Chen Lyu , Xiaomin Li , Yanan Yin , Jian Yang , Chongbin Zhang , Zeping Zhang , Cheng Wang , Jianlong Wang
{"title":"Microbial nanofactories: A mini-review on sustainable biosynthesis of nanomaterials","authors":"Chen Lyu , Xiaomin Li , Yanan Yin , Jian Yang , Chongbin Zhang , Zeping Zhang , Cheng Wang , Jianlong Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.biteb.2025.102322","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biteb.2025.102322","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Microorganisms, as emerging biosynthetic platforms, have shown significant potential in materials science, catalytic conversion, and biomedical fields. Their inherent morphologies and surface active groups can mediate the synthesis of special structured nanomaterials such as multi-level porous microspheres and high specific surface area nanorods that significantly optimize the physical and chemical properties of the materials. This efficient, economical, and sustainable synthesis paradigm provides an innovative approach for the precise preparation of nanomaterials. This article provides a systematic review of the microorganisms used in nanomaterials synthesis, which were extensively introduced, and types of nanomaterials synthesis utilizing microorganisms were systematically described. Approaches to nanomaterials synthesis utilizing microorganisms were elaborated, and the applications of microbially synthesized nanomaterials were comprehensively presented.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8947,"journal":{"name":"Bioresource Technology Reports","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article 102322"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145263433","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Padmapriya Dhanasekaran , Shanthi Chittibabu , Said Mouzeyar , Aurélia Boulaflous-Stevens , Cedric Delattre , Jane Roche
{"title":"From waste to wonder: The potential of protein hydrolysates as plant biostimulants in agriculture","authors":"Padmapriya Dhanasekaran , Shanthi Chittibabu , Said Mouzeyar , Aurélia Boulaflous-Stevens , Cedric Delattre , Jane Roche","doi":"10.1016/j.biteb.2025.102333","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biteb.2025.102333","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Protein hydrolysates (PHs) derived from plant and animal byproducts have emerged as promising biostimulants in sustainable agriculture. This comprehensive review investigates the production, composition, and mechanisms of action of PHs in promoting plant growth and stress resilience. PHs are obtained through enzymatic hydrolysis of protein-rich waste, yielding mixtures of amino acids and bioactive peptides. Commercial PHs exhibit diverse effects, including enhanced nutrient uptake, abiotic stress tolerance, and crop yield in various agricultural and horticultural species. The biostimulant activity of PHs is attributed to multiple interconnected pathways, such as hormone-like signalling, antioxidant defense, osmotic regulation, and gene expression modulation. Moreover, PHs influence the plant microbiome, potentially contributing to improved stress adaptation. Foliar and root application methods, along with factors like pH and transporters, govern PH absorption and translocation in plants. Transcriptomic and proteomic studies have provided insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying PH-mediated growth promotion and stress mitigation. Future research should focus on optimizing PH formulations, exploring synergies with other biostimulants, and elucidating the role of plant-microbe interactions. By harnessing the potential of these sustainable compounds, PH biostimulants offer a promising approach to enhance agricultural productivity and resilience in the face of global challenges.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8947,"journal":{"name":"Bioresource Technology Reports","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article 102333"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145321578","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Wei-Chin Kee , Yee-Shian Wong , Soon-Jian Low , Soon-An Ong , Nabilah Aminah Lutpi , Sumate Chaiprapat , Santhana Krishnan , Audrey Chai , Boon-Beng Lee
{"title":"Advanced treatment of sugarcane vinasse via hybrid photocatalytic sequencing batch biofilm reactor (HP-SBBR): A combined physicochemical and biological approach","authors":"Wei-Chin Kee , Yee-Shian Wong , Soon-Jian Low , Soon-An Ong , Nabilah Aminah Lutpi , Sumate Chaiprapat , Santhana Krishnan , Audrey Chai , Boon-Beng Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.biteb.2025.102335","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biteb.2025.102335","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A large volume of undesired chemical liquid generated by ethanol distillation is known as sugarcane vinasse. It is an acidic, dark brown distillery spent wash rich in organic compounds that can cause toxicity to living organisms, soil and water acidification, and groundwater contamination. This study introduces a hybrid chemical and biological treatment approach combining photocatalysis and a sequencing batch biofilm reactor (HP-SBBR). Chemical coagulation with alum was applied as a pretreatment due to its compatibility and low cost. Subsequently, the bio-photocatalytic