Phosphate limitation enhances malic acid production on nitrogen-rich molasses with Ustilago trichophora.

BACKGROUND: An important step in replacing petrochemical products with sustainable, cost-effective alternatives is the use of feedstocks other than, e.g., pure glucose in the fermentative production of platform chemicals. Ustilaginaceae offer the advantages of a wide substrate spectrum and naturally produce a versatile range of value-added compounds under nitrogen limitation. A promising candidate is the dicarboxylic acid malic acid, which may be applied as an acidulant in the food industry, a chelating agent in pharmaceuticals, or in biobased polymer production. However, fermentable residue streams from the food and agricultural industry with high nitrogen content, e.g., sugar beet molasses, are unsuited for processes with Ustilaginaceae, as they result in low product yields due to high biomass and low product formation. RESULTS: This study uncovers challenges in evaluating complex feedstock applicability for microbial production processes, highlighting the role of secondary substrate limitations, internal storage molecules, and incomplete assimilation of these substrates. A microliter-scale screening method with online monitoring of microbial respiration was developed using malic acid production with Ustilago trichophora on molasses as an application example. Investigation into nitrogen, phosphate, sulphate, and magnesium limitations on a defined minimal medium demonstrated successful malic acid production under nitrogen and phosphate limitation. Furthermore, a reduction of nitrogen and phosphate in the elemental composition of U. trichophora was revealed under the respective secondary substrate limitation. These adaptive changes in combination with the intricate metabolic response hinder mathematical prediction of product formation and make the presented screening methodology for complex feedstocks imperative. In the next step, the screening was transferred to a molasses-based complex medium. It was determined that the organism assimilated only 25% and 50% of the elemental nitrogen and phosphorus present in molasses, respectively. Due to the overall low content of bioavailable phosphorus in molasses, the replacement of the state-of-the-art nitrogen limitation was shown to increase malic acid production by 65%. CONCLUSION: The identification of phosphate as a superior secondary substrate limitation for enhanced malic acid production opens up new opportunities for the effective utilization of molasses as a more sustainable and cost-effective substrate than, e.g., pure glucose for biobased platform chemical production.

Aquaculture sludge as feed for black soldier fly: Transfer of chemical and biological contaminants and nutrients.

Aquaculture sludge (uneaten feed and faeces) is nutrient rich and has potential as feed for insects. The aim of this study was to investigate the transfer of chemical and biological contaminants, as well as nutrients, from aquaculture sludge to black soldier fly larvae. The larvae were reared on a sludge mixture made of different sludges collected from Norwegian freshwater salmonid facilities. The sludge was spiked with four common salmon pathogens: Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis Virus, Infectious Salmon Anemia virus, Yersinia ruckeri or Mycobacterium salmoniphilum. During the 15 days of growth on sludge, the black soldier fly larvae accumulated valuable nutrients including protein, fat, eicosapentaenoic acid, iron, manganese, zinc and selenium. The larvae also accumulated undesirable substances including cadmium, mercury, dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls. The concentrations of dioxins exceeded the EU maximum level set for animal feed. None of the salmon pathogens that were spiked to the sludge were detected in the black soldier fly larvae. This study reports low risk of transfer of salmon pathogens from sludge to insect larvae, and showed that the transfer of heavy metals, minerals and metalloids are in accordance with earlier studies. The large variations in levels of heavy metals between batches of sludge can cause levels in BSF exceeding the EU maximum levels, and thus indicate a need for monitoring of the proposed value chain. The transfer of dioxins from sludge to insects, reported for the first time in this paper, would be of special interest for future research, with special focus on risk mitigation.

Fungal endo and exochitinase production, characterization, and application for Candida biofilm removal.

