SummaryIncreasing crop yields and quality, and reducing the doses of mineral fertilizers are two main concerns to counteract the environmental negative effects. The present study reports the use of bioproducts (BPs) extracted by alkaline hydrolysis from food waste anaerobic digestate in the cultivation of eggplants in a cold greenhouse, aiming to reduce chemical inputs in agricultural practices. Two application methods, root and foliar, were compared. The effect of solid BPs was also evaluated, reducing by 40% the regular fertilization used for the common production of eggplants in Sicily. The results suggested that BPs allow reducing up to 40% mineral fertilization, without critically affecting the plant performance, fruit yield, and even ameliorating the quality of the fruits. These findings suggest that BPs can act as sustainable biostimulants providing evidence for integrating bioproducts into circular bioeconomy strategies, reducing fertilizer dependency, and contributing to environmentally friendly agriculture.

The dependency on petroleum-based sources has raised concerns, leading to a focus on studying the production of bio-polyols through the in situ hydrolysis of epoxidized palm oleic acid. Epoxidized palm oleic acid was formulated using performic acid and formed in situ. The Runge-Kutta method in MATLAB enables a kinetic simulation of oxirane oxygen ring degradation throughout the epoxidation process, allowing for the determination of the yield of bio-polyols. The Taguchi method suggests the optimal parameters for bio polyols production, including a hydrogen peroxide/palm oleic acid molar ratio of 1.5:1, a formic acid/palm oleic acid molar ratio of 1.5:1, a reaction temperature of 50°C, and a stirring speed of 450rpm. Through kinetic modelling, bio-polyol was successfully produced from palm oleic acid with a reduced number of experimental runs.

Enhancing plant nutrient use efficiency, yield, and quality without compromising sustainability remains a critical challenge in agriculture. Utilization of materials such as biowaste derivatives as alternatives to conventional agrochemicals (e.g., fertilizers, biostimulants) can be leveraged to optimize crop productivity and resilience while adhering to sustainable practices. A soluble bioproduct (BP), isolated from the hydrolysis of anaerobic digestates derived from organic residues of urban waste, was examined for its capacity to enhance tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) production and quality. Five basal fertilization treatments were applied: conventional (CF), conventional/organic (CF + OF), bioproduct at 150 kg ha−1 (BP), and conventional/BP at 150 and 300 kg ha−1 (CF + BP, CF + 2BP), without or with supplementary fertigation (SF). The experiment was arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design. Intermediate plant growth under BP was comparable to CF, while their combination enhanced growth parameters. However, addition of BP to CF did not affect final plant growth, biomass, and yield compared to CF alone, though non-significant reductions of height (5.37%), leaf number (15.89%) and fresh weight (36.09%) were observed with BP alone. The same treatment reduced intermediate leaf macronutrients (N, K, Na), whereas this was ameliorated with CF + BP. The use of BP without fertigation enhanced final P content in leaves and roots. However, fruit P declined, reflecting delayed P availability and translocation. The use of BP induced plant stress responses, accompanied by stimulation of phenolic and antioxidant accumulation in leaves, with fruit exhibiting comparable increases only without fertigation. Fruit lycopene and total soluble solids were enhanced by CF + BP, with fertigation mediating differences. Combined CF and BP application promoted tomato fruit quality, without diminishing growth, while the performance of BP alone was improved with supplementary fertigation to maintain tomato growth, yield, and quality.