reaction in HP-SBBR with zinc oxide (ZnO) photocatalyst achieved substantial degradation, evidenced by 93.1 % COD reduction and 99.7 % decolourisation at a low loading rate of 0.024 kg·COD/m<sup>3</sup>·day. Kinetic studies and UV–vis spectra confirmed that the combination of light and microorganisms effectively reduce COD of sugarcane vinasse and improved the biodegradation index. Microbial analysis using 16S rDNA revealed predominant bacterial genera, including <em>Pseudomonas</em> sp. (28 %), <em>Bacillus</em> sp. (8 %), <em>Tissierella</em> sp. (7 %), and <em>Azoarcus</em> sp. (6 %). To assess toxicity, a phytotoxicity test using mung bean (<em>Vigna radiata</em>) showed an 85 % reduction in toxicity based on germination rate, indicating that treated vinasse is more suitable for reuse in agriculture. Although the integrated pre-coagulation and HP-SBBR system demonstrated strong technical feasibility and treatment performance, further studies on operating costs and technical constraints are necessary to evaluate its applicability and impact in full-scale vinasse management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8947,"journal":{"name":"Bioresource Technology Reports","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article 102335"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145263430","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Poornima Vengaprath Bhattathiri , Warren Batchelor , Antonio Patti , Amit Arora
{"title":"Techno-economic evaluation of multiple product scenarios from pineapple leaf waste in integrated biorefinery","authors":"Poornima Vengaprath Bhattathiri , Warren Batchelor , Antonio Patti , Amit Arora","doi":"10.1016/j.biteb.2025.102321","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biteb.2025.102321","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Agricultural residues such as pineapple leaves represent an abundant yet underutilized resource for value addition. This study assesses the techno-economic feasibility of producing high-value products from pineapple leaf waste through a novel single-step hydrothermal process. Four scenarios were evaluated: (i) recovery of cellulose nanofibers (CNF), xylooligosaccharides (XOS), and polyphenol powder (PP) (CNF + XOS + PP), (ii) CNF + XOS, (iii) CNF + PP, and (iv) CNF only. For a 5 TPH plant operating 180 days annually (base case), the CNF + XOS + PP scenario yielded a net present value (NPV) of US$177.2 million, an internal rate of return (IRR) of 38.3 %, and a payback period (PBP) of 3.4 years. The CNF + PP scenario achieved even higher profitability with an NPV of US$196.5 million, an IRR of 40.8 %, and a PBP of 2.9 years. Sensitivity analysis revealed that operational duration and CNF price are the most influential factors. Multiproduct scenarios demonstrated significantly higher viability than CNF-only production (NPV US$53.6 million). The CNF-only case remains profitable if the minimum selling price (MSP) of CNF exceeds US$32.8/kg. Breakeven analysis indicated MSPs of US$20/kg for both CNF and XOS in the CNF + XOS + PP scenario, and US$30/kg (CNF) and US$15/kg (PP) in the CNF + PP scenario. Overall, the findings highlight that integrated agri-waste biorefineries offer strong technical and economic potential for sustainable product development and waste valorization.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8947,"journal":{"name":"Bioresource Technology Reports","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article 102321"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145263508","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Production and characterization of biochar derived from raw and anaerobically digested banana waste","authors":"Xia Yang, Sarina J. Ergas","doi":"10.1016/j.biteb.2025.102325","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biteb.2025.102325","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pyrolysis and anaerobic digestion (AD) of lignocellulosic wastes have gained increased attention as eco-friendly energy production technologies. Banana waste is produced in large quantities in tropical regions. This study investigates biochar production and characterization from raw and anaerobically digested banana waste under varying pyrolysis conditions. Increasing pyrolysis temperatures from 300 °C to 700 °C resulted in a decrease in biochar yield and cation exchange capacity (CEC) by 28.0–52.7 % and 77.8–93.6 %, respectively, while acetic acid adsorption capacity increased by 67.0–1143.3 %. Extending the pyrolysis residence time decreased biochar yields at lower temperature (300 °C) from 38.6 to 55.5 % to 33.6–51.5 %, but increased acid adsorption capacities at all temperatures by ~244 %. Raw banana waste outperformed anaerobically digested waste for biochar production, with CEC and acid adsorption capacities enhanced by ~359 % and 501 %, respectively. Biochars produced from banana wastes demonstrated 0.8–28.1 times higher CEC compared to wood-derived biochar, indicating that these materials are promising for agricultural and environmental applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8947,"journal":{"name":"Bioresource Technology Reports","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article 102325"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145263431","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yongjie Liu , Zhongcheng Ke , Leilei He , Shuqi Fang , Wenli Huang , Zhongfang Lei , Fei Yang , Weiwei Huang
