Search Results (920)

The residual malachite green (MG) in aquatic products poses a severe threat to human health, thus an urgent need exists for the establishment of a rapid and accurate analytical method. In this work, a high-performance film based on a nano-network structure was developed for the highly sensitive detection of MG. This film employed the nanonetwork structure as its sensing substrate, and the network structure with a high specific surface area enabled efficient enrichment of MG molecules. The silver nanoparticles uniformly modified on the surface could produce a remarkable localized surface plasmon resonance effect, thereby significantly enhancing the signals of MG molecules adsorbed on its surface. The results showed that the film exhibited a low limit of detection (LOD) of 8.8 pM for MG, with a linear range from 10 to 5000 pM. In the detection of aquatic products, this film successfully achieved the rapid and accurate determination of MG in aquatic products, showing an excellent potential for practical applications. The nanonetwork-structured film developed in this work provides a reliable and sensitive technical solution for the trace detection of MG in aquatic products. Full article

Fungal spores are the main active ingredients in fungal preparations. In this study, we evaluated vegetative spore (oidia) production of the Latvian isolate of Phlebiopsis gigantea PG 182 using liquid-surface (LSF) and solid-state (SSF) fermentation processes in the 450 mL and 700 mL jars, respectively. The effects of medium depth (0.5 or 0.7 cm), malt extract (ME) syrup concentration (25, 50, and 75 g/L) and duration time of cultivation (7, 14, 21 and 28 days) on oidia production and partly on mycelium biomass yield were evaluated in the LSF experiments. The highest spore yields (0.88 ± 0.22) × 10⁷ and (1.10 ± 0.31) × 10⁷ (95% CI) (oidia/g liquid medium) were achieved on day 28 in the LSF process using a medium depth of 0.5 cm and ME concentrations of 25 and 50 g/L, respectively. While in the SSF process, pine sawdust enrichment with wheat bran (0, 5, 10, 15, and 25%) and cultivation time (14, 21 and 28 days) were evaluated under conditions of 8 cm substrate depth. The most promising result was obtained on day 28 with 10% bran supplementation, reaching (24.73 ± 5.09) × 10⁷ (95% CI) (oidia/g solid medium), which is 1.45 and 3.17 times more than after 21 and 14 days of cultivation, respectively. Our findings indicate that SSF with a 10% wheat bran additive produces superior spore yields for P. gigantea isolate PG 182, exceeding benchmarks set by comparable research. Potential for further improvement remains by optimizing the wheat bran (WB)-to-substrate ratio and refining the thermal processing of the solid substrate. Full article

Municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash is classified as hazardous waste due to its enrichment of heavy metals and dioxins. This article systematically reviews its generation pathways, physicochemical characteristics, and potential environmental risks, based on the literature from 2010 to 2025 sourced from Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. Emphasis is placed on heavy metal stabilization, dioxin degradation and resource recovery from MSWI fly ash. The mechanisms, technical advantages, and application limitations of three mainstream detoxification, including solidification/stabilization, extraction and thermal treatment, were emphasized. For instance, geopolymer achieves >99.6% Pb immobilization and electrodialytic removal rates of Cd up to 98%, while vitrification reduces the MSWI fly ash volume by >50%. A comprehensive exploration of MSWI fly ash resource utilization was conducted, covering the preparation of ceramic tiles, synthesis of glass ceramic and glass ceramic foams, processing of road substrates, and modification of cement-based composite materials. The current technological system still faces challenges such as high costs, excessive energy consumption, and secondary pollution. Future research should focus on developing green, low-carbon, and low-cost processes, improving long-term environmental stability of products and strengthening pollution source reduction control. Full article

Kombucha, a traditionally fermented tea, has gained increasing scientific and commercial interest due to its sensory quality and bioactive metabolites profile associated with different health-related activities. Recent research highlights the value of enriching traditional and honey kombucha with plant-based biomolecules to create new functional beverages with enhanced functional and nutraceutical properties, improved flavor, and chemical stability. Therefore, this study aimed to review and update the research on the enrichment of kombucha with these natural biomolecules that have been shown to expand the spectrum of health-promoting activities (e.g., antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-aging), while also enhancing the physicochemical stability of raw kombucha. Yet this innovation must be navigated with a thoughtful understanding of safety, biochemical stability, and sensory evaluation. Thus, this review strongly advocates that the integrative enrichment approach presents a promising strategy for developing next-generation functional beverages with synergistic nutritional and therapeutic benefits. Further controlled studies are needed to elucidate the mechanistic interactions between the kombucha’s microbiome and these added bioactive substrates, as well as to optimize formulations for targeted health applications. Full article

