Agricultural waste-based modified biochars differentially affected the soil properties, growth, and nutrient accumulation by maize (Zea mays L.) plants.

Biochar (BC) is an organic compound formed by the pyrolysis of organic wastes. Application of BCs as soil amendments has many benefits including carbon sequestration, enhanced soil fertility and sustainable agriculture production. In the present study, we acidified the different BCs prepared from rice straw, rice husk, wheat straw, cotton stalk, poultry manure, sugarcane press mud and vegetable waste; following which, we applied them in a series of pot experiments. Comparisons were made between acidified and non- acidified BCs for their effects on seed germination, soil properties (EC, pH) nutrient contents (P, K, Na) and organic matter. The treatments comprised of a control, and all above-described BCs (acidified as well as non-acidified) applied to soil at the rate of 1% (w/w). The maize crop was selected as a test crop. The results showed that acidified poultry manure BC significantly improved germination percentage, shoot length, and biomass of maize seedlings as compared to other BCs and their respective control plants. However, acidified BCs caused a significant decrease in nutrient contents (P, K, Na) of soil,maize seedlings, and the soil organic matter contents as compared to non- acidified BCs. But when compared with control treatments, all BCs treatments (acidified and non-acidified) delivered higher levels of nutrients and organic matter contents. It was concluded that none of the BCs (acidified and non-acidified) had caused negative effect on soil conditions and growth of maize. In addition, the acidification of BC prior to its application to alkaline soils might had altered soil chemistry and delivered better maize growth. Moving forward, more research is needed to understand the long-term effects of modified BCs on nutrient dynamics in different soils. In addition, the possible effects of BC application timings, application rates, particle size, and crop species have to be evaluated systemtically.

Rhizophagus irregularis and biochar can synergistically improve the physiological characteristics of saline-alkali resistance of switchgrass.

Inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) or biochar (BC) application can improve photosynthesis and promote plant growth under saline-alkali stress. However, little is known about the effects of the two combined on growth and physiological characteristics of switchgrass under saline-alkali stress. This study examined the effects of four treatments: (1) no AMF inoculation and no biochar addition (control), (2) biochar (BC) alone, (3) AMF (Rhizophagus irregularis, Ri) alone, and (4) the combination of both (BC+Ri) on the plant biomass, antioxidant enzymes, chlorophyll, and photosynthetic parameters of switchgrass under saline-alkali stress. The results showed that the above-ground, belowground and total biomass of switchgrass in the BC+Ri treatment group was significantly higher (+136.7%, 120.2% and 132.4%, respectively) than in other treatments compared with Control. BC+Ri treatment significantly increased plant leaves' relative chlorophyll content, antioxidant enzyme activity, and photosynthesis parameters. It is worth noting that the transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, net photosynthetic rate, PSII efficiency and other photosynthetic-related indexes of the BC+Ri treatment group were the highest (38% to 54% higher than other treatments). The fitting results of light response and CO2 response curves showed that the light saturation point, light compensation point, maximum carboxylation rate and maximum electron transfer rate of switchgrass in the Ri+BC treatment group were the highest. In conclusion, biochar combined with Ri has potential beneficial effects on promoting switchgrass growth under saline-alkali stress and improving the activity of antioxidant enzymes and photosynthetic characteristics of plants.

Effects of biochar types on seed germination, growth, chlorophyll contents, grain yield, sodium, and potassium uptake by wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under salt stress.

