Directed degradation of abundant renewable lignin into small aromatic compounds is crucial for lignin valorization but challenging.The degradation of lignin in natural environments typically involves multienzyme syner...Directed degradation of abundant renewable lignin into small aromatic compounds is crucial for lignin valorization but challenging.The degradation of lignin in natural environments typically involves multienzyme synergy.However,the proteinaceous characteristics of lignin-degrading enzymes restrict their accessibility to certain regions of intricate lignin,resulting in the multienzyme systems being unable to fully demonstrate their effectiveness.Herein,a de novo biomimetic enzyme-nanozyme hybrid system was constructed by combiningλ-MnO_(2) nanozyme with laccase CotA from Bacillus subtilis,aimed at facilitating lignin degradation under mild conditions.The lignin degradation rate of the CotA+λ-MnO_(2) hybrid system was determined to be 25.15%,which was much higher than those of the lignin degradation systems with only laccase CotA(15.32%)orλ-MnO_(2) nanozyme(14.90%).Notably,the proportion of aromatic chemicals in the products derived from the hybrid system reached as much as 48%,which was 41.2%and 118.2%higher than those of the CotA-andλ-MnO_(2)-catalyzed systems,respectively.Analysis of products mapping and lignin structure changes suggested that the higher proportion of aromatic compounds in the CotA+λ-MnO_(2)hybrid system was more likely to benefit from the laccase-mediated methoxylation.Moreover,electron paramagnetic resonance analysis indicated that the intensity and kind of free radicals such as·OH and·O_(2)^(-)are closely linked to the degradation rate and reaction type.This work is the inaugural application of an enzyme-nanozyme hybrid system for lignin degradation,demonstrating the potential of the synergistic interaction between enzyme and nanozyme in the directed degradation of lignin.展开更多
Photocatalytic oxygen reduction for hydrogen peroxide(H_(2)O_(2))synthesis presents a green and costeffective production method.However,achieving highly selective H_(2)O_(2)synthesis remains challenging,necessitating ...Photocatalytic oxygen reduction for hydrogen peroxide(H_(2)O_(2))synthesis presents a green and costeffective production method.However,achieving highly selective H_(2)O_(2)synthesis remains challenging,necessitating precise control over free radical reaction pathways and minimizing undesirable oxidative by-products.Herein,we report for the visible light-driven simultaneous co-photocatalytic reduction of O2to H_(2)O_(2)and oxidation of biomass using the atomic rubidium-nitride modified carbon nitride(CNRb).The optimized CNRb catalyst demonstrates a record photoreduction rate of 8.01 mM h^(-1)for H_(2)O_(2)generation and photooxidation rate of 3.75 mM h^(-1)for furfuryl alcohol to furoic acid,achieving a remarkable solar-to-chemical conversion(SCC)efficiency of up to 2.27%.Experimental characterizations and DFT calculation disclosed that the introducing atomic Rb–N configurations allows for the high-selective generation of superoxide radicals while suppressing hydroxyl free radical formation.This is because the Rb–N serves as the new alternative site to perceive a stronger connection position for O2adsorption and reinforce the capability to extract protons,thereby triggering a high selective redox product formation.This study holds great potential in precisely regulating reactive radical processes at the atomic level,thereby paving the way for efficient synthesis of H_(2)O_(2)coupled with biomass valorization.展开更多
Plastic waste is an underutilized resource that has the potential to be transformed into value-added materials.However,its chemical diversity leads to cost-intensive sorting techniques,limiting recycling and upcycling...Plastic waste is an underutilized resource that has the potential to be transformed into value-added materials.However,its chemical diversity leads to cost-intensive sorting techniques,limiting recycling and upcycling opportunities.Herein,we report an open-loop recycling method to produce graded feedstock from mixed polyolefins waste,which makes up 60%of total plastic waste.The method uses heat flow scanning to quantify the composition of plastic waste and resolves its compatibility through controlled dissolution.The resulting feedstock is then used to synthesize blended pellets,porous sorbents,and superhydrophobic coatings via thermally induced phase separation and spin-casting.The hybrid approach broadens the opportunities for reusing plastic waste,which is a step towards creating a more circular economy and better waste management practices.展开更多
Developing efficient approaches for lignin upgrading is of interest for the industrial production of chemicals and fuels from renewable biomass.Electrocatalytic lignin upgrading powered by renewable electricity operat...Developing efficient approaches for lignin upgrading is of interest for the industrial production of chemicals and fuels from renewable biomass.Electrocatalytic lignin upgrading powered by renewable electricity operating under gentle conditions(at or near ambient pressures and temperatures)enables a decentralized production of chemicals and fuels.Herein,we will cover the structures of lignin and review the recent advances in the electrocatalytic lignin upgrade,the electrocatalytic depolymerization of lignin,and the electrocatalytic upgrading of lignin monomers to value-added chemicals and fuels.Finally,we provide insights into the main challenges and future perspectives of this field.展开更多
Mine waste and process tailings storage is one of important challenge for which mining operations are increasingly confronted. Treatment discharges of plants and main part of waste rock development are generally store...Mine waste and process tailings storage is one of important challenge for which mining operations are increasingly confronted. Treatment discharges of plants and main part of waste rock development are generally stored on surface areas. The volume and chemical characteristics of these materials generate serious problem for required storage spaces and mainly environmental degradation. Paste backfill(PBF) is one of ingenious solutions to minimize the quantity of tailings to store. PBF is basically defined as a combination of mine processing tailings, binder, and water mixing. The purpose of this paper is to present backfilling components characterization and formula verification for a waste valorization solution through paste backfilling technology in Imiter operation. Obtained results and realized analysis demonstrate PBF conformity and adequacy with assigned underground functions. However the studied recipe can be more ameliorated to obtain an optimal mixture ensuring the required mechanical strength.展开更多
