Review Articles

Lignocellulose, which consists of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, has very stable properties. Among them, cellulose makes up 30% to 50% of the content, and hemicellulose makes up 20% to 43%. Cellulose and hemicellulose can be converted into fermentable sugar through saccharification, and then into bioresources through fermentation. Pretreatment methods such as high temperature and high pressure, acid and alkali cooking, enzymatic digestion can effectively decompose the lignocellulose structure, remove lignin, increase the porosity of lignocellulose, specific surface area, etc., increase the efficiency of saccharification, and improve the utilization of lignocellulose. Pretreatment is a key stage in the production process of bioresources. However, the pretreatment process produces by-products known as inhibitors such as acetic acid, furfural, and phenols. These inhibitors tend to inhibit the activity of biological enzymes, impede the saccharification of cellulose and hemicellulose, disrupt the integrity of the cell membrane of the fermenting bacteria, lead to mutation of the fermenting bacteria, and result in a decrease in the yield of the bioresource. This paper reviews recent advances in pretreatment methods, analyzes the reasons for the emergence of inhibitors, and summarizes methods to reduce the effects of inhibitors.

Bamboos are a versatile non-timber subfamily that has been utilized for various purposes. Generally, bamboo leaves are used as traditional medicine to treat diseases such as cough, rheumatism, influenza, fever, skin disease, heart disease, and malaria. The bamboo extracts contain a wide range of functional groups that are responsible for pharmacological activities. The objective of this review article is to provide in-depth discussion on botany, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemical constituents, pharmacological properties, and toxicity of bamboo plant extract. Phytochemical studies showed that a total of 21 functional groups were detected from bamboo leaves, stems, and seeds. In addition, volatile compounds that produce aromatic odor also were detected from the bamboo extract. Meanwhile, pharmacological studies revealed that bamboo extract exhibited several pharmacological properties including anti-diarrheal, analgesic effect, antimalarial, anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-diabetic, wound healing, anticancer, and hepatotoxicity. The toxicity study found that bamboo extract is safe for consumption and did not show harmful effects. A review of phytochemical constituents and pharmacological properties in plants is important for several purposes such as new drugs discovery and understanding the mechanisms, safety, and efficacy of the bioactive compounds to treat various diseases.

This 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.

The production of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) has expanded recently in the US. Limited agronomic knowledge and supply chain issues, however, stemming from a long-standing cultivation ban, pose a barrier to continued market expansion of hemp, which leads to the import of most hemp products. This review examines the most recent cultivation methods, fertilizer and nutrient requirements, soil management practices, environmental parameters, and post-harvest processing methods, particularly in the context of environmental benefits such as soil phytoremediation and CO₂ sequestration. Details of the valorization of hemp biomass into sustainable products, such as fibers, papers, packaging, textiles, biocomposites, biofuels, biochar, and bioplastics, along with current limitations and scope for improvements, are explored. Finally, an overall summary of the life cycle and techno-economic analysis aimed at optimizing their environmental performance and economic feasibility are discussed with a focus on intersection with the growing circular economy paradigm.

This review article considers publications dealing with biogas production from mixtures of livestock manure and corn straw. Emphasis is placed on factors affecting hydrogen production rate from the residual liquid after methane production. Simulations were carried out as a means to better understand published findings related to the production of hydrogen from biomass, cow manure, and corn stalks. This review focuses on the impact of different manure-to-stalk ratios on the yield and gas production efficiency during the process of biogas fermentation. Photosynthetic-anaerobic processing of biomass with combined hydrogen production technology and its process flow were considered, aiming to achieve the reuse of waste liquid. At the same time, research progress of the fermentation degradation mechanism of modified straw is reviewed, summarizing the key factors affecting the difference in biogas yield from livestock manure and straw mixed materials. In addition, this study also considers the synergistic mechanism of operating parameters such as fermentation temperature, inoculation concentration, inoculation amount, composting time, and the optimal ratio of raw materials. This study aims to open up new avenues for the efficient utilization of biomass energy and will delve deeper into this in subsequent research.

