Approach For Sustainable Production Research Articles

Evaluation of methyl jasmonate as elicitor in the production of cycloartane saponins in Astragalus aitosensis in vitro root cultures

Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment is known to increase the levels of plant secondary metabolites. The significant medicinal benefits of cycloartane type saponins, including immune modulation, antiviral properties, and antitumor activity, drive high global demand, making sustainable production methods economically, medically, and ecologically important. In this study the effect of MeJA as an elicitor for promoting higher accumulation of cycloartane saponins – astragaloside I, II and IV was evaluated. The experiment was conducted using biotechnological approaches for sustainable production using in vitro root cultures of the endemic plant species Astragalus aitosensis, which is known to produce rare cycloartane saponins. LC-HRESI-MS analysis was used to identify and quantify compounds. The content of astragaloside I increased significantly by 68% (118 ng/mg DW) compared to control group (70 ng/mg DW). Astragaloside II was found with 1.5 points increased amount (473 ng/mg DW), compared to control (331 ng/mg DW) and astragaloside IV production was also improved. The highest cost-efficacy concentration of the elicitor for all tested astragalosides was observed at 50 µL MeJA.

Recent trends in metabolic engineering for microbial production of value-added natural products

Microbe-mediated chemical production is a sustainable approach for production of natural products that are important for our society. Traditional fermentation production of natural products viz. drugs, nutraceuticals, pigments, aromatic compounds, and biofuels has limitations such as low yield, high cost and time- consuming process. Significant success in the economical production of these natural products has been established by altering the metabolic pathways of microorganisms through metabolic engineering. Recent advancements in new tools and strategies have led to a significant reduction in the turnaround time in the classic approach i.e. design-build-test-learn (DBTL) cycle in metabolic engineering. Here, we summarize various tools and strategies developed in the area of metabolic engineering with a focus on value-added natural products Also, this review lists bioprospecting of microorganisms through metabolic engineering in last five years for production of natural products. At the end, outlook, challenges and opportunities for the successful establishment of robust engineered microbial cell factories have been reported.

Eco-friendly production of leather-like material from bacterial cellulose and waste resources

In recent years, resource optimization has been recognized as a top priority among many challenges. Studies have indicated that valuable products can be created by combining natural or discarded resources with cutting-edge biosynthesis techniques. This approach is considered foundational for establishing a “zero-waste” socio-economic structure. This research focuses on optimizing resources and minimizing environmental impacts, especially within the manufacturing and fashion sectors. An innovative leather-like material named BC-BioLeath (Bacterial Cellulose-Based Bio Leather) has been introduced. BC was produced by the fermentation of coconut water, a byproduct of the food industry. Traditional leather-like processing, including tanning, was applied to BC using food waste such as oxidized edible oil and coffee grounds, along with timber industry by-products like vegetable tannins. Studies involving SEM observation, mechanical, style, and dyeing performance testing revealed that the product, BC-BioLeath, exhibited superior mechanical properties. For instance, BC crosslinked with oxidized edible oil showed a tensile strength of 82.14 MPa, surpassing traditional cowhide used in shoe uppers by 2.08 times. When plasticized with glycerol, the tensile strength reached 56.19 MPa, with breaking elongation of 36%. Beyond its mechanical prowess, the product also achieved economic and environmental benefits through waste repurposing, contributing to a natural energy cycle. BC-BioLeath was identified as a more humane and eco-friendly leather alternative. This method showcased not just efficient waste repurposing but also introduced a novel, microbe-focused sustainable production approach. Such a model offered a genuine circular economy solution for high-polluting sectors, such as the leather fashion industry. A cost analysis showed that BC-BioLeath's production cost of $97.92/m2 (excluding labor and operating costs: $7.52/m2) was within the commercial leather range of $39.7 to $220.8/m2. This indicated its sustainability as a competitive alternative.

