Commercial Products Research Articles

Valorizing Waste Streams to Enhance Sustainability and Economics in Microbial Oil Production.

Driven by demand for more sustainable products, research and capital investment has been committed to developing microbially produced oils. While researchers have shown oleaginous yeasts and other microbes can produce low-carbon footprint oils by leveraging waste streams as energy sources, previous analyses have not fully explored the quantity of available waste streams and in turn economy-of-scale enabled on capital and operating expenses. This paper makes parallels to 2G ethanol facilities, enabling a data-driven understanding of large-scale production economics. Production costs are broken down for a variety of scenarios. The analysis finds that reaching price parity with large-scale commodity oils (e.g., palm oil, high-oleic cooking oils, biofuels feedstock oils, lauric acid) is not possible today and unlikely even under aggressive future assumptions about strain productivity. Instead, commercial production must be targeted at end markets where sustainability-conscious consumers are willing to pay the price premiums identified in this paper.

Effect of microencapsulated/photoresistant extract of Azadirachta indica A. Juss seeds on Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctudae) and its persistence in semi-field

The development of bioinsecticides as an alternative to synthetic insecticides can benefit the economy of exporting and importing countries, family farming, production of high-quality commodities, food security, quality of life, and the natural environment. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of microencapsulated extracts of Azadirachta indica A. Juss on Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith and their persistence in the plant under semi-field conditions. The fresh seeds of A. indica, collected in Brazil, were separated for the preparation of the microencapsulated dry extract (MDE) according to criteria registered in the patent. Lethal concentrations for S. frugiperda were determined using a dose response curve. The treatments were compared: MDE, control and positive control based on azadirachtin, evaluating mortality and growth inhibition. There was a significant difference in mortality between the treatments tested. The lethal concentrations LC50 and LC95, expressed in azadirachtin for the bioinsecticide, were 194.98 and 630.95 ppm, respectively. The growth inhibition of S. frugiperda was above 98 % in the treatments, except for the control. The MDE presented lethal times LT50 and LT90 lower than the other treatments (lethal time LT50 = 2.79 d; lethal time LT90 = 3.97 d). The MDE of A. indica seeds was effective in controlling S. frugiperda up to the fifth instar and is considered as slightly persistent to persistent depending on environmental conditions and irrigation, based on IOBC/WPRS parameters. The MDE has the potential to be a phytosanitary product approved for use in organic agriculture and with greater effectiveness in controlling S. frugiperda compared to similar pesticides.Abbreviations: BOD, Biochemical Oxygen Demand; CPA, commercial product based on azadirachtin; CLE, concentrated liquid extract; DAS, days after spraying; GI, growth inhibition; LC50, lethal concentration for 50% of the population; LC95, lethal concentration for 95% of the population; LT50, lethal time for 50% of the population; LT90, lethal time for 90% of the population; MDE, microencapsulated dry extract.

Research Note: Proteases effect on soybean meal: enzyme product and area of production differences on standardized ileal amino acids digestibility of broiler chickens

This study evaluated the effects of two protease products added to feeds having two soybean meal (SBM) sources (South and North of Brazil). A total of five hundred and sixty, 21 d male broiler chickens were allocated into 7 dietary treatments: a nitrogen-free diet (NFD) and other six diets prepared with a 40% replacement of the NFD with each SBM source. Two commercial protease products (RONOZYME® ProAct and ProAct 360TM) were added at 15,000 PROT and 30,000 NFP per kg feed, respectively. After 5-day diet adaptation, all birds were euthanized for ileal digesta collection. Results show that the North SBM sample was inherently higher (P < 0.05) in apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N), and the standardized ileal amino acid digestibility (SIAAD) compared to South SBM sample. The DM digestibility and SIAAD of North SBM sample were not different from the un-treated control and protease treatments (P > 0.05, except Val and Ile, which had higher digestibility with ProAct 360). The DM digestibility and SIAAD from South SBM sample were increased (P < 0.05, except Met, Asp and Cys) with both supplemental proteases. Correlation analysis showed that AA digestibility of the two SBM samples were negatively associated with the effect of protease products. These data demonstrated that the SIAAD of SBM was influenced by SBM source with the South SBM sample being lower than that from the North while the protease effects were more evident in the SBM sample from South; responses of ProAct 360 were superior to ProAct. Exogenous proteases can enhance nutritional value of SBM, particularly for those with inherently low amino acid digestibility.