Soil salinity is a significant challenge in agriculture, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions such as Pakistan, leading to soil degradation and reduced crop yields. The present study assessed the impact of different salinity levels (0, 25, and 50 mmol NaCl) and biochar treatments (control, wheat-straw biochar, rice-husk biochar, and sawdust biochar applied @ 1% w/w) on the germination and growth performance of wheat. Two experiments: a germination study and a pot experiment (grown up to maturity), were performed. The results showed that NaCl-stress negatively impacted the germination parameters, grain, and straw yield, and agronomic and soil parameters. Biochar treatments restored these parameters compared to control (no biochar), but the effects were inconsistent across NaCl levels. Among the different biochars, wheat-straw biochar performed better than rice-husk and sawdust-derived biochar regarding germination and agronomic parameters. Biochar application notably increased soil pHs and electrical conductivity (ECe). Imposing NaCl stress reduced K concentrations in the wheat shoot and grains with concomitant higher Na concentrations in both parts. Parameters like foliar chlorophyll content (a, b, and total), stomatal and sub-stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate were also positively influenced by biochar addition. The study confirmed that biochar, particularly wheat-straw biochar, effectively mitigated the adverse effects of soil salinity, enhancing both soil quality and wheat growth. The study highlighted that biochar application can minimize the negative effects of salinity stress on wheat. Specifically, the types and dosages of biochar have to be optimized for different salinity levels under field conditions.

The impact of biochar addition on morpho-physiological characteristics, yield and water use efficiency of tomato plants under drought and salinity stress.

The use of saline water under drought conditions is critical for sustainable agricultural development in arid regions. Biochar is used as a soil amendment to enhance soil properties such as water-holding capacity and the source of nutrition elements of plants. Thus, the research was carried out to assess the impact of biochar treatment on the morphological and physiological characteristics and production of Solanum lycopersicum in greenhouses exposed to drought and saline stresses. The study was structured as a three-factorial in split-split-plot design. There were 16 treatments across three variables: (i) water quality, with freshwater and saline water, with electrical conductivities of 0.9 and 2.4 dS m- 1, respectively; (ii) irrigation level, with 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% of total evapotranspiration (ETC); (iii) and biochar application, with the addition of biochar at a 3% dosage by (w/w) (BC3%), and a control (BC0%). The findings demonstrated that salt and water deficiency hurt physiological, morphological, and yield characteristics. Conversely, the biochar addition enhanced all characteristics. Growth-related parameters, such as plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, and dry and wet weight, and leaf gas exchange attributes, such rate of transpiration and photosynthesis, conductivity, as well as leaf relative water content were decreased by drought and salt stresses, especially when the irrigation was 60% ETc or 40% ETc. The biochar addition resulted in a substantial enhancement in vegetative growth-related parameters, physiological characteristics, efficiency of water use, yield, as well as reduced proline levels. Tomato yield enhanced by 4%, 16%, 8%, and 3% when irrigation with freshwater at different levels of water deficit (100% ETc, 80% ETc, 60% ETc, and 40% ETc) than control (BC0%). Overall, the use of biochar (3%) combined with freshwater shows the potential to enhance morpho-physiological characteristics, support the development of tomato plants, and improve yield with higher WUE in semi-arid and arid areas.

Potential of amino acids-modified biochar in mitigating the soil Cu and Ni stresses - Targeting the tomato growth, physiology and fruit quality.

Trace heavy metals (HMs) such as copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni) are toxic to plants, especially tomato at high levels. In this study, biochar (BC) was treated with amino acids (AA) to enhance amino functional groups, which effectively alleviated the adverse effects of heavy metals (HMs) on tomato growth. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of glycine and alanine modified BC (GBC/ABC) on various tomato growth parameters, its physiology, fruit yield and Cu/Ni uptake under Cu and Ni stresses. In a pot experiment, there was 21 treatments with three replications having two rates of simple BC and glycine/alanine enriched BC (0.5% and 1% (w/w). Cu and Ni stresses were added at 150 mg kg-1 respectively. Plants were harvested after 120 days of sowing and subjected to various analysis. Under Cu and Ni stresses, tomato roots accumulated more Cu and Ni than shoots and fruits, while GBC and ABC application significantly enhanced the root and shoot dry weight irrelevant to the stress conditions. Both rates of GBC decreased the malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide levels in plants. The addition of 0.5% GBC with Cu enhanced the tomato fruit dry weight by 1.3 folds in comparison to the control treatment; while tomato fruit juice content also increased (50%) in the presence of 0.5% GBC with Ni as compared to control. In summary, these results demonstrated that lower rate of GBC∼0.5% proved to be the best in mitigating the Cu and Ni stress on tomato plant growth by enhancing the fruit production.

