BioResources publishes research articles, review articles, and editorials on topics related to the science of cellulosic substances and their uses in such fields as composites, paper, engineered wood, bioenergy, etc. To help speed up the process, authors use a template. The journal staff pre-edit the English in each article before the peer-review process starts. Why you should publish with BioResources: Research published open-access & authors retaining copy rights Low publication fee, with comprehensive editing service included Efficient peer-review process & open access platform Impact factor 2.2 (Clarivate), ~ 600 published articles per year Efficient peer-review process; articles published fast after acceptance Ranked #2 in Wood Sci. & Technol. (Google Scholar—https://bit.ly/33GVdOZ) Authors retain copy rights University-based journal; excess funds only support student scholarships Technical Editor: Martin A. Hubbe, Professor, North Carolina State University, hubbe@ncsu.edu Managing Editor: Lucian A. Lucia, Professor, North Carolina State University, lucia-bioresources@ncsu.edu The main publication website of BioResources is as follows: https://bioresources.cnr.ncsu.edu/ The "Open Journal Systems" website that you are viewing now is primarily intended for: (a) submission of articles after careful preparation, following the Author instructions and using a template; (b) management of the peer-reviewing process; and (c) distribution of journal content to participating database services.
NC State University, Dept. of Forest Biomaterials
Catalyzing Breakthroughs: Imagination and its Immediacy in Realizing Scientific Possibilities
Scientific breakthroughs are not just limited to empirical observation and analytical prowess but remain at the forefront of imagination. Speculation and storytelling, hallmarks of imagination, may be powerful means for realizing scientific possibilities long before they become technological realities. In the process of envisioning a breakthrough, imagination can embolden researchers to go beyond existing paradigms and promote creativity into reality. Visionary daydreaming can often be key to catalyze breakthrough discoveries.
Bioeconomy Strategies for Energy Security: Building Resilience under Global Uncertainty
Recent oil price volatility and geopolitical uncertainty highlight the need for more resilient energy production models. This study examines the bioeconomy as a strategic framework to address instability in global energy and material supply chains. Historical and recent oil crises demonstrate how fluctuations in fuel markets disrupt industrial competitiveness, particularly in energy-intensive sectors, while propagating impacts across downstream value chains. The bioeconomy offers an alternative pathway through the valorization of biobased resources. Current estimates place its contribution at approximately 3.5 to 4% of global gross domestic product (GDP), with significant growth projected by 2050. However, expansion remains constrained by challenges related to technological scale-up, regulatory fragmentation, investment risk, and limited standardization. Regional analysis reveals heterogeneous development patterns, with strong potential in resource-rich regions such as Latin America to promote localized value creation and reduce external dependencies. Key strategic priorities include strengthening regional value chains, advancing scalable biorefinery platforms, improving regulatory coherence, and expanding investment frameworks. These measures position the bioeconomy as a critical component for enhancing energy security, increasing industrial resilience, and supporting sustainable economic development in conditions of global uncertainty.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nicolás M. Clauser, Maria Cristin Area
Process Integration and Coupling to Improve the Biorefinery Process
Biomass is a naturally renewable resource with wide distribution and huge annual output. It is the most abundant renewable organic resource in the world. Biorefinery can be defined as a processing system that converts biomass into a full range of energy products and chemical materials through a series of physical, chemical, and biological conversion treatments. It provides a practical technical route for reducing global dependence on fossil energy, mitigating the greenhouse effect, and promoting the green transformation of the global chemical and energy industry. To fully utilize the components of biomass, the biorefinery process generally comprises complex processing units and procedures, which results in low production efficiency and high investment. Process integration and coupling can effectively streamline its procedures and reduce the number of processing units. This can greatly enhance its production efficiency and reduce investment, thus improving its process economy. In recent years, a variety of innovative integration and coupling strategies have been developed in the biorefinery process. However, current process integration and coupling still face multiple practical challenges. This editorial will provide a brief discussion on the use of process integration and coupling in the biorefinery process.
Copyright (c) 2026 Zhanye Xv, Xingyang Xv, Shengdong Zhu, Fang Jin, Shengliang Zhu
Can Artificial Intelligence Replace Classical Testing of Corrugated Board?
For many years, laboratory testing has been the cornerstone of quality evaluation in the paper and corrugated board industry, supporting both material control and packaging design. However, growing production complexity and the need for faster technological decisions expose the limitations of traditional, time-intensive testing methods. This editorial explores the potential of artificial intelligence as a tool that can complement, rather than replace, classical approaches. Machine learning models are capable of estimating key strength parameters such as ECT and BCT, identifying anomalies, and supporting material selection based on process and environmental data. Nevertheless, their effectiveness depends strongly on data quality, and they cannot substitute for standardized tests required for validation and certification. It is argued that the most effective path forward is a hybrid model, combining the reliability of laboratory testing with the speed and predictive power of AI, leading to more efficient and informed decision-making.
Copyright (c) 2026 Tomasz Garbowski, Iffat Nazir
Historical Wood Xylarium (JOIhw) in Brazil: A Strategy for Cultural and Forest Conservation
Historical woods are one of the most important natural resources in the world. Known wood species used in the past can be an elementary key for understanding traditional communities or old societies, registering cultural expressions, and making strategies for forest conservation. In addition, this knowledge can contribute to cultural agencies’ efforts in heritage preservation. On the other hand, the megabiodiversity found in tropical regions, such as Brazil, can pose an important challenge to successfully identifying wood species. In the rainforests of many regions, more than 450 wood species can be found, including trees and shrub components. Of this total, more than 100 species are used for cultural heritage. This number is incredibly higher than the usual number for cultural use in temperate regions. It is likely that many cultural species are still unknown. This paper introduces the concept of a collection specialized in cultural woods as a new frontier for the historical anatomy of tropical areas.
Copyright (c) 2026 Joao Carlos Ferreira Melo Júnior, Eliandro Jaques-Gonçalves, Lana Avi, Lucas Felippe Beyer, Alexandre Matheus de Brito Butzke
Convergence and Divergence of Some Methods Used to Assess the State of Preservation of Paper in Old Books
The convergence or divergence of results for pH, yellowness, and mechanical strength were considered for papers from three old books. Good convergence was found for pH measurement results from the three books. The lack of convergence in some pH measurements between the surface method and the extraction–pH meter method may result from differences in pH of individual pages of old books, inherently lower pH values obtained using the surface methods, as well as from lower pH values measured in extracts of old papers prepared under hot conditions using a pH meter. Yellowness testing revealed overall good level of convergence between visual assessment and instrumental measurement (Elrepho 2000 apparatus). Strength tests indicated convergence between the results of the number of double folds (NDF) and tensile-after-six folds (TSF) tests, while divergence was observed when these methods were compared with the number of page turns (NPT) test. High NPT values may result from the papers of the examined books retaining yet relatively significant resistance to tensile and tearing stresses. Further research is needed to explain the relatively small damage to book pages in the NPT test in contrast to alarming results of the NDF and TSF tests.
Chemical Degradation of Wooden Components in Traditional Dwelling No. 9, East Gate Lane, Gulian Village: Assessed by Polarized Light Microscopy, Fluorescence Microscopy, and Histochemical Staining
To accurately elucidate the microscopic degradation characteristics and deterioration mechanisms of wooden components in traditional northern Chinese dwellings, this study investigated wooden components retrieved from the Ming-Qing residential building at No. 9, East Gate Lane, Gulian Village, Qi County, Shanxi Province. Polarized light microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and histochemical staining techniques were employed to qualitatively assess the degradation degrees of cellulose and lignin in six wood species: elm, poplar, willow, birch, Chinese larch, and Chinese pine. Internal and external deterioration drivers were analyzed, and corresponding conservation strategies were proposed. The results showed that all tested wooden components exhibit moderate to severe chemical degradation. The deterioration of wooden components is synergistically driven by interspecific differences in natural decay resistance, rainwater erosion, ultraviolet radiation, building structural damage, and microbial infestation. Elm components are mainly attacked by white-rot fungi, while the other wood species are predominantly affected by soft-rot fungi. Poplar and willow are more susceptible to insect damage. This study provides a scientific basis and technical support for the microscopic diagnosis, precise restoration, and preventive conservation of Ming-Qing wooden architecture in the Jinzhong region.
Copyright (c) 2026 Haidi Ji, Tongyu Xu, Xianghe Liu, Ziyan Luo, Bin Li, Yang Yan
Craft and Aesthetic Characteristics of Resin-inlaid Wood and Its Application in Household Products
Resin-inlaid wood is a material integration approach in which liquid resin is poured into cracks or structural cavities of wood and cured to form a composite structure. In recent years, this technique has attracted increasing attention in furniture and interior design due to the distinctive visual and tactile effects created by the contrast between resin and wood, inspiring numerous handcrafted and design-oriented works. However, systematic studies on resin-inlaid wood remain limited. This study reviews the material selection and processing procedures involved in resin-inlaid wood craftsmanship and analyzes its aesthetic characteristics from the perspectives of visual presentation, tactile contrast, structural expression, and emotional values. Representative household products are further examined through case analyses. In addition, a questionnaire survey based on the product semantics approach was conducted to explore participants’ preferences toward resin-inlaid wood products, providing references for the design application and future development of resin-inlaid wood in household products.