The anammox technology, as an efficient and energy-saving denitrification method, has been widely used in the field of wastewater treatment. Nevertheless, this process faces two key challenges in actual operation, namely the fluctuation of nitrite substrate supply and the residual nitrate, which greatly limits its promotion and application in a wider range. Although the traditional combined process of partial denitrification/anammox (PD/A) can generate nitrite substances, the coexistence of heterotrophic microorganisms and organic carbon sources in the system may have a significant inhibitory effect on the proliferation of Anammox bacteria. The sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) involved in the sulfur autotrophic denitrification process (SAD) have overlapping ecological niches with Anammox microorganisms and have stable nitrite enrichment characteristics. In view of this, sulfur-oxidizing bacteria are regarded as a potential candidate for combining with the Anammox process. However, the denitrification efficiency of this process is often restricted by the low solubility and poor bioavailability of substrates. At the same time, there are significant research gaps and data deficiencies regarding the key operating parameters for autotrophic short-range denitrification using elemental sulfur to achieve nitrite accumulation and the coupling application of this process with other wastewater treatment technologies. In view of this, this study is committed to comprehensively sorting out and evaluating the existing optimization methods of the elemental sulfur autotrophic denitrification process, while providing an in-depth analysis of its mechanism of action and environmental control factors. At the same time, this study also carried out innovative exploration on the modification process of the sulfur element from the frontier perspective of materials science and pointed out the key directions for subsequent optimization of the construction path of the elemental sulfur autotrophic denitrification system and for improving the denitrification process efficiency. In summary, this study systematically discusses the mechanism of action, practical application, and improvement scheme of PS⁰AD. Full article

Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is a highly cross-pollinated crop that exhibits considerable genetic variability when propagated through seeds, resulting in non-true-to-type progeny. Therefore, the development of an efficient in vitro regeneration system is essential for large-scale clonal propagation of elite cultivars. In the present study, a highly efficient and reproducible somatic embryogenesis protocol was developed for C. papaya var. TNAU Papaya CO 8 using immature zygotic embryos as explants. This study provides the first comprehensive comparative evaluation of three basal media, viz., Murashige and Skoog Medium, N6 Medium, and Woody Plant Medium, for somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in this variety, along with the optimization of polyamine-enriched media for enhanced plantlet recovery. The embryogenic potential of explants was assessed across different stages, including callus induction, somatic embryo development, plant regeneration, shoot elongation, rooting, and acclimatization. Maximum callus induction (81.96%) was observed on half-strength MS medium supplemented with 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid under dark conditions, followed by ½ N6 (63.00%) and ½ WPM (58.02%). Somatic embryo initiation was highest on ½ MS medium containing 2.0 mgL⁻¹ 2,4-D (77.82%). Somatic embryos developed through distinct globular, heart, torpedo, and cotyledonary stages. Embryo maturation was significantly enhanced on MS medium supplemented with abscisic acid, polyethylene glycol, benzylaminopurine, and proline. The highest plantlet regeneration (85.02%) was achieved on MS medium enriched with putrescine, whereas comparatively lower regeneration was recorded on N6 (75.99%) and WPM (57.97%). Shoot elongation was significantly improved by supplementation with gibberellic acid (1.0 mgL⁻¹). Root induction was optimal on half-strength MS medium containing Indole-3-butyric acid, 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid, phloroglucinol, and activated charcoal, resulting in well-developed roots. Regenerated plantlets were successfully acclimatized in a cocopeat–vermicompost substrate with a survival rate of 74.01%. The optimized protocol provides a reliable and efficient system for large-scale clonal propagation and offers promising applications in genetic transformation and commercial production of papaya var. TNAU papaya CO 8. Full article

