BioResources (E-Journal)
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Compositional Analysis of Melon Seeds: Insights into the Development of Sustainable Value-Added Products
No full textAgricultural waste is a growing global concern, with about 30% of food that is currently wasted in Brazil. Melon (Cucumis melo), which is widely cultivated in semi-arid regions, generates significant residues, including seeds, peels, and pulp, that are often discarded improperly, causing environmental impacts. These by-products have a rich lignocellulosic composition, making them promising raw materials for biofuels, bioplastics, and other valuable renewable compounds. Importantly, their use does not compete with the food supply, aligning with circular economic principles. This study evaluated the potential of seeds from five melon varieties as lignocellulosic biomass. The seeds underwent pretreatment by drying under controlled conditions and grinding to produce a homogeneous powder for analysis. Moisture, ash, and lignocellulosic components (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) were assessed. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey’s test to identify significant differences among varieties. The caipira and cantaloupe varieties exhibited notably high holocellulose and lignin contents. Elevated holocellulose levels enhance the structural integrity of sustainable materials, while lignin contributes antimicrobial properties and serves as a precursor for high-value compounds such as resins, antioxidants, and bio-based polymers
The Symphony of Wood and Dance: Exploring the Role of Wood Culture in Chinese Traditional Dance
No full textThe study explores the significance of wood as a surrogate of nature in Chinese traditional dance, emphasizing its dual role as both a medium for cultural transmission and an element of artistic expression. Through the analysis of wooden props such as fans and drums, the study reveals the symbolic meanings conveyed by wood in dance and its deep connection to nature and life. Through their biophilic interaction with wood, dancers articulate a reverence for nature and reflections on life, creating a unique cultural resonance with the audience. Case studies of the Han ethnic group's Jiaozhou Yangge Fan Dance and the Tibetan Reba Dance illustrate the important role of wood in emotional expression and cultural identity. Future research can focus on the innovative incorporation of wood in contemporary dance to promote the integration of traditional and modern dance arts
Influence of Candelilla Wax on Mechanical Strength, Thermal Stability, and Moisture Resistance of Cassava-based Thermoplastic Starch Composites
No full textA bio-based reinforcement strategy was studied as a means to overcome the inherent weaknesses of thermoplastic cassava starch (TPCS), namely its low mechanical strength and high susceptibility to moisture. Candelilla wax, a natural hydrophobic additive, was incorporated into TPCS at different loadings (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 wt %) and processed via hot-press compression moulding. The fabricated composites were characterised to examine the effects of wax addition on their mechanical, thermal, and moisture-resistance performance. Mechanical tests (tensile, flexural, and impact), with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The incorporation of candelilla wax notably improved the material’s performance, particularly at 5 wt%, where tensile strength and modulus increased 77.4% and 615%, respectively. Flexural and impact strength also increased, indicating enhanced toughness. The SEM micrographs showed rougher fracture surfaces with increasing wax, while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) confirmed intermolecular hydrogen bonding between starch and wax. Improved thermal stability and reduced water sensitivity were also observed, with the 10 wt % wax composites exhibiting the lowest moisture absorption, solubility, and swelling. Overall, candelilla wax proved effective in strengthening TPCS both structurally and functionally, highlighting its potential for sustainable biodegradable materials in moisture-sensitive applications
Cytotoxic Effects of Green Synthesis Se/ZnO Nanoparticles on Allium cepa and their Potential to Inhibit Mycotoxin Synthesis