Effects of crayfish shell powder and bamboo-derived biochar on nitrogen conversion, bacterial community and nitrogen functional genes during pig manure composting.

This study investigated the effects of crayfish shell powder (CSP) and bamboo-derived biochar (BDB) on nitrogen metabolism, bacterial community and nitrogen functional genes during pig manure composting. Four treatments were established: CP (with no additives), TP1 (5 % BDB), TP2 (5 % CSP) and TP3 (2.5 % BDB + 2.5 % CSP). Compared to CP, the germination index (GI) of TP reached > 85 % 10 days earlier. Meanwhile, TP3 reduced NH3 and N2O emissions by 42.90 % and 65.9 %, respectively, while increased TN (total nitrogen) concentration by 5.43 g/kg. Furthermore, additives changed the bacterial structure and formed a beneficial symbiotic relationship with essential N-preserving bacteria, thereby enhancing nitrogen retention throughout the composting process. Metagenomic analysis revealed that additives upregulated nitrification genes and downregulated denitrification and nitrate reduction genes, ultimately improving nitrogen cycling and mitigating NH3 and N2O emissions. In conclusion, the results confirmed that TP3 was the most effective treatment in reducing nitrogen loss.

Powdered activated carbon facilitated degradation of complex organic compounds and tetracycline in stressed anaerobic digestion systems.

Tetracycline exerts an inhibitory effect on anaerobic digestion, inducing stressed microbial activities and even system failure. Continuous-flow reactors (CFRs) and sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) were employed along with the dosage of powdered activated carbon (PAC) to enhance tetracycline removal during anaerobic digestion of complex organic compounds. PAC increased the maximum methane production rate by 15.6% (CFRs) and 13.8% (SBRs), and tetracycline biodegradation by 24.4% (CFRs) and 19.2% (SBRs). CFRs showed higher tetracycline removal and methane production rates than SBRs. Geobacter was enriched in CFRs, where Methanothrix was enriched with the addition of PAC. Desulfomicrobium harbored abundant propionate degradation-related genes, significantly correlating with tetracycline removal. The genes encoding carbon dioxide reduction in Methanothrix along with the detection of Geobacter might indicate direct interspecies electron transfer for methanogenesis in CFRs and PAC-added reactors. The study offers new insights into anaerobic digestion under tetracycline-stressed conditions and strategies for optimizing tetracycline removal.

Biochar pH reduction using elemental sulfur and biological activation using compost or vermicompost.

This study aimed to improve biochar's quality for arid land applications by using elemental sulfur as a pH reducer agent co-applied with compost or vermicompost as biological activators. Biochar pH was decreased by the addition of elemental sulfur, with the highest reduction from 8.1 to 7.2 occurring when co-amended with vermicompost. Elemental sulfur increased the water-soluble concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and many other elements, and stimulated substrate-induced respiration, especially when co-amended with vermicompost. The bacterial diversity community structure were significantly affected by all treatments. The Shannon index significantly increased in response to compost and sulfur treatments, while the vermicompost treatments showed higher microbial evenness and equitability diversity indices. Multivariate analyses indicated that elemental sulfur oxidation was associated with specific sulfur-oxidizing bacterial clusters. Integrating biochar with sulfur and (vermi)compost was found to be a promising sustainable technology for managing excessive biochar alkalinity, increasing its fertility and potential for application in aridlands.

Simultaneous elimination of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes by different Fe-N co-doped biochars activating peroxymonosulfate: The key role of pyridine-N and Fe-N sites.

