancing Phytoremediation: A Review of Soil Amendments for Heavy Metal Contamination Management
by Ahmed Abderrafaa Tamma, Krzysztof Lejcuś, Wiesław Fiałkiewicz and Daria Marczak
Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 5688; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17135688 - 20 Jun 2025
Viewed by 977
Abstract
Heavy metal (HM) contamination poses a major threat to environmental health, agriculture and human well-being, requiring effective and sustainable remediation strategies. Phytoremediation, an eco-friendly and cost-effective approach, is widely used for the remediation of HM-contaminated soils. Although phytoremediation holds considerable potential in the [...] Read more.
Heavy metal (HM) contamination poses a major threat to environmental health, agriculture and human well-being, requiring effective and sustainable remediation strategies. Phytoremediation, an eco-friendly and cost-effective approach, is widely used for the remediation of HM-contaminated soils. Although phytoremediation holds considerable potential in the extraction, stabilisation and degradation of HMs, its effectiveness is often constrained by limited metal bioavailability, plant stress under toxic conditions and slow metal uptake rates. To address these limitations, this review examines the integration of various soil amendments—the application of biochar, compost, plant exudates, microbial agents and chelating agents—to enhance phytoremediation efficiency. This review critically evaluates empirical evidence on the effectiveness, scalability, economic feasibility and environmental impact of these amendments. By synthesising recent studies, this review advances the understanding of amendment-assisted phytoremediation as a viable solution for treating HM-contaminated soils. In addition, this review identifies practical applications, discusses limitations and explores the potential synergies of these amendments to optimise phytoremediation strategies, ultimately contributing to more effective and sustainable environmental cleanup efforts. Full article
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21 pages, 5135 KiB  
Article
Development of a Gold Nanoparticle Dispersion for Plasma Jet Printing on Solid Substrates
by Lan Kresnik, Peter Majerič, Darja Feizpour and Rebeka Rudolf
Materials 2025, 18(12), 2713; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18122713 - 9 Jun 2025
Viewed by 433
Abstract
Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesised using ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP) with the addition of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a stabilising agent and subsequently dried via lyophilisation. The resulting dried AuNPs were redispersed in ethanol and homogenised to ensure uniform dispersion. This AuNP dispersion was [...] Read more.
Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesised using ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP) with the addition of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a stabilising agent and subsequently dried via lyophilisation. The resulting dried AuNPs were redispersed in ethanol and homogenised to ensure uniform dispersion. This AuNP dispersion was then deposited onto a ceramic substrate—aluminum oxide (Al2O3)—using plasma jet printing. Comprehensive characterisation of the dispersion, AuNPs, and the resulting printed lines was performed using the following methods: inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), dynamic light scattering (DLS), measurements of dispersion viscosity and printed line roughness. ICP-OES confirmed consistent gold content in the AuNP dispersion, while the SEM and EDS analyses revealed predominantly spherical AuNPs with minimal aggregation and similar size distributions. TEM, SAED, and STEM/EDS confirmed that the crystalline structure and elemental composition of the AuNPs had diverse morphologies and strong gold signals. The UV-Vis, DLS, and zeta potential measurements indicated moderate colloidal stability, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) verified the AuNPs dispersion’s composition. The AuNP dispersion exhibited thixotropic behaviour favourable for printing applications, while confocal microscopy confirmed smooth, uniform printed traces, with an average surface line roughness of 1.65 µm. The successful use of plasma printing with the AuNP dispersion highlights its potential for functional material applications in electronics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Advanced Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology)
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18 pages, 5552 KiB  
Article
Use of a Sorption Column with Polyurethane/Graphene Core Combined with an Electroflotation Reactor for Oily Wastewater Treatment
by Tiago Mari, Matheus V. G. Zimmermann, Bruna Rossi Fenner, Francisco Maciel Monticeli, Heitor Luiz Ornaghi Júnior, Camila Baldasso and Ademir J. Zattera
Polymers 2025, 17(8), 1127; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17081127 - 21 Apr 2025
Viewed by 395
Abstract
Discharging oil-contaminated wastewater into the environment without adequate treatment can have a negative impact on water resources, public water and wastewater treatment systems, and even human health. In this sense, it is essential to develop compact, easily automated, low-cost, and highly efficient unitary [...] Read more.
