Search Results (178)

Feeding a growing population under the pressures of climate change requires solutions that safeguard yields while strengthening agricultural resilience. Integrated Crop Management (ICM)—which combines precise fertilization, efficient water use, and targeted pest control—offers a promising framework. Hydrogels, with their water retention and controlled release properties, can enhance ICM by improving fertilizer efficiency, reducing water loss, and supporting soil health. Despite extensive research, their optimal use in agriculture remains unclear, and limitations continue to restrict large-scale adoption. To address this gap, this study applies the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology alongside bibliometric analysis to examine hydrogel applications in ICM from 2000 to 2024. Ninety Scopus-indexed publications were analyzed across four domains: pesticides, nutritional growth inputs, soil conditioners, and bioactive substances. The results reveal a marked increase in hydrogel structural complexity, greater diversity in characterization methods, ongoing reliance on high-impact pesticides despite advances in bio-based hydrogels, and persistent gaps in assessing environmental impacts and regulatory compliance. These findings underscore the need for stronger collaboration between academia and industry to translate hydrogel research into effective, sustainable agricultural practices under changing climatic conditions. Full article

Nowadays, utilizing biodegradable and bio-inspired substances and combining them in innovative ways is a prerequisite for obtaining new and useful materials. In this paper, we designed and characterized eco-friendly materials as alternatives for packaging and medical applications. Thus, cellulose fibers of medical gauze or filter paper were coated with a mixed solution containing poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), plant-based synthesized silver particles (AgPs), and magnetite (MG). The composites and their components were studied using UV-Vis, FTIR, and Energy-Dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to evidence the presence, size, surface charge, morphology, and chemical composition of particles in the composites, as well as particle interactions. Their proven hydrophobic and antibacterial character could recommend them for the design of antifouling medical coatings and food packaging. Full article

This study established a biological fermentation process using Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus plantarum to deodorize squid cartilage homogenate. The optimal fermentation conditions for S. cerevisiae were determined as follows: fermentation time 105 min, temperature 34 °C, and inoculum size 0.85%. For L. plantarum, the optimum conditions were 79 min, 34.5 °C, and 4.5% inoculum. Based on electronic nose and HS-SPME-GC-MS analyses, S. cerevisiae outperformed L. plantarum in eliminating key offensive odor compounds, especially sulfur-containing compounds and aldehydes, while promoting the formation of pleasant aroma compounds such as esters and ketones (e.g., carvone and δ-pentenol). Mechanistic insights suggest that the enhanced deodorization efficiency of S. cerevisiae may be attributed to its multi-pathway synergistic metabolism, involving enzymes like dioxygenases and sulfide oxidases that facilitate the conversion of malodorous substances into odorless or pleasantly aromatic compounds. These findings provide a valuable theoretical and practical foundation for the high-value utilization of squid processing by-products and propose a promising bio-deodorization strategy for aquatic products. Full article

Background: Hemorrhoidal disease (HD) is a common anorectal condition characterized by symptoms such as bleeding, pain, discomfort and itching. While often underdiagnosed due to patient reluctance to seek care, HD significantly impacts quality of life (QoL). Conservative treatments are preferred for low-grade HD, with increasing interest in natural substance-based therapies. Materials and Methods: A large-scale survey was conducted using a digital platform to collect real-world data (RWD) from patients, pharmacists and physicians. The research assessed perceived effectiveness, safety, tolerability, quality of life (QoL) and usage patterns of NeoFitoroid BioOintment. Quantitative analysis was also performed using a global score (GS) based on Likert scale ratings and their distribution. Results: A total of 2618 participants were included. A strong concordance across the three participating cohorts in the answers provided for all items of the questionnaire was observed. The descriptive analysis revealed high grades of effectiveness, safety and tolerability. Indeed, over 90% of respondents rated the product as “good” or “excellent” in terms of effectiveness and safety. Conclusions: These findings underscore the treatment’s effectiveness, safety, tolerability and positive influence on QoL in HD patients. Full article