Copyright (c) 2026 Juntao Wu, Xin Tao, Fangchen Mei, Wei Xu
Laminated Wood Material Reinforced with Bacterial Cellulose (Kombucha SCOBY) Part 2: Selected Mechanical Properties
Kombucha pellicles (Kombucha microbial culture) were evaluated as a source of bacterial cellulose to use in the production of laminated wood material. The goal was to improve the mechanical properties. The Kombucha pellicles were produced at room temperature over an eight-week fermentation period, after which bacterial cellulose sheets approximately 1 mm thick were obtained by drying. These sheets were used in the production of laminated wood material together with Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis L.), and Anatolian chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) wood species, utilizing urea formaldehyde, polyurethane, and polyvinyl acetate adhesives. To evaluate the mechanical properties, the following tests were applied: compressive strength parallel to the grain, adhesive strength, bending strength, and modulus of elasticity in bending. The findings revealed that although bacterial cellulose displayed a mechanically strong structure, overall mechanical performance did not reach the desired level due to insufficient adhesion between lamina layers. The results indicated that further research is needed to improve structural compatibility and adhesion mechanisms for the use of this material in advanced mechanical applications.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mehmet Budakçı, Diğdem Şağban, Mustafa Korkmaz, İzham Kılınç
Effect of Cold Plasma Treatment on Contact Angle and Surface Color Properties of Untreated and Thermally Modified Scots Pine Wood
Scots pine wood (Pinus sylvestris) specimens were thermally modified using the rectification method and subsequently exposed to air-plasma under atmospheric pressure for 5 and 7 min. The water contact angle and CIELAB color parameters, including lightness (L*), red–green (a*), and yellow–blue (b*) coordinates, were measured. The results showed that plasma treatment decreased L*, particularly in thermally modified wood, while inducing a slight decrease in untreated wood. The b* value gradually increased in untreated samples, whereas thermally modified specimens exhibited pronounced increases in both a* and b*. Analysis of variance revealed that wood type, plasma exposure time, and their interaction had statistically significant effects on all three-color parameters. Plasma treatment markedly reduced the water contact angle in both solid pine and thermo-wood samples, demonstrating enhanced surface wettability. The strongest effect was observed in thermo wood exposed to plasma for 7 min, which exhibited the lowest contact angle and the highest level of hydrophilicity among all treatments. FTIR spectroscopy indicated a gradual reduction of hydroxyl groups and ester carbonyls in hemicellulose and an accumulation of polymerized lignin caused by thermal modification, alongside partial degradation of polar groups, surface activation, and the formation of new carbonyl functionalities.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mohammad Mahdi Khoshkar, Abdollah Hosseinzadeh, Reza Bakhshi, Vahid Tazakkor Rezai, Valiullah Mousavi , Majid Kiaei
Sugarcane Bagasse Conversion in Water-Ethanol under Pre-Hydrothermal Liquefaction Conditions
Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) uses compressed water at high temperatures (≥250 °C) to convert wet biomass into a synthetic crude oil (bio-crude). Here, sugarcane bagasse was treated in batch mode using water, ethanol, and a water+ethanol (1:1, w/w) mixture at a 1:9 biomass-to-solvent mass ratio to evaluate the effects of solvent, non-isothermal heating, temperature (180, 210, and 240 °C), and holding time at the setpoint temperature (0 to 60 min) on product distribution under pre-HTL conditions. With water at 240 °C and 60 min holding time, solid recovery was 48% and non-volatile liquor products were 16%. Under the same conditions, the water+ethanol mixture improved fractionation, yielding the highest extraction (35%) and the lowest solid recovery (36%). Ethanol addition inhibited humins formation and favored lignin and hemicellulose fractionation (solid recoveries of 27% and 1% at 240 °C and 60 min), while 56% of glucans remained in the residual solids. Under the best sugar recovery treatment (water, 180 °C, 0 min), 62% of hemicelluloses were recovered in the liquor at a 1:6 mono-to-oligosaccharide ratio. Under harsher conditions, even in the presence of ethanol, slow heating promoted depolymerization but also substantial sugar degradation, with acetic acid being identified as the main component of liquid streams.
Copyright (c) 2026 Marco A. Salle-Filho , Nadia M. V. Ramos , Ivan R. Barros, Montserrat Fortuny, Luiz Pereira Ramos, Marcos Lúcio Corazza
Influence of Some Cutting Parameters on Frontal-Peripheral Surface Roughness of Oak Milled with Straight-Flute End Mill Tools
The combined effects of grain orientation and CNC end milling parameters on wood surface quality remain poorly understood. This study investigated the surface quality of tangential oak during frontal milling and radial oak during peripheral milling using straight-flute end mill tools with diameters of 8 and 10 mm, four stepover values (30%, 50%, 70%, and 90% of the tool diameter), and two cutting depths (1 and 3 mm). Surface quality was evaluated through roughness parameters and profiles, microscopic observations, and compared with reference surfaces obtained by shaving and P150 sanding. ANOVA revealed that stepover is the primary factor governing roughness, followed by tool diameter, while cutting depth had no statistically significant impact. Increasing the stepover beyond 50% substantially degrades the surface due to severe fiber lifting and tool ridges. The 8 mm tool produced smoother surfaces than 10 mm tool, in both milling operations and at 30% stepover closely approached the ideal shaved baseline. In frontal milling, stepovers of 30% and 50% outperformed sanding, whereas in peripheral milling, only the 8 mm tool yielded superior quality. Utilizing a smaller tool diameter at a low stepover ratio guarantees a finish-ready surface directly from the CNC machine.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ana-Maria Angelescu, Lidia Gurau
Preparation and Optimization of Bio-polyols from Sawdust Liquefaction Using Crude Glycerol and Polyethylene Glycol
Bio-based polyols derived from lignocellulosic biomass have attracted considerable attention as sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based polyols in polyurethane production. In this study, spruce sawdust was liquefied using pretreated crude glycerol (PCG) and pretreated crude glycerol/polyethylene glycol (PCG/PEG) binary solvent systems under acid-catalyzed conditions to produce bio-polyols. The effects of reaction temperature, reaction time, and solvent composition on biomass conversion, hydroxyl number, acid number, and viscosity of the resulting polyols were systematically investigated using response surface methodology (RSM). Liquefaction experiments were conducted at temperatures ranging from 100 to 180 ºC for PCG and 120 to 200 ºC for PCG/PEG mixtures, with reaction times between 40 and 360 min. The results demonstrated that increasing temperature, reaction time, and PEG content significantly enhanced biomass conversion efficiency. Statistical analysis confirmed that temperature and reaction time were the most influential parameters affecting polyol properties and liquefaction performance. The incorporation of PEG improved biomass conversion and reduced viscosity compared with PCG alone. The obtained bio-polyols exhibited physicochemical characteristics within the range generally considered suitable for rigid polyurethane foam polyol formulations, demonstrating the potential of PCG and lignocellulosic waste as sustainable feedstocks for high-value polyurethane materials.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nahid Rastegarfar, Rabi Behrooz, Mehdi Barikani
Green Synthesis and Bioactivities of Silver Nanoparticles Derived from Mercurialis annua L. Extract
Biogenic synthesis using plant materials provides a sustainable alternative to classical nanoparticle fabrication, minimizing chemical hazards and decreasing energy input. In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared using an aqueous extract of Mercurialis annua and characterized. Physicochemical properties of the AgNPs were confirmed using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray (TEM–EDX), which collectively indicated crystalline, spherical silver nanoparticles stabilized by extract-derived functional groups. Subsequently, the biological activities of both the nanoparticles and the extract were comparatively evaluated using antioxidant tests, including cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC), as well as enzyme inhibition tests targeting α-glucosidase and carbonic anhydrase. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry profiling identified 31 phenolic constituents in the extract, with ferulic, caffeic, salicylic, and 4-hydroxybenzoic acids detected in high abundance. Overall, the biosynthesized AgNPs demonstrated higher antioxidant performance and stronger inhibitory effects on both enzymes compared with the crude extract. These results indicate that M. annua-based AgNPs hold considerable promise sustainable and effective bioactive agents for future biomedical and biotechnological applications.
Copyright (c) 2026 Aisha Mohamud Salad , Zeynep Akar
Transport-Related Carbon Emissions of Imported Timber Supply in Kazakhstan
In the context of Kazakhstan’s strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, assessing transport-related CO₂ emissions associated with imported timber supply has become increasingly important. For Kazakhstan, this issue is particularly relevant for Kazakhstan because its woodworking industry depends heavily on imported timber transported over long distances. The objective of this study was to assess CO₂ emissions generated during the transportation of imported sawn timber to Kazakhstan, through a comparative analysis of transport-related CO₂ emissions under different logistics scenarios and a comparison of logistics scenarios. The study considers three logistics supply scenarios: rail transport, road transport, and a combined scenario (rail transport followed by a road segment). Calculations were based on a distance-oriented model using average emission factors consistent with international databases. One tonne of sawn timber is adopted as the functional unit. The results showed that rail transport provides the lowest emission level (62 kg CO₂/t), whereas road transport generated substantially higher transport-related CO₂ emissions (153 kg CO₂/t). The combined scenario demonstrates an intermediate value (148.5 kg CO₂/t), indicating the substantial influence of the road transport share on total emissions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Rayana Bolatova, Elmira Bazarbaevna Kurmanbekova, Yusuf Ziya Erdil, Aigul Sambetbayeva, Bakyt Amanseikova, Saltanat Shaltabaeva
Evaluating the Stability of Hevea brasiliensis (Rubberwood) as a Control Material in Subterranean Termite Bioassays
Subterranean termites are major biological agents causing wood deterioration in tropical regions. Laboratory bioassays commonly use susceptible reference materials as controls to ensure termite feeding activity; however, information on the long-term variability of such materials remains limited. This study evaluated the variability and repeatability of Hevea brasiliensis (rubberwood) as a control material in laboratory tests involving Coptotermes curvignathus. Data from 27 independent trials conducted between 2016 and 2025 were analysed, with five replicates per trial exposed for four weeks using a standardized Forest Research Institute Malaysia in-house method. The mean density ranged from 0.584 to 0.701 g/cm³, while mean weight loss varied from 3.97% to 17.34%. The coefficients of variation for density, weight loss, and visual rating were 6.40%, 39.73%, and 13.11%, respectively. Weak correlations were observed between density and weight loss (r = 0.108), density and visual rating (r = −0.091), and weight loss and visual rating (r = −0.281). The results indicate that variability in feeding damage was primarily influenced by biological differences among termite colonies rather than wood density. Hevea brasiliensis was confirmed as a consistent and suitable control material for laboratory termite bioassays.
Copyright (c) 2026 Roszaini Kadir, Muhammad Al Amin Abd. Hamid
Analysis of Adhesive-Free Bonding Performance of Poplar Wood Surface Swelled with NaOH Solution
Poplar wood specimens were fabricated via surface swelling pretreatment with NaOH solution combined with a hot-pressing process. The three factors NaOH concentration, hot-pressing temperature, and hot-pressing time were considered relative to shear strength. The optimal process parameters for poplar adhesive-free bonding were surface swelling with 5% NaOH solution, a hot-pressing temperature of 140 ºC, and a hot-pressing time of 60 min. Under these parameters, the shear strength of the prepared specimens’ bonding interface reached 4.87 MPa. Analysis of variance showed that hot-pressing temperature exerted a highly significant effect on shear strength and that temperature was the dominant factor influencing adhesive-free bonding performance. Scanning electron microscopy observations indicated that NaOH solution surface swelling had a notable impact on the adhesive boundary, facilitating the formation of a dense adhesive layer in this area. Furthermore, a distinct phenomenon of molten lignin encapsulating fibers was observed at the bonding interface. As a natural bonding medium, molten lignin effectively enhances the bonding between fibers, thereby improving the adhesive-free bonding strength of poplar wood. Hemicellulose underwent substantial degradation, while no significant degradation was observed in the skeletal structure of lignin. This study provides a theoretical foundation and technical reference for optimizing the poplar wood adhesive-free bonding process.