Zinc outperforms other foliar fertilisers in enhancing lentil yield and harvest index in semi-arid regions

ABSTRACT Lentil yield in semi-arid regions is limited by heat, drought stress and nutrient deficiencies induced by high soil pH and water scarcity. In this study, we investigated the effect of foliar fertiliser treatments on lentil yield and yield components in a semi-arid region of South-East Anatolia, Türkiye. The control treatment and six foliar treatments were as follows: (i) Control: non-amended control, (ii) Zn: zinc sulphate, (iii) K: potassium sulphate, (iv) Zn + K (zinc sulphate + potassium sulphate), (v) Flo: Florea-UPL (containing boron and molybdenum), (vi) Mac: Macarena-UPL, an organomineral foliar fertiliser and (vii) Flo + Mac. Foliar fertilisers were applied at the first blooming stage of field-grown lentils. Total biomass yield was largely unaffected across treatments except in the K treatment. However, foliar Zn supply was the only treatment that significantly increased grain yield (55% higher), harvest index and total grain N uptake compared to the control, likely due to enhanced translocation of nitrogen-containing assimilates. SPAD values and total N analysis showed that stover N content depleted more rapidly in the Zn treatment than in other treatments during the grain-filling phase. The tested commercial products slightly increased SPAD values, biomass and grain yield. Among the treatments, Zn, as a foliar fertiliser, was the most cost-effective solution for improving grain yield in this region.

Gel Cleaning in Heritage: Comparison of the Water Release among Gels and Traditional Pads

Water release is a crucial aspect when considering cleaning effects on water-sensitive materials. In conservation practice, a water-based cleaning method which limits water release is very often needed. Unfortunately, this is not accompanied by an appropriate measure of the effectively released water. In this paper, water release has been measured by comparing traditional cleaning formulations, such as paper pulp and sepiolite, with several gar gel formulations, used by both Italian and European conservators. The assessment has been carried out by the gravimetric method, using three different stone material specimens as reference: Noto calcarenite, Manciano sandstone and Black Bergamo limestone, whose porosity values and distributions are known. Moreover, water distribution has been evaluated by portable NMR tests. Different commercial agar gel products (Bresciani, CTS, Sigma), having different concentrations (3, 4, and 5%), application modes (rigid at room T or fluid warm gels, with and without inserting Japanese tissue paper), and geometry (horizontal in gravity force direction or vertical), have been compared to obtain a full scenario among different water release mechanisms present in real conservation works. The paper faces the important issue of preparing reproducible chemical or water pads as well, useful for further research aimed at comparing cleaning effects in heritage conservation. The most interesting quantitative results can be summarized as follows. The water release measured from paper pulp and sepiolite was found to be 2 to 4 times higher than from any tested agar gel. Water release decreases by increasing agar concentration; an increase in the agar concentration by 1% induces a decrease in water release in the range 16.98–66.88 g depending on the stone; the increase from 4% to 5% is more obvious with respect to that from 3% to 4%. It is possible to assess the effect of the presence of Japanese paper, which is able to reduce the water release from 18 to 76%, depending on the stone and on the agar used. The gravimetric results were also used in the preliminary calibration tests of a contact probe named System Unit Salinity Index (SUSI), recently patented and useful in providing humidity and salinity indexes in a given porous material.