Chitinases are promising enzymes for a multitude of applications, including chitooligosaccharide (COS) synthesis for food and pharmaceutical uses and marine waste management. Owing to fungal diversity, fungal chitinases may offer alternatives for chitin degradation and industrial applications. The rapid reproduction cycle, inexpensive growth media, and ease of handling of fungi may also contribute to reducing enzyme production costs. Thus, this study aimed to identify fungal species with chitinolytic potential and optimize chitinase production by submerged culture and enzyme characterization using shrimp chitin. Three fungal species, Coriolopsis byrsina, Trichoderma reesei, and Trichoderma harzianum, were selected for chitinase production. The highest endochitinase production was achieved in C. byrsina after 168 h cultivation (0.3 U mL- 1). The optimal temperature for enzyme activity was similar for the three fungal species (up to 45 and 55 ºC for endochitinases and exochitinases, respectively). The effect of pH on activity indicated maximum hydrolysis in acidic pH (4-7). In addition, the crude T. reesei extract showed promising properties for removing Candida albicans biofilms. This study showed the possibility of using shrimp chitin to induce chitinase production and enzymes that can be applied in different industrial sectors.

Advancing a food loss and waste bioproduct industry: A critical review of policy approaches for application in an Australian context.

Food loss and waste (FLW) contains an abundance of nutrient components that can be extracted and converted into valuable bioproducts through biorefining (e.g., pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, nutrients). Australia has identified bioproducts from a FLW feedstock as one avenue through which it can meet its commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goal Target 12.3, aiming to halve food waste by 2030. An industry for bioproducts in Australia is, however, nascent and will require targeted and sustained policy intervention to advance in line with the production targets it has set to meet Target 12.3. The aim of this critical review is threefold. Firstly, it draws on the research literature to identify barriers to advancing a bioproduct industry from FLW. Secondly, it constructs a taxonomy of policies available to overcome these barriers and support industry development. Finally, it applies the taxonomy to established policy settings in Australia (examining both national settings and Queensland state settings) and the European Union (EU), where the industry and associated policy is more mature. Australia has few national policies directly targeting a bioproduct industry. A comparative assessment of policy settings allows this review to identify lessons Australia can draw from the EU experience as it advances its own industry. Findings demonstrate a complex and fragmented policy landscape. Key recommendations from the literature emphasise the need to establish coordinated strategic instruments; target research and development opportunities for optimised, sustainable processes; and implement appropriate incentives to establish a 'level playing field', as technology readiness increases. The critical requirement for policy stability and coherence, flags the need to lay groundwork policy in this area as a priority.

The Invasive Alien Plant Solidago canadensis: Phytochemical Composition, Ecosystem Service Potential, and Application in Bioeconomy.

Solidago canadensis L. (Canadian goldenrod) is a widely distributed invasive herb from the Asteraceae family. It contains compounds that can change the soil structure and its nutritional components and thus affect indigenous species' growth, germination, and survival. Consequently, it can pose a major ecological threat to biodiversity. On the other hand, many studies show that this species, due to its chemical properties, can be used for many positive purposes in pharmacy, agriculture, medicine, cosmetic industry, etc. S. canadensis contains a diverse array of bioactive compounds that may be responsible for antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. Many studies have discussed the invasiveness of S. canadensis, and several chemical and genetic differences between this plant in native and introduced environments have been discovered. Previous ecological and environmental evaluations of the potential of S. canadensis as an ecosystem services provider have come out with four promising groups of its products: active extracts, essential oil, fuel, and others. Although identified, there is a need for detailed validation and prioritisation of ecosystem services. This article aims to overview the S. canadensis invasive features, emphasising chemical characterisation and its potential for providing ecosystem services. Moreover, it identifies scenarios and proposes a methodology for estimating S. canadensis use in bioeconomy.

Effect of Different Compatibilizers on the Properties of Green Low-Density Polyethylene Composites Reinforced with Bambusa Vulgaris Bamboo Fibers.

Low-density green polyethylene (LDGPE) composites reinforced with 5 wt% of bamboo fiber and 3 wt% of a compatibilizing agent (polyethylene grafted with maleic anhydride and tannin) were processed through extrusion and injection molding. Bamboo fiber, Bambusa Vulgaris, was characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The molded specimens were analyzed for their thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties. The estimated concentration was chosen to provide the best mechanical strength to the material studied. FTIR analysis of the fibers revealed the presence of groups characteristic of bamboo fiber and tannin. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed that both compatibilizing agents increased the matrix's degree of crystallinity. However, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that, despite the presence of compatibilizing agents, there was no significant improvement in adhesion between the bamboo fibers and LDGPE.

