Volume 20 Issue 3

Cellulose and hemicellulose, which are essential structural components of plant cell walls, are key renewable resources for various biotechnological applications. Bacterial enzymes can degrade these polysaccharides and have emerged as efficient, eco-friendly alternatives to chemical methods, offering significant advantages in industrial processes and medical therapies. This review explores bacterial enzymes, such as cellulases and hemicellulases, which break down cellulose and hemicellulose—two major components of plant cell walls—and their mechanisms of action in both industrial and medical applications. These enzymes offer an eco-friendly alternative to chemical processes, contributing significantly to sustainability by reducing chemical usage and improving biofuel yields. Beyond industrial applications, bacterial enzymes contribute to medical innovations such as targeted drug delivery systems and wound healing, with potential for treating chronic diseases like diabetes and inflammatory bowel disorders. These are currently being tested in clinical settings to enhance therapeutic outcomes. Advances in synthetic biology, which involves designing new biological parts and systems, enzyme engineering, the modification of enzymes to improve their function, and microbial consortia design have further enhanced the efficiency and versatility of these enzymes, making them indispensable in modern biotechnology. Future research focusing on optimizing enzyme stability, catalytic efficiency, and substrate specificity will drive innovations in both industrial sustainability and transformative medical applications.

Agave species are increasingly recognized as promising sources of bioactive phytochemicals with therapeutic potential. Among these, β-sitosterol (BSS) and its glucoside (BSSG) have gained attention for their wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. In vitro, these compounds enhance fibroblast viability and regulate cytokine production. In vivo, extracts from Agave angustifolia bagasse (BagEE), obtained through microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), significantly accelerate wound closure and re-epithelialization. MAE, particularly when combined with alkaline catalysts, yields higher concentrations of BSS and BSSG compared to conventional methods. However, despite its environmental and efficiency advantages, supercritical fluid extraction remains underutilized for isolating phytosterols from Agave. This review highlights interspecies variation in bioactive profiles, the critical impact of extraction methodology on compound yield and activity, and the potential for valorizing agro-industrial residues. These findings emphasize the value of Agave-derived sterols in the development of sustainable, plant-based therapeutics. Further research is needed to standardize extraction protocols, achieve comprehensive characterization of active metabolites, and evaluate their clinical efficacy—advancing innovation in bioproduct development aligned with circular economy principles.

Sago residue is being explored as an alternative material in construction materials because of its natural source, good performance, eco-friendly nature, and biodegradable properties. Sago residue is categorized into particles and fiber, so it has various fabrication methods and applications. This study examines various sago residue extraction methods, including traditional manual techniques, mechanical processes, and chemical or enzymatic methods, highlighting their impact on the properties of construction materials. Furthermore, factors such as constituent materials, processing methods, composition, fiber and particle size, environmental conditions, and manufacturing processes can all influence the physical and mechanical properties of sago residue-based construction materials. This review emphasizes the importance of material characterization in understanding their suitability for specific construction applications, ensuring product quality and safety, and identifying opportunities for sustainable development in the construction industry. It was also shown that this study provides important insights and explores the potential of sago waste as a construction material that can be degraded in the environment. Future research may explore the impact of fiber and fiber orientation treatments on the heat resistance, sound absorption ability, and tribology properties of construction materials made from sago waste.

While wood has been a renewable and versatile material for centuries, its susceptibility to biotic and abiotic degradation remains challenging. Traditional preservation methods, though effective, raise increasing concerns about environmental and health toxicity, cost, and post-consumer fate of the treated wood products. To address these issues, more sustainable and effective preservation methods have emerged. This review examines the latest innovations, particularly nanotechnology and self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS), highlighting their applications, advantages, challenges, and research gaps. It focuses on literature from 2019 to 2024, exploring advancements in wood preservation. It also discusses the potential of these technologies to revolutionize wood preservation, offering promising and innovative solutions for the future.

Climate change is a serious global challenge with rising greenhouse gas emissions driving the need for effective carbon sequestration strategies. Carbon sequestration plants, such as fast-growing tree species, bioenergy plants, agroforestry systems, and blue carbon ecosystems, play a critical role in capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide. Despite increasing interest, there is a lack of integrated reviews that connect plant-based sequestration mechanisms with emerging technologies and policy instruments such as carbon credits. This review explores the mechanisms of carbon sequestration in plants, emphasizing the contributions through aboveground and belowground biomass accumulation, soil carbon retention, and microbial interactions. Key plant species, including Eucalyptus, Paulownia, bamboo, and mangroves, have demonstrated high sequestration potential and are discussed. This article aims to synthesize current knowledge while identifying opportunities for enhancing carbon sequestration through biotechnology and policy. This review also highlights emerging biotechnological advancements, such as genetic modifications, to improve carbon uptake efficiency and growing potential of blue carbon ecosystems. Emerging digital tools such as AI-based monitoring and blockchain supported carbon credit tracking are discussed as complementary systems to improve data transparency, verification and trust in carbon markets. By aligning scientific innovation with policy and social engagement, carbon credit can serve as a key element for climate mitigation strategies.