Performance evaluation of resin wafer electrodeionization for enhanced nitrogen recovery from ammonium-containing water environment

Ammonium ion (NH4+) is a common pollutant from various sources like human and animal waste, industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and commercial products, with traditional treatment methods often generating secondary contaminants, such as nitrite and nitrate. In this study, an energy-efficient resin-wafer electrodeionization (RW-EDI) process was employed for nitrogen recovery from ammonium-rich water. The system was operated in a continuous mode, with voltage-current curve measurements identifying a limiting current density of 2.2 A cm−2. With the NH4+ concentration of 1 g/L and a flow rate of 2.4 mL min−1, the system was tested at various cell voltages (1.2–7.2 V). The system could achieve 80 % NH4+ removal efficiency at a cell voltage of 3 V, current density of 2.2 A cm−2, influent NH4+ level of 3 g/L, and flow rate of 6.4 mL min−1. The observed current efficiency and the calculated power consumption were 41 % and 0.78 kWh m−3, respectively. Finally, a mass balance model was developed to predict the number of RW-EDI stacks for complete removal of NH4+ from the feed. Overall, the result from this study demonstrates that the RW-EDI-based system could be a promising technology for recovering nitrogen from wastewater.

The synergistic interaction of fungi with different structural characteristics improves the leaching of lithium from lepidolite

The aim of this study was to explore the improvement of lithium leaching from lepidolite by microbial co-culture, focusing on the synergistic effect of different structural fungi in improving the leaching performance of biological systems. The results showed that in the single leaching experiment, the multicellular fungi and the unicellular yeast showed weak effects. Multicellular fungus is limited by insufficient EPS secretion, while unicellular yeast is non-mycelial organisms with weak acid production capacity and limited effect on minerals. However, in the combined leaching experiment, the interspecific collaboration promoted the synthetic and metabolic activity of the two strains, resulting in changes in the type and content of organic acids, polysaccharides, proteins and humus. The content of citric acid reached the highest value of 16.98g·L-1 at about 22 d, and the EPS secreted by unicellular yeast promoted the mycelium adhesion and mineral wrapping of multicellular fungi. The combined action of the two enhanced the effects of acidification, complexation and mycelium destruction, and improved the leaching effect. This study revealed the synergistic metabolic mechanism of lepidolite leaching by fungi with different structures, verified the effectiveness of microbial co-culture to improve the leaching rate, and provided a basis for industrial application. In addition, the use of co-culture technology has a positive impact on commercial production and environmental protection.

Determination of Dried Root Extract of Rheum emodi and its Commercial Products Using Rhein and Chrysophanol as Standard Markers by HPTLC Densitometric Analysis

Determination of Dried Root Extract of Rheum emodi and its Commercial Products Using Rhein and Chrysophanol as Standard Markers by HPTLC Densitometric Analysis

Novo plant-based mosquito repellent shows promise for exclusion of Aedes mosquitoes from "window" entry.

Mosquitoes threaten over half of the world's population through vectored diseases such as malaria, zika, yellow fever, dengue, and chikungunya. Mosquitoes have a highly developed olfactory system attuned to chemotaxis relating to host-seeking, mating, and oviposition behavior. In this study, we aimed to determine the spatial efficacy of 2 plant-based repellent blends (Blend3 and Blend4that had previously been found to successfully repel Aedes, Anopheles and Culex mosquitoes in wind tunnel assays)in excluding Aedes aegypti from the window entry. A new cage system was developed for parallel "no-choice" and "choice" olfactometric assays. In the no-choice trial, Blends 3 and 4, as well as commercial products (N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide, p-menthane-3,8-diol [PMD], 3-(N-n-butyl-N-acetyl)-amino-propionic acid ethyl ester, and 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-methylpropylstyrene 1-piperidine carboxylate), were adsorbed into filter papers of different sizes and placed in a window created between 2 attached bug dorms. Then, the number of mosquitoes entering the window was counted through a 6-min period. In choice olfactometric assays, Blends 3, 4, and PMD were adsorbed into filter paper and the number of mosquitoes moving away from Blend 3 and PMD were compared. No-choice assays showed that Blend3 (P < 0.001) and Blend4 (P = 0.0012) were more repellent than the best commercial product PMD. Additionally, while Blend 4 was significantly more repellent than Blend 3 (P = 0.012) in the choice assay, overall, these 2 blends show promise as new repellents for the spatial exclusion of Aedes aegypti from window entry alone or as part of a "push-pull'' strategy.

