Combating micro/nano plastic pollution with bioplastic: Sustainable food packaging, challenges, and future perspectives.

The widespread use of plastic in food packaging provides significant challenges due to its non-biodegradability and the risk of hazardous chemicals seeping into food and the environment. This highlights the pressing need to come up with alternatives to traditional plastic that prioritize environmental sustainability, food quality, and safety. The current study presents an up-to-date examination of micro/nano plastic (MP/NP) consumption and their associated toxicity to human health, while also considering bioplastic as safer and eco-friendly alternative materials for packaging. The study contributes to a deeper comprehension of the primary materials utilized for bioplastic manufacturing and their potential for large-scale use. The key findings underscore the distinctive features of bioplastics, such as starch, polyhydroxyalkanoates, polylactic acid, and polybutylene succinate, as well as their blends with active agents, rendering them suitable for innovative food packaging applications. Moreover, the study includes a discussion of insights from various scientific literature, agency reports (governmental and non-governmental), and industry trends in bioplastic production and their potential to combat MP/NP pollution. In essence, the review highlights future research directions for the safe integration of bioplastics in food packaging, addresses outstanding questions, and proposes potential solutions to challenges linked with plastic usage.

Valorization of Strawberry Juice Production Wastewater: Possibilities for Polyphenols Recovery and Plant Biostimulant Production.

Fruit juice production is one of the most important branches of the food and beverage industry, considering both the market size and demand. It is also one of the largest generators of industrial wastewater, considering the large consumption of fresh water during fruit processing. Hence, the appropriate treatment strategies are of the utmost importance to minimize the environmental footprint of food industry effluents. This study aimed to investigate the valorization routes for strawberry juice production wastewater (SJPW), both in terms of nutrient recovery and a circular approach to its utilization as a medium for plant biostimulant production. The results show a low antioxidant capacity and low content of polyphenols in SJPW; however, promising results were obtained for the in vitro seed germination and tomato growth promotion when investigating a biostimulant based on Bacillus sp. BioSol021, which was cultivated using SJPW in a lab-scale bioreactor, with root and shoot length improvements of approximately 30% and 25%, respectively, compared to the control samples. The plant growth promotion (PGP) traits indicated the ability of IAA production, in a concentration of 8.55 ± 0.05 mg/L, and the enzymatic activity was evaluated as through the enzymatic activity index (EAI), achieving the following: 2.26 ± 0.04 for cellulolytic activity, 2.49 ± 0.08 for hemicellulolytic activity, 2.91 ± 0.16 for pectinolytic activity, and 1.05 ± 0.00 for proteolytic activity. This study opens a new chapter of possibilities for the development of techno-economically viable circular bioprocess solutions aimed at obtaining value-added microbial products for sustainable agriculture based on the valorization of food industry effluents thus contributing to more sustainable food production at both the agricultural and industrial levels.

Antimicrobial Activities of Essential Oils of Different Pinus Species from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The emergence of antimicrobial resistance has urged researchers to explore new antimicrobial agents, such as essential oils (EOs). The aim of this study was to examine chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the EOs from the needles and green cones of four Pinus species (Pinus mugo Turra., P. nigra J.F., P. syilvestris L., and P. halepensis Miller) from Bosnia and Herzegovina. METHODS: Chemical profiles of EOs were assessed by gas chromatography, while microdilution method was used to test their antimicrobial activity. A synergistic action of EOs and gentamicin was investigated by the checkerboard assay. RESULTS: The chemical composition of the tested EOs showed a high percentage of α-pinene, (E)-caryophyllene, limonene, germacrene D, myrcene, and δ-3-carene. EO from green cones of P. sylvestris showed high efficiency against S. aureus and E. faecalis. The MIC of P. nigra cones' EO was 100 µg/mL against E. coli. The EO of P. halepensis green cones demonstrated the strongest activity against E. faecalis. EOs of P. halepensis needles and green cones exhibited the highest activity against C. albicans. Further, synergistic interaction was detected in combination of the selected EOs/gentamicin toward S. aureus and K. pneumoniae. CONCLUSIONS: Among the tested EOs, oils of P. sylvestris cones and P. halepensis cones and needles showed the greatest antimicrobial activity. The same EOs and EO from P. nigra cones displayed synergistic potential in combination with gentamicin, supporting their utilization as antimicrobial agents alone or in combination with antibiotics, which is in line with their ethnopharmacological usage and circular bioeconomy principles.

