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Valorization of Charry Pit Waste: Efficient Oil Extraction for Biodiesel Production
No full textMaking chemicals and biofuels from biomass is one of the most promising approaches.
Growing concerns over land and water use, deforestation and food security have challenged
the sustainability of traditional biodiesel feedstocks. Waste from stone fruit, such as cherry
seeds, offers a promising, low-cost, and low-acid feedstock for biodiesel production due to its
high-oil content (above 50% of seed mass), and the large amounts of waste generated by the
food industry, posing significant environmental challenges. This study presents preliminary
results of oil extraction from cherry pits of the Oblačinska variety (Prunus cerasus L.), as a
potential step toward their valorization in second-generation biodiesel synthesis.
In order to achieve optimal yield and oil quality, solvent extraction was performed on both
finely milled whole kernels (shall + seed) and separated seeds, using several non-polar
solvents, with or without the use of a Soxhlet apparatus. The effect of extraction time on oil
yield was initially tested. Interestingly, the results revealed no significant increase in oil yield
beyond 5 min, ranging from 26,9±1,1% to 28,4±0,42% for seeds, while similar trends were
observed in previous extractions from whole cherry pits. These findings suggest that nearly
complete oil extraction can be achieved within five minutes, highlighting the efficiency of the
process for potential upscaling. The short extraction time is attributed to the high oil
accessibility in cherry seeds, fine particle size, and the use of petroleum ether as an effective
non-polar solvent. Detailed analysis of the extracted oils included acylglycerols,
phospholipids, hydrocarbons, and pigments, using GC-MS, GPC, HPLC, HPLC-MS, and
Raman spectroscopy. Fatty acid profiling was conducted by GC–MS/FID after derivatization
Kritički pregled strategija upravljanja disipacijom energije za kontrolu vibracija konstrukcija
No full textPassive control is one of the oldest systems of structure
safety against dynamic loads. This strategy offers a structural protection using passive devices without needing any
energy source or automation. Around the world, several of
structures and tall buildings are equipped by these control
devices. The passive control consists of a passive device
superposed onto the main structure to improve the flexibility
or damping. Therefore, during earthquake or wind excitation
the additional devices absorb or reduce the caused shock
and vibration of the structure. However, the literature is
full of studies and investigations on the passive control application in the civil engineering area. Several of these investigations consider the effectiveness of energy dissipater
devices to overcome structural disaster during earthquake
loads. The main focus of the paper is to discuss the state-ofthe-art of the passive control energy dissipater system. Different passive devices are described and the robustness in
mitigating of earthquake structural vibration is discussed.Pasivno upravljanje je jedan od najstarijih sistema za
bezbednost konstrukcija protiv dinamičkih opterećenja. Ova
strategija pruža zaštitu konstrukcija primenom pasivnih uređaja koji ne koriste izvor energije ili automatiku. Nekoliko
konstrukcija u svetu, na primer visoke zgrade, poseduju ove
upravljačke sisteme. Pasivno upravljanje se sastoji iz pasivnog uređaja koji se montira na glavnu konstrukciju radi
poboljšanja fleksibilnosti ili prigušenja. Stoga, pri zemljotresu ili opterećenju od vetra, dopunski uređaji apsorbuju
ili redukuju izazvani šok i vibracije na konstrukciji. U literaturi postoji mnogo studija i istraživanja o primeni pasivnog
upravljanja u oblasti građevinarstva. Neka istraživanja razmatraju efikasnost ovih uređaja za disipaciju energije, kako
bi se sprečile katastrofe prilikom opterećenja od zemljotresa.
Cilj rada je diskusija tehnički najnaprednijih sistema pasivnog upravljanja disipacijom energije. Opisani su razni
pasivni uređaji i data je diskusija robusnosti u smanjenju
vibracija konstrukcija prouzrokovanih zemljotresom
Chitosan/Pectin Layer-by-Layer Coatings Enriched with Strawberry Pomace Extract: A Path to Obtaining Sustainable Bio-Colored Healthcare Cotton Fabric
No full textThe purpose of this paper is to develop sustainable bio-colored healthcare cotton fabrics
using chitosan/pectin layer-by-layer coatings enriched with strawberry pomace extract.
Ultrasound-assisted extraction of bioactive compounds from strawberry pomace was
optimized using a Box–Behnken experimental design to maximize the total polyphenol
content (29.6 mg GAE/g DW). HPLC analysis confirmed the presence and quantity of
anthocyanins in the extract obtained under optimized conditions (time: 37 min, ethanol
concentration: 48.4%, liquid-to-solid ratio: 40.4 mL/g). This extract was used to enrich
chitosan/pectin coatings, and applied onto cotton fabric using a layer-by-layer technique.
