Volume 21 Issue 2

The antifungal activity and phytochemical constituents of aerial parts of Juniperus communis L., and Forsskaolea tenacissima L. were investigated relative to the growth and the excretion of fungal toxins for Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus, Fusarium oxysporum, and F. verticilliodes. The phytochemical screening of aquamethanolic extracts was determined via GC-MS. The extract of J. communis had thirty- eight molecules, whereas the fractionation of F. tenacissima showed twenty-nine molecules. The extract of F. tenacissima had the highest antifungal impact towards tested fungi and played a primary role in the control of mycotoxins synthesis by the tested fungi. There were dramatic differences between the inhibiting roles of both extracts. F. tenacissima was favored, having the highest effect in reducing aflatoxins, o-methyl sterigmatocystin, fugilin, macrofusine, and 1-hydroxycyclobut-1-ene-3,4-dione by 22.6, 41.5, 37.2, 32.2, 26.6, and 25.3%, compared to 20.5, 35.3, 30.8, 23.5, 23.8, and 17.1% for treatment by J. communis extract. The maximum affinity of -10.6 was found for the 5ICC_A piperlonguminine at site 1 (X, Y, Z: -15.282, 21.785, 5.672). Compounds such as mycotoxins were found to have binding features to protein residues of Omt-A, as shown by computational interaction at the molecular level.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were prepared using Dysphania botrys extract. Successful NPs formation was confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy with a characteristic absorbance peak at 365 nm. XRD analysis revealed a hexagonal wurtzite structure with an average crystallite size of 9.96 nm, while FTIR spectra indicated the involvement of plant phytochemicals in nanoparticle stabilization. SEM images showed predominantly hexagonal morphology, and EDX analysis confirmed high purity, with zinc and oxygen as the major elements. GC–MS profiling of the plant extract identified 26 bioactive compounds, with humulane-1,6-dien-3-ol (29.4%) as the most abundant. The biosynthesized ZnONPs exhibited pronounced antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria. Brine shrimp assays revealed concentration-dependent toxicity (100% mortality at ≥160 µg/mL), indicating that the biosynthesized ZnONPs had notable general cytotoxic potential, which warrants careful evaluation of environmental and biomedical safety. Meanwhile, DPPH assays revealed concentration-dependent antioxidant activity (58.8% at 200 µg/mL). Green synthesis using plant extracts has been proposed as a more environmentally benign approach and can reduce the use of hazardous reagents, although the resulting nanoparticles may still exhibit toxicity depending on their dose and properties.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has gained increasing attention due to its eco-friendly nature and biomedical potential. In this study, AgNPs were synthesized using Solanum tuberosum (potato) peel extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Formation of AgNPs was confirmed by ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy. Structural characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis revealed crystalline, spherical nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 10 to 55 nm. The AgNPs exhibited antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Penicillium glabrum, and Candida albicans, with the highest inhibition zone against B. subtilis (24.50 ± 4.97 mm). In cytotoxicity assays, AgNPs showed dose-dependent activity against PANC-1 and PC-3 cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 128 and 137 µg/mL, respectively, and lower toxicity toward Vero cells (IC₅₀ = 439.1 µg/mL). Antioxidant activity was observed in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazo-line-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays with IC₅₀ values of ~240 and 412 µg/mL, respectively. Additionally, AgNPs showed inhibitory activity against α-amylase (IC₅₀ = 461 µg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 153 µg/mL). These results underscore the potential of potato peel-mediated AgNPs as eco-friendly, multifunctional nanomaterials with promising biological applications.

Against the background of population aging and the growing demand for human–pet co-living, this study proposes a dual-objective co-design framework for older adults and domestic cats and applies it to the development of an intelligent human–cat interactive chair. To address the animal-centered bias and lack of age-friendly functions in existing pet furniture, the study integrates the Kano model, AHP, QFD, and TOPSIS to establish a structured design decision-making pathway. Based on surveys of 98 older adults and behavioral analysis of 30 domestic cats, 11 core functional requirements were identified. AHP results showed that the replaceable scratching layer and composite natural wood structure accounted for 42.9% of the total weight, while QFD mapping yielded 14 design features, with modular scratching structure, quick-release scratching board slot, and natural wood segmented assembly receiving the highest scores. TOPSIS evaluation indicated that Option B achieved the optimal closeness coefficient (Ci = 0.741). The results demonstrate that integrating feline behavior stimulation with assistive functions for older adults enhances feline activity and user safety, and the proposed Kano–AHP–QFD–TOPSIS framework provides methodological support for cross-species co-design of shared furniture.

Thermoplastic starch-based composites often suffer from poor mechanical performance and high moisture sensitivity. This limits their practical applications. In this study, thermoplastic cassava starch modified with candelilla wax (TPCS/CW) was reinforced with Pennisetum purpureum fiber (PPF) at loadings ranging from 0 to 60 wt% using thermo-compression moulding. The structural, morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties of the composites were evaluated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and mechanical testing. The results showed that fiber incorporation enhanced intermolecular interactions without altering the chemical structure of the starch matrix. Mechanical properties improved significantly with increasing fiber content, with tensile strength and modulus reaching optimum values of 9.14 MPa and 3.28 GPa, respectively, at 50 wt% PPF. Flexural strength and impact toughness also showed maximum values of 26.5 MPa and 4.97 kJ m⁻² at 50 wt% PPF. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated a slight reduction in onset degradation temperature with fiber addition, accompanied by a notable increase in char residue. However, excessive fiber loading (60 wt%) led to fiber agglomeration and reduced performance. These findings demonstrate that PPF is an effective reinforcement for TPCS/CW composites, with potential applications in biodegradable packaging, disposable products, and low-load structural components.

