Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Fabricio Gomes Goncalves, Juarez Benigno Paes, Yonny Martinez Lopez, Pedro Gutemberg de Alcantara Segundinho, Rafael Goncalves Esposito de Oliveira, Michelangelo Vargas Fassarella, Alice Soares Brito, Izabella Luzia Silva Chaves, Rhagnya Sharon Ferreira Martins
Summary: This study evaluated the resistance of medium density particleboard made with ligno-cellulosic agro-industrial wastes to fungi and termites. The results showed low resistance to fungi and good resistance to dry-wood termite attack, with 30% macadamia nut carpel performing the best.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Eleonora Cintura, Paulina Faria, Marta Duarte, Lina Nunes
Summary: Laboratory tests were conducted to evaluate the possibility of producing boards or coating panels with good hygrothermal performance using various agro-industrial wastes and adhesives. The results showed the advantages and disadvantages of each adhesive, with citric acid affecting mold growth resistance.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wei Quan Chin, Yeong Huei Lee, Mugahed Amran, Roman Fediuk, Nikolai Vatin, Ahmad Beng Hong Kueh, Yee Yong Lee
Summary: To reduce carbon footprint in the brick production industry, using agricultural-industrial waste to make sustainable bricks has become a new trend in research and application. This paper investigates the properties of different agricultural-industrial wastes and optimizes the mixture design. Although the strength-to-weight ratio of the waste bricks is lower than conventional bricks, they have better late strength development and meet the standards for construction industry.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shafiul Haque, Rajeev Singh, Dan Bahadur Pal, Hani Faidah, Sami S. Ashgar, Mohammed Y. Areeshi, Atiah H. Almalki, Bhawna Verma, Neha Srivastava, Vijai Kumar Gupta
Summary: This review evaluates and enhances the production of thermophilic biohydrogen using organic, cellulosic waste as a potential bioresource. The combination of suitable organic and cellulose-rich substrates, thermotolerant microbes, and stable enzymes can significantly improve biohydrogen production. Various factors that contribute to enhancing biohydrogen production are discussed, as well as the limitations of the thermophilic biohydrogen production strategy. The review also explores future prospects such as structural and functional microbiome analysis, genetic engineering for fermentation pathway modifications, and the application of nanotechnology to enhance thermophilic biohydrogen production.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Haixai Xu, Zhi Li, Leyi Li, Xiaomei Xie, Dongbo Cai, Zhi Wang, Yangyang Zhan, Shouwen Chen
Summary: In this study, a sustainable biosynthesis platform for 2-phenylethanol (2-PE) was developed by engineering Bacillus licheniformis using agro-industrial wastes as feedstocks. By introducing CscB from Escherichia coli W and SucP from Bifdobacterium adolescentis, the endogenous sucrose catabolism pathway of B. licheniformis was replaced, resulting in an increased 2-PE titer and yield in the engineered strain PE24. Furthermore, the effects of molasses and crude glycerol as feedstocks on 2-PE production were investigated, and optimization of pretreatment methods and medium components led to a significant increase in 2-PE production.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Jasneet Grewal, Mikolaj Wolacewicz, Weronika Pyter, Namrata Joshi, Lukasz Drewniak, Kumar Pranaw
Summary: Colors play an important role in human lives, and the easy production of synthetic colorants has led to environmental and health concerns. Natural pigments from microbes have gained attention as a safe and ecologically clean alternative. The use of agro-industrial waste as feedstocks for microbial transformations enables sustainable and cost-effective production of valuable secondary metabolites. This review comprehensively covers the green workflow of microbial colorant production, including waste feedstocks and fermentation technologies, and discusses commercially important pigments and their applications. Recent advances in molecular approaches for enhanced pigment production are also included.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Polymer Science
Anthony Mora-Sandi, Abigail Ramirez-Gonzalez, Luis Castillo-Henriquez, Mary Lopretti-Correa, Jose Roberto Vega-Baudrit
Summary: This study discusses the biorefinery of avocado waste and its potential applications in mitigating global warming, saving energy, and contributing to various fields such as healthcare and environmental remediation.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Wan Abd Al Qadr Imad Wan-Mohtar, Nurul Izzah Khalid, Muhamad Hafiz Abd Rahim, Abdullah Amru Indera Luthfi, Nurul Solehah Mohd Zaini, Nur Akmal Solehah Din, Nurul Aqilah Mohd Zaini
Summary: This review discusses the potential and advantages of using underutilized Malaysian agro-industrial waste as sustainable carbon sources for lactic acid production.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
C. Femina Carolin, P. Senthil Kumar, Gunda Mohanakrishna, R. V. Hemavathy, Gayathri Rangasamy, Tejraj M. Aminabhavi
