Volume 21 Issue 2

Drawing on Google Trends data from 2015 to 2024, this study examined patterns of digital attention toward lignocellulosic packaging materials, including paper, wood, and bamboo. Search activity was interpreted as an indicator of evolving sustainability-related public interest rather than simple query frequency. The analysis revealed sustained growth across all packaging-related terms, with “biodegradable packaging” exhibiting the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR = 16.86%), substantially exceeding that of “paper packaging” (6.84%). This pattern suggests that public attention is expanding more rapidly toward broad sustainability concepts rather than toward individual material categories. Interpreted within the framework of Signaling Theory, rising search intensity reflects increasing cognitive engagement with environmentally responsible packaging. However, because Google Trends provides relative rather than absolute measures of search volume, the results should be understood as indicators of digital attention rather than direct evidence of purchasing behavior.

The compressive strength and dynamic bending resistance were tested for solid wood reinforced with glass and carbon fiber fabrics perpendicular to the fibers. The obtained data were used to predict the structural suitability of fiber-reinforced systems, especially for strengthening vertical load-bearing elements of historical buildings. Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Turkish beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky), which are widely used in the construction and furniture industries in Türkiye, were coated with 200, 300, and 400 g/m² glass fiber fabric, carbon fiber fabric, and glass chip using epoxy resin. Compression tests conducted in the direction perpendicular to the fibers were applied according to the TS ISO 13061-5 (2021) standard. The highest compressive strength was obtained in the KK group (84.6 N/mm²), while the lowest value was obtained in group ÇCW1 (48.6 N/mm²). Dynamic (shock) bending strength tests were conducted in accordance with the TS ISO 13061-10 (2021) standard, and the highest dynamic bending strength was measured in the KCW2 group (70.2 kJ/mm²), while the lowest value was measured in the Scotch pine control group (35.6 kJ/mm²). Fiber-reinforced systems, with their mechanically weak properties, offer a viable solution for improving the compressive and dynamic bending strength of wood materials.

A sustainable green synthesis technique was employed to synthesize selenium-based nanoparticles (SeNPs) and a nanoemulsion (NE) from ginger oil (Gr). The nanoparticles were analyzed by DLS, UV-visible, and TEM techniques. The “emulsion inversion point” (EIP) method, a cornerstone of low-energy nanoemulsion (NE) production at constant temperature, was utilized. The liquid phases and surfactant choice determined whether a different mixing sequence was preferable. Using an oil-in-water (O/W) system, ginger oil was transformed into ginger nanoemulsion (Gr-NE). Gr-NE consists of dispersed immiscible phases containing kinetically stable droplets of a liquid phase, with sizes ranging from 36.6 to 51.1 nm. This technique resulted in a high surface area, excellent optical clarity, outstanding stability, and tunable rheology. An environmentally friendly method of synthesizing selenium-based nanoparticles (SeNPs@Gr) with particle sizes ranging from 64.2 to 90.6 nm was developed by utilizing ginger oil. Antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of all the components, as well as SeNPs@Gr, were evaluated. By synthesizing Gr-NE and SeNPs@Gr with minimal environmental impact and using renewable resources, this work achieved alignment with principles of the circular bioeconomy. In particular, the work contributes to Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Improving People’s Health) and 12 (Encouraging Responsible Production and Consumption).

The joint strength that develops in ultrasonic bonding of fiber-based materials is governed by multiple macro- and microscopic structural parameters whose interactions complicate the isolation of individual effects. In this study, paper made from cellulose-containing natural fibers was examined with respect to three structural factors: fiber orientation, paper side, and refining degree (°SR). Fiber orientation proved to be the dominant parameter. Samples with fibers aligned along the vibration direction exhibited significantly higher joint strengths than those with fibers oriented perpendicularly. The effect of paper side varied depending on fiber type and basis weight, indicating additional influences from factors such as porosity, surface roughness, and fiber distribution. Consequently, no universal relationship between paper side and joint strength was established. The refining degree showed no distinct influence within the typical range (°SR 24 to 36); however, at an exceptionally high value (°SR 80), a clear effect was observed. The impact of refining degree was found to depend strongly on basis weight: at 170 g/m², increased fibrillation enhanced bonding due to larger specific surface area, while at 80 g/m², shortened fibers and fewer contact points reduced joint strength. These findings highlight the need for a differentiated evaluation of structural parameters in optimizing ultrasonic bonding of fiber-based materials.