A Circular Bioeconomy Approach to Using Post-Bioadsorbent Materials Intended for the Removal of Domestic Wastewater Contaminants as Potential Reinforcements.

Agro-industrial residue valorization under the umbrella of the circular bioeconomy (CBE) has prompted the search for further forward-thinking alternatives that encourage the mitigation of the industry's environmental footprint. From this perspective, second-life valorization (viz., thermoplastic composites) has been explored for agro-industrial waste (viz., oil palm empty fruit bunch fibers, OPEFBFs) that has already been used previously in other circular applications (viz., the removal of domestic wastewater contaminants). Particularly, this ongoing study evaluated the performance of raw residues (R-OPEFBFs) within three different size ranges (250-425, 425-600, 600-800 µm) both before and after their utilization in biofiltration processes (as post-adsorbents, P-OPEFBFs) to reinforce a polymer matrix of acrylic resin. The research examined the changes in R-OPEFBF composition and morphology caused by microorganisms in the biofilters and their impact on the mechanical properties of the composites. Smaller R-OPEFBFs (250-425 µm) demonstrated superior mechanical performance. Additionally, the composites with P-OPEFBFs displayed significant enhancements in their mechanical properties (3.9-40.3%) compared to those with R-OPEFBFs. The combination of the three fiber sizes improved the mechanical behavior of the composites, indicating the potential for both R-OPEFBFs and P-OPEFBFs as reinforcement materials in composite applications.

Potato Berries as a Valuable Source of Compounds Potentially Applicable in Crop Protection and Pharmaceutical Sectors: A Review.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a major agricultural crop cultivated worldwide. To meet market demand, breeding programs focus on enhancing important agricultural traits such as disease resistance and improvement of tuber palatability. However, while potato tubers get a lot of attention from research, potato berries are mostly overlooked due to their level of toxicity and lack of usefulness for the food production sector. Generally, they remain unused in the production fields after harvesting the tuber. These berries are toxic due to high levels of glycoalkaloids, which might confer some interesting bioactivities. Berries of various solanaceous species contain bioactive secondary metabolites, suggesting that potato berries might contain similarly valuable metabolites. Therefore, possible applications of potato berries, e.g., in the protection of plants against pests and pathogens, as well as the medical exploitation of their anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, and antifungal properties, are plausible. The presence of valuable compounds in potato berries could also contribute to the bioeconomy by providing a novel use for otherwise discarded agricultural side streams. Here we review the potential use of these berries for the extraction of compounds that can be exploited to produce pharmaceuticals and plant protection products.

Genomic decoding of Theobroma grandiflorum (cupuassu) at chromosomal scale: evolutionary insights for horticultural innovation.

BACKGROUND: Theobroma grandiflorum (Malvaceae), known as cupuassu, is a tree indigenous to the Amazon basin, valued for its large fruits and seed pulp, contributing notably to the Amazonian bioeconomy. The seed pulp is utilized in desserts and beverages, and its seed butter is used in cosmetics. Here, we present the sequenced telomere-to-telomere genome of cupuassu, disclosing its genomic structure, evolutionary features, and phylogenetic relationships within the Malvaceae family. FINDINGS: The cupuassu genome spans 423 Mb, encodes 31,381 genes distributed in 10 chromosomes, and exhibits approximately 65% gene synteny with the Theobroma cacao genome, reflecting a conserved evolutionary history, albeit punctuated with unique genomic variations. The main changes are pronounced by bursts of long-terminal repeat retrotransposons at postspecies divergence, retrocopied and singleton genes, and gene families displaying distinctive patterns of expansion and contraction. Furthermore, positively selected genes are evident, particularly among retained and dispersed tandem and proximal duplicated genes associated with general fruit and seed traits and defense mechanisms, supporting the hypothesis of potential episodes of subfunctionalization and neofunctionalization following duplication, as well as impact from distinct domestication process. These genomic variations may underpin the differences observed in fruit and seed morphology, ripening, and disease resistance between cupuassu and the other Malvaceae species. CONCLUSIONS: The cupuassu genome offers a foundational resource for both breeding improvement and conservation biology, yielding insights into the evolution and diversity within the genus Theobroma.

