Biorefining waste into nanobiotechnologies can revolutionize sustainable agriculture

Management of saline-alkali sandy soils by amphoteric lignin-based sand fixation

The management of deserts and saline-alkali sandy soils requires a large number of efficient and economical sand-fixing agent. However, the preparation of sand-fixing materials with excellent overall performance is still a great challenge. In this work, a sand-fixing agent with amphiphilic polyelectrolyte (ASL-PVA) was prepared by graft copolymerisation of sodium lignosulfonate (SL) with cationic (DMDAAC) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The sand fixation of ASL-PVA was evaluated using typical saline-alkali sandy soils from the desert topsoil of Inner Mongolia, China. The anionic, cationic and benzene ring structure of ASL-PVA give it excellent water retention, adhesion and degradation resistance in saline-alkali sandy soils. The antipolyelectrolyte effect between ASL-PVA and soluble salt ions can improve its salt tolerance. Moreover, lignin as a precursor of humus makes ASL-PVA also has the properties of improving the physicochemical properties of saline-alkali sandy soils and promoting plant growth. The ASL-PVA sand-fixing agent demonstrates promising application potential in saline-alkali sandy soil improvement and desert restoration.

Reactive deep eutectic solvents: Refining lignocellulosic biomass of wheat straw into nano building blocks for a more sustainable sensor fabrication

Refining lignocellulosic biomass into functional building blocks in a controlled manner offers an innovative strategy and opportunity for the fabrication of biomass-based materials. However, the complex nature and recalcitrant structure of lignocellulosic biomass hinder their upgrading route. Here we propose a "deconstruction-assembly" strategy to refine low-value wheat straw into nano building blocks, specifically nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs) and lignin-containing cellulose nanofibers (LCNFs), for the production of versatile biomass-based sensor through a novel reactive deep eutectic solvents (DESs) refining. The DESs, composing of monoethanolamine and choline chloride, function both as solvents and reactants for lignin extraction and amination. The waste liquid fraction, containing residual aminated lignin, soluble hemicellulos, and their degradation products are used as precursor for N-CQDs preparation, while the purified cellulose is used for LCNFs production. These nano-building blocks are then employed in the fabrication of a functional temperature sensor, exhibiting high responsivity (2.26 % °C-1), linearity (R2 = 0.995), stability, and fluorescent anti-counterfeiting properties, which is highly potential for smart food package applications.

Exploring the Potential of Agro-Nanotechnology in African Agriculture: A Path to Sustainable Development-Systematic Review

Agro-nanotechnology-the application of nanotechnology in agriculture-holds immense promise for addressing main challenges in African agriculture and promoting sustainable development. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of how agro-nanotechnology is being utilized across Africa, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize various aspects of agricultural practices on the continent. Firstly, the utilization of nanomaterials such as nanoparticles, nanofertilizers, and nanopesticides offers opportunities for enhancing nutrient management, improving soil health, and increasing crop productivity in diverse agroecosystems across Africa. Nanofertilizers, with their controlled release mechanisms, facilitate efficient nutrient uptake by plants, thereby reducing nutrient losses and enhancing fertilizer use efficiency, which is crucial for resource-constrained smallholder farmers. Nanopesticides suggest improved efficacy in pest and disease control, reducing environmental harm compared to traditional pesticides. Their targeted delivery also minimizes off-target effects, which is crucial for Africa's food security. Nanosensors also enable real-time monitoring of soil and crop health, enhancing precision agriculture. Nanotechnology in postharvest management reduces food losses and improves safety. However, its adoption requires careful consideration of socioeconomic and regulatory factors to ensure equitable access and environmental safety. Collaborative efforts involving policymakers, researchers, farmers, and other stakeholders are crucial for harnessing the benefits of agro-nanotechnology while addressing potential risks and concerns. In conclusion, the integration of agro-nanotechnology into African agriculture presents a transformative opportunity to enhance productivity, resilience, and sustainability, contributing to the continent's efforts toward achieving food security, economic development, and environmental conservation.

