Search Results (2,316)

In light of the environmental impact of disposable products made from petroleum-based plastics, this study focused on developing biodegradable foam trays made from a starch (PS) derived from potato waste and beer malt flour (BMBF). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the concentration of BMBF on the physical and mechanical properties of potato starch-based foam trays prepared by the thermoforming process at temperatures of 150 °C (upper plate) and 145 °C (lower plate) for 5 min and 40 s. The results showed that increasing the BMBF concentration from 0 to 40% reduced the moisture content from 4.68% to 3.42%, increased the thickness from 2.63 cm to 4.77 cm, and decreased the density from 0.28 g.cm⁻³ to 0.15 g.cm⁻³. Meanwhile, the water absorption capacity increased from 38.7% to 69.7%. In terms of mechanical properties, increasing the BMBF concentration in the PS foam tray resulted in a decrease in hardness from 5.61 N to 2.87 N, a decrease in tensile strength from 2.92 MPa to 0.85 MPa, and a decrease in elongation from 1.42% to 0.59%. Meanwhile, fracturability increased from 2.04 mm to 3.68 mm. FTIR analysis revealed interactions between BMBF and PS in the composite foam tray. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed two thermal events: one between 20.96 °C and 172.89 °C, and another between 189.14 °C and 517.69 °C, with weight losses of 5.53% and 74.23%, leaving an ash residue of 20.24%. Differential calorimetry analysis (DSC) showed a glass transition at 152.88 °C and a melting at 185.94 °C, with an enthalpy of fusion of 74.11 J.g⁻¹. Higher concentrations of BMBF (>10%) decreased the water resistance, mechanical strength, and flexibility of the PS foam trays. Therefore, a formulation of 90% PS and 10% BMBF was better for producing a foam tray with improved mechanical properties and water resistance, which could be used as a sustainable alternative to conventional single-use plastic. Full article

To improve the postharvest preservation of cherry tomatoes and combat pathogenic, both bacterial and fungal contamination (particularly Alternaria alternata), a novel biodegradable coating was developed based on a water-in-water (W/W) Pickering emulsion system. The emulsion was stabilized by L. plantarum (Lactobacillus plantarum), with maltodextrin (MD) as the dispersed phase and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) as the continuous phase. Characterization of emulsions at varying concentrations revealed that the optimized W/W-PL^8 film exhibited superior stability, smooth morphology, and low water vapor permeability (WVP = 220.437 g/(m²·24 h)), making it a promising candidate for fruit and vegetable preservation. Furthermore, the coating demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, with scavenging rates of 58.99% (ABTS) and 94.23% (DPPH), along with potent antimicrobial effects, showing inhibition rates of 12.8% against Escherichia coli and 23.7% against Staphylococcus aureus. Applied to cherry tomatoes, the W/W-PL^8 coating significantly reduced respiration rates, minimized decay incidence, and maintained nutritional quality during storage. Remarkably, the coating successfully controlled Alternaria alternata contamination, enhancing the storage duration of cherry tomatoes. These findings highlight the potential of W/W-PL^8 as an eco-friendly and functional packaging material for fresh produce preservation. Full article

Cervical cancer represents a significant global health challenge. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) appears to be a promising, minimally invasive alternative to standard treatments. However, the clinical efficacy of PDT is sometimes limited by the low solubility and aggregation of photosensitizers, their non-selective distribution in the body, hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment, and limited light penetration. Recent advances in nanoparticle and nanocomposite platforms have addressed these challenges by integrating multiple functional components into a single delivery system. By encapsulating or conjugating photosensitizers in biodegradable matrices, such as mesoporous silica, organometallic structures and core–shell construct nanocarriers increase stability in water and extend circulation time, enabling both passive and active targeting through ligand decoration. Up-conversion and dual-wavelength responsive cores facilitate deep light conversion in tissues, while simultaneous delivery of hypoxia-modulating agents alleviates oxygen deprivation to sustain reactive oxygen species generation. Controllable “motor-cargo” constructs and surface modifications improve intratumoral diffusion, while aggregation-induced emission dyes and plasmonic elements support real-time imaging and quantitative monitoring of therapeutic response. Together, these multifunctional nanosystems have demonstrated potent cytotoxicity in vitro and significant tumor suppression in vivo in mouse models of cervical cancer. Combining targeted delivery, controlled release, hypoxia mitigation, and image guidance, engineered nanoparticles provide a versatile and powerful platform to overcome the current limitations of PDT and pave the way toward more effective, patient-specific treatments for cervical malignancies. Our review of the literature summarizes studies on nanoparticles and nanocomposites used in PDT monotherapy for cervical cancer, published between 2023 and July 2025. Full article