The radioprotective properties of a human placenta hydrolysate known commercially as Laennec (Japan Bio Products, Co. Ltd., Japan) were studied. The preparation was administered intraperitoneally to male ICR (CD-1) mice using two regimens. In the first scenario, the mice received 112 μg/g of the preparation at 30 min and one, two, and three days after irradiation. Alternatively, they were given five daily injections of the preparation at a dosage of 112 μg/g and exposed to 6.5 Gy irradiation on the third day after the final administration. The efficacy of the preparation was assessed by 30-day survival rate, as well as by biological indices obtained four days after irradiation (number of nucleated cells in bone marrow, content of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in liver, and leukocyte and platelet levels in blood). Neither of the two regimens improved survival or alleviated pancytopenia in the irradiated mice. However, the reduced TBARS contents in liver suggest that the preparation may exert a slight inhibitory effect on the metabolism of lipid radiotoxins.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play an important role in the development of national economies. The specificity of digital transformation in the conditions of green transition requires the disclosure of the problems and opportunities arising in their practice. Based on a conceptual framework of the digital transformation of SMEs in the context of the green transition, this study outlines some of these issues and opportunities through in-depth interviews with expert managers managing SMEs. The analysis of the results shows: the specificity of the problems of SMEs working in the field of production of organic food and bio products; the role of digitization of activities in the management of SMEs to support the transition to productions with minimal impact on the environment; the need to inform customers about the benefits of consuming products that do not endanger the environment; the need to explore the application of artificial intelligence in the field of ecological production. On the basis of these conclusions, a quantitative study of the problems and challenges faced by SMEs in the digitalization of their activities in the conditions of the green transition can be planned.

Biorefineries, which process biomass feedstocks into valuable (bio)products, aim to replace fossil fuel-based refineries to produce energy and chemicals, reducing environmental and health hazards, including climate change, and supporting a sustainable economy. In particular, lignocellulose-based biorefineries, utilizing the most abundant renewable feedstock on Earth, have significant potential to supply sustainable energy, chemicals and materials. Ionic liquids (ILs, organic salts with low melting temperatures) and deep eutectic solvents (DESs, mixtures with eutectic points lower than the ideal mixture) are capable of dissolving some of the key lignocellulose polymers, and even the whole biomass. Furthermore, they have intrinsic advantages over molecular solvents, including safer usage profiles and high tunability, which allow tailored physicochemical properties. Such properties provide unique opportunities for the development of new processes that could unlock the full potential of future biorefineries. Here, we review the current state of lignocellulosic biomass processing with ILs and DESs, with a specific focus on the pretreatment chemistry, process flow and products from each component; followed by discussions on sustainability assessments and technological challenges. We aim to inform the research community about the opportunities, challenges and perspectives in developing truly sustainable lignocellulose-based biorefineries.

The recombinant protein is relevant in the field of biotechnology, and they serve into therapy, diagnostics, and industrial processes. They become synthesised when they are made within host organisms, e.g. bacteria, yeast or mammalian cells, with target genes introduced into them. However, realistic concerns about high-efficient and scalable production of recombinant proteins have become characteristic as the recombinant proteins poorly express, are non-soluble, and fail to fold at all. Moreover, the recombinant proteins are non-capable of various post-translational modification and are too costly to make an ideal production. In this paper, these challenges are examined and access some of the innovations in beating them, including synthetic biology, CRISPR gene editing, and improved cell culture tools. A lot has already been achieved but currently more technology is needed so that the recombinant proteins can meet the rising demand. The article pays special attention to the importance of a multidisciplinary aspect on which genetic engineering, bioprocess optimization, and bio products have to be combined. It will also be the case that artificial intelligence and machine learning advancements will mean optimized monitoring, scale-up and yield forecast of a bio-process so that biopharmaceuticals can be provided with high quality recombinant proteins at economical costs.

Constraint analysis on utilization bio stimulants bio control products in Palnadu district, Andhra Pradesh

The production of bio or eco food implies production without the use of mineral fertilizers, hormones, pesticides, and GMOs. In Croatia, organic production has been growing year by year, regulated by legal provisions that set high standards for ecological production, which relies on renewable energy sources, waste recycling, limited pesticide use, and the prohibition of GMO use at any stage of production (food, animal feed, soil enhancers, plant protection). The purpose of organic production is to protect human health, nature, and the environment, as well as consumers. To maintain production consistency, legal regulations aligned with EU regulations on organic agricultural production and food production have been introduced, while the possible presence of GMOs in organic crops and food is regulated by GMO legislation. EU Regulation 1829/2003 regulates monitoring and labeling rules for food containing > 0.9% GMOs, including organic products. The aim of this paper was to determine the presence of GM soybean, corn, wheat, and rice lines in organic products commercially available on the Croatian market, and to determine their share in products containing GMOs. The study detected a low presence (0.1%) of GM soybean line MON 89788 in two organic soy beverages, while no GM corn, wheat, flax, or rice was found. The GMO content in all tested organic products remained below the regulatory labeling threshold (0.9%). These findings indicate that GM contamination in organic products on the Croatian market is minimal and primarily results from unavoidable cross-contamination during production, transport, or storage.

