Search Results (1,181)

Lotus stems contain cellulose, which can be utilized as a base material for producing green products, specifically degradable plastics. This research investigates the effect of polylactic acid (PLA) blends on cellulose degradable plastics from the lotus stem (Nelumbo nucifera). The mechanical characteristics are as follows: tensile strength of 0.7703–3.3212 MPa, elongation of 0.58–1.16%, Young’s modulus of 78.7894–364.6118 MPa. Compound analysis showed the presence of O-H, C-C, and C=O groups, and the presence of microbial activity in the soil can also lead to the degradation of these groups due to their hydrophilic nature, which allows them to bind water. Thermal analysis within a temperature range of 413.24 °C to 519.80 °C, shows that significant weight loss begins with the formation of crystalline structures. The degradable plastic exhibiting the lowest degree of swelling consists of 1 g of cellulose and 8 g of PLA, resulting in a swelling value of 6.25%. The degradable plastic is anticipated to decompose most rapidly after 52 days, utilizing 2 g of PLA and 7 g of cellulose. This complies with standard requirement, which sets a maximum degradation period of 180 days for polymers. Full article

Due to the degradative effect of the traditional pasteurization process related to the long exposure of high temperatures to the food matrix, alternative methods of food preservation are being investigated. In the case of liquid fruit products, unconventional thermal and non-thermal methods can be used for this purpose. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of various preservation methods: conventional pasteurization (PT), microwave pasteurization (MP), hot bottling (HB), pulsed electric field (PEF) and pulsed light (PL) on selected quality parameters of mixed juices. In the studied samples, extract (TTS), active acidity (pH), titratable acidity (TTA), nephelometric turbidity (NT), total polyphenol content (TPC), color parameters and antioxidant activity (AA) were determined. Qualitative and quantitative chromatographic analysis of anthocyanins was also performed. The different influence of the preservation methods and the raw materials used on the individual characteristics was demonstrated. The TTS and TTA changes did not exceed 4%, while no changes in pH were observed. Thermal methods increased turbidity significantly, with HB increasing it to the greatest extent. Non-thermal methods caused greater degradation of TPC, anthocyanins, and AA, while they caused significantly less color change. The microwave pasteurization resulted in an increase in TPC in two out of three studied juice blends. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that thermal methods allowed for the preservation of a greater amount of bioactive compounds, which translates into a potentially greater health-promoting value of the produced juice blends. Full article

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a global concern due to their persistence, ubiquity, and accumulation in living organisms. Found in soils, biosolids, water, and the food chain, they pose health risks such as hormone disruption, immune damage, reproductive issues, and cancer. Regulations mainly target older PFAS like PFOA and PFOS, while many newer PFAS, including breakdown products, are poorly understood in terms of distribution, behavior, and toxicity. To address this complex issue, this review offers a detailed overview of human exposure to PFAS and their toxic effects. It highlights biosolids as a key, understudied source of PFAS in the environment. The review also discusses limitations of testing, missing long-term cleanup data, and regulatory issues that neglect total exposure and vulnerable populations. Additionally, it evaluates, in the specific context of biosolids management, the effectiveness, scalability, benefits, and drawbacks of various treatment technologies, such as thermal processes (pyrolysis, incineration, smoldering combustion), advanced oxidation, adsorption, hydrothermal liquefaction, and biological degradation. This work combines environmental science, toxicology, and engineering to outline PFAS management in biosolids and proposes a research and policy plan. Focusing on regulating PFAS as a group, validating real-world results, and employing adaptable treatment strategies underscores the need for a coordinated, science-based effort to reduce PFAS risks worldwide. Full article