Capturing carbon to mitigate climate change: storage or use?

Reducing atmospheric CO2 is vital to combat climate change. Alongside reducing emissions, it is essential to capture atmospheric CO2 and either use it or store it, depending on which option yields the best outcomes. Government policies should coordinate actions in areas such as the bioeconomy and avoid creating perverse incentives.

Engineered microbial consortia for next-generation feedstocks.

Addressing urgent environmental challenges, this commentary emphasizes the need for green, bio-based solutions in chemical production from renewable feedstocks. It highlights advanced metabolic engineering of microbial strains and the use of microbial consortia as innovative approaches for efficient resource recovery. These strategies aim to enhance the conversion of diverse renewable feedstocks, including agricultural residues, industrial by-products, and greenhouse gases, into value-added chemicals. This article discusses cutting-edge techniques in renewable feedstock upcycling, utilizing both engineered unicellular and multicellular systems. It advocates a paradigm shift in sustainable biomanufacturing, focusing on transforming renewable resources into value-added products. This approach is crucial for developing a circular bioeconomy, aligning with global efforts to mitigate environmental impacts.

Nanocellulose and microcrystalline cellulose from citrus processing waste: A review.

Used since decades to produce pectin, citrus processing waste poor in lignin and rich in hemicellulose obtained from lemon and orange juice industrial manufacturing is ideally suited also as microcrystalline cellulose and nanocellulose raw material. The study merges the outcomes of chemistry and bioeconomy research between 2007 and early 2024 with technology and economic insight, to reach five conclusions that will hopefully inform practice-oriented work of researchers and bioeconomy company's managers interested in the sustainable manufacturing of these important biomaterials.

Biotechnological trends and optimization of Arachis hypogaea residues valorization: A bibliometric analysis and comprehensive review.

This review thoroughly explores the valorization of Arachis hypogaea (groundnut) residues for producing high-value bioproducts such as biofuels, biocatalysts, biochar, and nanomaterials through processes like pyrolysis, gasification, and enzymatic conversion. Optimization techniques, including Response Surface Methodology (RSM), Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference Systems (ANFIS), have led to significant enhancements in bioproduct yields. A detailed bibliometric analysis spanning from 2000 to the present highlights key research trends and influential contributors, reflecting the increasing global focus on groundnut residue valorization. The study emphasizes the environmental and economic benefits, such as improved waste management, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and contributions to a circular bioeconomy. It advocates for policy frameworks that support these biotechnological advancements and recommends further research on process scalability, long-term stability, and life cycle assessments to ensure the environmental and economic viability of groundnut residue utilization in sustainable development.

Network for forest by-products charcoal, resin, tar, potash (COST Action EU-PoTaRCh).

The COST EU-PoTaRCh Action establishes a network focused on the past, present, and future significance, production, and use of major forest by-products in Europe and beyond. The Action centers around forest by-products-primarily potash, tar, resin, and charcoal (PoTaRCh), along with plant extracts-which have been produced and utilized for over 100,000 years due to their unique chemical, biological, and therapeutic properties. The primary goal of the Action is to demonstrate the importance of these products for the socio-economic development of European countries and beyond, as well as their impact on biodiversity and the natural environment. The Action's objectives are organized into five Working Groups (WGs), each aligned with specific areas of interest: heritage, chemical characterization, archaeology, environmental history, and future perspectives of PoTaRCh materials. A key aspect of the Action is its support for stakeholders outside the scientific community who possess knowledge of PoTaRCh products through their use in industries such as production, education, and the promotion of forests' natural and cultural heritage. In doing so, the Action brings together stakeholders with diverse activity profiles, including museums, state forests, the forestry industry, associations dedicated to preserving traditions, and the tourism sector. The EU-PoTaRCh Action adheres to the three key principles of COST's inclusiveness policy: participation of inclusiveness target countries, gender balance, and the involvement of young researchers, including in leadership positions.