Among the fabrics with 0, 4, 8, and 12 bilayers of chitosan/pectin coating enriched with
extract, the 12-bilayer coated fabric exhibited the best bioactivity: 98.4% antioxidant activity,
outstanding antibacterial efficacy, and the highest release of extract over 24 h. The last
two properties showed a strong linear correlation with the number of bilayers, adsorbed
extract, and weight gain. In vitro cytotoxicity testing proved the non-cytotoxic nature
of 12-bilayer fabric extract. Additionally, the performed 12-bilayer coating imparted a
natural reddish-brown color, high color strength (K/S = 1.45), and excellent UV protection
(UPF 79.4), offering a sustainable, multifunctional approach for obtaining bio-colored cotton
fabrics suited for wound dressing and other healthcare applications
Development and characterisation of soy protein-based biodegradable food packaging
No full textIntroduction: Providing enough food and adequate nutrition for the growing
world population will be challenging, since millions face hunger each year.
At the same time, tonnes of food are wasted annually, posing both ethical
and environmental concerns. Consequently, finding effective solutions that
would substantially reduce food waste has become an imperative. Among
various strategies, packaging emerges as promising approach. However,
petroleum-based polymers, which dominate food-packaging market, pose a
serious environmental burden, thus turning one solution into a new problem.
Hence, the development of novel packaging materials based on natural
polymers offers a promising compromise between reducing food waste and
achieving sustainability goals. Protein-based packaging materials offer
several advantages compared to those obtained from polysaccharides and
lipids, primarily in terms of superior oxygen barrier and mechanical
properties. This work focuses on the development of sustainable soy proteinbased films and coatings. ..
ЕКО-репелент [Златна медаља]
No full textЕКО-репелент је иновативни материјал са репелентним и инсектицидним својством против складишних инсеката махунарки и житарица са потврђеним биостимулаторним ефектом на виталност и клијање семена. Еколошки прихватљива зелена технологија производње материјала без употребе органских растварача и генерисања отпадних вода гарантује сигурност и здравствену безбедност производа. Базиран је на биокомпатибилном и биодеградабилном полимеру и биоактивним компонентама биљног порекла, које се отпуштају на контролисани начин током дужег времена, чиме обезбеђују стабилну и продужену заштиту семена.Златна медаља за „ЕКО-репелент" на ТЕСЛА ФЕСТУ 2025, 39. међународном фестивалу иновација, знања и стваралаштва који се одржао у Новом Саду од 12. до 15. октобра. Овај догађај је организован од стране Савеза проналазача Војводине, а под покровитељством Владе Републике Србије, Покрајинске владе и Града Новог Сада.
Производ је заштићен са две националне (П-2024/0758, П-2025/0366) и једном међународном патентном пријавом (PCT/РС2025/000003).Производ је добио Посебну награду од румунског друштва за иновације Corneliu group Association
Lignin- and Cellulose-Based Materials as Potential Platforms for Enzyme Immobilization
No full textThis chapter provides an overview of the potential of natural biopolymers, such as lignin and cellulose, and agro-industrial waste as carriers for enzyme immobilization. For this purpose, the materials are categorized into three groups: lignin-based supports, cellulose-based supports, and lignocellulosic-based agroindustrial wastes. The chapter highlights significant potential of these materials for enzyme immobilization, particularly agro-industrial waste, which is underutilized and poses environmental challenges when improperly stored. The chapter also emphasizes the benefits of using these biopolymers and waste materials, including their low cost and wide availability. Developing more sustainable and cost-effective biocatalysts can reduce negative environmental impacts, give contribution to the application of the concept of bio-economy, and enhance the application of enzymatic technology in industry. Furthermore, the chapter discusses the enzyme immobilization techniques and presents various areas of application of immobilized biocatalysts. Overall, the chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the potential of natural biopolymers (lignin and cellulose) and agro-industrial waste as carriers for enzyme immobilization, highlighting their potential benefits and applications.Part of the book series: Topics in Organometallic Chemistry, Volume 7
Integrating Acheta domesticus into Cocoa Cream Products: Nutritional Enhancement and Impact on Technological Properties
No full textOver the past few decades, people have become increasingly aware of how the ingredients in their food affect their health, leading to significant changes in dietary habits. A notable trend is the growing demand for high-protein foods. However, as consumption of high-protein products increases, manufacturers face challenges in sourcing enough protein to meet this rising demand. One promising alternative is insect protein, which has attracted considerable attention in recent years due to its high nutritional value, with Acheta domesticus protein containing up to 80% protein per gram. To explore this potential, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of integrating different concentrations (10%, 12.5%, and 15%) of Acheta domesticus protein powder into cocoa cream products. The study’s findings indicated that incorporation of Acheta Domesticus protein resulted in a limited alteration in the particle size distribution of the cocoa cream, while sensory evaluations confirmed the absence of a gritty texture. In addition to sensory analysis, the study examined chemical composition, rheological properties, texture, color, and thermal characteristics. These results were compared with a control sample. The findings of this study indicate that the samples with 12.5 and 15% of the added protein can claim a nutritional statement “source of protein”
