circular economy – Page 4

The application of laccase-rich extract of spent mushroom substrates for removing lignin from jute fabric waste: a dual management approach

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This research shows how leftover mushroom growing material (SMS) can be recycled into a useful enzyme called laccase to make jute fabric softer and lighter by removing tough lignin components. Instead of using harsh chemicals, the scientists used mild conditions and natural enzymes to process jute waste sustainably. From just one bag of mushroom waste, they could treat an area of fabric equivalent to 2000 square meters, making this an economically attractive solution for both mushroom and textile waste management.

Upcycled Orange Peel Ingredients: A Scoping Review on Phytochemical Composition, Extraction Techniques, and Biorefinery Strategies

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Orange peels, which make up half the weight of oranges, are usually thrown away but contain valuable compounds beneficial for health. Scientists have found that these peels are rich in phytochemicals that can reduce inflammation, improve heart health, and support gut health. New methods are being developed to extract and use these beneficial compounds in food products, creating a more sustainable and waste-free approach to the citrus industry.

Valorization and Environmental Impacts of Pecan Waste: A Critical Review

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Pecan shells, which make up about half of the pecan nut and are usually discarded, contain valuable compounds with health-promoting properties like antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. These shells can be transformed into useful products including ingredients for food supplements and medicines, activated carbon for cleaning water, materials for making eco-friendly plastics, and energy sources. By converting pecan waste into valuable products instead of throwing it away, communities can reduce environmental pollution, improve public health, and create economic opportunities while supporting sustainable farming practices.

Tailoring the Mechanical Properties of Fungal Mycelium Mats with Material Extrusion Additive Manufacturing of PHBH and PLA Biopolymers

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Researchers have developed a novel method to make mushroom-based materials stronger by coating them with biodegradable plastics using 3D printing technology. This approach combines fungal mycelium from Fomes fomentarius with eco-friendly polymers to create composites that are significantly stronger than plain mycelium while remaining fully compostable. The resulting materials could be used for flexible devices, interior design, and other applications where both strength and environmental sustainability are important.

Transforming Tomato Industry By-Products into Antifungal Peptides Through Enzymatic Hydrolysis

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Researchers have found a way to turn tomato processing waste into useful antifungal compounds. By breaking down tomato seed proteins using enzymes, they created peptides that can prevent harmful fungi like Fusarium from growing on crops. This discovery helps reduce food waste while providing a natural alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting tomato and grain crops.

One-Health Approach to Managing Aflatoxin-Producing Aspergillus flavus Using Spent Mushroom Substrate of Pleurotus spp

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This study shows that leftover substrate from growing oyster and red mushrooms can work together with a common antifungal fungicide to better prevent harmful Aspergillus fungi from contaminating corn. The combination of mushroom waste and fungicide was more effective than using either alone, and could potentially reduce the amount of chemicals needed in agriculture while protecting the environment and preventing drug resistance.

Electrospun Membranes Loaded with Melanin Derived from Pecan Nutshell (Carya illinoinensis) Residues for Skin-Care Applications

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Researchers developed new skincare membranes by combining pecan shell waste with advanced fiber technology. These membranes harness melanin from the shells to create materials with strong antioxidant and antibacterial properties that could protect skin from aging and infections. The innovation demonstrates how agricultural waste can be transformed into valuable cosmetic products that are both effective and environmentally friendly.

The value of microbial bioreactors to meet challenges in the circular bioeconomy

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Scientists are using specially designed containers called bioreactors to grow helpful microorganisms and mushrooms that can solve environmental and health problems. These bioreactors can produce medicines like natural diabetes treatments from mushrooms, create eco-friendly plastics, clean up polluted water, and turn waste products into valuable materials. This approach is sustainable, safe, and scalable, supporting the United Nations’ goals for a healthier planet.

Spent Mushroom Substrate and Electric Arc Furnace Dust Recycling by Carbothermic Reduction Method

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Scientists discovered that leftover material from mushroom farming can replace expensive coal-based chemicals used in recycling steel furnace waste. By heating this mushroom waste, they recovered valuable zinc while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 23,000 tons per year. This innovative approach solves two environmental problems at once: it recycles agricultural waste that would otherwise be landfilled, and reduces emissions from industrial metal processing.

Structure-Forming Properties of Pleurotus ostreatus: A Promising Resource for Edible 3D Printing Applications

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Low-grade oyster mushrooms, which normally go to waste due to cosmetic imperfections, contain valuable nutrients and compounds that make them excellent for 3D food printing. These mushrooms naturally possess properties like chitin and β-glucans that create the right consistency for printing edible structures. Using these discarded mushrooms for innovative 3D printing reduces waste, cuts production costs by up to 75%, and creates nutritious, customizable food products.

Research Keyword: circular economy