The COST EU-PoTaRCh Action was established to gather information on the past, present, and future significance, production, and use of major forest by-products in Europe and beyond. These products include potash, tar, resin, and charcoal (PoTaRCh), as well as plant extracts. They have played a crucial role on both a micro scale, affecting the daily lives of individuals, and a macro scale, influencing socio-economic parameters and the natural environment. Given the extensive scope and historical depth of PoTaRCh production and use (with tar production dating back 100,000 years), knowledge on this subject across Europe and beyond is dispersed and highly diverse. The aim of the Action is to consolidate this information and enhance awareness of the importance of PoTaRCh products. A key aspect of the Action is supporting stakeholders who possess knowledge of PoTaRCh products and are interested in their application in production, education, and the promotion of forest natural and cultural heritage. The Action brings together partners with varied activity profiles, including museums, state forests, the forest industry, associations dedicated to preserving traditions, the tourism industry, and the scientific community. EU-PoTaRCh adheres to three key principles of COST's inclusiveness policy: participation of Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITCs), gender balance, and the involvement of young researchers (YRs), including in leadership positions.

Upcycling food waste as a low-cost cultivation medium for Chlorella sp. microalgae.

BACKGROUND: Global food loss and waste have raised environmental concerns regarding the generation of greenhouse gases (e.g., carbon dioxide and methane gas), which directly contribute to climate change. To address these concerns, the present research aims to upcycle food waste into an alternative culture medium for the cultivation of microalgae. Various parameters including pretreatment of food waste (i.e., autoclave and non-autoclave), concentration of food waste culture medium (i.e., 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, 90% and 100%), harvesting efficiency and biochemical compounds of Chlorella sp. microalgae were carried out. RESULTS: Based on the preliminary findings, the highest biomass concentration obtained from 10% food waste culture medium in the autoclave for Chlorella sp., including strains FSP-E, ESP-31 and CY-1, were 2.869 ± 0.022, 2.385 ± 0.018 and 0.985 ± 0.0026 g L-1, respectively. Since Chlorella vulgaris FSP-E exhibited the highest biomass concentration, this microalgal strain was selected to examine the subsequent parameters. Cultivation of C. vulgaris FSP-E in 100FW achieves a biomass concentration of 4.465 ± 0.008 g L-1 with biochemical compounds of 6.94 ± 1.396, 248.24 ± 0.976 and 406.23 ± 0.593 mg g-1 for lipids, carbohydrates and proteins, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study shows that using food waste as an alternative culture medium for C. vulgaris FSP-E can achieve substantial biomass productivity and biochemical content. This research work would contribute to the concept of net zero emission and transitioning toward a circular bioeconomy by upcycling food waste as an alternative culture medium for the cultivation of microalgae. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Mixotrophic Cultivation of Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) under Salt Stress: Effect on Biomass Composition, FAME Profile and Phycocyanin Content.

Arthrospira platensis holds promise for biotechnological applications due to its rapid growth and ability to produce valuable bioactive compounds like phycocyanin (PC). This study explores the impact of salinity and brewery wastewater (BWW) on the mixotrophic cultivation of A. platensis. Utilizing BWW as an organic carbon source and seawater (SW) for salt stress, we aim to optimize PC production and biomass composition. Under mixotrophic conditions with 2% BWW and SW, A. platensis showed enhanced biomass productivity, reaching a maximum of 3.70 g L-1 and significant increases in PC concentration. This study also observed changes in biochemical composition, with elevated protein and carbohydrate levels under salt stress that mimics the use of seawater. Mixotrophic cultivation with BWW and SW also influenced the FAME profile, enhancing the content of C16:0 and C18:1 FAMES. The purity (EP of 1.15) and yield (100 mg g-1) of PC were notably higher in mixotrophic cultures, indicating the potential for commercial applications in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. This research underscores the benefits of integrating the use of saline water with waste valorization in microalgae cultivation, promoting sustainability and economic efficiency in biotechnological processes.

