Review
Chemistry, Physical
Mohammed Salaheldeen, Abdalbasit Adam Mariod, Mohamed Kheireddine Aroua, S. M. Ashrafur Rahman, Manzoore Elahi M. Soudagar, I. M. Rizwanul Fattah
Summary: Triglycerides, derived from natural sources such as virgin vegetable oils and animal fats, are the main components used for biodiesel production. Biodiesel, considered an attractive alternative fuel to diesel with environmental advantages, is typically produced through transesterification. Commercialization of biodiesel is limited by high production costs, with the transesterification route being a crucial factor. Various modifications to the conventional method and innovative technologies have been proposed to improve biodiesel production efficiency and lower costs.
Review
Microbiology
Livia Marques Casanova, Leonardo Brantes Bacellar Mendes, Thamiris de Souza Correa, Ronaldo Bernardo da Silva, Rafael Richard Joao, Andrew Macrae, Alane Beatriz Vermelho
Summary: Microalgae are considered a promising source of biodiesel due to their ability to be cultivated on non-arable land and high growth rate. However, microalgal biodiesel is currently not economically competitive compared to fossil fuels and crop-based biodiesel, hence not commercially produced. This review discusses technologies to increase efficiency and reduce costs of microalgal biodiesel production, as well as opportunities and challenges for large-scale production. The successful case of microalgal biodiesel research and development by Petrobras in Brazil is presented.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Retinder Kour, Simranjeet Singh, Hari Bhakta Sharma, T. S. Sunil Kumar Naik, Nabila Shehata, N. Pavithra, Wahid Ali, Dhriti Kapoor, Daljeet Singh Dhanjal, Joginder Singh, Afzal Husain Khan, Nadeem A. Khan, Mahmood Yousefi, Praveen C. Ramamurthy
Summary: Food demand is projected to increase globally by 60-110% from 2005 to 2050 due to changes in diet and population growth. This will result in the generation of significant amounts of agri-food wastes (AFWs), which can be divided into pre-consumption and post-consumption wastes. AFWs lead to economic losses for all stakeholders involved in the food supply chain. Inadequate transportation, packaging, storage, processing, contamination, handling, and expiry dates are identified as the main reasons for AFW generation, along with cultural, societal, personal, and behavioral factors. Proper management and valorization of AFWs can have a significant impact on the economy and the environment.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Miguel de la Fuente, Laura Lombardero, Alfonso Gomez-Gonzalez, Cristina Solari, Inigo Angulo-Barturen, Arantxa Acera, Elena Vecino, Egoitz Astigarraga, Gabriel Barreda-Gomez
Summary: Enzymes have emerged as promising therapeutic tools for various pathologies, offering advantages such as specificity and affinity. However, challenges such as short in vivo half-life and immune system reactions need to be addressed. Monitoring serum immune response during treatment is crucial, with techniques like ELISA and microarrays being utilized. Research is ongoing, including the investigation of potential therapeutic alternatives like using ACE2 for treating COVID-19.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Sergio Paniagua, Raquel Lebrero, Raul Munoz
Summary: This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the technology for biomethanation of synthesis gas derived from gasification of solid waste, summarizing its potential and areas for further research.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Fernanda Galgano, Maria Cristina Mele, Roberta Tolve, Nicola Condelli, Maria Di Cairano, Gianluca Ianiro, Isabella D'Antuono, Fabio Favati
Summary: In recent years, there has been increasing interest in a diet low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) as a therapeutic approach to reducing symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The development of low FODMAPs products, particularly cereal-based products, presents a challenge for the food industry due to their potential to trigger IBS symptoms. Different strategies, such as accurate ingredient selection and the use of enzymes or fermentation, have been explored to reduce FODMAPs content in these products. This review provides an overview of the technological and biotechnological approaches applicable to formulating low-FODMAPs products for IBS consumers, focusing mainly on bread and discussing the use of bioactive compounds.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
J. N. Sahu, Rama Rao Karri, Hossain M. Zabed, Shahriar Shams, Xianghui Qi
Summary: Industrialization and urbanization have led to the generation of vast amounts of wastewater, which often remains untreated and causes water pollution. Treatment of wastewater is a promising approach to mitigate pollution, with Nano-biotechnology showing potential in removing pollutants and pathogens. However, significant challenges exist in the utilization of NBT in wastewater treatment.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION REVIEWS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marco Orlando, Gianluca Molla, Pietro Castellani, Valentina Pirillo, Vincenzo Torretta, Navarro Ferronato
