Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pierpaolo Modugno, Maria-Magdalena Titirici
Summary: Hydrothermal carbonization is an effective way to convert cellulosic waste into valuable platform chemicals and carbonaceous materials, with fructose being an ideal carbon precursor. The study found that acid catalysis and reaction conditions have a significant impact on the conversion products, and a slight overpressure of the reactor is beneficial for improving conversion efficiency.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Sagheer A. Onaizi, Muntathir Alshabib
Summary: The study found that adding RL significantly enhances the efficiency and rate of laccase removal of BPA from wastewater, with the best effect observed at a concentration of 1 ppm.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Akram Sayed, Michael Chys, Imca Sampers
Summary: The move towards a circular economy in Belgium has led potato processing companies to focus on water reuse in high water-consuming processing steps such as blanching. A study was conducted to analyze the composition and variability of blanching water from different companies and processing conditions over a period of 1.5 years. The study found high concentrations of organic matter and dissolved ions, which remained constant throughout the seasons. The results show that blanching water has great potential for reuse, with the possibility of recovering thermal energy and by-products through membrane filtration.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Carlos A. Pena, Lina F. Ballesteros, Hector Rodriguez, Eva Rodil, Jose A. Teixeira, Michele Michelin
Summary: This study investigates the valorisation of lignin in a biorefinery based on lignocellulosic biomass by treating technical lignin with recombinant laccase and mediator. The treatment resulted in a preferential reduction of guaiacyl units in the recovered lignin. Phenolic compounds deriving from guaiacyl or p-hydroxyphenyl units were identified in the aqueous phases, with higher concentrations observed when an ionic liquid was involved in the treatment.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yide He, Yujie Cai, Siyan Fan, Tong Meng, Yunhai Zhang, Xiuwen Li, Yongjun Zhang
Summary: Ozonation is commonly used to remove recalcitrant contaminants in water, but the toxicity of transformation products (TPs) generated from ozone and hydroxyl radicals (center dot OH) reactions has not been well studied. This research investigated the degradation of the antibiotic OFX under different Rct values (the exposure ratio of center dot OH to O3) and found that TPs formed at high-Rct conditions were less toxic. The study suggests that center dot OH may be more efficient in eliminating the toxicity of OFX than ozone.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Zhi-Jing Ni, Xiang Liu, Bing Xia, Long-Teng Hu, Kiran Thakur, Zhao-Jun Wei
Summary: The study investigated the effects of camellia seed meal Maillard reaction products (MRPs) on protein structure and amino acid content, finding an increase in essential amino acids ratio and highest antioxidant activity in R-MRPs. Sensory evaluation indicated improved flavor and antioxidant activity of camellia seed meal after Maillard reaction, suggesting its potential as industrial flavoring agents.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Qi Liu, Wen-Qing He, Mario Aguedo, Xu Xia, Wen-Bo Bai, Yan-Yan Dong, Ji-Qing Song, Aurore Richel, Dorothee Goffin
Summary: This study found that temperature had a more significant impact on the cellulose content in fiber, and microwave-assisted hydrolysis could significantly reduce reaction time and chemical costs compared to traditional heating hydrolysis. Extensive determination and characterization confirmed the existence of non-thermal effect of microwave assistance.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Ildephonse Habinshuti, Tai-Hua Mu, Miao Zhang
Summary: The study found that EGU and EGUM significantly enhanced the progress of the Maillard reaction (MR) and resulted in products with higher antioxidant activity and aroma quality, while also enhancing flavor attributes.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Raman Mnatsakanyan, Artur Aghoyan, Davit Davtyan
Summary: Boron monoposphide (BP) has unique physical and chemical characteristics, making it suitable for various practical applications. However, the difficult synthesis of the single phase of boron monophosphide limits its usage. Additionally, existing methods for synthesizing nanoscale BP often require high temperatures and long synthesis durations. This paper presents a simple, energy-efficient, and straightforward microwave activation synthesis method, which successfully produces pure single-phase BP nanopowder with a narrow size distribution (70-90 nm) in a short synthesis time (10 min).
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Rosalia Rodriguez-Riveiro, Amaya Velasco, Carmen G. Sotelo
Summary: This study compares five DNA extraction methods based on quantity, quality, and simplicity to determine the most suitable method for species identification. Significant differences were found among the methods in terms of yield, efficiency, and purity, but not in terms of the species employed. The Wizard kit showed the highest yield, while other methods stood out for affordability (Chelex) and automation (Mpure).