An investigation was carried out at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University to utilize tapioca waste from the sago industry, a major waste left unutilized, which may be effectively used for bio ethanol production. Sago industry waste is abundantly available in Tamil Nadu, India, especially in the southern belt comprising of Salem, Erode and Bhavani. In the present study, amylase and the chemical agents HCl and H2SO4 were used separately to determine the most effective saccharifying agent. In comparison with different concentrations (0.1 to 0.8 N) of HCl and H2SO4 treatments, the amylase enzyme at a concentration of 67.5 Ug-1 of 0.6 ml for 60 hr at a temperature of 45 0C served as effective saccharifying agent. It effectively recovered reducing sugar level of 80.2 % from sago industry wastes. The saccharified substrate was subjected to fermentation with an effective yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae YS10 isolated from sugarcane molasses. In the cell free extracts, alcohol recovery of 16.8 % was noticed in sago industry wastes after 15 days of fermentation. Thus, proving its potentiality in the current scenario of recycling the sago industry wastes into bioethanol as a gift to biofuel ultimately to mankind by which the current alarming problem of price rise and demand in the fuel sector can be minimized.

Aim: This study aims to isolate and characterize biosurfactants produced by bacteria, optimization, production conditions, and to evaluate physicochemical and antimicrobial properties for potential industrial and environmental applications. Study Design: A bacterial strain capable of producing biosurfactants was screened and identified. The biosurfactant was extracted, characterized, and tested for emulsification, surface tension reduction, and antimicrobial activity. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Centre for bioscience and Nanoscience Research, Coimbatore over a period of four months (December 2024 to march 2025). Methodology: Bacterial isolates were screened for biosurfactant production using techniques such as drop collapse assay, haemolytic assay, and emulsification index determination. Biosurfactants were extracted using a solvent extraction method and analyzed using UV-visible spectrophotometry, FTIR and Thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Emulsification activity was tested against hydrocarbons such as crude oil. The antimicrobial potential of the bio surfactant was evaluated against pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains using agar well diffusion method. Results: The bacterial isolate, identified as belonging to the Bacillus genus, produced a biosurfactant with high emulsification activity, particularly against crude oil (E24 index: 100%). TLC analysis suggested a lipopeptide nature, while UV analysis confirmed its presence. The biosurfactant exhibited antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae (15mm inhibition zone), Staphylococcus aureus (16mm), and Proteus mirabilis (17mm). Haemolytic assay indicated potential bio surfactant production, though it was not a definitive test. Conclusion: The study confirms the successful production of a bio surfactant with strong emulsification and antimicrobial properties. These findings highlight its potential applications in bioremediation, enhanced oil recovery, and antimicrobial formulations. Further optimization and purification studies are needed for industrial-scale production.

Efficacy of Pre-harvest Applications of Various Bio and Agrochemical Products on Anthracnose Disease of Mango Fruits and Keeping Quality During Storage Conditions.

