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A critical review of holistic 4E approaches for assessing sustainable aviation fuel pathways: implications for feedstock, technology, policy and scale-up
(2026) Gonzales, Thiago da Silva; Lamas, Giulia Cruz; Silva, Simone Monteiro e; Ferreira, Ana Filipa; Silveira, Edgar Amaral
The aviation sector urgently requires decarbonization, positioning Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) as the most viable near-term option for reducing fossil jet fuel dependence. However, SAF scale-up remains constrained by coupled technological, thermodynamic, economic, environmental, and policy related trade offs. Although many studies assess individual dimensions of SAF production, the literature still lacks a critical synthesis explicitly connecting Energy, Exergy, Economic, and Environmental (4E) evidence across certified pathways. This review examines 4E related approaches applied to SAF by linking energy and exergy analyses with techno economic assessment, life cycle assessment (LCA), and their exergoeconomic and exergoenvironmental extensions where available. The systematic review reveals a fragmented evidence base, with only a limited subset of studies quantitatively addressing all four dimensions. Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids remains the most mature and economically competitive route, but its scalability is limited by sustainable lipid feedstock availability, hydrogen sourcing, and land use constraints. Gas-to-Jet, Alcohol-to-Jet, and Sugar-to-Jet offer greater feedstock flexibility or biochemical innovation, but face higher capital intensity, upgrading complexity, hydrogen demand, or blend limit restrictions. Across pathways, thermodynamic irreversibilities in heat exchange, separation, syngas conditioning, fermentation, and upgrading stages propagate into cost formation and environmental burdens. LCA evidence shows that Greenhouse gases reductions depend strongly on feedstock origin, hydrogen source, allocation choices, and system boundaries. By organizing these interdependencies through a pathway level 4E indicator linking matrix, this review provides an evidence based foundation for more transparent comparative assessments, process optimization, investment analysis, and policy design for SAF deployment
Techno-economic and CO2 net assessment of dimethyl carbonate production from biomass-derived methano
(2025) Custodio, Renan Fagundes; Valarini Junior, Osvaldo; Vieira, Admilson Lopes; Souza, Thiago Leandro de; Bezerra, Felipi Luiz de Assunção; Rocha, Lucas Bonfim
The increasing concern over greenhouse gas emissions, particularly CO2, has emphasized the urgency for practical solutions to mitigate the environmental impacts of climate change. This study assessed the technical, economic, and environmental feasibility of producing dimethyl carbonate (DMC) through an integrated route using methanol derived from biomass gasification in sugarcane-based industries. Unlike previous studies that analyzed isolated aspects of DMC production, this research was conducted through process modeling and simulation in Aspen Plus® V12.1, evaluating key performance indicators such as conversion rates, product purity, capital and operating expenses, and CO2 emissions. A DMC conversion rate of 78.06% and a purity level of 96.80% were achieved. However, the integration of methanol production increased both CAPEX and OPEX, leading to a net present value (NPV) of R$ 36.7 million over 10 years, lower than alternative routes using commercially available methanol. Additionally, the process resulted in a net CO2 emission of 3.41 kg CO2 per kg of DMC, exceeding conventional methods. These findings suggest that under the evaluated conditions, process integration did not offer economic advantages, despite many environmental advantages over commercially available methanol.
Core–shell structured PtCu/C applied in a high-temperature direct ethanol electroreformer to produce green H2 at reduced energy demand with high CO2 selectivity: performance and techno-economic analyses
(2026) Paula, Dryade Ferreira de; Crisafulli, Rudy; González Cobos, Jesús; Caravaca, Angel; Linares León, José Joaquín
Three different electrocatalysts have been prepared, characterized, and applied to a high-temperature direct ethanol polymer electrolyte membrane electroreformer (DEPEME) based on the removal of surface Cu from the initial PtxCu/C (x = 3, 1, and 1/3) raw materials. The resulting structure consisted of a Pt-enriched shell on a PtCu alloy core deposited on C [alloyed PtxCu@PtyCu/C (y c x)], achieved after the acid treatment of the prepared catalysts, in a core–shell (CS) configuration. This structure is confirmed by X-ray diffraction, which evidences the formation of a PtCu alloy, whereas X-ray photoelectronspectroscopy reveals an enriched Pt shell. Finally, transmission electron microscopy images revealed the dispersed deposition of metal nanoparticles at the nanoscale range. Regarding the electrochemical performance, the CS materials displayed enhanced CO tolerance and ethanol electro-oxidation (EEO) performance, characterized by increased current density and a lower onset potential compared to Pt/C. These results were corroborated at the high-temperature DEPEME condition of 150 1C. Moreover, the monitoring of the EEO products revealed that the CS PtCu materials notably enhanced the selectivity for CO2, resulting in a desirable combination of high hydrogen production rate (0.205 kg of H2 m2 h1) and CO2 selectivity (close to 50%) at a reduced energy consumption (25.46 kWh kg H21). Finally, a techno-economic analysis presents the potential of using ethanol produced in a sugarcane plant from bagasse (second-generation) and estimates the cost of H2 produced compared to that of a PEM water electrolyzer.