Waste-to-resource: Extraction and transformation of aquatic biomaterials for regenerative medicine.

The fisheries and aquaculture industry are known for generating substantial waste or by-products, often underutilized, or relegated to low-value purposes. However, this overlooked segment harbors a rich repository of valuable bioactive materials of which have a broad-spectrum of high-value applications. As the blue economy gains momentum and fisheries expand, sustainable exploitation of these aquatic resources is increasingly prioritized. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of technology-enabled methods for extracting and transforming aquatic waste into valuable biomaterials and their recent advances in regenerative medicine applications, focusing on marine collagen, chitin/chitosan, calcium phosphate and bioactive-peptides. We discuss the inherent bioactive qualities of these "waste-to-resource" aquatic biomaterials and identify opportunities for their use in regenerative medicine to advance healthcare while achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Exploring the Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Saffron (Crocus sativus) Tepals Extract within the Circular Bioeconomy.

Repurposing saffron (Crocus sativus) waste presents a sustainable strategy for generating high-value products within the bioeconomy framework. Typically, flower components are discarded after stigma harvest, resulting in significant waste-350 kg of tepals per kilogram of stigmas. This research employed a comprehensive approach, integrating bioactivity studies (in vitro and in silico) with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) evaluations, to extract and assess bioactive compounds from C. sativus tepals sourced in Tuscany, Italy. Phytochemical characterization using UPLC-MS/MS revealed a high abundance and variety of flavonoids in the hydro-ethanolic extract (CST). The antioxidant capacity was validated through various assays, and the ability to mitigate H2O2-induced oxidative stress and enhance fermentation was demonstrated in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This study reports that C. sativus tepals extract reduces oxidative stress and boosts ethanol fermentation in yeast, paving the way for applications in the food and biofuels sectors. Further validation in RAW 264.7 macrophages confirmed CST's significant anti-inflammatory effects, indicating its potential for pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, and nutraceutical applications. In silico studies identified potential targets involved in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory processes, shedding light on possible interaction mechanisms with Kaempferol 3-O-sophoroside (KOS-3), the predominant compound in the extract. The integration of LCA studies highlighted the environmental benefits of this approach. Overall, this research underscores the value of using waste-derived extracts through "green" methodologies, offering a model that may provide significant advantages for further evaluations compared to traditional methodologies and supporting the circular bioeconomy.

Citrus reticulata Olive Oil: Production and Nutraceutical Effects on the Cardiovascular System in an In Vivo Rat Model of Metabolic Disorder.

Recently, there has been significant exploration into the utilization of food by-products as natural reservoirs of bioactive substances, particularly in the creation of functional foods naturally enriched with antioxidants. Citrus peels represent a viable option for formulating enhanced olive oils that contribute to a healthier diet, due to their bioactive compound content. This study aimed to (i) ascertain the compositional characteristics of Citrus reticulata olive oil (CrOO) and (ii) assess its nutraceutical properties in rats with metabolic disorder induced by 3 weeks of feeding with a high-fat diet (HFD). The results showed a peculiar phytochemical composition, thanks to the contribution of citrus peels, which are excellent bio-products. In addition, it demonstrated HFD-induced weight gain (18 ± 2% for HFD vs. 13 ± 0.9% for CrOO) and showed protective effects on fasting blood glucose levels (90.2 ± 3.8 mg/dL for HFD vs. 72.3 ± 2.6 for CrOO). Furthermore, a reduction in cardiovascular risk (total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol = 5.0 ± 0.3 for HFD vs. 3.8 ± 0.3 for CrOO) and an improvement in myocardial tissue function were observed, as well as a significant reduction in inflammatory mediators such as iNOS, COX-2, and mPGES-1 in aortic vessel tissues, thus preserving endothelial function at the vascular level.

