Search Results (1,206)

This review consolidates recent advancements in microbial biotechnology for sustainable food systems. It focuses on the fermentation processes used in this sector, emphasizing precision fermentation as a source of innovation for alternative proteins, fermented foods, and applications of microorganisms and microbial bioproducts in the food industry. Additionally, it explores food preservation strategies and methods for controlling microbial contamination. These biotechnological approaches are increasingly replacing synthetic additives, contributing to enhanced food safety, nutritional functionality, and product shelf stability. Examples include bacteriocins from lactic acid bacteria, biodegradable microbial pigments, and exopolysaccharide-based biopolymers, such as pullulan and xanthan gum, which are used in edible coatings and films. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, covering publications from 2014 to 2025. A structured Boolean search strategy was applied, targeting core concepts in microbial fermentation, bio-based food additives, and contamination control. The initial search retrieved 5677 articles, from which 370 studies were ultimately selected after applying criteria such as duplication removal, relevance to food systems, full-text accessibility, and scientific quality. This review highlights microbial biotransformation as a route to minimize reliance on synthetic inputs, valorize agri-food byproducts, and support circular bioeconomy principles. It also discusses emerging antimicrobial delivery systems and regulatory challenges. Overall, microbial innovations offer viable and scalable pathways for enhancing food system resilience, functionality, and environmental stewardship. Full article

The development of algal bioplastics offers a promising pathway toward sustainable materials that can mitigate reliance on fossil fuel-derived plastics. This article reviews recent advances in algal cultivation, strain optimization, biopolymer extraction, and processing technologies, alongside techno-economic and life cycle assessments. Special emphasis is placed on integrated biorefinery models, innovative processing techniques, and the role of government–industry–academia partnerships in accelerating commercialization. The analysis incorporates both demonstrated algal systems and theoretical applications derived from established microbial processes, reflecting the emerging nature of this field. The environmental advantages, market readiness, and scalability challenges of algal bioplastics are critically evaluated, with reference to peer-reviewed studies and industrial pilot projects. The analysis underscores that while technical feasibility has been demonstrated, economic viability and large-scale adoption depend on optimizing yield, reducing production costs, and fostering collaborative frameworks. Future research priorities include enhancing strain performance via AI-enabled screening, expanding product valorization streams, and aligning regulatory standards to support global market integration. Full article

Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) bioplastics are produced from wastewater as a carbon recovery strategy. However, the tuneable characteristics of PHAs and wastewater biorefinery potential have not been comprehensively reviewed. The aim of this study is to review the main challenges and strategies for carbon recovery from wastewater feedstocks via PHA production, assessing potential target biopolymer applications. Diverse PHA-accumulating prokaryotes metabolize organic pollutants present in wastewater through different metabolic pathways, determining the biopolymer characteristics. The synthesis of PHAs using mixed microbial cultures with wastewater feedstocks derived from municipal, agro-industrial, food processing, lignocellulosic biomass processing and biofuel production activities are described. Acidogenic fermentation of wastewater feedstocks and mixed microbial culture enrichment are key steps in order to enhance PHA productivity and determine biopolymer properties towards customized bioplastics for specific applications. Biorefinery of PHA copolymers and extracellular polysaccharides (EPSs), including alginate-like polysaccharides, are alternatives to enhance the value-chain of carbon recovery from wastewater. PHAs and EPSs exhibit a wide repertoire of applications with distinct safety control requirements; hence, coupling biopolymer production demonstrations with target applications is crucial to move towards full-scale applications. This study discusses the relationship between the metabolic basis of PHA synthesis and composition, wastewater type, and target applications, describing the potential to maximize carbon resource valorisation. Full article

The most significant barrier against biopolymers’ commercialization is their sensitivity to external factors and poor material properties. In recent years, significant progress has been made to enhance these materials so that they are able to provide their unique physiological benefits while maintaining acceptable material performance. As these materials have developed, so too has their application in the food and medical industry, which often requires them to undergo sterilization. Sterilization is a process in which all microbial life and spores are removed from the surface and within materials and is a regulatory requirement for some food packaging products and all medical applications. Sterilization is carried out primarily using radiation, chemical, and heat treatment, which are all effective in disrupting cell regulation and causing cell death. These processes are known to induce structural and/or chemical changes in materials as well as potential migratory or leaching effects. This review aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of these sterilization processes and the effects they have on polysaccharides, while established data is discussed that provides insight into their market viability post-sterilization and the importance of further characterization using sterilization. Full article