Copyright (c) 2026 Xinming Wang, Xudong Zhu, Liang Qian
Biofabrication of Composites Based on Mycelium and Agave Fiber (Agave tequilana Weber var. azul)
Expanded polystyrene (EPS), widely used in plastic packaging, poses recycling challenges and contributes to environmental pollution due to its persistence. As an alternative, biopackaging materials were developed using mycelium from Ganoderma lucidum and agave bagasse (Agave tequilana Weber var. azul), a common agro-industrial residue in Jalisco, Mexico. The resulting materials showed a uniform, lightweight structure. SEM analysis confirmed full colonization of agave fibers by mycelium, indicating good cohesion. FTIR spectroscopy suggested intermolecular interactions between the fungal matrix and the lignocellulosic substrate. The material also exhibited hydrophobic behavior, as evidenced by its high water contact angle, indicating a surface with low wettability. In fire tests, the biopackaging burned slowly, emitted white smoke, and exhibited self-extinguishing behavior. Mechanical testing showed that the composites reached maximum force values in the same order of magnitude as EPS. Although flexural strength was slightly lower, the material tolerated greater deformation under comparable loads, indicating improved strain accommodation and resistance to abrupt fracture. Using the LIDS (Life Cycle Design Strategy Wheel), these materials were compared to conventional plastics, demonstrating advantages such as reduced reliance on petroleum-based polymers, valorization of agave waste, and alignment with circular production strategies in the tequila sector.
Copyright (c) 2026 Alexandra Miguel Guevara-Castillo, José Antonio Gutiérrez Ortega, Alma Rosa Villalobos Arámbula, María del Pilar Zamora Tavares, María Guadalupe Lomelí-Ramírez
Sustainability-Oriented Feasibility Analysis of Aerated Bunker Composting of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches
The techno-economic and environmental performance was assessed for the composting of oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) through an aerated bunker composting (ABC) system. The process flowsheet was developed using SuperPro Designer, with process data and operating parameters sourced from prior experimental and industrial studies. Simulation results exhibited agreement with literature data, demonstrating the reliability of the model. The process is potentially able to achieve a 79% reduction in carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions relative to landfilling, underscoring considerable climate mitigation potential. Economic evaluation estimated capital expenditure (CAPEX) at MYR 43.8 million and OPEX at MYR 15.7 million/year, with enriched compost contributing to 73.3% of revenues. The base case yielded a net present value (NPV) of MYR 58.4 million, return on investment (ROI) of 30.5%, and payback of 3.28 years, demonstrating strong feasibility. Scenario analysis revealed that increasing the portion of enriched compost substantially improves profitability, while carbon credit and CAPEX incentives further enhance investment appeal. Sensitivity results highlighted the enriched compost price, annual operating time, and CAPEX as the main determinants of financial performance. Overall, the system provides both substantial environmental benefits and compelling economic viability, offering a scalable pathway for sustainable EFB management.
Heat Treatment of Paulownia tomentosa Steud. Wood
Heat treatment of Paulownia tomentosa wood was studied relative to the physical and mechanical properties, with a view to expanding the potential fields of use of this species. Several physical properties (density, water absorption after 2 and 24 h, thickness swelling) and mechanical ones (strength and modulus of elasticity in static bending, tensile strength parallel to the gran and Brinell hardness) were evaluated. Most physical and mechanical properties of Paulownia wood were superior in the radial direction, with the exception of tensile strength, regardless of whether the samples were subjected to torrefaction treatment or not. In addition, the water affinity of heat-treated wood decreased significantly, with water absorption after 2 h of immersion reduced by 21% and tangential thickness swelling after 2 h of immersion reduced by 36.6%. The static flexural modulus of elasticity decreased by 12.1% at temperature of 160 ºC treatment, by 39.9% for the 180 ºC treatment and by 52.8% for the at temperature of 20 ºC treatment.
Copyright (c) 2026 Daniel Buduroi, Cosmin Spirchez, Aurel Lunguleasa
Predicting Combined Solar and Conventional Drying of Wood with an Algorithm Based on Support Vector Regression and Particle Swarm Optimization
Accurate prediction of wood-drying rates is essential for enhancing drying efficiency and product quality; however, reliable models remain scarce, particularly for solar drying systems. In this study, poplar wood was dried in a solar kiln, and moisture content was determined through periodic mass measurements. The drying rate was calculated from the moisture content reduction over time, while kiln temperature and relative humidity were continuously monitored using calibrated sensors. Experimental results showed that poplar wood with an initial moisture content of 73.2% required approximately 130 h to reach a final moisture content of 7.5% under solar drying conditions. Based on an analysis of key physical factors affecting the drying process, kiln temperature, relative humidity, and wood moisture content were selected as input variables, with the drying rate as the output variable. Several optimization algorithms were evaluated, and a particle swarm optimization–support vector regression (PSO-SVR) model demonstrated the best performance. The optimized model achieved a mean squared error of 0.00105 and a mean absolute error of 0.039, indicating high prediction accuracy. In addition, the training time was reduced to 0.275 s, reflecting excellent computational efficiency. These results confirm that the PSO-optimized SVR model can be both accurate and efficient, i.e., practical industrial wood-drying applications.
Copyright (c) 2026 Hongwei Wang, Rui Liu, Ying Zhou, Hao Li
Thermal Analysis and Tribological Characterization of Bamboo-fiber-reinforced Polylactic Acid Composites
Bamboo-fiber-reinforced polylactic acid (B-PLA) composites have emerged as promising materials for sustainable engineering applications due to their biodegradability, favorable mechanical properties, and renewability. This work systematically evaluated the thermal behavior and tribological performance of B-PLA composites using methods such as Vicat softening temperature measurement (VST), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and abrasive wear testing under varying loads, distances, and abrasive types. The results demonstrated that bamboo fiber reinforcement significantly increased the Vicat softening temperature compared with neat PLA, indicating enhanced thermal resistance. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the maximum degradation temperatures of the composites (303 to 317 °C) were comparable to neat PLA, confirming good thermal stability without phase separation. Tribological evaluation showed that specimens fabricated at a nozzle temperature of 245 °C exhibited approximately 37.5% lower wear mass loss than those fabricated at 195 °C, owing to improved interfacial bonding and higher surface hardness. Furthermore, Al₂O₃ abrasives produced the highest wear because of their greater hardness and density, while SEM observations confirmed reduced abrasive embedding and improved fiber-matrix adhesion in high-temperature processed composites. These findings demonstrate that optimized FDM processing significantly enhanced the thermal and wear performance of sustainable bamboo/PLA composites.
Copyright (c) 2026 Suresh Sethu, Rajini Nagarajan, Mayandi Kalimuthu, Sikiru O. Ismail, Faruq Mohammad, Kumar Krishnan, Jessy Michla Jesumichael Retnam
The Sound of the ‘Kiruncong’ (Bidayuh Bamboo Music Instrument)
The kiruncong is a traditional bamboo idiophone of the Bidayuh community in Sarawak, Malaysia, whose acoustic characteristics have received limited scientific investigation. This study examined the frequency spectra, pitch characteristics, and rhythmic function of a single Kiruncong instrument set using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and time-frequency analysis (TFA). The six bamboo tubes produced fundamental frequencies of 199, 396, 391, 408, 463, and 507 Hz, corresponding approximately to G3, G4, G4, A♭4, B♭4, and B4. For Tubes 2 to 6, the measured fundamental frequencies were consistent with the perceived pitches. However, Tube 1 exhibited an anomalous pitch perception, with listeners identifying C4 despite a measured fundamental of G3. Since the measured partials did not form the harmonic series required for the classical missing fundamental phenomenon, the perceived pitch is likely influenced by psychoacoustic factors such as inharmonic partials, resonance, transient characteristics, and spectral properties. The results show that the Kiruncong produces complex inharmonic spectra in which the fundamental frequency, partials, dominant spectral peaks, and perceived pitch are distinct acoustic attributes. Rhythmic analysis also revealed interlocking performance patterns characteristic of Southeast Asian traditional music. These findings provide baseline acoustic data that support future ethnomusicological research and the preservation of Bidayuh musical heritage.
Copyright (c) 2026 Aaliyawani Ezzerin Sinin, Sinin Hamdan, Khairul Anwar Mohd Said, Laura Pranti Tutom, Syahrul Nizam Junaini
Simultaneous Thermal Analysis of Norway Spruce Wood Pellets with Digestate Additive: A DSC and TGA Study
Wood pellets represent one of the most important solid biofuels produced from renewable lignocellulosic biomass, yet the thermal behaviour of pellets containing alternative additives such as digestate from biogas plants remains insufficiently characterised. This study provides a dataset from simultaneous differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis for four wood pellet samples: three commercial Norway spruce pellets of different geographical origin and quality classes, and one experimental sample prepared as a one-to-one mass mixture of spruce sawdust and solid digestate from an agricultural biogas plant. Measurements were performed in an oxidative atmosphere from 30 to 700 degrees Celsius at a heating rate of 20 degrees Celsius per minute. The three commercial pellets exhibited consistent thermal behaviour, with decomposition onset temperatures falling within narrow ranges. The experimental sample showed substantially different behaviour, including a downward shift in the decomposition onset temperatures of hemicellulose and cellulose by 23 and 41 degrees Celsius, respectively, an elevated endothermic peak temperature consistent with stronger moisture binding, and a residual mass of 10 percent, which was six to ten times higher than that of the commercial pellets. These findings document that incorporating digestate fundamentally alters the thermal behaviour of wood pellets.
Copyright (c) 2026 Daniel Chovanec, Iveta Marková, Jozef Kubás, Jozef Ristvej
Preparation of Hydrophobized Microfibrillated Cellulose Powder by Alkyl Ketene Dimer Treatment and Spray Drying
Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) is a sustainable, bio-based material with remarkable mechanical properties and a large specific surface area. However, its inherent hydrophilicity limits its application in hydrophobic composite systems. In this study, hydrophobized MFC powders were prepared by treating MFC suspensions with alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) and then spray-drying. The MFC suspensions were treated with varying AKD dosages (1 to 3%, based on oven-dried MFC) and spray-dried at different inlet temperatures to determine the best hydrophobization conditions. Contact angle measurements indicated that hydrophobicity increased with rising AKD dosage, and the maximum contact angle was obtained at an inlet temperature of 120 °C. Fourier transform infrared analysis supported the retention of AKD-derived hydrophobic alkyl groups in the spray-dried MFC powders. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy images further revealed morphological changes from fibrillated structures to compact particulate morphologies after AKD treatment and spray drying. Notably, high hydrophobicity was achieved without an additional curing process, indicating that spray drying provided sufficient thermal energy for AKD-mediated hydrophobization. These results demonstrate that spray drying combined with AKD treatment can effectively produce hydrophobic MFC powders potentially suitable for composite applications.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ji Hyun Tak, Min Seo Kim, Ji Young Lee
Structural Bamboo Tensile Connection with the Concept of Friction Using a Wooden Expander
Bamboo has gained increasing recognition as a sustainable structural material; however, the development of reliable connection systems remains a critical challenge for its broader application in construction. This study investigated a tensile connection for bamboo culms based on the principles of internal expansion and lateral friction while addressing the material’s inherent dimensional heterogeneity. The system was designed to facilitate installation, reduce costs, and require only minimal skilled labor, thereby improving the technical and practical feasibility of bamboo construction. An experimental program was conducted to evaluate the structural performance of the connection under tensile loading. The results demonstrated consistent mechanical behavior and significant load-bearing capacity, confirming the effectiveness of the internal expansion mechanism in accommodating geometric variability along the culm. Three main groups were tested, differing in the additives incorporated into the wood expander: sandpaper and polyurethane resin. The configuration incorporating polyurethane resin achieved the highest average ultimate tensile load (4.47 kN). The findings indicate that the proposed connection has strong structural potential and may contribute to the development of more reliable, scalable, and sustainable bamboo construction systems.
