Review Articles

Due to the societal appeal in carbon emission reduction and neutralization, chemical recycling of waste polyester for valuable chemicals has attracted attention in an increasing number of applications. Research on chemical recycling of polyester wastes is currently rising sharply and becoming a hot spot gradually. Many technical and fundamental questions still need to be addressed, such as harsh depolymerization conditions (high temperature, long reaction time, low yields, etc.) and techno-economy and environmental sustainability matters. The chemical recycling protocol and optimization of degradable polyester wastes are systemically investigated along with short discussions on non-degradable ones. The thermoset polyurethane and epoxy adhesives derived from depolymerized waste polyesters for contributing to wood-based structural composite materials (e.g., laminated plywood, fire retarded wood coating, and transparent wood composites) along with life-cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis are also critically evaluated and analyzed. These novel insights are expect to open a new avenue to develop wood-based structural materials via value-added chemicals from polyester waste recycling, which contribute to the sustainable society along with prompting further research and extension in forestry biomaterials and renewable natural resources.

Graphical Abstract

Chitin is the second most abundant natural polysaccharide after cellulose and consists of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine units linked by β-1,4-glycosidic bonds. In nature, chitin does not accumulate due to the synergistic action of chitinolytic enzymes. Based on their catalytic domains, chitinases are classified into glycosyl hydrolase families GH18 and GH19. They are widely produced by bacteria and filamentous fungi. Different types of chitinolytic enzymes, including endochitinases, exo-acting enzymes, and N-acetylglucosaminidases, have been reported to exhibit antimicrobial and insecticidal activities, making them valuable tools for controlling phytopathogenic fungi and insect pests. Chitin degradation generates chitooligosaccharides (COS), which possess diverse biological properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activities, contributing to improved human health. Microbial chitinases are also applied in several industrial and environmental processes, including protoplast formation, single-cell protein production, and dye removal. Advances in recombinant expression and genetic engineering have enhanced chitinase production, stability, and catalytic efficiency. Moreover, recombinant chitinases have been successfully utilized in biocontrol strategies and in developing transgenic plants with increased resistance to phytopathogens. This review highlights the broad agricultural, industrial, and biomedical applications of chitinases and their crucial role in promoting environmental sustainability and advancing bio-based industrial processes.

Biofilm-associated infections are a major medical problem that is responsible for nearly 80% of human microbial infections. These bacterial communities are protected by a strong extracellular matrix that limits antibiotic penetration and supports persister cells and quorum-sensing–driven resistance. Biofilm development occurs in several stages and ultimately forms complex structures that block antimicrobial action. To overcome this, chemical strategies include quorum-sensing inhibitors, matrix-degrading agents, antimicrobial peptides, and photodynamic therapy. Biological approaches use bacteriophages, enzymes such as DNase, and probiotics that disrupt biofilms through competitive mechanisms. Combination therapies—such as antibiotic-phage or enzyme-antibiotic treatments—show improved effectiveness. Advanced delivery systems involving nanoparticles, liposomes, and hydrogels enhance drug penetration in biofilms, particularly in wound care. New technologies, including AI-guided drug discovery and CRISPR targeting, are advancing future anti-biofilm treatments.

Biomass densification and molding technology can compress and densify crushed materials into portable solid fuels with a certain shape and density. Such densification has the advantages of high combustion efficiency, high calorific value, environmental protection, and cleanliness. In recent years, scholars have used the finite element method and discrete element method to simulate biomass densification and molding technology, revealing the flow and deformation laws of materials in the biomass densification and molding process from different perspectives. This work has provided reference and guidance for the optimization of biomass densification and molding mechanism and molding dies. This article first reviews the basic ideas of finite element method, as well as the application of ANSYS and ABAQUS in biomass densification and molding technology. Secondly, it reviews the basic ideas of discrete element method and the application of EDEM and PFC in biomass densification and molding technology. Finally, it reviews the application of combined finite element method with discrete element method in biomass densification and molding technology. The content of the article has certain reference and guidance significance for the numerical simulation of future biomass densification and molding technology.

This paper presents a systematic review of the academic literature published until 2024 about sustainability and the furniture industry. Relevant publications were selected through keyword searches in Scopus and the Web of Science databases. One hundred and one publications were identified after having removed duplicates and other, non-peer-reviewed papers. A content analysis on the 101 identified publications allowed the classification of these papers into the following categories: “Sustainable Design” (21%), “Supply Chain Management” (14%), “Sustainability Strategies” (10%), and “Environmental Management” (9%) with the remaining publications (46%) being distributed among eleven other categories. To find out if the topic attracts more interest today than 10 or 20 years ago, the study also analyzed the distribution of publications by year. Investigations were also done by type of publications, countries, and focal points. Findings suggest that academic studies on sustainability in the furniture industry are still scattered and no coherent or continuous research stream has yet evolved. However, interest in the topic has been increasing lately.

