Research Articles

Woody plants represent a valuable source of bioactive compounds for medicine. In this study, Carpinus cordata wood was extracted with different solvents. The extracts were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS), and thermal desorption – gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS). The results revealed a diverse array of compounds, including aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons, alkanes, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, and esters. These chemical constituents demonstrate significant potential as feedstocks for bio-oils and novel biomaterials in industrial and agricultural sectors. Furthermore, specific bioactive molecules with potential anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and anti-HIV properties were identified, underlining their promise for pharmaceutical and biomedical agents. Live/dead staining results of ethanol extracts of C. cordata wood exhibited significant cytotoxicity against the human chronic myeloid leukemia cell line K-562, indicating the presence of potent anti-cancer constituents. Overall, the multifaceted potential of C. cordata wood was shown to be a source of both bioactive extracts for medicine and valuable chemicals through thermochemical conversion.

This study aimed to establish quantitative relationships between the average uncut chip thickness and the colour change of beech wood (Fagus sylvatica L.) during face milling. A comprehensive analysis of colour change was conducted based on measurements of chromaticity parameters, lightness, total colour difference, and hue angle variation. It was concluded that the average uncut chip thickness was a key factor in determining the surface’s visual quality. It was found that an increase in average uncut chip thickness (0.13 to 0.38 mm) correlated with a decrease in total colour difference and an increase in lightness, bringing the machined surface’s colour closer to the original wood. This effect was attributed to the minimisation of local thermal effects through optimizing the cutting process. This avoids thermally sensitive chemical reactions that cause colour changes. Results from various statistical analyses showed significant differences in total colour differences across average uncut chip thicknesses of 0.13, 0.25, and 0.38 mm.

Nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs) were effectively produced through a green synthesis utilizing Morus alba leaf extract as stabilizing and capping agent. The obtained nanoparticles were characterized by various analytical techniques. The successful formation of NiO NPs showed a distinct absorbance peak at 338 nm, while other results suggested the role of plant-derived compounds in stabilizing the nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy displayed mainly spherical particles with an average diameter of 35.4 nm, whereas SEM-EDX confirmed their structural features and elemental compositions. The biological activities of the prepared NiO NPs were comprehensively investigated. The anticancer potential exhibited a concentration-dependent cytotoxicity against PC-3 prostate cancer cells and WI-38 normal cells, with greater selectivity toward cancer cells (IC₅₀ = 238 µg/mL for PC-3 and 402 µg/mL for WI-38). The lipase inhibition test indicated a moderate inhibitory effect of NiO NPs in comparison with Orlistat. In addition, the antidiabetic activity was assessed and the nanoparticles showed moderate inhibitory effects relative to acarbose. Moreover, the assays of antioxidant activity demonstrated a dose-dependent radical scavenging ability, although lower than that of ascorbic acid. Overall, these findings suggest that Morus alba-derived NiO NPs hold promise for biomedical applications; however, further optimization studies are still necessary to enhance their efficacy.

Heavy metal accumulation in food produced in polluted areas can reach high levels, posing a health risk. In this study, the variation in Sb, Se, and Tl concentrations was determined on a species and organ basis in tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, cucumbers, and corn grown near an industrial area in Düzce, one of Europe’s most polluted cities. The concentrations of these elements in the soil were also determined, and the bioconcentration factor and translocation factor in the organs of the plants were calculated, thus attempting to determine the risks in terms of food safety. The study found that the concentrations of these elements in the soil were quite high, while their translocation and accumulation in the above-ground parts of plants, especially fruit organs, were at lower levels compared to other organs. Nevertheless, their concentrations in fruit organs were still quite high. In many countries, limit values for Sb, Se, and Tl in vegetables have not been established. This is considered a major deficiency. However, the values obtained in this study are well above the limit values permitted by countries such as China and Italy. This poses a significant risk to human health.

Biocomposites are environmentally friendly and biodegradable materials produced from renewable resources or agricultural residue. In this study, biocomposite boards were produced using tea fiber residue and hazelnut shell. These boards were designed to degrade naturally and mix into the soil within 2 years, depending on climatic conditions, without causing environmental pollution. Test sheets were produced from the raw materials using urea-formaldehyde glue as a binder, and diammonium phosphate fertilizer was used to regulate the decomposition time and nutrient contribution. A total of 32 groups of boards were produced with different raw material ratios. The boards were 6 and 10 mm thick, and bending and tensile strength tests were performed to determine their mechanical performance. The highest bending strength was measured at 3.96 N/mm² in the 10 mm thick board containing 89% tea fiber residue, 5% diammonium phosphate, and 6% adhesive. The lowest bending strength was obtained in the board containing 41% walnut shell, 41% tea fiber residue, 15% phosphate, and 3% glue, with a value of 0.58 N/mm². In tensile tests, the highest value obtained was 0.48 N/mm² in a board containing 84% tea fiber residue, 10% phosphate, and 6% adhesive; while the lowest value was 0.06 N/mm² in a board containing 44.5% walnut shell, 44.5% tea fiber, 5% diammonium phosphate, and 10% adhesive.