Simulation and thermodynamic evaluation of woody biomass waste torrefaction
(2025) Gonzales, Thiago da Silva; Silva, Simone Monteiro e; Lamas, Giulia Cruz; Rodrigues, Pedro Paulo de Oliveira; Siqueira, Mario Benjamim Baptista de; Follegatti Romero, Luis Alberto; Silveira, Edgar Amaral
Torrefaction is a thermochemical pretreatment that enhances biomass properties, improving energy density, decomposition resistance, and hydrophobicity, making it a viable alternative as biofuel. This study performed a thermodynamic assessment of the torrefaction process for urban forest waste, integrating experimental data with two-step reaction kinetic modeling to evaluate the torrefaction product yields and properties using Aspen Plus software. The process was modeled with a yield reactor, employing the Peng−Robinson equation to describe vapor-phase behavior and empirical correlations to predict solid-phase properties. Simulations were validated against experimental data for temperatures between 225 and 275 °C, achieving an absolute deviation of less than 5%. Energy consumption ranged from 368 kJ·h−1 for light torrefaction to 1853 kJ·h−1 for severe torrefaction. Process irreversibility varied from 326 kJ·h−1 (3% exergy destruction) in light torrefaction to 3993 kJ·h−1 (16% exergy destruction) in severe torrefaction. The research provides a robust model for torrefaction scale-up that is adaptable to diverse biomass feedstocks and process conditions, highlighting its potential for optimizing energy use and improving sustainability in biomass utilization.
Statistical and multivariate evaluation of olive oil degradation during long-term storage
(2025) Almeida, Erislene Silva de; Silva, Danyel Ferreira da; Oliveira, Natália Soares de; Fernandes, Juliana S.; Oliveira, Bruna Cecília de Sousa; Silva, Simone Monteiro e; Almeida, Fernanda Vasconcelos de; Braga, Jez Willian Batista; Dias, Ana Cristi Basile
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is valued for its flavor and health benefits. However, its quality can decline during storage, reducing food quality and the effectiveness of therapeutic compounds when used as a pharmaceutical excipient. While the oxidative stability of extra virgin olive oil has been widely studied for food quality and shelf life, its crucial role as a pharmaceutical excipient and the impact of long-term degradation on the effectiveness and stability of active compounds remain largely unexplored. This study examined 14 commercial EVOO samples immediately after opening and after three years of storage. Standard methods were used to measure the peroxide value, p-anisidine value, acidity, antioxidant activity, and extinction coefficients. The data were analyzed with statistical and chemometric tools. Initially, all oils met international quality standards. After three years, most samples showed significant deterioration, especially a decline in antioxidant activity and an increase in K232 values. Statistical tests confirmed differences among samples, and pairwise comparisons indicated significant differences consistent with degradation between T0 and T1. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified three main patterns related to oxidation and antioxidant capacity, and clustering distinguished between stable and unstable samples. Overall, the stability of the studied EVOOs varied by brand, influenced by their natural composition and storage conditions. Multivariate analysis confirmed that antioxidant activity and extinction coefficients are key indicators of oxidative degradation. This finding highlights multivariate analysis as a valuable approach for monitoring the oxidative stability of oils and ensuring EVOO quality for both food and pharmaceutical application.
