Search Results (48)

One of the most interesting applications of crude glycerol (CG) is its use for biogas production via the anaerobic co-digestion (AcoD) process. The main aim of the current study was to provide a comprehensive review on the performance of the AcoD of CG mixed with various substrates. For this purpose, analyses were performed for studies available in the literature wherein one-stage experiments were conducted. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the present study is the first one which demonstrates an analysis of the main parameters of CG and substrates (e.g., animal manure, sewage sludge, cattle manure and food waste) used for AcoD. Moreover, a detailed analysis of the impact of selected parameters on AcoD performance was carried out. It is demonstrated that the values of key parameters characterizing the CG used for AcoD were within wide ranges. This can be explained by the fact that the composition of CG depends on many factors; for instance, these include the source of oil used for biodiesel production, processing technology, the ratio of reactants, the type of catalyst and the procedure applied. Moreover, performing a literature review allowed us to demonstrate that adding CG to feedstock caused the enhancement of process performance compared to results obtained for mono-digestion. Additionally, it was shown that, in general, increasing the concentration of CG in feedstock led to improvement of the biogas yield; however, a potential inhibitory effect should be considered. Analysis of data available in the literature allowed us to indicate that for most of the experiments performed, a methane (CH₄) content in biogas higher than 60% was obtained for CG content in feedstock up to 8% v/v. In addition, it is demonstrated that in order to evaluate the performance of AcoD performed under thermophilic conditions, more studies are required. Finally, it should be pointed out that the present study provides considerable insight into the management of CG. Full article

The brewing industry generates significant organic waste, much of which remains underutilized despite its potential for energy recovery. This study assesses the feasibility of anaerobic co-digestion (AcoD) using brewers’ spent grain (BSG) from the craft beer production process and cattle manure from feedlots. Thermogravimetric analysis confirmed similar volatile solids content in both substrates, validating BSG as a viable feedstock. AcoD trials were conducted in 20 L biodigesters under dry and ambient conditions over 40 days. Methane yields reached 25 mL CH₄ gVS⁻¹ at a 1:1 inoculum–substrate ratio fresh matter basis and 67.33 mL CH₄ gVS⁻¹ at 2.5:1, indicating that higher inoculum levels enhance methane production. Kinetic modeling using Modified Gompertz, Logistic, and other microbial growth-based models showed that the Logistic model best represented the methane production trends. The detection of hydrogen sulfide in the biogas emphasizes the need for effective filtration. Overall, this work highlights AcoD as a promising approach for organic waste valorization and renewable energy generation in the craft brewing sector, supporting circular economy practices and contributing to environmental and economic sustainability. Full article

In rural Ghana, limited access to affordable, clean cooking fuels drives the need for decentralised waste-to-energy solutions. Anaerobic co-digestion (AcoD) offers a viable route for transforming organic residues into renewable energy, with the added benefit of improved process stability resulting from substrate synergy. This study aims to evaluate the technical feasibility and stabilisation challenges of AcoD, using locally available fruit waste and beet molasses at a secondary school in Bedabour (Ghana). Biological methane potential (BMP) assays of different co-digestion mixtures were conducted at two inoculum-to-substrate (I/S) ratios (2 and 4), identifying the highest yield (441.54 ± 45.98 NmL CH₄/g VS) for a mixture of 75% fruit waste and 25% molasses at an I/S ratio of 4. Later, this mixture was tested in a 6 L semi-continuous AcoD reactor. Due to the high biodegradability of the substrates, volatile fatty acid (VFA) accumulation led to acidification and process instability. Three low-cost mitigation strategies were evaluated: (i) carbonate addition using eggshell-derived sources, (ii) biochar supplementation to enhance buffering capacity, and (iii) the integration of a bioelectrochemical system (BES) into the AcoD recirculation loop. The BES was intended to support VFA removal and enhance methane recovery. Although they temporarily improved the biogas production, none of the strategies ensured long-term pH stability of the AcoD process. The results underscore the synergistic potential of AcoD to enhance methane yields but also reveal critical stability limitations under high-organic-loading conditions in low-buffering rural contexts. Future implementation studies should integrate substrates with higher alkalinity or adjusted organic loading rates to ensure sustained performance. These findings provide field-adapted insights for scaling-up AcoD as a viable renewable energy solution in resource-constrained settings. Full article

