Search Results (3,293)

This study evaluates biogas production through the anaerobic digestion of food waste (FW), cow dung (CD), and green waste (GW), with the primary objective of determining the efficacy of co-digesting these organic wastes commonly generated by households and small farms in Central Queensland, Australia. The investigation focuses on both experimental and technoeconomic aspects to support the development of accessible and sustainable energy solutions. A batch anaerobic digestion process was employed using a 1 L jacketed glass digester, simulating small-scale conditions, while technoeconomic feasibility was projected onto a 500 L digester operated without temperature control, reflecting realistic constraints for decentralized rural or residential systems. Three feedstock mixtures (100% FW, 50:50 FW:CD, and 50:25:25 FW:CD:GW) were tested to determine their impact on biogas yield and methane concentration. Experiments were conducted over 14 days, during which biogas production and methane content were monitored. The results showed that FW alone produced the highest biogas volume, but with a low methane concentration of 25%. Co-digestion with CD and GW enhanced methane quality, achieving a methane yield of 48% while stabilizing the digestion process. A technoeconomic analysis was conducted based on the experimental results to estimate the viability of a 500 L biodigester for small-scale use. The evaluation considered costs, benefits, and financial metrics, including Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and Dynamic Payback Period (DPP). The biodigester demonstrated strong economic potential, with an NPV of AUD 2834, an IRR of 13.5%, and a payback period of 3.2 years. This study highlights the significance of optimizing feedstock composition and integrating economic assessments with experimental findings to support the adoption of biogas systems as a sustainable energy solution for small-scale, off-grid, or rural applications. Full article

The anaerobic co-digestion of agricultural residues emerges as a promising strategy for energy recovery and nutrient recycling within circular agricultural systems. This study aimed to optimize co-digestion parameters for vinegar residue (VR) and cattle manure (CM) using an orthogonal experimental design. Three key variables were investigated which are the co-substrate ratio (VR to CM), feedstock-to-inoculum (F/I) ratio, and total solids (TS) content. Nine experimental combinations were tested to evaluate methane yield, feedstock degradation, and digestate characteristics. Results showed that the optimal condition for methane yield comprised a 2:3 co-substrate ratio, 1:2 F/I ratio, and 20% TS, achieving the highest methane yield of 267.84 mL/g volatile solids (VS) and a vs. degradation rate of 58.65%. Digestate analysis indicated this condition generated the most nutrient-rich liquid digestate and solid digestate, featuring elevated N, P, and K concentrations, acceptable seed germination indices (GI), and moderate humification levels. While total nutrient content did not meet commercial organic fertilizer standards, the digestate is suitable for direct land application in rural settings. This study underscores the need to balance energy recovery and fertilizer quality in anaerobic co-digestion systems, providing practical guidance for decentralized biogas plants seeking to integrate waste treatment with agricultural productivity. Full article

The tomato leafminer (Tuta absoluta) is a globally invasive pest that causes severe yield losses in tomato crops. Nanotechnology-based strategies offer promising alternatives to conventional insecticides. This study examines the physiological, biochemical, and demographic responses of T. absoluta following exposure to mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) applied to tomato leaves at concentrations of 0, 3, 30, and 300 mg L⁻¹. Comprehensive assessments were conducted, including digestive and detoxifying enzyme activities in the insect, neurotoxicity indicators, life table parameters, and antioxidant responses in the host plant. At 30 mg L⁻¹, MSNs significantly impaired larval development, fecundity, and survival of T. absoluta without inducing phytotoxicity. Tomato plants treated at this concentration exhibited enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD, CAT, POD) and a reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content, indicating an active oxidative defense. These plant responses were significantly correlated with changes in insect fitness traits, suggesting a plant-mediated effect on pest physiology. Digestive enzyme disruption, decreased acetylcholinesterase activity, and extended developmental periods contributed to suppressed population growth, as evidenced by reductions in the intrinsic rate of increase (r), net reproductive rate (R₀), and fecundity. At 300 mg L⁻¹, however, severe phytotoxicity and enzymatic collapse were observed in both plant and insect systems. These findings highlight moderate concentration of MSNs (30 mg L⁻¹) as a promising dose for sustainable and host-safe pest management, offering multi-targeted suppression of T. absoluta through combined plant and insect biochemical pathways. Full article