Optimizing Waste Reduction in Manufacturing Processes Utilizing IoT Data with Machine Learning Approach for Sustainable Production

Optimizing Waste Reduction in Manufacturing Processes Utilizing IoT Data with Machine Learning Approach for Sustainable Production

Cationite synthesis using anthracene extracted from pyrolysis resin by-products: A sustainable approach for production of efficient metal adsorbent

Keeping sustainable waste management and sustainable economy in view, this study investigated the synthesis of a novel polymethyleneanthracene sulfoacid cationite, derived from anthracene extracted with high efficiency (97 % purity) from pyrolysis resin byproducts (a Ustyurt gas-chemical complex). The successful sulfonation of anthracene yielded a substantial amount of the desired product (22.96 g), with a notable reaction efficiency of 82 %. Infrared spectroscopy confirmed the structure of anthracene and its sulfonated derivative, revealing characteristic absorption bands consistent with those of aromatic compounds. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed the thermal stability of the material at temperatures up to 600 °C. The elemental composition, ascertained through EDS, quantified the elements as carbon (65.43 ± 0.05 %), oxygen (22.44 ± 0.05 %), sodium (4.13 ± 0.01 %), and sulfur (8.00 ± 0.01 %). SEM images revealed a highly porous material structure, which is advantageous for ion exchange applications, particularly metal adsorption. Compared to commercial KU-2–8 cationite, the synthesized material had a lower mass density (650–720 g/dm³), a higher humidity content (62.5 %), and a larger comparative size (4.8 cm³/g). The general static exchange capacitance was 475–490 mg-eqv/g, which is slightly lower than the commercial standard of 500–520 mg-eqv/g. These findings indicate that the synthesized cationite has promising potential for ion exchange applications because of its competitive physical and chemical properties.

Application of effluent reduction methods and treatment using advanced oxidation process at leather chemicals and tanning industries

The current study set out to assess and create long-term solutions for improving environmental performance concerning water use, wastewater production, and treatment at Syntan plant (glass-lined vessel unit) and application laboratory (small-scale leather retanning. Based on evaluations and analyses, best available techniques including water gauging, pressurized vessel washing, dedication of vessels to similar production, reuse techniques, developing commercial grade intermediate products from wash water, managing cooling water and developing reuse methods of reverse osmosis reject water were applied to reduce water consumption and effluent generation in process and non-process activities. Furthermore, the reduced effluent was subjected to treat using electrochemical processes, i.e., electrocoagulation and electro-Fenton, before it was drained to outside environment. As a result of the applications, 0%–100% change was measured in various process and non-process activities, whereas, 12.8%–100% reduction was measured in effluent. Soft cooling water consumption was reduced by 46.7%. The results of treated effluent parameters were compared and found the final removal efficiencies of total dissolved solids (51.4%), total suspended solids (99.2%), chemical oxygen demand (98.5%) and electric conductivity (67.7%). It is concluded that this study can be considered as a successful model to increased water efficiency in chemical industries, Furthermore, it could serve as a building block for the incorporation of cleaner and sustainable production approach into national agenda and to overcome stern issues of high-water and energy consumption and effluent management in different industries.

The biosynthetic pathway of the hallucinogen mescaline and its heterologous reconstruction

Mescaline, among the earliest identified natural hallucinogens, holds great potential in psychotherapy treatment. Nonetheless, despite the existence of a postulated biosynthetic pathway for more than half a century, the specific enzymes involved in this process are yet to be identified. In this study, we investigated the cactus Lophophora williamsii (Peyote), the largest known natural producer of the phenethylamine mescaline. We employed a multi-faceted approach, combining de novo whole-genome and transcriptome sequencing with comprehensive chemical profiling, enzymatic assays, molecular modeling, and pathway engineering for pathway elucidation. We identified four groups of enzymes responsible for the six catalytic steps in the mescaline biosynthetic pathway, and an N-methyltransferase enzyme that N-methylates all phenethylamine intermediates, likely modulating mescaline levels in Peyote. Finally, we reconstructed the mescaline biosynthetic pathway in both Nicotiana benthamiana plants and yeast cells, providing novel insights into several challenges hindering complete heterologous mescaline production. Taken together, our study opens up avenues for exploration of sustainable production approaches and responsible utilization of mescaline, safeguarding this valuable natural resource for future generations.