Nylon filament is a widely used thermoplastic material in extrusion-based 3D printing, favored for its strength, durability, and excellent printability. It enables the fabrication of parts with complex geometries, high design flexibility, and cost-effective production, making it ideal for both prototyping and functional components. However, one significant drawback of nylon is its hygroscopic nature—it readily absorbs moisture from the surrounding environment, often at a rapid rate. This moisture uptake can negatively impact the filament’s performance during printing, leading to poor surface finish, reduced mechanical strength, and altered thermal behavior in the final printed parts. To better understand the effects of moisture absorption, this study investigates the mechanical and thermal properties of nylon parts printed using filaments with varying levels of moisture content. The nylon filament was conditioned in a controlled humidity chamber for different durations to simulate moisture exposure over time. Specimens were then printed using these conditioned filaments, and a series of tests were performed to assess their mechanical integrity and thermal stability. By analyzing the test results, the study aims to establish a correlation between filament moisture content and part quality, offering valuable insights into the degradation mechanisms and guiding best practices for filament handling and storage in nylon 3D printing applications. Full article

This study modified corn, oat, barley, and buckwheat starches using a Henan-specific sourdough starter, revealing that the initial starch architecture governs differentiated functional transformations. Pore-dominant starches (corn/buckwheat) underwent “inside-out” enzymatic pathways—corn starch exhibited a 38.21% reduced particle size through pore expansion, with long amylopectin chain degradation forming thermally stable gels, establishing it as an ideal base for anti-staling sauces and frozen dough. Buckwheat starch demonstrated a 44% increased amylose content facilitated by porous structures, where post digestion double helix formation elevated the resistant starch (RS) content by 7%, achieving a significant 28.19% GI (Glycemic Index) reduction. Conversely, fissure-dominant starches (oat/barley) experienced “surface-inward” limited erosion—oat starch, constrained by surface cracks, showed amorphous region degradation and short-chain proliferation, accelerating glucose release and adapting it for rapid digestion products like energy bars. Barley starch primarily underwent amorphous zone modification, enhancing the pasting efficiency to provide raw materials for instant meal replacement powders. Full article

In response to increasing environmental concerns, significant efforts have been made to reduce our reliance on fossil fuel-based plastics, driving the development of sustainable alternatives such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). This study investigates the processing of various PHAs into fibres, focusing on their morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties. Different PHAs were spun into fibres at a 15% (w/v) concentration using wet-spinning techniques. Among the PHAs studied, commercially available PHBHHx, used as a reference, exhibited spongy morphology in the fibres and demonstrated thermal vulnerability due to its rapid degradation. Blended fibres showed enhanced morphological and mechanical properties compared with neat fibres. In Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), no differences were observed between the unprocessed polymers and the wet-spun polymeric fibres, indicating that the wet-spinning process did not affect the molecular structure of the polymers. Thermal and mechanical evaluations confirmed the miscibility between the polymers in the blends. Overall, these results highlight, for the first time, the successful production of wet-spun fibres from two modified P(3HB) variants, individually, in combination with each other, and in blends with the well-established commercial PHA, PHBHHx. However, this study also underscores the need to optimise feed rates to enhance fibre production efficiency and mechanical strength, thereby broadening their potential for various applications. Full article

Fuel cells have become a fundamental technology in the development of clean energy systems, playing a vital role in the global shift toward a low-carbon future. With the growing need for sustainable hydrogen production, perfluoro sulfonic acid (PFSA) ionomer membranes play a critical role in optimizing green hydrogen technologies and fuel cells. This study aims to investigate the effects of different environmental and solvent treatments on the chemical and physical properties of Nafion N−115 membranes to evaluate their suitability for both hydrogen production in proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers and hydrogen utilization in fuel cells, supporting integrated applications in the local and global green hydrogen economy. To achieve this, Nafion N−115 membranes were partially dissolved in various solvent mixtures, including ethanol/isopropanol (EI), isopropanol/water (IW), dimethylformamide/N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (DN), and ethanol/methanol/isopropanol (EMI), evaluated under water immersion and thermal stress, and characterized for chemical stability, mechanical strength, water uptake, and proton conductivity using advanced electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques. The results demonstrated that the EMI-treated membrane showed the highest proton conductivity and maintained its structural integrity, making it the most promising for hydrogen electrolysis applications. Conversely, the DN-treated membrane exhibited reduced stability and lower conductivity due to solvent-induced degradation. This study highlights the potential of EMI as an optimal solvent mixture for enhancing PFSA membranes performance in green hydrogen production, contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy solutions. Full article