Multiparameter optimization of torrefaction for achieving carbon-negative biocoal: integrating quality parameters, thermodynamics, and environmental performance
(2025) Lamas, Giulia Cruz; Gonzales, Thiago da Silva; Rodrigues, Pedro Paulo de Oliveira; Macedo, Lucélia Alves de; Rodrigues, Thiago Oliveira; Rousset, Patrick Louis Albert; Protásio, Thiago de Paula; Pires, Armando de Azevedo Caldeira; Silveira, Edgar Amaral
This study advances the torrefaction field by proposing a framework that integrates energy, exergy, and environmental analyses with the quality assessment of torrefaction products, while evaluating process carbon neutrality and carbon-negative outcomes. While biocoal properties are often emphasized, multi-objective analyses addressing critical aspects such as exergy efficiency and life cycle assessment are frequently overlooked. This research critically addresses inconsistencies in life cycle assessment related to functional units, system boundaries, and impact allocation of products, fostering a consistent and robust environmental diagnostic. Experimental data from urban forest waste torrefaction, combined with a two-step kinetic modeling, enabled the simulation of a scaled-up system using Aspen Plus. This integrative approach assessed the properties of biocoal, bio-oil, and torgas, as well as mass and energy flows, irreversibilities, and process emissions. Life cycle assessment quantified and allocated environmental impacts. The framework accounted for CO2 uptake by biomass, revealing trade-offs arising from the severity of torrefaction and the definition of the functional unit. Response surface methodology served as a unifying optimization tool, allowing the simultaneous integration and evaluation of all indicators. Results identified bottlenecks, formulated an equation to evaluate carbon neutrality and determined optimal conditions, offering a scalable and replicable pathway for sustainable torrefaction. Optimal conditions at 256 °C for 41 min yielded biocoal with 87.82 % mass retention, a heating value of 20.98 MJ kg−1, a fuel ratio of 0.34, and an ash content of 4.98 %. The system required 20.99 kWh for drying and 4.04 kWh for torrefaction, with the irreversibility of 81.5 MJ h−1 and a global warming potential of –0.504 kg CO2 eq. per GJ of biocoal.
Kinetic parameter sensitivity in microbial electrolysis cell performance modeling
(2026) Demarqui, Gabriela Simonete; Felizardo, Marcos Paulo; Tussolini, Loyse; Andrade, Laiane Alves de; Miranda, Júlio César de Carvalho
Microbial Electrolysis Cells (MEC) represent a promising technology for hydrogen production from wastewater, requiring low applied voltages compared to conventional water electrolysis. However, system performance remains limited due to complex microbial interactions, making mathematical modeling essential for process optimization. This work replicates and analyzes the multi-population dynamic model proposed by Pinto et al. (2011), focusing on sensitivity analysis of maximum substrate consumption rates (qmax) for electrogenic, fermentative, and acetoclastic methanogenic microorganisms. Fifteen simulations were conducted, varying each parameter within its respective uncertainty intervals, and sensitivity was quantified using normalized indices. Results revealed a clear hierarchical importance: qmax,e (electrogenic) showed the highest impact with sensitivity indices (Smean) ranging from 3.8 to 6.2 for competitive microbial populations; qmax,f (fermentative) demonstrated transient influence primarily during reactor startup (Smean ranging from 0.65 to 0.78); while qmax,m (methanogenic) affected only anodic methane production (Smean of approximately 0.96). Notably, electrochemical performance variables (current, H2 production) proved robust to all three parameters at steady state, indicating that once the electrogenic biofilm is established, the system exhibits significant operational stability. These findings provide practical guidance for MEC design and operation, identifying qmax,e as the critical parameter requiring precise estimation for accurate prediction of microbial competition dynamics.