The unique composition of milk makes this basic foodstuff into an exceptional raw material for the production of new ingredients with desired properties and diverse applications in the food industry. The fractionation...The unique composition of milk makes this basic foodstuff into an exceptional raw material for the production of new ingredients with desired properties and diverse applications in the food industry. The fractionation of milk is the key in the development of those ingredients and products;hence continuous research and development on this field, especially various levels of fractionation and separation by filtration, have been carried out. This review focuses on the production of milk fractions as well as their particular properties, applications and processes that increase their exploitation. Whey proteins and caseins from the protein fraction are excellent emulsifiers and protein supplements. Besides, they can be chemically or enzymatically modified to obtain bioactive peptides with numerous functional and nutritional properties. In this context, valorization techniques of cheese-whey proteins, by-product of dairy industry that constitutes both economic and environmental problems, are being developed. Phospholipids from the milk fat fraction are powerful emulsifiers and also have exclusive nutraceutical properties. In addition, enzyme modification of milk phospholipids makes it possible to tailor emulsifiers with particular properties. However, several aspects remain to be overcome;those refer to a deeper understanding of the healthy, functional and nutritional properties of these new ingredients that might be barriers for its use and acceptability. Additionally, in this review, alternative applications of milk constituents in the non-food area such as in the manufacture of plastic materials and textile fibers are also introduced. The unmet needs, the cross-fertilization in between various protein domains,the carbon footprint requirements, the environmental necessities, the health and wellness new demand, etc., are dominant factors in the search for innovation approaches;these factors are also outlining the further innovation potential deriving from those “apparent” constrains obliging science and technology to take them into account.展开更多
The utilization of fossil fuels has brought unprecedented prosperity and development to human society,but also caused environmental pollution and global warming triggered by excess greenhouse gases emission.For one th...The utilization of fossil fuels has brought unprecedented prosperity and development to human society,but also caused environmental pollution and global warming triggered by excess greenhouse gases emission.For one thing,the excess emission of carbon dioxide(CO_(2)),which has a negative impact on global temperature and ocean acidity,needs to be controlled.For another,the depletion of fossil fuels will eventually force people to seek alternative carbon sources to maintain a sustainable economy.Thus,using renewable energy to convert CO_(2) and biomass into value-added chemicals and fuels is a promising method to overcome urgent problems.The hy-drogenation of CO_(2) is very important to mitigate the greenhouse effect caused by CO_(2),while biomass conversion can produce alternative renewable biofuels and green chemicals.As a kind of promising catalyst,heterogeneous single-atom catalyst(SAC)has received extensive attention in the past decades.SACs combine the advantages of homogeneous catalysts with uniform active sites and heterogeneous catalysts that are easily separable.In this review,we will give a comprehensive overview of the latest progress in CO_(2) selective hydrogenation and biomass conversion via SACs.展开更多
Kadsura coccinea(Lem.)is a woody wine plant with a peculiar fruit enriched in important health-promoting compounds.The non-editable part of the fruit,i.e.,the seed and peel,represents more than 60%of the fruit and is ...Kadsura coccinea(Lem.)is a woody wine plant with a peculiar fruit enriched in important health-promoting compounds.The non-editable part of the fruit,i.e.,the seed and peel,represents more than 60%of the fruit and is considered a biowaste.This significantly restricts the development of the K.coccinea fruit industry.Clarifying the metabolic components of the different fruit parts can help to improve the utilization rate and valorization of K.coccinea.Herein,we evaluated K.coccinea fruit peel,pulp,and seed using widely-targeted metabolomics and quantified a set of 736 bioactive compounds from 11 major metabolite classes.The most prominent metabolite classes included lipids,amino acids,flavonoids,and lignans.Furthermore,our results emphasized a significant accumulation of flavonoids in pulp tissues,while alkaloids and lignans were abundant in peel and seed tissues,respectively.A total of 183 metabolites were differentially accumulated among the three tissues.Procyanidin C2,rutinoside,2-hydroxyoleanolic acid,5-hydroxymethyluracil,nootkatol,isoquercitrin,isohyperoside,quercetin-7-O-glucoside,hyperin,and rutin showed elevated accumulation in the peel.In the seed,kadsuralignan G,kadcoccilactone A,kadsuralignan H,lysoPE 20:5,iso-schisandrin ethyl alcohol,and kadangustin were significantly enriched.Our results highlight the diverse metabolome composition of K.coccinea fruit parts,which can be further exploited for its valorization in various industries.展开更多
Honey locust （Gleditsia triacanthos L.）, also called sweet-locust or thorny-locust, is a moderately fast growing tree. It is widely planted for windbreaks and soil erosion control and largely recommended like food o...Honey locust （Gleditsia triacanthos L.）, also called sweet-locust or thorny-locust, is a moderately fast growing tree. It is widely planted for windbreaks and soil erosion control and largely recommended like food of cattle since it can provide a source of fodder, protein and metabolic energy. Its flowers are incredibly attractive for pollinating insects and thus, form a source of pollen and nectar for honey. This tree was introduced in Europe in 1700 and was introduced by the colonists into Algeria in 1949. In order to valorize the natural substances of this species, the evaluation of the composition of its fruits （pods and seeds separately） in polyphenols, condensed tannins and hydrolysable tannins, which considered as anti-nutritional substances has been done. The obtained results showed that the fruits of Gleditsia triacanthos L. contain very low values in anti-nutritional factors with （0.13%-0.03%） of condensed tannins, （0.78%-0.45%） of hydrolysable tannins and （0.44%-0.16%） of total phenols for pods and seeds, respectively. It arises that these fruits can be of a great interest for many industries especially for feedstock.展开更多
One of the biggest challenges for organizations, cities and countries is waste management. Currently, 1.3 million tons of solid wastes are generated in the cities and by 2025 it is estimated that this volume will incr...One of the biggest challenges for organizations, cities and countries is waste management. Currently, 1.3 million tons of solid wastes are generated in the cities and by 2025 it is estimated that this volume will increase up to 2.2 billion tons. Considering this, it is clear that strategies for the reduction of waste generation are needed. In order to achieve this arduous and critic task changes in education, culture and public policy are required and one of the strategies that emerge as one of the most effective is the “zero waste” programs. This paper shows the foundation of a zero waste program based on previous and successful experiences in institutions of higher education. It presents the characterization and quantification of waste, as well as the valorization of it and potential environmental and economic benefits of the implementation of this kind of programs in higher education institutions. Results show that reduction and valorization of waste generation is possible in academic sectors while other outcomes emerge, such as the generation of human capital for the implementation of this kind of programs in different sectors of society and, in that way, contribute in the transition towards sustainable development.展开更多