Copyright (c) 2026 Bruna Alessandra Gaffuri, Jorge Daniel de Melo Moura, Renan Torri Saldanha
The Effect of Fiber Morphological Properties and Composition on Fiberboard Performance
Although much is known about the properties of fiberboard and its constituents as a composite material, their dependency on morphological properties of the fibers within remains relatively unstudied. Regardless of the exact defibration method used on wood, a certain range of fiber aspect ratios are produced. The influence of aspect ratio distribution on fiberboard performance has been studied in conjunction with its dependence on hardwood/softwood content. Fiber samples with a range of hardwood content were imaged using a digital microscope and measured using image analysis. Thin fiberboard made from the sampled wood fiber was subjected to a variety of performance tests. Testing of fiberboard was done according to ASTM Standard D1037-12 (2020). No significant difference in flexural performance was found between the samples, with strain at break being the only exception. It is concluded that while longer, softwood fibers may have more favorable properties in standard applications of fiberboard, shorter, hardwood fibers have comparable mechanical properties when made into thin fiberboard while exhibiting significantly higher performance in internal bonding and water resistance.
Copyright (c) 2026 Riley Grieve, Karl Englund, Hui Li
Optimization of Methylene Blue Adsorption on Amphiprotic Bagasse Cellulose/TiO2 Magnetic Aerogel by Response Surface Methodology
An amphoteric modification strategy was proposed to enhance the adsorption performance of biomass-based magnetic aerogels. Using sugarcane bagasse as the precursor, bagasse cellulose (BC) was extracted using a deep eutectic solvent at ambient temperature. Magnetic aerogels were fabricated by sequential cationization with 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride and anionization with 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid and amphiprotic BC/TiO2 (AP-BC/TiO2). These aerogels combined TiO2 (a photocatalytic component) and Fe3O4 (a magnetic component) through an energy-efficient atmospheric pressure foaming process. The adsorption capacity for methylene blue (MB) was optimized using response surface methodology, with the mass concentrations of Fe3O4, AP-BC, and TiO2 and initial concentration of MB as independent variables and the MB adsorption capacity as the response. A quadratic regression model was used to determine the optimal conditions. The AP-BC/TiO2 magnetic aerogels exhibited an exceptional MB adsorption capacity of 1070 mg⋅g−1. Adsorption kinetics and isotherms were modeled, and the structural/ physicochemical properties of the magnetic aerogels were characterized. The results confirmed the formation of a three-dimensional interconnected porous structure with uniform Fe3O4/TiO2 loading and a saturation magnetization of 17.2 emu⋅g−1. This enabled rapid magnetic separation and confirmed the potential application of amphiprotic biomass-based magnetic aerogels as eco-friendly and cost-effective adsorbents for MB.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sidan Li, Dong Xu, Yuzhao Ma, Xueyang Huang, Yuehan Li, Zheng Li, Yuan Yuan
Preparation and Characterization of All-biomass Histidine/Regenerated Cellulose Composite Nanospheres
The unique imidazole group of histidine endows materials containing it with pH responsiveness, metal-coordination capability, and π–π stacking interactions. However, the development of fully bio-based nanostructured supports that enable efficient histidine immobilization while maintaining abundant accessible surface functional groups remains largely unexplored. In this study, regenerated cellulose nanospheres (RCNs) with an average particle size of 88.8 ± 2.1 nm were prepared through a dissolution–regeneration process and subsequently oxidized to introduce reactive aldehyde groups. Histidine was then covalently grafted onto the RCN surface via a Schiff base reaction, yielding fully bio-based histidine/regenerated cellulose composite nanospheres (His-RCNs) with an average particle size of 39.3 ± 1.1 nm. The reduced particle size after grafting is expected to provide greater accessible surface area for interfacial interactions and subsequent functionalization. Morphological, structural, and thermal analyses confirmed the successful grafting of histidine while preserving the regenerated cellulose framework and spherical morphology. Quantitative analysis revealed that regenerated cellulose and grafted histidine accounted for 79.2 wt% and 20.8 wt% of the final product, respectively. By integrating the renewable regenerated cellulose nanosphere platform with multifunctional imidazole groups, this work provides a fully bio-based strategy for constructing histidine-functionalized cellulose nanomaterials.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jing Chen, Jundong Shi, Yihan Sun, Ke Jiang, Xin Huang, Xiaoying Ji, Ying Liu, Jian Zhou, Yanju Liu, Yaxi Liu, Shaobo Zhang
Microalgae Cultivation (Chlorella vulgaris) within Nanocellulose-based Biomaterial Ink for 3D Bioprinting
Advances in microtechnology have progressively improved cultivation methods, providing significant benefit through hydrogel immobilization, which enables more controlled nutrient delivery and a conducive environment. In this work, Chlorella vulgaris, a microalgal species, was used to investigate the cell cultivation and optimal growth conditions within cellulose-based bioinks composed of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). C. vulgaris immobilization serves as a bioprinted living cell model focused on a plant-based system, enhancing the understanding of a modern and simplified cultivation techniques. The growth rates of C. vulgaris cells in CNF/CMC hydrogels were evaluated using colorimetric analysis with different cell cultivation techniques. The morphological structure was analyzed within the CNF/CMC hydrogel, C. vulgaris culture, and the immobilized C. vulgaris in the hydrogel. The optimal conditions at room temperature for C. vulgaris growth were established by preparing the hydrogels with varying CNF and CMC concentration ratios for subsequent 3D bioprinting processes. Remarkably, the 3D-bioprinted hydrogel with a concentration ratio of 5 wt% CNF and 5 wt% CMC demonstrated superior structural integrity, with capability for 3D printing and exceptional C. vulgaris cell growth rates. A green and comprehensive method of nanocellulose-based bioinks showed great properties for the application of other cells’ culture with 3D bioprinting.
Copyright (c) 2026 Wan Nazihah Liyana Wan Jusoh , Grace Toh Jia Ern, Nazlina Haiza Mohd Yasin, Peer Mohamed Abdul, Mohd Sobri Takriff, Mohd Shaiful Sajab
Design of Taishan Cultural and Creative Products Integrating Cultural IP with Wood-based Materials
Aiming at the problems of strong subjectivity in Taishan wood-based cultural and creative design, low added value of bio-based materials, and superficial cultural translation, this paper proposes a systematic design framework coupling Grounded Theory with the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP). A three-dimensional evaluation system covering culture, function, and emotion is constructed, based on which three Taishan wood-based cultural and creative products are developed. A multi-criteria evaluation framework is established using a Likert-type five-point scale for efficacy verification. The results indicate that this quantitative path mitigates wood anisotropy and accurately restores complex contours. It enhances the added value of wood-based materials while preserving high recognizability of authentic cultural imagery. This method facilitates the shift of cultural and creative development from empirical judgment to data-driven decision-making, and provides solid theoretical support and a universal research direction for the high-value sustainable development of mountain-type cultural heritage.
Copyright (c) 2026 Zhifang Shi, Bai Xue, Yongkang Shi
Phytochemical Profiling and in vitro Antioxidant, Cytotoxic, and Digestive Enzyme Inhibitory Activities of Ethanolic Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) Seed Extract
Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (fenugreek) is a medicinal and culinary plant valued for its rich phytochemical composition and diverse biological activities. This study investigated the phytochemical profile and in vitro biological activities of an ethanolic fenugreek seed extract using chromatographic and biological assays. GC–MS analysis tentatively identified nineteen volatile constituents, with 2-methyl-2-butenal (36.65%) and p-cymene (17.96%) as the major compounds, while HPLC revealed a phenolic-rich extract. The extract exhibited concentration-dependent antioxidant activity, reaching 85.75 ± 1.73% and 71.79 ± 1.95% scavenging in the DPPH and ABTS assays, respectively, at 1000 µg/mL. MTT evaluation demonstrated preferential cytotoxicity toward HepG2 and Caco-2 cancer cells, with IC₅₀ values of 124.65 and 164.39 µg/mL, respectively, compared with 480.8 µg/mL for normal WI-38 cells. The extract also showed moderate pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ = 116.74 µg/mL) compared with orlistat (IC₅₀ = 17.83 µg/mL) and dose-dependently inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the extract’s in vitro antioxidant activity, preferential cytotoxicity toward the tested cancer cell lines, and inhibitory effects on pancreatic lipase and carbohydrate-digesting enzymes.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nada H. Aljarba, Mohsen A. Khormi, Hamida Hamdi, Luluah M. Al Masoudi, Noha T. Al Thagafi, Ashwaq T. Althobaiti, Rowa K. Zarah, Nuha Anajirih , Mohamed K. Yousef Soliman
Static and Modal Performances of Kenaf Fiber-reinforced Epoxy Composites for FPV Drone Structures
Static and modal performances of kenaf fiber reinforced epoxy composites and their hybrid laminates were numerically evaluated for first-person view (FPV) drones. Seven laminate configurations were investigated, including full kenaf, carbon, and glass fiber composites, as well as kenaf–carbon and kenaf–glass hybrid systems with varying ply placements. Each ply contained a fiber weight fraction of ~30 wt.%. Finite element-based static structural and modal analyses were performed. Static analysis under realistic hover-loading conditions showed that the fully kenaf/epoxy frame exhibited a maximum von Mises stress of 1.20 MPa and a maximum displacement of 0.00352 mm, remaining well within safe structural limits while achieving the lowest mass (570 g). The carbon-skinned kenaf hybrid (C/K/K/C) reduced maximum stress and displacement by approximately 63% and 81%, respectively, compared to the full kenaf laminate, while maintaining a ~5% lower mass than the full carbon frame. Modal analysis revealed that the fundamental natural frequency increased from 11.9 Hz for the kenaf laminate to 13.6 Hz for the carbon–kenaf hybrid, approaching the carbon/epoxy frame value of 15.2 Hz. All kenaf-based and hybrid configurations exhibited natural frequencies well above dominant motor excitation ranges, indicating low resonance risk during FPV operation.
Copyright (c) 2026 Thinesh Sharma Balakrishnan, Mohd Zuhri Mohamed Yusoff, Khalina Abdan, Ayu Rafiqah Shafi, Sivasanghari Karunakaran
Water Quality Improvement Using a TWF/C-PAM Treatment Agent and Reutilization Potential of Sewage Sludge as an Agricultural Soil Amendment
The applicability of a torrefied wood flour/cationic polyacrylamide (TWF/C-PAM) treatment agent for pilot-scale wastewater treatment and the reutilization potential of the generated sewage sludge as an agricultural soil amendment were evaluated. The TWF/C-PAM treatment agent showed high removal efficiencies for turbidity 91.8%, suspended solids 96.4%, total phosphorus 90.0%, chemical oxygen demand 67.3%, and biochemical oxygen demand 61.2%. The treatment performance was comparable to that of conventional 10% polyaluminum chloride, although relatively low total nitrogen removal efficiency 10.3% was observed. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) was cultivated in sewage sludge-amended soil presented with sludge addition ratios of 1%, 5%, 10%, and 30%. Chlorophyll and carotenoid contents increased up to the 5% treatment level, indicating the potential applicability of sewage sludge as an agricultural soil amendment. These findings demonstrate the potential of the TWF/C-PAM treatment process for simultaneous wastewater treatment and sewage sludge reutilization.