Activated carbon-supported Pt catalysts intended for the hydroprocessing of lipid feedstocks: effects of support surface composition and impregnation protocol
(2025) Brandão, Ruana Domingos; Freitas Júnior, Antônio Martins de; Linares León, José Joaquín; Suarez, Paulo Anselmo Ziani; Dutra, Romulo Coriolano; Garnier, Jeremie; Tonhá, Myller de Sousa; Ballesteros Plata, Daniel; Rodríguez Castellón, Enrique; Prauchner, Marcos Juliano
This work concerns the preparation of Pt/AC catalysts (Pt supported on activated carbon) and their application to the synthesis of hydrocarbon biofuels through the HEFA (hydroprocessing of esters and fatty acids) route. The key motivation for the work was that catalysts based on sulfided Mo supported on γ-Al2O3, traditionally employed in the hydroprocessing of petroleum derivatives, (i) are unstable in the HDO (hydrodeoxygenation) of biomass-derived feedstocks and (ii) can contaminate the resulting biofuels with sulfur. In this context, a systematic study on the effects of preparation conditions on the properties of the resulting Pt/AC catalysts and their performance in HEFA was carried out for the first time. Efficient catalysts were obtained, which led to the complete deoxygenation of lauric acid and coconut oil, yielding products composed primarily of n-alkanes. The highest HDO activity was verified for the catalyst prepared using as a support an AC previously subjected to thermal treatment up to 800 ◦C in a H2 atmosphere (which removed most of the surface acidic oxygenated groups), depositing Pt over the surface of this support via wet impregnation using a H2PtCl6 solution acidified with HCl. The obtained results showed the great potential of the Pt/AC catalysts for the production of hydrocarbon biofuels through the HEFA route.
Activated carbon ammonization: effects of the chemical composition of the starting material and the treatment temperature
(2025) Oliveira, Sílvia da Cunha
N-containing carbon-based materials have been employed with claimed improved performance as an adsorbent of acidic molecules, volatile organic compounds (VOC), and metallic ions; catalyst; electrocatalyst; and supercapacitor. In this context, the present work provides valuable insights into the preparation of N-doped activated carbons (ACs) by thermal treatment in NH3 atmosphere (ammonization). A commercial AC was submitted to two kinds of pretreatment: (i) reflux with dilute HNO3; (ii) thermal treatment up to 800 ◦C in inert atmosphere. The original and modified ACs were subjected to ammonization up to different temperatures. ACs with N content up to ~8% were achieved. Nevertheless, the amount and type of inserted nitrogen depended on ammonization temperature and surface composition of the starting material. Remarkably, oxygenated acidic groups on the surface of the starting material favored nitrogen insertion at low temperatures, with formation of mostly aliphatic (amines, imides, and lactams), pyridinic, and pyrrolic nitrogens. In turn, high temperatures provoked the decomposition of labile aliphatic functions. Therefore, the AC prepared from the sample pre-treated with HNO3, which had the highest content of oxygenated acidic groups among the materials submitted to ammonization, presented the highest N content after ammonization up to 400 ◦C but the lowest content after ammonization up to 800 ◦C.
Exploring a new platform to separate Kraft lignin from choline chloride-based eutectic solvents using aqueous mixtures of 1-butanol or ethyl acetate
(2026) Altoe, Fernanda Sossai; Tsukamoto, Larissa Kiyomi; Ivonica, Lenin Pedroni; Cheri, Fabiano Scolfaro; Corrêa, Wellington Moreira; Dias, Rafael Macedo; Vilas Boas, Sérgio Antonio Mendes; Costa, Mariana Conceição da
Eutectic Solvents (ES) have emerged as sustainable media for lignocellulosic biomass delignification. However, the lack of efficient downstream strategies to separate the extracted lignin from the ES-rich mixtures remains a significant industrial bottleneck. This study investigates the potential of aqueous biphasic systems containing organic cosolvents (1- butanol or ethyl acetate) to recover lignin from choline chloride (ChCl)-based ESs. Experimental binodal curves and Kraft lignin partition coefficients (KL) were determined for 12 systems containing water, a cosolvent, and ES formed by ChCl and six hydrogen-bond donors (three carboxylic acids and three diols). Results indicate that 1-butanol induces larger immiscible regions compared to ethyl acetate, while larger biphasic regions were observed in systems containing acid-based ESs than in those containing diols. To complement the experimental studies, the Merchuk and Hu equations were used to correlate the binodal curves, with the Hu model yielding superior representations (R2 � 0.999). Remarkably, Kraft lignin preferentially partitioned into the organic-rich top phase (KL > 1) in all cases. Promising results were achieved for the (water þ 1-butanol þ ChCl:FA) and (water þ ethyl acetate þ acid-based ES) systems (11.3 � KL � 29.6), suggesting these water-cosolvent mixtures are auspicious routes for recovering lignin from acid-based ES media.