Different types of pesticide exposure and lung cancer incidence in the Agricultural Health Study cohort: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Lung cancer is the dominant cause of worldwide cancer mortality. The relationship between pesticide exposure and lung cancer risk has shown mixed results epidemiologically. We hypothesized this discrepancy could arise from the varying effects of different pesticides and conducted this meta-analysis by using three pesticide classification schemes to examine the implications of diverse pesticide exposure types on lung cancer risk. We collected 23 studies to assess the risk of lung cancer with pesticide exposure in the Agricultural Health Study cohort (AHS), and our analysis indicated a surplus incidence of lung cancer associated with organochlorine pesticides (OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.04-1.74). However, no significant association was found between exposure to a general set of 33 pesticides and lung cancer risk (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 0.96-1.13). We anticipate these findings will influence future pesticide application, promoting improved occupational health.

Valorization of lignin from aqueous-based lignocellulosic biorefineries

An additional 100 million tons/year of lignin coproduct will result when lignocellulosic biomass is processed in biorefineries to fiber, sugars, biofuels, and bioproducts. This will double the amount of lignin already generated from pulping and paper production. Unlike pulping that results in lignosulphonate (88% of total) or Kraft lignin (9%), aqueous-based biorefining leaves behind non-sulfonated lignin and aromatic molecules. This new type of lignin provides opportunities for large volume agricultural uses such as controlled-release carriers and soil amendments as well as feedstocks for new chemistries that lead to molecular building blocks for the chemical industry and to precursors for sustainable aviation biofuels.

Unveiling influences of metal-based nanomaterials on wheat growth and physiology: From benefits to detriments

Metal-based nanomaterials (MNs) are widely used in agricultural production. However, our current understanding of the overall effects of MNs on crop health is insufficient. A global meta-analysis of 144 studies involving approximately 2000 paired observations was conducted to explore the impacts of MNs on wheat growth and physiology. Our analysis revealed that the MN type plays a key role in influencing wheat growth. Ag MNs had significant negative effects on wheat growth and physiology, whereas Fe, Ti, and Zn MNs significantly increased wheat biomass and photosynthesis. Our study also observed a clear dose-specific effect, with a decrease in wheat shoot biomass with increasing MN concentrations. Meanwhile, MNs with small sizes (<25 nm) have no significant impacts on wheat growth. Furthermore, both the root and foliar applications significantly improved wheat growth, with no considerable differences. Using a machine learning approach, we found that the MN type was the main driving factor affecting wheat shoot biomass, followed by MN dose and size. Overall, wheat growth and physiology can be negatively influenced by specific MNs, for which a high dose and small size should be avoided in practical applications. Therefore, our study can provide insights into the future design and safe use of MNs in agriculture and increase the public acceptance of nano-agriculture.

Lignin-Based Composite Film and Its Application for Agricultural Mulching

Agricultural mulching is an important input for modern agricultural production and plays an important role in guaranteeing food security worldwide. At present, polyethylene (PE) mulching is still commonly used in agricultural production in most countries around the world, which is non-biodegradable, and years of mulching have caused serious agricultural white pollution. Lignin is one of the three major components of plant cell walls, and it is also the main renewable natural aromatic compounds in nature. Lignin-based composite film materials are green, biodegradable, and show good prospects for development in the field of agricultural mulch. This paper introduces the types, structure, and application status of lignin, summarizes the preparation of lignin-based composite film materials and its latest research progress, focuses on the types, preparation methods, and application examples of lignin-based agricultural mulching, and looks forward to the future development prospects of lignin-based agricultural mulching.

Dual-functional lignocellulosic mulch as agricultural plastic alternative for sustained-release of photosensitive pesticide and immobilizing heavy metal ions

The extensive utilization of non-biodegradable plastic agricultural mulch in the past few decades has resulted in severe environmental pollution and a decline in soil fertility. The present study involves the fabrication of environmentally friendly paper-based mulch with dual functionality, incorporating agrochemicals and heavy metal ligands, through a sustainable papermaking/coating technique. The functional paper-based mulch consists of a cellulose fiber web incorporated with Emamectin Benzoate (EB)@ Aminated sodium lignosulfonate (ASL). The spherical microcapsules loaded with the pesticide EB exhibited an optimal core-shell structure for enhanced protection and controlled release of the photosensitizer EB (Sustained release >75 % in 50 h). Meanwhile, the ASL, enriched with metal chelating groups (-COOH, -OH, and -NH2, etc.), served as a stabilizing agent for heavy metal ions, enhancing soil remediation efficiency. The performance of paper-based mulch was enhanced by the application of a hydrophobic layer composed of natural chitosan/carnauba wax, resulting in exceptional characteristics such as superior tensile strength, hydrophobicity, heat insulation, moisture retention, as well as compostability and biodegradability (biodegradation >80 % after 70 days). This study developed a revolutionary lignocellulosic eco-friendly mulch that enables controlled agrochemical release and soil heavy metal remediation, leading to a superior substitute to conventional and non-biodegradable plastic mulch used in agriculture.