This study aims to assess the knowledge and perception variation among high school students regarding genetically modified organisms (GMOs) from year to year. A comprehensive analysis was conducted through surveys and interviews to evaluate the depth of understanding and their attitudes toward GMOs. Due to the utilization of GMOs in different fields, such as food industry, medicine and pharmacy, students were asked to express their opinion about GMOs usage in these fields as well. A survey comprising 10 questions was administered to 249 high school students from 2018 to 2023 (7% of them were in ninth grade, 29% tenth grade, 31% eleventh grade and 30% Twelfth grade, last year students). Among the surveyed students, 81.7% demonstrated a strong understanding of GMOs, while 18.3% reported having no knowledge about them. In terms of information sources, 55.42% acquired their knowledge from books and scientific articles, predominantly during classes. Additionally, 27.71% gathered information from television or the internet, while 12.05% encountered the concept of GMOs for the first time through this questionnaire. A smaller percentage, 2.4%, received information from newspapers and magazines and 2.41% from various organizations involved in environmental education and awareness. 81.7 % of the students had good knowledge about GMOs, while 18.3 % of them had no knowledge at all about GMOs. Regarding the consumption of GMO versus BIO products, 80% of students expressed a preference for BIO products, 8.33% chose GMO products, and 11.66% were uncertain about their choice. The results indicate a strong preference for BIO products among students, with a significant majority (80%) choosing them. The findings suggest varying levels of knowledge among high school students. Several factors appear to influence their perceptions, including educational exposure, media coverage, cultural backgrounds, and personal beliefs. These factors likely shape students' attitudes toward GMOs and BIO products, influencing their choices.

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe use of pesticides in agriculture is crucial for crop protection although it potentially poses risks to the environment and human health. This has led to European Union initiatives to reduce chemical pesticide inputs which has driven innovation for more environmentally sustainable solutions. Biostimulants, including silicon‐based products, represent a promising strategy to improve crop growth and quality in horticultural crops, such as strawberries. This research investigates silicon‐based biostimulants and their impact on production and disease control in strawberry crops.Material and MethodsThree commercial style trials were conducted in glasshouse and polytunnel growing environments to evaluate different silicon‐based biostimulant (Si_bio) products and application methods against a standard pesticide and reduced pesticide programme.ResultsThe main findings of this research point to growing system having a major effect on strawberry production where biostimulants are used, with a positive effect of biostimulant use only noted in the polytunnel system. Our results show that although certain parameters responded positively to silicon‐based biostimulant application, such as increases to total weight and total yield, these were only significant in a single trial. Where overall yield increases were detected, this did not result in an increase in marketable yield. Pesticides remain more effective than biostimulants in reducing disease incidence of the fungal diseases grey mould and powdery mildew.ConclusionThe impact on most agronomic parameters was limited and inconsistent across trials, however this work expands our understanding of the effectiveness of silicon biostimulants in strawberry production and disease management.

Abstract Hydrazine (N2H4) is a highly versatile industrial compound valued for its energetic properties, ease of oxidation, and chemical activity, making it indispensable in various applications such as rocket fuel. Currently, industrial-scale production of N2H4 relies solely on chemical processes. In nature, anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) bacteria have the unique ability to synthesize N2H4 in their metabolism, adding an interesting dimension to N2H4 production. Recent studies revealed that anammox bacteria could be considered a potential alternative bioenergy resource for N2H4. On the other hand, since N2H4 is produced at low concentrations in chemical reaction mixtures, numerous separation techniques have been investigated for this purpose and many patents have been filed over the years. Despite the extensive research on N2H4, there is a notable lack of comprehensive review studies, particularly focusing on N2H4 separation methods. Besides, advancements in N2H4 production routes have not been systematically reviewed in over a decade. Furthermore, there are currently no established methods for extracting N2H4 from biological systems. Within these frameworks, this review first highlighted advances in N2H4 (bio)production and separation processes, emphasizing critical aspects such as efficiency, safety, and technological progress. Then, several separation methods were suggested for extracting N2H4 from biological matrices, considering separation approaches used in chemical reaction mixtures and synthetic wastewater compositions employed in N2H4 biosynthesis. This review provides valuable insight into the detailed, historical, holistic, and up-to-date analysis of hydrazine research, spanning its production methods to separation techniques, for researchers and various industries. Graphical Abstract