The volatile profiles of shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) cultivated on logs of Liquidambar formosana, Cinnamomum burmannii, Quercus glauca, and Q. variabilis were analyzed using headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS). Distinct headspace volatile compositions were observed among log species and HS-SPME extraction temperatures. For fresh mushrooms analyzed at 25 °C, samples grown on L. formosana and Q. variabilis contained abundant linalool, whereas those cultivated on C. burmannii and Q. glauca were dominated by C8 alcohols such as 3-octanol. When fresh mushrooms were analyzed at 100 °C, the profiles shifted toward long-chain fatty acids, including n-hexadecanoic acid and linoleic acid. Dried mushrooms were analyzed only under 100 °C HS-SPME condition and exhibited similar patterns across all log species, with linoleic acid and n-hexadecanoic acid as the predominant components. These findings suggest that log species and HS-SPME extraction temperature are associated with distinct headspace volatile profiles, possibly through differences in substrate-derived chemical environments, temperature-dependent volatilization, and compound transformation, thereby shaping the potential aroma characteristics of log-cultivated shiitake mushrooms.

The hierarchical structure of an extracellular matrix (ECM) regulates cell behaviors, including adhesion, proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Inspired by this principle, tunable all-cellulose cryogels were engineered that partially mimic the architecture of native tissue microenvironments. Building upon the authors’ recent advances in hairy cellulose nanocrystals (HCNC) with finely tuned chemical functionalities and nanoarchitectures, this work leverages amine- and aldehyde-functionalized HCNC together with polymeric cellulose derivatives as building blocks to develop cryogels with organ-specific, ECM-like architectures. Schiff base reactions in conjunction with electrostatic attraction mediate the formation of dynamic covalent networks that self-assemble into hydrogels, which are subsequently lyophilized to yield porous cryogels. Variations in the composition and functionality of cellulosic building blocks govern scaffold architecture by modulating network connectivity, enabling the regulation of pore features. This work establishes a sustainable, non-animal-derived material platform that may bridge biomass nanotechnology and regenerative medicine, demonstrating how renewable, functionally engineered cellulose across micro- and nanoscale can be translated into next-generation biomimetic scaffolds.

The study highlights the promising use of renewable materials in 3D printing such as flax, wood, and bamboo. These materials have demonstrated potential for lightweight construction components, architectural elements, customized panels, and sustainable composite structures produced through additive manufacturing techniques such as FDM, FFF, SLA, and ILF. These solutions enable the integration of additive manufacturing with advanced architectural geometries, replacing traditional materials with lower-impact bio-based alternatives and creating optimized, adaptable components. Key challenges include the need for consensus on large-scale production of 3D-printed elements in construction through standardized parameters and codes, as well as further studies on durability and performance under adverse conditions and in both structural and non-structural applications.

Kerf width variations in native wood species were evaluated with respect to CO₂ laser cutting, focusing on the impact of different laser parameters. By systematically varying power output and cutting speed on beech, oak, and spruce wood, the resulting kerf widths were quantified at the top and bottom of the cuts. Measurements were conducted using a Keyence VHX 7000 digital microscope. The results indicated that increased power output generally led to wider kerf widths, while higher cutting speeds resulted in narrower kerfs. Beech exhibited the narrowest kerfs, followed by oak, with spruce wood showing the widest for TOP surface equal to 415.60±103.05, 462.24±114.04, and 497.63±149.05 mm, respectively. Statistical analysis using ANOVA highlighted the significant effects of power output, cutting speed, and wood structures on kerf width. This research offers insights into optimizing laser cutting parameters to achieve precise and efficient cuts in wood processing applications within interval of energy densities between 11.2 and 90 J·mm⁻².

Forest management practices affect stored carbon stocks differently. Therefore, understanding the mismatch between stakeholder groups’ preferences for forest management practices and the likelihood of their adoption can highlight areas where socioeconomic externalities should be addressed. In addition to preference–feasibility gaps at the individual level, low participation in forest carbon programs can also reflect broader structural and economic constraints (e.g., monitoring/verification and transaction costs, aggregation/minimum-acreage requirements, contract duration/permanence requirements, and carbon price uncertainty). This study used the Analytical Hierarchy Process to explore stakeholder preferences for six forest management practices to increase carbon stocks in Georgia, USA, and compared them with their perceived feasibility. The results showed that increasing the capacity for sustainable forest management, using biochar and afforestation, can enhance the potential to increase carbon stocks, as their preference was higher than their perceived feasibility. Increasing awareness of the potential of conservation and longer rotation ages, which are more feasible but less preferred, will help improve stakeholder preferences and further increase their adoption. Priorities differed between men and women; however, gender-based comparisons are interpreted as exploratory, given the limited number of women respondents. These findings can benefit forest carbon program managers, landowners, and policymakers. Given the small, workshop-based sample, the findings should be interpreted as a pilot assessment intended to inform larger follow-on studies.