Discharging oil-contaminated wastewater into the environment without adequate treatment can have a negative impact on water resources, public water and wastewater treatment systems, and even human health. In this sense, it is essential to develop compact, easily automated, low-cost, and highly efficient unitary treatment processes in order to comply with legal requirements regarding effluent emission standards for water bodies. Therefore, the present study consisted of the development of two treatment processes aimed at the separation of oil emulsions stabilised by anionic surfactants: a sorption column using polyurethane/graphene foam composites as sorbent material and a continuous flow AC electroflotation reactor. Initially, composites with 0.5% and 1% w/w graphene (based on polyol mass) were developed using a dispersing agent (1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone). The foams were characterised in terms of morphology and mechanical and sorption properties. In the fixed bed column, the foams retained up to 77.15% of the emulsified oil and 52.36% of the anionic surfactants. In the continuous flow electroflotation reactor, emulsified oil removal efficiencies above 90% were achieved at all electrical currents tested, and up to 88.6% of anionic surfactants were removed at an electrical current of 150 A. Given the advantages and disadvantages of the two oily effluent treatment processes, their combined use in the same system proved promising. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Applications)
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29 pages, 5049 KiB  
Article
A Study of the Dynamic Evolution Game of Cooperative Management by Multiple Subjects Under the Forest Ticket System
by Siyu Fei, Xiao Han, Wen Wang and Hongxun Li
Forests 2025, 16(3), 534; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16030534 - 18 Mar 2025
Viewed by 419
Abstract
As a kind of proof of the rights and interests of forest resources, the implementation of forest ticket is an important measure for China to revitalise collective forest land resources and promote the transformation of forest resources into economic development advantages, which is [...] Read more.
As a kind of proof of the rights and interests of forest resources, the implementation of forest ticket is an important measure for China to revitalise collective forest land resources and promote the transformation of forest resources into economic development advantages, which is of great significance to the sustainable development of forestry. Based on the dynamic evolutionary game method of multiple subjects, this paper constructs an evolutionary game model of state-owned forest farms, village collective economic organisations, and forest farmers; analyses their strategy choices and the stability of the equilibrium point of the game system; and examines the influence of different parameter values on the model strategy evolution through combination with numerical simulation methods. The results show that the level of knowledge and participation in the forest ticket system significantly influence the optimal equilibrium strategy of each subject of forest cooperative management. The optimal strategy is only when the evolution of the game model is stable at a high level of input, participation, and high willingness to participate. In addition, the forest market environment and the level of inputs from the agents also affect the rate of stabilisation of behavioural strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic and Policy Analysis in Sustainable Forest Management)
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18 pages, 2199 KiB  
Article
The Co-Administration of Paclitaxel with Novel Pyridine and Benzofuran Derivatives that Inhibit Tubulin Polymerisation: A Promising Anticancer Strategy
by Magdalena Perużyńska, Radosław Birger, Patrycja Kłos, Halina Kwiecień, Łukasz Struk, Jacek G. Sośnicki, Laurence Lafanechère and Marek Droździk
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(2), 223; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17020223 - 9 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1134
Abstract
Background: Paclitaxel (PTX), a crucial microtubule-stabilising agent in cancer treatment, is limited by its adverse effects and hydrophobic nature, which necessitate the use of toxic solvents. This study proposes a novel approach combining PTX with new microtubule-destabilising compounds at low, safe doses [...] Read more.