Given the increasing volume of selectively collected bio-waste and the requirement to increase waste treatment system energy efficiency, dry anaerobic digestion (DAD) represents a more sustainable choice for the treatment of municipal organic fraction instead of conventional technologies. The current paper provides an overview of the existing knowledge on DAD of green waste or kitchen waste collected selectively. Key substrates characteristics (chemical composition, methane potential), novel reactor design and process conditions relevant to effective digestion at elevated dry matter content are considered. Of special interest is the process intensification techniques, impact of contamination and co-fermentation opportunity with other biodegradable wastes. This article also discusses energy and economic performance of DAD plants and puts their environmental burden in perspective versus other bio-waste treatment processes. The current legislation and DAD’s role in the circular economy are also considered. Selectively collected biowaste has significant energy potential and dry anaerobic digestion is an effective technology, especially in areas with limited water availability, offering both waste volume reduction and minimized energy losses. The aim of this work is to introduce the potential of this technology as a sustainable option within the context of renewable energy and modern waste management. 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

Modulating enzymatic activity through physical strategies is increasingly recognized as a powerful approach to optimizing biocatalytic processes in food and biotechnology applications. Cellobiose 2-epimerase (C2E), a key enzyme for synthesizing epilactose, a non-digestible disaccharide with established prebiotic effects, is gaining relevance in functional foods. Emerging strategies, such as the application of moderate electric fields (MEFs), have attracted attention due to their non-thermal, non-invasive nature and their capacity to influence the structural and functional properties of proteins. This review assesses the potential of MEFs to modulate C2E activity and provides an overview of the physicochemical principles governing MEF–protein interactions and summarizes findings from various enzymatic systems, highlighting changes in activity, stability, and substrate affinity under electric field conditions. Particular attention is given to the mechanistic plausibility and processing implications of applying MEFs to C2E-catalyzed reactions. The integration of biochemical, structural, and engineering perspectives suggests that MEF-assisted modulation could overcome current bottlenecks in epilactose production. This approach may enable the sustainable valorization of lactose-rich byproducts and support the development of non-thermal, clean-label technologies for producing functional ingredients. Full article

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multisystemic disorder caused by CFTR gene mutations, leading to impaired protein function and affecting pulmonary, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, skeletal, and nutritional health. The advent of CFTR modulators—especially the triple therapy elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI)—has revolutionized clinical management, offering genotype-specific benefits beyond pulmonary outcomes. Pediatric gastroenterologists must now recognize and address emerging gastrointestinal and nutritional challenges introduced by modulator therapy. Methods: A narrative review was conducted to assess the impact of CFTR modulators on gastrointestinal function, nutritional status, bone health, and hepatobiliary involvement in pediatric patients. A structured literature search was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus databases. Filters included articles in English or Spanish. Following full-text review based on relevance and quality, 68 articles were selected for inclusion in this review. Results: CFTR modulators have demonstrated potential improvements in gastrointestinal function, nutrient absorption, weight gain, and bone mineral density. In pediatric populations, ETI therapy has been associated with early increases in lean mass, enhanced vitamin levels, and promising trends in bone microarchitecture. However, variable outcomes regarding liver function and bone mineral density highlight the need for careful monitoring. Conclusions: While CFTR modulators present novel opportunities for systemic improvement in CF, their long-term impact on digestive and skeletal health in children remains under investigation. Pediatric gastroenterologists play a pivotal role in monitoring nutritional and hepatobiliary outcomes, optimizing treatment plans, and guiding personalized care strategies in the era of CFTR modulation. Full article

Research on the effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids on children’s sleep has made significant advancements. This study explores the unique pathways through which polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid from the n-3 series, influence sleep regulation in children. Neurobiologically, docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid have been shown to bi-directionally modulate neurotransmitters and circadian rhythms via the gut–brain axis, reshaping gut microbiota and affecting brain signaling. In terms of inflammation and immune regulation, this study is the first to confirm that Maresin1, produced from n-3 fatty acids, can inhibit the activation of specific inflammasomes, thereby mitigating the disruptive effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines on sleep. The analysis of clinical applications indicates that newly developed medium- and long-chain triglyceride formulations rich in docosahexaenoic acid exhibit excellent digestive absorption in infants’ gastrointestinal systems, paving the way for new products designed to enhance infant sleep. However, current research has limitations concerning the precise dosing of docosahexaenoic acid, the representativeness of samples, and the overall rigor of study designs. Mechanistically, polyunsaturated fatty acids may exert their effects through various pathways, including neurobiology, inflammation, immune regulation, and endocrine modulation. In clinical studies, different formulations of fish oil show varying safety profiles and bioavailability. Future research should prioritize high-quality studies to clarify how different doses of polyunsaturated fatty acids affect children’s sleep, assess long-term safety, and investigate interactions with other factors, ultimately providing solid theoretical and practical guidance for improving children’s sleep. Full article