Osteoclasts, which are derived from myeloid precursors, are essential for physiologic bone remodeling but also mediate pathological bone loss in inflammatory diseases such as periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis. Lysine-specific demethylase (LSD1/KDM1A) is a histone demethylase that modulates the chromatin landscape via demethylation of H3K4me1/2 and H3K9me1/2, thereby regulating the expression of genes essential for deciding cell fate. We previously demonstrated that myeloid-specific deletion of LSD1 (LSD1LysM-Cre) disrupts osteoclast differentiation, leading to enhanced BV/TV under physiological conditions. In this study, we show that LSD1LysM-Cre female mice are similarly resistant to inflammatory bone loss in both ligature-induced periodontitis and K/BxN serum-transfer arthritis models. Bulk RNA-seq of mandibular-derived preosteoclasts from LSD1LysM-Cre mice with ligature-induced periodontitis revealed the upregulation of genes involved in inflammation, lipid metabolism, and immune response. Notably, LSD1 deletion blocked osteoclastogenesis even under TGF-β and TNF co-stimulation, which is an alternative RANKL-independent differentiation pathway. Upregulation of Nlrp3, Hif1α, and Acod1 in LSD1LysM-Cre preosteoclasts suggests that LSD1 is essential for repressing inflammatory and metabolic programs that otherwise hinder osteoclast commitment. These findings establish LSD1 as a critical epigenetic gatekeeper integrating inflammatory and metabolic signals to regulate osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. Therapeutic inhibition of LSD1 may selectively mitigate inflammatory bone loss while preserving physiological bone remodeling. Full article

Pig slurry (PS) and wine vinasse (WV) pose environmental risks if not properly managed. Their composition makes them suitable for anaerobic co-digestion (AcoD), enhancing biomethane production and improving organic matter degradation efficiency. This research applies an innovative Design of Experiments (DoE) approach—specifically the Box–Behnken design (BBD)—to systematically optimize the AcoD process, surpassing traditional single-factor methods by efficiently evaluating the interactions. Variables such as temperature (35 °C, 52.5 °C, 70 °C), substrate ratio (25PS:75WV, 50PS:50WV, 75PS:25WV) and pH (7, 7.5, 8) were tested using a Box–Behnken design which studied the correlations between the experimental data and the model. In fact, the results showed that temperature, ratio, and their interaction significantly influenced biomethane production, being the pH the factor with the least influence on the response. Optimal conditions—pH of 8, temperature of 35 °C and a 50:50 substrate ratio—achieved a biomethane yield of 487.94 CH₄/gVS (Volatile Solids). These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the DoE methodology in maximizing biomethane production and represent a significant advancement in valorizing wastes from pig farms and wineries, promoting a circular and sustainable economy. Full article

Anaerobic digestion (AD) offers a sustainable solution by treating biodegradable waste while recovering bioenergy, enhancing the share of renewable energy. Thus, this study aims to investigate the AD for managing and valorizing residues from the potato chip industry: potato peel (PP), potato offcuts (OC), waste cooking oil (WCO), wastewater (WW), and sewage sludge (SS). In particular, the biochemical methane potential (BMP) of each residue, anaerobic co-digestion (AcoD), and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of an AD plant are assessed. WW, OC, and SS present a BMP of around 232–280 NmL_CH4/kg of volatile solids (VS). PP and WCO reach a BMP slightly lower than the former substrates (174–202 NmL_CH4/g_VS). AcoD results in methane yields between 150 and 250 NmL_CH4/g_VS. An up-scaled anaerobic digester is designed to manage 1.60 Mg/d of PP. A residence time of 12 days and a digester with 165 m³ is estimated, yielding 14 Nm³_CH4/Mg_VS/d. A simulated AD plant integrated with a combined heat and power unit results in a carbon footprint of 542 kg of CO₂-eq/Mg_db PP, primarily from biogenic GHG emissions. These findings highlight the potential of AD to generate renewable energy from potato industry residues while reducing fossil fuel-related GHG emissions and promoting resource circularity. Full article

The anaerobic co-digestion (ACoD) of sludge (S) and slaughterhouse wastewater (SW) can improve biomethane production and removal efficiency in terms of organic matter. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of temperature on co-digestion, considering different hydraulic retention times (HRTs). The substrates were selected at a 50:50 weight ratio and two single-stage digesters of 2 L capacity were used, operating under ideal thermophilic (55 °C) and mesophilic (35 °C) conditions. The HRTs studied were 30, 25, 20 and 15 days. The biomethane production reached 588 mL CH₄/d at 55 °C and 477 mL CH₄/d at 35 °C for an HRT of 15 days, indicating a significantly higher yield under the thermophilic process. The volatile solids removal efficiency ranged from 41% to 66% for the thermophilic digester and between 32% and 42% for the mesophilic digester. This further highlights the superior performance at higher temperatures. Full article