Cellulose and lignin are biopolymers with significant potential for chemical synthesis and energy production; however, their heterogeneous composition presents challenges for their use as raw material sources. This study employed near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy coupled with partial least-squares regression (PLSR) to predict cellulose and lignin content in sapwood and heartwood of Eucalyptus urophylla and sapwood of Pinus taeda, all impregnated with black liquor under high pressure. Samples were analyzed across three longitudinal sections (top, middle, base), with no significant compositional variation detected. Near-infrared spectral data (1100–2500 nm) and pre-processed using the standard normal variate (SNV) method, yielded high predictive accuracy: R² values of 0.98–0.99 for cellulose and 0.94–0.96 for lignin, with root mean square error (RMSE) values of 0.2–0.3 and 0.1, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) explained 98% of sample variance, revealing clear distinctions between E. urophylla sapwood and heartwood. These findings confirm the efficacy of NIR-PLSR as a nondestructive, reliable alternative to conventional chemical analyses, with implications for improved quality control and decision-making in the wood treatment industry. Full article

Biopolymers have emerged as a transformative class of materials that reconcile high-performance functionality with environmental stewardship. Their inherent capacity for controlled degradation and biocompatibility has driven rapid advancements across electronics, sensing, actuation, and healthcare. In flexible electronics, these polymers serve as substrates, dielectrics, and conductive composites that enable transient devices, reducing electronic waste without compromising electrical performance. Within sensing and actuation, biodegradable polymer matrices facilitate the development of fully resorbable biosensors and soft actuators. These systems harness tailored degradation kinetics to achieve temporal control over signal transduction and mechanical response, unlocking applications in in vivo monitoring and on-demand drug delivery. In healthcare, biodegradable polymers underpin novel approaches in tissue engineering, wound healing, and bioresorbable implants. Their tunable chemical architectures and processing versatility allow for precise regulation of mechanical properties, degradation rates, and therapeutic payloads, fostering seamless integration with biological environments. The convergence of these emerging applications underscores the pivotal role of biodegradable polymers in advancing sustainable technology and personalized medicine. Continued interdisciplinary research into polymer design, processing strategies, and integration techniques will accelerate commercialization and broaden the impact of these lower eCO₂ value materials across diverse sectors. This perspective article comments on the innovation in these sectors that go beyond the applications of biodegradable materials in packaging applications. Full article

For sustainable development aligned with circular economy principles, the recycling of biopolymers such as polylactic acid (PLA) is of growing interest. In this study, the effect of primary recycling through repeated mechanical reprocessing was investigated. PLA water bottle preforms were subjected to six consecutive extrusion cycles, and changes in its molecular structure and physical properties were evaluated. Structural analysis revealed a progressive degradation, evidenced by a great reduction in the molar mass and increase in the melt flow index, attributed both to the chain scission derived from the thermal degradation and shear stresses of the extrusion process, and hydrolysis at the ester linkage of the polymer. Recycled samples exhibited a darkening of the color and a continuous decrease in thermal stability. After six reprocessing cycles, PLA crystallinity increased from 6.9 to 39.5%, the cold crystallization process disappeared, and molecular weight reduced by up to 40%. Barrier properties were highly affected after reprocessing and by the increase in relative humidity. Biodegradation tests revealed that crystallinity affected considerably the biodegradation rate of PLA. Although the molecular weight was considerably reduced during reprocessing, the biodegradation was slowed down. These findings provide insights into the limitations and potential of mechanically recycled PLA for future material applications. Full article