Plant growth-promoting fungi improve tobacco yield and chemical components by reassembling rhizosphere fungal microbiome and recruiting probiotic taxa

BackgroundTobacco production faces ongoing challenges due to soil degradation, leading to a persistent decline in yield. Plant growth-promoting fungi (PGPF) have been recognized as an environmentally friendly agricultural strategy. However, many commercial PGPF products exhibit instability due to insufficient environmental compatibility.ResultsIn this study, Penicillium sp. PQxj3 was isolated and assessed for its potential to enhance tobacco productivity under field conditions. The results demonstrated that Penicillium sp. PQxj3 treatment significantly promoted the tobacco growth and improved the crop yield. The height of tobacco in Penicillium sp. PQxj3 treatment group significantly increased by 50.19% and 24.05% compared with CK at exuberant and maturity period (P < 0.05). The average yield of tobacco significantly increased by 36.16% compared to CK (P < 0.05). Fungal microbiome analysis revealed that phylogenetically similar probiotic taxa were recruited by Penicillium sp. PQxj3 and reassembled tobacco rhizosphere fungal microbiome. The key chemical indicators of tobacco such as alkaloid, total sugar, and phosphorus were significantly enhanced in Penicillium sp. PQxj3 treatment. The recruited probiotic taxa (Penicillium brasilianum, Penicillium simplicissimum, Penicillium macrosclerotiorum and Penicillium senticosum) were significantly associated with alkaloid, total sugar etc. (P < 0.05), which were identified as the key drivers for improving the chemical components of tobacco. Transcriptome analysis indicated that Penicillium sp. PQxj3 promoted up-regulation of key functional genes involved in alkaloid, indoleacetic, and gibberellin biosynthesis pathways.ConclusionIn summary, this study assessed the biopromotion mechanism of PGPF Penicillium sp. PQxj3 linking chemical traits, rhizosphere fungal microbiome, and transcriptome profiling. The findings provide a fundamental basis and a sustainable solution for developing fungal fertilizers to enhance agricultural sustainability.

Network and systems biology approaches help investigate gene regulatory interactions between Salmonella disease and host in chickens: Model-based in silico evidence combined with gene expression assays.