{"title":"Feasibility and performance of frozen algal-bacterial granular sludge for rapid startup of brackish aquaculture wastewater treatment system","authors":"Yongjie Liu , Zhongcheng Ke , Leilei He , Shuqi Fang , Wenli Huang , Zhongfang Lei , Fei Yang , Weiwei Huang","doi":"10.1016/j.biteb.2025.102324","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biteb.2025.102324","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study assessed the feasibility of using freezing (−20 °C) to preserve the viability and functionality of salt-tolerant functional species in algal-bacteria granular sludge (ABGS) for the rapid startup of processes treating brackish aquaculture wastewater (BAW). After 24 days of adaptation during the cryo-reactivation, both R1 (fresh aquaculture wastewater, FAW) and R2 (BAW) achieved stable performance and nearly 100 % recovery of their pre-freezing permanganate index (COD<sub>Mn</sub>) removal efficiencies. R1 restored 94.5 % of the pre-freezing total inorganic nitrogen (TIN) removal level and 70.0 % of the PO<sub>4</sub><sup>3−</sup>-P removal level, while R2 regained 87.8 % and 75.8 % of these levels, respectively. The rapid growth of filamentous microorganisms (e.g., <em>norank_f__Saprospiraceae</em>, <em>Leptothermofonsia</em>, and <em>Jaaginema</em>) led to worsening of granule settleability and subsequent biomass loss in R1. In contrast, R2 exhibited good granule stability and settleability, despite its slower biomass accumulation rate. The good settleability of ABGS in R2 can be attributed to the enrichment of EPS-secreting bacteria (Proteobacteria) and greater algal richness. Key salt-tolerant bacteria involved in organic carbon metabolism, phosphorus removal, and nitrification-denitrification were well preserved in R2. Cryo-reactivation shows potential as a strategy for the rapid startup of ABGS processes for BAW treatment, although further optimization is needed to ensure complete functional restoration.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8947,"journal":{"name":"Bioresource Technology Reports","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article 102324"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145263506","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Muhammad Ali , Carolina Burgos Pena , Jo De Vrieze
{"title":"Anaerobic co-digestion of sewage sludge and food waste: staging and carriers enhance system performance and process stability","authors":"Muhammad Ali , Carolina Burgos Pena , Jo De Vrieze","doi":"10.1016/j.biteb.2025.102329","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biteb.2025.102329","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sewage sludge (SS) generated from biological wastewater treatment requires adequate treatment. Anaerobic digestion of SS remains a preferred approach, but suffers from slow hydrolysis and low biogas production. Co-digestion with food waste (FW) could improve hydrolysis rate and nutrients balance, leading to improved biogas production. This study investigates the performance of eight semi-continuous anaerobic systems: single-stage (mono-and co-digestion) and two-stage (mono- and co-digestion). All the systems were operated with and without carriers (Anox Kaldness K5 for biofilm support) under mesophilic conditions for 205 days and at a total hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 20 days. In SS mono-digestion, biogas production averaged 230 ± 31 and 538 ± 40 mL<sub>biogas</sub> L<sup>−1</sup> d<sup>−1</sup> in single- and two-stage systems with carriers, respectively. A maximum specific methane yield of 509 ± 54 and 367 ± 16 mL CH<sub>4</sub> g<sup>−1</sup><sub>vs</sub> was measured in two-stage systems with and without carriers, respectively treating 20 % SS and 80 % FW (on wet weight basis) on day 134. Carriers improved biogas production and process stability by reducing volatile fatty acids (VFA) accumulation, with two-stage system with carriers achieves the highest cumulative biogas production and operational stability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8947,"journal":{"name":"Bioresource Technology Reports","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article 102329"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145321585","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Hybrid entropy-VIKOR optimization of Jatropha curcas biodiesel synthesis with advanced transesterification reaction input parametric analysis for yield, viscosity, and density","authors":"Digambar Singh","doi":"10.1016/j.biteb.2025.102328","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biteb.2025.102328","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Biodiesel, derived from triglyceride conversion, presents itself as a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil diesel fuel to meet the increasing global energy demand. Lipid-rich, non-edible <em>Jatropha curcas</em> oil presents itself as a prime feedstock for biodiesel synthesis. A batch transesterification reactor was used in this research to experimentally facilitate the conversion of <em>Jatropha curcas</em> oil into biodiesel with homogenous KOH as a catalyst. The present study investigates a combined approach