Two samples clayed materials, LO and NG from central region in Cameroon were characterized for their valorization in the manufacture of refractory bricks and ceramics. In order to assess the technological properties o...Two samples clayed materials, LO and NG from central region in Cameroon were characterized for their valorization in the manufacture of refractory bricks and ceramics. In order to assess the technological properties of these clays, cooking tests were carried out on the test specimens at different temperatures. From particle size analysis, clayed materials studied have a spreading particle size and their plasticity index is between 18 and 47. The mineralogical study reveals the presence of Quartz, illite, kaolin, hematite and feldspars. High level of silica content explains the sandy nature of these clays. Linear shrinkage and density increase with temperature while compressive strength decreases with temperature. Analyses performed on the ceramic specimens after firing show that clay materials studied are suitable for the manufacture of refractory bricks.展开更多
β-glucans are bioactive compounds with a wide range of biological properties, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-modulating properties. Due to their specific physical properties, such as...β-glucans are bioactive compounds with a wide range of biological properties, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-modulating properties. Due to their specific physical properties, such as (in)solubility, viscosity, and gelation, β-glucans are increasingly being used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the different types of β-glucans, their sources, especially Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeasts, and the methods of extraction, isolation, and purification of β-glucans, with the aim of optimizing these methods for the efficient production process. Moreover, the physico-chemical properties, modifications, current applications and future prospects of the use of β-glucans in food, medicines, cosmetics and other potential value-added products are summarized. The data presented indicate that β-glucans will play an increasingly important role in the sector of special-purpose food products as well as in other current and future areas.展开更多
The present study was conducted with the aim of extracting and characterising Cucurbita pepo seed oil and then producing soap with important dermatological properties. The physico-chemical results of the Cucurbita pep...The present study was conducted with the aim of extracting and characterising Cucurbita pepo seed oil and then producing soap with important dermatological properties. The physico-chemical results of the Cucurbita pepo seed oil after extraction were satisfactory and indicate that the oil obtained contains long-carbonaceous fatty acids. The production of the soap was based on the realisation of a saponification reaction by reflux heating between the extracted oil and a solution of soduim hydroxyde 7M for one hour. The soap obtained is characterised by the following physico-chemical parameters: salt content, alkali content, pH, and humidity;which meet ISO 684-1974 standards. The antibacterial parameters of the soaps S1, S2, S3, S4, S5 and S6 were determined by the Agar Diffusion test using the well method and these soaps showed an interesting antibacterial activity against the germs pseudomonas aeruginosa and staphylococcus aureus. Soaps based on Raffia sese oil (kolo oil) and Elaesis guineensis oil (palm oil) have also been synthesized for comparison with soap obtained from Cucurbita pepo seed oil.展开更多
This study deals with the valorization of natural residues into activated carbon prepared from waste“Baobab fruit shell”from the Fatick Region,Senegal.Thus,after the preparation of the baobab shell,a chemical activa...This study deals with the valorization of natural residues into activated carbon prepared from waste“Baobab fruit shell”from the Fatick Region,Senegal.Thus,after the preparation of the baobab shell,a chemical activation with orthophosphoric acid H3PO4(85%)was performed followed by pyrolysis at 530°C.To eliminate possible carbonization residues,the activated carbons were impregnated in 0.1 M hydrochloric acid and/or soda solutions and then washed thoroughly with distilled water to obtain a pH between 6.5 and 7.The latter were then dried in an oven at 105°C for 24 h.A characterization was carried out to determine the moisture content,the ash content,the iodine and methylene blue indices,the surface functions and the pH at zero charge point(pHpzc).The moisture and ash contents were 1.87%and 0.72%,respectively.The iodine and peroxide indices obtained were 939,09 mg/g and 575.73 mg/g,respectively.Surface function analysis by Boehm’s method showed that the acidic functions were higher than the basic functions and their pHpzc was lower than neutrality.The best efficiency of methylene blue removal was 99.75%and was obtained with a mass of 0.150 g of activated carbon,pH equal to 10,an initial concentration of methylene blue of 200 mg/L and a contact time of 35 min.展开更多
The environmental impact of greenhouse gases based on natural gas flaring influences the rate of gas recovery around the world. In the Republic of Congo, the natural gas reserve in 2019 is estimated at 90 billion cubi...The environmental impact of greenhouse gases based on natural gas flaring influences the rate of gas recovery around the world. In the Republic of Congo, the natural gas reserve in 2019 is estimated at 90 billion cubic meters (BCM). In this study, from the Congolese gas reserve we used five gas turbines with a capacity of 150 MW each;these five turbines consume 1.69 billion cubic meters (BCM)/year for the power of 273.750 MW and consumption of 6.57 billion kilowatt-hours. The results of this study revealed that an investment capital of 192,305,137 euros was required with a net profit of 9,581,250 euros at an annual rate of return of 4.98% with an investment payback period of approximately 20 years. This will allow the Congolese government to accomplish its policy of valuing gas and developing the country;the electricity produced by the National Petroleum Company of Congo (SNPC) will be sold to the Electrical Energy of Congo (E<sup>2</sup>C) at 0.06 euro/kWh.展开更多
Lignin represents the most abundant renewable aromatic source,while flavonoids are aromatic natural compounds with various health-promoting properties and superior biological activities.The bioconversion of lignin der...Lignin represents the most abundant renewable aromatic source,while flavonoids are aromatic natural compounds with various health-promoting properties and superior biological activities.The bioconversion of lignin derivatives into flavonoids holds promising potential for both lignin valorization and flavonoid synthesis.In this review,we prospect sustainable,atom-economic functionalization routes from lignin-derived aromatics to flavonoids by leveraging lignin’s inherent aromaticity.The representative flavonoid biosynthesis routes had first been elaborated from lignin derivatives in detail.The functionalization reactions involved in incorporating lignin derivatives into flavonoid structure were summarized to promote lignin bioconversion and yield flavonoids with desirable properties.Harnessing the powerful engineering strategies,such as synthetic biology,machine learning,metabolic regulation,boost the flavonoid production in microbial cell factories,enhancing lignin valorization.Overall,lignin functionalization routes for flavonoid biosynthesis hold promise to achieve the feasibility of lignin valorization and the production of flavonoids,contributing significantly to the sustainable bioeconomy.展开更多