Metal Poly(heptazine imides) as Multifunctional Photocatalysts for Solar Fuel Production

AbstractSolar‐driven photocatalysis employing particulate semiconductors represents a promising approach for sustainable production of valuable chemical feedstock. Metal poly(heptazine imide) (MPHI), a novel 2D ionic carbon nitride, has been recognized as an emerging photocatalyst with distinctive properties. In this minireview, we first delineate the forefront innovations of MPHI photocatalysts, spanning from synthetic strategies and solving structures to the exploration of novel properties. We place special emphasis on the structural design principles aimed at developing high‐performance MPHI systems toward photocatalytic solar fuel production such as H2 evolution, H2O oxidation, H2O2 production and CO2 reduction. Finally, we discuss crucial insights and challenges in leveraging highly active MPHIs for efficient solar‐to‐chemical energy conversion.

Metal Poly(heptazine imides) as Multifunctional Photocatalysts for Solar Fuel Production.

Solar-driven photocatalysis employing particulate semiconductors represents a promising approach for sustainable production of valuable chemical feedstock. Metal poly(heptazine imide) (MPHI), a novel 2D ionic carbon nitride, has been recognized as an emerging photocatalyst with distinctive properties. In this minireview, we first delineate the forefront innovations of MPHI photocatalysts, spanning from synthetic strategies and solving structures to the exploration of novel properties. We place special emphasis on the structural design principles aimed at developing high-performance MPHI systems toward photocatalytic solar fuel production such as H2 evolution, H2O oxidation, H2O2 production and CO2 reduction. Finally, we discuss crucial insights and challenges in leveraging highly active MPHIs for efficient solar-to-chemical energy conversion.

The Effect of Different Proportions of Waste Rubber Substitution on Alkali-Silica Reaction and Mechanical Properties in Mortars

This study investigates the alkali-silica reaction (ASR) and mechanical properties of mortars containing crumb and powder rubber instead of river sand. In this regard, mortars were produced using waste rubber whose ratios in the mixture are 0%, 3%, 6%, 9%, 12%, 15%, 18%, and 21%. ASR expansion, compressive and flexural strength tests were conducted on the samples. ASR measurements were performed on days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28. Besides, at the end of the ASR experiment, the microstructures of the mortars were examined using scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. Examining the results of this study reveals that the use of waste rubber in rising portions in the mortars led to an increase in the ASR expansions of the mortars. The study shows that the ASR expansions of the mortar samples that have 9% and 15% waste rubber replacement are comparatively higher than the other mortar samples. Furthermore, the results of the SEM analysis verified this finding. The study demonstrates that 3% of waste rubber mortar samples have the highest compressive and flexural strengths. On the other side, the ASR expansion of the mortars with 3% substituted waste rubber was considerably low compared to other mortars containing waste rubber. These findings (ASR, compressive and flexural strength tests results) show that using 3% waste rubber is ideal for producing mortars and supports a sustainable production approach in the sector.