Wood polymer composites (WPCs) represent a rapidly growing class of sustainable materials, formed by combining lignocellulosic fibers with thermoplastic or thermoset polymeric matrices. This review summarizes the state of the art in WPC development, emphasizing the use of recyclable (or recycled) and biodegradable polymers as matrix materials. The integration of waste wood particles into the production of WPCs addresses global environmental challenges, including plastic pollution and deforestation, by offering an alternative to conventional wood-based and petroleum-based products. Key topics covered in the review include raw material sources, fiber pre-treatments, compatibilizers, mechanical performance, water absorption behavior, thermal stability and end-use applications. Full article

We report an investigation on the cobalt(II) chelation mechanism by a modified α-maltoside ligand 9 decorated with two iminodiacetate (IDA) residues on C6,C6′ positions. Herein we uncovered the capacity of this biodegradable ligand to chelate cobalt(II), an ionic metal contaminant in the environment that is used, in particular, in lithium-ion batteries. The interactions between cobalt(II) and synthesized ligand 9 were systematically studied using different analytical methods such as ¹H and ¹³C NMR, potentiometry, spectrophotometry, ITC, and ICP-AES. We observed a high affinity for the 1:1 complex, one cobalt(II) associated with two iminodiacetate groups, which is 10-fold higher than the 2:1 complex, where each of the two IDA groups interacts alone with a cobalt(II). Taking into account the log β_CoL value obtained (≈12.3) with the stoichiometry 1:1, the strength of this complexation with cobalt(II) can be ranked as follows for the most common ligands: IDA < MIDA < NTA < 9 < EDTA < TTHA < DTPA. We further completed a preliminary remediation test with water contaminated with cobalt(II) and recovered cobalt(II) metal using Chelex^® resin, which allowed a recycling of the synthetic ligand for future recovering experiments. The results shed light on the great potential of using this synthetic ligand as an effective and green remediation tool. Full article

Environmental monitoring plays a key role in understanding and mitigating the effects of climate change, pollution, and resource mismanagement. The growth of printed sensor technologies offers an innovative approach to addressing these challenges due to their low cost, flexibility, and scalability. Printed sensors enable the real-time monitoring of air, water, soil, and climate, providing significant data for data-driven decision-making technologies and policy development to improve the quality of the environment. The development of new materials, such as graphene, conductive polymers, and biodegradable substrates, has significantly enhanced the environmental applications of printed sensors by improving sensitivity, enabling flexible designs, and supporting eco-friendly and disposable solutions. The development of inkjet, screen, and roll-to-roll printing technologies has also contributed to the achievement of mass production without sacrificing quality or performance. This review presents the current progress in printed sensors for environmental applications, with a focus on technological advances, challenges, applications, and future directions. Moreover, the paper also discusses the challenges that still exist due to several issues, e.g., sensitivity, stability, power supply, and environmental sustainability. Printed sensors have the potential to revolutionize ecological monitoring, as evidenced by recent innovations such as Internet of Things (IoT) integration, self-powered designs, and AI-enhanced data analytics. By addressing these issues, printed sensors can develop a better understanding of environmental systems and help promote the UN sustainable development goals. Full article