This study compared the effectiveness of the Sequencing Batch Biofilter Granular Reactor (SBBGR) plant with and without the integration of ozone (BIO-CHEM process) in the remediation of medium-aged landfill leachate. Special attention is given to the removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as a group of bioaccumulative and persistent pollutants. The findings highlight the high SBBGR performance under biological process only for key wastewater contaminants, with 82% for chemical oxygen demand (COD), 86% for total nitrogen, and 98% for ammonia. Moderate removal was observed for total (TSS) and volatile (VSS) suspended solids (41% and 44%, respectively), while phosphorus and colour removal remained limited. Remarkably, the SBBGR process achieved complete removal of long-chain PFAS, while its performance declined for shorter-chain PFAS. BIO-CHEM process significantly improved COD (87.7%), TSS (84.6%), VSS (86.7%), and colour (92–96%) removal. Conversely, ozonation led to an unexpected increase in the concentrations of several PFAS in the effluent, suggesting ozone-induced desorption from the biomass. SBBGR treatment was characterised by a low specific sludge production (SSP) value, i.e., 5–6 times less than that of conventional biological processes. SSP was further reduced during the application of the BIO-CHEM process. A key finding of this study is a critical challenge for PFAS removal in this combined treatment approach, different from other ozone-based methods. Full article

Sunflower seed hulls and meal are among the most abundant by-products of the food industry. They are an example of waste and, at the same time, a plentiful biomass that cannot be utilized directly in human and animal diets due to their hard digestibility and low nutritional value. Besides their main compounds—carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins—they possess valuable constituents such as vitamins, minerals, and especially phenolics that contribute to their antioxidant capacity. Numerous benefits can be retrieved from such by-products. Since sunflower meal and seed hulls are cheap renewable sources of beneficial substances, their potential in relation to the improvement in our daily life needs to be studied. This is the reason why, in recent years, there has been such a serious interest in their utilization and valorization towards the concept of a circular bio-based economy and process sustainability. This review aims to trace the potential applications and implementation of sunflower meal and hulls in the different fields of industry and environmental protection strategies. Full article

We report herein the development of a polyclonal antibody against ochratoxin A (OTA) using a specially designed synthetic OTA derivative as the immunizing hapten. This OTA derivative contains a tetrapeptide linker (glycyl-glycyl-glycyl-lysine, GGGK), through which it can be linked to a carrier protein and form an immunogenic conjugate. The OTA derivative (OTA-glycyl-glycyl-glycyl-lysine, OTA-GGGK) has been synthesized on a commercially available resin via the well-established Fmoc-based solid-phase peptide synthesis (Fmoc-SPPS) strategy; overall, this approach has allowed us to avoid tedious liquid-phase synthesis protocols, which are often characterized by multiple steps, several intermediate products and low overall yield. Subsequently, OTA-GGGK was conjugated to bovine thyroglobulin through glutaraldehyde, and the conjugate was used in an immunization protocol. The antiserum obtained was evaluated with a simple-format ELISA in terms of its titer and capability of recognizing the natural free hapten; the anti-OTA antibody, as a whole IgG fragment, was successfully applied to three different immunoanalytical systems for determining OTA in various food materials and wine samples, i.e., a multi-mycotoxin microarray bio-platform, an optical immunosensor, and a biotin–streptavidin ELISA, which has proved the analytical effectiveness and versatility of the anti-OTA antibody developed. The same approach may be followed for developing antibodies against other low-molecular-weight toxins and hazardous substances. Full article

The incorporation of phase change material (PCM) can enhance wall thermal performance and indoor thermal comfort, but practical applications still face challenges related to high costs and potential leakage issues. In this study, a novel dual-biomass-based shape-stabilized PCM (Bio-SSPCM) was proposed, wherein waste cooking fat and waste reed straw were, respectively, incorporated as the PCM substance and supporting material. The waste fat (lard) consisted of both saturated and unsaturated fatty acid glycerides, exhibiting a melting point about 21.2–41.1 °C and a melting enthalpy value of 40 J/g. Reed straw was carbonized to form a sustainable porous biochar supporting matrix, which was used for the vacuum adsorption of waste fat. The results demonstrate that the as-prepared dual-Bio-SSPCM exhibited excellent thermal performance, characterized by a latent heat capacity of 25.4 J/g. With the addition of 4 wt% of expanded graphite (EG), the thermal conductivity of the composite PCM reached 1.132 W/(m·K), which was 5.4 times higher than that of the primary lard. The thermal properties of the Bio-SSPCM were characterized using an analog T-history method. The results demonstrated that the dual-Bio-SSPCM exhibited exceptional and rapid heat storage and exothermic capabilities. The dual-Bio-SSPCM, prepared from waste cooking fat and reed straw, can be considered as environmentally friendly construction material for energy storage in line with the principles of the circular economy. Full article