Lignin,an energy-rich and adaptable polymer comprising phenylpropanoid monomers utilized by plants for structural reinforcement,water conveyance,and defense mechanisms,ranks as the planet's second most prevalent b...Lignin,an energy-rich and adaptable polymer comprising phenylpropanoid monomers utilized by plants for structural reinforcement,water conveyance,and defense mechanisms,ranks as the planet's second most prevalent biopolymer,after cellulose.Despite its prevalence,lignin is frequently underused in the process of converting biomass into fuels and chemicals.Instead,it is commonly incinerated for industrial heat due to its intricate composition and resistance to decomposition,presenting obstacles for targeted valorization.In contrast to chemical catalysts,biological enzymes show promise not only in selectively converting lignin components but also in seamlessly integrating into cellular structures,offering biocatalysis as a potentially efficient pathway for lignin enhancement.This review comprehensively summarizes cutting-edge biostrategies,ligninolytic enzymes,metabolic pathways,and lignin-degrading strains or consortia involved in lignin degradation,while critically evaluating the underlying mechanisms.Metabolic and genetic engineering play crucial roles in redirecting lignin and its derivatives towards metabolic pathways like the tricarboxylic acid cycle,opening up novel avenues for its valorization.Recent advancements in lignin valorization are scrutinized,highlighting key challenges and promising solutions.Furthermore,the review underscores the importance of innovative approaches,such as leveraging digital systems and synthetic biology,to unlock the commercial potential of lignin-derived raw materials as sustainable feedstocks.Artificial intelligence-driven technologies offer promise in overcoming current challenges and driving widespread adoption of lignin valorization,presenting an alternative to sugar-based feedstocks for bio-based manufacturing in the future.The utilization of available lignin residue for synthesis of high-value chemicals or energy,even alternative food,addresses various crises looming in the food-energy-water nexus.展开更多
Monoethanolamine(MEA)is a frequently utilized absorbent for CO_(2)capture in many settings,enabling biomanufacturing using carbon as the resource.Nevertheless,evidence indicates that MEA is toxic to biological systems...Monoethanolamine(MEA)is a frequently utilized absorbent for CO_(2)capture in many settings,enabling biomanufacturing using carbon as the resource.Nevertheless,evidence indicates that MEA is toxic to biological systems,and its emissions can exacerbate ecosystem pollution.Therefore,it is imperative that disposal or valorization measures be implemented for effective green biomanufacturing with MEA as the absorbent.This study examined the removal of MEA by Haematococcus pluvialis(H.pluvialis),an astaxanthin-rich microalgae,and its effects on microalgal cells and related mechanisms.Approximately half of the initial MEA was metabolized by H.pluvialis,with the resulting metabolic intermediates including acetyl-CoA.The genes involved in MEA utilization exhibited a significant increase in expression,signifying a pivotal advancement in our understanding of its potential as a nutrient for microalgae.Moreover,the exposure of H.pluvialis to MEA resulted in notable alterations in cellular components,including a 21.7%increase in lipid content and a 27.8% increase in carbohydrate content.Notably,there was a 1.49-fold increase in astaxanthin content,which was accompanied by notable changes in cell morphology.In addition to the increase in astaxanthin production,the antioxidant system was activated to counteract the adverse effects of MEA-induced oxidative stress.Furthermore,enhanced biosynthesis of both carotenoids and fatty acids directly contributed to the elevated cellular astaxanthin levels achieved through MEA metabolism by H.pluvialis.These findings offer valuable insights into the treatment of CO_(2)absorbents using microalgae while simultaneously producing high-value and healthy products,which may prove beneficial for the development of sustainable solutions for green biomanufacturing.展开更多
Efficient and environmentally sound treatment of soybean processing wastewater sludge is importance for industrial sustainability.Bioconversion by black soldier fly larvae(BSFL)has been extensively applied in biowaste...Efficient and environmentally sound treatment of soybean processing wastewater sludge is importance for industrial sustainability.Bioconversion by black soldier fly larvae(BSFL)has been extensively applied in biowaste recycling because of its efficacy and production of high-value outputs.However,the performance and underlying bacterial drivers of the BSFL-mediated sludge bioconversion require further investigation.This study investigated the larval bioconversion of the sludge,emphasizing waste reduction,larval quality,and the relationship between these aspects and bacterial communities.The inoculation with BSFL remarkably enhanced the reduction in the initial substrate(i.e.,sludge plus wheat bran as the bulking material).This intervention also yielded a high larval bioconversion rate of approximately 22%along with a higher larval crude protein content ranging from 45%-48% and a 17 amino acid to protein ratio of 86%-92%.Higher dissolved organic carbon concentrations(15-22 g/kg),coupled with lower germination indices(<5%),indicated that the residues retained biological instability after the bioconversion and required further composting.The potential risk of heavy metal pollution from mature larvae may not be a concern when used as aquaculture feed.The larval gut exhibited a higher bacterial diversity than the residues.Ammonium concentration increased with wheat bran and was positively correlated with the genera Lysinibacillus and Castellanella.Diverse gut bacteria(Olivibacter,Paracoccus)primarily facilitated notable sludge reduction.Sphingobacteria,Acinetobacter and Glutamicbacter played key roles in larval growth traits(biomass,protein,and amino acids).This study indicated that the valorization of soybean-processing-sourced sludge was achieved via functionally important BSFL intestinal microbiota,providing an efficient recycling approach for similar waste streams.展开更多
Scientific studies have focused on environmentally friendly solutions as effective as the reuse of crop products owing to plastic-waste problems in recent years.This issue is the main driving force for upcoming academ...Scientific studies have focused on environmentally friendly solutions as effective as the reuse of crop products owing to plastic-waste problems in recent years.This issue is the main driving force for upcoming academic research attempts in waste valorization-related studies.Herein,we integrated an aqua-waste,mussel shell(MS),as a bioadditive form into green thermoplastic polyurethane(TPU)green composites.Tuning of the MS surface was performed to achieve strong adhesion between composite phases.The surface functionalities of MS powders were evaluated via infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy(SEM)images.Composite samples were prepared by melt-compounding followed by injection molding techniques.It was confirmed by morphological analysis that relatively better adhesion between the phases was achieved for composites involving surface-modified MS compared to unmodified MS.Tensile strength and Young’s modulus of surface-modified MS-filled composites were found to be higher than