This study investigates the influence of pectin and copper incorporation on the catalytic properties of Pd/ZnO catalysts in the liquid-phase hydrogenation of 2-hexyn-1-ol and photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. A series of monometallic Pd/ZnO catalysts with varying pectin contents (0–8.1 wt%) and bimetallic PdCu-Pec/ZnO catalysts with different Pd to Cu mass ratios (3:1, 1:1, 1:3) were synthesized via sequential adsorption of the polymer and metal ions onto ZnO. The catalysts were characterized using TGA, EDX, IR spectroscopy, XRD, TEM, UV–Vis DRS, and XPS. Characterization confirmed successful modification and changes in surface properties. Pectin modification improved the distribution of Pd nanoparticles on the surface of ZnO, resulting in the enhanced catalytic performance of Pd-Pec/ZnO in both hydrogenation and hydrogen evolution reactions compared to unmodified Pd/ZnO. In contrast, copper addition led to a deterioration of catalytic properties in both processes, likely due to the inhibited reduction of Pd caused by Pd–Cu interactions. Among the catalysts studied, Pd-Pec/ZnO with low pectin content (1.8 wt%) exhibited the highest activity in both reactions. The hydrogenation of 2-hexyn-1-ol to cis-2-hexen-1-ol proceeded with high selectivity (96%) at a rate (W_C≡C) of 3.3 × 10⁻⁶ mol/s, and the catalyst retained its activity over 30 consecutive runs. In the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction, the rate reached 1.11 mmol/(h·g_cat) and the catalyst maintained ~94% of its initial activity after three consecutive runs. These findings demonstrate the potential of biopolymer-modified ZnO composites for the design of multifunctional catalysts combining hydrogenation and photocatalytic activity. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics has driven interest in bio-based packaging derived from renewable plant biomass. Cellulose, the most abundant biopolymer on Earth, provides high tensile strength, water resistance, and biodegradability, making it a key raw material for eco-friendly packaging. However, its extraction and processing are hindered by lignin, a complex polymer that adds structural rigidity but reduces cellulose accessibility. Recent research has identified plant microRNAs (miRNAs) as powerful post-transcriptional regulators capable of modifying cell wall composition by simultaneously targeting multiple genes involved in lignin biosynthesis, cellulose synthesis, and secondary cell wall formation. By fine-tuning specific miRNAs, it is possible to increase cellulose yield, reduce lignin content, and enhance overall biomass productivity without severely compromising plant growth or stress tolerance. This review summarizes the roles of major plant miRNAs in biomass regulation and outlines biotechnological strategies such as transgenic overexpression, target mimicry, artificial miRNAs (amiRNAs), and CRISPR-based editing for improving bio-based packaging feedstocks. Harnessing miRNA-mediated gene regulation offers a promising pathway toward producing high-quality biomass with optimized cellulose–lignin ratios, enabling more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable packaging material production. Full article

Background/Objectives: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) offer promising prospects for novel treatment modalities in cellular therapies and artificial organ production. Despite a surge in artificial tissue research, there is a dearth of comprehensive studies detailing the entire process from stem cells to tissue production, coupled with a scarcity. This study, however, presents the utility of extra-embryonic MSCs derived from placental tissue, traditionally considered as medical waste. Methods: Within a 3-dimensional cell culture system, histological assessments, and comprehensive optimization studies, the entire process required for artificial tissue production is addressed. Results: The results obtained are encouraging regarding the advancement of cellular therapies and artificial tissue engineering. However, challenges such as biopolymer degradation highlight the necessity for multistep approaches. Each analysis within this study delves into the discussion and optimization of key steps in artificial tissue production. Conclusions: Consequently, this study not only represents one of the first of its kind but also lays the groundwork for future investigations into relevant clinical applications. Full article

The presence of metallic pollutants presents a significant risk to human health, making their removal crucial. Magnetic halloysite nanotube (HNT@Fe₃O₄) nanocomposite was synthesised via co-precipitation, and then magnetic hydrogel (Fe₃O₄@HNT-SA and Fe₃O₄@HNT-CTS) nanocomposites were prepared using chitosan (CTS) and sodium alginate (SA) biopolymers. The structural, morphological, crystalline, surface, and thermal properties of the hydrogels were determined. The favourable adsorption performance of Fe₃O₄@HNT-SA and Fe₃O₄@HNT-CTS hydrogels towards As, Cd, Cr, Mo, Pb, Sb and V was established by optimising the factors affecting the sorption process. The results indicated that Fe₃O₄@HNT-CTS was suitable for the adsorption of As, Cr, Mo, Sb and V, while Fe₃O₄@HNT-SA had high adsorption affinity for Cd and Pb. The data for the adsorption of target analytes onto the hydrogels were mostly explained by both the Langmuir isotherm model and the pseudo-second order model. The maximum adsorption capacities of Fe₃O₄@HNT-SA hydrogel for Cd and Pb were 52.2 mg/g and 57.7 mg/g, respectively. On the other hand, the maximum capacities of the Fe₃O₄@HNT-CTS hydrogel for As, Cr, Mo, Sb, and V were 30.3 mg/g, 28.4 mg/g, 22.2 mg/g, 24.7 mg/g, and 19.9 mg/g, respectively. The Fe₃O₄@HNT-SA and Fe₃O₄@HNT-CTS hydrogels effectively removed the respective target analytes from river water samples. Full article