Copyright (c) 2026 Seungmin Yang, Hyunjae Lee, Seoggoo Kang
Utilizing Cellulose and Lignin Derivatives in Green Packaging: Development of Syzygium aromaticum Essential Oil-Loaded Antibacterial and UV-Blocking Materials
The environmental impact of long-lasting conventional plastics and related microplastic pollution have created an urgent need for sustainable packaging alternatives. Multifunctional green packaging films were developed by incorporating calcium lignosulfonate (CaLS) and clove (Syzygium aromaticum) essential oil emulsion (SAEO) into a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) matrix. Films were prepared by the aqueous solution casting method at different SAEO concentrations. The chemical profile of the essential oil was determined by GC-MS analysis, confirming eugenol as the major component (86.9%). The structural, thermal, mechanical, color, and selected functional properties of the films were characterized. CaLS incorporation increased tensile strength by approximately 9% compared to neat HPMC. The addition of SAEO reduced tensile strength while enhancing flexibility. CaLS remarkably enhanced UV-blocking performance of HPMC from 55% to 98%, which was slightly decreased to 94% following SAEO addition. Antibacterial activity increased with essential oil concentration, particularly the film containing 6 wt.%. SAEO achieving approximately 99% reduction against Escherichia coli and 70% against Staphylococcus aureus. The findings suggest that the combined use of cellulose and lignin derivatives with clove essential oil offers an integrated approach for the development of multifunctional food packaging materials, as well as providing a field of application for non-wood forest products.
Influence of Particle Dimensions in Liquid Deposition Modeling 3D Printing with Wood-based Materials
Additive manufacturing (AM) using wood-based materials offers new bioeconomic possibilities for sustainable product design and waste valorization. This study examined the influence of wood particle size and shape on the properties of pastes processed by Liquid Deposition Modeling (LDM). Softwood sawdust separated into nine particle size ranges and ground wood powder were analyzed. The materials were mixed with water and methylcellulose as a natural binder, printed into test specimens, and evaluated for shrinkage, density, and flexural strength. Finer particles led to higher densities (up to 0.38 g/cm³), flexural strengths (up to 4.8 MPa), and elastic moduli (up to 436 MPa), while larger particles limited the filler content and reduced mechanical performance. Grinding decreased particle slenderness and promotes greater material density, thereby improving mechanical strength. These findings demonstrate that particle characteristics strongly influence paste printability and mechanical performance, providing a basis for the further development of resource-efficient wood-based materials for sustainable manufacturing.
Copyright (c) 2026 Michael Rosenthal, Christian Gerber
Evaluation of Unbleached Pulps from Miscanthus x giganteus and Miscanthus Cultivars for Tissue Paper Production
This study assessed the suitability of four Miscanthus cultivars as alternative raw materials for pulp and paper production. A field evaluation revealed that cultivars 1 and 6 achieved the highest biomass yield ratios, at 2.4 and 2.0, compared to Miscanthus x giganteus. Chemical characterization identified cultivar 6 as favorable for pulping, exhibiting low extractives (1.35%), Klason lignin (14.5%) and moderate ash contents (1.37%). Pulp yields of up to 61.5% were achieved by soda pulping at 160 °C for 90 min and the addition of 15% NaOH by weight of the raw material. Cultivar 23 had the lowest residual lignin content at 1.1%. After refining to 500 PFI revolutions, sheets (30 gsm basis weight) produced from cultivar 6 achieved a tensile index of 43.9 N·m/g. The same tensile index as eucalyptus (44.0 N·m/g) was exhibited after 3000 rotations in the PFI mill. Overall, the results demonstrated that the selected Miscanthus cultivars, especially cultivar 6, is a promising source of fiber, particularly for products that require high absorbency and strength.
Copyright (c) 2026 Anna Lexa, Helga Zollner
Preparation and Reinforcement of Polylactic Acid/ Nanofibrillated Cellulose/ Glycidyl Methacrylate Composites
Using polylactic acid (PLA) and nanocellulose (NFC) as raw materials, and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) as the modifier, the PLA/NFC-GMA composite was prepared by solution blending. The addition of GMA effectively improved the dispersion of NFC in PLA, with NFC being grafted onto the PLA molecular chain through a reaction with GMA. The tensile strength of PLA/NFC-GMA composites increased with NFC loading, while GMA improved interfacial compatibility and dispersion, leading to a non-monotonic strength trend and reduced elongation at break. The PLA/NFC-GMA composite with 0.7 wt.% NFC and 6.0 wt.% GMA had the best mechanical properties, with the tensile strength of 27.7 MPa and the elongation at break of 78.4%. The PLA/NFC-GMA composite exhibited excellent UV shielding. Its transmittance was nearly zero below 280 nm and it maintained high transparency within the wavelength range of 400 to 800 nm, with a transmittance exceeding 85%. The transparency of the composite reached its maximum when the NFC and GMA loadings were 0.7 and 1.5 wt.% relative to PLA, respectively. GMA significantly enhanced the thermal stability of PLA/NFC-GMA composites. The thermal stabilization effect of GMA became saturated at ~3.0 wt.%, beyond which additional GMA primarily promoted more complete volatilization without further improving thermal resistance.
Copyright (c) 2026 Kehong Zhang, Wenqi Zhang
Intercultural Song Composition: Integrating the Nirai of Okinawan Instrument into Sape of Bornean Musical Traditions
The nirai is a four-string hybrid instrument that combines characteristics of the Okinawan sanshin with those of a standard guitar, developed by the brand K. Yairi. Designed for ease of performance, the instrument employs a default open-fifth tuning in the key of G (G2–D3–G3–D4, from the fourth to the first string). Owing to its non-standard tuning and simplified design, conventional Western notation systems-such as standard guitar tablature-are less commonly applied. As a result, performers typically rely on aural learning or adapt musical materials to suit the instrument’s tuning, which yields a diatonic rather than a fully chromatic scale. Knowledge is generated through the act of composing, arranging, and performing original musical works as research artefacts. The research methods include the development of customized notation scores specific to nirai, as well as duet performances with selected local traditional instruments. The findings demonstrate that the timbral and modal characteristics of the Nirai integrate effectively with indigenous Bornean instruments, the sape, revealing its potential as a mediating tool for intercultural musical dialogue. This study contributes practice-led insights into alternative tuning systems, compositional strategies, and notation approaches, reinforcing the value of creative practice as a mode of musical knowledge production.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ezra M. A. Duin, Sinin Hamdan, Doris Maying, Madzlan Abet, Aaliyawani Ezzerin Sinin
Nodal Defects and Their Influence on Wave Propagation in Juvenile Wood of Tectona grandis
Acoustics plays a significant role in the classification of a wide range of products in wood science and technology, from standing trees to structural elements. The study of wood acoustics involves the use of mechanical waves that are sensitive to several factors, including sample dimensions, intrinsic characteristics of the wood species, and the presence of defects. This study aimed to estimate the modulus of elasticity in juvenile wood of Tectona grandis using three different non-destructive wave-based evaluation methods: ultrasound, impulse vibration, and stress waves, with the goal of identifying the most suitable technique for predicting this mechanical property. Additionally, the study evaluated the impact of knots on wave propagation velocity and, consequently, on the estimation of the modulus of elasticity. Specimens measuring 20 × 20 × 300 mm (width, thickness, and length, respectively) were used, totaling 42 samples divided into two groups: with knots and without knots. The results indicated that all evaluated methods were effective and exhibited strong correlations with the estimated modulus of elasticity. Furthermore, the presence of knots in young, fast-growing teak wood did not significantly influence wave propagation.
Copyright (c) 2026 Henzza Ferreira Rocha, Lucas Braga Mulin, Brunela Pollastrelli Rodrigues, Nathália Gabriele Franca Dias, Náthali dos Santos Alves, Cinthya Bertoldo Pedroso, Ana Paula Coelho Dias, Edgar Vladimiro Mantilla Carrasco, Robert J. Ross, Rejane Costa Alves
A Cost-Effective Method to Prepare Gold Nanoparticles from Pomegranate Fruit Peel; Assessing their in vitro Pharmacological Activity
A rapid, eco-friendly, and cost-effective green synthesis route was established for the fabrication of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) utilizing aqueous extracts derived from Punica granatum L. (pomegranate) agricultural peel waste, thereby valorizing agro-industrial by-products. The proposed method eliminates the need for hazardous reducing agents and external stabilizers, offering a fully biogenic and waste-to-value nanomanufacturing approach. The synthesized AuNPs were extensively characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, TEM, STEM, DLS, zeta potential analysis, and EDX, confirming the formation of crystalline, spherical, and highly stable nanoparticles with a surface plasmon resonance peak at 532.3 nm, an average hydrodynamic diameter of 47.1 nm, and a zeta potential of −16.2 mV. The integration of multiple complementary analytical techniques further validated the structural and colloidal stability of the nanostructures. The AuNPs exhibited strong, dose-dependent antimicrobial activity against pathogenic microorganisms and significant cytotoxic effects against human cancer cell lines in vitro. The novelty of this work lies in the dual contribution of (i) transforming agricultural waste into a functional nanomaterial platform and (ii) producing biologically active AuNPs via a single-step, green, and scalable synthesis route without chemical additives.