Summary: Globally, the increase in human population has led to the rise of various industries, resulting in the production of various types of wastes. Industrial pollutants have become a major concern due to their harmful effects on human and environmental health. Effective waste management is in high demand to handle the increasing amount of waste generated. This review explores the utilization of industrial waste in the production of sustainable biosurfactants and discusses their categorization. It also emphasizes waste management and its implications for the bioeconomy, offering recent scientific literature and highlighting research needs in this area.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ichrak Joulak, Patricia Concordio-Reis, Cristiana A. Torres, Chantal Sevrin, Christian Grandfils, Hamadi Attia, Filomena Freitas, Maria A. M. Reis, Samia Azabou
Summary: In this study, four selected Halomonas strains were used to produce exopolysaccharides (EPS) using low-cost agro-industrial wastes as the sole carbon source. It was found that both yield and monosaccharide composition of EPS were affected by the carbon source, with different predominant monomers and molecular weights observed. The ability of Halomonas strains to utilize cost-effective substrates, especially cheese whey, shows promise for producing EPS with distinct physicochemical properties for various applications.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Lucas Cantao Freitas, Jhonatas Rodrigues Barbosa, Ana Laura Caldas da Costa, Fernanda Wariss Figueiredo Bezerra, Rafael Henrique Holanda Pinto, Raul Nunes de Carvalho Jr
Summary: The demand for food production has led to an increase in agricultural industrial waste generation, making it a key strategy for sustainable industrial development. New environmentally friendly technologies have been studied and applied to obtain high value-added products and promote the production of biomass energy and new biomaterials.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Vishal Sharma, Mei-Ling Tsai, Parushi Nargotra, Chiu-Wen Chen, Chia-Hung Kuo, Pei-Pei Sun, Cheng-Di Dong
Summary: Enzymes have great potential in transforming the food industry and lignocellulosic biorefineries, and the abundant agro-industrial food waste provides an economic solution for enzyme production. Low catalytic efficiency and enzyme denaturation can be mitigated by using inexpensive immobilization carriers and protein engineering techniques, leading to sustainable development.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Elizabeth J. Abraham, Farah Ramadan, Dhabia M. Al-Mohannadi
Summary: Growing concerns over climate change have increased the demand for carbon dioxide emission reduction. This can be achieved through the implementation of circular economy, which promotes resource conservation, emission reduction, and sustainable revenue streams. Utilizing CCUS technology or emission-free renewable resources can help reduce carbon dioxide emissions from industrial processes.
FRONTIERS IN ENERGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Faqeeha Fatima Haq, Hamayoun Mahmood, Tanveer Iqbal, Muhammad Measam Ali, Maria Jafar Khan, Muhammad Moniruzzaman
Summary: This study investigates the utilization of deep eutectic solvent (DES) pretreatment for lignocellulosic biomass in the fabrication of compression-molded biocomposite panels. The DES-treated fibers exhibited improved mechanical properties and thermal stability compared to untreated fibers, resulting in biocomposite panels with higher strength and modulus. The findings suggest that DES pretreatment could be a sustainable processing strategy for converting agro-industrial waste into value-added materials.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Anna Maria Girelli, Viviana Chiappini
Summary: Enzymes are vulnerable to pH and temperature changes, but immobilization techniques can address this issue while improving biocatalyst reusability. The use of natural lignocellulosic wastes as supports for enzyme immobilization has become increasingly popular due to their availability, low cost, and potential to reduce environmental impact. This review discusses lipase immobilization on lignocellulosic wastes, including the characteristics of lipase, advantages and disadvantages of different immobilization methods, and the processing required for lignocellulosic wastes to be suitable as carriers.
JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Agnese Lai, Maria Luisa Astolfi, Veronica Bertelli, Valeria Gatto Agostinelli, Marco Zeppilli, Mauro Majone
Summary: This study investigated the applicability of a bioelectrochemical reactor in the presence of Cr(VI) for groundwater bioremediation of TCE contamination. Results showed that microorganisms acclimated to Cr(VI) increased Cr(VI) removal efficacy, but chromate had a inhibitory effect on TCE removal efficiency.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
A. M. Girelli, F. R. Scuto
Summary: Using eggshell membrane as a carrier for laccase immobilization showed high efficiency and residual activity. The immobilization of periodate-oxidized laccase on NiCl2-pretreated eggshell membrane was the best method for enzyme immobilization.
JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Matteo Vitali, Federica Castellani, Giorgia Fragassi, Alfonso Mascitelli, Cecilia Martellucci, Gianfranco Diletti, Emanuela Scamosci, Maria Luisa Astolfi, Leila Fabiani, Riccardo Mastrantonio, Carmela Protano, Vincenzo Romano Spica, Lamberto Manzoli
Summary: After the Italian government classified the Bussi sul Tirino area as a Site of National Interest in 2008, an extensive monitoring and biomonitoring campaign was carried out to check the specific pollutants in local food, environment, and biological matrices.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Maria Luisa Astolfi, Elisabetta Marconi, Giulia Vitiello, Lorenzo Massimi
Summary: The study aimed to develop a fast and simple analytical method to quantify 45 elements in small mass samples of extra virgin olive oils. It was found that using a 5 mL reagent mixture F for sample digestion in a water bath produced satisfactory results, as validated from sample recovery experiments.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maria Luisa Astolfi, Daniela Marotta, Vittoria Cammalleri, Elisabetta Marconi, Arianna Antonucci, Pasquale Avino, Silvia Canepari, Matteo Vitali, Carmela Protano
Summary: The aim of the study was to analyze the concentrations of 40 elements in powdered infant formulas in Italy and estimate infants' intake of toxic heavy metals for assessing related health risks. An optimized multi-element method using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was employed for this purpose.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Maria Luisa Astolfi, Domenico Ginese, Riccardo Ferrante, Elisabetta Marconi, Anna Maria Girelli, Silvia Canepari
Summary: A new online procedure for the determination of trivalent and hexavalent chromium in liquid samples using a specially designed contactor was developed. The method showed good analytical performance in real samples and comparable results to synthetic standard solutions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Luisa Astolfi, Marcelo Enrique Conti, Martina Ristorini, Maria Agostina Frezzini, Marco Papi, Lorenzo Massimi, Silvia Canepari
Summary: Bees and their products are useful bioindicators of anthropogenic activities and can help overcome the limitations of air quality networks. This study developed a simple analytical method to determine mercury content in bees and beehive products, and evaluated its performance on real samples collected in six areas of the Lazio region, Italy.
Article
Oncology
Flavia Buonaurio, Maria Luisa Astolfi, Daniela Pigini, Giovanna Tranfo, Silvia Canepari, Antonio Pietroiusti, Iacopo D'Alessandro, Renata Sisto
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the association between biomarkers of human exposure to toxic elements and effect biomarkers of oxidative stress. It found that metal carpentry workers had higher concentrations of toxic elements in their urine compared to controls, which were correlated with higher values of RNA and protein oxidative stress biomarkers. The study concluded that specific biomarkers like 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine can effectively discriminate exposed workers from controls, providing valuable information for identifying and monitoring occupationally exposed individuals.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Maria Luisa Astolfi, Federica Castellani, Pasquale Avino, Arianna Antonucci, Silvia Canepari, Carmela Protano, Matteo Vitali
Summary: Reusable water bottles may release inorganic elements into water, with Al, Sr, Mo, and Cr being most frequently released and Ca, K, Mg, and Na having the highest concentrations. The comparison with drinking water quality standards showed no exceedance except for Al, but the risks from these releases should not be neglected, especially for highly susceptible populations.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Arianna Antonucci, Carmela Protano, Maria Luisa Astolfi, Vincenzo Mattei, Francesca Santilli, Stefano Martellucci, Matteo Vitali
Summary: The study aimed to trace exposure to traffic-derived pollution in a large sample of healthy children living in rural and urban areas in central Italy. Results showed that time spent in motor vehicles, gender, and age were the main predictors of urinary excretion.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Flavia Buonaurio, Francesca Borra, Daniela Pigini, Enrico Paci, Mariangela Spagnoli, Maria Luisa Astolfi, Ottavia Giampaoli, Fabio Sciubba, Alfredo Miccheli, Silvia Canepari, Carla Ancona, Giovanna Tranfo
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of traffic on human health and found that traffic pollution partly contributes to oxidative stress on nucleic acids. However, other factors also play a role. The results highlight the importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle in preventing cancer diseases.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ilaria Silvestro, Marta Fernandez-Garcia, Clarissa Ciarlantini, Iolanda Francolini, Annamaria Girelli, Antonella Piozzi
Summary: Developing low-cost and eco-friendly materials for water pollutant removal is a major challenge. In this study, molecularly imprinted polymers were prepared using chitosan modified with glycidyl methacrylate or itaconic acid. The presence of imprinted cavities improved the removal capacity of the material.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Anna Maria Girelli, Viviana Chiappini, Paolo Amadoro
Summary: Spent coffee grounds were treated to obtain suitable carriers for immobilization of Candida rugosa lipase by physical adsorption and covalent binding. The support materials obtained were characterized by various analytical techniques. Each immobilization method was optimized to achieve the best performance. The optimized immobilized biocatalyst exhibited higher stability and activity compared to the free lipase, and it showed promising results in hydrolysis and conversion reactions.
BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Luisa Astolfi
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Maria Luisa Astolfi, Carmela Protano, Elisabetta Marconi, Lorenzo Massimi, Marco Brunori, Daniel Piamonti, Giuseppe Migliara, Matteo Vitali, Silvia Canepari
ANALYTICAL METHODS
(2020)