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ping Tong, Xiaoqian Xu, Ke Liu, Hongbing Chen, Jinyan Gao
Summary: In this study, the impact of denatured pre-treatments on OVA cross-linking and the combined effect of pre-treatment and cross-linking on OVA structure, allergenicity, and functional properties were evaluated. It was found that heating at 100 degrees C for 5 min or using 0.5% SDS as pre-treatment significantly promoted the cross-linking reaction and altered the properties of OVA. Comparatively, heating at 100 degrees C for 5 min was more effective in reducing the potential allergenicity of OVA when assisted with enzymatic cross-linking.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiangrui Pan, Dalong Li, Heng Song, Qinghua Chen, Qinghua Yan, Chengzhi Zhou, Xiaomin Huang, Yanjun Xin, Guocheng Liu, Jun Ma
Summary: This study investigates the formation mechanisms and transformation process of iodinated aromatic DBPs during chlorination, highlighting the possibility of conversion into halogenated aliphatic DBPs. The presence of iodide enhances phenol removal by chlorine, leading to the generation of fourteen kinds of iodinated aromatic DBPs through oxidation and electrophilic substitution. The formation of iodinated phenolic DBPs is favored under alkaline conditions, while iodinated quinone DBPs are favored under acid conditions, with neutral conditions being the most suitable to control the formation of iodinated aromatic DBPs.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Katerina Klemencova, Barbora Grycova, Pavel Lestinsky
Summary: Waste from the Miscanthus production cycle can be used for the production of biochar, which has the potential to improve soil fertility. Experimental results showed that biochar prepared at a temperature of 600 degrees C and a residence time of 2 hours had suitable properties and economic feasibility.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lucia Ivorra, Catarina Cruzeiro, Alice Ramos, Karen Tagulao, Patricia G. Cardoso
Summary: The study showed that the edible clam Meretrix meretrix did not exhibit significant DNA damage under dicofol exposure, possibly due to optimal adaptation to stress conditions or the lack of genotoxicity of dicofol. Moreover, all treatment groups showed an increase in DNA damage after exposure to ex vivo hydrogen peroxide, with the D1 group having significantly lower DNA damage during the uptake phase, indicating higher protection against a second stressor. These findings highlight the importance of organisms' origin and their exposure conditions in determining their response to genotoxic agents.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Lucas Prestes Fallavena, Naira Poerner Rodrigues, Ligia Damasceno Ferreira Marczak, Giovana Domeneghini Mercali
Summary: This review focuses on the impact of novel processing technologies on the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in food. Most studies evaluated only products of the Maillard reaction instead of directly measuring AGE content, and the effects of different operational conditions were not compared. This lack of information hinders the establishment of process-composition relationships for safe dietary intake of AGEs. The findings suggest that novel technologies hold promise for producing food products with lower AGE content.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xue Yang, Jing Zhao, Artur Cavaco-Paulo, Jing Su, Hongbo Wang
Summary: Enzyme immobilization provides enhanced stability for laccase and improves the adsorption and degradation efficiency of pollutants. In this study, bimetallic Cu/Zn ZIFs were used as a protective carrier for laccase, showing high operational stability and efficient decolorization of dye wastewater. The encapsulated laccase could be recovered and reused multiple times, indicating great potential for water remediation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Tiago Ferreira, Ana Loureiro, Jennifer Noro, Artur Cavaco-Paulo, Tarsila G. Castro
Summary: This study introduces a computational methodology for researching silicone alternatives and measures their structural performance in formulations. It also develops an equilibration protocol to determine their distribution and densities compared to their counterparts using molecular dynamics simulations. Testing two systems, it concludes that all systems converge towards micelle-like structures.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Diana Rocha, David S. Freitas, Jessica Magalhaes, Mariana Fernandes, Sonia Silva, Jennifer Noro, Artur Ribeiro, Artur Cavaco-Paulo, Madalena Martins, Carla Silva
Summary: The demand for products based on natural ingredients is increasing among cosmetic and textile consumers. Cork extracts contain components of interest with special properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities, that might improve the effectiveness of cosmetic formulations currently on the market and may impart new characteristics to textiles.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Sara S. Marques, Ines I. Ramos, Carla Silva, Luisa Barreiros, Maria R. Domingues, Marcela A. . Segundo
Summary: The concentration of nanoparticles (NPs) is crucial for the development and quality control of nanocarriers. This study proposes a miniaturized automated method to measure NPs concentration, which is fast, simple, and suitable for research and quality control operations. The method utilizes the measurement of light scattering caused by NPs passing through an optical path, achieving accurate and efficient quantification of NPs concentration.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
David S. Freitas, Vania Quesado, Diana Rocha, Jennifer Noro, Madalena Martins, Artur Cavaco-Paulo, Carla Silva
Summary: In this study, the enzymatic synthesis was employed as a sustainable approach for producing polyesters, aiming to reduce toxicity and operational costs. The use of NADES as a source of monomers for polymerization reactions catalyzed by lipase was detailed. The high conversion rates (above 70%) and simplicity of production, along with the non-toxicity and low cost of NADES, make them a greener and cleaner option for synthesizing high value-added products.