Production of oleogels from cellulose and starch cryogels: morphological, thermal, mechanical, and viscoelastic properties
(2025) Santos, Laiane Carvalho dos; Pereira, Igor Dal Osto; Andreani, Larissa; Cunha, Francisco Ricardo da; Luz, Sandra Maria da; Dias, Rafael Macedo; Silva, Alysson Martins Almeida; Valadares, Leonardo Fonseca
Oleogelation offers a way to reduce trans fats and saturated fats in foods by structuring liquid oils. This study explores cryogels derived from cotton cellulose and potato starch as templates for soybean oleogel production. Cryogels were prepared using a freeze-drying method with cellulose and starch in various mass ratios (pure cellulose, pure starch, 20 cellulose/80 starch, 20 starch/80 cellulose, and 50 starch/50 cellulose) and then evaluated for mechanical and rheological properties. Composite cryogels provided enhanced mechanical strength, thermal stability, and oil retention, with pure cellulose cryogels achieving the highest oil absorption capacity (179.42 g/g). While adding starch reduced oil absorption, retention remained significant (18.95–55.59 g/g), with a 50/50 starch-cellulose blend exhibiting optimal oil retention (81.54 %). Rheological assessments showed shear-thinning behavior in all oleogels, with low-frequency dynamic tests revealing a solid-like, elastic response. The storage modulus (G′) increased with cellulose content, reaching 7 × 10⁴ Pa, indicating robust elastic characteristics. The loss modulus (G″) results suggested larger fiber structures and increased collisional interactions with higher cellulose. These oleogels displayed a predominantly solid-like behavior at low frequencies, reflecting the effective structuring of oils through an oil sorption mechanism. This technique highlights cellulose-starch cryogels as viable oleogel templates for structuring edible oils.
Innovative cookies for school meals: nutritional, technological, and sensory potential of crude palm olein (Elaeis guineensis) and cowpea flour [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]
(2026) Almeida, Deusdélia Teixeira de; Souza, Euzélia Lima; Almeida, Erislene Silva de; Silva, Simone Monteiro e; Santos, Wagna Piler Carvalho dos; Alves, Agnes Sophia Braga; Ribeiro, Camila Duarte Ferreira; Cardoso, Lafaiete Almeida
Micronutrient deficiencies, such as iron deficiency anemia and vitamin A deficiency, remain a concern among children in low- and middle-income countries. Despite the flour fortification policies in Brazil, nutrient bioavailability remains a challenge. Using local, nutrient-rich ingredients, such as crude palm olein (CPOL) and cowpea flour (CF), is a sustainable alternative for the nutritional improvement of school foods. This study aimed to develop and evaluate cookies enriched with CPOL and CF as vehicles for iron and provitamin A delivery during school meals. A 2² full factorial design was used, varying CF (60 or 120 g) and CPOL (25 or 50 g), while the control cookies (C0) contained only wheat flour and butter. Nutritional composition, color, texture, and sensory acceptance were also analyzed. High CF levels increased protein content (13.3–14.7 %) and mineral levels, including iron (31.6–41.2 μg/g), zinc, and magnesium. Carotenoid content ranged from 35.14 to 76.68 μg/g, and the reddish-brown color of the cookies likely resulted from both carotenoid pigments and Maillard reaction products formed during baking. The formulation containing 120 g of CF and 31.25 g of CPOL produced cookies with a crispy texture and high acceptance (score: 7.8). A 30-g serving may provide up to 15.5 % of daily iron and 13.9 % of retinol equivalents for children. These cookies have the potential to be accessible and acceptable fortification options for school feeding programs.
