Agro-industrial wastes and their application perspectives in metal decontamination using biocomposites and bacterial biomass: a review.

Contamination of water bodies is a significant global issue that results from the deliberate release of pollutants into the environment, especially from mining and metal processing industries. The main pollutants generated by these industries are metallic wastes, particularly metals, which can cause adverse effects on the environment and human health. Therefore, it is crucial to develop effective and sustainable approaches to prevent their discharge into the environment.

Optimized Chemical Bath Deposition for Low Cost, Scalable, and Environmentally Sustainable Synthesis of Star-Like ZnO Nanostructures.

This paper highlights an affordable and straightforward method called chemical bath deposition (CBD) for generating different morphologies of ZnO-based nanostructures. In particular, a specific protocol was found to drive the growth versus a high-yield in-plane symmetric six-arm nanostructure, named a nanostar (NS). Each arm of the star consists of a cluster of parallel wires, creating a subnanostructure with a huge surface-to-volume ratio.

Thermo-Responsive Hydrogel Containing Microfluidic Chitosan Nanoparticles Loaded with Extract for Periodontitis Treatment.

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease resulting from the dysbiosis of periodontal bacteria and the host's immune response, leading to tissue degradation and sustained inflammation. Traditional treatments, such as mechanical debridement and antimicrobial agents, often fail to fully eradicate pathogenic bacteria, especially in deep periodontal pockets. Consequently, the need for novel therapeutic approaches has increased the interest in bioactive natural extracts, such as that of , known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.

Biomimetic synthesis of nanoparticles: A comprehensive review on green synthesis of nanoparticles with a focus on Prosopis farcta plant extracts and biomedical applications.

The synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) using environmentally friendly methods has garnered significant attention in response to concerns about the environmental impact of various nanomaterial manufacturing techniques. To address this issue, natural resources like extracts from plants, fungi, and bacteria are employed as a green alternative for nanoparticle synthesis. Plant extracts, which contain active components such as terpenoids, alkaloids, phenols, tannins, and vitamins, operate as coating and reducing agents.

Photoaging of polystyrene-based microplastics amplifies inflammatory response in macrophages.

The continuous release of municipal and industrial products into the environment poses a growing concern for public health. Among environmental pollutants, polystyrene (PS) stands out as a primary constituent of environmental plastic waste, given its widespread use and high production rates owing to its durability and user-friendly properties. The detection of polystyrene microparticles (PS-MPs) in various living organisms has been well-documented, posing a serious threat due to their potential passage into the human ecosystem.

A Second Wind for Inorganic APIs: Leishmanicidal and Antileukemic Activity of Hydrated Bismuth Oxide Nanoparticles.

American cutaneous leishmaniasis is a disease caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania. Currently, meglumine antimoniate is the first-choice treatment for the disease. The limited efficacy and high toxicity of the drug results in the necessity to search for new active principles.

Antimicrobial starch-based cryogels and hydrogels for dual-active food packaging applications.

The present study reports on the valorisation of starch waste biomass to produce dual-active cryogels and hydrogels able to adsorb water and deliver antimicrobial substances for fresh food packaging applications. Starch hydrogels were prepared by oxidation with sodium metaperiodate in water and mild conditions, while cryogels were obtained by freeze-drying process. To explore the role of starch composition on the final properties of materials, two starches differing in amylose/amylopectin ratio, were evaluated.

The fate of post-use biodegradable PBAT-based mulch films buried in agricultural soil.

The fate of black biodegradable mulch film (MF) based on starch and poly(butylene-adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) in agricultural soil is investigated herein. Pristine (BIO-0) and UV-aged film samples (BIO-A192) were buried for 16 months at an experimental field in southern Italy. Visual, physical, chemical, morphological, and mechanical analyses were carried out before and after samples burial.

Production and characterisation of environmentally relevant microplastic test materials derived from agricultural plastics.

Soil environments across the globe, particularly in agricultural settings, have now been shown to be contaminated with microplastics. Agricultural plastics - such as mulching films - are used in close or direct contact with soils and there is growing evidence demonstrating that they represent a potential source of microplastics. There is a demand to undertake fate and effects studies to understand the behaviour and potential long-term ecological risks of this contamination.

Bio-based epoxy resin/carbon nanotube coatings applied on cotton fabrics for smart wearable systems.