This review is focused on glass fibers and natural fibers, exploring their applications in vehicles and buildings and emphasizing their significance in promoting sustainability and enhancing performance across various industries. Glass fibers, or fiberglass, are lightweight, have high-strength (3000–4500 MPa) and a Young’s modulus range of 70–85 GPa, and are widely used in automotive, aerospace, construction, and marine applications due to their excellent mechanical properties, thermal conductivity of ~0.045 W/m·K, and resistance to fire and corrosion. On the other hand, natural fibers, derived from plants and animals, are increasingly recognized for their environmental benefits and potential in sustainable construction, offering advantages such as biodegradability, lower carbon footprints, and reduced energy consumption, with a sound absorption coefficient (SAC) range of 0.7–0.8 at frequencies above 2000 Hz and thermal conductivity range of 0.07–0.09 W/m·K. Notably, the integration of these materials in construction and automotive sectors reflects a growing trend towards sustainable practices, driven by the need to mitigate carbon emissions associated with traditional building materials and enhance fuel efficiency, as seen in hybrid composites achieving 44.9 dB acoustic insulation at 10,000 Hz and a thermal conductivity range of 0.05–0.06 W/m·K in applications such as the BMW i3 door panels. Natural fibers contribute to reducing reliance on fossil fuels, supporting a circular economy through the recycling of agricultural waste, while glass fibers are instrumental in creating lightweight composites for improved vehicle performance and structural integrity. However, both materials face distinct challenges. Glass fibers, while offering superior strength, are vulnerable to chemical degradation and can pose recycling difficulties due to the complex processes involved. On the other hand, natural fibers may experience moisture absorption, affecting their durability and mechanical properties, necessitating innovations to enhance their application in demanding environments. The ongoing research into optimizing the performance of both materials highlights their relevance in future sustainable engineering practices. In summary, this review underscores the growing importance of glass and natural fibers in addressing modern environmental challenges while also improving product performance. As industries increasingly prioritize sustainability, these materials are poised to play crucial roles in shaping the future of construction and transportation, driving innovations that align with ecological goals and consumer expectations. Full article

This study aimed to develop and characterise novel hydrogels based on natural bioactive compounds for topical antimicrobial applications. Four gel systems were formulated using different polymers, namely polyacrylic acid (Carbopol 940, CBP-G), chitosan with high and medium molecular weights (CTH-G and CTM-G), and sodium alginate (ALG-G), incorporating tinctures of Verbena officinalis and Aloysia triphylla, Laurus nobilis essential oil, and a β-cyclodextrin–clove essential oil complex. All gels displayed a homogeneous macroscopic appearance and maintained stability for over 90 days. Rheological studies demonstrated gel-like behaviour for CBP-G and ALG-G, with well-defined linear viscoelastic regions and distinct yield points, while CTM-G exhibited viscoelastic liquid-like properties. SEM imaging confirmed uniform and continuous matrices, supporting controlled active compound distribution. Thermogravimetric analysis (TG-DTA) revealed a two-step degradation profile for all gels, characterised by high thermal stability up to 230 °C and near-total decomposition by 500 °C. FTIR spectra confirmed the incorporation of bioactive compounds and products and highlighted varying interaction strengths with polymer matrices, which were stronger in CBP-G and CTH-G. Antimicrobial evaluation demonstrated that chitosan-based gels exhibited the most potent inhibitory and antibiofilm effects (MIC = 2.34 mg/mL) and a cytocompatibility assessment on HaCaT keratinocytes showed enhanced cell viability for chitosan gels and dose-dependent cytotoxicity for alginate formulations at high concentrations. Overall, chitosan-based gels displayed the most favourable combination of stability, antimicrobial activity, and biocompatibility, suggesting their potential for topical pharmaceutical use. Full article

