Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yi-Li Lin, Nai-Yun Zheng, Cheng-Hsun Hsu
Summary: The study found that torrefaction temperature, not the reaction duration, had a dominant influence on the characteristics of the produced biochar. As temperature and time increased, fixed carbon and ash contents rose while volatile matter content and EROI decreased. Cofiring biochar with coal in power plants had the potential to increase HHV, energy density, and combustion efficiency while reducing GHG emissions.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Hongtao Peng, Dong Wang, Massoud Sofi, Priyan Mendis, Zhiyuan Zhou, Junli Liu
Summary: Large volumes of lead-zinc tailings are being produced globally, and their disposal to landfills poses environmental problems. This study demonstrates the effective use of these tailings to produce ceramisite, which can be enhanced by adding clay. Factors such as sintering temperature, sintering time, and LZT content are found to significantly impact the properties of the ceramisite. Testing showed that the leaching content of hazardous components in the ceramisite samples was below the specified limit values, indicating their suitability for civil engineering applications.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Malgorzata Latos-Brozio, Anna Masek
Summary: Adding amber acid to PLA and PHA can enhance their resistance to oxidation, but excessive amounts can have a pro-oxidative effect and accelerate aging.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Peng Luo, Chuanmin Yang, Tao Wang, Yan He
Summary: By utilizing waste newspapers as a resource and replacing formaldehyde resin with renewable kraft lignin, fiberboards with improved physical and mechanical properties were successfully produced. This suggests that waste newspapers could potentially serve as a sustainable resource for fiberboards production.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Carlo Trigona, Salvatore Cerruto, Salvatore Graziani, Giovanna Di Pasquale, Antonino Pollicino
Summary: This paper investigates, models, and characterizes an environmentally friendly inertial motion sensor, using bacterial cellulose and ionic liquids. The sensor functions as an accelerometer and a model for the transduction phenomenon is proposed. The chemical and transduction characterization of the accelerometer are reported, with experimental evidence provided.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ramon E. Vera, Franklin Zambrano, Ronald Marquez, Keren A. Vivas, Naycari Forfora, John Bedard, Matthew Farrell, Mary Ankeny, Lokendra Pal, Hasan Jameel, Ronalds Gonzalez
Summary: Given the concern over textile waste management, enzymatic hydrolysis of cotton is a potential pathway to upcycle waste into valuable chemicals. However, persistent dyes hinder enzyme performance. To overcome this, environmentally friendly oxidation methods were used in combination with mechanical refining. The results showed that oxidation improved glucose yield in enzymatic hydrolysis, highlighting the potential of this ecofriendly pathway for generating value-added chemicals from cotton waste.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Joaquin Abellan-Garcia, Daniela M. Martinez, M. Iqbal Khan, Yassir M. Abbas, Francisco Pellicer-Martinez
Summary: This study investigated the use of rice husk ash (RHA) as a pozzolanic material to partially replace cement in a previously optimized mixture of recycled-glass-based Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) for reducing concrete's carbon footprint without significantly compromising its performance.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Feng Tang, Yingzhan Li, Junwen Huang, Jinhong Tang, Xinyi Chen, Hou-Yong Yu, Ying Zhou, Dongping Tang
Summary: A green and economical method for the sustainable mass production of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) was developed using ferric chloride (FeCl3) solution as a solvent. The FeCl3 solution provided an acidic environment for rapid hydrolysis of cellulose to produce CNCs, and could be reused after simple separation. The prepared CNCs showed excellent thermal stability and were able to support the polymerization of Py uniformly on their surface.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Elano Nery Ferreira, Tathilene Bezerra Mota Gomes Arruda, Francisco Eduardo Arruda Rodrigues, Denise Ramos Moreira, Pedro Oribio Bastos Chaves, Weslley da Silva Rocha, Larissa Morais Ribeiro da Silva, Cesar Liberato Petzhold, Nagila Maria Pontes Silva Ricardo
Summary: This study reports the synthesis and characterization of bio-based lubricants using pequi oil as a raw material. The results show that the lubricants have good thermal stability, melting points, and viscosity. The kinetic study and toxicity analysis further confirm the potential advantages of these lubricants.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Mukesh Tanwar, Mousumi Debnath, Sharmista Debnath, Priyanka Sharma, Anoop Mukhopadhay, Nipun Kakar, Seeram Ramakrishna
Summary: Extremophilic microbial proteases are valuable sources of detergent additives due to their stability and activity. Immobilization techniques can improve product yield and stability, making them ideal for use in laundry detergents.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Wuzhen Gong, Weian Huang, Jian Liu, Jiaqi Zhang, Ting Yv, Lin Jiang, Zengbao Wang
Summary: This study reports the synthesis of a starch-based degradable water-absorbent resin for reservoir protection during drilling, which displays good salt resistance, calcium resistance, and thermal stability while exhibiting adaptability to the formation. The SEM images reveal that the resin can effectively prevent water molecule invasion into the reservoir by forming a compact filter cake.