those of unmodified MS,whereas the elongation at break shifted to lower values with MS inclusions.The shore hardness of TPU was remarkably improved after being incorporated with silane-treated MS(AS-MS).Stearic acid-treated MS(ST-MS)additions resulted in an enhancement in the thermal stability of the composites.Thermo-mechanical analysis showed that the storage moduli of composites were higher than those of unfilled TPU.ST-MS additions led to an increase in the characteristic glass transition temperature of TPU.Melt flow index(MFI)of neat TPU was highly improved after MS loading regardless of modification type.According to the wear test,surface modification of MS displayed a positive effect on the wear resistance of TPU.As the water absorption data of the composites were evaluated,the TPU/AS-MS composite yielded the lowest water absorption.The silane layer on MS inclusion promoted water repellency of composites due to the hydrophobicity of silane.The results of the biodegradation investigation demonstrated that adding unmodified and/or modified MS to the TPU matrix increased the biodegradation rate.The test results at the end of a 7-week period of biodegradation with a soft-rot fungus implied that the composite materials were more biodegradable than pure TPU.Silane modification of MS exhibited better performance in terms of the characterized properties of TPU-based composites.展开更多
文摘Directed degradation of abundant renewable lignin into small aromatic compounds is crucial for lignin valorization but challenging.The degradation of lignin in natural environments typically involves multienzyme synergy.However,the proteinaceous characteristics of lignin-degrading enzymes restrict their accessibility to certain regions of intricate lignin,resulting in the multienzyme systems being unable to fully demonstrate their effectiveness.Herein,a de novo biomimetic enzyme-nanozyme hybrid system was constructed by combiningλ-MnO_(2) nanozyme with laccase CotA from Bacillus subtilis,aimed at facilitating lignin degradation under mild conditions.The lignin degradation rate of the CotA+λ-MnO_(2) hybrid system was determined to be 25.15%,which was much higher than those of the lignin degradation systems with only laccase CotA(15.32%)orλ-MnO_(2) nanozyme(14.90%).Notably,the proportion of aromatic chemicals in the products derived from the hybrid system reached as much as 48%,which was 41.2%and 118.2%higher than those of the CotA-andλ-MnO_(2)-catalyzed systems,respectively.Analysis of products mapping and lignin structure changes suggested that the higher proportion of aromatic compounds in the CotA+λ-MnO_(2)hybrid system was more likely to benefit from the laccase-mediated methoxylation.Moreover,electron paramagnetic resonance analysis indicated that the intensity and kind of free radicals such as·OH and·O_(2)^(-)are closely linked to the degradation rate and reaction type.This work is the inaugural application of an enzyme-nanozyme hybrid system for lignin degradation,demonstrating the potential of the synergistic interaction between enzyme and nanozyme in the directed degradation of lignin.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(22309032,22109120,and 62104170)Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation(2022A1515011737)+2 种基金Science and Technology Program of Guangzhou(2023A04J1395)GDAS’Project of Science and Technology Development(2021GDASYL-20210102010)Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(LY23F040001)。
文摘Photocatalytic oxygen reduction for hydrogen peroxide(H_(2)O_(2))synthesis presents a green and costeffective production method.However,achieving highly selective H_(2)O_(2)synthesis remains challenging,necessitating precise control over free radical reaction pathways and minimizing undesirable oxidative by-products.Herein,we report for the visible light-driven simultaneous co-photocatalytic reduction of O2to H_(2)O_(2)and oxidation of biomass using the atomic rubidium-nitride modified carbon nitride(CNRb).The optimized CNRb catalyst demonstrates a record photoreduction rate of 8.01 mM h^(-1)for H_(2)O_(2)generation and photooxidation rate of 3.75 mM h^(-1)for furfuryl alcohol to furoic acid,achieving a remarkable solar-to-chemical conversion(SCC)efficiency of up to 2.27%.Experimental characterizations and DFT calculation disclosed that the introducing atomic Rb–N configurations allows for the high-selective generation of superoxide radicals while suppressing hydroxyl free radical formation.This is because the Rb–N serves as the new alternative site to perceive a stronger connection position for O2adsorption and reinforce the capability to extract protons,thereby triggering a high selective redox product formation.This study holds great potential in precisely regulating reactive radical processes at the atomic level,thereby paving the way for efficient synthesis of H_(2)O_(2)coupled with biomass valorization.
基金NPRP grant number NPRP12S-0325-190443 from the Qatar National Research Fund (a member of the Qatar Foundation)
文摘Plastic waste is an underutilized resource that has the potential to be transformed into value-added materials.However,its chemical diversity leads to cost-intensive sorting techniques,limiting recycling and upcycling opportunities.Herein,we report an open-loop recycling method to produce graded feedstock from mixed polyolefins waste,which makes up 60%of total plastic waste.The method uses heat flow scanning to quantify the composition of plastic waste and resolves its compatibility through controlled dissolution.The resulting feedstock is then used to synthesize blended pellets,porous sorbents,and superhydrophobic coatings via thermally induced phase separation and spin-casting.The hybrid approach broadens the opportunities for reusing plastic waste,which is a step towards creating a more circular economy and better waste management practices.
文摘Developing efficient approaches for lignin upgrading is of interest for the industrial production of chemicals and fuels from renewable biomass.Electrocatalytic lignin upgrading powered by renewable electricity operating under gentle conditions(at or near ambient pressures and temperatures)enables a decentralized production of chemicals and fuels.Herein,we will cover the structures of lignin and review the recent advances in the electrocatalytic lignin upgrade,the electrocatalytic depolymerization of lignin,and the electrocatalytic upgrading of lignin monomers to value-added chemicals and fuels.Finally,we provide insights into the main challenges and future perspectives of this field.
文摘Mine waste and process tailings storage is one of important challenge for which mining operations are increasingly confronted. Treatment discharges of plants and main part of waste rock development are generally stored on surface areas. The volume and chemical characteristics of these materials generate serious problem for required storage spaces and mainly environmental degradation. Paste backfill(PBF) is one of ingenious solutions to minimize the quantity of tailings to store. PBF is basically defined as a combination of mine processing tailings, binder, and water mixing. The purpose of this paper is to present backfilling components characterization and formula verification for a waste valorization solution through paste backfilling technology in Imiter operation. Obtained results and realized analysis demonstrate PBF conformity and adequacy with assigned underground functions. However the studied recipe can be more ameliorated to obtain an optimal mixture ensuring the required mechanical strength.