Sustainable agricultural techniques can ensure food security around the world. Hydrogel based soilless culture is an ecological and efficient alternative compared to conventional agriculture. Here, a multi-component hydrogel (pectin, Kelcogel, and chitosan/Se hydrogel, PKCH) was prepared by synthesizing natural biomolecules to cultivate dandelion for stimulate dandelion growth and improve nutritional value. The germination percentage of dandelion on PKCH (88.89%), was significantly higher than that in traditional hydroponics and pure Kelcogel (p < 0.05). Compared with hydroponics, the long-term dandelion cultivation experiments demonstrated that the PKCH cultivation mode enhanced root vitality, further increasing the growth and yield of dandelions (shoot length: 18.36 ± 0.30 cm, root length: 9.28 ± 0.21 cm, main root diameter: 0.94 ± 0.02 cm). The hydrogel substrate was associated with improved nutrient solubilization and sustained release, which may be linked to the accumulation of low-molecular-weight organic acids in the rhizosphere. Exogenous Se was effectively assimilated and transported to the above-ground parts of dandelion, which stimulated the photosynthetic efficiency and nutritional accumulation of dandelion. The polysaccharide content of dandelion reached 69.40 ± 0.13% (expressed as glucose-equivalent total sugars), which demonstrated the potential antioxidant properties and medicinal value. Technical economic analysis revealed the cost-effectiveness of PKCH synthesis and application. This study enriches the application of hydrogels in dandelion cultivation and provides an alternative approach for cultivating dandelion in soilless environments and medicinal crop production techniques. Full article

This study elucidates the regulatory mechanisms of girdling on leaf senescence and fruit quality in ‘Jinyan’ kiwifruit, providing a theoretical basis for high-yield and high-quality cultivation. Ten-year-old vines were subjected to single (5 mm, 9 mm) and double (5 mm, 9 mm) girdling treatments at two distinct stages: peak flowering stage (Group A) and 10 days post-anthesis (Group B). Physiological markers, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant enzyme activities, were monitored at 10, 35, and 70 days post-treatment and integrated with fruit quality metrics using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Physiologically, girdling induced a transient oxidative burst, characterized by increased ROS accumulation proportional to girdling intensity. This triggered a robust antioxidant defense response, where superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) activities peaked at 35 days, effectively mitigating oxidative damage (MDA) during the healing phase. Concurrently, metabolic substrates (soluble protein, starch, and sugar) were significantly enriched in leaves. Agronomically, all treatments enhanced fruit yield, single-fruit weight, and soluble solids content (SSC). Notably, double girdling treatments specifically promoted fruit elongation and dry matter accumulation. Comprehensive evaluation identified distinct optimal strategies: while moderate single girdling (A2) was superior during flowering, double girdling (B3, B4) proved most effective post-anthesis. Ultimately, double girdling performed 10 days post-anthesis emerged as the optimal regimen, effectively balancing source-sink relationships to maximize both physiological function and fruit quality. Full article

CO₂ cycloaddition with epoxides offers a sustainable route for CO₂ utilization, yet the simultaneous activation of both substrates remains challenging. Herein, using UiO-66(Zr)-NH₂ (denoted as UZN) as a model system, we illustrate that dual-active sites consisting of unsaturated Zr⁴⁺ centers and amine groups can efficiently accelerate CO₂ fixation with epoxides under visible light. The unique ensemble in UZN optimizes light harvesting, promotes charge carrier separation, and enriches bifunctional active sites for efficient adsorption and activation of epoxides and CO₂. Consequently, UZN exhibits significantly improved CO₂-epoxide cycloaddition performance compared to UiO-66(Zr)-H (denoted as UZH), achieving a PC yield of 99.5%, with a production rate of 9.97 mmol·g⁻¹·h⁻¹. This work establishes a clear coordination–photocatalytic synergy in MOF-based systems and provides fundamental insights and a generalizable strategy for designing advanced catalysts for CO₂ transformation. Full article

Bioretention systems are increasingly implemented as green infrastructure for urban stormwater management. However, their long-term performance is jeopardized by the continuous accumulation of potentially toxic metals in substrates and vegetation, posing significant risks to ecosystem health and human safety. Despite their growing application, the mechanisms driving metal dynamics and plant responses within these systems remain poorly understood. This study conducts a comprehensive multi-factor investigation into the accumulation, mobility, and biological impacts of four representative potentially toxic metals (Cd, Cu, Zn, and Pb) in bioretention soils and vegetation. Through controlled mesocosm experiments, we quantified metal concentrations in soils and three plant species, analyzed alterations in the physical and chemical properties of soil, and assessed plant physiological stress responses. Metal concentrations were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and statistical analyses were conducted using one-way ANOVA (p < 0.05). Cadmium exhibited the highest enrichment, with plant uptake increasing by 330.0% to 563.2%, especially in Iris tectorum Maxim., which demonstrated superior phytoaccumulation potential. Conversely, Ophiopogon japonicus Ker Gawl. showed remarkable tolerance to metal-induced stress, maintaining stable levels of chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, peroxidase activity, and soluble sugar concentration. Notably, the incorporation of humic substances significantly enhanced metal immobilization in soil, while simultaneously reducing plant uptake and physiological stress, revealing a promising strategy for toxicity mitigation. By integrating the effects of plant species, substrate composition, and influent concentration, this study provides novel insights into the complex interactions governing pollutant fate in bioretention systems. The findings offer critical guidance for optimizing bioretention design and management to ensure sustained pollutant removal efficiency and ecological resilience in urban stormwater treatment. Full article

Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) represent a sustainable protein source for animal feed, efficiently converting organic waste into high-value biomass. This study aimed to valorize agricultural by-products (apple, potato, and red beetroot peels) as rearing substrates to obtain larvae enriched with bioactive phenolic compounds, while evaluating their nutritional, functional, and safety characteristics. Larvae were reared on diets with varying inclusion levels of each peel’s by-products. Proximate analysis showed that the substrate type and inclusion level significantly (p < 0.05) influenced larval composition, with consistently high protein and variable ash and fat contents. Colorimetric measurements indicated that phenolic-rich diets, particularly apple by-products, promoted cuticle darkening, reflecting the impact of dietary phenols on pigmentation. Functional properties were also modulated by the substrates: 2% potato peel yielded the highest phenolic content, while 20% apple peel produced the highest flavonoid concentration, both enhancing antioxidant capacity across CUPRAC-Cupric Ion Reducing Antioxidant Capacity, ABTS-2,2′-azino-bis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid, and DPPH-1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assays. Rheological analysis confirmed desirable non-Newtonian, shear-thinning behavior, suggesting improved technological quality. Mycotoxin testing revealed low Aflatoxin B1 but variable Zearalenone levels, highlighting the influence of substrate composition on toxin metabolism. Overall, agricultural by-products can produce enriched BSFL with enhanced nutritional and antioxidant properties, as long as the substrate choice and inclusion levels are carefully optimized for safety. Full article

CD38 is a multifunctional enzyme that plays a pivotal role in NAD⁺ metabolism and calcium signaling, and its abnormal activity is closely associated with multiple myeloma, age-related metabolic decline, neurodegenerative diseases, and other disorders. Although monoclonal antibodies such as daratumumab have been approved for clinical application, their inherent limitations necessitate the development of novel small-molecule CD38 inhibitors. In this study, we employed DNA-encoded library (DEL) technology for the high-throughput screening of CD38 inhibitors, using a DEL library containing more than 100,000 unique compounds to screen against recombinant human CD38. A total of 1043 enriched compounds were initially identified, and after rigorous validation and screening to exclude non-specific binding and previously reported active compounds, eight hit compounds with diverse chemical scaffolds were obtained, among which Fenbendazole—a clinically approved antiparasitic drug—was included. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assays confirmed the direct binding of these hit compounds to CD38, with dissociation constants (KD) ranging from 7.74 × 10⁻⁵ M to 2.15 × 10⁻⁴ M. Fluorescence-based enzymatic activity assays demonstrated that these compounds exert dose-dependent inhibitory effects on both the hydrolase (with ε-NAD as substrate) and cyclase (with NGD as substrate) activities of CD38. Further structure–activity relationship (SAR) analysis of Fenbendazole analogues revealed the critical structural features that regulate CD38 inhibitory potency, and Flubendazole was found to exhibit excellent inhibitory activity, with an IC₅₀ of 14.78 ± 4.21 μM against CD38 hydrolase and 26.31 ± 3.40 μM against cyclase. Molecular docking and 100 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations further elucidated the molecular mechanism of CD38 inhibition by lead compounds, confirming that van der Waals interactions are the main driving force for the binding of small-molecule ligands to CD38, with conserved aromatic residues in the active site mediating ligand recognition. This study validates DEL technology as an efficient and reliable platform for the discovery of CD38 inhibitors, and the identified lead compounds—especially Fenbendazole and its analog Flubendazole—provide valuable molecular scaffolds for the further structural optimization of CD38 inhibitors. These findings lay a solid foundation for the development of novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of CD38-associated diseases. Full article