The coexistence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) in the environment poses a potential threat to public health. In our study, we have developed a novel advanced oxidation process for simultaneously removing ARGs and ARB by two types of iron and nitrogen-doped biochar derived from rice straw (FeN-RBC) and sludge (FeN-SBC). All viable ARB (approximately 108 CFU mL-1) was inactivated in the FeN-RBC/ peroxymonosulfate (PMS) system within 40 min and did not regrow after 48 h even in real water samples. Flow cytometry identified 96.7 % of dead cells in the FeN-RBC/PMS system, which verified the complete inactivation of ARB. Thorough disinfection of ARB was associated with the disruption of cell membranes and intracellular enzymes related to the antioxidant system. Whereas live bacteria (approximately 200 CFU mL-1) remained after FeN-SBC/PMS treatment. Intracellular and extracellular ARGs (tetA and tetB) were efficiently degraded in the FeN-RBC/PMS system. The production of active species, primarily •OH, SO4•- and Fe (IV), as well as electron transfer, were essential to the effective disinfection of FeN-RBC/PMS. In comparison with FeN-SBC, the better catalytic performance of FeN-RBC was mainly ascribed to its higher amount of pyridine-N and Fe0, and more reactive active sites (such as CO group and Fe-N sites). Density functional theory calculations indicated the greater adsorption energy and Bader charge, more stable Fe-O bond, more easily broken OO bond in FeN-RBC/PMS, which demonstrated the stronger electron transfer capacity between FeN-RBC and PMS. To encapsulate, our study provided an efficient and dependable method for the simultaneous elimination of ARGs and ARB in water.

Reverse electron transfer: Novel anaerobic methanogenesis pathway regulated through exogenous CO2 synergized with biochar.

Acid accumulation and carbon emission are two major challenges in anaerobic digestion. Syntrophic consortia can employ reverse electron transfer (RET) to facilitate thermodynamically unfavorable redox reactions during acetogenesis. However, the potential mechanisms and regulatory methods of RET remain unclear. This study examines the regulatory mechanisms by which exogenous CO2 affects RET and demonstrates that biochar maximizes CO2 solubility at 25.8 mmol/L to enhance effects further. CO2 synergized with biochar significantly increases cumulative methane production and propionate degradation rate. From the bioenergetic perspective, CO2 decreases energy level to a maximum of -87 kJ/mol, strengthening the thermodynamic viability. The underlying mechanism can be attributed to RET promotion, as indicated by increased formate dehydrogenase and enrichment of H2/formate-producing bacteria with their partner Methanospirillum hungatei. Moreover, the 5 % 13CH4 and methane contribution result show that CO2 accomplishes directed methanogenesis. Overall, this investigation riches the roles of CO2 and biochar in AD surrounding RET.

Co-applied magnesium nanoparticles and biochar modulate salinity stress via regulating yield, biochemical attribute, and fatty acid profile of Physalis alkekengi L.

While previous studies have addressed the desirable effects of biochar (BC) or magnesium nanoparticles (Mg NPs) on salinity stress individually, there is a research gap regarding their simultaneous application. Additionally, the specific mechanisms underlying the effects of BC and Mg NPs on salinity in Physalis alkekengi L. remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the synergistic effects of BC and Mg NPs on P. alkekengi L. under salinity stress conditions. A pot experiment was conducted with salinity at 100 and 200 mM sodium chloride (NaCl), as well as soil applied BC (4% v/v) and foliar applied Mg NPs (500 mg L-1) on physiological and biochemical properties of P. alkekengi L. The results represented that salinity, particularly 200 mM NaCl, significantly reduced plant yield (58%) and total chlorophyll (Chl, 36%), but increased superoxide dismutase (SOD, 82%) and catalase (CAT, 159%) activity relative to non-saline conditions. However, the co-application of BC and Mg NPs mitigated these negative effects and improved fruit yield, Chl, anthocyanin, and ascorbic acid. It also decreased the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Salinity also altered the fatty acid composition, increasing saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), while decreasing monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). The heat map analysis showed that fruit yield, anthocyanin, Chl, and CAT were sensitive to salinity. The findings can provide insights into the possibility of these amendments as sustainable strategies to mitigate salt stress and enhance plant productivity in affected areas.

Comparative effectiveness of carbon nanoparticles and biochar in alleviating copper stress in corn (Zea mays L.).