Bioactive peptides encrypted in bovine β-casein display diverse physiological functions, including antihypertensive, antioxidative, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory activities. These peptides are normally released during gastrointestinal digestion or microbial fermentation, especially by proteolytic systems of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). However, peptide yields vary widely among LAB strains, reflecting strain-specific protease repertoires. To overcome these limitations, the scientific goal of this study is to provide a comprehensive synthesis of how synthetic biology, molecular biotechnology, and systems-level approaches can be leveraged to enhance the targeted discovery and production of β-casein-derived bioactive peptides. Genome engineering tools such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats associated system (CRISPR/Cas) systems have been applied to modulate gene expression and metabolic flux in LAB, while inducible expression platforms allow on-demand peptide production. Additionally, cell-free systems based on LAB lysates further provide rapid prototyping for high-throughput screening. Finally, multi-omics approaches, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, further help pinpoint regulatory bottlenecks and facilitate rational strain optimization. This review provides a comprehensive overview of bioactive peptides derived from bovine β-casein and highlights recent progress in LAB-based strategies—both natural and engineered—for their efficient release. These advances pave the way for developing next-generation functional fermented foods enriched with targeted bioactivities. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the effect of high-amylose corn starch (HACS) addition on the physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility of an ultrasound-treated waxy rice flour (UWRF)–HACS blend system. As the proportion of HACS increased, the amylose content in the blends significantly increased (p < 0.05), while their water solubility index (WSI) and swelling power (SP) significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Additionally, the average particle size of the blends increased, and the surface of starch granules became smoother. Compared to UWRF, the blends did not generate new functional groups, but increased the starch’s relative crystallinity and short-range ordered structure. Rheological results indicated that the HACS-UWRF blends were mainly elastic and exhibited a typical weak gel system. In vitro digestibility results showed that the addition of HACS significantly increased the resistant starch (RS) content in the rice cakes (p < 0.05), while substantially reducing the hydrolysis index (HI) and estimated glycemic index (eGI) (p < 0.05). This study revealed the processing characteristics and gelatinization behavior changes in the HACS-UWRF blends. It provides a theoretical basis for the development of specialized flour for slow-glycemic rice cakes. Full article

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are critical infrastructure that lessen the environmental impacts of human activity by stabilizing wastewaters laden with organics, chemicals, and nutrients. WWTPs face an increasing global population, greater wastewater volumes, stricter environmental regulations, and additional societal pressures to implement more sustainable and energy-efficient waste management strategies. WWTPs are energy-intensive facilities that generate significant GHG emissions and involve high operational costs. Therefore, improving the process efficiency can lead to widespread environmental and economic benefits. One promising approach is to integrate anaerobic digestion (AD) with hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) to enhance sludge treatment, optimize energy recovery, create valuable bio-based materials, and minimize sludge disposal. This study employs an LCA to evaluate the environmental impact of coupling HTC with AD compared to conventional AD treatment. HTC degrades wastewater sludge in an aqueous medium, producing carbon-dense hydrochar while reducing sludge volumes. HTC also generates an aqueous byproduct containing >30% of the original carbon as simple organics. In this system model, the aqueous byproduct is returned to AD to generate additional biogas, which then provides heat and power for the WWTP and HTC process. The results indicate that the integrated AD + HTC system significantly reduces environmental emissions and sludge volumes, increases net energy recovery, and improves wastewater sludge valorization compared to conventional AD. This research highlights the potential of AD + HTC as a key circular bioeconomy strategy, offering an innovative and efficient solution for advancing the sustainability of WWTPs. Full article

Butyric acid is one of the main volatile fatty acids (VFAs) in Maotai-flavor liquor wastewater (MFLW), and its degradation process exhibits a positive Gibbs free energy, making it prone to accumulation during high-load anaerobic digestion (AD), which can lead to system instability or even failure. In this study, hydrochar (HTC) was prepared from rice husk obtained from distiller’s grains, and butyrate-degrading microbiomes were selectively enriched under acidic conditions with butyric acid as the sole carbon source. Through co-incubation, the butyrate-degrading microbiomes were successfully pre-coupled with HTC, forming a “hydrochar–microbe” composite, which was then applied to the AD of MFLW. The experimental results demonstrated that this composite enhanced system performance. The hydrochar–butyrate pre-coupling group (HBA-C) showed a 15.48% increase in methane yield compared to the control group (CK), with a soluble chemical oxygen demand (sCOD) removal rate of 75.02%, effectively mitigating VFA accumulation. Microbial community analysis indicated higher bacterial and archaeal diversity indices in the HBA-C group. qPCR results showed that the bacterial and archaeal copy numbers in the HBA-C group were 22.06-times and 13.80-times higher than those in the CK group, respectively. Moreover, the relative abundance of the genes for the key enzymes methylmalonyl-CoA carboxyltransferase (EC: 2.1.3.1) and succinate dehydrogenase (EC: 1.3.5.1) was significantly increased, indicating that the “hydrochar–microbe” coupling enhanced carbon flow distribution efficiency and energy metabolism by optimizing metabolic pathways. This study provides an innovative strategy for MFLW treatment and offers practical value for anaerobic digestion optimization and high-strength wastewater management. Full article