Analysis of the regulations concerning circular economy and its relationship to the reduction of food loss and waste on an international level: A review.

The term food loss and waste (FLW) refers to discarded food during the different stages of the food chain. Food loss occurs during the initial stages of the food chain, and food waste occurs during the final stages. The relation between FLW and circular economy (CE) is particularly important for countries which are beginning to implement actions or regulations on this topic. These proposals may have an impact in strategic sectors of their economy. The objective of this review document was to analyse the regulations of FLW and CE in some countries located throughout the European Union, Asia, Africa and Latin America. To fulfil this objective, FLW and CE regulations were identified and analysed in 12 countries located in the aforementioned regions. The analysis showed that France, Spain, Japan and Uruguay included objectives related to FLW in their CE legislations focusing on food waste reduction, whereas China, Chile, Argentina and Mexico did not include FLW in their CE legislations. African countries did not have CE legislations in place yet. France and Japan have had more success in the reduction of FLW. In conclusion, CE regulation should include FLW regulation to achieve more efficiency at reducing and reusing these residues.

Framing the Labor of Paid Egg Donors in Iran: Marginality, Gendered Care, and Divine Reward.

Despite the economic incentives evidenced in the recruitment strategies of the Iranian fertility industry for egg donors, the official discourse put forward by policymakers conveys egg donation as an altruistic act. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork in two fertility clinics in Tehran, I center the narratives of paid egg donors to investigate how multiple meanings are attributed to egg donation as a form of labor, demonstrating how reproductive inequalities are perpetuated in this context. Following feminist theorists of reproductive bioeconomies, I argue that Iranian donors experience and articulate their participation in local egg market through the prism of their economic marginality, gendered responsibilities, and religiously informed beliefs, including divine reward.

From crop left-overs to nutrient resource: growth-stimulating potential of biochar in nutrient solutions for wheat soilless cultivation systems.

To reach the estimated food demands for 2050 in decreasingly suiting climates, current agricultural techniques have to be complemented by sustainably intensified practices. The current study repurposed wheat crop residues into biochar, and investigated its potential in different plant cultivation systems, including a hydroponic cultivation of wheat. Biochars resulting from varying pyrolysis parameters including feedstock composition (straw and chaff) and temperature (450°C and 600°C), were tested using a fast plant screening method. Biochar WBC450, produced from a combination of chaff and straw at 450°C, was selected for further plant experiments, and used in a static leaching experiment in the Arabidopsis thaliana cultivation medium. Increased pH and EC were observed, together with an increase of most macronutrient (K, Mg, P, S) and a decrease of most micronutrient (Fe, Mn, Zn) concentrations. Considering plant growth, application of biochar resulted in concentration-dependent effects in both tested plant species (A. thaliana and wheat). It improved the vegetative yield across all tested cultivation systems. Increases in K and S, and concentration-dependent decreases in Fe and Na content in wheatgrass were observed. Biochar influenced the reproduction of hydroponically cultivated wheat by increasing the number of spikes and the number of seeds per spike. The antioxidative capacity of wheat grass, and the seed sugar and starch contents remained unaffected by biochar application. This study contributes to innovation in soilless cultivation approaches of staple crops, within the framework of closing waste loops for a circular bioeconomy.

In/Visible - A Photographic Journey Into the Lives of Egg Donors in Spain.

The result of a collaboration between an anthropologist and a photographer, in this photo essay we aim to visualize the medical process of egg donation and the quotidian lives of egg donors in Spain. By extending their biographies beyond the moment of extraction, we shed light on the intertwined messiness of medical procedures and everyday life and the precarious circumstances in which egg donation takes place in Spain today. Our aim is to highlight the participants who, although they matter most in the egg donation economy, are concealed: the egg donors.