文摘The unique composition of milk makes this basic foodstuff into an exceptional raw material for the production of new ingredients with desired properties and diverse applications in the food industry. The fractionation of milk is the key in the development of those ingredients and products;hence continuous research and development on this field, especially various levels of fractionation and separation by filtration, have been carried out. This review focuses on the production of milk fractions as well as their particular properties, applications and processes that increase their exploitation. Whey proteins and caseins from the protein fraction are excellent emulsifiers and protein supplements. Besides, they can be chemically or enzymatically modified to obtain bioactive peptides with numerous functional and nutritional properties. In this context, valorization techniques of cheese-whey proteins, by-product of dairy industry that constitutes both economic and environmental problems, are being developed. Phospholipids from the milk fat fraction are powerful emulsifiers and also have exclusive nutraceutical properties. In addition, enzyme modification of milk phospholipids makes it possible to tailor emulsifiers with particular properties. However, several aspects remain to be overcome;those refer to a deeper understanding of the healthy, functional and nutritional properties of these new ingredients that might be barriers for its use and acceptability. Additionally, in this review, alternative applications of milk constituents in the non-food area such as in the manufacture of plastic materials and textile fibers are also introduced. The unmet needs, the cross-fertilization in between various protein domains,the carbon footprint requirements, the environmental necessities, the health and wellness new demand, etc., are dominant factors in the search for innovation approaches;these factors are also outlining the further innovation potential deriving from those “apparent” constrains obliging science and technology to take them into account.
基金supported financially by the National Key R&D Program of China(2021YFB3501900)National Natural Sci-ence Foundation of China(21908079,U21A20326,22202105,22072118,22121001)+3 种基金Jiangsu Specially-Appointed Professor(1046010241211400)Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(BK20211239,BK20210608)National High-Level Young Talents Program,the State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals,Dalian University of Technology(KF2005)Special Fund Project of Jiangsu Province for Scientific and Technological Innovation in Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality(BK20220023).
文摘The utilization of fossil fuels has brought unprecedented prosperity and development to human society,but also caused environmental pollution and global warming triggered by excess greenhouse gases emission.For one thing,the excess emission of carbon dioxide(CO_(2)),which has a negative impact on global temperature and ocean acidity,needs to be controlled.For another,the depletion of fossil fuels will eventually force people to seek alternative carbon sources to maintain a sustainable economy.Thus,using renewable energy to convert CO_(2) and biomass into value-added chemicals and fuels is a promising method to overcome urgent problems.The hy-drogenation of CO_(2) is very important to mitigate the greenhouse effect caused by CO_(2),while biomass conversion can produce alternative renewable biofuels and green chemicals.As a kind of promising catalyst,heterogeneous single-atom catalyst(SAC)has received extensive attention in the past decades.SACs combine the advantages of homogeneous catalysts with uniform active sites and heterogeneous catalysts that are easily separable.In this review,we will give a comprehensive overview of the latest progress in CO_(2) selective hydrogenation and biomass conversion via SACs.
文摘Kadsura coccinea(Lem.)is a woody wine plant with a peculiar fruit enriched in important health-promoting compounds.The non-editable part of the fruit,i.e.,the seed and peel,represents more than 60%of the fruit and is considered a biowaste.This significantly restricts the development of the K.coccinea fruit industry.Clarifying the metabolic components of the different fruit parts can help to improve the utilization rate and valorization of K.coccinea.Herein,we evaluated K.coccinea fruit peel,pulp,and seed using widely-targeted metabolomics and quantified a set of 736 bioactive compounds from 11 major metabolite classes.The most prominent metabolite classes included lipids,amino acids,flavonoids,and lignans.Furthermore,our results emphasized a significant accumulation of flavonoids in pulp tissues,while alkaloids and lignans were abundant in peel and seed tissues,respectively.A total of 183 metabolites were differentially accumulated among the three tissues.Procyanidin C2,rutinoside,2-hydroxyoleanolic acid,5-hydroxymethyluracil,nootkatol,isoquercitrin,isohyperoside,quercetin-7-O-glucoside,hyperin,and rutin showed elevated accumulation in the peel.In the seed,kadsuralignan G,kadcoccilactone A,kadsuralignan H,lysoPE 20:5,iso-schisandrin ethyl alcohol,and kadangustin were significantly enriched.Our results highlight the diverse metabolome composition of K.coccinea fruit parts,which can be further exploited for its valorization in various industries.
文摘Honey locust （Gleditsia triacanthos L.）, also called sweet-locust or thorny-locust, is a moderately fast growing tree. It is widely planted for windbreaks and soil erosion control and largely recommended like food of cattle since it can provide a source of fodder, protein and metabolic energy. Its flowers are incredibly attractive for pollinating insects and thus, form a source of pollen and nectar for honey. This tree was introduced in Europe in 1700 and was introduced by the colonists into Algeria in 1949. In order to valorize the natural substances of this species, the evaluation of the composition of its fruits （pods and seeds separately） in polyphenols, condensed tannins and hydrolysable tannins, which considered as anti-nutritional substances has been done. The obtained results showed that the fruits of Gleditsia triacanthos L. contain very low values in anti-nutritional factors with （0.13%-0.03%） of condensed tannins, （0.78%-0.45%） of hydrolysable tannins and （0.44%-0.16%） of total phenols for pods and seeds, respectively. It arises that these fruits can be of a great interest for many industries especially for feedstock.
文摘One of the biggest challenges for organizations, cities and countries is waste management. Currently, 1.3 million tons of solid wastes are generated in the cities and by 2025 it is estimated that this volume will increase up to 2.2 billion tons. Considering this, it is clear that strategies for the reduction of waste generation are needed. In order to achieve this arduous and critic task changes in education, culture and public policy are required and one of the strategies that emerge as one of the most effective is the “zero waste” programs. This paper shows the foundation of a zero waste program based on previous and successful experiences in institutions of higher education. It presents the characterization and quantification of waste, as well as the valorization of it and potential environmental and economic benefits of the implementation of this kind of programs in higher education institutions. Results show that reduction and valorization of waste generation is possible in academic sectors while other outcomes emerge, such as the generation of human capital for the implementation of this kind of programs in different sectors of society and, in that way, contribute in the transition towards sustainable development.