Hydrogels exhibit remarkable physicochemical properties, including high water absorption and retention capacities, as well as controlled release behavior. Their inherent biodegradability, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity make them suitable for a wide range of applications. Cellulose, a biodegradable, renewable, and abundantly available polysaccharide, is a viable source for hydrogel preparation. Ionizing radiation, using electron-beam (EB) or gamma (γ) irradiation, provides a promising approach for synthesizing hydrogels. This study reviews recent advancements in cellulose-based hydrogels, focusing on cellulose and its derivatives, brief information regarding ionizing radiation, comparison between EB and γ-irradiation, synthesis and modification through ionizing radiation technology, and their environmental and agricultural applications. For environmental remediation, these hydrogels have demonstrated significant potential in water purification, particularly in the removal of heavy metals, dyes, and organic contaminants. In agricultural applications, cellulose-based hydrogels function as soil conditioners by enhancing water retention and serving as carriers for agrochemicals. Full article

The cosmetics industry has been seeking to develop products with renewable natural ingredients to reduce the use of or even replace synthetic substances. Biosurfactants can help meet this demand. These natural compounds are renewable, biodegradable, and non-toxic or have low toxicity, offering minimal risk to humans and the environment, which has attracted the interest of an emerging consumer market and, consequently, the cosmetics industry. The aim of the present study was to produce a biosurfactant from the yeast Starmerella bombicola ATCC 22214 cultivated in a mineral medium containing 10% soybean oil and 5% glucose. The biosurfactant reduced the surface tension of water from 72.0 ± 0.1 mN/m to 33.0 ± 0.3 mN/m after eight days of fermentation. The yield was 53.35 ± 0.39 g/L and the critical micelle concentration was 1000 mg/L. The biosurfactant proved to be a good emulsifier of oils used in cosmetic formulations, with emulsification indices ranging from 45.90 ± 1.69% to 68.50 ± 1.10%. The hydrophilic–lipophilic balance index demonstrated the wetting capacity of the biosurfactant and its tendency to form oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions, with 50.0 ± 0.20% foaming capacity. The biosurfactant did not exhibit cytotoxicity in the MTT assay or irritant potential. Additionally, an antioxidant activity of 58.25 ± 0.32% was observed at a concentration of 40 mg/mL. The compound also exhibited antimicrobial activity against various pathogenic microorganisms. The characterisation of the biosurfactant using magnetic nuclear resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that the biomolecule is a glycolipid with an anionic nature. The results demonstrate that biosurfactant produced in this work has potential as an active biotechnological ingredient for innovative, eco-friendly cosmetic formulations. Full article

Marine biomass, particularly from waste streams, by-products, underutilized, invasive, or potential cultivable marine species, offers a sustainable source of high-value biopolymers such as collagen and chitin. These macromolecules have gained significant attention due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, functional versatility, and broad applicability across health, food, wellness, and environmental fields. This review highlights recent advances in the uses of marine-derived collagen and chitin/chitosan. In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we analyze how these applications contribute to sustainability, particularly in SDGs related to responsible consumption and production, good health and well-being, and life below water. Furthermore, we contextualize the advancement of product development using marine collagen and chitin/chitosan within the European Union’s Blue bioeconomy strategies, highlighting trends in scientific research and technological innovation through bibliometric and patent data. Finally, the review addresses challenges facing the development of robust value chains for these marine biopolymers, including collaboration, regulatory hurdles, supply-chain constraints, policy and financial support, education and training, and the need for integrated marine resource management. The paper concludes with recommendations for fostering innovation and sustainability in the valorization of these marine resources. Full article