The demand for low-toxicity wood protectants is accelerating the search for plant-derived alternatives. Terpenoids from desert-adapted shrubs combine antimicrobial, insecticidal, hydrophobic, and photoprotective functions yet remain underused in wood protection. This review brings together the chemistry, bioactivity, and application potential of guayule (Parthenium argentatum), creosote bush (Larrea tridentata), physic nut (Jatropha curcas), spurges (Euphorbia spp.), and gum rockrose (Cistus ladanifer). Key terpenoids are classified by structure and mechanisms of action are mapped against decay fungi and termites. Delivery platforms, including solvent-free resin-oil blends, micro/nanoencapsulation, and biopolymer matrices, were evaluated with emphasis on persistence, UV stability, and substrate compatibility. A solvent-free valorization example using guayule resin illustrates circular-bioeconomy integration. Environmental and regulatory considerations, commercial readiness, and research gaps (standardized field trials, fractionation for consistency, genotype/agronomy improvements) are highlighted. Desert-shrub terpenoids emerge as multifunctional, eco-friendly agents for durable wood protection and pest management, offering a scalable pathway toward circular bioresource innovation.

Amid the global energy crisis and the pursuit of carbon neutrality, biomass-derived carbon materials (BDCs) have emerged as promising sustainable candidates for energy applications due to their abundant sources, tailorable hierarchical porosity/heteroatom doping, and remarkable properties. This review systematically summarizes recent advances (2020 to 2025) in BDCs for supercapacitors, secondary batteries (lithium/ sodium/potassium-ion), and electrocatalysis (ORR/OER/HER/CO₂RR). The review focuses on the synthesis-structure-performance correlation, highlighting how pore architecture, heteroatom incorporation, and morphology govern electrochemical performance. Key challenges including precursor inconsistency, imperfect structure control, and scalability in sustainable production are critically assessed. Future prospects are proposed, including machine-learning-guided material design, in situ/operando mechanistic studies, and practical device integration. This work offers insightful guidance for the rational design of BDCs toward practical energy storage and conversion systems.

Plant bioresources are an abundant, sustainable, and underutilized source of essential bioactive substances for use in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and nutraceutical sectors. The increased demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly processing technologies has fueled interest in enzyme-assisted valorization as a greener alternative to traditional extraction methods. This review emphasizes the relevance of plant bioresources and functioning bioproducts, particularly the use of enzymes in green extraction methods. The many kinds of hydrolytic and oxidative enzymes that contribute to biomass valorization are described, as well as their modes of action. Uses of enzyme-assisted extraction in the production of functional bioproducts are discussed, followed by a review of commercial scale-up issues, economic feasibility, and regulatory implications. In terms of sustainability, selectivity, and environmental effect, enzyme-assisted approaches can outperform traditional, microwave, ultrasound, and pressurized liquid extraction procedures. Enzymes can selectively break down complex polysaccharides and phenolic chemicals. Challenges persist in enzyme cost, capacity, and regulatory barriers. Future studies should focus on optimizing enzyme combinations, increasing cost-efficiency through enzyme recycling, and combining enzymatic approaches with other green technologies to improve sustainability. Furthermore, broadening the spectrum of feedstocks and guaranteeing compliance with industry norms will be critical for widespread industrial use of enzyme-assisted procedures.

Sustainable management of agricultural residues is essential to address environmental degradation and promote soil health, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), which is widely cultivated in these areas, generates substantial organic waste, including leaves, stems, seeds, and fibers. Traditional disposal practices such as open burning and landfilling contribute to pollution and the loss of valuable organic matter. Composting offers a promising, environmentally friendly solution by converting date palm biomass into nutrient-rich organic amendments that improve soil structure, enhance fertility, and increase crop yields. This review examines the potential of composting as a sustainable strategy for valorizing date palm agro-waste. It discusses the composting process, nutrient content, and effects on soil properties, microbial communities, and plant growth. The review also highlights challenges such as quality control, scalability, and policy support, while emphasizing the role of composting in reducing chemical fertilizer use, enhancing carbon sequestration, and promoting circular agriculture systems.

In this paper, the pathway from peat resources to their various forms of utilization, to their environmental impacts, and to their mitigation is discussed. Overall, research gaps related to various fields of peat studies are identified and recommendations for future research are presented. Global peat reserves are large, but they remain mostly unused. Peat can also be valorized in various less GHG–intensive applications beyond combustion. Heterogenocity of peat may constraint many of these uses, warranting new innovations to support their feasibility. The theme of GHG emissions from peatlands is complex. The future of northern peatlands as carbon sinks remains uncertain. Paludiculture, an emerging research field, and its GHG mitigation potential is also discussed. When discussing peat production, one of its main adverse effects typically disclosed is its impact on the water quality of natural aquatic systems. Thus, different traditional and novel peat bog drainage water treatment methods are extensively compared with each other — a topic not previously presented in the literature.  Peatland restoration and its novel applications, as well as economic aspects, are also addressed. Socioeconomic aspects of peat use, closely linked to climate, food, and rural livelihoods, are currently under vigorous research, and are also examined.