The application of carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) and biochar in agriculture for improving plant health and soil quality and alleviating metal stress offers alternative approaches to meet the ever-increasing demand for food. However, poor understanding of their roles in improving crop production under Cu stress represents a significant obstacle to their wide application in agriculture. To clarify how CNPs and biochar affect corn (Zea mays L.) seed germination, seedling growth, plant health, and nutrient uptake under different Cu stress levels, soil-less Petri-dish and greenhouse soil-based bioassays were conducted. The results revealed that CNPs and biochar stimulated corn seed germination and seedling growth. Besides, they were effective in immobilizing Cu2+ sorption in sandy soil and alleviating Cu stress for plant growth, as shown by the increased plant height and dry biomass. The plant nutrient uptake efficiency (NUE) was significantly increased by CNPs, with a maximum increase of 63.1% for N and 63.3% for K at the highest Cu2+ stress level (400 mg Cu2+ L-1). In contrast, non-significant effects on NUE were observed with biochar treatments regardless of Cu stress levels. Interestingly, CNPs significantly increased plant uptake of Cu in the Petri dish test, while biochar inhibited plant uptake of Cu under both experimental conditions. Principle component analysis (PCA) and Pearson correlation analysis indicated that CNPs mitigated Cu stress mainly by elevating antioxidant enzyme activities, enhancing plant photochemical efficiency, and increasing plant uptake of N and K, while biochar was more likely to reduce bioavailability and uptake of Cu in the plant. These findings have great implications for the application of CNPs and biochar as plant growth stimulators and de-toxicity agents in agriculture.

Exceptional anti-toxic growth of water spinach in arsenic and cadmium co-contaminated soil remediated using biochar loaded with Bacillus aryabhattai.

Functionalized biochars are crucial for simultaneous soil remediation and safe agricultural production. However, a comprehensive understanding of the remediation mechanism and crop safety is imperative. In this work, the all-in-one biochars loaded with a Bacillus aryabhattai (B10) were developed via physisorption (BBC) and sodium alginate embedding (EBC) for simultaneous toxic As and Cd stabilization in soil. The bacteria-loaded biochar composites significantly decreased exchangeable As and Cd fractions in co-contaminated soil, with enhanced residual fractions. Heavy metal bioavailability analysis showed a maximum CaCl2-As concentration decline of 63.51% and a CaCl2-Cd decline of 50.96%. At a 3% dosage of composite, rhizosphere soil showed improved organic matter, cation exchange capacity, and enzyme activity. The aboveground portion of water spinach grown in pots was edible, with final As and Cd contents (0.347 and 0.075 mg·kg⁻¹, respectively) meeting food safety standards. Microbial analysis revealed the composite's influence on the rhizosphere microbial community, favoring beneficial bacteria and reducing plant pathogenic fungi. Additionally, it increased functional microorganisms with heavy metal-resistant genes, limiting metal migration in plants and favoring its growth. Our research highlights an effective strategy for simultaneous As and Cd immobilization in soil and inhibition of heavy metal accumulation in vegetables.

Mitigation of cadmium-induced stress in maize via synergistic application of biochar and gibberellic acid to enhance morpho-physiological and biochemical traits.