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) fruits represent the recognized wellspring of bioactive compounds with various documented bioactivities. Although bilberry leaves are often treated as industrial by-products, they also represent a valuable source of phytochemicals with potential dermocosmetic applications. In this study, extracts of bilberry fruits and leaves were prepared using both conventional solvents (water and 50% ethanol) and natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDES) as green, biodegradable alternatives. The aim of this study was to examine the UV protective activity and inhibitory potential of those extracts against some enzymes (tyrosinase, hyaluronidase, collagenase) that are important in terms of skin conditioning and skin aging. The results of in vitro tests have shown the superiority of NaDES extracts compared to conventional extracts regarding all tested bioactivities. In addition, bilberry leaves extracts were more potent compared to fruit extracts in all cases. The most potent extract was bilberry leaf extract made with malic acid–glycerol, which exhibited strong anti-tyrosinase (IC₅₀ = 3.52 ± 0.26 mg/mL), anti-hyaluronidase (IC₅₀ = 3.23 ± 0.30 mg/mL), and anti-collagenase (IC₅₀ = 1.84 ± 0.50 mg/mL) activities. The correlation analysis revealed correlation between UV protective and anti-tyrosinase, UV protective and anti-collagenase as well as between anti-hyaluronidase and anti-collagenase activity. UV protection and anti-tyrosinase activity correlated significantly with chlorogenic acid and hyperoside contents in extracts. The extracts with the best activities also demonstrated a good safety profile in a 24 h in vivo study on human volunteers. Full article

Hydrogels are widely known for their ability to increase soil water retention and for their potential slow nutrient release mechanism. They have been constantly improved to meet the growing demand for sustainability in agriculture. Research focused on the development of biodegradable hydrogels, produced from industrial cellulose waste, are an ecological and efficient alternative soil ameliorant for the improvement of agricultural land. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impacts of two types of hydrogel (processed in a glass reactor versus a twin-screw extruder) on soils with different textures (clay and sandy loam), testing their water retention capacity, nitrogen leaching, and effects on seed germination. The methodology included the evaluation of water retention capacity at different pressures with different hydrogel addition rates in the soil, leaching tests in columns filled with soil and hydrogel layers, and germination tests of sorghum and corn. The results indicated that the addition of hydrogel significantly improved water retention, especially in sandy loam soils. The hydrogels also reduced nitrogen leaching, acting as nitrification inhibitors and limiting the conversion of ammonium to nitrate, with greater effectiveness in clayey soils. In the tested formulations, it was observed that the hydrogel doses applied to the columns favored nitrogen retention in the region close to the roots, directly influencing the initial stages of germination. This behavior highlights the potential of hydrogels as tools for directing nutrients in the soil profile, indicating that adjustments to the C:N ratio, nutrient release rate, and applied doses can optimize their application for different crops. Full article

Burn injuries are complex and require effective wound management strategies. Traditional treatments, such as dermal templates, are limited by simplified extracellular matrix (ECM) composition (e.g., collagen-elastin or collagen-glycosaminoglycan), sheet-based formats, and frequent use of animal-derived materials. These limitations can reduce wound conformity, biocompatibility, and integration with host tissue. Functional hydrogels are being explored as alternatives due to properties such as high water content, biodegradability, adhesiveness, antimicrobial activity, and support for angiogenesis. Unlike standard templates, hydrogels can adapt to irregular wound shapes as in burn wounds and reach deeper tissue layers, supporting moisture retention, cell migration, and controlled drug delivery. These features may improve the wound environment and support healing in burns of varying severity. This review outlines recent developments in functional hydrogel technologies and compares them to current clinical treatments for burn care. Emphasis is placed on the structural and biological features that influence performance, including material composition, bioactivity, and integration capacity. Through an exploration of key mechanisms of action and clinical applications, this review highlights the benefits and challenges associated with hydrogel technology, providing insights into its future role in burn care. Full article