Background: Paclitaxel (PTX), a crucial microtubule-stabilising agent in cancer treatment, is limited by its adverse effects and hydrophobic nature, which necessitate the use of toxic solvents. This study proposes a novel approach combining PTX with new microtubule-destabilising compounds at low, safe doses that are ineffective when used individually. Objective: The aim was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of combining PTX with previously described pyridine (S1, S22) and benzofuran derivatives (13b, 14), which have demonstrated promising anticancer properties by inhibiting microtubule polymerisation. Methods: The PrestoBlue assay was used to determine the optimal concentrations of each compound, enabling synergistic interactions with a low dose of PTX in HeLa cervical cancer cells. The combined effects of the compounds and PTX on apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, and mitotic spindle formation were then evaluated. Results: The results showed that compounds 13b (1 µM), 14 (0.1 µM), S1 (2 µM), and S22 (2 µM) enhanced the proapoptotic and antimitotic effects of 1 nM PTX, which was ineffective alone. Notably, live-cell imaging revealed that the concurrent use of S1 and PTX produced effects similar to those of a higher PTX concentration (5 nM). Conclusions: These findings suggest that these compounds enhance the anticancer efficacy of low-dose PTX, potentially paving the way for more effective and safer cancer therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Combination Therapy Approaches for Cancer Treatment)
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24 pages, 1860 KiB  
Review
Exploiting the Molecular Properties of Fibrinogen to Control Bleeding Following Vascular Injury
by Tanjot Singh, Muhammad Hasan, Thembaninkosi G. Gaule and Ramzi A. Ajjan
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(3), 1336; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26031336 - 5 Feb 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2030
Abstract
The plasma protein fibrinogen is critical for haemostasis and wound healing, serving as the structural foundation of the blood clot. Through a complex interaction between coagulation factors, the soluble plasma fibrinogen is converted to insoluble fibrin networks, which form the skeleton of the [...] Read more.
The plasma protein fibrinogen is critical for haemostasis and wound healing, serving as the structural foundation of the blood clot. Through a complex interaction between coagulation factors, the soluble plasma fibrinogen is converted to insoluble fibrin networks, which form the skeleton of the blood clot, an essential step to limit blood loss after vascular trauma. This review examines the molecular mechanisms by which fibrinogen modulates bleeding, focusing on its interactions with other proteins that maintain fibrin network stability and prevent premature breakdown. Moreover, we also cover the role of fibrinogen in ensuring clot stability through the physiological interaction with platelets. We address the therapeutic applications of fibrinogen across various clinical contexts, including trauma-induced coagulopathy, postpartum haemorrhage, and cardiac surgery. Importantly, a full understanding of protein function will allow the development of new therapeutics to limit blood loss following vascular trauma, which remains a key cause of mortality worldwide. While current management strategies help with blood loss following vascular injury, they are far from perfect and future research should prioritise refining fibrinogen replacement strategies and developing novel agents to stabilise the fibrin network. Exploiting fibrinogen’s molecular properties holds significant potential for improving outcomes in trauma care, surgical interventions and obstetric haemorrhage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Thrombosis: 3rd Edition)
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34 pages, 3100 KiB  
Review
Plant Secondary Metabolites as Modulators of Mitochondrial Health: An Overview of Their Anti-Oxidant, Anti-Apoptotic, and Mitophagic Mechanisms
by Julia Anchimowicz, Piotr Zielonka and Slawomir Jakiela
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(1), 380; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26010380 - 4 Jan 2025
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2810
Abstract
Plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) are a diverse group of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, polyphenols, saponins, and terpenoids, which have been recognised for their critical role in modulating cellular functions. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the effects of PSMs on mitochondrial health, [...] Read more.
Plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) are a diverse group of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, polyphenols, saponins, and terpenoids, which have been recognised for their critical role in modulating cellular functions. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the effects of PSMs on mitochondrial health, with particular emphasis on their therapeutic potential. Emerging evidence shows that these metabolites improve mitochondrial function by reducing oxidative stress, promoting mitochondrial biogenesis, and regulating key processes such as apoptosis and mitophagy. Mitochondrial dysfunction, a hallmark of many pathologies, including neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndrome, has been shown to benefit from the protective effects of PSMs. Recent studies show that PSMs can improve mitochondrial dynamics, stabilise mitochondrial membranes, and enhance bioenergetics, offering significant promise for the prevention and treatment of mitochondrial-related diseases. The molecular mechanisms underlying these effects, including modulation of key signalling pathways and direct interactions with mitochondrial proteins, are discussed. The integration of PSMs into therapeutic strategies is highlighted as a promising avenue for improving treatment efficacy while minimising the side effects commonly associated with synthetic drugs. This review also highlights the need for future research to elucidate the specific roles of individual PSMs and their synergistic interactions within complex plant matrices, which may further optimise their therapeutic utility. Overall, this work provides valuable insights into the complex role of PSMs in mitochondrial health and their potential as natural therapeutic agents targeting mitochondrial dysfunction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Plant Metabolite Research)
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17 pages, 2914 KiB  
Article
Optimisation of the Encapsulation of Grape Pomace Extract by Spray Drying Using Goat Whey Protein as a Coating Material
by Gabriela Perković, Mirela Planinić, Gordana Šelo, Josipa Martinović, Radenko Nedić, Matej Puš and Ana Bucić-Kojić
Coatings 2024, 14(9), 1101; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14091101 - 1 Sep 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2250
Abstract
The aim of this research was to determine the optimal conditions for the process of the microencapsulation of phenol-rich grape pomace extract (GPE) using spray drying and goat whey protein (GW) as a coating. The encapsulation was carried out with the aim of [...] Read more.