Chemical Compositions and In Vitro Antioxidant Activities of the Essential Oils of Sawdust and Resin-Rich Bark from Azorean Cryptomeria japonica (Cupressaceae).

In the Azores archipelago (Portugal), forest operations and wood industry generate large amounts of Cryptomeria japonica biomass residues (CJBR), which can be used to produce valuable essential oils (EOs). In this study, we evaluated the chemical composition and antioxidant activities of EOs from Azorean C. japonica sawdust (CJS) and resin-rich bark (CJRRB). The CJS and CJRRB EOs, obtained via hydrodistillation, showed different yield values (0.27% vs. 0.80% v/w, dry weight) and also different chemical profiles, as assessed using GC/MS. A total of 64 and 85 components were identified in CJS and CJRRB EOs, representing 95.7% and 96.9% of the total composition, respectively. The major components in CJS EO were oxygenated sesquiterpenes (mainly α+ß-eudesmol, 1-epicubenol, and cubebol), while in CJRRB EO, the major components were monoterpene hydrocarbons, including α-pinene, δ-3-carene, and limonene (66.6% vs. 6.4% for oxygenated sesquiterpenes and 0% vs. 64% for monoterpene hydrocarbons, respectively). Antioxidant activity was estimated using (i) two radical-based assays, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, and (ii) a lipid model assay, ß-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching activity (BCBA). Both CJS and CJRRB EOs exhibited concentration-dependent antioxidant activities, and their DPPH, ABTS, and BCBA EC50 values were 1107 vs. 1275 µg/mL, 260 vs. 498 µg/mL, and 1764 vs. 662 µg/mL, respectively. The results indicate that both EOs were able to exert antioxidant activity via different mechanisms of action. Therefore, Azorean CJS and CJRRB may be sustainable sources for antioxidant compounds. This study expands the chemical and biological knowledge of CJBR EOs and, consequently, adds more value to the C. japonica EO industry.

A novel integrated approach employing Desertifilum tharense BERC-3 for efficient wastewater valorization and recycling for developing peri-urban algae farming system.

Peri-urban environments are significant reservoirs of wastewater, and releasing this untreated wastewater from these resources poses severe environmental and ecological threats. Wastewater mitigation through sustainable approaches is an emerging area of interest. Algae offers a promising strategy for carbon-neutral valorization and recycling of urban wastewater. Aiming to provide a proof-of-concept for complete valorization and recycling of urban wastewater in a peri-urban environment in a closed loop system, a newly isolated biocrust-forming cyanobacterium Desertifilum tharense BERC-3 was evaluated. Here, the highest growth and lipids productivity were achieved in urban wastewater compared to BG11 and synthetic wastewater. D. tharense BERC-3 showed 60-95% resource recovery efficiency and decreased total dissolved solids, chemical oxygen demand, biological oxygen demand, nitrate nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen and total phosphorus contents of the water by 60.37%, 81.11%, 82.75%, 87.91%, 85.13%, 85.41%, 95.87%, respectively, making it fit for agriculture as per WHO's safety limits. Soil supplementation with 2% wastewater-cultivated algae as a soil amender, along with its irrigation with post-treated wastewater, improved the nitrogen content and microbial activity of the soil by 0.3-2.0-fold and 0.5-fold, respectively. Besides, the availability of phosphorus was also improved by 1.66-fold. The complete bioprocessing pipeline offered a complete biomass utilization. This study demonstrated the first proof-of-concept of integrating resource recovery and resource recycling using cyanobacteria to develop a peri-urban algae farming system. This can lead to establishing wastewater-driven algae cultivation systems as novel enterprises for rural migrants moving to urban areas.

Socio-environmental externalities of sewage waste management.