Building resilience in European food supply chains: results of a Delphi study

The COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have negatively affected the sustainability of the food market and contributed significantly to the increase in agricultural prices. The goal of this article is to present the results of a European Delphi study on enabling factors and barriers to developing robustness within food distribution networks. The paper also aims to identify ways to ensure food security and build resilience in supply chains for European Union (EU) citizens, as well as strategies to protect the agricultural sector. The Delphi theses, the expected timing of their implementation and their impact on selected stages of supply chains were assessed. The paper employs a literature review, the Delphi method and STEEPED analysis to identify factors for increasing the robustness of European food distribution networks. The research findings highlighted crucial factors in enhancing food supply chain resilience, including financial aid to farmers, the use of advanced technologies (like AI, remote sensing, GIS, VR, or drones), and the encouragement of conscious consumption practices. The study revealed that severe weather, inadequate financial support for farmers and insufficient favourable legislation at the national level are the main barriers to achieving resilience in food supply chains. The main recommendations for building food resilience include encouraging localised food supply chains and, advocating for eco-friendly, sustainable production approaches and small-scale agriculture and reducing unnecessary food losses. The originality of the study is reflected in the presentation of the opinions of international experts on developing robustness within food distribution networks in view of the disruption caused by COVID-19 and the geopolitical situation.

Recovery of Kraft lignin from industrial black liquor for a sustainable production of value-added light aromatics by the tandem catalytic pyrolysis

Lignin, isolated from black liquor, is an important feedstock to produce bio-aromatics through catalytic fast pyrolysis. First, the variation in chemical structure among the Kraft lignin precipitated by the organic acids (acetic acid and citric acid) and the inorganic acids (hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid) was investigated. Then, a sustainable production approach of light aromatics from Kraft lignin was developed, namely the dual-catalyst catalytic fast pyrolysis (DC-CFP) by using the mesoporous Nb2O5 and microporous HZSM-5 as catalyst. Results showed that the molecular weight of lignin isolated by inorganic acids (1674–1841 g/mol) was much lower than that of lignin isolated by organic acids (2040–2441 g/mol), caused by the fact that inorganic acids promoted the breakage of ether bonds in lignin. In addition, compared with lignin precipitated by the organic acids, the CFP of lignin precipitated by the inorganic acids has a higher yield of light aromatics, especially the lignin precipitated by the hydrochloric acid, reaching 1.39 × 108 a. u./mg. Among the different layout modes of catalyst, Model II (Meso-Nb2O5 blended with lignin, HZSM-5 placed separately from lignin) presented highest yield of light aromatics during DC-CFP of lignin, reaching 1.78 × 108 a. u./mg.

Identification and characterization of a potential strain for the production of polyhydroxyalkanoate from glycerol.

While poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) holds promise as a bioplastic, its commercial utilization has been hampered by the high cost of raw materials. However, glycerol emerges as a viable feedstock for PHB production, offering a sustainable production approach and substantial cost reduction potential. Glycerol stands out as a promising feedstock for PHB production, offering a pathway toward sustainable manufacturing and considerable cost savings. The identification and characterization of strains capable of converting glycerol into PHB represent a pivotal strategy in advancing PHB production research. In this study, we isolated a strain, Ralstonia sp. RRA (RRA). The strain exhibits remarkable proficiency in synthesizing PHB from glycerol. With glycerol as the carbon source, RRA achieved a specific growth rate of 0.19 h-1, attaining a PHB content of approximately 50% within 30 h. Through third-generation genome and transcriptome sequencing, we elucidated the genome composition and identified a total of eight genes (glpR, glpD, glpS, glpT, glpP, glpQ, glpV, and glpK) involved in the glycerol metabolism pathway. Leveraging these findings, the strain RRA demonstrates significant promise in producing PHB from low-cost renewable carbon sources.

Electricity generation and oxidoreductase potential during dye discoloration by laccase-producing Ganoderma gibbosum in fungal fuel cell