The aim of this research was to determine the optimal conditions for the process of the microencapsulation of phenol-rich grape pomace extract (GPE) using spray drying and goat whey protein (GW) as a coating. The encapsulation was carried out with the aim of protecting the original bioactive components extracted from grape pomace to ensure their stability and protection from external agents, as well as antioxidant activity, during the conversion of the liquid extract into powder and during storage. Using the response surface methodology, an inlet air temperature of 173.5 °C, a GW ratio of 2.5 and a flow rate of 7 mL/min were determined as optimum process parameters. Under these conditions, a high yield (85.2%) and encapsulation efficiency (95.5%) were achieved with a satisfactorily low moisture content in the product (<5%). The amount of coating had the greatest influence on the MC properties. GW showed a more pronounced stabilising effect on the phenolic compounds in GPE during a longer storage period compared to anthocyanins. The results obtained indicate the potential of GW as a coating and are an example of the possible upcycling of GPE and GW, which can lead to a high-quality product that can be a functional ingredient. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Advances in Food Contact Materials)
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19 pages, 6699 KiB  
Article
Thermally Stabilised Poly(vinyl alcohol) Nanofibrous Materials Produced by Scalable Electrospinning: Applications in Tissue Engineering
by W. Joseph A. Homer, Maxim Lisnenko, Sarka Hauzerova, Bohdana Heczkova, Adrian C. Gardner, Eva K. Kostakova, Paul D. Topham, Vera Jencova and Eirini Theodosiou
Polymers 2024, 16(14), 2079; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16142079 - 21 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1529
Abstract
Electrospinning is a widely employed manufacturing platform for tissue engineering applications because it produces structures that closely mimic the extracellular matrix. Herein, we demonstrate the potential of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) electrospun nanofibers as scaffolds for tissue engineering. Nanofibers were created by needleless direct [...] Read more.
Electrospinning is a widely employed manufacturing platform for tissue engineering applications because it produces structures that closely mimic the extracellular matrix. Herein, we demonstrate the potential of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) electrospun nanofibers as scaffolds for tissue engineering. Nanofibers were created by needleless direct current electrospinning from PVA with two different degrees of hydrolysis (DH), namely 98% and 99% and subsequently heat treated at 180 °C for up to 16 h to render them insoluble in aqueous environments without the use of toxic cross-linking agents. Despite the small differences in the PVA chemical structure, the changes in the material properties were substantial. The higher degree of hydrolysis resulted in non-woven supports with thinner fibres (285 ± 81 nm c.f. 399 ± 153 nm) that were mechanically stronger by 62% (±11%) and almost twice as more crystalline than those from 98% hydrolysed PVA. Although prolonged heat treatment (16 h) did not influence fibre morphology, it reduced the crystallinity and tensile strength for both sets of materials. All samples demonstrated a lack or very low degree of haemolysis (<5%), and there were no notable changes in their anticoagulant activity (≤3%). Thrombus formation, on the other hand, increased by 82% (±18%) for the 98% hydrolysed samples and by 71% (±10%) for the 99% hydrolysed samples, with heat treatment up to 16 h, as a direct consequence of the preservation of the fibrous morphology. 3T3 mouse fibroblasts showed the best proliferation on scaffolds that were thermally stabilised for 4 and 8 h. Overall these scaffolds show potential as ‘greener’ alternatives to other electrospun tissue engineering materials, especially in cases where they may be used as delivery vectors for heat tolerant additives. Full article
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17 pages, 866 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Different Extraction Conditions on the Physicochemical Properties of Novel High Methoxyl Pectin-like Polysaccharides from Green Bell Pepper (GBP)
by Onome Obodo-Ovie, Mohammad Alyassin, Alan M. Smith and Gordon A. Morris
Macromol 2024, 4(2), 420-436; https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol4020024 - 8 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1328
Abstract
Green peppers are massively produced all over the world; however, substantial quantities of peppers are wasted. Functional polysaccharides can be produced from pepper waste. A conventional acid extraction method was used to obtain pectin-like materials from green bell pepper (GBP). A 23 [...] Read more.