No full textDespite their dubious safety, nanoparticles (NPs) are beneficial in many areas, particularly in agriculture. Though a variety of commercial nano- fertilizers, pesticides, and insecticides are available, little is known about their potential detrimental effects on plant cells. A Se/ZnO nanoparticle complex was synthesized utilizing Ficus nitida fruit extract as both a reducing and stabilizing agent, yielding an eco-friendly product.The common food plant Allium cepa was treated with Se/ZnO NP suspension. Transmission electron microscopic analyses of the NPs were performed, including Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), zeta potential, X-ray diffraction, and FTIR characterizations.This study examined the cytological impact and chromosomal patterns of Allium cepa root meristems after treatment by Se/ZnO-NPs. Results show that all applied concentrations of NPs decreased the mitotic index (MI). The many chromosomal defects that were caused by NPs included disrupted and sticky chromosomes. Aflatoxin levels (B1, B2, G1, G2) were quantified in vegetables inoculated with Aspergillus flavus. Tomatoes and potatoes showed the highest contamination, in contrast, garlic and beet exhibited minimal or undetectable levels, suggesting resistance. The effect of Se/ZnO-NPs (0 to 40 ppm) on A. flavus growth and aflatoxin production was evaluated. While 5 ppm stimulated growth, higher concentrations significantly reduced both biomass and aflatoxins. These findings suggest that Se/ZnO- NPs treatment as an effective strategy to suppress A. flavus and its toxin production in contaminated crops
Research Progress of Finite Element Technology in Wood Processing
No full textWith the development of the wood processing industry toward intelligence, automation, and informatization, Finite Element Analysis(FEA) technology has become increasingly mature in this field. It effectively simulates various aspects, including the properties of wood materials, drying processes, and cutting operations. In material property analysis, FEA technology accurately models the anisotropy and heterogeneity of wood, predicting its mechanical responses under different loading conditions. For drying simulations, it establishes moisture migration models to predict drying stress and reduce defects. In cutting processes, FEA technology analyzes cutting forces, temperature distributions, and surface quality, providing theoretical support for parameter optimization. This review focuses on FEA applications in wood processing, encompassing both solid wood and engineered wood products, simulating and characterizing the drying process of wood products, and modeling cutting operations. It highlights challenges such as model accuracy and algorithm optimization, suggesting that continuous improvements in FEA models and algorithms can further enhance processing efficiency and product quality. Finally, it explores the role of FEA technology in driving innovation and promoting sustainable development in wood processing
Effects of Structural Configurations on the Bending Performance and Dimensional Stability of Laminated Bamboo Made from Two Gigantochloa Species
No full textEngineered laminated bamboo plays a crucial role in structural applications, addressing challenges such as bamboo’s natural variability, species differences, adhesives, and loading direction. This study examines the bending performance of three-layered laminated bamboo configurations using two species, Gigantochloa scortechinii and G. levis, bonded with phenol-resorcinol-formaldehyde (PRF) and polyurethane (PUR) adhesives. Laminated bamboo was assembled with lay-up patterns (parallel and perpendicular) and arrangements (vertical, horizontal, and mixed). Four-point bending tests under flatwise and edgewise loading were used to determine flexural performance and failure modes. Results showed that PUR-bonded bamboo had lower thickness swelling (TS) and water absorption (WA). While bamboo species did not significantly affect bending performance, the adhesive type, lay-up pattern, and arrangement were influential. Flatwise loading improved the modulus of elasticity (MOE) by 5% but reduced the modulus of rupture (MOR) by 10% compared to edgewise loading. PRF-bonded bamboo outperformed PUR in strength, making it preferable for structural use. Vertical arrangements with PRF and PUR adhesives yielded optimal bending performance, emphasizing the importance of adhesive selection and configuration in enhancing laminated bamboo’s structural properties
Enhancing Polyester Composites with Nano Aristida hystrix Fibers: Mechanical and Microstructural Insights
No full textThe utilization of natural fibers in polymer composites is increasingly popular due to their sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and favorable mechanical properties. This study introduces the novel use of Aristida hystrix fibers, processed for the first time into nano-sized particles via ball milling, to enhance dispersion and bonding within a polyester matrix. These nanoparticles were incorporated into polyester resin at various weight percentages (0 wt%, 1 wt%, 3 wt%, 5 wt%, 7 wt%, and 9 wt%), and composite laminates were fabricated using solvent casting and compression molding techniques. Mechanical properties were evaluated through tensile, flexural, and impact strength tests following ASTM standards. The composite containing 5 wt% nano fiber exhibited the optimum mechanical performance, with tensile strength of 30.13 MPa, flexural strength of 43.685 MPa, and impact strength of 1.87 kJ/m². At higher fiber loadings, particle agglomeration led to performance reduction. Water absorption studies indicated that increased nano fiber content resulted in higher moisture uptake, influencing long-term durability. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) provided insights into fiber–matrix interfacial behavior, dispersion quality, and fracture mechanisms. Overall, this work establishes the first-time development of polyester composites reinforced with nano Aristida hystrix fibers, demonstrating their potential as a sustainable and high-performance material for lightweight structural applications in automotive, aerospace, and marine sectors