文摘Two samples clayed materials, LO and NG from central region in Cameroon were characterized for their valorization in the manufacture of refractory bricks and ceramics. In order to assess the technological properties of these clays, cooking tests were carried out on the test specimens at different temperatures. From particle size analysis, clayed materials studied have a spreading particle size and their plasticity index is between 18 and 47. The mineralogical study reveals the presence of Quartz, illite, kaolin, hematite and feldspars. High level of silica content explains the sandy nature of these clays. Linear shrinkage and density increase with temperature while compressive strength decreases with temperature. Analyses performed on the ceramic specimens after firing show that clay materials studied are suitable for the manufacture of refractory bricks.
文摘β-glucans are bioactive compounds with a wide range of biological properties, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-modulating properties. Due to their specific physical properties, such as (in)solubility, viscosity, and gelation, β-glucans are increasingly being used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the different types of β-glucans, their sources, especially Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeasts, and the methods of extraction, isolation, and purification of β-glucans, with the aim of optimizing these methods for the efficient production process. Moreover, the physico-chemical properties, modifications, current applications and future prospects of the use of β-glucans in food, medicines, cosmetics and other potential value-added products are summarized. The data presented indicate that β-glucans will play an increasingly important role in the sector of special-purpose food products as well as in other current and future areas.
文摘The present study was conducted with the aim of extracting and characterising Cucurbita pepo seed oil and then producing soap with important dermatological properties. The physico-chemical results of the Cucurbita pepo seed oil after extraction were satisfactory and indicate that the oil obtained contains long-carbonaceous fatty acids. The production of the soap was based on the realisation of a saponification reaction by reflux heating between the extracted oil and a solution of soduim hydroxyde 7M for one hour. The soap obtained is characterised by the following physico-chemical parameters: salt content, alkali content, pH, and humidity;which meet ISO 684-1974 standards. The antibacterial parameters of the soaps S1, S2, S3, S4, S5 and S6 were determined by the Agar Diffusion test using the well method and these soaps showed an interesting antibacterial activity against the germs pseudomonas aeruginosa and staphylococcus aureus. Soaps based on Raffia sese oil (kolo oil) and Elaesis guineensis oil (palm oil) have also been synthesized for comparison with soap obtained from Cucurbita pepo seed oil.
文摘This study deals with the valorization of natural residues into activated carbon prepared from waste“Baobab fruit shell”from the Fatick Region,Senegal.Thus,after the preparation of the baobab shell,a chemical activation with orthophosphoric acid H3PO4(85%)was performed followed by pyrolysis at 530°C.To eliminate possible carbonization residues,the activated carbons were impregnated in 0.1 M hydrochloric acid and/or soda solutions and then washed thoroughly with distilled water to obtain a pH between 6.5 and 7.The latter were then dried in an oven at 105°C for 24 h.A characterization was carried out to determine the moisture content,the ash content,the iodine and methylene blue indices,the surface functions and the pH at zero charge point(pHpzc).The moisture and ash contents were 1.87%and 0.72%,respectively.The iodine and peroxide indices obtained were 939,09 mg/g and 575.73 mg/g,respectively.Surface function analysis by Boehm’s method showed that the acidic functions were higher than the basic functions and their pHpzc was lower than neutrality.The best efficiency of methylene blue removal was 99.75%and was obtained with a mass of 0.150 g of activated carbon,pH equal to 10,an initial concentration of methylene blue of 200 mg/L and a contact time of 35 min.
文摘The environmental impact of greenhouse gases based on natural gas flaring influences the rate of gas recovery around the world. In the Republic of Congo, the natural gas reserve in 2019 is estimated at 90 billion cubic meters (BCM). In this study, from the Congolese gas reserve we used five gas turbines with a capacity of 150 MW each;these five turbines consume 1.69 billion cubic meters (BCM)/year for the power of 273.750 MW and consumption of 6.57 billion kilowatt-hours. The results of this study revealed that an investment capital of 192,305,137 euros was required with a net profit of 9,581,250 euros at an annual rate of return of 4.98% with an investment payback period of approximately 20 years. This will allow the Congolese government to accomplish its policy of valuing gas and developing the country;the electricity produced by the National Petroleum Company of Congo (SNPC) will be sold to the Electrical Energy of Congo (E<sup>2</sup>C) at 0.06 euro/kWh.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2023YFC3403500)the Key Research and Development Program of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region(2024BEE02005).
文摘Lignin represents the most abundant renewable aromatic source,while flavonoids are aromatic natural compounds with various health-promoting properties and superior biological activities.The bioconversion of lignin derivatives into flavonoids holds promising potential for both lignin valorization and flavonoid synthesis.In this review,we prospect sustainable,atom-economic functionalization routes from lignin-derived aromatics to flavonoids by leveraging lignin’s inherent aromaticity.The representative flavonoid biosynthesis routes had first been elaborated from lignin derivatives in detail.The functionalization reactions involved in incorporating lignin derivatives into flavonoid structure were summarized to promote lignin bioconversion and yield flavonoids with desirable properties.Harnessing the powerful engineering strategies,such as synthetic biology,machine learning,metabolic regulation,boost the flavonoid production in microbial cell factories,enhancing lignin valorization.Overall,lignin functionalization routes for flavonoid biosynthesis hold promise to achieve the feasibility of lignin valorization and the production of flavonoids,contributing significantly to the sustainable bioeconomy.
