Approach For Sustainable Production Research Articles

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.

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.

Mapping environmental sustainability of knitted textile production facilities

To achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12, it is important to investigate the sustainability of both products and manufacturing facilities to identify the areas to improve. The number of published research works on measuring the eco-indices of fashion products are plenty, while ignoring the measurement of the eco-indices of fashion production facilities. Therefore, this study investigated the environmental sustainability of knit-dyeing facilities linked to fast fashion production in Bangladesh. The Facility Environment Module (FEM) of the Higg index tool 2.0 from Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) was applied to detect the sustainability scores. Multiple case study approach was adopted for this study. Seven tools of FEM related to the environmental management system, energy use, GHG emissions, water use, wastewater, air emissions, waste management, and chemical management were applied to collect data. Scores of these categories were calculated using the FEM tool. Qualitative data was collected through short interviews using a questionnaire. A varying range of scores (from low to high) was found for all the categories. The scores reveal the technical, managerial, and resource limitations on practicing sustainable production approaches in knit-textiles facilities. The overall finding urges all stakeholders, including manufacturers, researchers, buyers, and policymakers, to pay serious attention and reformulate strategies and resources to reduce the negative impact of knit manufacturing on the environment.

Approaches for sustainable production of soybean under current climate change condition

Soybean is an important cash crop, cultivated worldwide for food, oil and feed production. Soybean production worldwide in 2020 was 353.5 million metric tons. This plant however, faces many challenges due to climate change. Increase in temperature, drought, floods etc. are the outcomes of climate change. These have a clear negative impact on soybean cultivation. This ultimately leads to food insecurity and economic losses. This review focuses on approaches which can be employed to address the climate change associated challenges in sustainable soybean production. The approaches like genetic engineering, aeroponics, nanotechnology, development of cultivars, plant pigments and hormones usage can be opted to help combat the impact of changing climate. Management of soybean under adverse climate change conditions will increase the yield and bring agriculture based economic prosperity.

Price transmission in shrimp production in Vietnam

Under the trade international integration, vertical price transmission in agri-food export supply chains is an essential issue that needs attention. This study analyses the price transmission from export prices to farm-gate prices of the black-tiger shrimp and white-leg shrimp production in Vietnam. Monthly price series of black-tiger shrimp and white-leg shrimp were collected from January 2015 to October 2020, from the Department of Aquaculture of Ca Mau, Soc Trang, Kien Giang, Ben Tre provinces; Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers, and Vietnam market analysis and forecast joint stock company. The Johansen cointegration test, the Toda-Yamamoto Granger causality test, the Engle-Granger’s two-stage estimation, and the asymmetric error correction model using the Houck and Ward approach were applied. The results showed a long-term relationship between the farm-gate prices and export prices for both black-tiger shrimp and white-leg shrimp. The export prices were the price leader. In the long run, the price transmission from export prices to farm-gate prices in both black-tiger shrimp and white-leg shrimp was incomplete; however, the white-leg shrimp’s price transmission was noticeably better than black-tiger shrimp’s. In the short run, there was no statistically significant effect of export prices on farm-gate prices of black-tiger shrimp; while the price transmission of white-leg shrimp was significant but relatively slow rate. The price transmission for black-tiger shrimp and white-leg shrimp was symmetric in the short run and the long run. The findings of this study are useful for farmers in developing production and business strategy. Symmetric price transmission in both the short run and the long run is a positive signal for farmers to invest in sustainable production approaches and to meet stringent standard requirements of the export market.

Community based extension approaches for sustainable production of rice

Rice plays very important role in food and nutritional security in the developing world. Although India is the second largest producer (113 mt) next to China with 44 mha area under rice, its average yield (~2.6 t/ha) is far below both that of China (>6 t/ha) and the global average of ~4 t/ha. Hence, along with genetic enhancement and advance crop protective measures, innovative extension approaches with agro-ecological importance, geo-political, socio-economic can support to improve the rice productivity levels with climate resilience and effective natural resources management perspectives. Moreover, the agricultural extension paradigm shift from National demonstration in 1960's to Training and visit system in 1970's to pluralistic extension approaches in 1990's has enhanced the rice production from 34.5 million tonnes in 1960-1961 to 117.5 million tonnes in 2020-2021. Still there is a huge potential to transform the rice production systems of the country through adoption of bottom-up innovative extension approaches with information and communication connectivity. Approaches like social learning, community engagement and ICT support have proven effective in dissemination and adoption of improved varieties and practices of paddy cultivation.

Production, Function, and Applications of the Sesquiterpenes Valencene and Nootkatone: a Comprehensive Review

Valencene and nootkatone, two sesquiterpenes, extracted from natural sources, have great market potential with diverse applications. This paper aims to comprehensively review the recent advances in valencene and nootkatone, including source, production, physicochemical and biological properties, safety and pharmacokinetics evaluation, potential uses, and their industrial applications as well as future research directions. Microbial biosynthesis offers a promising alternative approach for sustainable production of valencene and nootkatone. Both compounds exert various beneficial activities, including antimicrobial, insecticidal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and nephroprotective and other activities. However, most of the studies are performed in animals and in vitro, making it difficult to give a conclusive description about their health benefits and extend their application. Hence, more attention should be paid to in vivo and long-term clinical studies in the future. Moreover, valencene and nootkatone are considered safe for consumption and show great promise in the applications of food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, chemical, and agricultural industries.

Modelling and analyzing the GHG emissions in the VUCA world: Evidence from tomato production in Morocco

As the world is driving towards climate change, customers are concerned over the issues around greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy consumption in production cycles. Business leaders and governments are eager to reduce emissions through specific strategies. The production literature also discusses comprehensive tracking of emissions during supply chain operations. The study focuses on offsetting carbon emissions in the food supply chain in Morocco. To complete this objective, the study follows the PAS 2050 protocol in mapping the food supply chain and agricultural production process to measure the environmental impact. Based on this, the study analyzed) three different phases of tomato production in Morocco (Cradle to the gate such as cultivation, harvesting, transport, and shipping using machine learning-based prediction models (MLPMs). The analysis offered insights into GHG emissions in tomato production cycles and developed a plan for carbon offsetting. The study also proposed a novel decision-making approach using MLPMs and an information dashboard, which can monitor the carbon footprint and provide a new way of exploring carbon neutrality. Finally, the study proposed a decision-making approach for sustainable production by integrating satellite images for supply chain practitioners.

Integrating Gender Equity in Vocational Studies to Transform Agricultural Activities Towards Green and Inclusive Businesses

Productive sectors greatly contribute to environmental pollution in Colombia, especially in rural areas. Green businesses emerged as an alternative to reduce such environmental impacts, applying clean technologies that require STEM knowledge. However, the participation of women in environmental STEM careers is still low, particularly those vocationally oriented to eco-efficient agricultural activities. Thus, the research aimed to answer the question: How to integrate gender equity in vocational training processes to transform agricultural activities towards green and inclusive businesses? A vocational institute acted as the unit of analysis for the case study. Interviews, focus groups and surveys were used to collect data on women in two selected training programs. The gender transformative and sustainable production approaches guided the identification of gender barriers and the implementation of strategies to remove them. As a result, female models led trainings and the installation of environmental prototypes, which inspired and developed STEM skills in the female apprentices, and reduced pollution in rural units. Finally, innovative pedagogical processes and gender aspects were introduced in organizational guidelines, seeking the institutionalization of the gender perspective in STEM environmental vocational training programs and fields.