Article
Polymer Science
Seulgi Ji, Chanwon Park, Young Bum Lee, Seong K. K. Kim, Ki-Seok An, Sun Sook Lee
Summary: This study investigates the performance of five different cellulosic polymers as sorbents for seven hazardous polar organic liquids. Among them, cellulose phosphate shows enhanced sorption properties against all seven liquids, while chitosan and chitin also demonstrate comparable efficiency. The enhanced sorption is attributed to the weak intramolecular interaction and low powder density of cellulose phosphate. Additionally, cellulose phosphate, chitosan, and chitin also show improved solvent recovery percentages compared to pristine cellulose.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yuyang Jiao, Kexin Yin, Tianxiong Liu, Fanqing Meng, Xin Li, Limei Zhong, Zhaoyou Zhu, Peizhe Cui, Yinglong Wang
Summary: This study designed reactive extractive distillation process and reactive extractive dividing-wall process to achieve high-quality production and separation of ethyl tert-butyl ether. Ethylene glycol was selected as the extractant based on solvent volatility analysis, molecular dynamics simulation, and quantum chemical calculations. Optimal process parameters were obtained through optimization based on total annual cost. Compared to the common process, the reactive extractive dividing-wall process showed economic advantages and environmental benefits.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Shanting Zheng, Lin Jiang, Wenjing Cai, Binfeng Xu, Xiaopei Gao
Summary: This study examines the impact mechanism of environmentally specific servant leadership on hotel employees' workplace environmentally friendly behavior using social identity theory. It found that employees' green role identity plays a mediating role, while corporate environmental responsibility and coworker green advocacy act as moderators.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
D. G. K. Dissanayake, D. U. Weerasinghe, L. M. Thebuwanage, U. A. A. N. Bandara
Summary: The global textile production is rising rapidly, posing challenges in managing post-industrial textile waste. A novel method of developing sound insulation materials using cotton/polyester mixed wastes and natural rubber was investigated in this research. The newly developed materials showed sound insulation properties comparable to commercially available products, with insulation performance increasing with thickness.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Miguel A. Matilla, Elizabet Monteagudo-Cascales, Tino Krell
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Microbiology
Miguel A. Matilla, Elizabet Monteagudo-Cascales, Jean Paul Cerna-Vargas, Vadim M. Gumerov, Igor B. Zhulin, Tino Krell
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Miguel A. Matilla, Roberta Genova, David Martin-Mora, Sandra Maass, Doerte Becher, Tino Krell
Summary: Chemosensory and two-component systems control virulence traits in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with inorganic phosphate deficiency inducing virulence. The abundance of chemosensory and two-component signaling proteins varied greatly with growth conditions, and chemoreceptors showed a preference for amino acids and polyamines. This study provides a reference for exploring sensing preferences and signaling mechanisms in other bacteria.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Jose A. Gavira, Miriam Rico-Jimenez, Alvaro Ortega, Natalia Petukhova, Dmitrii S. Bug, Albert Castellvi, Yuri B. Porozov, Igor B. Zhulin, Tino Krell, Miguel A. Matilla
Summary: Bacteria have evolved signal transduction systems to adapt to their environment. This study focused on the binding of the signal transduction receptor, AdmX, to the agonist IAA and the antagonist IPA. Structural changes were observed when AdmX binds to IPA, providing insights into the inhibitory effects of antagonists in signal transduction.
Editorial Material
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Amalia Roca, Miguel A. Matilla
Summary: The plant microbiome plays a crucial role in plant fitness and health, as antibiotics produced by plant-associated bacteria protect plants against phytopathogens. This article highlights the biotechnological potential of antibiotic-producing plant-associated bacteria as biocontrol agents and the heterologous expression of antibiotic biosynthetic gene clusters in non-pathogenic plant-associated bacteria. It also provides a list of approved or pending approval active substances in the European Union, indicating the significant emergence and biotechnological applicability of biopesticides. Progress in this research field will contribute to the development of novel biopesticides for agricultural pest control.