Salmonella enteritidis (SE), a previously widespread infectious disease, is still cited as a major factor in economic losses in commercial chicken production. The host's genetic immune system determines the pathogenicity of a particular bacterium. To shed light on this topic, it was necessary to understand the key candidate genes essential for regulating susceptibility and resistance to the target disease. The field of poultry farming in particular has benefited greatly from the connection between quantitative and molecular genetics. This study aims to identify the most important immune-related genes and their signalling pathways (gene ontology, co-expression and interactions) and to analyse their accumulation in host-resistant SE diseases by combining gene expression assays with model-based in silico evidence. A two-step experimental design is followed. To start, we used free computational tools and online bioinformatics resources, including predicting gene function using a multiple association network integration algorithm (geneMania), the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, the Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) database and the stimulator of interferon genes. Natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1 (NRAMP1), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), interferon-γ (IFNγ), immunoglobulin Y (IgY) and interleukin 8 (IL8) were among the five genes whose expression levels in liver, spleen, and cecum were evaluated at 1107 SE after 48h of inoculation. This molecular study was developed in the second phase of research to validate the in silico observations. Next, we use five promising biomarkers for relative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) quantification: TLR4, IL8, NRAMP1, IFNγ and IgY genes in two case and control assays. The 2-∆∆Ct Livak and Schmittgen method was used to compare the expression of genes in treated and untreated samples. This method normalizes the expression of the target gene to that of actin, an internal control and estimates the change in expression relative to the untreated control. Internal control was provided by the Beta actin gene. Next, statistically, the postdoc test was used for the evaluation of treatments using SAS version 9.4, and p values of 0.05 and 0.01 were chosen for significant level. Interestingly, the results of our study suggest the involvement of various factors in the host immune response to Salmonella. These include inducible nitric oxide synthase, NRAMP1, immunoglobulin light chain (IgL), transforming growth factor B family (TGFb2, TGFb3 and TGFb4), interleukin 2 (IL2), apoptosis inhibitor protein 1 (IAP1), TLR4, myeloid differentiation protein 2 (MD2), IFNγ, caspase 1 (CASP1), lipopolysaccharide-induced tumour necrosis factor (LITAF), cluster of differentiation 28 (CD28) and prosaposin (PSAP). The summary of gene ontology and related genes found for SE resistance was surprisingly comprehensive and covered the following topics: positive regulation of endopeptidase activity, interleukin-8 production, chemokine production, interferon-gamma production, interleukin-6 production, positive regulation of mononuclear cell proliferation and response to interferon-gamma. The role of these promising biomarkers in our networks against SE susceptibility is essentially confirmed by these results. After 48h, the spleen showed significant expression of the tissue-specific gene expression patterns for NRAMP1 and IL8 in the cecum, spleen and liver. Based on this information, this report searches for resistance and susceptibility lineages in most genomic regions for SE. In conclusion, the development of an appropriate selection program to improve resistance to salmonellosis can be facilitated by a comprehensive understanding of the immune responses of the chicken immune system after SE exposure.

Evidence of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and alternative halogenated flame retardants (AHFRs) in wild fish species from the remote tropical marine environment, South China Sea

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and their alternatives (e.g., dechlorane plus (DPs) and decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE)) are ubiquitous in various environmental media. However, limited data is available on these chemicals in edible fish species from the wide-open South China Sea (SCS). In the present study, ten legacy PBDEs and three substitutions (DBDPE and two DPs) were analyzed in 16 wild fish species sampled from the open SCS to investigate their spatial and species-specific variations. The results showed that the total concentrations of PBDEs, DBDPE, and DPs in fish samples were in the range of 1.69 to 47.6, not detected (nd) to 21.0, and nd to 3.80 ng/g lipid weight (lw), respectively. BDEs 47, 209 and 100 were the dominant target PBDE congeners, representing 49.2%, 17.2% and 9.93% of the total PBDE concentrations, respectively. Higher concentrations of PBDEs, DBDPE, and DPs were found in fish species from the Wanshan Archipelago compared to those from the Mischief Reef and the Yongxing Island, suggesting the significant influence of anthropogenic activities. Species-specific differences in levels of PBDEs were observed, with the order of bathydemersal > demersal > pelagic ≈ reef-associated > benthopelagic species. The average fanti value of all fish samples was 0.68, suggesting commercial DP products as a contamination source. The levels of PBDEs, DPs, and DBDPE in fish samples were relatively low compared with those from other locations around the globe. Finally, the health risks concerning the ingestion of BDEs 47, 99, 153 and 209 via fish consumption collected from the SCS are negligible.

Daylength Influences Time to Harvest and Stem Quality of Pycnosorus globosus and Caryopteris incana Specialty Cut Flowers