Copyright (c) 2026 Türkan Mutlu Yar, Ayşe Baran, Mahmut Yıldıztekin, Ülkü Karaman, Sevgi İrtegün Kandemir
Agro-Industrial Waste Valorization for Enhanced Acetoin Production through Mutant Bacillus paralicheniformis MT039446.1
Acetoin is a valuable by-product of glucose metabolism with wide applications in the chemical, food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. This study investigated acetoin production using both wild-type and mutant strains of Bacillus paralicheniformis MT039446.1. Production was optimized by varying incubation time to determine conditions that maximized yield. UV-visible spectroscopic analysis showed distinct absororption peaks at 350 nm for the wild strain and 450 nm for the resistant mutant strain. Functional group characterization was further validated using Fourier transform infrared analysis confirmed the presence of carbonyl compounds. Structural and morphological changes in the solid substrate (press mud) during fermentation were examined through scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques, indicating substrate modification during microbial activity. Kinetic analysis demonstrated a significant improvement in the mutant strain (NA-cys3), with volumetric productivity (Qp) reaching 0.33 g/L·h compared to 0.16 g/L·h in the wild strain. This enhancement reflects improved efficiency of the acetoin biosynthetic pathway following mutagenesis. Overall, the study highlights an environmentally sustainable and economically viable approach for acetoin production using agro-industrial waste. This strategy supports the development of circular bio-economy models and offers potential for scalable bio-manufacturing applications.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sikander Ali, Muhammad Usman Ahmad, Maryam Naz, Farheen Afzal, Majid Khan, Nawal H. Sidig, Nawal Al- Hoshani, Nouf Ali Asiri, Aala A. Abulfaraj, Tariq Aziz
Carved, Uncarved, Re-Carved: A Deconstructive Perspective on Sarawak Woodcarving
Sarawak woodcarving has long been discussed within fixed cultural, ritual, and ethnographic frameworks that emphasize preservation, authenticity, and continuity of tradition. While such readings are important, they risk positioning woodcarving as a static cultural artefact rather than a dynamic and evolving practice. This paper applies deconstruction as a critical and methodological approach to examine Sarawak woodcarving through three interrelated conditions: carved, uncarved, and re-carved, drawing conceptually from Derrida’s critique of fixed meaning. These conditions function as analytical lenses to examine how meaning is constructed, disrupted, and reconstituted through material presence, absence, and transformation. Drawing on arts-informed qualitative methods and visual inquiry, the study foregrounds tacit knowledge embedded in material, process, and erasure. The findings suggest that Sarawak woodcarving operates as a fluid cultural text in which meanings are continually negotiated rather than fixed, repositioning woodcarving as an active and contemporary cultural practice rather than a closed tradition.
Copyright (c) 2026 Doris Maying, Sinin Hamdan, Ezra M. A. Duin, Awangko’ Hamdan Awang Arshad, Aaliyawani Ezzerin Sinin
Role of Silica Aerogel Concentration in Improving the Thermal Behavior of Sugar Palm Fiber Reinforced Polyester Composites
Owing to their low cost, availability, and biodegradability, natural fibers can be suitable alternatives to synthetic fibers. Replacing traditional synthetic fiber-reinforced polymer composites with natural fiber-reinforced composites can substantially reduce environmental impact by lowering the reliance on non-renewable reinforcements, while still using industrially feasible polymer matrices such as unsaturated polyester. The present study utilised biodegradable reinforcements, sugar palm fiber (SPF) in unsaturated polyester (UPE), and silica aerogel (SA) as a filler material. A range of SA concentrations was tested, and an optimal concentration was identified to achieve the best thermal performance of SPF/UPE composites. The thermal properties were examined by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), whereas thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was employed to assess thermal degradation of the samples. DMA results revealed that the best mechanical performance under thermal conditioning was achieved with 3 wt. % SA content. Similarly, the TGA study indicated that the onset temperature of thermal decay was highest in the 3 wt. % SA composites. Under extreme heat exposure, the composite with the highest SA content (5 wt. %) experienced the least decomposition. Across all samples, thermal performance was generally significantly improved compared to the control sample.
Copyright (c) 2026 Tabrej Khan , Rahul Chamola, Tamer A. Sebaey , Rao Muhammad Shahroze
Determination of the Bending Strength of Liquid Nitrogen-Treated Wood Using Two-Dimensional Digital Image Correlation
The mechanical strengths of wood samples from three species were tested and compared – Uludağ fir (Abies bornmüelleriana Mattf.), oak (Quercus robur L.), and Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis L.) – after cryogenic treatment with liquid nitrogen (LN, −196 °C). Bending deformations were recorded by the ordinary method and two-dimensional digital image correlation (2D DIC) during bending tests. To apply the 2D DIC technique, a stochastic speckle pattern was sprayed onto the surface of each specimen and the displacement of these reference points was observed through non-contact during the bending tests. Deformation data obtained from the mechanical tests were compared with corresponding values ​​determined via 2D DIC for the control samples and the samples treated with LN for 15 and 30 min, to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of the method. The results demonstrated that LN treatment influenced the mechanical behavior of the wood to varying degrees depending on the treatment duration. Furthermore, the deformation measurements obtained via 2D DIC showed excellent agreement with the results from conventional measurement methods. These findings indicate that the 2D DIC technique can be a reliable and effective non-contact measurement method for investigating the mechanical behavior of cryogenically treated wood materials.
Hybrid Epoxy Systems Modified with Abies alba Exudate: Cotton versus Silk Reinforcements
The mechanical behavior of hybrid composite materials was studied based on a matrix composed of 50 wt.% Abies alba exudate and 50 wt.% epoxy resin, reinforced with cotton and silk fabrics. Composite plates were manufactured using a hand lay-up technique with a 40/60 resin-to-reinforcement ratio. Mechanical characterization included tensile, flexural, vibration, and Shore D hardness tests, supported by statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc comparisons. The results showed that the introduction of textile reinforcement significantly improved all investigated properties compared to the unreinforced hybrid resin. Cotton-reinforced composites exhibited the highest tensile and flexural strength, as well as the highest hardness values, indicating increased stiffness and load-bearing capacity. In contrast, silk-reinforced composites demonstrated superior deformation capacity and higher damping behavior, reflecting enhanced ductility and energy dissipation. Statistical analysis confirmed a highly significant influence of material configuration on all properties (p < 0.05). An exception was observed in flexural deformation, where no significant difference was found between cotton- and silk-reinforced composites, suggesting a similar global deformation response. The results demonstrate that hybrid epoxy systems modified with Abies alba exudate can be successfully used for the development of bio-based composites.
Copyright (c) 2026 Cosmin Mihai Miritoiu, Dragoș Tutunea, Silvia Ștefania Nedelcu Văduva, Adrian Giura
Attention-Weighted Kansei Engineering: Ming-Style Armchair
Ming-style armchairs represent a distinctive form of Chinese classical furniture, yet systematic methods for linking their morphological features to users’ affective responses remain limited. Conventional Kansei Engineering (KE) models treat design components as equally weighted, neglecting differences in visual attention. This study proposes an attention-weighted KE framework that integrates eye-tracking data with partial least squares (PLS) regression modelling. Five representative Ming-style armchairs were evaluated by 200 Generation Y participants across five Kansei dimensions using semantic differential scales. A subsequent eye-tracking experiment with 30 participants derived visual attention weights for nine morphological components via the coefficient of variation of total fixation duration. These weights were embedded into binary morphological coding and analysed using partial least squares (PLS) regression. Results indicated that the stretcher, apron, and spindle showed stronger associations with affective differentiation than the dominant backrest, which served as a stable perceptual anchor. Plain aprons and slightly curved spindles enhanced perceptions of simplicity and naturalness, while step-by-step stretchers and carved aprons were associated with complexity. The regression coefficients were translated into preference-avoidance design rules, suggesting that redesign may benefit from a two-fold strategy of preserving simple, recognisable treatment of the dominant category-defining component while concentrating tasteful elaboration on one selected secondary feature.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ting Gao, Junyue Chen, Irwan Syah Mohd Yusoff, Jianbin Huang, Bo Yang
Synergistic Enhancement of CO₂ Biomethanation by Fe/Co/Ni‑Loaded Biochar from Cattle Manure
Carbon dioxide biomethanation offers a promising route for energy storage via biological conversion of renewable surplus electricity and CO₂ into methane. To improve the gas production efficiency and instability, bioaugmentation strategies are commonly employed by using biochar and trace elements individually. However, their coupled effect remains underexplored. In this study, the CM400 (biochar produced from cattle manure under 400 °C) showed superior performance in cumulative methane yield (138 mL·gVS⁻¹). Response surface optimization identified an optimal trace element combination (Fe: 15.1 mg·L⁻¹, Co: 1.5 mg·L⁻¹, Ni: 0.6 mg·L⁻¹), increasing methane yield by 12.9%. Subsequently, a novel modified biochar (CM400 pre-soaked in the optimal Fe/Co/Ni solution and pyrolyzed) was synthesized and significantly enhanced the volumetric methane production (VMP) by 19.8%. Experimentally, it enhanced the removal of total solids (TS), volatile solids (VS), and total chemical oxygen demand (TCOD) by 21.1%, 20.9%, and 3.4%, respectively, while strengthening pH buffering and preventing volatile fatty acid (VFA) accumulation. The modified biochar enriched electroactive bacteria (e.g., Synergistota, Chloroflexota) and key methanogens (Methanothrix). Collectively, these physiological and compositional changes are consistent with improved syntrophic metabolism and suggest the possible involvement of direct interspecies electron transfer.
Copyright (c) 2026 Xin Cui, Jiaye Li, Xin Li
The Tongkungon of Sabah: Acoustic Analysis and Organological Perspectives on a Kadazan-Dusun Bamboo Zither
The tongkungon is a plucked bamboo zither of the Kadazan-Dusun community in Sabah, Malaysia, reflecting both material ingenuity and cultural resilience. Historically used as a substitute for gong ensembles and as accompaniment to dances such as Magarang, its practice has declined due to modernization and the erosion of oral transmission. This study applies a postmortem framework, combining acoustic analysis, organological classification, and ethnomusicological interpretation. Acoustic measurements based on Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and time-frequency analysis (FTA) reveal a pentatonic tuning system (F, A, B, C, E), with tonal instability caused by bamboo fiber variations. The tongkungon is classified organologically as an idiochord tube zither, linking it to wider Southeast Asian bamboo traditions. Culturally, it has functioned both as a pedagogical tool and as a symbol of Kadazan-Dusun identity. Although its active role has diminished, documentation and revitalization through education, cultural festivals, and creative collaborations offer pathways for safeguarding it as intangible cultural heritage.
Copyright (c) 2026 Alexander Chelum, Laura Prati Tutom, Sinin Hamdan, Aaliyawani Ezzerin Sinin
Chiral Stationary Phases Based on Aleuritic Acid as Chiral Spacer Arms: Middle and Terminal Chiral Factors vs. Chromatographic Separation Performance
The enantiomeric monomer of aleuritic acid was used as a spacer arm to prepare chiral stationary phases (CSP1~3) for chiral selectors containing only aleuritic acid, S-phenylglycinol (S-PGL), and R,R-diphenylethylene-diamine (R,R-DPEDA). The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermo-gravimetry (TG), elemental analysis, and solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) characterizations showed that the three stationary phases were coupled depending on the route design, and the grafting ratio was 12.4%, 78.2%, and 32.7%, respectively. The first specimen CSP1, containing only aleuritic acid, was able to separate 4 of the 9 target compounds. Separation of 6 compounds was achieved by the introduction of the single chiral factor S-PGL’s (CSP2). After introduction of the double chiral factor R,R-DPEDA (CSP3), separation of 8 compounds was achieved. Although the grafting ratio of R,R-DPEDA in CSP3 was only 32.7%, and the increase in carbon content was only 3.08% compared with that of CSP1, which was less than half of that of CSP2. Thus, CSP3 showed significantly higher separation selectivity. The difference in chiral factors led to the reverse resolution order of enantiomers under certain conditions for some compounds. The chiral spacer arm was shown to be important in separation and in the preparation methods of novel structural CSPs.