Thermal impregnation (TI) is a traditional method of sugar infusion, but it has disadvantages such as long processing time and uneven sugar distribution. Therefore, developing sugar impregnation methods to enhance product flavor, nutritional value, and processing efficiency is critical for addressing potential quality loss and efficiency bottlenecks in traditional preserve processing technologies. This study took the TI process widely adopted in Xinjiang over the long term as a reference and systematically compared the effects of vacuum impregnation (VI) and ultrasonic-assisted impregnation (UI) on the flavor characteristics and physicochemical properties of plum preserves. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were identified using gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) coupled with multivariate analysis, while taste attributes were quantified via electronic tongue (E-tongue). Physicochemical parameters, including titratable acidity (TA), browning index (BI), color parameters (L*, a*, b*), total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and texture profile analysis (TPA), were also evaluated. GC-IMS identified 60 VOCs, predominantly comprising aldehydes (20), alcohols (10), ketones (6), acids (4), esters (3), furans (3), ketols (2), and unidentified compounds (12). The VI-treated samples exhibited distinct aromatic profiles, retaining a higher proportion of key volatile compounds. E-tongue results showed that VI significantly enhanced sourness, umami, and aftertaste complexity compared with UI and TI (p < 0.05). Physicochemical analyses showed that VI maximally preserved bioactive compounds, with a TPC of 1.23 ± 0.07 mg GAE/g and TFC of 17.55 ± 0.81 mg RE/g. Additionally, VI minimized enzymatic browning (BI: 0.37 ± 0.03), maintained color brightness (L*: 31.85 ± 1.56), maintained favorable textural properties (hardness: 187.63 ± 4.04 N), and retained the highest TA content (0.77 ± 0.05%). In contrast, UI and TI led to significant quality degradation, characterized by pronounced browning and texture deterioration: the BI values were 0.61 ± 0.02 (UI) and 0.83 ± 0.03 (TI), and hardness values were 176.53 ± 5.81 N (UI) and 156.25 ± 4.55 N (TI). These findings provide critical references for sugar impregnation techniques and a scientific basis for flavor regulation in prune preserve production. Full article

Plastic pollution in freshwater ecosystems is an increasing environmental concern, prompting the search for biodegradable polymer (BP) alternatives. However, their degradation in natural aquatic environments remains poorly investigated and understood. This four-month in situ study compared the degradation in a lentic freshwater ecosystem of two compostable items, Mater-Bi^® shopping bag and disposable dish, with their respective pure polymer matrices, poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and polylactic acid (PLA). Additionally, biodegradable poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and oil-based polypropylene (PP) were also tested. Changes in morphology, chemical composition and thermal and mechanical properties, as well as microbial colonization, were analyzed over time. A validated cleaning protocol was employed to ensure accurate surface analysis. Results showed detectable but limited degradation of pure polymers and their matrices in commercial products after 120 days of immersion with variations observed among polymer materials. Compostable materials exhibited significant leaching of fillers (starch, inorganic particles), leading to morphological changes and fragmentation. PHBV showed the fastest degradation among tested polyesters. PP exhibited only minor surface changes. Microbial colonization varied with polymer structure and degradability, but long-term degradation was limited by polymer properties and the gradual development of the plastisphere. This study highlights that standard laboratory tests may overestimate the environmental degradability of BPs and emphasizes the importance of in situ assessments, careful cleaning procedures and property characterizations to accurately assess polymer degradation in freshwater systems. Full article

This study investigates the impact of climatic factors on the quality of naturally stored wheat, focusing on the relationship between environmental conditions (temperature and humidity) and key physico-chemical properties (internal moisture, protein, gluten, and test weight). Elevated temperatures (>25 °C) and high relative humidity (>65%) are known to accelerate grain degradation, promoting mold development and reducing baking quality. This research was conducted over 12 months in a temperate-region storage facility in Romania, using RO 1 common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) harvested in 2023. A total of 48 samples were periodically collected, and environmental and product parameters were continuously monitored using a LoRaWAN-based digital system. The results revealed strong correlations between ambient humidity and grain moisture (r² = 0.99), and between external and internal temperatures (r² = 0.99), with observable thermal and hygroscopic lags. Wheat quality degradation was most pronounced during warmer months, with protein content decreasing from 13.1% to 11.6%, gluten from 27.1% to below 26%, and hectoliter weight from 80.1 kg/hl to under 78 kg/hl. Multivariate statistical analyses (PCA and HCA) identified clusters of interdependent variables, while regression-based predictive models achieved high accuracy (r² > 0.97), confirming the feasibility of forecasting wheat quality under varying climatic scenarios. These findings underscore the critical role of climate control and real-time environmental monitoring in preserving wheat quality during storage. This study supports the integration of advanced technologies and predictive analytics into post-harvest management strategies, contributing to reduced losses and enhanced food safety in the agri-food supply chain. Full article

