BioResources (E-Journal)
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Efficacy of Sodium Silicate on Aspergillus flavus and its Action on Cell Wall Degrading Enzymes with Molecular Docking Studies
No full textThe extent of spoilage of fruits and vegetables increases post harvest, and fungi is one of the greatest causes. The effect of sodium silicate on Aspergillus flavus and its cell wall degrading enzymes, namely polygalacturonic acid transeliminase (PGTE), pectin methyltranseliminase (PMTE), and pectin lyase (PL), was investigated via molecular docking. At the 4th day, 100 mM of sodium silicate completely inhibited A. flavus, while it reflected 79.70, 61.16, 56.82, and 37.23% inhibition at 6, 8,10, and 12 days, respectively. The PGTE (369.33 ± 2.08 U/mL) showed maximum activity at 8th day in the medium without sodium silicate, also at 20 to 80 mM sodium silicate, their maximum activity was recorded at the 8th day, while it reached to maximum at 10th day in the medium with 100 mM sodium silicate. The PMTE recorded highest activity at the 6th day (414.00 ± 1.73 U/mL) without sodium silicate, at 8th day when sodium silicate ranged from 20 to 80 mM, and at 10th day (97.67 ± 1.25 U/mL) with 100 mM sodium silicate. Day 8 was optimum for PL activity. Sodium silicate demonstrates potent interaction with the active sites of the studied proteins, suggesting its potential as a molecular inhibitor of studied enzymes
Effects of Pyrolysis Temperature of Macroalgal Biomass on the Structure and Mechanical Properties of Produced Biochar
No full textBiochars, produced via pyrolysis, are gaining attention in applications ranging from soil amendments to energy storage and environmental remediation. While lignocellulosic biochars from woody biomass are well studied, algal biochars remain comparatively overlooked despite offering diverse organic and inorganic content that may broaden their applications. This study investigates how pyrolysis temperature and oxidative pretreatment affect the structure and properties of biochars derived from two macroalgae, Ulva expansa and Sargassum sp., under various pyrolysis conditions (500 to 900 °C). Using Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and nanoindentation, it was found that the C-O and C-N surface functional groups decreased in Ulva but the C=O and C-O-C groups increased in Sargassum upon pyrolysis. The reduced modulus ranged between 2.6 to 7.9 GPa and was governed by pyrolytic carbon content and inorganic composition. Of these two factors, the amount and type of pyrolytic carbon were determined by the heating conditions, with oxidation at 200 °C generally preserving more carbon than oxidation at 300 °C. Meanwhile, the final pyrolysis temperature dictated residual carbon content, salt formation, and carbonation. These findings highlight the potential for tailored pyrolysis to produce algal biochars with customizable structures and properties, enabling environmental and industrial applications such as carbon sequestration, filtration, and energy storage
Chemical and Mechanistic Aspects of Wood Finishing: A Review Encompassing Paints and Clear Coats
No full textThis review article considers the formulation of a broad range of coatings designed for the protection and changing the appearance of wood surfaces. Findings from the literature are considered from the standpoint of the main chemical components, how they can be formulated into a spreadable product, the events leading to curing, and factors affecting the performance of the resulting coating layers on wood surfaces. A series of hypotheses are considered, relating to the mechanisms underlying wood coating products and their usage. Special attention is paid to the topics of adhesion at the coating-wood interface, the development of film strength and hardness, and challenges related to the past and continuing development of waterborne coating formulations. The modern technologist seeking to coat wood has many options to choose from, and there has been a need to make current knowledge related to the field more available to the wider scientific community
Experimental Study and Finite Element Analysis on the Seismic Performance of Ancient Architectural Kanchuang Frame with Different Impact Parameters Considered
No full textTo study the seismic performance of ancient timber structures with attached windows and masonry walls, a low-cycle reciprocating load test was conducted on a 1:2 scaled model of the Kanchuang frame. The frame’s failure modes, hysteretic behavior, skeleton curves, stiffness degradation, and energy dissipation capacity of the frame were obtained. Test results showed that the masonry wall of the structure was the first to crack and fail. The tenons of the wood window pulled out of the mortises gradually while the loading displacement increased. In addition, finite element models of the Chinese traditional Kanchuang frame were established and analyzed. The test results were basically consistent with the finite element analysis results. Based on the finite element models, the influences of impact parameters including friction coefficient, elastic modulus, compressive strength in parallel-to-grain directions, and vertical loads on the seismic performance of the Kanchuang frame were analyzed. The results showed that the ultimate load-bearing capacity, initial stiffness, and energy dissipation capacity of the Kanchuang frame are increased with the increase of friction coefficient, compress strength, and the elastic modulus. The influence of elastic modulus in perpendicular-to-grain directions was minor. The initial stiffness and energy dissipation capacity of the structure increased while the vertical loads increased. However, the ultimate peak loads and stiffness decreased with the increase of the vertical loads
Family Parent-Child Woodworking: An Experimental Study on Children Making Luban Locks
No full textThis study examined the feasibility and benefits of children completing woodworking projects at home in Chinese families, using online video tutorials and parental guidance. A survey assessed family interest and gathered background information, selecting 36 Chinese families with children aged 7 to 12 for an experiment on making traditional Luban locks. The projects were divided into two levels: a basic, video-assisted three-post lock completed by children with parental help; and an advanced, six-post lock, requiring families to find resources independently. Results indicate that the majority of families showed strong interest in parent-child woodworking (76.7%) and successfully completed the basic project (94.4%). However, only a small minority managed to complete the advanced project (8.3%). The study indicates that while children aged 7 to 12 are in a concrete operational stage of cognitive development, success in these projects isn’t solely age-dependent. Parent-child woodworking in Chinese families appears feasible and beneficial for cognitive growth when projects are age-appropriate. Findings suggest designing tasks within a child’s zone of proximal development with corresponding resources, offering insights for family-based learning approaches