Occupational Exposure to Heavy Metal(loid)-Contaminated Soil from Mining Operations: A Case Study of the Majdanpek Site, Serbia
No full textThis study investigated the occupational hazard effects of heavy metal(loid)s (HMs) from soil in several critical mining activity areas at the Majdanpek copper mine in Serbia. Soil contamination and associated ecological and health risks to workers were evaluated through an apportionment of sources and a quantitative evaluation of ecological and health risks. The majority of soil samples had increased concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Hg, As, Mo, and Sb. The results of the multivariate statistical analysis suggested the existence of multiple sources. The positive matrix factorization further explained these associations between HMs and defined three main pollution sources: natural (Factor 1), mixed source (Factor 2), and mining pollution (Factor 3). According to the RI, the average value was 1215, with more than half of the samples (57.4%) showing very high pollution levels, while 3.3% of the samples had an RI lower than 150. The ecological risk was dominated by Cd, Cu, and Hg, with Factor 3 contributing the most to the RI values. Assessment of worker exposure to soil revealed that outdoor workers had a higher potential for adverse health effects, with mean HI and TCR being 0.18 and 2.9 × 10−5, respectively. The identified sources had similar impacts on non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks, with a decreasing trend: Factor 3 > Factor 2 > Factor 1. Indoor workers were exposed to neither non-carcinogenic or carcinogenic risks, whereas outdoor workers suffered from possible health issues regarding TCR. Source-specific health risk assessment indicated mining pollution as the only risk contributing factor. A Monte Carlo simulation of risks revealed that the probability of developing carcinogenic issues for outdoor workers was within the safety threshold (TCR < 10−4). The findings of this study emphasize the need for regulation and control strategies for worker health risks from HM-contaminated soil in mining areas
The Effect of Composition and Heat Treatment on Impact Toughness of Hadfield Steel
No full textThe effect of composition and heat treatment on impact toughness of Hadfield steel is investigated. Water quenching and additional aging was applied to 12Mn steel (two different compositions), 16Mn and 16MnV steels and instrumented Charpy pendulum is used to determine the total energy, as well as the energies for crack initiation and propagation to follow closely the effects of composition and heat treatment. Microstructure was examined as well, to get better insight into these effects. It was shown that 16Mn steels after water quenching and 12Mn steels after water quenching and aging have satisfactory impact toughness values. In any case, steels investigated here turned out to be sensitive to cracking, whereas their resistance to crack propagation was good enough
Design of leaf protein-based nanoparticles for vitamin B12 and folic acid delivery
No full textThis research is focused on the design of advanced delivery systems for selected model compounds (folic acid and vitamin B12) based on nanocarrier structures derived from the soluble protein fraction previously isolated from pumpkin leaves. The proteins were isolated from fresh leaves stored at -80 °C after harvesting, using a three-step method: mechanical disruption of plant cells, heat-induced precipitation of the green fraction, and acid precipitation of the soluble white fraction. Novel delivery systems were produced by combining pH shifting and cold gelation, avoiding the high working temperatures used in other procedures, which could promote the degradation, destabilization, and loss of activity of the active compounds. Nanoparticle size and morphology were characterized by Dynamic Light Scattering and Transmission Electron Microscopy, while encapsulation efficiency was determined by HPLC-UV. It was determined that an extensive purification was not required to achieve the desired functionality of the protein fraction for high performance in the design of a vitamin delivery system. Since particle size affects the texture and sensory properties of the final food product, the effects of initial pH, calcium and protein concentrations, and the type and concentration of bioactive compounds were investigated with respect to nanoparticle morphology, size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index. Protein nanocarrier appeared to be more effective for vitamin B12 encapsulation, achieving high vitamin loading and enabling controlled release under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Initial pH had the highest impact, and the optimal formulation was obtained with 5 mM CaCl2, protein concentration of 6 mg/mL, and the final pH of 8