Renewable Poly(Lactic Acid)Lignocellulose Biocomposites for the Enhancement of the Water Retention Capacity of the Soil

Mechanical, Thermal and Morphological Study of Bio-Based PLA Composites Reinforced with Lignin-Rich Agri-Food Wastes for Their Valorization in Industry

This study investigates the performance of different poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites incorporating agri-food waste additives and commercial lignin, comparing their properties with those of virgin PLA. The following composites were prepared using a single-screw extruder: PLA with 20% rice husk, PLA with 20% wheat straw and PLA with 20% olive pit. Additionally, PLA was blended with commercial lignin at the maximum feasible proportion using the same methodology. The resulting composites were injection-molded into specimens for analysis of their mechanical, thermal and morphological behavior. The primary objectives were to assess the dispersion of the additives within the PLA matrix and to evaluate the mechanical properties of the composites. The results indicate that the addition of high percentages of agricultural residues does not significantly compromise the mechanical properties of the composites. Notably, in the case of the PLA with 20% rice husk composite, the elastic modulus surpassed that of virgin PLA, despite the evident heterogeneity in filler particle sizes. It was feasible to incorporate a higher percentage of agricultural residues compared to commercial lignin, attributed to the larger volume occupied by the latter.

Lignocellulosic biomass fertilizers: Production, characterization, and agri-applications

The growing focus on sustainable agriculture and optimal resource utilization has spurred investigations into lignocellulosic biomass as a potential source for producing environmentally friendly fertilizers. This paper reviews recent advancements in the production and application of innovative fertilizers derived from lignocellulose. It highlights potential in enhancing agricultural productivity and reducing environmental impacts such as carbon footprint and water pollution. The paper outlines various methods for conversion, highlighting the unique advantages of chemical, enzymatic, and microbiological processes, for converting lignocellulosic biomass into nutrient-rich fertilizers. The study compares the efficacy of lignocellulosic fertilizers to traditional fertilizers in promoting crop growth, enhancing soil health, and reducing nutrient losses. The results demonstrate the potential of lignocellulosic biomass-derived fertilizers in promoting resource efficiency and sustainable agriculture. While this research significantly contributes to the existing body of knowledge, further studies on long-term impacts and scalability are recommended for the development of innovative and sustainable agricultural practices.

Fungal derived herbicidal metabolite loaded starch-chitosan-gum acacia-agar based bio composite: Preparation, characterization, herbicidal activity, release profile and biocompatibility

Biocomposites based on starch- gum acacia- agar, chitosan- starch- agar, starch- poly vinyl alcohol- agar were synthesized by simple, green route principles and the various characterization techniques like fourier infrared spectroscopy, SEM revealed the highly stable micro dimenstional that specially interacted with functional groups of polymers -herbicidal metabolites. Respective biocomposite was prepared by mixing equal volume of the selected polymer (1;1;1 ratio) with known concentration (100 mg of in distilled water followed by the addition of reconstituted herbicidal metabolites (100 mg or 0.1 g). Though all the biocomposites were capable of inducing herbicidal effect, notable impact was recorded in chitosan- starch- gum acacia treatment. In this case, the necrotic lesions were initiated at the early incubation period (6 h), progressively developing into dark brownish black lesions with 30.0 mm diameter. Release profile of the metabolites from the respective composite was also under in vitro and soil assay. Release profile study under in vitro and soil condition showed the sustained or controlled manner in distilled water and ethyl acetate treatment. No sign of toxic effect on the soil, parameters plant growth, rhizobacteria and peripheral blood cells clearly revealed the best biocompatibility of the presently proposed biocomposite.