Conventional sewage management is expensive and inefficient, putting the environment and public health at risk, making access to sewage services difficult for everyone. Reusing sewage waste has agricultural and economic potential, but can contain harmful contaminants if not treated properly. This review is based on the hypothesis that the destination of sewage waste generates environmental and social externalities, which have not yet been widely compared. With the aim of identifying, from the literature, the socio-environmental externalities generated by different sewage waste management approaches, a systematic review of the literature was carried out, including 244 documents, with 50 % of these discussing impacts of conventional treatment and 37 % analyzing the reuse of waste. The main impacts and externalities were evaluated in three situations: untreated sewage, treated sewage, and reused waste. The results indicate that sewage waste has an underutilized economic value and can generate revenue, reduce operational costs and electricity expenses. Six negative externalities generated by conventional sewage treatment were identified: health costs; environmental cleaning; carbon offsetting; damage to tourism; damage to fishing and agriculture; and real estate depreciation. In reuse, there is a risk of two negative externalities: health costs and environmental cleaning, but two positive externalities were also identified: the reduction of phosphate rock mining and the neutralization of carbon credits. The complexity of the transition to sustainable sewage treatment practices is highlighted given the lack of consensus on the safe use of sewage waste, the lack of regulatory standardization, implementation costs and differences in regional parameters, highlighting the need for preliminary experimentation in a multidisciplinary and contextualized approach, considering comparative externalities among the available sewage waste management possibilities.

Comprehensive Insight into Cutaneous Application of Hemp.

Known for its natural bio-compounds and therapeutic properties, hemp is being utilized in the development of skin products. These products offer a wide range of applications and benefits in the fields of natural bio-compounds, pharmaceutical technology, topical delivery systems, and cosmeceuticals. This manuscript deals with hemp actives, such as cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, and their diverse biological properties relative to topical application, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects. Also, the paper reviews strategies to overcome poor penetration of hemp actives, as well as the integration of hemp actives in cosmeceuticals that provide natural and sustainable alternatives to traditional skincare products offering a range of benefits, including anti-aging, moisturizing, and soothing properties. The review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the development and manufacturing processes of skin products containing hemp actives. By delving into the science behind hemp-based products, the paper provides valuable insights into the potential of hemp as a versatile ingredient in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. The utilization of hemp in these innovative products not only offers therapeutic benefits but also promotes natural and sustainable approaches to skincare.

Microalgae Biomass Production from Rice Husk as Alternative Media Cultivation and Extraction of Phycocyanin Using 3D-Printed Ohmic Heating Reactor.

Phycocyanin is a highly valued pigment present in Spirulina platensis biomass with applications in the food industry in terms of biorefinery concepts; specifically, its antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity are an advantage that could be incorporated into a food matrix. This study aims to use rice husk as an alternative culture medium for S. platensis biomass growth and phycocyanin extraction by ohmic heating processing using a 3D-printed reactor. S. platensis was cultivated in rice husk extract (RHE) from 0-100% (v/v). The highest content of microalgal biomass was 1.75 ± 0.01 g/L, with a specific growth rate of 0.125 ± 0.01 h-1. For the phycocyanin extraction under an ohmic heating process, a 3D-printed reactor was designed and built. To optimize phycocyanin extraction, a central composite rotatable design (CCDR) was evaluated, with three factors: time (min), temperature (°C), and pH. The highest phycocyanin content was 75.80 ± 0.98 mg/g in S. platensis biomass grown with rice husk extract. Ohmic heating is a promising method for rapid phycocyanin extraction, and rice husk as a culture medium is an alternative for the growth of S. platensis biomass in the integration of second- and third-generation biorefineries.

Evaluation of lauric acid enhancement of black soldier fly larvae from coconut.