One of the most prevalent and renewable forms of biomass on Earth is lignocellulose, which has an enormous potential for bioconversion into valuable bioproducts. However, this resource is not fully exploited. This review considers the enzymatic hydrolyses of these materials and the impact of their bioproducts on the nutritional and health levels. Understanding lignocellulolytic enzymes and their uses in industry would aid in the development of innovative procedures that lower costs and increase the uptake of biomass, both of which are more beneficial. The conversion of lignocellulosic biomass is achieved by pre-treating biological process that considered inexpensive, feasible, and ecologically acceptable approach followed hydrolysis via enzymes. These enzymes can be applied in several industries, such as the textile, meals and beverages, personal hygiene, medicinal products, and in biofuel manufacturing sectors. Several products are based on lignocellulosic biomass conversion such as bioenergy compounds, organic acids, single cell protein, and Xylitol. Pretreatment and type of biological process of lignocellulosic biomass conversion plays a critical factor for quantitative and qualitative yields of bioproduct of lignocellulosic biomass conversion. Finally, the nutrition and health benefits of some end products of lignocellulosic biomass conversion are covered in this review.

Rattan is a climbing palm and belongs to the family of Calameae. It once was the most important non-timber forest product, especially in the Southeast Asia countries. Despite being labelled as an old or ‘sunset’ industry by many industry players in the region, the rattan global market has grown stronger, with significant increases from only USD 23.4 million in 2008 to 385 million in 2020. The increasing global demand for rattan products will require a systematic selection of rattan species for optimum utilization for a quality product and service life extension. As a result of increased interest by fashion designers for rattan, especially from EU-27 countries, there is a need to understand the rattan properties such as anatomical, physical, mechanical, chemical, and resistance to fungi. This review paper also considers the rattan resource grown in plantations and natural forests, drawing upon the experiences of a certain main producer country. New product development for rattan is also highlighted in this review, including potential new markets. These may include conventional biocomposites, rattan-polymer composites, and specialty rattan products prepared by chemical modification.

Wood is a widely used natural material in various industries due to its availability and versatility. In recent years, nanotechnology has been explored as a promising approach to improve wood durability and resistance against biological degradation. Studies on wood preservation using nanoparticles (NPs) have focused on enhancing wood’s resilience to weathering and biological deterioration, as well as increasing its fire resistance. Nanosized metals can effectively preserve wood by penetrating deeply into it. Applications of nanotechnology may increase wood’s resilience to fungus-induced deterioration. This review concentrates on the efficacy of NPs in enhancing the qualities of wood and wood-derived goods and shielding them from biological degradation, including fungal decay and enzymatic breakdown of wood.

Biomass is widely distributed, inexpensive, and easily obtainable. As a transportable and storable organic carbon source, biomass has significant advantages in terms of sustainability, environmental friendliness, resource richness, and versatility. The utilization of biomass resources instead of traditional non-renewable energy is advantageous for addressing issues related to energy, the environment, and product diversity. The conversion of biomass into energy chemicals serves as an effective complement to current energy products. In addition to their role as a protective agent, lubricants play a crucial role in machinery operation. This paper provides a comprehensive review of various plant-based lubricant-based oil synthesis technologies with promising applications, such as olefin metathesis, cross-lactone, plant sugar fermentation, and C-C coupling. It also covers modification techniques including additive, chemical, and biological modifications. Technical process of each synthesis and modification method is summarized, as well as the physical and chemical properties of the obtained lubricating oil products. This technology also overcomes limitations of traditional vegetable oil modification methods. A thorough analysis is provided on the performance and process economics of plant-based lubricant base oil synthesis technology to guide industrial development in this area. Additionally, it includes an analysis of future trends in plant-based lubricant synthesis technology.

The office furniture industry plays a pivotal role in shaping modern work environments, reflecting broader trends in industrial development and the diffusion of innovation. However, it faces significant imbalances globally – particularly in developing countries – such as fragmented competition, limited intelligent manufacturing capabilities, and weak brand recognition. Taking China as a representative case, this study employed a mixed-methods approach combining bibliometric analysis, industry interviews, and SWOT analysis to explore the current status, key challenges, and future directions of the office furniture sector. The results show that while China has become a global manufacturing hub with mature supply chains and cost advantages, it still lags in brand influence, design innovation, and environmental sustainability. The evolving demands for ergonomic, modular, and smart furniture—driven by the rise of remote work and flexible spaces—present new opportunities for transformation. This study proposes development strategies for emerging markets focused on technological adoption, green manufacturing, and digital sales models. Findings offer valuable insights not only for the restructuring of China’s office furniture sector but also for guiding industrial upgrading in other developing economies.