Background: Aneratrigine, a potent selective Nav1.7 inhibitor, faced challenges in developing a clinically viable oral formulation due to its poor aqueous solubility in acidic gastric conditions (0.06 mg/mL at pH 1.2), leading to limited bioavailability in Phase 1 studies. Methods: To address this, a capsule formulation containing sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) was developed to enhance dissolution via in situ pH modulation. However, production-scale wet granulation led to stability issues, such as capsule content discoloration and excessive degradant formation, attributed to NaHCO₃ decomposition under thermal and moisture stress. This raised the content pH and triggered degradation products not seen in initial compatibility tests. Consequently, dry granulation was adopted to minimize heat and moisture exposure. Results: The dry granulation process proved scalable, maintaining chemical integrity across laboratory (1.5 kg), pilot (5.4 kg), and commercial (25.9 kg) batches. The optimized formulation showed enhanced stability (total impurities < 0.05%) and improved dissolution (>80% at 30 min, pH 4.0). Conclusions: This work establishes a robust manufacturing platform that overcomes stability challenges in alkalizer-containing formulations, facilitating the successful advancement of aneratrigine to Phase 2a and providing a model for developing heat- and moisture-sensitive compounds. Full article

The extraction of enzyme preparations from bovine pancreas is a key step in the production of pancreatin used for pharmaceutical and food industry applications. However, conventional methods (CMs) often fail to preserve enzymatic activity (EA) during processing, particularly under variable temperature and pH conditions. This study investigates the potential of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAM) as an alternative to CMs for improving the recovery, stability, and performance of two essential pancreatic enzymes—α-amylase (AA) and protease (PA). EA was assessed over a broad temperature range (10–50 °C) and pH spectrum (5.5–8.0), with both methods evaluated under identical conditions. UAM consistently yielded higher EA across all tested parameters, with optimal AA and PA observed at pH 6.0 and 38 °C. Notably, UAM-extracted enzymes retained significant activity even at elevated temperatures (46–50 °C), whereas CM-derived samples showed a marked loss of function. These findings demonstrate that UAM enhances enzyme release and thermal resilience by minimizing denaturation and structural degradation during extraction. UAM showed improved apparent thermal tolerance under the tested conditions, which may indicate enhanced applicability in temperature-sensitive processing environments. Full article

This study focused on investigating the flammability and thermal degradation behavior of wood fiber-reinforced composites consisting of xanthan gum (XG) and gelatin (GEL). These materials could potentially be used as novel bio-based and biodegradable topsoil covers (TSCs) to support reforestation practices. To improve the thermal properties of these composites, xanthan gum was cross-linked with citric acid (CA) or tannic acid (TA) and eventually coated with casein, while gelatin was cross-linked with tannic acid. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that thermal degradation of all the prepared samples started at temperatures of 200 °C for xanthan-based samples and 300 °C for gelatin-based samples, which is well above the typical operating conditions for TSCs in their intended application. Single-flame-source tests demonstrated that the CA cross-linked xanthan-based TSCs coated with casein and all the gelatin-based TSCs had excellent self-extinguishing properties. Additionally, Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) tests showed that gelatin-based composites had LOI values between 30 and 40 vol% O₂, increasing with a higher gelatin-to-wood fiber ratio. These results demonstrated the potential of cross-linked biopolymers (e.g., xanthan and gelatin) as green flame retardants for the production of wood fiber-filled TSCs for use in forestry. Full article