Microbes' role in environmental pollution and remediation: a bioeconomy focus approach.

Bioremediation stands as a promising solution amid the escalating challenges posed by environmental pollution. Over the past 25 years, the influx of synthetic chemicals and hazardous contaminants into ecosystems has required innovative approaches for mitigation and restoration. The resilience of these compounds stems from their non-natural existence, distressing both human and environmental health. Microbes take center stage in this scenario, demonstrating their ability of biodegradation to catalyze environmental remediation. Currently, the scientific community supports a straight connection between biorefinery and bioremediation concepts to encourage circular bio/economy practices. This review aimed to give a pre-overview of the state of the art regarding the main microorganisms employed in bioremediation processes and the different bioremediation approaches applied. Moreover, focus has been given to the implementation of bioremediation as a novel approach to agro-industrial waste management, highlighting how it is possible to reduce environmental pollution while still obtaining value-added products with commercial value, meeting the goals of a circular bioeconomy. The main drawbacks and challenges regarding the feasibility of bioremediation were also reported.

Soy whey and brewer's spent grain hydrolysates wholly replace conventional medium for microalgae growth: Process performance and economic considerations.

To enhance circularity in heterotrophic microalgal bioprocesses, this study completely substituted glucose and Bold's basal medium (BBM) with brewer's spent grain (BSG) and soy whey (SW) hydrolysates. Mild acid hydrolysis conditions of BSG (0.2 M H2SO4, 130 °C, 36 min) and SW (0.1 M HCl, 95 °C, 30 min) were optimised for glucose release, and their hydrolysates were optimally mixed (15 % SW-85 % BSG) to obtain a medium that best supported Auxenochlorella protothecoides growth. Maximum biomass production (Xmax) and productivity (PXmax) obtained in the hydrolysate medium containing 50.75 g/L endogenous glucose (Xmax: 22.17 g/L; PXmax: 7.06 g/L/day) were comparable to that in BBM containing 50.44 g/L exogenous glucose (Xmax: 20.02 g/L; PXmax: 6.34 g/L/day). Moreover, estimated hydrolysate medium production costs were within an order of magnitude to BBM. Overall, the integrated approach of tailored hydrolytic treatments and complementary side-streams presents a promising technical and economic feasibility, with applications extending beyond A. protothecoides.

Life cycle analysis of apple pomace biorefining for biofuel and pectin production.

This study investigated the environmental impacts associated with converting apple pomace, a globally abundant resource, into biofuels and high-value products using a comparative consequential life cycle assessment. In three developed scenarios, an acid pretreatment method was applied and the pretreated liquid was used for ethanol and pectin production. The pretreated solids were utilized to produce different products: scenario 1 produced biogas, scenario 2 generated butanol, and scenario 3 yielded both biogas and butanol from the solids. The results demonstrated that scenario 1 exhibited the best performance compared to the other two scenarios, imposing the lowest environmental burdens across all damage categories, including human health, ecosystems, and resources. Despite the induced impacts, the benefits of avoided products, i.e., ethanol, natural gas, butanol, acetone, and pectin, compensated for these induced environmental impacts to some extent. The results also revealed that among all products generated through the biorefineries, first-generation ethanol substitution had the most significant positive environmental impacts. Overall, the biorefinery developed in scenario 1 represents the most feasible strategy for a circular bioeconomy. It performs 84.38 % and 72.98 % better than scenarios 2 and 3 in terms of human health, 85.34 % and 74.54 % better in terms of ecosystems, and more than 100 % better in terms of resources. Conversely, scenario 2 resulted in the highest net impacts across all damage categories. Furthermore, in scenario 1, the midpoint results showed 83.10 % and 71.08 % lower impacts on global warming, 85.15 % and 74.17 % lower impacts on terrestrial acidification, and 99.26 % and 98.53 % lower impacts on fossil resource scarcity compared to scenarios 2 and 3, respectively. In conclusion, the first scenario shows promise for the sustainable valorization of apple pomace.