As the demand for locally grown specialty cut flowers increases, cultivars of Pycnosorus globosus and Caryotperis incana are becoming more available for growers to produce as cuts. However, protocols for year-round greenhouse production are limited. Therefore, our objective was to determine if the photoperiod influences flower induction and development, time to harvest, yield, and morphology of billy buttons (Pycnosorus globosus) ‘Paintball Globe’ and ‘Paintball Poppy’ and bluebeard (Caryopteris incana) ‘Pagoda Lagoon’ and ‘Pagoda Dark Pink’ to facilitate commercial greenhouse production. Shoot-tip cuttings were rooted and transplanted into bulb crates and placed in a greenhouse with a mean daily air temperature of 20 °C and 9-, 10-, 11-, 12-, 13-, 14-, 15-, or 16-hour photoperiods or a 9-hour short day (SD) with a 4-hour night interruption (NI) from 2200 to 0200 HR for 11 weeks. Billy buttons initiated inflorescences and developed flowers under all daylengths; however, the greatest stem lengths were recorded under long days (LDs). Bluebeard inflorescences initiated under all daylengths were tested. Time to visible inflorescence and flower was hastened under daylengths ≤14 hours, whereas inflorescences under the 16-h photoperiod or 4-h NI never fully developed. For ‘Pagoda Lagoon’ and ‘Pagoda Dark Pink’, the critical daylengths for flower development were 14 hours and 15 hours, respectively. On average, only bluebeard ‘Pagoda Lagoon’ harvested under photoperiods ≥10 hours developed marketable stem lengths (&gt;40 cm). To hasten time to visible inflorescence and harvest and ensure marketable stem lengths, billy buttons should be grown under daylengths ≥13 hours. Based on these results, we recommend growing bluebeard under a 16-hour photoperiod or NI for 4 to 6 weeks to promote vegetative growth, followed by an 11- to 14-hour photoperiod for flower induction and development. We classify billy buttons as a day-neutral plant for flower induction and a facultative LD plant for flower development. Similarly, bluebeard can be classified as a facultative SD plant for flower induction and an obligate SD plant for flower development.

Multi-trait selection for mean performance and stability in purple-fleshed sweet potato

Few purple-fleshed sweet potato (PFSP) cultivars are available for Brazilian growers, urging for the development of new and adapted cultivars. PFSP breeding programs should include multiple traits during the selection process to increase the chances of developing an adequate genotype, specially yield-related and quality-related traits. The objective was to select promising PFSP genotypes based on yield and tuberous-roots-related traits exploring genotype x environment interaction (GEI). Four experiments were carried out, in which 23 pre-selected PFSP genotypes were evaluated based on yield and quality traits, after screening among 2500 experimental genotypes. The first experiment adopted an augmented block design, with ‘Luiza’ interspersed as a control. From this first experiment, the 19 experimental genotypes with the best performance were selected for the following three experiments, which were conducted in a randomized block experimental design, with three replications each, including ‘Luiza’ as control. The best genotypes were selected in the first experiment using the multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI). For the following experiments, the performance of the genotypes was assessed using deviance analysis, genotypic stability through weighted average of absolute scores (WAASB) index, and the multi-trait stability index (MTSI). In the first experiment, three factors were retained, being associated to commercial production of tuberous roots (‘K-104′, ‘K-25′ and ‘U1–29′), total production of tuberous roots (‘K-110′, ‘C-42′, ‘F-16′, and ‘U1–29′), and quality of tuberous roots (‘F-22′), respectively. Desired gains were observed for all traits. For the experiments II, III, and IV five factors were retained, being four related to quality of tuberous roots and one to yield components. The GEI was significant for yield-related traits and desired gains were observed for most traits. Due to high commercial tuberous root yield and low WAASB values, the genotypes ‘U1–29′, ‘K-98′, ‘F-22′, ‘K-57′, ‘C-36′, ‘U1–15′, ‘K-25′, and ‘U2–12′ were highly productive and stable. The genotypes selected by the MTSI index were ‘U1–15′, ‘U2–10′, ‘U1–29′, ‘K-98′, and ‘K-78′. The multi-trait selection enabled the identification of promising genotypes highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.

