Assessing and optimizing the bioactivities of diverse enzyme-derived protein hydrolysates from Porphyra yezoensis: unlocking the health potential.

The interest in algae-derived bioactive compounds has grown due to their potential therapeutic efficacy against a range of diseases. These compounds, derived from proteins, exhibit diverse functions and profound pharmacological effects. Recent research has highlighted the extensive health benefits of algae-derived bioactive compounds, positioning them as potential natural antioxidants in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. This study focuses on extracting proteins from Porphyra yezoensis using innovative physical pre-treatment methods such as stirring, ball milling, and homogenization, under various acidic and alkaline conditions. Enzymatic hydrolysis, employing commercial enzymes at optimal temperature, pH, and enzyme-substrate ratios, produced distinct fractions according to molecular weight. Pepsin demonstrated the highest hydrolysis rate, with the fraction above 10 kDa identified as the most bioactive hydrolysate. Antioxidant activity was evaluated through DPPH, ABTS, ferrous ion chelation, and reducing power assays, demonstrating high antioxidant potential and the ability to mitigate oxidative stress. The 10 kDa fraction of pepsin hydrolysate exhibited 82.6% DPPH activity, 77.5% ABTS activity, 88.4% ferrous ion chelation activity, and higher reducing power potential (0.84 absorbance at 700 nm). Further exploration of mechanisms, amino acid profiles, and potential in vivo benefits is essential to fully exploit the medicinal potential of these algae-derived hydrolysates.

In vitro evaluation of antioxidant potential of polysaccharides and oligosaccharides extracted from three different seaweeds.

Bioactive polysaccharides and oligosaccharides were successfully extracted from three distinct seaweeds: Sargassum sp., Graciallaria sp., and Ulva sp. utilizing various extraction techniques. The obtained polysaccharides and oligosaccharides were subjected to comprehensive characterization, and their potential antioxidant properties were assessed using a Hep G2 cell model. Analysis via FTIR spectroscopy unveiled the presence of sulfate groups in the polysaccharides and oligosaccharides derived from Sargassum sp. The antioxidant capabilities were assessed through various assays (DPPH, ABTS, Fe-ion chelation, and reducing power), revealing that SAR-OSC exhibited superior antioxidant activity than others. This was attributed to its higher phenolic content (24.6 µg/mg), FRAP value (36 µM Vitamin C/g of extract), and relatively low molecular weight (5.17 kDa). The study also investigated the protective effects of these polysaccharides and oligosaccharides against oxidative stress-induced damage in Hep G2 cells by measuring ROS production and intracellular antioxidant enzyme expressions (SOD, GPx, and CAT). Remarkably, SAR-OSC demonstrated the highest efficacy in protecting Hep G2 cells reducing ROS production and downregulating SOD, GPx, and CAT expressions. Current findings have confirmed that the oligosaccharides extracted by the chemical method show higher antioxidant activity, particularly SAR-OSC, and robust protective abilities in the Hep G2 cells.

Enhancing photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) in water through morphological manipulation of g-C3N4 photocatalysts: A comparative study of 1D, 2D, and 3D structures.

In this research, the dimensional catalysts of pure g-C3N4 photocatalysts (1D, 2D, and 3D) were investigated for the reduction of the highly toxic/carcinogenic Cr(VI) under visible light irradiation. The catalysts underwent explanation through various surface analysis techniques. According to the BET data, the specific surface area of the 3D catalyst was 1.3 and 7 times higher than those of the 2D and 1D CN catalysts, respectively. The 3D catalyst demonstrated superior performance, achieving an efficiency greater than 99% within 60 min under visible light irradiation in the presence of EDTA due to the abundance of active sites. The study also delved into the influence of factors such as the amount of EDTA-hole scavenger, pH, catalyst dosage, and temperature on the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI). Moreover, the 3D catalyst showed excellent reusability, maintaining an efficiency of more than 80% even after 10 cycles, and performed effectively in real water samples. The 3D CN catalyst, with its facile synthesis process, excellent visible light harvesting properties, high reduction efficiency that sustains over multiple cycles, and outstanding performance in real water samples, presents a significant advancement for practical applications in environmental remediation. This research contributes to a new understanding of developing efficient degradation methods for heavy metals in polluted water, highlighting the potential of 3D g-C3N4 catalysts in environmental cleanup efforts.