Cadmium (Cd), being a heavy metal, tends to accumulate in soils primarily through industrial activities, agricultural practices, and atmospheric deposition. Maize, being a staple crop for many regions, is particularly vulnerable to Cd contamination, leading to compromised growth, reduced yields, and potential health risks for consumers. Biochar (BC), a carbon-rich material derived from the pyrolysis of organic matter has been shown to improve soil structure, nutrient retention and microbial activity. The choice of biochar as an ameliorative agent stems from its well-documented capacity to enhance soil quality and mitigate heavy metal stress. The study aims to contribute to the understanding of the efficacy of biochar in combination with GA3, a plant growth regulator known for its role in promoting various physiological processes, in mitigating the adverse effects of Cd stress. The detailed investigation into morpho-physiological attributes and biochemical responses under controlled laboratory conditions provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of these interventions. The experimental design consisted of three replicates in a complete randomized design (CRD), wherein soil, each containing 10 kg was subjected to varying concentrations of cadmium (0, 8 and 16 mg/kg) and biochar (0.75% w/w base). Twelve different treatment combinations were applied, involving the cultivation of 36 maize plants in soil contaminated with Cd (T1: Control (No Cd stress; T2: Mild Cd stress (8 mg Cd/kg soil); T3: Severe Cd stress (16 mg Cd/kg soil); T4: 10 ppm GA3 (No Cd stress); T5: 10 ppm GA3 + Mild Cd stress; T6: 10 ppm GA3 + Severe Cd stress; T7: 0.75% Biochar (No Cd stress); T8: 0.75% Biochar + Mild Cd stress; T9: 0.75% Biochar + Severe Cd stress; T10: 10 ppm GA3 + 0.75% Biochar (No Cd stress); T11: 10 ppm GA3 + 0.75% Biochar + Mild Cd stress; T12: 10 ppm GA3 + 0.75% Biochar + Severe Cd stress). The combined application of GA3 and BC significantly enhanced multiple parameters including germination (27.83%), root length (59.53%), shoot length (20.49%), leaf protein (121.53%), root protein (99.93%), shoot protein (33.65%), leaf phenolics (47.90%), root phenolics (25.82%), shoot phenolics (25.85%), leaf chlorophyll a (57.03%), leaf chlorophyll b (23.19%), total chlorophyll (43.77%), leaf malondialdehyde (125.07%), root malondialdehyde (78.03%) and shoot malondialdehyde (131.16%) across various Cd levels compared to the control group. The synergistic effect of GA3 and BC manifested in optimal leaf protein and malondialdehyde levels indicating induced tolerance and mitigation of Cd detrimental impact on plant growth. The enriched soils showed resistance to heavy metal toxicity emphasizing the potential of BC and GA3 as viable strategy for enhancing maize growth. The application of biochar and gibberellic acid emerges as an effective means to mitigate cadmium-induced stress in maize, presenting a promising avenue for sustainable agricultural practices.

Inhibition of hyphal formation together with biochar addition promotes erythritol production by Yarrowia lipolytica.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of hyphal formation in Yarrowia lipolytica and biochar addition on erythritol production by submerged fermentation. Hyphal formation significantly inhibited erythritol production by Y. lipolytica. Transcriptome analysis suggested that the impaired erythritol synthesis of hyphal cells was associated with the differential expression of genes involved in amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and cell wall stability. Deletion of RAS2 responsible for yeast-to-hypha transition and EYD1 included in erythritol degradation blocked hyphal formation and improved erythritol production. Biochar prepared from corncob, sugarcane bagasse (SB), corn straw, peanut shell, coconut shell, and walnut shell (WS) had a positive effect on erythritol production, of which WS pyrolyzed at 500°C (WSc) performed the best in flask fermentation. In a 3.7 L bioreactor, 220.20 ± 10 g/L erythritol with a productivity of 2.30 ± 0.10 g/L/h was obtained in the presence of 1.4% (w/v) WSc and 0.7% SBc (SB pyrolyzed at 500°C) within 96 h. These results suggest that inhibition of hyphal formation together with biochar addition is an efficient way to promote erythritol production.