Color chemicals contaminate pure water constantly discharged from different points and non-point sources. Physical and chemical techniques have certain limitations and complexities for bioenergy production, which motivated the search for a novel sustainable production approaches during dye wastewater treatment. The emerging environmental problem of dye decolorization has attracted scientist's attention to a new, cheap, and economical way to treat dye wastewater and power production via fungal fuel cells. Ganoderma gibbosum was fitted in the cathodic region with laccase secretion in the fuel cell. At the same time, dye water was placed in the anodic region to move electrons and produce power. This study treated wastewater using the oxidoreductase enzymes released extracellularly from Ganoderma gibbosum for dye Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR) degradation via fungal-based fuel cell. The maximum power density of 14.18 mW/m2 and the maximum current density of 35 mA/m2 were shown by the concentration of 5 ppm during maximum laccase activity and decolorization of RBBR. The laccase catalysts have gained considerable attention because of eco-friendly and alternative easy handling approaches to chemical methods. Fungal Fuel Cells (FFCs) are efficiently used in dye treatment and electricity production. This article also highlighted the construction of fungal catalytic cells and the enzymatic performance of fungal species in energy production during dye water treatment.

Biotechnological approaches for sustainable production of astragaloside I, II and IV from endemic species of Astracantha aitosensis (Ivan.) and Astragalus membranaceus (fisch.) by in vitro cultures

This study investigates the bioproduction of astragalosides I, II and IV from endemic Astracantha aitosensis (arnacantha) and Astragalus membranaceus species, and the biotechnological methods for increased efficiency. The extracts from established in vitro cultures, including A. aitosensis callus, shoots and roots and A. membranaceus hairy roots, showed higher astragaloside concentrations than native roots. Specifically, in vitroA. aitosensis cultures produced astragaloside I and II at 0.06 and 0.10 mg/g DW, which were absent in native roots. The production of A. membranaceuss hairy roots exceeds 8 to 15 times astragaloside I and II (0.80 and 0.90 mg/g DW) production when compared to native roots (0.10 and 0.05 mg/g DW), and around 3 times high amount related to astragaloside IV. Addressing astragaloside production challenges, this research also reveals biotechnology approaches as an alternative for sustainable production of this rare cycloartane saponins, conserving the natural habitats. A pilot reproducible in vitro cellular platform has been created, and protocol for specific, unconventional induction of the biosynthesis of the desired target compounds, exploiting the enzymatic system of plant cells from the unexplored plant species A. aitosensis has been established. Our findings clearly show the possibility of using in vitro cultures of A. aitosensis and A. membranaceus for biotechnology production of cycloartane type saponins.

A review on emerging technologies and machine learning approaches for sustainable production of biofuel from biomass waste

Biomass waste must be treated and disposed off properly, as it concerns the possibility of deposition in the environment. This could worsen the ecosystem by promoting the growth of pathogens, producing poisonous fumes, releasing ammonia and other dangerous gases into the atmosphere. Therefore, researchers are exploring different direct biomass waste applications. One such application is biotechnological options with financial and environmental benefits like lowering the consumption of fossil fuels, reducing harmful emissions, accelerating the synthesis of low-cost raw materials, and fostering an environment that is favourable for a broad range of microorganisms. In recent years, biofuel has emerged as the primary source of bio-energy by replacing fossil fuels that can meet the global energy demands and lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This review explores the potential of biomass waste conversion techniques and examines the production of biofuels to achieve zero carbon emissions. Critical research has also been done to improve the anaerobic treatment method of the biochemical conversion method. Apart from these, the advancements in the study of metabolic engineering techniques and artificial intelligence in the production of biofuel and strategies along with microbial chassis to enhance production of biofuel in an efficient manner were also studied. Finally, challenges and future perspectives of biofuels were delineated.

Green approach for sustainable production of paraffin fuel from CO2 hydrogenation on Fe-MOF catalyst