The integration of synthetic biology with cellulose-based materials has paved the way for groundbreaking advancements in smart drug release and delivery systems. Synthetic biology, through precise genetic engineering and the creation of programmable biological circuits, enables the development of drug carriers that can respond dynamically to specific physiological cues, such as pH changes. For example, the contrast in pH between the stomach (pH ~1.5 to 3.5) and the intestines (pH ~6 to 7.5) has been exploited in cellulose-based systems to achieve site-specific drug release. Cellulose offers an ideal platform for constructing these responsive drug delivery systems. This review explores recent innovations in genetically engineered cellulose, functionalization strategies via synthetic biology, and advanced biofabrication techniques such as 3D bioprinting and microfluidics. Applications of these systems span cancer therapeutics, antimicrobial treatments, chronic disease management, and emerging areas like personalized medicine and gene therapy. Challenges related to biocompatibility, scalability, and regulatory approval persist. Future directions involving CRISPR-Cas9-mediated cellulose modification, machine learning for optimized drug release, and sustainable production strategies highlight the transformative potential of these systems in precision medicine. This review provides comprehensive insights into the current state and future prospects of cellulose-based smart drug delivery, offering a roadmap for advancing next-generation therapeutics.

The article reviews the history of the production of form-molded pulp products (FMPPs) and the current value of their production. The discussion includes fibrous intermediates and additional materials used to produce these products, the categories and properties of FMPPs, and principles of operation of machines used to produce them. It compares vacuum and overpressure molding techniques, and current and future trends in FMPPs production. FMPPs are produced from fibrous secondary and primary papermaking pulps, as well as other waste intermediates, the use of which can contribute to reducing the costs of producing these products. It was found that over the past dozen or so years, the state of knowledge on improving the strength properties of FMPPs and the use of biodegradable aids to improve their properties, including barrier properties, has significantly expanded. Drawing not yet published in review articles, showing devices for producing FMPPs using hydraulic molding and pressurized air molding methods are presented in a descriptive and comparative form used in the industry at the turn of the 1950s and 1960s. Possible future directions are considered for FMPPs developments in technology and further commercialization.

Corrugated materials, particularly corrugated board, form the backbone of contemporary packaging due to their light weight and high-strength properties. The application of numerical homogenization techniques to model and predict the mechanical behavior of these materials has evolved significantly, enabling refined structural design and optimization. This review examines advances in the homogenization of corrugated structures, with an emphasis on analytical, numerical, and experimental approaches as applied to corrugated board. Developments in the theoretical modeling of key mechanical properties, such as elasticity, bending, and shear stiffness, are highlighted, alongside methods for predicting structural responses under varying loading conditions. Efforts to optimize structural design through homogenization and the integration of digital tools, including artificial intelligence, are also discussed. Additionally, challenges in adapting homogenization models to account for environmental factors such as humidity and temperature, which impact mechanical properties, are analyzed. The review concludes by outlining future research directions and opportunities for bridging theoretical advances with practical applications in corrugated material design and usage.

Bumiputera furniture entrepreneurs’ share of the domestic market is about 5%. Despite incentives and assistance provided by the Government, their performance vis-à-vis the non-Bumiputera entrepreneurs still lag far behind. This review aims to shed some light for future improvement on related studies. The factors identified for review are raw material, networking, culture, product, technology, market, e-commerce, government assistance, and incentives. Lack of control of raw material and poor networking among Bumiputera entrepreneurs remain a problem, while culture plays an important role in shaping their entrepreneurship skills. Years of supplying the government contract market has led them to manufacture mostly mass-produced furniture such as kitchen cabinets, school furniture, and sofas. The use of more high-tech machinery among some entrepreneurs helps to increase their production efficiency while providing no guarantee of more sales without exploring more of the open market and taking advantage of the trend in e-commerce. While the numerous government assistance and incentives extended to Bumiputera furniture entrepreneurs have succeeded in assisting and developing some of the entrepreneurs, their performance in the domestic market still has not improved significantly.

With growing interest in employee health, the integration of Active Health into office furniture design has become a significant research focus. Office furniture, as a vital part of the workspace, increasingly incorporates intelligent technologies to address health, comfort, and efficiency. This paper reviews innovations in smart office furniture, highlighting how technologies like big data, IoT, and sensors enhance health functions and user experiences. Advancements in smart furniture not only support physical health but also alleviate mental fatigue and improve efficiency. Applications in health interventions include personalized management, automated fatigue relief, and intelligent interactions. Despite progress, challenges remain, such as inconsistent design standards and limited technology applications in China. Other regions have more standardized and established practices, and there is a need for further coordination of international standards. With continued technological advancements and integration of intelligent systems, smart office furniture is expected to play a crucial role in improving workplace efficiency and promoting employee well-being through real-time health monitoring, personalized interventions, and adaptive features. This study provides theoretical guidance for designing such furniture and offers insights for advancing healthy office environments.