Perovskite CaTiO₃ mineral was synthesized from natural materials of Tebalan seashells and their structural and morphological characteristics were explored. The solids were calcined at temperatures of 900 °C and 1100 °C. The analysis by X-ray diffraction (XRD) demonstrated that the dominant phase of CaTiO₃ exhibited an orthorhombic structure, characterized by lattice parameters a = 5.388 Å, b = 5.446 Å, and c = 7.651 Å, at a temperature of 1100°C. This observation signifies an enhancement in crystallinity and an augmentation in phase purity. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the morphology was homogeneous, with uniform grains and increased density at high temperatures. This morphology is indicative of the material’s potential for use in VOC gas sensor applications, based on the observed regularity and density of the surface structure. It is hypothesized that the intrinsic porosity of shell-derived CaTiO₃, when coupled with the hierarchical porous architecture of lignocellulosic biomass, can synergistically enhance VOC adsorption and mass transfer, thereby significantly improving sensor sensitivity and detection performance. This outcome validates its promise as an eco-friendly and cost-effective VOC gas sensor material.

Cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) are increasingly explored for biomedical applications; however, the relationship between surface functionalization and biological responses remains incompletely understood. In this study, CNF were carboxymethylated to controlled degrees of substitution (DS) using kraft pulp as a starting material, and their physicochemical properties and in vitro biosafety were evaluated. Increasing DS altered crystallinity and surface charge, resulting in measurable changes in zeta potential and structural characteristics. Cell viability was assessed in HepG2, HEK293, and RAW 264.7 cells across a concentration range of 100 to 1000 µg/mL using complementary assays. All tested materials exhibited concentration-dependent trends in cell viability. However, under the tested conditions, the observed effects remained within the non-cytotoxic range. Among the tested samples, CM CNF with DS 0.2 showed stable cell viability and limited apoptosis-related responses comparable to those of hyaluronic acid (HA), while samples with lower or higher substitution levels showed modest reductions in viability at higher concentrations. Apoptosis-related gene and protein expression analyses further indicated limited transcriptional and translational changes relative to the vehicle-treated control. Overall, the findings suggest that the degree of carboxymethylation influences cell–material interactions in a concentration-dependent manner, while maintaining biosafety within the tested DS range.

This study examined the mechanical, acoustic, and microstructural performance of epoxy composites reinforced with Snake Grass Fiber (SGF) and hybrid agro-waste fillers—Tamarind Seed Powder (TSP) and Wood Apple Shell Powder (WASP). Composites were fabricated by compression molding with a constant SGF content of 30 wt% and varying hybrid filler contents (5 to 15 wt%). Mechanical properties including tensile, flexural, compressive, impact strength, hardness, and water absorption were evaluated alongside sound absorption behavior. The incorporation of hybrid fillers significantly improved mechanical strength, surface hardness, and dimensional stability while reducing moisture uptake compared to SGF-only composites. The optimized hybrid composition exhibited superior properties, achieving tensile, flexural, compressive, and impact strengths of 58 MPa, 87 MPa, 70 MPa, and 8.98 J, respectively, with a hardness of 84 Shore D and reduced water absorption of 23%. Acoustic analysis revealed enhanced sound absorption, with a maximum absorption coefficient of 0.24 at an optimal filler-to-fiber ratio, attributed to synergy between fibrous reinforcement and porous fillers. SEM analysis confirmed uniform filler dispersion, improved interfacial bonding, and reduced voids, supporting the observed mechanical and acoustic enhancements. SGF-based hybrid agro-waste composites offer improved structural and sound-absorbing performance, making them suitable for sustainable automotive, construction, and acoustic insulation applications.