Carbon Credit: Harnessing Green Solutions for Climate Mitigation
No full textClimate change is a serious global challenge with rising greenhouse gas emissions driving the need for effective carbon sequestration strategies. Carbon sequestration plants, such as fast-growing tree species, bioenergy plants, agroforestry systems, and blue carbon ecosystems, play a critical role in capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide. Despite increasing interest, there is a lack of integrated reviews that connect plant-based sequestration mechanisms with emerging technologies and policy instruments such as carbon credits. This review explores the mechanisms of carbon sequestration in plants, emphasizing the contributions through aboveground and belowground biomass accumulation, soil carbon retention, and microbial interactions. Key plant species, including Eucalyptus, Paulownia, bamboo, and mangroves, have demonstrated high sequestration potential and are discussed. This article aims to synthesize current knowledge while identifying opportunities for enhancing carbon sequestration through biotechnology and policy. This review also highlights emerging biotechnological advancements, such as genetic modifications, to improve carbon uptake efficiency and growing potential of blue carbon ecosystems. Emerging digital tools such as AI-based monitoring and blockchain supported carbon credit tracking are discussed as complementary systems to improve data transparency, verification and trust in carbon markets. By aligning scientific innovation with policy and social engagement, carbon credit can serve as a key element for climate mitigation strategies
Impact of Drying Temperature on the Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Butterfly Pea Flower Powder
No full textButterfly pea flower (BPF) powder, which is rich in bioactive compounds, was evaluated for the impact of various drying methods on its solubility, physical properties, and chemical composition. Four drying methods were used: thermal drying at 50 °C, 60 °C, 70 °C, and natural sun drying. The powders were assessed for solubility time, hygroscopicity, density, flowability, and chemical stability using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). Solubility times ranged from 148 to 162 s, with no significant differences. The 70 °C dried sample (Sample C) had the fastest dissolution rate and highest hygroscopicity. Total phenolic and anthocyanin contents increased with temperature, peaking in sun-dried samples (Sample D). Density measurements showed Sample C had the highest bulk density and optimal flowability, while Sample D had superior water holding capacity. The SEM analysis revealed morphological differences, with Sample A showing a smooth surface and Sample C exhibiting significant particle disintegration. The XRD analysis showed that Sample C had the highest crystallinity. The FTIR analysis confirmed the stability of key functional groups, with sun-dried samples retaining phenolic compounds. These findings suggest drying methods can optimize BPF powder’s properties, enhancing its bioactivity for health applications
Development and Performance Evaluation of Rice Straw Particleboard Bonded with Chitosan
No full textSingle-layer particleboards were fabricated from rice straw bonded with chitosan. The rice straw was pre-treated by steam explosion to reduce the extractives and ash contents. The obtained pulp was analyzed for chemical composition, which indicated that the steam explosion pretreatment effectively decreased the extractives and ash contents. The effects of steam explosion pretreatment and chitosan contents on mechanical properties and dimensional stability of rice straw particleboards were explored. The mechanical properties and dimensional stability of particleboards made of steam exploded rice straw showed significant improvement. Addition of chitosan increased the mechanical properties and dimensional stability of particleboards. The mechanical properties and dimensional stability of particleboards improved with the increase of chitosan content
Development of Molded Fibers-Based Packaging from Sugarcane Bagasse for Sustainable Alternatives to Single-Use Plastics
No full textMolded fiber-based packaging has recently surged in popularity as a replacement for single-use plastics (SUPs). However, key challenges include the lack of low-cost, high-yield sustainable fibers that provide adequate strength and moldability while reducing drying energy consumption, which is essential for widespread adoption. Therefore, this study explores high-yield, sustainable fiber development for molded packaging applications through carbonate and bicarbonate pulping, as well as oxygen delignification. Furthermore, it examines mild refining and cationic starch treatments to balance strength and drainage properties during the molding process. Results show that carbonate and bicarbonate pulping of sugarcane bagasse achieved yields of approximately 72%, while oxygen delignification reduced yield by 2% but improves mechanical performance by 25%. Mild refining decreased dryness by 10%, whereas adding 1% cationic starch enhanced dryness by 9% and increased mechanical strength by up to 60%. These alternative fibers from sugarcane bagasse present a viable solution for replacing SUP packaging, helping to mitigate pollution and reduce waste accumulation
Microwave-assisted Deep Eutectic Solvent Pretreatment of Salix babylonica for High-Purity and Antioxidative Lignin Production
No full textTwo kinds of deep eutectic solvents (DES) were synthetized and utilized microwave-assisted technology to rapidly disrupt the recalcitrance of lignocellulosic biomass, thereby further enhancing the yield of lignin and obtaining lignin with high-purity and notable antioxidant properties. The DES system, synthetized with choline chloride/formic acid and choline chloride/tartaric acid in a molar ratio of 1:6, was carried out at 140 °C for efficient lignocellulosic biomass separation. Surprisingly, the application of microwave-assisted DES for extracting lignin from Salix babylonica wood was able to substantially shorten the conventional 12 h extraction process to 30 min while significantly improving the separation efficiency. Especially for the DES system synthetized with choline chloride and formic acid, after pretreatment for 30 min, the lignin yield was 70.8%. The lignin fractions had high purity (>88%) and low molecular weight (Mw 1756 to 2546 g/mol). Infrared spectroscopy and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance revealed that the recovered lignin components retained intact aromatic structures, which showed typical structure of G/S-type. Furthermore, the DES lignin fractions exhibited excellent antioxidant properties compared with butyl hydroxyanisole (BHA), thereby laying a foundation for the value-added utilization of lignin