Effects of Fu's Subcutaneous Needling on Postoperative Pain in Patients Receiving Surgery for Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Disorders: A Single-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Fu's subcutaneous needling (FSN) is a novel acupuncture technique for pain treatment. This study investigated the effects of postsurgical FSN on postoperative pain in patients receiving surgery for degenerative spinal disorders. Methods: This single-center, single-blind, randomized-controlled study involved patients undergoing surgery for degenerative spinal disorders. Participants were randomized into either an FSN group or a control group that received sham FSN. The primary outcomes were scores on the Brief Pain Inventory Taiwan version (BPI-T) and Oswestry Disability Index before and at 1, 24, and 48 hours after surgery. Secondary outcomes were muscle hardness, pethidine use, and inflammatory biomarker presence. Results: Initially, 51 patients met the inclusion criteria and were allocated (26 in the FSN group and 25 in the control group). Two patients were lost to follow-up, and finally, 49 patients (25 in the FSN group and 24 in the control group) who completed the study were analyzed. The FSN group had significantly lower pain intensity measured on the BPI-T compared with the control group at 1, 24, 48, and 72 hours after surgical treatment (all p < 0.001). Additionally, pain interference as measured on the BPI-T was lower in the FSN group than in the control group 1 hour (p = 0.001), 24 hours (p = 0.018), 48 hours (p = 0.001), and 72 hours (p = 0.017) after surgical treatment. Finally, the FSN group exhibited less muscle hardness in the latissimus dorsi and gluteus maximus 24, 48, and 72 hours (all p < 0.05) after surgery compared with the control group; patients in the FSN group also exhibited less muscle hardness in the L3 paraspinal muscle 48 hours (p = 0.001) and 72 hours (p < 0.001) after surgery compared with the control group. There were no significant differences in serum CRP, IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-α levels between the FSN and control groups at 24 hours, 72 hours, and 1-month post-surgery (all p > 0.05). Conclusion: FSN treatment can reduce postoperative pain in patients receiving surgery for degenerative spinal disorders. However, larger sample sizes and multicenter clinical trials are required to verify these findings.

SETD8 inhibits apoptosis and ferroptosis of Ewing's sarcoma through YBX1/RAC3 axis.

Ewing's sarcoma (ES) represents a rare yet exceedingly aggressive neoplasm that poses a significant health risk to the pediatric and adolescent population. The clinical outcomes for individuals with relapsed or refractory ES are notably adverse, primarily attributed to the constrained therapeutic alternatives available. Despite significant advancements in the field, molecular pathology-driven therapeutic strategies have yet to achieve a definitive reduction in the mortality rates associated with ES. Consequently, there exists an imperative need to discover innovative therapeutic targets to effectively combat ES. To reveal the mechanism of the SETD8 (also known as lysine methyltransferase 5A) inhibitor UNC0379, cell death manners were analyzed with different inhibitors. The contributions of SETD8 to the processes of apoptosis and ferroptosis in ES cells were evaluated employing the histone methyltransferase inhibitor UNC0379 in conjunction with RNA interference techniques. The molecular regulatory mechanisms of SETD8 in ES were examined through the application of RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis. Moreover, nude mouse xenograft models were established to explore the role of SETD8 in ES in vivo. SETD8, a sole nucleosome-specific methyltransferase that catalyzes mono-methylation of histone H4 at lysine 20 (H4K20me1), was found to be upregulated in ES, and its overexpression was associated with dismal outcomes of patients. SETD8 knockdown dramatically induced the apoptosis and ferroptosis of ES cells in vitro and suppressed tumorigenesis in vivo. Mechanistic investigations revealed that SETD8 facilitated the nuclear translocation of YBX1 through post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms, which subsequently culminated in the transcriptional upregulation of RAC3. In summary, SETD8 inhibits the apoptosis and ferroptosis of ES cells through the YBX1/RAC3 axis, which provides new insights into the mechanism of tumorigenesis of ES. SETD8 may be a potential target for clinical intervention in ES patients.

Transitioning weathered oil fields towards new energy: A review on utilizing hydrogenotrophic methanogens for petroleum hydrocarbons remediation.