Mixed metal oxide and boron-doped diamond anodes for the treatment of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride in single- and dual-flow configuration
(2025) Marcionilio, Suzana Maria Loures de Oliveira; Araújo, Danyelle Medeiros de; Tonhá, Myller de Sousa; Garnier, Jeremie; Martinez Huitle, Carlos Alberto; Linares León, José Joaquín
The treatment of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BMImCl) has been studied under different anodes (Ti-Pt-SnO2-Sb2O5, MMO, and boron-doped diamond, BBD) and configurations (single-flow and dual-flow cell‒SFC and DFC, respectively) using MMO and BBD alone or combined. In terms of BMImCl removal and mineralization, BDD overperforms MMO in SFC configuration at any current density, becoming less costly when operated at the highest current density (100 mA cm‒2 in the range 25 to 100 mA cm‒2) due to the reduced anode costs despite the higher electricity consumption. Nonetheless, attention must be given to the formation of chlorates and perchlorate in significant concentrations. In DFC configuration, the performances do not surpass those of BDD with the same overall current density in terms of BMImCl oxidation/mineralization, requiring higher volumetric charges than BDD in comparable conditions. The study also includes a preliminary economic analysis to compare the fixed capital costs, mainly coming from the required electrode area, as well as the operating costs, from the electricity demand, for the different SFC and DFC configurations.
Optimization of the atmospheric acid leaching process for the recovery of nickel and cobalt from iron-rich lateritic ore
(2025) Ribeiro, Gabriela da Silva; Nascimento, Naiara de Deus; Ribeiro, Rodrigo da Silveira; Miranda, Marcelo de Paole Moreira; Martins, Paulo Roberto; Caetano, Gabriela Costa; Andrade, Laiane Alves de
Currently, millions of tons of iron-rich laterite ore are considered waste in the mining industry, and the sector is seeking technological solutions to use them. Atmospheric acid leaching is a potential alternative to obtain cobalt and nickel from laterite ore due to its low implementation and maintenance costs compared to conventional industrial methods. Identifying and optimizing the leaching parameters are crucial for advancing the state of the art in this field and promoting local socio-economic development, considering the extractive activity. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate and optimize the atmospheric acid leaching parameters that maximize the recovery of cobalt and nickel from an iron-rich lateritic ore (Fe > 35%) from Goiás, Brazil. The effects of the type of mill, the additive in mechanical activation, the ascorbic acid and sulfuric acid concentrations, and the solid/liquid ratio on the leaching process are evaluated using experimental designs. Under the studied conditions, ascorbic acid increased the recovery of cobalt and nickel by more than 40% and 10%, respectively. Optimized conditions provided maximum recoveries of 80.6% for cobalt and 51.8% for nickel. The diffusion through the residual ash layer best fitted the kinetic data for nickel.
Low-cost alternative for iron recovery in lateritic nickel production by using ferronickel refining slag and kiln dust for iron precipitation from acid leachate
(2025) Caetano, Gabriela Costa; Rodrigues, Flávia Corrêa; Ostroski, Indianara Conceição; Barros, Maria Angélica Simões Dornellas de
Iron is a primary contaminant in the acid-leaching solution during lateritic nickel production. Additionally, the accumulation of pyrometallurgical tailings from conventional nickel ore processing presents a significant challenge for industrial mining operations. This study addresses these issues by utilizing ferronickel slags (refining slag and kiln dust) as alternative neutralizing agents for the precipitation and recovery of iron from sulfuric leaching solutions. A 23 factorial orthogonal experimental design, including two central points and six axial points, was employed to investigate the effects of agent concentrations on iron precipitation and nickel co-precipitation. The results were optimized based on response surface analysis and filtration resistance parameters. Slags and precipitated materials were characterized using XRD and XRF techniques, while initial and final liquors were analyzed via ICP-OES. Due to its high CaO content (58.33 wt%), the slag exhibited a neutralizing capacity comparable to commercial calcium and sodium carbonates. Optimal concentrations of slag (5.14 %) and kiln dust (25 %) achieved approximately 80 % removal of Fe2+/Fe3+, alongside a 46 % increase in Ni2+ recovery from the initial leaching solution. Precipitated iron oxides can be recovered through a reduction step, followed by washing or magnetic separation.
