ChemBioEng Reviews最新文献

Effective biobased thermally insulating materials are crucial to addressing the escalating concerns surrounding climate change and plastic waste. Numerous experimental biobased foams have demonstrated properties that are either equal to or superior to those of traditional foams employed in the construction sector. The comprehensive review titled “Recent Advances in Biobased Foams and Foam Composites for Construction Applications” by DSouza et al. (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/cben.202300014) specifically focuses on the fabrication methods, advancements, and future prospects of biobased polyurethanes (BPU), biobased phenol formaldehyde (BPF), and cellulose nanofibers (CNF) foams for application in residential construction. To be a suitable material for construction, a biobased foam must be an excellent thermal insulator (possessing low thermal conductivity), a fire retardant (with high limiting oxygen index) and possess remarkable mechanical properties. The cover image thus depicts forest waste-based foams that meet the design criteria for construction applications. [Credits: Riddhi Gadre for the initial design and InMyWork Studio team for the final design]

Biobased Foams for Construction Applications. Copyright: Glen Cletus DSouza, Harrison Ng, Paul Charpentier, Chunbao Charles Xu

Increasing contamination of water bodies with antibiotics has necessitated the development of novel mitigation methods. Many studies have applied adsorption and photocatalytic processes using different nanoparticles, metal-organic frameworks, etc., as sorbents and photocatalysts for antibiotics removal. Among these materials, the development of molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs) is desirable owing to their low cost, structural predictability, detection at deficient concentrations, and versatile applicability. These attributes further encouraged researchers to fabricate hybrid MIP-based materials to abate antibiotic contamination in wastewater. This review summarizes recent studies that deal with conventional and hybrid MIPs such as MIPs-hybrid carbon nanomaterials, magnetic nanomaterials, advanced MIP-based sensors, and photocatalytic materials MIPs for synergic adsorption/separation of antibiotic residuals from wastewater. Economic perspectives of the emerging hybrid materials are also discussed. Some limitations, research gaps, and future potentials for further advancement and efficient remediation results are outlined.

This review discusses the importance of food coloring in determining consumer food preferences and the factors that can affect the color of food. It emphasizes the significance of preventing the degradation of pigments during food preparation and highlights the role of microwave ovens in preserving these pigments by reducing processing time and improving color quality. The review delves into the scientific principles underlying microwave heating and its effects on Maillard browning, caramelization, and other chemical reactions responsible for color changes in food. The potential benefits of microwave cooking (MWC) in preserving the natural color of certain foods are highlighted, along with challenges and considerations in maintaining color stability. The review synthesizes findings from diverse studies, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge on the effects of microwave utilization on food color. Insights from this review contribute to a better understanding of the intricate relationship between microwave technology and the visual appeal of food, paving the way for informed culinary practices and the development of innovative MWC strategies.

Effective biobased thermally insulating materials are crucial to addressing the escalating concerns surrounding climate change and plastic waste. Numerous experimental biobased foams have demonstrated properties that are either equal to or superior to those of traditional foams employed in the construction sector. The comprehensive review titled “Recent Advances in Biobased Foams and Foam Composites for Construction Applications” by DSouza et al. (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/cben.202300014) specifically focuses on the fabrication methods, advancements, and future prospects of biobased polyurethanes (BPU), biobased phenol formaldehyde (BPF), and cellulose nanofibers (CNF) foams for application in residential construction. To be a suitable material for construction, a biobased foam must be an excellent thermal insulator (possessing low thermal conductivity), a fire retardant (with high limiting oxygen index) and possess remarkable mechanical properties. The cover image thus depicts forest waste-based foams that meet the design criteria for construction applications. [Credits: Riddhi Gadre for the initial design and InMyWork Studio team for the final design]

Biobased Foams for Construction Applications. Copyright: Glen Cletus DSouza, Harrison Ng, Paul Charpentier, Chunbao Charles Xu

Electrochemical biosensors have been widely used as advanced methods for virus detection. Ongoing efforts are being made to improve their performance by investigating novel materials as electrode modifiers. In this regard, two-dimensional (2D) materials, such as graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), and transition metal carbides/nitrides (MXenes), have been extensively explored due to their exceptional structural and electrical properties for electrochemical biosensors. This review investigates and summarizes the recently developed 2D materials employed in virus detection. Various strategies to enhance the critical properties of 2D materials, including conductivity, surface area, active sites, selectivity, and wettability, on electrochemical biosensing platforms, which impact their performance, are discussed. Different types of 2D materials (pristine, derivatives, and composites) are described and subsequently evaluated regarding their applications in electrochemical biosensing. This review serves as a valuable guide for designing next-generation, high-performance electrochemical biosensors based on 2D materials.

The integration of machine learning (ML) with algae-derived biopolymers in 3D printing is a burgeoning area with the potential to revolutionize various industries. This review article delves into the challenges and advancements in this field, starting with the critical problem it addresses the need for sustainable and efficient additive manufacturing processes. Algae-based biopolymers, such as alginate and carrageenan, are explored for their viability in 3D printing, highlighting their environmental benefits and technical challenges. The role of ML in enhancing material selection, predictive modeling, and quality control is examined, showcasing how this synergy leads to significant improvements in 3D printing processes. Key findings include the enhanced mechanical properties of algae-based biopolymers and the optimization of printing parameters through ML algorithms. Examples like the use of Spirulina in creating a range of materials and the application of carrageenan in bone tissue engineering are discussed. The conclusion underscores the transformative impact of combining ML with algae-based biopolymers in 3D printing, paving the way for innovative, sustainable solutions in additive manufacturing. Despite existing challenges, this integration holds promise for a future of advanced, eco-friendly manufacturing techniques.