Research Keyword: circular economy

Impact of bottom ash addition on Pleurotus ostreatus cultivation on coffee ground substrate

Researchers studied how to grow oyster mushrooms using leftover coffee grounds mixed with coal ash as a growing medium. They found that adding small amounts of coal ash (1-5%) to coffee grounds actually improved the mushroom quality by reducing harmful heavy metals while keeping beneficial nutrients like phosphorus and zinc. This discovery suggests a promising way to recycle both industrial waste and food waste while producing safer, more nutritious mushrooms.

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Harnessing Aspergillus fumigatus for Sustainable Development: Biotechnological and Industrial Relevance

Aspergillus fumigatus is a fungus commonly known for causing lung infections, but scientists have discovered it can be harnessed for environmentally friendly industrial processes. This fungus produces powerful enzymes useful in making biofuels, detergents, and textiles, and can even create tiny nanoparticles with antibacterial properties. By leveraging these capabilities while developing safer strains through genetic engineering, this fungus could play a major role in sustainable development and circular economy initiatives.

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Whey Proteins and Bioactive Peptides: Advances in Production, Selection and Bioactivity Profiling

Whey, a liquid byproduct from cheese-making that was once considered waste, contains valuable proteins that can be broken down into smaller bioactive peptides. These peptides have numerous health benefits including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, and can be used in functional foods and medicines. Researchers are developing advanced techniques to extract and produce these peptides more efficiently, and using computer models to predict which peptides will have specific health benefits.

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Microbes’ role in environmental pollution and remediation: a bioeconomy focus approach

Microbes like bacteria and fungi can break down pollutants and transform harmful waste into useful products through biological processes called bioremediation. By employing these naturally occurring or genetically modified microorganisms, we can clean up contaminated soil and water while producing valuable products like proteins and biofuels. This approach offers an environmentally friendly and economically sustainable solution to waste management that reduces pollution while creating a circular bioeconomy.

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Microbial Degradation of Chromium-Tanned Leather During Thermophilic Composting: A Multi-Scale Analysis of Microbial Communities and Structural Disruption

This study investigated how naturally occurring microorganisms can break down chromium-tanned leather waste through controlled composting at high temperatures. Researchers found that thermophilic composting successfully fragmented leather and selected specialized bacteria and fungi capable of surviving in chromium-rich environments. These microorganisms formed protective biofilms on leather surfaces, suggesting potential strategies for safer disposal of leather waste from the footwear and tannery industries.

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Temporal characterization of biocycles of mycelium-bound composites made from bamboo and Pleurotus ostreatus for indoor usage

Scientists created a sustainable building material by growing oyster mushroom fungus on bamboo fibers. The material was strong enough for packaging and could be composted after use to enrich soil, completing a full cycle in about 7 months. By adding a natural beeswax coating, the material lasted longer while remaining completely biodegradable. This proof-of-concept demonstrates how fungal materials could replace synthetic plastics in a circular economy.

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Nutrients and Nutraceuticals from Vitis vinifera L. Pomace: Biological Activities, Valorization, and Potential Applications

Wine production generates millions of tons of grape pomace (the leftover skins, seeds, and stems) annually, which has traditionally been discarded as waste. This review shows that grape pomace is actually rich in valuable nutrients and compounds like polyphenols and fiber that provide significant health benefits including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and disease-fighting properties. By using grape pomace in functional foods, supplements, and cosmetics, the wine industry can reduce waste while creating sustainable products that promote human health.

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Use of Limestone Sludge in the Preparation of ɩ-Carrageenan/Alginate-Based Films

Researchers have developed a method to convert limestone waste from stone quarries into a useful material for making biodegradable plastic films. By dissolving limestone in acid to extract calcium ions, they created a crosslinking solution that strengthens films made from seaweed-derived compounds like alginate and carrageenan. These films show promise as environmentally-friendly alternatives to conventional plastic packaging while helping solve industrial waste problems.

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Harnessing the Nutritional Value, Therapeutic Applications, and Environmental Impact of Mushrooms

Mushrooms are nutritional powerhouses packed with proteins, vitamins, minerals, and special compounds that fight disease. They can help prevent and manage serious conditions like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes while supporting overall health and immunity. Beyond the kitchen, mushrooms are being developed into medicines and cosmetic products. Growing and using mushrooms also helps the environment by creating sustainable alternatives to traditional medicines and animal feeds.

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Valorization of Mushroom Residues for Functional Food Packaging

Mushrooms produce large amounts of waste during growth and processing, but these leftovers contain valuable compounds that can protect food and extend shelf life. Scientists are developing ways to extract these beneficial compounds and add them to eco-friendly packaging films, creating materials that fight bacteria and oxidation naturally. This approach transforms mushroom waste into useful products while reducing environmental pollution, making food packaging safer and more sustainable for consumers.

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