The combined effects of phosphorus fertilization (applied as triple superphosphate, TSP; Ca(H₂PO₄)₂·H₂O, 43 to 44% P₂O₅) and storage duration were studied relative to the physico-mechanical and biochemical properties of citron watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides). Five phosphorus application rates and three storage durations under ambient conditions were evaluated. Storage duration significantly impacted both quality and mechanical traits. Moisture content decreased progressively during storage, accompanied by increases in rind lightness (L*), yellowness (b*), and chroma (C*). After two months of storage, cutting force and deformation increased significantly, reflecting storage-induced modifications in tissue structure and viscoelastic behavior. Prolonged storage was also associated with a general decline in antioxidant-related biochemical parameters, suggesting degradation of bioactive compounds over time. Phosphorus fertilization did not significantly affect (P > 0.05) fruit weight, dimensional characteristics, color attributes, puncture resistance, or cutting-related mechanical parameters. In contrast, increasing phosphorus doses significantly enhanced total phenolic and flavonoid contents, total antioxidant activity, and chlorophyll contents, indicating the effect of phosphorus on secondary metabolism and antioxidant capacity. Overall, storage duration was the dominant factor influencing the structural and mechanical behavior of citron watermelon rind, whereas phosphorus fertilization primarily governed biochemical composition and antioxidant potential.

To minimize environmental impact, the green synthesis strategy prioritized using non-toxic substances, energy-efficient processes, and renewable resources. Ficus nitida fruit extract was used to produce Iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe₂O₃ and Fe₃O₄ NPs) and Iron oxide/cerium oxide nanoparticles (Fe₂O₃ and Fe₃O₄/CeO₂ NPs) for antimicrobial, and antioxidant applications. The effective synthesis of these NPs was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), FTIR, UV-visible, and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) analyses. The typical crystal diameters, as estimated by the Debye–Scherrer equation, were 3.65 nm (Fe₂O₃ and Fe₃O₄ NPs) and 10.14 nm (Fe₂O₃ and Fe₃O₄/CeO₂ NPs). TEM images verified that the prepared NPs were spherical, semispherical, and irregular in shape. The FTIR spectrum’s prominent peaks revealed the elements of Fe–Ce nanoparticles. Of all the materials examined, Fe₂O₃ and Fe₃O₄ /CeO₂ NPs synthesized using Ficus nitida fruit extract demonstrated promising in vitro antibacterial activity against MRSA (21.0 ± 0.58 mm inhibition zone) and E. coli (22.2 ± 0.15 mm), alongside antioxidant potential (81.76% free radical scavenging at 1000 µg/mL). These preliminary findings merit further investigation to assess toxicity, biocompatibility, and in vivo efficacy as potential antibacterial and antioxidant agents in advanced applications.

The effectiveness of Gum Arabic (GA) as a compatibilizer was evaluated in sodium lignosulfonate (LS)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) composite film systems. This study aimed to improve the morphological integrity and mechanical stability of films, while achieving sustainability objectives. The goal was to obtain mechanically reinforced and morphologically homogeneous biodegradable films through GA-assisted phase stabilization. The structural, morphological, and mechanical properties, as well as the water interaction performance, of films were investigated. Fourier transform infrared analysis showed that the band intensity attributed to hydrogen bonding increased with the addition of GA, indicating enhanced molecular interactions. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that GA increased morphological defects such as microphase separation and aggregation, especially at low concentrations. While 25% GA helped fill the pores, it did not completely eliminate structural defects. Mechanical tests showed a decrease in tensile strength of up to 63% associated with such defects. Water sorption and dissolution tests showed that mass loss in aqueous media reached 75% due to the solubility of LS and GA. However, higher GA content moderately reduced this loss by minimizing defect sites. GA failed to act as a compatibilizer under tested formulation and processing parameters but contributed to the film’s surface homogeneity as a physical filler.