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Euijin Shim, Carla Silva, Artur Cavaco-Paulo, Hye Rim Kim
Summary: This study investigated the effects of modifying bacterial cellulose as a template on the in situ polymerization of catechol by laccase. The modification involved sulfonation and the entrapment of carboxymethyl cellulose. After the in situ polymerization, conductive and colored bacterial cellulose composites were obtained. The results suggest the potential of modified bacterial cellulose as a template for the formation of functional polymers and composite materials.
TEXTILE RESEARCH JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Yu Li, Jing Su, Tarsila G. Castro, Artur Cavaco-Paulo
Summary: Commercial hair perming damages both hair fiber quality and human health due to the use of strong reducing agents. This study demonstrates the use of tyrosine as a cross-linking agent for reshaping hair by breaking disulfide bonds and rearranging new bonds between keratin molecules. The results show that tyrosine can successfully cross-link amines and thiols, providing a potential alternative to commercial perming products. This new methodology offers a gentle and user-friendly approach in the hair care industry.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL FIBERS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tarsila G. Castro, Manuel Melle-Franco, Cristina E. A. Sousa, Artur Cavaco-Paulo, Joao C. Marcos
Summary: This review provides a comprehensive overview of non-canonical amino acids and their applications in designing peptidomimetics. These amino acids are widely found in nature and can enhance stability and biological function. Experimental and molecular modeling approaches are used to classify different classes of non-canonical amino acids based on their ability to induce specific secondary structures. This knowledge is crucial in the field of peptidomimetics, which has the potential to develop new bioactive molecules and materials.
Review
Biology
Bruno Fernandes, Artur Cavaco-Paulo, Teresa Matama
Summary: The use of permanent hair dyes to change natural hair color is associated with fiber damage and an increased risk of health problems. The future of hair dyeing may involve modulating pigment production in specialized cells called melanocytes located in the hair roots. This paper critically reviews mammalian pigmentation biology to develop innovative cosmetics that can safely change hair color from the inside out.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
David S. Freitas, Vania Quesado, Diana Rocha, Jennifer Noro, Madalena Martins, Artur Cavaco-Paulo, Carla Silva
Summary: This study presents a detailed investigation on the feasibility of synthesizing polyesters through lipase-catalyzed esterification using Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) as the source of monomers in an anhydrous medium. Three different NADES composed of glycerol and an organic base or acid were used for the synthesis of polyesters, and high conversion rates (above 70%) and at least 20 monomeric units (glycerol:organic acid/base 1:1) were achieved according to matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) analysis.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Nannan Li, David S. Freitas, Joana Santos, Armando Venancio, Jennifer Noro, Jing Su, Hongbo Wang, Carla Silva, Artur Cavaco-Paulo
Summary: The development of products from natural plant sources is crucial for the circular economy and global sustainability. This study focused on using cork and grape wastes to obtain valuable compounds through mild extraction and laccase oxidation. The polymeric compounds obtained showed remarkable antioxidant and antiaging properties, indicating great potential for applications in various industries.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
David S. Freitas, Diana Rocha, Jennifer Noro, Tarsila G. Castro, Artur Cavaco-Paulo, Carla Silva
Summary: This study investigated different natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) as solvents for laccase-assisted polymerization of catechol and phenolics from coffee. The results showed that NADES could be a green and cost-effective solvent for the bioproduction of novel polymers.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