Mollusks are among the most ecologically and economically significant invertebrates; yet, their associated microbiomes remain understudied relative to those of other metazoans. This scoping review synthesizes the current literature on the diversity, composition, functional roles, and ecological implications of molluscan microbiomes, with an emphasis on three major groups: gastropods, bivalves, and cephalopods. Drawing on studies from terrestrial, freshwater, and marine systems, we identified the dominant bacterial phyla, including Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes, and explored how microbiota vary across different habitats, diets, tissue types, and host taxonomies. We examined the contribution of molluscan microbiomes to host functions, including digestion, immune modulation, stress responses, and nutrient cycling. Particular attention was given to the role of microbiota in shell formation, pollutant degradation, and adaptation to environmental stressors. The review also evaluated microbial interactions at different developmental stages and under aquaculture conditions. Factors influencing microbiome assembly, such as the host’s genetics, life history traits, and environmental exposure, were mapped using conceptual and graphical tools. Applications of molluscan microbiome research in aquaculture, conservation biology, and environmental biomonitoring are highlighted. However, inconsistencies in the sampling methods, taxonomic focus, and functional annotations limit the generalizability across taxa. We identify key knowledge gaps and propose future directions, including the use of meta-omics, standardized protocols, and experimental validation to deepen insights. By synthesizing emerging findings, this review contributes to a growing framework for understanding mollusk–microbiome interactions and their relevance to host fitness and ecosystem health. It further establishes the importance of mollusks as model systems for advancing microbiome science. Full article

The global increase in municipal and industrial wastewater generation has intensified the need for ecologically resilient and technologically advanced treatment systems. Although traditional biological treatment technologies are effective for organic load reduction, they often fail to remove recalcitrant xenobiotics such as pharmaceuticals, synthetic dyes, endocrine disruptors (EDCs), and microplastics (MPs). Engineered microbial consortia offer a promising and sustainable alternative owing to their metabolic flexibility, ecological resilience, and capacity for syntrophic degradation of complex pollutants. This review critically examines emerging strategies for enhancing microbial bioremediation in wastewater treatment systems (WWTS), focusing on co-digestion, biofilm engineering, targeted bioaugmentation, and incorporation of conductive materials to stimulate direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET). This review highlights how multi-omics platforms, including metagenomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics, enable high-resolution community profiling and pathway reconstructions. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms into bioprocess diagnostics facilitates real-time system optimization, predictive modeling of antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) dynamics, and intelligent bioreactor control. Persistent challenges, such as microbial instability, ARG dissemination, reactor fouling, and the absence of region-specific microbial reference databases, are critically analyzed. This review concludes with a translational pathway for the development of next-generation WWTS that integrate synthetic microbial consortia, AI-mediated biosensors, and modular bioreactors within the One Health and Circular Economy framework. Full article

Utilizing paste feed within a recirculating aquaculture system for eel cultivation may lead to various challenges, such as water quality degradation and, hence, transitioning to floating pellet type feed becomes essential. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of different feed types (paste and floating extruded pellet) and rearing systems (recirculating aquaculture and flow through system) on water quality, growth, blood chemistry, body composition, and expression levels of digestive enzymes in Japanese eels (Anguilla japonica). Throughout the experiment, notable variations were observed in total ammonia nitrogen and nitrite nitrogen levels, with higher concentrations in the recirculating aquaculture system (1.00 ± 0.64 and 0.757 ± 0.464 mg/L, respectively) than paste groups (0.859 ± 0.651 and 0.485 ± 0.502 mg/L, respectively). Significant differences were observed in weight gain and specific growth rates, with the pellet group (154 ± 10% and 1.50 ± 0.06%/day, respectively) exhibiting higher values than the paste group (135 ± 13% and 1.37 ± 0.09%/day, respectively). Blood parameters showed significant differences depending on the culture system, with generally higher values observed in the flow-through system, while no significant differences were observed between feed types. Whole-body composition exhibited variations attributed to feed intake, with notable differences in crude protein and crude fat content among the experimental groups. The expression levels of digestive enzymes and nutrient transporters were higher when the eels were fed pellet-type feed and reared in recirculating aquaculture system. The study findings indicate that pellet feed enhances water quality management in RAS, leading to improved eel growth. Given its lower environmental stress, pellet feed is preferable to paste feed for optimizing eel production in RAS. Full article