The weathering process can cause the volatilization of light components in crude oil, leading to the accumulation of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) in weathered oil field soils. These TPH compounds are relatively resistant to biodegradation, posing a significant environmental hazard by contributing to soil degradation. TPH represents a complex mixture of petroleum-based hydrocarbons classified as persistent organic pollutants in soil and groundwater. The release of TPH pollutants into the environment poses serious threats to ecosystems and human health. Currently, various methods are available for TPH-contaminated soil remediation, with bioremediation technology recognized as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective approach. While converting TPH to CO2 is a common remediation method, the complex structures and diverse types of petroleum hydrocarbons (PHs) involved can result in excessive CO2 generation, potentially exacerbating the greenhouse effect. Alternatively, transforming TPH into energy forms like methane through bioremediation, followed by collection and reuse, can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. This process relies on the synergistic interaction between Methanogens archaea and syntrophic bacteria, forming a consortium known as the oil-degrading bacterial consortium. Methanogens produce methane through anaerobic digestion (AD), with hydrogenotrophic methanogens (HTMs) utilizing H2 as an electron donor, playing a crucial role in biomethane production. Candidatus Methanoliparia (Ca. Methanoliparia) was found in the petroleum archaeal community of weathered Oil field in northeast China. Ca. Methanoliparia has demonstrated its independent ability to decompose and produce new energy (biomethane) without symbiosis, contribute to transitioning weathered oil fields towards new energy. Therefore, this review focuses on the principles, mechanisms, and developmental pathways of HTMs during new energy production in the degradation of PHs. It also discusses strategies to enhance TPH degradation and recovery methods.

Immunotoxicity and oxidative damage in Litopenaeus vannamei induced by polyethylene microplastics and copper co-exposure.

This study examines the combined effects of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MP) and copper (Cu2+) on the immune and oxidative response of Litopenaeus vannamei. PE-MP adsorbed with Cu2+ at 2.3, 6.8, and 16.8 ng (g shrimp)-1) were injected into L. vannamei. Over 14 days, survival rates were monitored, and immune and oxidative stress parameters were assessed. The results showed that combined exposure to PE-MP and Cu2+ significantly reduced the survival rate and decreased total haemocyte count. Immune-related parameters (phagocytic rate, phenoloxidase and superoxide dismutase (SOD)) and antioxidant-related parameters (SOD, catalase and glutathione peroxidase mRNA and enzyme) also decreased, while respiratory burst activity significantly increased, indicating immune and antioxidant system disruption. Additionally, there was a significant increase in oxidative stress, as measured by malondialdehyde levels. Histopathological analysis revealed severe muscle, hepatopancreas, and gill damage. These results suggest that simultaneous exposure to PE-MP and Cu2+ poses greater health risks to white shrimp.

Microplastics and phthalate esters contamination in top oceanic predators: A study on multiple shark species in the Pacific Ocean.

Marine organisms, especially top predators such as sharks, are susceptible to environmental pollutants like microplastics (MPs) and phthalate esters (PAEs), leading to ecosystem risks. Research on contamination in these apex species is, however, still limited. This study investigated MPs and PAEs in multiple shark species (Isurus oxyrinchus, Alopias superciliosus, Alopias pelagicus, Carcharhinus brevipinna, and Sphyrna zygaena) off Taiwan's eastern coast. Gastric tissue analyses revealed ubiquitous microplastics (2-31 particles), which positively correlated with body lengths and weights for Isurus oxyrinchus. Blue, fiber-shaped (1-2 mm), and rayon-based MPs are likely associated with textile fiber pollution. The PAEs concentration mean was 7035 ± 6829 ng/g, ww, having DEHP and DiNP as primary compounds. This study highlights pervasive contamination in Pacific Ocean sharks, emphasizing anthropogenic impact on top oceanic predators and providing essential insights for food safety and MP accumulation.

Potential risks of accumulated microplastics in shells and soft tissues of cultured hard clams (Meretrix taiwanica) and associated metals.

Microplastics (MPs) pose risks to both aquatic ecosystems and human health. This study investigated MPs in the shells and soft tissues of hard clams (Meretrix taiwanica) cultured in the inland waters of Taiwan. This study further developed two novel risk indices for assessing the potential ecological and health consequences of MPs. Moreover, the metal concentrations in the clam's soft tissues and the associated consumption health risks were investigated. Clamshells contained significant amounts of MPs with an average abundance of 16.6 ± 6.9 MPs/ind., which was higher than in the soft tissues (2.7 ± 1.7 MPs/ind.). The distribution and sizes of MPs in shells and soft tissues were similar, primarily small-sized (<2 mm, >99 %), blue (>65 %), and fibrous (>99 %). Dominant MP polymer types included rayon (83.5 %), polyethylene terephthalate (11.8 %), and polyacrylonitrile (3.6 %). The proposed MP potential ecological risk index indicates a higher potential ecological MP risk in soft tissues (302-423) than in shells (270-278) of the clams. The MP potential hazard risk index showed that the risk of exposure to MP through shellfish consumption decreased with age. The total hazard index (THI) value suggested negligible health hazards from metal exposure through shellfish consumption. Moreover, there was no significant correlation between MPs and metal concentrations in soft tissues, suggesting that metals bound to MPs contribute minimally to the total accumulated metals in clam's soft tissues. This study confirms the presence of MPs in clam shells and provides a novel tool to assess the potential ecological and health risks associated with MPs in shellfish.