Fabrication of lignin-based sub-micro hybrid particle as a novel support for adenylate cyclase immobilization

This study developed a surface functionalized lignin-based sub-microsphere as an innovative support for enzyme immobilization. Lignin was first modified with a silane reagent leading to lignin/SiO2 (LS) organic/inorganic hybrid particles, displayed as regular sub-micro spheres with a SiO2 shell as demonstrated in SEM images. The LS particles were further modified to introduce nickel ions, as evidenced in XPS spectra, facilitating affinity adsorption with a his-tagged enzyme. The immobilization of adenylate cyclase from Haloactinopolyspora alba (HaAC), expressed in Escherichia coli, was conducted on the surface functionalized LS (LS-G-NTA-Ni). The immobilization conditions were optimized to achieve the highest relative activity, which were determined to be using a Ni2+ concentration of 62.5 mM, at pH=9.5 and 25 °C, with an enzyme-to-support ratio of 4.0 for a duration of 2 h. The immobilized HaAC shows maximum relative activity at pH=9.5 and 40 °C, and exhibits significantly improved thermal stability compared to the free enzyme. After undergoing five reusing cycles, the immobilized HaAC maintains a satisfactory activity (54.15%), which is due to the surface chemistry and the structural stability of the functionalized LS. This work provides a valuable exploration for high-value application of industrial lignin.

Organic Electronics in Biosensing: A Promising Frontier for Medical and Environmental Applications

The promising field of organic electronics has ushered in a new era of biosensing technology, thus offering a promising frontier for applications in both medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring. This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of organic electronics' remarkable progress and potential in biosensing applications. It explores the multifaceted aspects of organic materials and devices, thereby highlighting their unique advantages, such as flexibility, biocompatibility, and low-cost fabrication. The paper delves into the diverse range of biosensors enabled by organic electronics, including electrochemical, optical, piezoelectric, and thermal sensors, thus showcasing their versatility in detecting biomolecules, pathogens, and environmental pollutants. Furthermore, integrating organic biosensors into wearable devices and the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem is discussed, wherein they offer real-time, remote, and personalized monitoring solutions. The review also addresses the current challenges and future prospects of organic biosensing, thus emphasizing the potential for breakthroughs in personalized medicine, environmental sustainability, and the advancement of human health and well-being.

Hierarchical Emulsion-Templated Monoliths (polyHIPEs) as Scaffolds for Covalent Immobilization of P. acidilactici

The immobilized cell fermentation technique (IMCF) has gained immense popularity in recent years due to its capacity to enhance metabolic efficiency, cell stability, and product separation during fermentation. Porous carriers used as cell immobilization facilitate mass transfer and isolate the cells from an adverse external environment, thus accelerating cell growth and metabolism. However, creating a cell-immobilized porous carrier that guarantees both mechanical strength and cell stability remains challenging. Herein, templated by water-in-oil (w/o) high internal phase emulsions (HIPE), we established a tunable open-cell polymeric P(St-co-GMA) monolith as a scaffold for the efficient immobilization of Pediococcus acidilactici (P. acidilactici). The porous framework's mechanical property was substantially improved by incorporating the styrene monomer and cross-linker divinylbenzene (DVB) in the HIPE's external phase, while the epoxy groups on glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) supply anchoring sites for P. acidilactici, securing the immobilization to the inner wall surface of the void. For the fermentation of immobilized P. acidilactici, the polyHIPEs permit efficient mass transfer, which increases along with increased interconnectivity of the monolith, resulting in higher _L-lactic acid yield compared to that of suspended cells with an increase of 17%. The relative _L-lactic acid production is constantly maintained above 92.9% of their initial relative production after 10 cycles, exhibiting both its great cycling stability and the durability of the material structure. Furthermore, the procedure during recycle batch also simplifies downstream separation operations.