Leishmaniasis, caused by the Leishmania parasite, is a neglected public health issue. Leishmania mainly infects macrophages, where metabolic reprogramming shapes their plasticity (M1/M2), affecting the host’s resistance or susceptibility to infection. The development of this infection is influenced by immune responses, with an excessive anti-inflammatory reaction linked to negative outcomes through the modulation of various mediators. Itaconate, produced by the Acod1 gene, is recognized for its anti-inflammatory effects, but its function in leishmaniasis is not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of itaconate in leishmaniasis. Using transcriptomic data from L. major-infected BMDMs, we assessed the expression dynamics of Il1b and Acod1 and performed pathway enrichment analysis to determine the profile of genes co-expressed with Acod1. Early Acod1 upregulation followed by later Il1b downregulation was noted, indicating a shift towards an anti-inflammatory response. Among the genes co-expressed with Acod1, Ldlr, Hadh, and Src are closely associated with lipid metabolism and the polarization of macrophages towards the M2 phenotype, thereby creating a favorable environment for the survival of Leishmania. Overall, these findings suggest that Acod1 and its co-expressed genes may affect the outcome of Leishmania infection by modulating host metabolism. Accordingly, targeting itaconate-associated pathways could provide a novel therapeutic strategy for leishmaniasis. Full article

This study aims to explore anaerobic co-digestion (AcoD) of cassava (EUM) and poultry (FP) effluents using one inoculum/substrate ratio (30%) and three EUM vs. FP substrate composition ratios (25:75, 50:50, and 75:25). The AcoD process was therefore designed for 20 L batch digesters, under mesophilic conditions, with less than 5% total solids for 66 days. The results showed that EUMs were highly resistant to degradation, while FPs were the most easily degradable. Kinetic analysis indicated specific organic matter (MO) reduction rates of 0.28% per day for EUM and 0.76% per day for FP. EUM alone produced 45.47 mL/g MO, while the 50:50 substrate produced 1184.60 mL/g MOV. The main factors contributing to EUM inefficiency were the inability to tame acidic conditions and the accumulation of volatile fatty acids. AcoD produced 23 to 50 times more methane than EUM alone, 2 to 5 times more than FP alone, and 2 to 4 times more than inoculum. As a result, the AcoD of both types of waste had a qualitative and quantitative effect on biogas production. CH₄ content increased from around 2 to 75%, depending on the amount of organic nitrogen added. The addition of nitrogen by AcoD, even under mesophilic conditions, improves the kinetics and quality of anaerobic digestion of low-nitrogen substrates. Its impact on thermophilic and psychrophilic conditions needs to be verified. Full article

This study investigated the impact of a transglycosylated product (ACOD) catalyzed by Leuconostoc mesenteroides MKSR dextransucrase using sucrose as a glucosyl donor and both maltose and Artemisia capillaris as acceptors on gut microbiota through fecal fermentation. ACOD promoted the growth of probiotics such as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lacticaseibacillus casei, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG, and Leuconostoc mesenteroides MKSR, while inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli, E. coli O157:H7, Enterococcus faecalis, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella flexneri, Streptococcus mutans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus cereus during independent cultivation. Fecal fermentation for 24 h revealed that ACOD significantly increased the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) compared to the blank and fructoooligosaccharide (FOS) groups. Specifically, ACOD led to a 4.5-fold increase in acetic acid production compared to FOSs and a 3.3-fold increase in propionic acid production. Both the ACOD and FOS groups exhibited higher levels of butyric acid than the blank. Notably, ACOD significantly modulated the composition of the gut microbiota by increasing the relative abundances of Lactobacillus and decreasing Escherichia/Shigella and Salmonella. In contrast, FOSs remarkably promoted the growth of Salmonella. These findings suggest that ACOD is a potential candidate for prebiotics that improve the intestinal environment by being actively used by beneficial bacteria. Full article

Wheat straw (WS) is a promising substrate for biogas production by anaerobic digestion (AD) due to its high carbohydrate content. An estimated 0.603 million t yr⁻¹ of WS are generated from wheat production systems in South Africa. This is equivalent to an energy potential of 11 PJ. Despite this, WS is still undervalued as a bioenergy resource in South Africa due to its structural complexity and low nitrogen content. WS disposal methods, such as use in livestock bedding, burning and burying into the soil, inter alia, are not sustainable and may contribute to global warming and climate change. The commercialization of the AD of WS needs to be further developed and promoted. Pre-treatment (i.e., physical, chemical, biological and hybrid methods) and anaerobic co-digestion (AcoD) are novel strategies that can support the conversion of WS into biogas and other value-added products. Current and future research should focus on optimizing pre-treatment and AcoD conditions towards industrialization of WS into valuable products. This paper focuses on the potential use of WS for biogas production in South Africa. The aim is to create information that will promote research and development, and encourage policy makers and stakeholders to participate and invest in WS biogas technology. Were WS biogas technology fully adopted, we believe that it would alleviate energy insecurity and environmental degradation, and sustain the livelihoods of citizens in South Africa. Full article