The current study evaluated the potential enhancement of lauric acid (LA) in black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens, (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) larvae (BSFL), a source of this short-chain fatty acid which has antimicrobial and immunostimulatory properties. Replicate groups of BSFL were reared on either the coconut or Gainesville diet for 7 days. After the rearing period, BSFL were harvested, purged, dried, and subjected to proximate, fatty acid and amino acid compositions, and pepsin digestibility analyses. Results demonstrate changes in proximate composition. BSFL reared on the coconut had significantly (P = 0.002) higher lipid content (47.3% vs. 25.2%) on a dry-matter basis. The LA concentration in BSFL produced on the coconut was 31% greater than those reared on Gainesville, resulting in almost 150% more LA. Furthermore, BSFL-fed coconut had reduced crude protein (29.7% of dry weight) and ash (3.7% of dry weight) relative to those fed Gainesville (43.4% and 7.5% for crude protein and ash, respectively) but higher pepsin digestibility (91.0% vs. 87.0%). The relative amounts of various amino acids in the 2 BSFL meals did not differ extensively, with statistically lower concentrations of only phenylalanine and tryptophan and higher concentrations of alanine, arginine, isoleucine, leucine, and serine in BSFL reared on coconut. Results demonstrate that the nutritional composition of BSFL can be manipulated, and an enhancement of LA concentrations of 150% was achieved with coconut, which has value for BSFL as a feed for various livestock, including aquaculture. Lower protein content is a tradeoff in terms of BSFL value as a feed additive.

Recent advances in bio-based production of top platform chemical, succinic acid: an alternative to conventional chemistry.

Succinic acid (SA) is one of the top platform chemicals with huge applications in diverse sectors. The presence of two carboxylic acid groups on the terminal carbon atoms makes SA a highly functional molecule that can be derivatized into a wide range of products. The biological route for SA production is a cleaner, greener, and promising technological option with huge potential to sequester the potent greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide. The recycling of renewable carbon of biomass (an indirect form of CO2), along with fixing CO2 in the form of SA, offers a carbon-negative SA manufacturing route to reduce atmospheric CO2 load. These attractive attributes compel a paradigm shift from fossil-based to microbial SA manufacturing, as evidenced by several commercial-scale bio-SA production in the last decade. The current review article scrutinizes the existing knowledge and covers SA production by the most efficient SA producers, including several bacteria and yeast strains. The review starts with the biochemistry of the major pathways accumulating SA as an end product. It discusses the SA production from a variety of pure and crude renewable sources by native as well as engineered strains with details of pathway/metabolic, evolutionary, and process engineering approaches for enhancing TYP (titer, yield, and productivity) metrics. The review is then extended to recent progress on separation technologies to recover SA from fermentation broth. Thereafter, SA derivatization opportunities via chemo-catalysis are discussed for various high-value products, which are only a few steps away. The last two sections are devoted to the current scenario of industrial production of bio-SA and associated challenges, along with the author's perspective.

Green Synthesis of Bioplastics from Microalgae: A State-of-the-Art Review.

The synthesis of conventional plastics has increased tremendously in the last decades due to rapid industrialization, population growth, and advancement in the use of modern technologies. However, overuse of these fossil fuel-based plastics has resulted in serious environmental and health hazards by causing pollution, global warming, etc. Therefore, the use of microalgae as a feedstock is a promising, green, and sustainable approach for the production of biobased plastics. Various biopolymers, such as polyhydroxybutyrate, polyurethane, polylactic acid, cellulose-based polymers, starch-based polymers, and protein-based polymers, can be produced from different strains of microalgae under varying culture conditions. Different techniques, including genetic engineering, metabolic engineering, the use of photobioreactors, response surface methodology, and artificial intelligence, are used to alter and improve microalgae stocks for the commercial synthesis of bioplastics at lower costs. In comparison to conventional plastics, these biobased plastics are biodegradable, biocompatible, recyclable, non-toxic, eco-friendly, and sustainable, with robust mechanical and thermoplastic properties. In addition, the bioplastics are suitable for a plethora of applications in the agriculture, construction, healthcare, electrical and electronics, and packaging industries. Thus, this review focuses on techniques for the production of biopolymers and bioplastics from microalgae. In addition, it discusses innovative and efficient strategies for large-scale bioplastic production while also providing insights into the life cycle assessment, end-of-life, and applications of bioplastics. Furthermore, some challenges affecting industrial scale bioplastics production and recommendations for future research are provided.

An up-scaled biotechnological approach for phosphorus-depleted rye bran as animal feed.