Topical rhubarb charcoal-crosslinked chitosan/silk fibroin sponge scaffold for the repair of diabetic ulcers improves hepatic lipid deposition in db/db mice via the AMPK signalling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is closely linked to metabolic syndrome, characterised by insulin resistance, hyperglycaemia, abnormal lipid metabolism, and chronic inflammation. Diabetic ulcers (DUs) comprise consequential complications that arise as a result of T2DM. To investigate, db/db mice were used for the disease model. The findings demonstrated that a scaffold made from a combination of rhubarb charcoal-crosslinked chitosan and silk fibroin, designated as RCS/SF, was able to improve the healing process of diabetic wounds in db/db mice. However, previous studies have primarily concentrated on investigating the impacts of the RSC/SF scaffold on wound healing only, while its influence on the entire body has not been fully elucidated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The silk fibroin/chitosan sponge scaffold containing rhubarb charcoal was fabricated in the present study using a freeze-drying approach. Subsequently, an incision with a diameter of 8 mm was made on the dorsal skin of the mice, and the RCS/SF scaffold was applied directly to the wound for 14 days. Subsequently, the impact of RCS/SF scaffold therapy on hepatic lipid metabolism was assessed through analysis of serum and liver biochemistry, histopathology, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting. RESULTS: The use of the RCS/SF scaffold led to an enhancement in the conditions associated with serum glucolipid metabolism in db/db mice. An assessment of hepatic histopathology further confirmed this enhancement. Additionally, the qRT-PCR analysis revealed that treatment with RCS/SF scaffold resulted in the downregulation of genes associated with fatty acid synthesis, fatty acid uptake, triglyceride (TG) synthesis, gluconeogenesis, and inflammatory factors. Moreover, the beneficial effect of the RCS/SF scaffold on oxidative stress was shown by assessing antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation. Additionally, the network pharmacology analysis verified that the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signalling pathway had a vital function in mitigating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by utilizing R. officinale. The measurement of AMPK, sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP1), fatty acid synthase (FASN), and acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC) gene and protein expression provided support for this discovery. Furthermore, the molecular docking investigations revealed a robust affinity between the active components of rhubarb and the downstream targets of AMPK (SREBP1 and FASN). CONCLUSION: By regulating the AMPK signalling pathway, the RCS/SF scaffold applied topically effectively mitigated hepatic lipid accumulation, decreased inflammation, and attenuated oxidative stress. The present study, therefore, emphasises the crucial role of the topical RCS/SF scaffold in regulating hepatic lipid metabolism, thereby confirming the concept of "external and internal reshaping".

Сopper nanoparticles supported on charcoal and betacellulin - Two novel stimulators of ovarian granulosa cell functions and their functional interrelationships.

The present experiments are aimed to examine the effect of copper nanoparticles supported on charcoal (CuNPs/C), growth factor betacellulin (BTC) and their interrelationships in the control of ovarian cell functions. Porcine ovarian granulosa cells were cultured in the presence of CuNPs/C (0, 1, 10 or 100 ng/ml), BTC (100 ng/ml) and the combination of both, CuNPs/C + BTC. Markers of cell proliferation (BrDU incorporation), of the S-phase (PCNA) and G-phase (cyclin B1) of the cell cycle, markers of extrinsic (nuclear DNA fragmentation) and cytoplasmic/mitochondrial apoptosis (bax and caspase 3), and the release of progesterone and estradiol were assessed by BrDU test, TUNEL, quantitative immunocytochemistry and ELISA. Both CuNPs/C and BTC, when added alone, increased the expression of all the markers of cell proliferation, reduced the expression of all apoptosis markers and stimulated progesterone and estradiol release. Moreover, BTC was able to promote the CuNPs/C action on the accumulation of PCNA, cyclin B1, bax and estradiol output. These observations demonstrate the stimulatory action of both CuNPs/C and BTC on ovarian cell functions, as well as the ability of BTC to promote the action of CuNPs/C on ovarian cell functions.

Harnessing the photocatalytic potential of bismuth ferrite-activated carbon nanocomposite (BFO-AC) for Staphylococcus aureus decontamination under visible light.

In response to the escalating global issue of microbial contamination, this study introduces a breakthrough photocatalyst: bismuth ferrite-activated carbon (BFO-AC) for visible light-driven disinfection, specifically targeting the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Employing an ultrasonication method, we synthesized various BFO-AC ratios and subjected them to comprehensive characterization. Remarkably, the bismuth ferrite-activated carbon 1:1.5 ratio (BA 1:1.5) nanocomposite exhibited the narrowest band gap of 1.86 eV. Notably, BA (1:1.5) demonstrated an exceptional BET surface area of 862.99 m2/g, a remarkable improvement compared to pristine BFO with only 27.61 m2/g. Further investigation through FE-SEM unveiled the presence of BFO nanoparticles on the activated carbon surface. Crucially, the photocatalytic efficacy of BA (1:1.5) towards S. aureus reached its zenith, achieving complete inactivation in just 60 min. TEM analysis revealed severe damage and rupture of bacterial cells, affirming the potent disinfection capabilities of BA (1:1.5). This exceptional disinfection efficiency underscores the promising potential of BA (1:1.5) for the treatment of contaminated water sources. Importantly, our results underscore the enhanced photocatalytic performance with an increased content of activated carbon, suggesting a promising avenue for more effective microorganism inactivation.