With increasing global fuel demand, circular carbon economy and related carbon-neutral fuels are a cleaner way to reduce CO2 emissions significantly. Our work involves utilizing green hydrogen formed by water electrolysis and CO2 to produce paraffin hydrocarbon (up to C16) using a well-distributed and small particle size (∼3 nm) iron-based metal-organic framework (Fe-MOF) catalyst. The MIL-100(Fe) MOF precursor was synthesized with a green, cost-efficient, large-scale, and facile room temperature method. The highest CO2 conversion (44.1 %) and low CO selectivity (7.5 %) was attained at 340 °C and 30 bar. The paraffin hydrocarbon product (99 %, yielding 40.3 %) is composed mainly of natural gas (C1-C4) (90 %) and liquid fuel (10 %) in the gasoline range (C5-C12). However, adjusting conditions at 300 °C and 10 bar directed the liquid fuel to the kerosene range C5-C16 (11 %). The catalyst's capacity to function as an industrial catalyst was proved after more than 120 h on a continuous stream without sintering or deactivation. Compared to reference catalyst and earlier work, the unpromoted Fe-MOF-derived catalyst shows excellent potential for CO2 mitigation and production of combined gas and liquid alkane fuel.

Manufacturing reshoring and sustainable development goals: A home versus host country perspective

AbstractAfter decades of offshoring their manufacturing activities, an increasing number of companies are revising their location strategies and implementing reshoring decisions, including backshoring (relocation in the home country) and nearshoring (relocation in the home region) alternatives. It has been recognized that reshoring strategies are consistent with the sustainable production approach, since they allow companies to produce goods in a manner that is socially beneficial, economically viable, and environmentally less harmful over the whole life cycle of those goods. Additionally, there are early indications that reshoring can also promote and support sustainable consumption approaches. Consequently, reshoring has a wide range of impacts in both the home and the host countries, also in terms of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, this topic has received little attention in the extant reshoring literature. This paper seeks to contribute to the discussion by adopting a two‐step approach. Initially, we analyze the very few contributions available on this topic; then, we identify and discuss which of the 17 SDGs are impacted by reshoring decisions at both the home and the host country level. It emerges that reshoring decisions have several and differentiated impacts in terms of SDGs. In general, these impacts are positive for home countries and negative for host ones. For this reason, a trade‐off emerges when a single relocation decision is taken and implemented. Based on this evidence, implications for scholars, managers and policy makers are presented and discussed.

A Review on Sustainable Approach for Production of Biodiesel from Waste Cooking Oil: A Case Study of Brunei Darussalam

Biofuels like biodiesel and bioethanol are the latest technologies to meet the rising energy demand and to replace depleting petroleum supplies. Biodiesel, which is made from vegetable oils, can be used to replace diesel fuel. Vegetable oils are a sustainable energy resource with a similar energy content to diesel fuel. In the proposed process, the main product from the reaction is biodiesel, whereas the by-products consist of glycerol and fertilizer. Biodiesel is mainly used in automotive diesel engines for various reasons, such as having a greater oxygen content, a higher cetane number, a higher viscosity, a lower aromatic content, and very little sulfur. These properties are essential in engine performance, combustion, and emissions. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent literature on biodiesel production methods from waste cooking oil, where the methods are grouped systematically and assessed. A decision table on process selection is provided to screen the most suitable technology for biodiesel production from waste cooking oil. The properties and application of potential products and by-products are also discussed. Finally, the case study of supplying biodiesel for B5 fuel in Brunei Darussalam is also provided.

Overproduction of palmitoleic acid from corn stover hydrolysate by engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Palmitoleic acid (POA) has been widely applied to nutrition and pharmaceutical industry. However, high cost of scale-up fermentation restricts the extensive application of POA. Hence, we investigated the availability of corn stover hydrolysate (CSH) as carbon source in POA production by engineered S. cerevisiae. Although the yeast growth was inhibited to some extent by CSH, the POA production with CSH was slightly higher than that with pure glucose. The C/N ratio of 120 and addition of 1 g/L lysine raised the POA titer up to 2.19 g/L and 2.05 g/L, respectively. Two-stage cultivation could increase the POA titer by upregulating the gene expression of key enzymes in fatty acid synthesis pathway. A high POA content of 57.5% (v/v) and a highest POA titer of 6.56 g/L were achieved under the optimized conditions. These findings provide a feasible approach for sustainable production of POA or its derivatives from CSH.