This study investigated how coatings with sodium polyacrylate (SP), mixed corn starch (MS), and their combination (SPMS) affect the properties of lab-made cellulose papers. Coatings were applied at various dry matter concentrations (5 to 20% w/w). Results showed that SP coatings significantly increased water retention and hydrophilicity, with higher concentrations improving absorption. Conversely, MS coatings reduced water retention. Gloss values slightly increased with coating concentration but were overall lower than the uncoated paper. Structural properties like density and thickness were largely unchanged, confirming the coating’s direct impact on grammage and water absorption. This preliminary laboratory study provides a foundational framework for optimizing coating color formulations and their application to paper surfaces, offering insights for developing next-generation paper products for various industrial and commercial applications.

Chitosan-based films are attractive eco-friendly substitutes for petrochemical packaging; however, their commercialization is limited by modest mechanical strength and limited functionality. This study presents a fully bio-sourced composite in which chitosan is covalently cross-linked with the natural reagent genipin, nano-reinforced with sulfonated cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and functionalized with lemongrass essential oil (LEO) as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial. Spectroscopic, microscopic, and thermal analyses confirmed the formation of a densely reticulated architecture through Schiff-base chemistry and hydrogen bonding. The optimized CS/G/CNC/LEO film reached a tensile strength of 49 MPa (above 80% higher than pure chitosan), showed a 74% fall in swelling ratio, and exhibited superior O₂ and UV barriers. As a coating for cherry tomatoes, the material restricted weight loss to 9%, preserved firmness, titratable acidity and vitamin C, suppressed microbial growth and respiration, and prolonged post-harvest shelf life by six days under room temperature storage conditions. These results demonstrate the potential of CS/G/CNC/LEO films as a sustainable active food packaging material.

Effects of mechanical refining parameters and enzymatic treatments were studied relative to the repulping efficiency of four wastepaper grades: kraft grocery bag (KGB), double-lined kraft (DLK), American old corrugated container (AOCC), and Korean old corrugated container (KOCC). Parameters including freeness, fiber length, fines, flake content, and specific energy consumption were examined under varied conditions. Optical microscopy confirmed that narrowing the mechanical disperser gap increased fiber disintegration intensity, reducing freeness and flake content but raising energy consumption. A synergistic effect was demonstrated between optimized mechanical refining and enzyme formulations (Cell E-B), specifically targeting wet-strength and hard-sized wastepaper. Instead of directly degrading chemical additives, the cellulase-based treatment facilitates fiber recovery by partially hydrolyzing cellulose at the fiber surface and disrupting fiber–additive interactions. This enzymatic action promotes fiber swelling and liberation, leading to further reductions in freeness and flake content while preserving fiber length. These findings provide comparative insights and actionable data to support the transition from laboratory findings to planned full-scale industrial manufacturing, offering pathways for energy savings and improved fiber utilization in the paper recycling industry.

Tectona grandis plantations are crucial for carbon sequestration in tropical regions. This study aimed to estimate annual carbon storage in teak plantations stems using a novel integration tree ring analysis and high-resolution X-ray densitometry. The authors sampled 34 trees from a 7-year-old teak plantation in southeastern Peru. Four increment cores were extracted from each tree to measure growth rings and wood density. Unlike traditional static allometric equations, the data were used to reconstruct annual tree growth and estimate biomass and carbon storage per hectare by capturing inter-annual wood density variability. Results showed a significant carbon storage capacity in stems of 45 t C ha^-1 at 7 years of age, with an annual increment of 6.4 t C ha^-1 yr^-1, demonstrating a positive growth trend that outperformed several regional native species. Gompertz’s model predicted that teak stems could store up to 69.2 t C ha^-1 by 10 years. The study confirms that teak plantations are a highly efficient carbon sink, and that this dendro-densitometric approach provides a precise, non-destructive methodological framework for certifying carbon credits and optimizing forest management in the Global South.

Between 2024 and 2026, a 25-question survey was conducted to assess the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the local population in the Alanya region, as well as their purposes for consuming non-wood forest plant products, consumption timing, frequency, procurement methods, perceived benefits and side effects of the consumed products, and the factors influencing consumption habits. Three endemic species Sideritis arguta Boiss & Heldr, Sideritis argyrea P.H. Davis, and Sideritis albiflora Hub. Mor were included in the evaluation. Ethnobotanical analysis revealed that these species are most consumed for general health, therapeutic, and recreational purposes. For the first time in Turkey, this study highlighted the importance of informing the public about the benefits of these three species and emphasized that harvesting should be carried out consciously after seed maturation to prevent the depletion of these taxa. Solid-phase micro-extraction (SPME) analysis indicated that the highest volatile compound concentrations in Sideritis arguta Boiss & Heldr were α-pinene (25.7%), germacrene-D (8.4%), and trans-caryophyllene (6.4%). In Sideritis argyrea P.H. Davis, the main compounds were α-pinene (11.8%), germacrene-D (9.2%), and β-myrcene (4.5%), whereas in Sideritis albiflora Hub. Mor, the primary compounds were α-pinene (12.9%), germacrene-D (7.8%), and 1,8-cineole (5.6%). Analysis of volatile compound classes revealed a high proportion of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons across species.