Novel food isolates with striking α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and probiotic potential for an antidiabetic role.

In the current study, ten lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolates exhibiting anti-α-glucosidase activity were isolated from fermented food. It is directed at novel supplementary diets to prevent/improve diet-induced carbohydrate metabolism disorders and related chronic diseases. Moreover, to evaluate their safety, functionality, and probiotic potential via in vitro simulated test conditions. From 16s-rRNA sequencing, Pediococcus acidilactici (NKUST 803, 845, 858), Lactobacillus plantarum (NKUST 817, 828, 851), Levilactobacillus brevis (NKUST 816, 855) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (NKUST 803, 863) were identified. The results showed that the isolates possessed anti-pathogenic activity, auto-aggregation ability, hydrophobicity (47.44-96.4%), and gastric acid-resistant activity (79-99.1%), which proved their potential for probiotics in nutraceuticals to render hypoglycemic activity or antidiabetic effects to the host positively. Among tested isolates, L. plantarum 817 and P. acidilactici 858 exhibited maximum α-glucosidase inhibitory (AGI) activity of 35-40%. The heat map clearly showed that L. plantarum 817 exhibited the best AGI activity and probiotic potential, among others. These were studied under various simulated gut conditions and safety tests. However, all isolates possess the potential to be used as probiotics in commercial-scale health applications. Pediococcus sp. possesses notable AGI activity but relatively less colonization potential in the gut hence recommended daily intake for positive health effects.

Recent progress in electro-Fenton technology for the remediation of pharmaceutical compounds in aqueous environments.

The global focus on wastewater treatment has intensified in the contemporary era due to its significant environmental and human health impacts. Pharmaceutical compounds (PCs) have become an emerging concern among various pollutants, as they resist conventional treatment methods and pose a severe environmental threat. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) emerge as a potent and environmentally benign approach for treating recalcitrant pharmaceuticals. To address the shortcomings of traditional treatment methods, a technology known as the electro-Fenton (EF) method has been developed more recently as an electrochemical advanced oxidation process (EAOP) that connects electrochemistry to the chemical Fenton process. It has shown effective in treating a variety of pharmaceutically active compounds and actual wastewaters. By producing H2O2 in situ through a two-electron reduction of dissolved O2 on an appropriate cathode, the EF process maximizes the benefits of electrochemistry. Herein, we have critically reviewed the application of the EF process, encompassing diverse reactor types and configurations, the underlying mechanisms involved in the degradation of pharmaceuticals and other emerging contaminants (ECs), and the impact of electrode materials on the process. The review also addresses the factors influencing the efficiency of the EF process, such as (i) pH, (ii) current density, (iii) H2O2 concentration, (iv) and others, while providing insight into the scalability potential of EF technology and its commercialization on a global scale. The review delves into future perspectives and implications concerning the ongoing challenges encountered in the operation of the electro-Fenton process for the treatment of PCs and other ECs.

Thiazolidinediones Decrease the Recurrence of Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Nested Case-Control Study.

INTRODUCTION: Preclinical evidence demonstrated the therapeutic potential of thiazolidinediones (TZDs) for the treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The present study conducted an investigation of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular outcomes following ICH in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treated with or without TZDs. METHODS: This retrospective nested case-control study used data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. A total of 62,515 T2DM patients who were hospitalized with a diagnosis of ICH were enrolled, including 7,603 TZD users. Data for TZD non-users were extracted using propensity score matching. Primary outcomes included death and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), which were defined as a composite of ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke (HS), acute myocardial infarction, and congestive heart failure. Patients aged <20 years with a history of traumatic brain injury or any prior history of MACEs were excluded. RESULTS: TZD users had significantly lower MACE risks compared with TZD non-users following ICH (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.85-0.94, p < 0.001). The most significant MACE difference reported for TZD users was HS, which possessed lower incidence than in TZD non-users, especially for the events that happened within 3 months following ICH (aHR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.62-0.89 within 1 month, p < 0.01; aHR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.54-0.85 between 1 and 3 month). CONCLUSION: The use of TZD in patients with T2DM was associated with a lower risk of subsequent HS and mortality following ICH.