Electroactive coatings for smart wearable textiles based on a furan bio-epoxy monomer (BOMF) crosslinked with isophorone diamine (IPD) and additivated with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are reported herein. The effect of BOMF/IPD molar ratio on the curing reaction, as well as on the properties of the crosslinked resins was first assessed, and it was found that 1.5:1 BOMF/IPD molar ratio provided higher heat of reaction, glass transition temperature, and mechanical performance.

Fenugreek seed mucilage-based active edible films for extending fresh fruit shelf life: Antimicrobial and physicochemical properties.

Trigonella foenum-graecum, known as fenugreek, belongs to the leguminous family of wild growth in Western Asia, Europe, the Mediterranean, and Asia; its ripe seeds contain a pool of bioactive substances with great potential in the food industry and medicine. In this study, fenugreek seed mucilage (FSM) was extracted and characterized in its structural properties by X-ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance, and high-performance liquid chromatography. Then, the applicability of FSM as an antimicrobial agent was demonstrated via the development of novel, active, edible FSM-based biofilms containing carboxymethyl cellulose and rosemary essential oil (REO).

Isolation and identification of metallotolerant bacteria with a potential biotechnological application.

Mining has led to severe environmental pollution in countries with exhaustive mining production and inadequate industrial waste regulation. Microorganisms in contaminated sites, like mine tailings, have adapted to high concentrations of heavy metals, developing the capacity of reducing or removing them from these environments. Therefore, it is essential to thoroughly characterize bacteria present in these sites to find different ways of bioremediation.

Degradation of a poly(3-hydroxybutyrate--3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) compound in different environments.

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate--3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) is a promising biodegradable bio-based material, which is designed for a vast range of applications, depending on its composite. This study aims to assess the degradability of PHBV-based compound under different conditions. The research group followed different methodological approaches and assessed visual and mass changes, mechanical and morphological properties, spectroscopic and structural characterisation, along with thermal behaviour.

Optimization of Piezoresistive Response of Elastomeric Porous Structures Based on Carbon-Based Hybrid Fillers Created by Selective Laser Sintering.

Recently, piezoresistive sensors made by 3D printing have gained considerable interest in the field of wearable electronics due to their ultralight nature, high compressibility, robustness, and excellent electromechanical properties. In this work, building on previous results on the Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) of porous systems based on thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and graphene (GE)/carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) as carbon conductive fillers, the effect of variables such as thickness, diameter, and porosity of 3D printed disks is thoroughly studied with the aim of optimizing their piezoresistive performance. The resulting system is a disk with a diameter of 13 mm and a thickness of 0.

Physicochemical Characterization of a Biomimetic, Elastin-Inspired Polypeptide with Enhanced Thermoresponsive Properties and Improved Cell Adhesion.

Genetic engineering allows fine-tuning and controlling protein properties, thus exploiting the new derivatives to obtain novel materials and systems with improved capacity to actively interact with biological systems. The elastin-like polypeptides are tunable recombinant biopolymers that have proven to be ideal candidates for realizing bioactive interfaces that can interact with biological systems. They are characterized by a thermoresponsive behavior that is strictly related to their peculiar amino acid sequence.

All natural mussel-inspired bioadhesives from soy proteins and plant derived polyphenols with marked water-resistance and favourable antibacterial profile for wound treatment applications.

Hypothesis: Implementation of tissue adhesives from natural sources endowed with good mechanical properties and underwater resistance still represents a challenging research goal. Inspired by the extraordinary wet adhesion properties of mussel byssus proteins resulting from interaction of catechol and amino residues, hydrogels from soy protein isolate (SPI) and selected polyphenols i.e.

In-Situ Thermoresponsive Hydrogel Containing Resveratrol-Loaded Nanoparticles as a Localized Drug Delivery Platform for Dry Eye Disease.

Dry eye disease (DED) is a dynamic and complex disease that can cause significant damage to the ocular surface and discomfort, compromising the patient's quality of life. Phytochemicals such as resveratrol have received increasing attention due to their ability to interfere with multiple pathways related to these diseases. However, the low bioavailability and the poor therapeutic response of resveratrol hinder its clinical applications.

Photo- and Water-Degradation Phenomena of ZnO Bio-Blend Based on Poly(lactic acid) and Polyamide 11.