Copyright (c) 2026 Kun Li, Xiaoxue Wang, Shujie Xing, Baoshan Tang, Wenwen Zhang, Qingsong Zhu, Kunfeng Liu
Enhanced Antibacterial and Anticancer Activities of Soy Protein Isolate through Conjugation with Iron Oxide and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles
Soy protein isolate (SPI) was utilized as a biocompatible matrix for the development of Fe₃O₄ and ZnO nanoparticle composites with enhanced biological activities. The synthesized nanocomposites were characterized using various analytical methods that confirmed the successful nanoparticle formation and conjugation with SPI. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against L. monocytogenes, E. coli, and B. cereus using agar well diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), growth kinetics, crystal violet uptake, and cell lysis assays. Both nanocomposites exhibited superior antibacterial efficacy compared with SPI alone, with ZnO-based composites demonstrating the strongest broad-spectrum activity. Nanoformulation reduced MIC values by up to eightfold and significantly enhanced membrane permeability and bacteriolytic effects. The anticancer potential of tested materials was assessed against A549 and HCT116 cell lines. ZnO-NPs-SPI showed the highest cytotoxicity, producing IC₅₀ values of 27.8 and 31.25 µg/mL against A549 and HCT116 cells, respectively. Furthermore, treatment induced significant activation of caspase-3 and caspase-9, indicating apoptosis-mediated cell death. These findings demonstrate that SPI-based nanocomposites, particularly those containing ZnO-NPs, represent promising multifunctional platforms for antimicrobial and anticancer applications.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ramy M. Romeilah , Solafa Abdelhakim , Mohamed Raafat Atteya , Sayed E. Younis , Khaled M. A. Ramadan , Hossam S. El-Beltagi, Gamal Enan , Ahmed Maher Gaber , Mahmoud M. El-saber , Nada Ali AboZaid , Ali Osman
Bamboo-Derived Cellulose Polyvinylidene Fluoride Nanocomposite Membranes for Enhanced Hydrophilicity and Dye Removal Performance
The increasing global demand for freshwater and the growing issue of water pollution, particularly from industrial sources, motivates efforts to develop more effective wastewater treatment technologies. This research focuses on developing polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes enhanced with bamboo-derived cellulose nanocomposites for dye removal. The study aimed to overcome the hydrophobic limitations of PVDF membranes by incorporating cellulose, which is known for its hydrophilic and dye adsorption properties. The membranes were fabricated using different cellulose contents (2% to 6%) and characterized using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The membranes’ performance was assessed through water contact angle (WCA), water permeation flux and dye rejection tests. Results indicated that increasing cellulose concentration improved membrane porosity, water permeability, and dye rejection capabilities. The 6% cellulose membrane demonstrated low water contact angle value with highest water flux with 317.95 L/m²h and dye rejection of 51% after 10 min, stabilizing at 41% after 70 min. This enhancement was attributed to cellulose’s hydrophilic nature and ability to form hydrogen bonds with dye molecules, thereby improving dye removal efficiency. This study demonstrates the potential of cellulose-enhanced PVDF membranes for industrial wastewater treatment, offering a scalable, sustainable solution to mitigate water pollution and promote environmental sustainability.
Copyright (c) 2026 Kuok King Kuok, Mohd. Elfy Mersal, Md. Rezaur Rahman, Murtala Namakka, Chiu Po Chan, Mahmood D. Aljabri, K. S. Alblawi , O. Madkhali, Mohammed Muzibur Rahman
Evolution of Scientific Knowledge on the Industrial Uses of Bamboo: Bibliometric Analysis
Bamboo stands out as a promising resource for sustainable industrial applications due to its rapid growth, superior mechanical properties, and environmental benefits. Its use in sectors such as civil construction, the pulp and paper industry, and energy generation reinforces its role as a strategic alternative to traditional and non-renewable materials. Thus, the effective advancement of its industrial applications can benefit from a systematic mapping of current scientific trends. This helps in identifying emerging trends, knowledge gaps, and priority opportunities for sustainable innovation. In this context, this study aimed to conduct a bibliometric analysis of scientific literature related to the industrial uses of bamboo, for the period 2010 to 2025, based on data extracted from the Scopus database and analyzed using the Bibliometrix software. The investigation maps academic output, including the temporal evolution of publications, key authors, collaborative networks, top journals, and emerging thematic trends. The results contribute to systematizing existing knowledge, identifying research gaps, and supporting the development of strategies aimed at consolidating bamboo as a sustainable industrial resource.
Copyright (c) 2026 Oxandra R. Rivera , Fabricio G. Gonçalves , Juarez B. Paes, Caroline P. Araujo , Tamara Suely Filgueira Amorim Franca, Daniel A. Á. Lazo, Frederico Jose Nistal Franca
Use of Oak Acorn Kernel (Quercus ithaburensis Decaisne)-Containing Substrates in Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) Cultivation and Comparison with Traditional Growing Media
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different substrates containing oak acorn kernel on the cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus for yield, biological efficiency (BE), and nutritional content. Different lignocellulosic wastes were used: Oak Acorn Kernel (AK), Oak Acorn Shell (AS), Oak Acorn Cup (AC), Hazelnut Branch (HB), Wheat Straw (WS), Acacia Branch (AB), Corncob (CC), and Oak Sawdust (OW). Substrates were prepared at 100% ratio and as 50% mixtures with WS; additionally, AK was supplemented with OW at 10%, 30%, and 50% ratios. Protein, phenolic content, and mineral compositions of mushrooms were analyzed. Chemical composition of substrates were revealed through chemical analyses. The highest mushroom yield was obtained from 50WS+50CC with 205.7 g/kg, while the maximum biological efficiency (57.6%) and benefit–cost ratio (4.98) were determined in the 50OW+50AK. The greatest phenolic content was found in mushrooms of HB substrate (58.781 mg GAE/g), the highest protein contents were detected in mushrooms grown on OW (28.43 g/100g) and AK (29.21 g/100g). Cu, Mn, P, and Zn elements were found to be higher in mushrooms of OW and AK substrates. This study makes a significant contribution to the circular economy by converting low-value forest wastes into value-added food products such as edible mushrooms.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mahide Çınar Uyanık, Faik Ceylan, Recai Arslan, Caglar Akcay
Lantana camara Mediated Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles: Exploration of their Antibacterial and Anticancer Potentials in Oral Cancer Therapy
Oral cancer is the sixth most prevalent malignancy worldwide. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were prepared using Lantana camara leaf extract and evaluate their in vitro anticancer activity against human KB cells. The AuNPs were characterized using various techniques. The MTT assay was employed to evaluate the cytotoxic potential of AuNPs against KB cells. Staining techniques were used to quantify reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and assess apoptotic cell death in AuNP-treated KB cells. Furthermore, the caspase activities were examined to verify the induction of apoptosis. The antibacterial activity of AuNPs was also evaluated against gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial strains. The results indicated that the synthesized AuNPs exhibited predominantly spherical morphology with an average particle size of 40 to 80 nm. The assay revealed a dose‑dependent cytotoxic effect, with an IC₅₀ value of 30 µg/mL against KB cells formulated AuNPs effectively inhibited KB cell proliferation, enhanced intracellular ROS generation, and induced apoptosis, as confirmed by fluorescence staining and elevated caspase activities. The AuNPs demonstrated significant antibacterial properties, producing inhibition zones of up to 23 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and 15 mm against Escherichia coli. In summary, the L. camara-mediated AuNPs exhibited a substantial anticancer potential against oral cancer cells and demonstrated encouraging antibacterial properties.
Revitalizing the Pratuokng: Innovation, Authenticity, and Cultural Transmission Among the Bidayuh of Annah Rais
This communication examines the revitalization of the pratuokng, a traditional Bidayuh bamboo tube zither from Annah Rais, Sarawak, through a qualitative ethnographic case study. A pratuokng is an idiochord tube zither, a musical instrument consisting of one drum and seven strings. Data were collected through interviews with cultural practitioner Arthur Borman, observation of teaching and performance contexts, and review of relevant ethnomusicological literature. The study analyzes how instrument knowledge, tuning practices, and performance techniques are transmitted and adapted in response to contemporary social change and strategies used in encouraging younger generations to performed with pratuokng. Particular attention is given to Borman’s innovations in instrument configuration and musical range, and to how these developments generate debate regarding authenticity, legitimacy, and cultural authority. Previously published acoustic data are referenced to contextualize sound behavior; however, the analytic focus of this paper remains interpretive rather than experimental. Theoretically, the study contributes to discussions on cultural sustainability by framing tradition as a negotiated, evolving process rather than a fixed object. Findings indicate that context-sensitive innovation, community-based pedagogy, and selective global exposure can support continuity of endangered musical heritage while maintaining cultural integrity.
Influence of Nanosilica on the Vibro-acoustic Behavior and Morphological Characteristics of Wood Flour/ Recycled Polystyrene Composites
This study investigated the influence of nanosilica on the vibro-acoustic behavior, microstructure, and structural characteristics of composites based on poplar wood flour and recycled polystyrene. Composites containing 50 wt% wood flour and 0, 2, 4, and 6 phc nanosilica were prepared using twin-screw extrusion. Vibro-acoustic properties were evaluated using a non-destructive flexural vibration method, while the fractured-surface morphology and diffraction characteristics were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. Nanosilica caused only minor changes in sound velocity, loss tangent, acoustic coefficient, acoustic conversion efficiency, and dynamic modulus of elasticity, with no statistically significant differences among the formulations (p > 0.05). SEM images showed apparent reductions in interfacial voids and improved contact between the wood flour and polymer matrix with nanosilica incorporation. XRD patterns indicated that the composites retained a predominantly amorphous character, while the changes in diffraction intensity suggested differences in X-ray scattering following nanosilica incorporation. Overall, nanosilica altered the apparent microstructural characteristics of the composites without significantly affecting their vibro-acoustic performance. The combination of stable vibro-acoustic properties and the use of recycled polystyrene suggests potential for these composites in lightweight panel and interior applications where stable acoustic behavior is desirable.
Copyright (c) 2026 Majid Kiaei, Maryam Veylaki
Chemical Profile and In-Vitro Antibacterial, Biofilm-Inhibitory, Antioxidant, and Cytotoxic Activities of Cineole-rich Southern Blue Gum Essential Oil
Eucalyptus globulus Labill essential oil was chemically characterized and evaluated for selected biological activities using integrated in vitro assays supported by exploratory in silico analysis. GC–MS profiling identified 8 constituents, with 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) representing 90.51% of the total composition, indicating a cineole-dominant chemical profile. Antibacterial screening was performed against three clinical isolates and three reference strains, representing Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The essential oil produced inhibition zones ranging from 24.3 to 38.8 mm, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 62.5 to 125 µg/mL, depending on the strain. Biofilm biomass testing demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition, with the strongest reduction observed for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (61.35% at 0.5 MIC). Antioxidant evaluation using DPPH and ABTS assays revealed dose-dependent radical scavenging activity. Cytotoxicity screening in Caco-2 and HepG2 cell lines showed concentration-dependent responses with IC₅₀ values of 24.4 ± 0.15 and 59.52 ± 0.35 µg/mL, respectively. Molecular docking suggested moderate interaction of eucalyptol with bacterial DNA gyrase through hydrophobic contacts and hydrogen bonding. This study provides integrated chemical and functional characterization of Eucalyptus globulus Labill oil and supports further investigation of eucalyptus-derived volatile compositions in antimicrobial and biofilm-control research, while indicating that additional pharmacological, selectivity, and in vivo studies are required before translational application.