Neuroinflammation is a critical aspect of various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. This study investigates the anti-neuroinflammatory properties of oleocanthal and its oxidation product, oleocanthalic acid, using the BV-2 cell line activated with lipopolysaccharide. Our findings revealed that oleocanthal significantly inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduced the expression of inflammatory genes, counteracted oxidative stress induced by lipopolysaccharide, and increased cell phagocytic activity. Conversely, oleocanthalic acid was not able to counteract lipopolysaccharide-induced activation. The docking analysis revealed a plausible interaction of oleocanthal, with both CD14 and MD-2 leading to a potential interference with TLR4 signaling. Since our data show that oleocanthal only partially reduces the lipopolysaccharide-induced activation of NF-kB, its action as a TLR4 antagonist alone cannot explain its remarkable effect against neuroinflammation. Proteomic analysis revealed that oleocanthal counteracts the LPS modulation of 31 proteins, including significant targets such as gelsolin, clathrin, ACOD1, and four different isoforms of 14-3-3 protein, indicating new potential molecular targets of the compound. In conclusion, oleocanthal, but not oleocanthalic acid, mitigates neuroinflammation through multiple mechanisms, highlighting a pleiotropic action that is particularly important in the context of neurodegeneration. Full article

Anaerobic digestion (AD) of food waste (FW) is considered an environmentally sustainable process that can divert the disposal of FW to landfill and prevent greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in managing the FW. Although several studies have attempted to demonstrate the AD of FW, low methane yields and a high incidence of process instability have been reported due to the rapid generation and accumulation of volatile fatty acids (VFAs). This paper reviews the recent research and development with high variation in FW composition, such as the carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio and, consequently, the effect of its physicochemical composition on process performance and methane yields. The paper highlights the significance of optimizing the anaerobic co-digestion (AcoD) of FW with carbon-rich substrates such as garden waste (GW) and/or the addition of trace elements as strategies that can improve the process performance and methane yields from FW. This review focuses on the factors effecting the feasibility of food organics and garden organics (FOGO) as a substrate for methane production. The review also critically analyses the prospects of enhancement of biomethane yield by optimizations of the impactful parameters. The progress in research related to these methods and identifying existing limitations to efficient AD of FOGO are the key findings of this review. This review also assesses the impact of nanotechnology on the process performance of the digester. The integration of FO and GO in AD processes has demonstrated enhanced biogas yields, improved process stability, and better waste management outcomes compared to the digestion of either substrate alone. Despite these advantages, challenges such as feedstock variability, process optimization, and the need for advanced pretreatment methods remain. Addressing these issues through continued research and technological innovations will be crucial for maximizing the efficiency and scalability of AD systems. Moreover, the economic feasibility and policy frameworks supporting AD need further development to promote broader adoption. Full article

A wireless sensor network (WSN) is a wireless network composed of sensor nodes, widely used in military, industrial, and agricultural fields. In these practical application scenarios, due to the limited routing search ability of wireless sensor nodes and the small coverage range of a WSN, it faces the problem of a relatively short network lifecycle. Therefore, increasing a WSN’s coverage range and reducing node energy consumption are of high value. This article proposes a method of using the ant colony algorithm (ACOD) to calculate the optimal routing of a WSN, the K-means algorithm for clustering, and the whale algorithm (WOA) and a backpropagation (BP) neural network to increase the coverage range of a WSN. After multiple experiments, the total energy consumption of WSN nodes has been effectively reduced, the coverage range of the WSN has been increased, and the lifecycle of the WSN has been extended. Full article

The rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is the most important produced species in freshwater within the European Union, usually reared in intensive farming systems. This species is highly susceptible to viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS), a severe systemic disease widespread globally throughout the world. Viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) is the etiological agent and, recently, three classes of VHSV virulence (high, moderate, and low) have been proposed based on the mortality rates, which are strictly dependent on the viral strain. The molecular mechanisms that regulate VHSV virulence and the stimulated gene responses in the host during infection are not completely unveiled. While some preliminary transcriptomic studies have been reported in other fish species, to date there are no publications on rainbow trout. Herein, we report the first time-course RNA sequencing analysis on rainbow trout juveniles experimentally infected with high and low VHSV pathogenic Italian strains. Transcriptome analysis was performed on head kidney samples collected at different time points (1, 2, and 5 days post infection). A large set of notable genes were found to be differentially expressed (DEGs) in all the challenged groups (e.s. trim63a, acod1, cox-2, skia, hipk1, cx35.4, ins, mtnr1a, tlr3, tlr7, mda5, lgp2). Moreover, the number of DEGs progressively increased especially during time with a greater amount found in the group infected with the high VHSV virulent strain. The gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis highlighted that functions related to inflammation were modulated in rainbow trout during the first days of VHSV infection, regardless of the pathogenicity of the strain. While some functions showed slight differences in enrichments between the two infected groups, others appeared more exclusively modulated in the group challenged with the highly pathogenic strain. Full article