Summary: The accumulation of synthetic plastic waste in the environment has raised global concerns. Microbial enzymes offer promising biotechnological tools for plastic recycling, but their effectiveness depends on waste management practices. This review highlights the potential of biotechnology in plastic bio-recycling within the European waste management framework. Current biotechnology tools can support polyethylene terephthalate (PET) recycling, but other unrecycled plastics, such as polyurethanes and polyolefins, require further research and optimization of chemoenzymatic technologies. New bio-based technologies with lower environmental impacts should also be developed to efficiently depolymerize both existing and new plastic materials.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Riccardo Trentin, Luisa Custodio, Maria Joao Rodrigues, Emanuela Moschin, Katia Sciuto, Jose Paulo da Silva, Isabella Moro
Summary: This study examined the potential biotechnological applications of two microalgae isolated from the North Adriatic Sea. The microalgae were found to have high levels of total phenolics and antioxidant properties, as well as a high proportion of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. The results suggest that these microalgae could be used as natural antioxidants in the pharmaceutical and food industry, as well as as feedstock for biofuel production.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Hilman Ibnu Mahdi, Nurfadhila Nasya Ramlee, Jose Leandro Da Silva Duarte, Yu-Shen Cheng, Rangabhashiyam Selvasembian, Faisal Amir, Leonardo Hadlich De Olivera, Nur Izyan Wan Azelee, Lucas Meili, Gayathri Rangasamy
Summary: Biodiesel is a potential alternative to fossil-derived diesel, offering similar properties and environmental benefits. Conventional catalysts used in biodiesel production often face deactivation issues, but heterogeneous nanocatalysts and nanobiocatalysts have shown promise with higher activity and recyclability. However, challenges still remain in terms of stability, recyclability, and scalability, and this study aims to review and analyze current modifications and the role of nanocatalysts and nanobiocatalysts in biodiesel production.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ana Rita Jesus, Alexandre Paiva, Ana Rita C. Duarte
Summary: Natural Deep Eutectic Systems (NADES) have emerged as alternative solvents to traditional organic solvents and ionic liquids, attracting researchers' attention in various fields, particularly in biotechnology. While most research focuses on NADES' use as solubility enhancers in pharmaceutical applications, their applicability in cryopreservation, protein and DNA stabilization, and other biomedical applications is still relatively unexplored. This article discusses current developments and future perspectives in this scientific field.
CURRENT OPINION IN GREEN AND SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Sabariswaran Kandasamy, Bo Zhang, Zhixia He, Narayanamoorthy Bhuvanendran, Ahmed I. EL-Seesy, Qian Wang, Mathiyazhagan Narayanan, Palaniswamy Thangavel, Mudasir A. Dar
Summary: Microalgal feedstocks have shown great potential for sustainable biofuel production, with researchers focusing on hydrothermal liquefaction. By converting solar energy into carbon storage compounds, microalgae can be used to produce biodiesel, bioethanol, and bio-methanol, making it an attractive source for biofuel production. Additionally, the analysis of oil content, chemical composition, and lipid content of microalgae provides insight into their potential for biofuel conversion and other value-added products.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Francesco Caruso, Pietro Tedesco, Gerardo Della Sala, Fortunato Palma Esposito, Marco Signore, Simonepietro Canese, Teresa Romeo, Marco Borra, Claudia Gili, Donatella de Pascale
Summary: The Ocean Decade is a United Nations initiative that focuses on ocean science for sustainable development. It aims to strengthen the sustainable management of oceans and coasts and bring benefits for future generations. The Ocean Decade establishes a common strategy to achieve the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and other international agreements. Marine research plays a crucial role in addressing complex challenges and revolutionizing our interaction with the ocean.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Agronomy
Vittoria Giannini, Carmelo Maucieri, Teofilo Vamerali, Giuseppe Zanin, Stefano Schiavon, Davide Matteo Pettenella, Stefano Bona, Maurizio Borin
Summary: The sunflower was introduced to Europe in the 15th century and later in Italy in the 16th century. Its cultivation area expanded in the 19th century due to different uses and breeding programs. Nowadays, it is mainly grown for food, feed, and biodiesel. However, predicting its cultivation and productivity is challenging due to current geopolitical and climate change scenarios. To ensure its resilience, sunflower cropping should integrate breeding, agronomic practices, and exploration of new cultivation areas.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kaiqiang Zhang, Zhong Jin
Summary: This review article outlines the utilization of halogen and halogen compounds in various rechargeable batteries, with a focus on the function of halogen species during battery operation. The remaining challenges and potential opportunities for the adoption of halogen and halogen compounds in secondary batteries have been highlighted.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2022)