Copyright (c) 2026 Samy Selim, Samiah Hamad Al-Mijalli, Mohammed Aladhadh, Emad M. Abdallah, Mohammed S. Almuhayawi, Mohammed H. Alruhaili, Hattan S. Gattan, Abdullah Alsrhani, Abdullah A. Saber, Amer M. Abdelaziz, Mohamed H. Sharaf, Reda R. Mabrouk, Mohamed A. Amin
Numerical Method of Time-domain Dynamic Responses for Timber Frame Structures with Viscoelastic Damper
The seismic performance analysis of timber frame structures with viscoelastic damper is important. Combined with Rayleigh damping model and stiffness proportional damping model, the damping matrix of the timber frame structures with viscoelastic damper is constructed. Based on the fine calculation method, the numerical method of time-domain dynamic responses for timber frame structures with viscoelastic damper is proposed, which can be used to calculate the time-domain dynamic responses. Then the peak top displacement and peak bottom shear force are selected as the indicators, which are used to analyze the arrangement of viscoelastic dampers in wooden frame structures. Numerical results show that compared to viscoelastic dampers at the top and middle, viscoelastic damper at the bottom is the most advantageous for improving the seismic performance of the structure, which can be given priority consideration in design.
Copyright (c) 2026 Zhe Song, Chongyang He, Shuxia Wang
Effect of CO₂ Laser Processing Parameters and Grain Direction on Color Change and Surface Roughness of Pine and Beech Wood
This study was conducted to determine the effects of CO₂ laser scanning speed, laser processing power, and fiber direction on color change and surface roughness in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Eastern beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) wood. To this end, laser processing was performed at four scanning speeds (200, 300, 400, and 500 mm/s) and five power levels (12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, and 16%) in both parallel and perpendicular directions to the grain. The surface roughness and total color changes observed in the samples were determined in accordance with TS EN ISO 21920-2 and ASTM D2244-25 standards. As a result, while Scots pine samples exhibited higher roughness values than Eastern beech, the total color change was higher in Eastern beech samples. A low scanning speed and high laser power increased both roughness and color change. Processing parallel to the grain increased roughness, while processing perpendicular to the grain resulted in a higher color change.
Evaluation of the Structural Performance of Wood-Based Panels: Comparison of Structural Particleboard, Conventional Particleboard, and Oriented Strand Board
Structural particleboard (SPB) is a promising structural wood-based panel that can be manufactured using existing particleboard production facilities. Although product performance requirements for SPB have been only partially established, developed SPB panels have demonstrated basic product-level properties such as bending performance, internal bond strength, moisture resistance, and formaldehyde emission. However, experimental verification of structural performance is required for practical structural applications. In this study, newly developed SPB was evaluated for product performance and structural performance, including compressive strength, structural bending performance, and in-plane shear strength, and the results were compared with those of conventional particleboard (PB) and oriented strand board (OSB). To assess reliability as a structural material, coefficients of variation and 5th percentile were examined in addition to mean values. SPB satisfied all product performance requirements and showed superior compressive performance compared with OSB and conventional PB in terms of both mean and 5th percentile. In bending, SPB exhibited structural performance comparable to that of OSB in the major axis and showed competitive performance based on the 5th percentile. In-plane shear performance was also stable in terms of mean value, variability, and 5th percentile. These findings demonstrate that SPB has strong potential for use as a structural wood-based panel.
Copyright (c) 2026 In-Hwan Lee, Min Lee, Chul-Ki Kim, Younggun Park, Bora Jeong
The Effects of Maize Varietal Traits and Maize Planting Density on Soybean-Maize Relay Strip Intercropping
As a major consumer of soybean, the growth in China’s annual soybean production is crucial to its national food security. Both maize and soybean are upland crops with overlapping growth periods, leading to trade-offs in production when either crop is cultivated as a sole crop. However, the soybean-maize strip intercropping system enables the production of an additional soybean harvest with only a slight reduction or no loss in maize yield, thereby making a highly significant contribution to the expansion of total grain output. This study explored the effects of maize varietal traits and maize density on the production indicators of the two crops under this intercropping model by designing different maize varieties and maize planting densities. The results showed that maize lodging extent had an extremely significant negative correlation with maize yield and gross income. Maize plant height had a significant negative correlation with maize 100-grain weight, soybean SPAD values, and soybean grains per plant. Within a certain range, as maize density increased, maize yield first increased and then decreased, while soybean yield showed a continuous downward trend. Based on this regularity, a quadratic function mathematical model was constructed, with maize planting density as the independent variable and production benefit per unit area as the dependent variable. This model can be used to determine the optimal maize planting density for soybean-maize relay strip intercropping. This study identifies suitable maize varieties and optimal planting density, thereby providing references for local production practices.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yun Yang, Yun Long, Ting Zhang, Mingshuang Tang, Ying Wang, Mingming Cheng, Chunyan Li, Chuan He
Green Synthesis of Ag–Se Nanoparticles Using Pomegranate Peel: A Multifunctional Approach for Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Anticancer Applications
Silver–selenium nanoparticles (Ag–Se NPs) were successfully prepared using Punica granatum peel extract via a green, eco-friendly, and cost-effective approach. The formation of nanoparticles was confirmed by a characteristic UV–Vis absorbance peak at 436 nm, while FTIR analysis indicated the involvement of functional groups in reduction and stabilization. TEM analysis showed predominantly spherical nanoparticles with an average size of 44.9 ± 19 nm. The synthesized Ag–Se NPs exhibited effective antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus subtilis, with inhibition zones of 17.8, 20.3, and 16.2 mm, respectively. The MIC values ranged from 62.5 to 500 µg/mL, confirming concentration-dependent antimicrobial activity. The nanoparticles showed significant antibiofilm activity, reaching 62.3% inhibition against E. coli at higher concentrations. Cytotoxicity evaluation demonstrated selective activity, with IC₅₀ values of 209 µg/mL for Vero normal cells and 115 µg/mL for MCF-7 cancer cells. Furthermore, antioxidant activity assessed by DPPH and ABTS assays showed IC₅₀ values of 458 and 312 µg/mL, respectively. Overall, the results indicate that green-synthesized Ag–Se NPs possess multifunctional biological activities, making them promising candidates for antimicrobial, anticancer, and antioxidant applications.
Copyright (c) 2026 Hayfa Habes Almutairi, Maryam Hadi Mohammad, Amirah S. Alahmari, Khairiah M. Alwutayd
Lactic Acid Production from Lignocellulosic Biomass by a Co-culture of Enterococcus casseliflavus CW3-1 and Paucilactobacillus vaccinostercus MQ2
Lactic acid (LA) is a growing demand platform chemical for food, pharmaceutical, and bioplastic applications. Lignocellulose offers an alternative to edible sugars as a substrate. However, its microbial conversion of mixed hexose/pentose sugars remains challenging. In this study, two new lactic acid bacteria with distinct sugar utilization profiles were isolated and evaluated for their LA production capability using a series of substrates. Enterococcus casseliflavus CW3-1 exhibited a partially homofermentative behavior and was capable of assimilating both hexose and pentose sugars. In contrast, Paucilactobacillus vaccinostercus MQ2 showed a heterofermentative manner and was a typical pentose-preferring bacterium, which did not metabolize glucose. In the simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) of alkali-pretreated corn stover and sugarcane bagasse with a commercial cellulase, co-cultivation of the two strains significantly outperformed the mono-cultures and the LA production from co-culture was slightly higher than the sum of the production from the two monocultures. Fermentation results from two types of biomasses showed that the maximum LA yield reached 0.78±0.03 g/g substrate; however, increasing the substrate concentration led to a decrease in yield. These results demonstrate the superiority of using microbial consortia for sustainable LA biorefining from lignocellulosic biomass.
Copyright (c) 2026 Anaiza Zayas Garriga, Xiang Zhang, Alei Geng, Rongrong Xie, Daochen Zhu
Preliminary Structural Reuse Assessment of Reclaimed Juniperus excelsa Timber after Approximately 42 Years of Service: Mechanical Response, Visible Defects, and SEM Observations
This preliminary, limited case study compared reclaimed Juniperus excelsa (Greek juniper) wood—removed after approximately 42 years of service in a rural structure—with freshly cut samples from the same geographic region. Compressive strength parallel and perpendicular to the grain, full-section four-point bending, a study-specific visual defect index, and qualitative scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations were used. Test results showed that parallel compression and bending strengths were of similar magnitude in the two groups, whereas perpendicular compression showed a larger difference. These differences were not interpreted as a loss or preservation of properties, as the initial properties and detailed service history of the reclaimed specimens are unknown. In the new group, a distinct trend of decreasing bending strength with increasing visible defect scores was evident, whereas the narrow score range in the reclaimed group did not support a similar relationship. Some reclaimed specimens fractured abruptly near the peak load. Local microcrack-like discontinuities observed in selected SEM fields were qualitatively consistent with this behavior but did not establish causality. Due to the small sample sizes, the results provide preliminary engineering trends rather than design values.
Microalgae-Derived Biodiesel as a Scalable and Sustainable Pathway for Next-Generation Biofuels
Microalgae-derived biodiesel is increasingly regarded as a next-generation renewable fuel because microalgae combine rapid biomass growth, high lipid productivity, carbon dioxide capture, and cultivation on non-arable land or nutrient-rich wastewater. This review critically integrates recent progress in strain improvement, cultivation engineering, harvesting, lipid extraction, and conversion technologies for scalable biodiesel production. Advances in genome editing, two-stage cultivation, hybrid photobioreactor-open pond systems, and microwave- or ultrasound-assisted extraction have improved lipid yield and process efficiency. Digital tools, including artificial intelligence, predictive monitoring, digital twins, and machine-learning-based contaminant control, are also emerging as important enablers of automation and scale-up. Embedding microalgae production within circular biorefineries can support flue-gas utilization, nutrient recycling, and co-production of high-value compounds such as astaxanthin, omega-3 fatty acids, phycobiliproteins, proteins, and biodegradable biopolymers. Nevertheless, commercialization remains constrained by high cultivation costs, energy-intensive dewatering, variable outdoor productivity, and uncertain policy incentives. Integrated techno-economic optimization, carbon-credit mechanisms, and multi-product biorefinery models are therefore essential for advancing microalgae biodiesel toward industrial deployment.
Copyright (c) 2026 Neeraj Choudhary, Vinod Kumar Gauttam, Vidyavati Hiremath, Sukhpreet Singh, Mukul Machhindra Barwant, Emad M. Abdallah, Samiah Hamad Al-Mijalli, Dinesh Kumar