The Russell's viper (Daboia russelii) has recently become a significant threat to human life in Bangladesh. Given its wide distribution across South Asia, the venom characteristics and lethality can vary by region with different toxicological properties. Hence, we investigated the characteristics of Bangladeshi Russell's viper venom (BRVV) through SDS–PAGE profiling, reverse-phase HPLC analysis, along with assessments of phospholipase A2 (PLA2), edema-inducing, hemolytic, hemorrhagic, and coagulant activities, histopathology, and blood biochemistry, following established protocols. We also studied the neutralization efficacy of polyvalent antivenom from VINS Bio Products Ltd., India (VPAV) against BRVV. RP-HPLC analysis of BRVV displayed 15 peaks, and SDS–PAGE showed high-intensity protein bands within the 15–70 kDa range. The median lethal dose (LD50) for mice was found to be 0.33 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.), and venom exposure resulted in neurotoxic symptoms such as limb paralysis, respiratory difficulties, and sluggishness. BRVV exhibited strong PLA2, procoagulant, hemorrhagic, indirect hemolytic, and edema-inducing activities but poor direct hemolytic activity. Venom administration also significantly increased levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), cholesterol, total protein, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine in mouse serum, indicating organ damage. Histopathological examination revealed cell vacuolization, congestion, hemorrhage, inflammatory infiltrations, and necrosis in venom-exposed tissues, validating the abnormal serum biochemistry. The neutralization study revealed that VPAV had limited efficacy against BRVV, suggesting the presence of venom proteins not fully neutralized by the antivenom. Altogether, these findings suggest that the Russell's viper is a medically significant venomous snake in Bangladesh, and VPAV is only partially effective in reducing the venom's toxic effects. Therefore, region-specific venoms must be considered in antivenom development for more effective treatment in envenomation cases.

Industrial–scale production of various bio–commodities by engineered microbial cell factories: Strategies of engineering in microbial robustness

A new methacrylate-chitosan based blend and its ZnO containing nanocomposites: Investigation of thermal and biological properties

The increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions has driven interest in alternative biomass sources for energy production. This study investigates the production and characterization of bio briquettes made from different biomass of mango leaves, sawdust, and rice huskusing limestone as binder. The objective is to evaluate the potential of these biomass materials as efficient energy sources for cooking. The bio briquettes were produced using a standard briquetting process, involving mixing, compaction, and drying. Various parameters including ultimate and proximate composition, calorific value, bulk density, hardness and durability as well as mechanical and combustion properties were analyzed to assess their performance. The results demonstrated that the bio briquettes exhibited high calorific values between 20753 to 20506 KJ/kg and high percentage of fixed carbon between 4.18 to 5.58 % which generally indicates good fuel performance.The results also indicated that the bio briquettes has low Sulphur content and high volatile matter content between 50.53 to 62.84 % an indication that they are ecofriendly and can easily burn to yield energy. The bio briquettes of mango leaves, sawdust, and rice husk not only leverages agricultural waste but also contributes to reducing dependency on non-renewable energy sources. This research underscores the potential of utilizing locally available biomass for sustainable energy solutions and offers insights into improving the efficiency of bio briquette production.

On place research was conducted on a farm where cows were fed by a mixture of traditional pasturing and feed supply. Pyrolysis was carried out directly on the farm to produce a ready-to-use biochar product. The product of biochar after pyrolysis was mixed with an organic adhesive dopant into 100 gram processed products for commercial use. This processed product was analyzed by elemental analysis, proximate analysis, TGA, FTIR and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Data from these analyses was compared to those of brown coal Aduunchuluun, which is originally from the same place as the bio waste. Heavy elements content in biochar such as silicon, aluminium, sulphur, etc. is significantly less than compared to the brown coal. TGA and DTG analysis on the biochar product showed a total weight loss of 0.87%, where nearly 0.26% of the moisture was released in the temperature interval of 30 - 300°C, 0.46% of devolatilization occurred in 300 - 600°C, and 0.15% of mass loss in combustion reaction in 600 - 700°C. The residue after the thermal processing was minimal and consisted of hemicellulose and cellulose after volatilization. From the FTIR analysis, we see a disappearance of hydroxyl group vibration around 3400 cm-1 and carbonyl C=O stretching 1733 cm-1 from the biochar product compared to brown coal. The aromatic absorption near 1600 cm-1 is shifted to 1392 cm-1 in biochar. EPR spectrum of bio product consists of two lines, broad and narrow in the resonance field of ≈ 3500 Gs. Corresponding g-factor of narrow line and broad line 2.0022. It is calculated the spin numbers in biochar sample, that is compared to brown coal related data.