Cubosomes hydrogel containing silver based organometallic compounds for enhanced wound healing of burns: In vitro and in vivo studies

The aim of this study is to investigate the treatment of burn wounds and bacterial infections, specifically focusing on silver(I) N-heterocyclic carbene (Ag-NHC) loaded into cubosomes. Ag-NHC is an organometallic complex of silver (Ag) and can be considered an active pharmaceutical ingredient for the topical treatment of burns. A novel nanoparticle system, cubosome dispersions, was formulated using high pressure homogenization methods with different concentrations of lipid phase glyceryl monooleate (GMO), surfactants such as poloxamer 407 (F-127), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The optimized formulation (U6) was characterized by in vitro drug release profile (90.54 ± 1.17 %), particle size (126.7 ± 0.98 nm), zeta potential (−21.6 ± 6.83 mV), entrapment efficiency (89.30 ± 1.46 %), and morphology as observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The U6 formulation was incorporated into a hydrogel containing Carbopol 940 to form a cubosomal hydrogel (cubogel). The cubogel was characterized by the in vitro release of Ag-NHC (92 %), entrapment efficiency (>90 %), pH (5.3), viscosity (1.2 cP), spreadability, and TEM. From the in vitro drug release pattern, it was concluded that the U6 formulation showed slow and sustained drug release over 24 h, and demonstrated superior burn healing compared to marketed products. The in vivo wound healing study revealed that the cubogel demonstrated a superior burn healing rate compared to commercially available products (Quench® and Clotrimazole®). The in vivo histopathological results showed that the prepared cubogel was effective in treating second-degree burns, with no side effects or skin irritation, compared to commercial products. Additionally, Ag-NHC-loaded cubogel facilitated sustained release for treating burn wounds without any bacterial infections. The current findings provide a strong basis for the initiating phase 0 clinal trials, highlighting significant potential for the further research to benefit the pharmaceutical industry.

Effect of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Frass as Organic Fertilizer on Postharvest Quality and Shelf Life of Open-field-grown Tomato (Solanum lycopersicon L.)

Open-field-grown tomatoes in Saudi Arabia are stressed by poor soil fertility because of the low organic matter content, low nutrient availability, and high pH. Thus, high chemical fertilizer inputs are crucial for commercial production; however, they cause economic loss as well as negatively affect environmental sustainability. The use of efficient organic fertilizers would be useful for developing more cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and sustainable agriculture. The current study evaluated the impact of Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) frass (BSFF) fertilizer applications as organic fertilizer on postharvest fruit quality and shelf life of open-field-grown F1 hybrid ‘Sinag Tala’ tomatoes compared with those grown under control treatment (received recommended doses of chemical fertilizers for tomato production under open field conditions). The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with four replicates. The results showed that the application of BSFF fertilizer, especially at the higher rate (5 ton/ha; BSFF3), improved the overall quality of tomato fruit. The BSFF fertilizer treatments reduced weight loss, maintained higher firmness, antioxidants [vitamin C, total phenol content (TPC) and total flavinoid (TFC)], total soluble solids (TSS), and titratable acidity (TA) contents, and lowered the TSS/TA ratio of fruits during shelf life compared with those of the control. The decay incidence was only detected after 9 days of shelf life and was significantly lower in all the BSFF fertilizer treatments (range, 8.40%-12.05%) than in the control (15.9%). In addition, BSFF fertilizer treatments reduced both disease incidence and severity of gray mold following pathogen inoculation during shelf life compared with those of the control. These results might be attributable to the higher antioxidants content (vitamin C, TPC, and TFC) and higher polyphenol oxidase activity in BSFF-fertilized tomatoes. In conclusion, BSFF fertilizer could be used as a potential eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers to improve tomato fruit quality during shelf life.