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Miguel A. Matilla, Terry J. Evans, Jesus Martin, Zulema Udaondo, Cristina Lomas-Martinez, Miriam Rico-Jimenez, Fernando Reyes, George P. C. Salmond
Summary: Global population growth and climate change impact on agriculture necessitates the search for alternatives to excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The plant microbiota, such as Pantoea agglomerans 9Rz4, has the potential to play a crucial role in plant nutrition and health. This study characterizes the antifungal properties of 9Rz4 and identifies the biosynthetic gene cluster responsible for the production of the antifungal herbicolin A. The findings contribute to the development of novel biopesticides from rhizosphere microorganisms.
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Miguel A. Matilla, Rita E. Monson, George P. C. Salmond
TRENDS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Miriam Rico-Jimenez, Salvador Munoz-Mira, Cristina Lomas-Martinez, Tino Krell, Miguel A. Matilla
Summary: Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) is a key signal molecule that modulates plant-microorganism interactions, but its functions in bacteria and regulatory processes remain largely unknown. This study found that IAA synthesis deficiency leads to global transcriptional changes in the rhizobacterium Serratia plymuthica A153, especially in gene clusters related to aromatic acid metabolism and auxin catabolism. The biocharacterization of regulatory proteins, including TyrR, revealed their essential roles in IAA production. Understanding IAA biosynthesis in beneficial phytobacteria has important biotechnological implications for improving agricultural productivity and sustainability.
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Felix Velando, Miguel A. Matilla, Igor B. Zhulin, Tino Krell
Summary: Amino acids are important nutrients and function as signals for signal transduction pathways. Different bacteria use different chemoreceptors to recognize and navigate amino acid gradients. In this study, we found that the phytobacterium Pectobacterium atrosepticum uses three non-homologous chemoreceptors to detect multiple proteinogenic and non-proteinogenic amino acids.
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Tino Krell, Jose A. Gavira, Amalia Roca, Miguel A. A. Matilla
Summary: Microorganisms are exposed to a variety of signal molecules in their natural environments. Detection of these signals leads to changes in microbial metabolism and physiology. Auxin, a plant hormone, is produced not only in plants but also in all kingdoms of life, making it an important signal molecule in regulating microbial processes.
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Wenhao Xu, Jean Paul Cerna-Vargas, Ana Tajuelo, Andrea Lozano-Montoya, Melissa Kivoloka, Nicolas Krink, Elizabet Monteagudo-Cascales, Miguel A. Matilla, Tino Krell, Victor Sourjik
Summary: In this study, new chemoeffectors for the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa were systematically identified and characterized. The study revealed new chemoattractants and a bidirectional pH sensing mechanism in P. aeruginosa.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jean Paul Cerna-Vargas, Beatriz Sanchez-Romera, Miguel A. Matilla, Alvaro Ortega, Tino Krell
Summary: Solute binding proteins (SBPs) are important proteins in prokaryotes, which play essential roles in substrate transport and signal transduction. By analyzing the three-dimensional structures of SBPs and their ligands, we have identified 26 SBP Pfam families, each with a preference for a specific ligand class. Evolutionary analysis suggests a functional link between SBPs and chemoreceptors.
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Miguel A. Matilla, Tino Krell
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Miguel A. Matilla, Tino Krel
Summary: Bacteria adapt to their natural hosts and environments through multiple sensing strategies, such as chemotaxis. In the context of plant pathology, chemotaxis allows phytopathogenic bacteria to detect plant-derived molecules and initiate the infective process. However, the function of plant pathogen chemoreceptors remains poorly understood. Advancing our knowledge of phytopathogen chemoreceptor function is crucial for developing anti-infective therapies for controlling phytopathogens.
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Miguel A. Matilla, Felix Velando, David Martin-Mora, Elizabet Monteagudo-Cascales, Tino Krell
Summary: Bacteria have developed various signal transduction systems to sense and respond to signals, with transcriptional regulators, sensor histidine kinases, and chemoreceptors being the most prevalent. These systems use ligand-binding domains (LBDs) to recognize signal molecules and modulate the activity of the output module. By manually retrieving information from publications and 3D structures, the authors classified 811 proteins, revealing the signal profiles and distinguishing between families with promiscuous signal recognition and those with well-defined ligand ranges. This signal repertoire will aid in identifying signaling molecules for uncharacterised sensor proteins.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2022)