One of the most important challenges the tire industry faces is becoming carbon-neutral and using 100% sustainable materials by 2050. Utilizing materials from renewable sources and recycled substances is a key aspect of achieving this goal. Petroleum-based oils, such as Treated Distillate Aromatic Extract (TDAE), are frequently used in rubber compounds, and a promising strategy to enhance sustainability is to use bio-based plasticizer alternatives. However, research has shown that the replacement of TDAE oil with bio-based oils or resins can significantly alter the glass transition temperature (T_g) of the final compound, influencing the tire properties. In this study, the theory was proposed that using a plasticizer blend, comprising oil and resin, in a rubber compound would result in similar T_g values as the reference compound containing TDAE. To test this, the cycloaliphatic di-ester oil Hexamoll DINCH, which can be made out of bio-based feedstock by the BioMass Balance approach, was selected and blended with the cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon resin Escorez 5300. Various oil-to-resin ratios were investigated, and a linear increase in the T_g of the vulcanizate was obtained when increasing the resin content and decreasing the oil content. Additionally, a 50/50 blend, consisting of 18.75 phr Hexamoll DINCH and 18.75 phr Escorez 5300, resulted in the same T_g of −19 °C as a compound containing 37.5 phr TDAE. Furthermore, this blend resulted in similar curing characteristics and cured Payne effect as the reference with TDAE. Moreover, a similar rolling resistance indicator (tan δ at 60 °C = 0.115), a slight deterioration in wear resistance (ARI = 83%), but an improvement in the stress–strain behavior (M300 = 9.18 ± 0.20 MPa and Ts = 16.3 ± 0.6 MPa) and wet grip indicator (tan δ at 0 °C = 0.427) were observed. The results in this work show the potential of finding a balance between optimal performance and sustainability by using plasticizer blends. Full article

The excessive use of synthetic pesticides has not only resulted in increased resistance among weeds and pests, leading to significant economic loss, but has also raised serious health and environmental concerns. Chalcones and their derivatives, known for their herbicidal, fungicidal, bactericidal, and antiviral properties, are emerging as promising bio-based candidates. These naturally occurring compounds have long been recognized for their beneficial health effects and wide-range applications. However, their limited concentration in plants, along with poor solubility and bioavailability, brings challenges for their development. The aim of this study was to examine the properties of a synthetic substance, pinocembrin dihydrochalcone (3-phenyl-1-(2,4,6-trihydroxyphenyl)-1-propanone), including its soil dissipation and adsorption. Additionally, we evaluated its antioxidant activity through the DPPH assay and FRAP experiments. This analysis aims to provide insights into its potential classification as a low risk pesticide. Full article

Non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) in plastic food contact materials represent a critical undercharacterized chemical safety concern, caused by their inherent diversity, potential toxicity, and regulatory challenges. This review synthesizes recent advances and persistent gaps in NIAS analysis, with a primary focus on analytical workflows for non-targeted analysis, alongside a consideration of risk assessment and toxicological prioritization frameworks. Conventional plastics (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyethylene terephthalate) as well as emerging materials (e.g., bioplastics and recycled polymers) exhibit different NIAS profiles, including oligomers, degradation products, additives, and contaminants, requiring specific approaches for migration testing, extraction, and detection. Advanced techniques, such as ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography or two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry, have enabled non-targeted analysis approaches. However, the field remains constrained by spectral library gaps, limited reference standards, and inconsistent data processing protocols, resulting in heavy reliance on tentative identifications. Risk assessment procedures mainly employ the Threshold of Toxicological Concern and classification by Cramer’s rules. Nevertheless, addressing genotoxicity, mixture effects, and novel hazards from recycled or bio-based polymers remains challenging with these approaches. Future priorities and efforts may include expanding spectral databases, harmonizing analytical protocols, and integrating in vitro bioassays with computational toxicology to refine hazard characterization. Full article