using a fractional factorial design for screening, followed by a novel hybrid Entropy-VIKOR approach for ranking experimental alternatives to achieve maximum yield and minimum viscosity of produced biodiesel. A separate statistical approach is also employed to analyze the combined effects of transesterification reaction input parameters (catalyst loading and reaction temperature; chemical interaction time, and methanol-to-lipid molar ratio) on the resulting yield, viscosity, and density, using 3D surface plots and empirical relations. The combined experimental and numerical based investigation indicated that the optimum biodiesel produced from <em>Jatropha curcas</em> oil with yield: 93.16 %, viscosity: 4.0 cSt, and density: 871–881 kg/m<sup>3</sup> and these results are obtained under the following conditions: Homogenous base catalyst loading of 1.5 % (w/w), reaction temperature of 65 °C, chemical interaction time of 120 min, and a methanol-to-lipid molar ratio of 6:1. The resulting composition of <em>Jatropha curcas</em> oil-based biodiesel have physicochemical characteristics within specified limits as per international EN 14214 standards.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8947,"journal":{"name":"Bioresource Technology Reports","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article 102328"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145263504","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
P. Prabhu , Gunaselvi Manohar , Nadir Ayrilmis , V. Suresh , E. Shankar , A. Balaji , R. Arun Kumar , G.G. Raja Sekhar , B. Sai Venkata Krishna , Palanivendhan Murugadoss
{"title":"Tragacanth gum as a green compatibilizer for natural fiber-polymer interfaces in hybrid composites","authors":"P. Prabhu , Gunaselvi Manohar , Nadir Ayrilmis , V. Suresh , E. Shankar , A. Balaji , R. Arun Kumar , G.G. Raja Sekhar , B. Sai Venkata Krishna , Palanivendhan Murugadoss","doi":"10.1016/j.biteb.2025.102313","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biteb.2025.102313","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Astragalus plant is a natural source of tragacanth gum (TG), a polysaccharide that has been investigated as a new green compatibilizer for polymer composites. Unlike traditional petrochemical-based coupling agents, it serves many purposes in improving fiber–matrix bonding and promoting nanofiller dispersion. A tragacanth gum and bentonite nanoclay-modified vinyl ester resin (TGV) matrix was used in this study to create hybrid composites by combining glass fibers with natural fibers (kapok, cotton, and luffa). An L9 orthogonal array was used in Minitab 17 to enhance mechanical properties using Grey Relational Taguchi Analysis (GRTA). There was very little variation between the expected and actual grey relational grades. There was only a slight percentage variation between the actual and forecasted values' trends, which are very similar. The deviation on average was only 4.15 %. SEM examination verified that the TG-based bionanocomposites had enhanced interfacial adhesion. The untreated K/G/K fiber mat composites reinforced with TGV and 3 vol% nanoclay performed the best among the investigated configurations, demonstrating an impact strength of 28 kJ/m<sup>2</sup> and a tensile strength of 89.1 MPa. These findings demonstrated the multifunctional role of the TG as an eco-friendly compatibilizer, enabling the design of sustainable, high-performance bionanocomposites.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8947,"journal":{"name":"Bioresource Technology Reports","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article 102313"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145263505","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Adsorptive removal of methylene blue dye using pine litter-derived activated charcoal","authors":"Saurabh Kumar Pandey , Sarthak Saxena , Soumya Sasmal , Bhawna Verma","doi":"10.1016/j.biteb.2025.102330","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biteb.2025.102330","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Azo dyes pose severe threats to aquatic ecosystems and human health due to their persistence and toxicity. Low-cost adsorbents are urgently needed for scalable wastewater treatment. Therefore, adsorption is considered the best method, and several types of low-cost adsorbents are in demand. ZnCl<sub>2</sub>-activated pine charcoal was synthesized, characterized (SEM/FTIR/EDX/XRD), and tested under varied parameters (dose, pH, concentration). At optimum conditions, 99.90 ± 0.02 % removal of methylene blue with very high adsorption capacity was observed, i.e., 1440 mg/g. The pseudo-second-order reaction model provided the highest R<sup>2</sup> value of up to 0.9997. The recovery of 98.82 ± 0.14 % methylene blue in ethanol was observed. The study concluded that up to 3 cycles, 97.30 ± 0.27 % methylene blue dye can be removed. The study provides technical insights for synthesizing low-cost, highly efficient adsorbents in water purification in industrial and domestic setups.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8947,"journal":{"name":"Bioresource Technology Reports","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article 102330"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145263511","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}