Comparison between produced Tingui biochar versus commercial Norit in the adsorption of acetaminophen and diclofenac: characterization, batch, and fixed bed system
(2025) Santos, Débora Federici dos; Moreira, Wardleison Martins; Araújo, Thiago Peixoto de; Bernardo, Maria Manuel Serrano; Fonseca, Isabel Maria de Figueiredo Ligeiro da; Ostroski, Indianara Conceição; Barros, Maria Angelica Simoes Dornellas de; Aguiar, Eduardo Falabella de Sousa
In pressing environmental challenges, practical solutions to remove organic contaminants from water are par- amount. This study undertook a crucial task of comparing two adsorbents: BT-KOH, synthesized from Tingui bark activated with potassium hydroxide, and Norit commercial carbon. The comparison was based on experimental data from adsorption kinetics and isotherm tests in batch and fixed bed systems, targeting the removal of acetaminophen and diclofenac. Physico- chemical characterization analyses of the materials were also conducted to enhance the comparison. RESULTS: The study's key finding was the superior performance of BT-KOH over Norit in removing acetaminophen and diclofe- nac. The maximum adsorption capacities for acetaminophen were 357.7 mg g−1 for BT-KOH and 226.3 mg g−1 for Norit. For diclofenac, these values were 250.6 mg g−1 for BT-KOH and 220.9 mg g−1 for Norit. This superiority was attributed to BT-KOH's larger specific surface area and higher quantities of oxygen-containing functional groups. CONCLUSION: The result underscores the importance of considering the physical–chemical composition of materials in the quest for more effective and sustainable water treatment methods.
Molecular network-based annotation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pachysolen tannophilus metabolites and evaluation of their bioactive potential against rice pathogens Magnaporthe oryzae, Bipolaris oryzae and Rhizoctonia solani
(2026) Silva, Elizabeth Gonçalves da; Pereira, Alana Kelyene; Fill, Taícia Pacheco; Filippi, Marta Cristina Corsi de; Galeano Suarez, Carlos Alberto; Montano, Inti Doraci Cavalcanti; Severino, Vanessa Gisele Pasqualotto
This study investigates the biocontrol potential of extracts derived from the liquid co-cultivation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pachysolen tannophilus, as well as from their respective monocultures, using xylose and xylulose as carbon sources, against phytopathogenic fungi affecting rice crops. LC-HRMS analysis, combined with advanced dereplication techniques, led to the annotation of several diketopiperazines, including cyclo(leucylprolyl), cyclo(phenylalanine-4-hydroxyproline), cyclo(prolylvalyl), cyclo(leucylvalyl), cyclo(phenylalanylprolyl), and cyclo(leucyl-4-hydroxyprolyl). The antifungal activity of the extracts was evaluated against Magnaporthe oryzae, Bipolaris oryzae, and Rhizoctonia solani, the causal agents of rice blast, brown spot, and sheath blight, respectively. In vitro assays included dual culture bioassays, assessments of conidial germination, and appressorium formation analysis. The co-culture extract completely inhibited appressorium formation (100%) and reduced conidial germination by 78%, exhibiting a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1.25 mg/mL. Additionally, extracts from P. tannophilus at the same concentration showed notable antifungal effects, inhibiting 97.33% of appressorium formation and reducing conidial germination by 83.67% in M. oryzae, underscoring their potential in phytopathogen control. These findings indicate that the bioactive metabolites present in the extracts, particularly the annotated diketopiperazines, offer significant bioactive potential and represent a promising and sustainable alternative to conventional agrochemicals for rice disease management
High throughput influenza A virus detection by isothermal amplification in sequential-injection paper-based microfluidics
(2026) Lima, Lucas Felipe de; Pradela Filho, Lauro Antonio; Estrela, Paulo Felipe Neves; Resende, Paola Cristina; Siqueira, Marilda Agudo Mendonça Teixeira de; Duarte, Gabriela Rodrigues Mendes; Paixão, Thiago Regis Longo Cesar da
The recognized impact of epidemics and pandemics caused by Influenza A virus highlights the need for rapid, sensitive, and affordable diagnostic methods. In this work, we propose a molecular detection strategy for Influenza A viruses that combines Electrochemical reverse transcription Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (E-RT-LAMP) using methylene blue (MB) as a redox-active probe, with detection carried out on a sequential-injection paper-based microfluidics (μPAD). The high amplification efficiency of the LAMP technique, following specific target recognition, combined with the intercalation of MB into double-stranded DNA enabled label-free detection of the target sequence through current variation with μPAD. The microfluidic platform was based on the combination of a filter paper disc with 3D pen-templated electrodes, enabling low-cost, portable, and reproducible analysis. The μPAD system exhibited a limit of detection of 9.24 × 101 copies per μL, and following the amplification reaction, detection provided results within seconds (∼3 diagnoses per minute). When tested on a panel of sequenced clinical samples, the assay showed no cross-reactivity with other similar respiratory viruses and demonstrated 100 % accuracy relative to reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). These results demonstrate the potential of this strategy for point-of-care (POC) diagnostics, offering a promising alternative to conventional laboratory-based molecular methods.