Green peppers are massively produced all over the world; however, substantial quantities of peppers are wasted. Functional polysaccharides can be produced from pepper waste. A conventional acid extraction method was used to obtain pectin-like materials from green bell pepper (GBP). A 23 experimental design (two-level factorials with three factors: temperature, pH, and time) was used to study the relationship between the extraction conditions and the measured physicochemical properties. The extracted polysaccharides were further analysed regarding their physicochemical and functional properties. The yields were in the range of (11.6–20.7%) and the highest yield value was extracted at pH 1. The polysaccharides were classified as “pectin-like”, as the galacturonic acid content was lower than 65%. Glucose and galactose were the major neutral sugars, and their relative amounts were dependent on the extraction conditions. The degree of esterification (DE) of the pectin-like extracts was greater than 50% and they were therefore classified as high methoxyl regardless of the extraction conditions. Also, important levels of phenolic materials (32.3–52.9 mg GAE/g) and proteins (1.5–5.4%) were present in the extract and their amounts varied depending on the extraction conditions. The green bell pepper polysaccharides demonstrated antioxidant and emulsifying activities and could also be used adequately to stabilise oil/water emulsion systems. This finding shows that green bell pepper could be used as an alternative source of antioxidants and an emulsifier/stabilising agent, and furthermore, the extraction conditions could be fine-tunned to produce polysaccharides with the desired quality depending on their application. Full article
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17 pages, 11586 KiB  
Article
Humic Polyelectrolytes Facilitate Rapid Microwave Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Suitable for Wound-Healing Applications
by Yu Zhang, Konstantin S. Larionov, Simeng Zhang, Nikita A. Sobolev, Andrey I. Konstantinov, Dmitry S. Volkov, Evgeniya V. Suslova, Vladimir E. Chernov, Anton I. Poloskov, Ruslan I. Glushakov and Irina V. Perminova
Polymers 2024, 16(5), 587; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16050587 - 21 Feb 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2027
Abstract
This article describes the one-pot microwave synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) assisted with natural polyelectrolytes—humic substances (HS). The humic polyelectrolytes served both as chemical reductants for silver ions and as end-capping agents for AgNPs. Three commercially available sodium humates extracted from lignites and [...] Read more.
This article describes the one-pot microwave synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) assisted with natural polyelectrolytes—humic substances (HS). The humic polyelectrolytes served both as chemical reductants for silver ions and as end-capping agents for AgNPs. Three commercially available sodium humates extracted from lignites and leonardite and one sodium fulvate isolated from natural brown water seeped through peat deposits were used in this study. The dynamics of the growth rate of AgNPs was characterised by UV–VIS spectroscopy by measuring the intensity of surface plasmon resonance at 420 nm. Transmission electron microscopy was used to characterise the size and morphology of AgNPs. Dynamic light scattering was used to determine size distributions of the synthesised AgNPs in the solutions. It was established that both conventional and microwave syntheses assisted with the coal humates produced small-size AgNPs in the range from 4 to 14 nm, with the maximum share of particles with sizes of (6 ± 2) nm by TEM estimates. The peat fulvate yielded much larger NPs with sizes from 10 to 50 nm by TEM estimates. DLS measurements revealed multimodal distributions of AgNPs stabilised with HS, which included both single NPs with the sizes from 5 to 15 nm, as well as their dominating aggregates with sizes from 20 to 200 nm and a smaller portion of extra-large aggregates up to 1000 nm. The given aggregates were loosely bound by humic polyelectrolyte, which prevented the coalescence of AgNPs into larger particles, as can be seen in the TEM images. The significant acceleration in the reaction time—a factor of 60 to 70—was achieved with the use of MW irradiation: from 240 min down to 210–240 s. The coal humate stabilised AgNPs showed antimicrobial properties in relation to S. aureus. A conclusion was made regarding the substantial advantages of microwave synthesis in the context of time and scaling up for the large-scale production of AgNP-HS preparations with antimicrobial properties suitable for external wound-healing applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Polyelectrolytes and Polyelectrolyte Complexes)
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16 pages, 4543 KiB  
Article
Assessment of CO2 Capture in FA/GGBS-Blended Cement Systems: From Cement Paste to Commercial Products
by Jingxian Liu, Yingyu Wu, Fulin Qu, Hanbing Zhao and Yilin Su
Buildings 2024, 14(1), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14010154 - 8 Jan 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3503
Abstract
The cement industry’s intricate production process, including kiln heating and fossil fuel use, contributes 5–8% of global CO2 emissions, marking it as a significant carbon emitter in construction. This study focuses on quantifying CO2 capture potential in blended cement systems through [...] Read more.