Deciphering the coupling mechanisms between post-harvest precursor shaping and roasting thermochemistry is pivotal for precise coffee flavor modulation. This study aimed to investigate the regulation mechanisms of in vitro biomimetic fermentation (BF) on the precursor-roasting reaction network. Integrated multi-omics characterization and sensory evaluation reveal that the BF protocol achieves targeted substrate enrichment, notably amplifying free amino acids—particularly leucine and phenylalanine—by 1.89-fold while accumulating lactate and succinate buffering salt systems. This reconfiguration constructs a matrix with superior thermal buffering capacity (ΔpH 0.17), which optimizes the thermal reaction kinetic window during roasting. Consequently, BF drives a 3.08-fold surge in esterification flux, significantly increasing the abundance of key fruity markers such as ethyl acetate and ethyl isovalerate. It also enhances the diversity of Maillard products, specifically elevating nutty-associated alkylpyrazines (e.g., 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine). Concurrently, BF improves the thermal stability of bioactive compounds, including 5-caffeoylquinic acid (5-CQA) and trigonelline. Multi-scale molecular dynamics and quantum chemical calculations elucidate that BF-derived organic acid–salt complexes exert a ‘pseudo-catalytic effect,’ lowering activation free energy barriers for critical aroma-generating reactions by approximately 8.5 kcal/mol. This study demonstrates high sensory predictability (predictive model R² = 0.98) and provides a quantitative theoretical framework to advance coffee processing from empirical observation to rational flavor design. Full article

The present study investigates the potential of olive mill wastewater (OMW), supplemented with expired commercial glucose syrup, as a sustainable substrate for the submerged cultivation of Tuber spp. wild mushrooms. OMW contains considerable quantities of phenolic compounds, making it both a challenging pollutant and a promising nutrient source. To assess fungal performance under increasing phenolic stress, culture media were prepared with varying OMW concentrations (0–75% v/v on agar; 0–50% v/v in liquid media), while glucose was adjusted to ~30 g/L using expired glucose syrup. A sequential experimental approach was followed, beginning with Petri dish screenings on substrate/strain selection (measuring the mycelial growth rate; Kr, mm/day), progressing to 25-day shake flask fermentations and subsequently scaling up the most promising strain (Tuber mesentericum) in a controlled stirred-tank bioreactor. Throughout cultivation, substrate consumption (glucose, phenolics), pH evolution and decolorization were evaluated, while the resulting biomass was analyzed for polysaccharides, β-glucans, proteins, lipids, fatty acids, antioxidants, phenolic acids and triterpenoids content. Results showed that increasing OMW concentration enhanced tolerance and metabolic activity in selected Tuber species, with T. mesentericum exhibiting the highest resilience and achieving comparable or higher biomass yields in OMW-based media than in glucose (control). Phenolic removal exceeded 60% in flasks and 50% in the bioreactor, confirming simultaneous bioremediation capacity. Bioreactor cultivation demonstrated efficient substrate utilization and biomass production, while OMW-grown biomass presented high lipid content, enriched with unsaturated fatty acids, high β-glucan levels and increased antioxidant and phenolic profiles. Overall, this study demonstrates that OMW (supplemented with expired glucose syrup) can serve as a cost-effective and environmentally beneficial substrate for Tuber biomass production with dietary and antioxidant properties, offering an alternative source to mushroom carposomes, as well as supporting the circular bioeconomy strategies within olive oil processing industries. Full article

(WMoTaNb)SiN refractory high-entropy nitride films were deposited via magnetron cosputtering, and the Si content was systematically regulated by varying the Si target power to investigate its influence on the microstructure, mechanical properties, oxidation resistance, and oxyhydrogen-flame ablation behavior. All the films exhibited dense columnar architectures with a distinct FCC + BCC dual-phase structure, whereas increasing the Si target power led to a gradual increase in the deposition rate and Si incorporation. The mechanical properties displayed a non-monotonic relationship with the Si target power, with film applied at an intermediate level of Si target power showing the highest hardness, approximately 28.5 GPa, and improved elastic recovery. Tribological evaluations using a GCr15 steel ball revealed that this film exhibited the lowest wear rate of 4.1 × 10⁻⁶ mm³·N⁻¹·m⁻¹ and a narrower wear track, which was attributed to reduced plastic deformation and the development of an oxygen-enriched tribofilm during sliding. High-temperature oxidation at 1000 °C in air revealed that Si incorporation significantly modified oxide-scale evolution by refining the oxidation products and altering the scale architecture, while the protection of the scale was governed by its continuity and compactness rather than its thickness alone. Oxyhydrogen-flame ablation tests revealed that the degradation behavior was primarily driven by the competition between oxidation-induced mass increase and ablation-induced material loss, with localized film disruption and substrate exposure playing a decisive role. In summary, the findings illustrate that an optimal Si target power establishes a favorable equilibrium between mechanical strength, tribological efficiency, oxidation resistance, and ablation performance, underscoring the potential of (WMoTaNb)SiN films for protective applications in complex mechanical and extreme thermal environments. Full article