Biochar relieves the toxic effects of microplastics on the root-rhizosphere soil system by altering root expression profiles and microbial diversity and functions.

The accumulation of microplastics in agricultural soil brings unexpected adverse effects on crop growth and soil quality, which is threatening the sustainability of agriculture. Biochar is an emerging soil amendment material of interest as it can remediate soil pollutants. However, the mechanisms underlying biochar alleviated the toxic effects of microplastics in crops and soil were largely unknown. Using a common economic crop, peanut as targeted species, the present study evaluated the plant physiologica and molecular response and rhizosphere microbiome when facing microplastic contamination and biochar amendment. Transcriptome and microbiome analyses were conducted on peanut root and rhizosphere soil treated with CK (no microplastic and no biochar addition), MP (1.5% polystyrene microplastic addition) and MB (1.5% polystyrene microplastic+2% peanut shell biochar addition). The results indicated that microplastics had inhibitory effects on plant root development and rhizosphere bacterial diversity and function. However, biochar application could significantly promote the expressions of key genes associated with antioxidant activities, lignin synthesis, nitrogen transport and energy metabolism to alleviate the reactive oxygen species stress, root structure damage, nutrient transport limitation, and energy metabolism inhibition induced by microplastic contamination on the root. In addition, the peanut rhizosphere microbiome results showed that biochar application could restore the diversity and richness of microbial communities inhibited by microplastic contamination and promote nutrient availability of rhizosphere soil by regulating the abundance of nitrogen cycling-related and organic matter decomposition-related microbial communities. Consequently, the application of biochar could enhance root development by promoting oxidative stress resistance, nitrogen transport and energy metabolism and benefit the rhizosphere microecological environment for root development, thereby improved the plant-soil system health of microplastic-contaminated agroecosystem.

Enhanced use of chemical fertilizers and mitigation of heavy metal toxicity using biochar and the soil fungus Bipolaris maydis AF7 in rice: Genomic and metabolomic perspectives.

Chemical fertilizers are the primary source of crop nutrition; however, their increasing rate of application has created environmental hazards, such as heavy metal toxicity and eutrophication. The synchronized use of chemical fertilizers and eco-friendly biological tools, such as microorganisms and biochar, may provide an efficient foundation to promote sustainable agriculture. Therefore, the current study aimed to optimize the nutrient uptake using an inorganic fertilizer, sulfate of potash (SOP) from the plant growth-promoting fungus Bipolaris maydis AF7, and biochar under heavy metal toxicity conditions in rice. Bioassay analysis showed that AF7 has high resistance to heavy metals and a tendency to produce gibberellin, colonize the fertilizer, and increase the intake of free amino acids. In the plant experiment, the co-application of AF7 +Biochar+MNF+SOP significantly lowered the heavy metal toxicity, enhanced the nutrient uptake in the rice shoots, and improved the morphological attributes (total biomass). Moreover, the co-application augmented the glucose and sucrose levels, whereas it significantly lowered the endogenous phytohormone levels (salicylic acid and jasmonic acid) in the rice shoots. The increase in nutrient content aligns with the higher expression of the OsLSi6, PHT1, and OsHKT1 genes. The plant growth traits and heavy metal tolerance of AF7 were validated by whole-genome sequencing that showed the presence of the heavy metal tolerance and detoxification protein, siderophore iron transporter, Gibberellin cluster GA4 desaturase, and DES_1 genes, as well as others that regulate glucose, antioxidants, and amino acids. Because the AF7 +biochar+inorganic fertilizer works synergistically, nutrient availability to the crops could be improved, and heavy metal toxicity and environmental hazards could be minimized.