Bio-based and/or biodegradable food contact materials are being developed as alternatives to conventional petroleum-based materials. Like other food contact materials, these are subject to regulatory requirements. The characterization of these biomaterials enables the identification of chemical substances that could potentially migrate from these materials into food and may pose a risk to consumer health. In this work, commercial samples of food contact materials labeled as bio-based and/or biodegradable were analyzed. To tentatively identify compounds, two analytical methods were optimized: purge and trap (P&T) for volatile compounds and methanolic extract injection for the determination of semi-volatile compounds, both using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Compound toxicity was estimated using an in silico methodology, namely Cramer’s rules. More than 200 compounds of different natures were tentatively identified, but only 29 are included in Regulation (EU) 10/2011 on plastic materials intended to come into contact with food, and 38 of them were classified as high-toxicity compounds. Full article

In this study, a historically significant journal subject to fungal colonization was used as a case study for experimenting with a fumigation treatment using essential oils. The experiments were carried out both in vitro and in vivo directly on the artifact. Post-treatment monitoring showed that the succession of two fumigation treatments (alternately using rosemary and lavender oil) resulted in the complete disinfection of the first and second populations detected on the substrate. The latter was identified as Trichoderma longibrachiatum, a human pathogenic species, which was found to be sensitive to various concentrations of rosemary essential oil (1.2% v/v) and lavender essential oil (0.4% v/v), while it was not contained by the standard biocide based on benzalkonium chloride. The results obtained allowed the proposal of an application protocol for the fumigation of paper items that need to undergo biocidal treatment, which consists of alternating essential oils to increase the action spectrum of the natural substances and implementing a rotation principle to prevent the development of bio-resistances. Full article

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is one of the most important bio-based and industrial compostable materials in food packaging. Its barrier properties towards oxygen and moisture are well documented. However, data on barrier properties of PLA towards organic molecules are scarce in the literature. This study investigated the diffusion of various organic molecules, including n-alkanes, 1-alcohols, 2-ketones, ethers, esters, amines, and aromatics, in two commercial PLA films with thicknesses of 20 µm and 30 µm. The diffusion coefficient (D_P) values were determined from lag time in permeation tests conducted at temperatures ranging from 20 °C to 90 °C. The films were also characterized in terms of crystallinity, rigid and mobile amorphous fractions, and molecular weight. Activation energies (E_A) were calculated based on the temperature dependence of the D_P using the Arrhenius approach. In total, 290 D_P values for 55 individual substances were determined, and 38 E_A values were derived from these data. The E_A correlated well with the molecular volume of the investigated substances. Moreover, the pre-exponential factor D₀ showed a correlation with E_A. These correlations enabled the establishment of diffusion modeling parameters for PLA, allowing the prediction of D_P for untested substances. The diffusion behavior of PLA was further compared with the literature data for polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene naphthalate, providing insights into the relative performance of these materials. Full article

Sustainable bio-based products derived from fermentation are gaining increasing interest. The present study was designed to determine the interaction of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus 23.2 bacteria with spirulina in a 3 L glass bioreactor and the effect of aeration and agitation speed on the final product biomass and antioxidant capacity. The fermentation medium contained only glucose, an inorganic salt mixture, and spirulina powder. The estimated biomass and antioxidant activity were found to be 3.74 g/L and 84.72%, respectively, from the results of the optimization model. Scale-up was performed with the obtained optimization data, and three pilot-scale fermentations were carried out in a 30 L stainless steel bioreactor. As a result of pilot production, the obtained bioactive products were freeze-dried, and their antibacterial, antioxidant, total phenolic properties, and cytotoxic activity were investigated. The pilot production results showed that the increase in bacterial cell number was around 3–4 log after 24 h of fermentation. An inhibitory effect against pathogenic bacteria was observed. A strong radical scavenging effect was found in antioxidant analyses. Total phenolic substance content was 26.5 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) g⁻¹, which was the highest level in this study. Cytotoxic activity showed that bioactive products had a cytotoxic effect against Caco-2 adenocarcinoma cells. This study emphasizes the potential of Arthrospira platensis biomass as a substrate for the production of lactic acid bacteria (LAB)-based bioproducts. It is thought that the results obtained from this study may position potential innovative strategies in the food, pharmaceutical, agriculture, and cosmetic industries. Full article