The goal of this work was to investigate the morphological and chemical-physical changes induced by adding ZnO nanoparticles to bio-based polymeric materials based on polylactic acid (PLA) and polyamide 11 (PA11). Precisely, the photo- and water-degradation phenomena of nanocomposite materials were monitored. For this purpose, the formulation and characterization of novel bio-nanocomposite blends based on PLA and PA11 at a ratio of 70/30 wt.

Combining the Potent Reducing Properties of Pecan Nutshell with a Solvent-Free Mechanochemical Approach for Synthesizing High Ag Content-Silver Nanoparticles: An Eco-Friendly Route to an Efficient Multifunctional Photocatalytic, Antibacterial, and Antioxidant Material.

A straightforward, low-cost, and scalable solid-state mechanochemical protocol for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) based on the use of the highly reducing agri-food by-product pecan nutshell (PNS) is reported herein. Under optimized conditions (180 min, 800 rpm, PNS/AgNO ratio = 55/45 /), a complete reduction in silver ions was achieved, leading to a material containing ca. 36% / Ag (X-ray diffraction analysis).

Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel Containing Resveratrol-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles as an Adjuvant in Atopic Dermatitis Treatment.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common disease-causing skin inflammation, redness, and irritation, which can eventually result in infection that drastically impacts patient quality of life. Resveratrol (Res) is a natural phytochemical famed for its excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. However, it is poorly bioavailable.

Thermomechanical Properties and Biodegradation Behavior of Itaconic Anhydride-Grafted PLA/Pecan Nutshell Biocomposites.

The use of lignocellulose-rich biowaste as reinforcing filler in biodegradable polymers represents a sustainable option to obtain cost-effective bio-based materials to be used for several applications. In addition, the scarce polymer-biofiller interaction can be improved by reactive functionalization of the matrix. However, the obtained biocomposites might show high thermal deformability and possibly a slow biodegradation rate.

Sequential Infiltration Synthesis of AlO in Biodegradable Polybutylene Succinate: Characterization of the Infiltration Mechanism.

The introduction of inorganic materials into biopolymers has been envisioned as a viable option to modify the optical and structural properties of these polymers and promote their exploitation in different application fields. In this work, the growth of AlO in freestanding ∼30-μm-thick poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) films by sequential infiltration (SIS) at 70 °C via trimethylaluminum (TMA) and HO precursors was investigated for the first time. The incorporation of AlO into the PBS matrix was clearly demonstrated by XPS analysis and SEM-EDX cross-sectional images showing a homogeneous AlO distribution inside the PBS films.

Edible Polymers and Secondary Bioactive Compounds for Food Packaging Applications: Antimicrobial, Mechanical, and Gas Barrier Properties.

Edible polymers such as polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids are biodegradable and biocompatible materials applied as a thin layer to the surface of food or inside the package. They enhance food quality by prolonging its shelf-life and avoiding the deterioration phenomena caused by oxidation, humidity, and microbial activity. In order to improve the biopolymer performance, antimicrobial agents and plasticizers are also included in the formulation of the main compounds utilized for edible coating packages.

Biodegradation of Alprazolam in Pharmaceutical Wastewater Using Mesoporous Nanoparticles-Adhered .

The release of pharmaceutical wastewaters in the environment is of great concern due to the presence of persistent organic pollutants with toxic effects on environment and human health. Treatment of these wastewaters with microorganisms has gained increasing attention, as they can efficiently biodegrade and remove contaminants from the aqueous environments. In this respect, bacterial immobilization with inorganic nanoparticles provides a number of advantages, in terms of ease of processing, increased concentration of the pollutant in proximity of the cell surface, and long-term reusability.

Effect of thermal annealing and filler ball-milling on the properties of highly filled polylactic acid/pecan nutshell biocomposites.

Biodegradable polymer composites reinforced with agri-food lignocellulosic biowaste represent cost-effective and sustainable materials potentially able to replace traditional composites for structural, household, and packaging applications. Herein, the preparation of polylactic acid (PLA)/pecan (Carya illinoinensis) nutshell (PNS) biocomposites at high filler loading (50 wt%) is reported, alongside the effect of two environmentally friendly physical treatments, namely ball-milling of the filler and thermal annealing on biocomposites. PNS enhanced the thermal stability, the viscoelastic response, and the crystallinity of the polymer.