Antimicrobial food packaging with natural antimicrobials and biodegradable polymers presents an innovative solution to mitigate microbial contamination, prolong freshness, reduce food waste, and alleviate environmental burden. This study developed antimicrobial hemicellulose-based films by incorporating carvacrol (1% and 2%) as a natural antimicrobial agent through micro-emulsification produced by high-pressure homogenization (M-films). For comparison, films with the same formula were constructed using coarse emulsions (C-films) without high-pressure homogenization. These films were investigated for their antimicrobial efficacy, mechanical and barrier properties, and physicochemical attributes to explore their potential as sustainable antimicrobial packaging solutions. The M-films demonstrated superior antimicrobial activity, achieving reductions exceeding 4 Log CFU/mL against Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella enterica, compared to the C-films. High-pressure homogenization significantly reduced the emulsion’s particle size, from 11.59 to 2.55 μm, and considerably enhanced the M-film’s uniformity, hydrophobicity, and structural quality. Most importantly, the M-films exhibited lower oxygen transmission (35.14 cc/m²/day) and water vapor transmission rates (52.12 g/m²/day) than the C-films at 45.1 and 65.5 cc/m²/day, respectively, indicating superior protection against gas and moisture diffusion. Markedly improved mechanical properties, including foldability, toughness, and bubble-free surfaces, were also observed, making the M-films suitable for practical applications. This study highlights the potential of high-pressure homogenization as a method for enhancing the functional properties of hemicellulose-based films (i.e., M-films). The fabricated films offer a viable alternative to conventional plastic packaging, paving the way for safer and greener solutions tailored to modern industry needs. Full article

The rapid growth of plant-based biodegradable tableware, driven by plastic restrictions, necessitates rigorous safety assessments of potential chemical contaminants like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). This study comprehensively evaluated PFAS contamination risks in commercial sugarcane pulp tableware, focusing on the residues of five target PFASs (PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxA, PFPeA) and their migration behavior under simulated use and takeout conditions. An analysis of 22 samples revealed elevated levels of total fluorine (TF: 33.7–163.6 mg/kg) exceeding the EU limit (50 mg/kg) in 31% of products. While sporadic PFOA residues surpassed the EU single compound limit (0.025 mg/kg) in 9% of samples (16.1–25.5 μg/kg), the levels of extractable organic fluorine (EOF: 4.9–17.4 mg/kg) and the low EOF/TF ratio (3.19–10.4%) indicated inorganic fluorides as the primary TF source. Critically, the migration of all target PFASs into food simulants (water, 4% acetic acid, 50% ethanol, 95% ethanol) under standardized use conditions was minimal (PFOA: 0.52–0.70 μg/kg; PFPeA: 0.54–0.63 μg/kg; others < LOQ). Even under aggressive simulated takeout scenarios (50 °C oscillation for 12 h + 12 h storage at 25 °C), PFOA migration reached only 0.99 ± 0.01 μg/kg in 95% ethanol. All migrated levels were substantially (>15-fold) below typical safety thresholds (e.g., 0.01 mg/kg). These findings demonstrate that, despite concerning residue levels in some products pointing to manufacturing contamination sources, migration during typical and even extended use scenarios poses negligible immediate consumer risk. This study underscores the need for stricter quality control targeting PFOA and inorganic fluoride inputs in sugarcane pulp tableware production. Full article

The intense demand for alternatives to conventional plastics has increasingly motivated the development of biodegradable packaging. However, the ecological impact of these materials when discarded in natural settings has not yet been evaluated. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of films based on chia mucilage in different aquatic environments. The solubilization time varied according to water type, ranging from 40 min in ultrapure, deionized, and distilled water to 230 min in saline water. After solubilization, all water samples exhibited increased turbidity (from 1.04 to 15.73 NTU in deionized water) and apparent color (from 0 to 44 PCU in deionized water) as well as pH variations depending on ionic strength. Deionized water also showed the highest viscosity increase (>350 Pa·s at 1 s⁻¹). UV–Vis spectra revealed a moderate rise in absorbance between 236 and 260 nm, indicating organic compound release. Regarding phytotoxicity, the solubilized films had no toxic effect and promoted a biostimulating effect on root elongation, with Relative Germination Index values exceeding 140% in most samples. These results reinforce the potential of chia-based films for controlled disposal, particularly in low-salinity environments, while highlighting the importance of evaluating post-solubilization interactions with aquatic systems. Full article