Phytochemical Profile and Antioxidant Activity of Juglans regia L. Green Husk Extracts from Tuyserkan Region, Iran
No full textGreen husk is a byproduct of the walnut (Juglans regia L.) and could be a potential source of phytochemicals with important bioactivities. The extracts of J. regia L. green husk collected from the Tuyserkan region of Hamedan province were evaluated for their phytochemical profile and antioxidant activities. The chemical composition of crude extracts was analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). LC-MS analysis of green husk aqueous methanolic extract detected several compounds including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and hydrolyzable tannins. GC-MS analysis of the methanolic extracts revealed the presence of 1,2-dimethylbenzene (3.4%), methyl 14-methylpentadecanoate (2.82%), and methyl stearate (2.7%) as major compounds. The major components identified in the GC-MS analysis of non-polar hexane extract were (23S)-ethylcholest-5-en-3-β-ol (32.2%), δ-tocopherol (16.8%), lupeol (11.8%), and octadecane (5.7%). The antioxidant activity of the crude extracts was evaluated by DPPH assay, which showed aqueous methanol extract to be a more effective antioxidant agent (22.7%) compared to the hexane extract (14%) at the concentration of 1000 ppm. The findings suggest that methanolic extracts of walnut green husks from the Tuyserkan region are rich in bioactive compounds and exhibit more potent antioxidant activity than hexane extracts, demonstrating their potential use in pharmaceutical and food industries
Application of Paulownia Wood Based on Fuzzy Theory Decision-Making
No full textThis study examined parental and children’s perceived value preferences regarding wooden toy materials to facilitate more efficient toy selection while evaluating whether fast-growing Paulownia wood can serve as a valuable alternative to high-consumption timber species to promote green toy adoption. The research employed three common wood types used in toys, furniture, and construction - ash, beech, and Paulownia - to fabricate experimental toy prototypes. Through on-site observations and questionnaires, parental preferences were documented across five dimensions: surface characteristics, price, usage cycle, environmental friendliness, and suitability. Results were analyzed using fuzzy theory for data recording, SPSS 27 for descriptive statistics, and fuzzy analytic hierarchy process for solution validation. Findings indicate that while Paulownia showed slightly weaker advantages in surface characteristics and modest benefits in usage cycle and suitability, it demonstrated significant advantages in price competitiveness and environmental performance, suggesting substantial potential for wider adoption
Modification of Cellulosic Dietary Fiber and Comparison of its Physicochemical and Functional Properties
No full textSporisorium reilianum is an emerging fungal resource rich in dietary fiber (DF), but conventional extraction yields suboptimal functionality. Using Sporisorium reilianum as raw material, the extraction process of modified dietary fiber (DF) was optimized through response surface methodology by adjusting the compound enzyme concentration, enzymatic hydrolysis time, material-to-liquid ratio, pH, and temperature. The optimal modification conditions for xylanase were a material-to-liquid ratio of 1:14.8 (g/mL), enzymatic hydrolysis temperature of 63 ℃, and pH of 6.24, with an average yield of modified soluble DF (S-SDF) of 15.1%. The swelling power, water-holding capacity, and oil-holding capacity of S-SDF were significantly higher than those of unmodified SDF. The overall adsorption capacities for cholesterol and sodium cholate of S-SDF and modified insoluble DF (S-IDF) were higher than those of unmodified IDF and SDF. The glucose adsorption capacity followed the order: S-IDF > IDF > S-SDF > SDF, and it exhibited dose-dependence. The modified DF still retained crystallinity having the same crystalline form. The monosaccharides remained predominantly composed of glucose. The modified DF showed superior adsorption capacities, enabling applications in cholesterol-lowering foods and gut health products