Natural food colourants are gaining momentum in the food industry due to their clean-label appeal, safety, and potential health benefits. However, their practical application is often constrained by instability under environmental stressors such as pH fluctuations, heat, light, and oxygen. In response, both traditional and innovative strategies have emerged to improve pigment stability, with some studies reporting up to 50–80% retention of colour intensity under optimised conditions. Most existing research focuses on extraction, with limited emphasis on post-processing stability. This article reviews a wide range of food processing strategies aimed at enhancing the stability of natural pigments. It covers conventional and emerging approaches, including natural chemical stabilisers such as co-pigments, antioxidants, and metal ion chelators, physicochemical methods such as micro- and nanoencapsulation using biopolymers, and physical interventions involving drying technologies, particle size modification, and protective packaging. Modern technologies such as high-pressure processing, pulsed electric fields, ultrasound, and cold plasma are discussed as promising non-thermal alternatives, demonstrating 20–70% improvement in pigment retention compared to untreated controls. By integrating these diverse approaches, this article highlights current advancements, identifies knowledge gaps, and discusses future directions to support the development of stable, sustainable, and functional natural colourant systems for next-generation food products. Collectively, these approaches demonstrate significant potential to improve the performance and resilience of natural pigments in complex food systems. Full article

Chitosan is a natural polymer derived from chitin through the deacetylation process. It has emerged as a key ingredient in sustainable wastewater treatment, due to its biodegradability, non-toxicity, and low cost. This biopolymer possesses abundant functional groups, such as -NH₂ and -OH, that efficiently interact with pollutants. This review offers a comprehensive evaluation of pollutant separation techniques involving chitosan-based materials, including adsorption, membrane filtration, flocculation, and photocatalysis. It further examines the underlying adsorption mechanisms, emphasizing how pollutants interact with chitosan and its derivatives at the molecular level. Special focus is given to various modifications of chitosan, alongside a comparative assessment of different chitosan-based adsorbents (hydrogels, nanoparticles, nanocomposites, microspheres, nanofibers, etc.), highlighting their performance in removing heavy metals, dyes, and emerging organic pollutants. The reviewed performance of these polymeric materials from 2015–2025 not only gives an insight about the recent advancement but also points the need for the design of high-performing chitosan-based adsorbents with applications in real water matrices. Full article

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is currently defined as a progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease (ILD) associated with a histopathologic and radiologic pattern of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP). The relationship between IPF and particles is described, and a pathogenesis for the disease is proposed based on an association with these exposures. In clinical studies and epidemiological investigations, the majority of IPF diagnoses are associated with particle exposures. Cigarette smoking presents the greatest particle challenge in any society, and a relationship with IPF has repeatedly been demonstrated. Environmental exposures to particles other than cigarette smoking, including biomass fuel smoke and ambient air pollution, as well as numerous occupational particle exposures, have also been associated with IPF. The pathogenesis of the disease includes a complexation and sequestration of cell iron at the particle surface, which results in a functional cell deficiency of the requisite metal. In response to the insufficiency of metal in cells, there is the synthesis of biopolymers, including exopolysaccharides (e.g., hyaluronic acid), which accumulate in the extracellular matrix. These biopolymers complex iron and, following depolymerization, facilitate the delivery of the metal intracellularly via receptor-mediated uptake. This process reverses the functional iron deficiency introduced by the particle. Pulmonary fibrosis after particle exposure reflects a response to the modification of a functional intracellular iron deficiency in the lower respiratory tract. The temporal and spatial heterogeneity of IPF results from a dose–response with retained particles and reversibility of the fibrosis. Full article

Starch is one of the most abundant biopolymers in nature and is widely utilized across various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and packaging. Its attractiveness stems from its renewability, biodegradability, versatility, and abundance in nature. However, native starches have limitations, including poor solubility, thermal instability, retrogradation, and susceptibility to enzymatic degradation. Despite the broad range of applications of starch, challenges persist in optimizing its modifications, addressing cost constraints, and ensuring regulatory compliance in food and pharmaceutical applications. These shortcomings necessitate modifications to enhance their physicochemical and functional properties. Additionally, recent trends indicate a shift towards bioengineered starches with enhanced functional properties, utilizing artificial intelligence for process optimization, and expanded applications in advanced biomaterials to achieve sustainable development goals. Thus, this review delves into the diverse sources of starch, highlighting extraction techniques and comparing their characteristics. Additionally, the review examines various modification strategies and discusses their effects on starch structure, gelation, and industrial applications. Recent advancements in dual-modification approaches, nanotechnology integration, and eco-friendly modification techniques have been examined in the context of sustainable development. Moreover, this review highlights the role of modified starch in various pharmaceutical applications, including drug delivery systems and bioadhesives, as well as its importance in biodegradable plastics, food packaging, wastewater treatment, and bioethanol production. Full article