A review of smart electrochemical devices for pesticide detection in agricultural food and runoff contaminants.

In the evolving field of food and agriculture, pesticide utilization is inevitable for food production and poses an increasing threat to the ecosystem and human health. This review systematically investigates and provides a comprehensive overview of recent developments in smart electrochemical devices for detecting pesticides in agricultural food and runoff contaminants. The focus encompasses recent progress in lab-scale and portable electrochemical sensors, highlighting their significance in agricultural pesticide monitoring. This review compares these sensors comprehensively and provides a scientific guide for future sensor development for infield agricultural pesticide monitoring and food safety. Smart devices address challenges related to power consumption, low cost, wearability, and portability, contributing to the advancement of agricultural sustainability. By elucidating the intricate details of these smart devices, this review offers a comprehensive discussion and roadmap for future research aimed at cost-effective, flexible, and smart handy devices, including novel electrocatalysts, to foster the development of next-generation agricultural sensor technology, opportunity and future direction for food security.

Boosting acetaminophen degradation in water by peracetic acid activation: A novel approach using chestnut shell-derived biochar at varied pyrolysis temperatures.

In this study, biochar derived from chestnut shells was synthesized through pyrolysis at varying temperatures from 300 °C to 900 °C. The study unveiled that the pyrolysis temperature is pivotal in defining the physical and chemical attributes of biochar, notably its adsorption capabilities and its role in activating peracetic acid (PAA) for the efficient removal of acetaminophen (APAP) from aquatic environments. Notably, the biochar processed at 900 °C, referred to as CN900, demonstrated an exceptional adsorption efficiency of 55.8 mg g-1, significantly outperforming its counterparts produced at lower temperatures (CN300, CN500, and CN700). This enhanced performance of CN900 is attributed to its increased surface area, improved micro-porosity, and a greater abundance of oxygen-containing functional groups, which are a consequence of the elevated pyrolysis temperature. These oxygen-rich functional groups, such as carbonyls, play a crucial role in facilitating the decomposition of the O-O bond in PAA, leading to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through electron transfer mechanisms. This investigation contributes to the development of sustainable and cost-effective materials for water purification, underscoring the potential of chestnut shell-derived biochar as an efficient adsorbent and catalyst for PAA activation, thereby offering a viable solution for environmental cleanup efforts.

Acute cholangitis with acute myeloid leukaemia: A case report.

The report describes a middle-aged woman with acute cholangitis combined with acute myeloid leukaemia, and examination suggesting that she was also a patient with a rare case of total visceral inversion. The analysis of this case helps clinicians to deepen the differential diagnosis of rare diseases and improve the timeliness and accuracy of diagnosis.

Exercise-induced improvement of glycemic fluctuation and its relationship with fat and muscle distribution in type 2 diabetes.

AIMS: Management of blood glucose fluctuation is essential for diabetes. Exercise is a key therapeutic strategy for diabetes patients, although little is known about determinants of glycemic response to exercise training. We aimed to investigate the effect of combined aerobic and resistance exercise training on blood glucose fluctuation in type 2 diabetes patients and explore the predictors of exercise-induced glycemic response. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty sedentary diabetes patients were randomly assigned to control or exercise group. Participants in the control group maintained sedentary lifestyle for 2 weeks, and those in the exercise group specifically performed combined exercise training for 1 week. All participants received dietary guidance based on a recommended diet chart. Glycemic fluctuation was measured by flash continuous glucose monitoring. Baseline fat and muscle distribution were accurately quantified through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). RESULTS: Combined exercise training decreased SD of sensor glucose (SDSG, exercise-pre vs exercise-post, mean 1.35 vs 1.10 mmol/L, p = .006) and coefficient of variation (CV, mean 20.25 vs 17.20%, p = .027). No significant change was observed in the control group. Stepwise multiple linear regression showed that baseline MRI-quantified fat and muscle distribution, including visceral fat area (ß = -0.761, p = .001) and mid-thigh muscle area (ß = 0.450, p = .027), were significantly independent predictors of SDSG change in the exercise group, as well as CV change. CONCLUSIONS: Combined exercise training improved blood glucose fluctuation in diabetes patients. Baseline fat and muscle distribution were significant factors that influence glycemic response to exercise, providing new insights into personalized exercise intervention for diabetes.