Carbohydrate-binding module could integrate with ELISA and serve the simple and specific quantification of hyaluronic acid

Quantification is essential in the research and development of polysaccharides. However, achieving simplicity and specificity in polysaccharide quantification remains a challenging task. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on antibodies provides a straightforward and specific quantification strategy. Nevertheless, acquiring antibodies for polysaccharides is complicated. Carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs), which can be efficiently obtained, exhibit the capability to specifically recognize and bind carbohydrates. In this study, we verified the feasibility of a CBM-based ELISA for the quantification of hyaluronic acid (HA) by replacing an antibody with a CBM. The CBM-based ELISA, which employed a HA-specific CBM, exhibited a linear detection range spanning from 10 to 100 μg/mL. Both intra-assay and inter-assay coefficients of variation remained below 15 % and recoveries ranged from 96.26 % to 98.22 %, indicating favorable precision and accuracy. The method exhibited specificity exclusively to HA, suggesting its reliance on CBM binding specificity. The effectiveness of the method in analyzing commercial products was confirmed. Additionally, a comparison with the carbazole assay revealed a highly significant correlation (r = 0.994). By integrating CBMs with ELISA, the study presented a novel and easily implementable solution for simple and specific quantification of HA.

The phenology of flowering in Spiranthes sinensis s.s.

The native Spiranthes sinensis s.s. of Taiwan is an emerging ornamental potted orchid. This study aims to understand the conditions for floral differentiation and life cycle to facilitate artificial cultivation and commercial production of S. sinensis. Every August, new leaves appeared from the dwarf stem, during which the old roots acted as a nutrient source, providing the energy needed for the initial foliation phase. In November, the apical bud enters the floral initiation. In January, the apical bud began to transform into the primary inflorescence of the plant, while the lateral bud apical meristem began to differentiate into floral meristem. The plant produced a main spike in February, followed by the lateral bud inflorescences; the plant bloomed from March to May. Changes in sugar and starch contents were associated with inflorescence development. A higher soluble sugar level was noted in the roots and stems from January to April at the time of anthesis. Starch began to accumulate in the roots from February to August. The growth cycle restarted in August every year with new shoot formation, with the roots providing the initial nutrients for shoot growth to restart a new growing cycle. The influence of temperature changes on inflorescence development and flowering is discussed.

Exploring Gumuruh Village's Upcycling Potential Using Creative Innovation To Turn Plastic Waste Into Commercial Products

Plastic waste presents a major environmental challenge worldwide, with improper disposal endangering ecosystems. Upcycling offers a solution by conserving natural resources, reducing carbon emissions, and minimizing waste, all while lowering the demand for new production. Additionally, recycling generates significant economic benefits, particularly by producing high-quality commercial products in sectors like furniture. In Gumuruh Village, Bandung, the community actively participates in recycling efforts, including the processing of organic waste, to create sustainable products. Through the Design Thinking approach and Service Learning, academics and local SMEs collaborate to design and develop products that directly benefit the community.

Non‐Fused Star‐Shape Giant Trimer Electron Acceptors for Organic Solar Cells with Efficiency over 19 %

AbstractOrganic solar cells (OSCs) based on giant molecular acceptors (GMAs) have attracted extensive attention due to their excellent power conversion efficiency (PCE) and operation stability. However, the large conjugated plane of GMAs poses great challenges in regulating the solubility, over‐size aggregation and yield, which in turn further constrains their development in commercial products. Herein, we employ a non‐fused skeleton strategy to develop novel non‐fused star‐shape trimers (3BTT6F and 3BTT6Cl) for improving device performance. Single‐bond linkage can break the rigid planarity to form a 3D architecture, generating multidimensional charge transfer pathways. Importantly, the non‐fused skeleton strategy can not only significantly improve solubility and synthesis yield, but also effectively suppress molecular excessive aggregation. Consequently, due to the optimized film‐forming process and charge dynamics, 3BTT6F‐based binary device obtains a high PCE of 17.52 %, which is significantly higher than the reported fully fused trimers. Excitingly, 3BTT6F‐based ternary device even obtains a top‐level PCE of 19.26 %. Furthermore, the non‐fused star‐shape configuration also endows these acceptors with enhanced intermolecular interaction in the active layer, demonstrating excellent operational stability. Our work emphasizes the potential of non‐fused star‐shape trimers, providing a new pathway for achieving highly efficient and stable OSCs.