The cement industry’s intricate production process, including kiln heating and fossil fuel use, contributes 5–8% of global CO2 emissions, marking it as a significant carbon emitter in construction. This study focuses on quantifying CO2 capture potential in blended cement systems through the utilisation of phenolphthalein and thermalgravimetric methodologies. Its primary objective is to assess the CO2 absorption capacity of these blended systems’ pastes. Initial evaluation involves calculating the carbon capture capacity within the paste, subsequently extended to estimate CO2 content in the resultant concrete products. The findings indicate that incorporating ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) or an ettringite-based expansive agent did not notably elevate carbonation depth, irrespective of their fineness. Conversely, the introduction of fly ash (FA) notably augmented the carbonation depth, leading to a substantial 36.4% rise in captured CO2 content. The observed distinctions in carbonation behaviour primarily stem from variances in pore structure, attributable to distinct hydration characteristics between GGBS and FA. Thermal analysis confirms the increased stabilisation of CO2 in FA blends, highlighting the crucial influence of material composition on carbonation and emission reduction. Incorporating both GGBS and FA notably diminishes binder emissions, constituting almost half of PC-concrete emissions. Initially, 60% GGBS shows lower emissions than 50% FA, but when considering CO2 capture, this emission dynamic significantly changes, emphasising the intricate influence of additives on emission patterns. This underscores the complexity of evaluating carbonation-induced emissions in cementitious systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low-Carbon and Green Materials in Construction—2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 3504 KiB  
Article
Investigation of the Potential of Selected Food-Derived Antioxidants to Bind and Stabilise the Bioactive Blue Protein C-Phycocyanin from Cyanobacteria Spirulina
by Nikola Gligorijević, Zorana Jovanović, Ilija Cvijetić, Miloš Šunderić, Luka Veličković, Jaroslav Katrlík, Alena Holazová, Milan Nikolić and Simeon Minić
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(1), 229; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25010229 - 22 Dec 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1909
Abstract
Blue C-phycocyanin (C-PC), the major Spirulina protein with innumerable health-promoting benefits, is an attractive colourant and food supplement. A crucial obstacle to its more extensive use is its relatively low stability. This study aimed to screen various food-derived ligands for their ability to [...] Read more.
Blue C-phycocyanin (C-PC), the major Spirulina protein with innumerable health-promoting benefits, is an attractive colourant and food supplement. A crucial obstacle to its more extensive use is its relatively low stability. This study aimed to screen various food-derived ligands for their ability to bind and stabilise C-PC, utilising spectroscopic techniques and molecular docking. Among twelve examined ligands, the protein fluorescence quenching revealed that only quercetin, coenzyme Q10 and resveratrol had a moderate affinity to C-PC (Ka of 2.2 to 3.7 × 105 M–1). Docking revealed these three ligands bind more strongly to the C-PC hexamer than the trimer, with the binding sites located at the interface of two (αβ)3 trimers. UV/VIS absorption spectroscopy demonstrated the changes in the C-PC absorption spectra in a complex with quercetin and resveratrol compared to the spectra of free protein and ligands. Selected ligands did not affect the secondary structure content, but they induced changes in the tertiary protein structure in the CD study. A fluorescence-based thermal stability assay demonstrated quercetin and coenzyme Q10 increased the C-PC melting point by nearly 5 °C. Our study identified food-derived ligands that interact with C-PC and improve its thermal stability, indicating their potential as stabilising agents for C-PC in the food industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Macromolecules)
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16 pages, 5388 KiB  
Article
Quality Characteristics of Raspberry Fruits from Dormancy Plants and Their Feasibility as Food Ingredients
by Sílvia Petronilho, Manuel A. Coimbra and Cláudia P. Passos
Foods 2023, 12(24), 4443; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12244443 - 11 Dec 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2266
Abstract
The raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) is a soft red fruit consumed worldwide due to its bitter-sweet taste and phenolics-associated health benefits. During plant dormancy, raspberry fruits are discarded. However, this work hypothesised that these fruits have the chemical quality to be valorised, [...] Read more.
The raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) is a soft red fruit consumed worldwide due to its bitter-sweet taste and phenolics-associated health benefits. During plant dormancy, raspberry fruits are discarded. However, this work hypothesised that these fruits have the chemical quality to be valorised, which would mitigate their waste if adequately stabilised. This can be achieved by drying. The Pacific Deluxe and Versailles varieties were dried by freeze- and convective-drying (30 °C and 40 °C). The freeze-dried fruits preserved their colour, drupelets structure, and phenolic content. Convective-drying promoted a significant fruit darkening, which was more evident at 30 °C due to the longer drying process, and a loss of drupelets structure. Both temperatures promoted a similar decrease in phenolic content, as determined by HPLC, although the ABTS●+ antioxidant activity at 40 °C was lower (IC50 = 9 compared to 13 μg AAE/mg dry weight). To incorporate dried raspberries into muffin formulations, while keeping their red colour, it was necessary to change the raising agent from sodium bicarbonate to baker’s yeast. Sensory analysis by a non-trained panel revealed good acceptance, showing that fresh or dried raspberry fruits from dormancy had suitable characteristics for use as food ingredients. Full article
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23 pages, 4208 KiB  
Article
Cellulose Nanocrystal-Based Emulsion of Thyme Essential Oil: Preparation and Characterisation as Sustainable Crop Protection Tool
by Francesca Baldassarre, Daniele Schiavi, Veronica Di Lorenzo, Francesca Biondo, Viviana Vergaro, Gianpiero Colangelo, Giorgio Mariano Balestra and Giuseppe Ciccarella
Molecules 2023, 28(23), 7884; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28237884 - 30 Nov 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2508
Abstract
Essential oil-based pesticides, which contain antimicrobial and antioxidant molecules, have potential for use in sustainable agriculture. However, these compounds have limitations such as volatility, poor water solubility, and phytotoxicity. Nanoencapsulation, through processes like micro- and nanoemulsions, can enhance the stability and bioactivity of [...] Read more.
Essential oil-based pesticides, which contain antimicrobial and antioxidant molecules, have potential for use in sustainable agriculture. However, these compounds have limitations such as volatility, poor water solubility, and phytotoxicity. Nanoencapsulation, through processes like micro- and nanoemulsions, can enhance the stability and bioactivity of essential oils. In this study, thyme essential oil from supercritical carbon dioxide extraction was selected as a sustainable antimicrobial tool and nanoencapsulated in an oil-in-water emulsion system. The investigated protocol provided high-speed homogenisation in the presence of cellulose nanocrystals as stabilisers and calcium chloride as an ionic crosslinking agent. Thyme essential oil was characterised via GC-MS and UV-vis analysis, indicating rich content in phenols. The cellulose nanocrystal/essential oil ratio and calcium chloride concentration were varied to tune the nanoemulsions’ physical–chemical stability, which was investigated via UV-vis, direct observation, dynamic light scattering, and Turbiscan analysis. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the nanosized droplet formation. The nanoemulsion resulting from the addition of crosslinked nanocrystals was very stable over time at room temperature. It was evaluated for the first time on Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi, the causal agent of olive knot disease. In vitro tests showed a synergistic effect of the formulation components, and in vivo tests on olive seedlings demonstrated reduced bacterial colonies without any phytotoxic effect. These findings suggest that crosslinked cellulose nanocrystal emulsions can enhance the stability and bioactivity of thyme essential oil, providing a new tool for crop protection. Full article
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