Kumquat peel-derived biochar to support zeolitic imidazole framework-67 (ZIF-67) for enhancing peracetic acid activation to remove acetaminophen from aqueous solution.

This study presents the synthesis of a novel composite catalyst, ZIF-67, doped on sodium bicarbonate-modified biochar derived from kumquat peels (ZIF-67@KSB3), for the enhanced activation of peracetic acid (PAA) in the degradation of acetaminophen (APAP) in aqueous solutions. The composite demonstrated a high degradation efficiency, achieving 94.3% elimination of APAP at an optimal condition of 200 mg L-1 catalyst dosage and 0.4 mM PAA concentration at pH 7. The degradation mechanism was elucidated, revealing that superoxide anion (O2•-) played a dominant role, while singlet oxygen (1O2) and alkoxyl radicals (R-O•) also contributed significantly. The degradation pathways of APAP were proposed based on LC-MS analyses and molecular electrostatic potential calculations, identifying three primary routes of transformation. Stability tests confirmed that the ZIF-67@KSB3 catalyst retained an 86% efficiency in APAP removal after five successive cycles, underscoring its durability and potential for application in pharmaceutical wastewater treatment.

Advancements in Nano-Enhanced microalgae bioprocessing.

Microalgae are promising sources of valuable compounds: carotenoids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, lipids, etc. To overcome the feasibility challenge due to low yield and attain commercial potential, researchers merge technologies to enhance algal bioprocess. In this context, nanomaterials are attractive for enhancing microalgal bioprocessing, from cultivation to downstream extraction. Nanomaterials enhance biomass and product yields (mainly lipid and carotenoids) through improved nutrient uptake and stress tolerance during cultivation. They also provide mechanistic insights from recent studies. They also revolutionize harvesting via nano-induced sedimentation, flocculation, and flotation. Downstream processing benefits from nanomaterials, improving extraction and purification. Special attention is given to cost-effective extraction, showcasing nanomaterial integration, and providing a comparative account. The review also profiles nanomaterial types, including metallic nanoparticles, magnetic nanomaterials, carbon-based nanomaterials, silica nanoparticles, polymers, and functionalized nanomaterials. Challenges and future trends are discussed, emphasizing nanomaterials' role in advancing sustainable and efficient microalgal bioprocessing, unlocking their potential for bio-based industries.

Synergistic microwave and acidic deep eutectic solvent-based pretreatment of Theobroma cacao pod husk biomass for xylooligosaccharides production.

The bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass into novel bioproducts is crucial for sustainable biorefineries, providing an integrated solution for circular economy objectives. The current study investigated a novel microwave-assisted acidic deep eutectic solvent (DES) pretreatment of waste cocoa pod husk (CPH) biomass to extract xylooligosaccharides (XOS). The sequential DES (choline chloride/citric acid, molar ratio 1:1) and microwave (450W) pretreatment of CPH biomass was effective in 67.3% xylan removal with a 52% XOS yield from total xylan. Among different XOS of varying degrees of polymerization, a higher xylobiose content corresponding to 69.3% of the total XOS (68.22 mg/g CPH) from liquid fraction was observed. Enzymatic hydrolysis of residual xylan from pretreated CPH biomass with low commercial xylanase (10 IU/g) concentration yielded 24.2% XOS. The MW-ChCl/citric acid synergistic pretreatment approach holds great promise for developing a cost-effective and environmentally friendly method contributing to the sustainable production of XOS from agricultural waste streams.

Controlling effects of terrestrial organic matter on metal contamination and toxicity risks in port sediments.

The contents of metals, total carbon, total nitrogen (TN), total organic carbon (TOC), and stable isotope composition (δ13Corg and δ15N) of sediment organic matter (SOM) were investigated to explore the sources and spatial distribution of metals and SOM in the surface sediments (Kaohsiung Port, Taiwan). Results showed that TOC and metals in estuarine sediments are high, gradually decreasing toward the port entrances. The δ13Corg, δ15N, and TOC/TN ratios indicate that SOM comes mainly from terrestrial sources. This study proposes a befitting model between metal pollution and toxicity risk index and SOM sources in port sediments by combining stable isotope composition, correlation matrix, and multiple linear regression analysis. The model indicates that the degree of metal pollution and toxicity risk in sediments are mainly affected by TOCterr content and SOM source. The results help to understand the influence of organic matter sources in port sediments on metal concentration distribution.