Side streams from the milling industry offer excellent nutritional properties for animal feed; yet their use is constrained by the elevated phosphorus (P) content, mainly in the form of phytate. Biotechnological P recovery fosters sustainable P management, transforming these streams into P-depleted animal feed through enzymatic hydrolysis. The enzymatic P mobilization not only enables P recovery from milling by-products but also supports the valorization of these streams into P-depleted animal feeds. Our study presents the scalability and applicability of the process and characterizes the resulting P-depleted rye bran as animal feed component. Batch mode investigations were conducted to mobilize P from 100 g to 37.1 kg of rye bran using bioreactors up to 400 L. P reductions of 89% to 92% (reducing from 12.7 gP/kg to 1.41-1.28 gP/kg) were achieved. In addition, High Performance Ion Chromatography (HPIC) analysis showed complete depletion of phytate. The successful recovery of the enzymatically mobilized P from the process wastewater by precipitation as struvite and calcium hydrogen phosphate is presented as well, achieving up to 99% removal efficiency. Our study demonstrates a versatile process that is easily adaptable, allowing for a seamless implementation on a larger scale.

Impact of age on the reproductive output of Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae).

The current study examined the impact of adult black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens (L.)), age on reproductive output. Four treatments consisting of an equal sex ratio of the following combinations were used: 2-day-old males with 2-day-old females (YMYF); 6-day-old males with 2-day-old females (OMYF); 2-day-old males with 6-day-old females (YMOF); 6-day-old males with 6-day-old females (OMOF). Adult age was a significant factor for the overall number of mating events observed, with YMYF having 2.2× more than YMOF and 2.7× more than OMOF. Time was a significant factor in the number of mating events observed, with 97.8% observed on days 2-6. Age was not a significant factor for the total number of oviposition events, but the inclusion of time as a factor was significant, with 91.5% of all events occurring on days 2-6. Treatment and trial significantly interacted with egg production. This response can be attributed to treatments containing old females, which had a 50% variation in egg output across trials. Treatments containing young females were consistent in terms of egg production. As anticipated, due to oviposition events, 94.8% of total eggs were oviposited on days 2-6. Fecundity and egg hatch were also significantly impacted by female age, with a 50% reduction in both cases across trials occurring in old females. Young females paired with old males had a 20% reduction in egg hatch, but this difference was not statistically significant.

Humic Acid-Functionalized Lignin-Based Coatings Regulate Nutrient Release and Promote Wheat Productivity and Grain Quality.

The rational application of fertilizers is crucial for achieving high crop yields and ensuring global food security. The use of biopolymers for slow-release fertilizers (SRFs) development has emerged as a game-changer and environmentally sustainable pathway to enhance crop yields by optimizing plant growth phases. Herein, with a renewed focus on circular bioeconomy, a novel functionalized lignin-based coating material (FLGe) was developed for the sustained release of nutrients. This innovative approach involved the extraction and sustainable functionalization of lignin through a solvent-free esterification reaction with humic acid─an organic compound widely recognized for its biostimulant properties in agriculture. The primary objective was to fortify the hydration barrier of lignin by reducing the number of its free hydroxyl groups, thereby enhancing release control, while simultaneously harnessing the agronomic benefits offered by humic acid. After confirming the synthesis of functionalized lignin (FLGe) through 13C NMR analysis, it was integrated at varying proportions into either a cellulosic or starch matrix. This resulted in the creation of five distinct formulations, which were then utilized as coatings for diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizer. Experimental findings revealed an improved morphology and hardness (almost 3-fold) of DAP fertilizer granules after coating along with a positive impact on the soil's water retention capacity (7%). Nutrient leaching in soil was monitored for 100 days and a substantial reduction of nutrients leaching up to 80% was successfully achieved using coated DAP fertilizer. Furthermore, to get a fuller picture of their efficiency, a pot trial was performed using two different soil textures and demonstrated that the application of FLGe-based SRFs significantly enhanced the physiological and agronomic parameters of wheat, including leaf evolution and root architecture, resulting in an almost 50% increase in grain yield and improved quality. The results proved the potential of lignin functionalization to advance agricultural sustainability and foster a robust bioeconomy aligning with the premise "from the soil to the soil".