Electrochemical strategies for lateral flow and LAMP-Based platforms toward pathogen detection: a critical review
(2026) Lima, Lucas Felipe de; Estrela, Paulo Felipe Neves; Luz, Leonardo Lopes da; Pradela Filho, Lauro Antonio; Souza, Jonatas Viana de; Santos, Daniel Júnior Almeida dos; Duarte, Gabriela Rodrigues Mendes; Coltro, Wendell Karlos Tomazelli; Paixão, Thiago Regis Longo Cesar da
Background: The integration of lateral flow assays (LFAs) with loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) has gained increasing attention in analytical and bioanalytical chemistry for rapid and sensitive pathogen detection. LAMP offers efficient nucleic acid amplification under isothermal conditions, while LFAs provide simplicity, portability, and low-cost operation. However, conventional LFA-based visual or colorimetric readouts suffer from limited sensitivity and subjective interpretation, restricting quantitative analysis and analytical reliability. Results: Recent studies demonstrate that combining LAMP or LFA platforms with electrochemical detection substantially improves analytical performance. Electrochemical readouts enable rapid, quantitative, and operator-independent signal acquisition, eliminating ambiguities associated with visual interpretation. In addition, electrochemical systems are inherently compatible with miniaturization and integration, allowing compact device development without compromising sensitivity or detection limits. This review presents the fundamentals of LAMP and LFA technologies, followed by an overview of electrochemical biosensing principles, including sensor architecture, fabrication strategies, and stability aspects. Current approaches for integrating electrochemical detection into LAMP and LFA assays are critically discussed, highlighting signal amplification strategies and analytical performance. Significance and novelty: This review provides a critical and up-to-date perspective on electrochemical LAMP–LFA integrated platforms for pathogen detection. By comparing existing strategies and addressing key challenges related to integration, robustness, and translational scalability, this review emphasizes the potential of electrochemical detection to overcome the main limitations of conventional LFA and LAMP-based diagnostics. The insights discussed here support the development of reliable, quantitative, and deployable diagnostic devices for point-of-care applications.
Application of multi-layer graphene (MLG) in the anion exchange membrane fuel cells
(2025) Bastos, Tarso Leandro; Silva, Camila Cristina da; Yingdan, Cui; Murisi, Mohammad Al; Amirsalehi, Mahmoud; Biancolli, Ana Laura Gonçalves; Varcoe, John Robert; Gelamo, Rogério Valentim; Mustain, William E.; Colmati Junior, Flavio
Anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) employing multilayer graphene (MLG) are investigated to improve water management and electrode stability at low operating temperatures. MLG sheets are produced via ultrasound exfoliation of thermally expanded graphite and are fabricated into disk electrodes (MLGD) or incorporated directly into catalyst inks (G-ink). Membrane‐electrode assemblies are tested over a range of anode/cathode dew‐point temperatures under H2/O2 feeds. MLGD‐based cells achieve a peak power density (PPD) of 320 mW cm−2 at 60 °C, but suffer from high ohmic resistance and flooding due to graphene's hydrophobicity. Incorporating 10 wt% MLG into the anode and cathode inks (G-ink) increases the PPD to 1.15 W cm−2 and delivers enhanced mass‐transport control, showing a degradation rate of 7.2 10−4 V h−1 over an 85 h durability test. Further, G-ink deployed only at the anode exhibits a PPD of 1.17 W cm−2, outstanding long‐term stability (>300 h, degradation rate 1.3 10−4 V h−1). These results demonstrate that MLG enables steered water management, offers a facile, possibly low-cost hydrophobic alternative to traditional materials, and promises performance enhancements for low‐temperature AEMFCs.

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