基金supported by the National Key R&D program of China(2023YFD1600502)Strategic Priority Research Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDC0110304)。
文摘Lignin,an energy-rich and adaptable polymer comprising phenylpropanoid monomers utilized by plants for structural reinforcement,water conveyance,and defense mechanisms,ranks as the planet's second most prevalent biopolymer,after cellulose.Despite its prevalence,lignin is frequently underused in the process of converting biomass into fuels and chemicals.Instead,it is commonly incinerated for industrial heat due to its intricate composition and resistance to decomposition,presenting obstacles for targeted valorization.In contrast to chemical catalysts,biological enzymes show promise not only in selectively converting lignin components but also in seamlessly integrating into cellular structures,offering biocatalysis as a potentially efficient pathway for lignin enhancement.This review comprehensively summarizes cutting-edge biostrategies,ligninolytic enzymes,metabolic pathways,and lignin-degrading strains or consortia involved in lignin degradation,while critically evaluating the underlying mechanisms.Metabolic and genetic engineering play crucial roles in redirecting lignin and its derivatives towards metabolic pathways like the tricarboxylic acid cycle,opening up novel avenues for its valorization.Recent advancements in lignin valorization are scrutinized,highlighting key challenges and promising solutions.Furthermore,the review underscores the importance of innovative approaches,such as leveraging digital systems and synthetic biology,to unlock the commercial potential of lignin-derived raw materials as sustainable feedstocks.Artificial intelligence-driven technologies offer promise in overcoming current challenges and driving widespread adoption of lignin valorization,presenting an alternative to sugar-based feedstocks for bio-based manufacturing in the future.The utilization of available lignin residue for synthesis of high-value chemicals or energy,even alternative food,addresses various crises looming in the food-energy-water nexus.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2022YFC3401800)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDC0120301)+5 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32470253)the Hundred Talents Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(E3J56201)the Tianjin Synthetic Biotechnology Innovation Capacity Improvement Project(TSBICIP-IJCP-001TSBICIP-IJCP-002TSBICIP-CXRC-027)the Tangshan Science and Technology Program(24150214C).
文摘Monoethanolamine(MEA)is a frequently utilized absorbent for CO_(2)capture in many settings,enabling biomanufacturing using carbon as the resource.Nevertheless,evidence indicates that MEA is toxic to biological systems,and its emissions can exacerbate ecosystem pollution.Therefore,it is imperative that disposal or valorization measures be implemented for effective green biomanufacturing with MEA as the absorbent.This study examined the removal of MEA by Haematococcus pluvialis(H.pluvialis),an astaxanthin-rich microalgae,and its effects on microalgal cells and related mechanisms.Approximately half of the initial MEA was metabolized by H.pluvialis,with the resulting metabolic intermediates including acetyl-CoA.The genes involved in MEA utilization exhibited a significant increase in expression,signifying a pivotal advancement in our understanding of its potential as a nutrient for microalgae.Moreover,the exposure of H.pluvialis to MEA resulted in notable alterations in cellular components,including a 21.7%increase in lipid content and a 27.8% increase in carbohydrate content.Notably,there was a 1.49-fold increase in astaxanthin content,which was accompanied by notable changes in cell morphology.In addition to the increase in astaxanthin production,the antioxidant system was activated to counteract the adverse effects of MEA-induced oxidative stress.Furthermore,enhanced biosynthesis of both carotenoids and fatty acids directly contributed to the elevated cellular astaxanthin levels achieved through MEA metabolism by H.pluvialis.These findings offer valuable insights into the treatment of CO_(2)absorbents using microalgae while simultaneously producing high-value and healthy products,which may prove beneficial for the development of sustainable solutions for green biomanufacturing.
基金supported financially from the Shenzhen Civic Administration and Regulation Bureau of China,the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.22176005)the Key R&D Program of Hebei Province,China(No.22327312D).
文摘Efficient and environmentally sound treatment of soybean processing wastewater sludge is importance for industrial sustainability.Bioconversion by black soldier fly larvae(BSFL)has been extensively applied in biowaste recycling because of its efficacy and production of high-value outputs.However,the performance and underlying bacterial drivers of the BSFL-mediated sludge bioconversion require further investigation.This study investigated the larval bioconversion of the sludge,emphasizing waste reduction,larval quality,and the relationship between these aspects and bacterial communities.The inoculation with BSFL remarkably enhanced the reduction in the initial substrate(i.e.,sludge plus wheat bran as the bulking material).This intervention also yielded a high larval bioconversion rate of approximately 22%along with a higher larval crude protein content ranging from 45%-48% and a 17 amino acid to protein ratio of 86%-92%.Higher dissolved organic carbon concentrations(15-22 g/kg),coupled with lower germination indices(<5%),indicated that the residues retained biological instability after the bioconversion and required further composting.The potential risk of heavy metal pollution from mature larvae may not be a concern when used as aquaculture feed.The larval gut exhibited a higher bacterial diversity than the residues.Ammonium concentration increased with wheat bran and was positively correlated with the genera Lysinibacillus and Castellanella.Diverse gut bacteria(Olivibacter,Paracoccus)primarily facilitated notable sludge reduction.Sphingobacteria,Acinetobacter and Glutamicbacter played key roles in larval growth traits(biomass,protein,and amino acids).This study indicated that the valorization of soybean-processing-sourced sludge was achieved via functionally important BSFL intestinal microbiota,providing an efficient recycling approach for similar waste streams.
文摘Scientific studies have focused on environmentally friendly solutions as effective as the reuse of crop products owing to plastic-waste problems in recent years.This issue is the main driving force for upcoming academic research attempts in waste valorization-related studies.Herein,we integrated an aqua-waste,mussel shell(MS),as a bioadditive form into green thermoplastic polyurethane(TPU)green composites.Tuning of the MS surface was performed to achieve strong adhesion between composite phases.The surface functionalities of MS powders were evaluated via infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy(SEM)images.Composite samples were prepared by melt-compounding followed by injection molding techniques.It was confirmed by morphological analysis that relatively better adhesion between the phases was achieved for composites involving surface-modified MS compared to unmodified MS.Tensile strength and Young’s modulus of surface-modified MS-filled composites were found to be higher than those of unmodified MS,whereas the elongation at break shifted to lower values with MS inclusions.The shore hardness of TPU was remarkably improved after being incorporated with silane-treated MS(AS-MS).Stearic acid-treated MS(ST-MS)additions resulted in an enhancement in the thermal stability of the composites.Thermo-mechanical analysis showed that the storage moduli of composites were higher than those of unfilled TPU.ST-MS additions led to an increase in the characteristic glass transition temperature of TPU.Melt flow index(MFI)of neat TPU was highly improved after MS loading regardless of modification type.According to the wear test,surface modification of MS displayed a positive effect on the wear resistance of TPU.As the water absorption data of the composites were evaluated,the TPU/AS-MS composite yielded the lowest water absorption.The silane layer on MS inclusion promoted water repellency of composites due to the hydrophobicity of silane.The results of the biodegradation investigation demonstrated that adding unmodified and/or modified MS to the TPU matrix increased the biodegradation rate.The test results at the end of a 7-week period of biodegradation with a soft-rot fungus implied that the composite materials were more biodegradable than pure TPU.Silane modification of MS exhibited better performance in terms of the characterized properties of TPU-based composites.
