Circular Bioeconomy Business Models to Overcome the Valley of Death. A Systematic Statistical Analysis of Studies and Projects in Emerging Bio-Based Technologies and Trends Linked to the SME Instrument Support

Biochemical profiling and antioxidant activity analysis of commercially relevant seaweeds from northwest Europe

BACKGROUND

The drive towards ensuring the sustainability of bioresources has been linked with better valorising primary materials and developing biorefinery pipelines. Seaweeds constitute valuable coastal resources with applications in the bioenergy, biofertiliser, nutrition, pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors. Owing to the various sought-after metabolites they possess, several seaweed species are commercially exploited throughout Western Europe, including Ireland. Here, four commercially relevant brown (Fucus serratus and Fucus vesiculosus) and red (Chondrus crispus and Mastocarpus stellatus) seaweed species were sampled during a spring tide in July 2021 on moderately exposed shores across three coastal regions in the west of Ireland.

RESULTS

Significant regional differences were identified when specimens were analysed for carbohydrates (max. 80.3 μg glucose eq mg-1 DW), proteins (max. 431.3 μg BSA eq. mg-1 DW), lipids (max. 158.6 mg g-1 DW), pigment signature and antioxidant potential. Protein content for F. serratus recorded a twofold difference between northern and southern specimens. The antioxidant potential of F. vesiculosus and M. stellatus returned greater activity compared to F. serratus and C. crispus, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed a clear latitudinal pattern across the three western coastal regions (north, west and south) for both F. vesiculosus and F. serratus.

CONCLUSION

F. vesiculosus thalli from the northwest were richer in pigment content while the F. serratus thalli from the northwest were richer in antioxidants. Such biogeographic patterns in the biochemical make-up of seaweeds need consideration for the development of regional integrated aquaculture systems and the optimisation of the biomass content for targeted downstream applications. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Cellulose-based materials in environmental protection: A scientometric and visual analysis review

As sustainable materials, cellulose-based materials have attracted significant attention in the field of environmental protection, resulting in the publication of numerous academic papers. However, there is a scarcity of literature that involving scientometric analysis within this specific domain. This review aims to address this gap and highlight recent research in this field by utilizing scientometric analysis and a historical review. As a result, 21 highly cited articles and 10 mostly productive journals were selected out. The scientometric analysis reveals that recent studies were objectively clustered into five interconnected main themes: extraction of cellulose from raw materials and its degradation, adsorption of pollutants using cellulose-based materials, cellulose-acetate-based membrane materials, nanocellulose-based materials, and other cellulose-based materials such as carboxymethyl cellulose and bacterial cellulose for environmental protection. Analyzing the distribution of author keywords and thoroughly examining relevant literature, the research focuses within these five themes were summarized. In the future, the development of eco-friendly and cost-effective methods for extracting and preparing cellulose and its derivatives, particularly nanocellulose-based materials, remains an enduring pursuit. Additionally, machine learning techniques holds promise for the advancement and application of cellulose-based materials. Furthermore, there is potential to expand the research and application scope of cellulose-based materials for environmental protection.

Plant-Based Biostimulants for Seeds in the Context of Circular Economy and Sustainability

Plant-based biostimulants (PBs), agents rich in bioactive compounds, are emerging as key players able to sustainably improve plant growth and crop productivity to address food security. PBs are generally applied as foliar spray or soil irrigation, while more recently, the application as seed priming treatments is being envisaged as a highly sustainable method to also improve seed quality and germination. Therefore, this review proposes to explore the use of PBs for the seeds industry, specifically discussing about the relevance of product market values, sustainable methods for their production, why and how PBs are used for seed priming, and pinpointing specific strengths and challenges. The collected research studies indicate that PBs applied to seeds result in improved germination, seedling growth, and stress tolerance, although the molecular mechanisms at work are still largely overlooked. The high variability of bioactive molecules and used sources point towards a huge reservoir of nature-based solutions in support of sustainable agriculture practices.

The degradation of single-use plastics and commercially viable bioplastics in the environment: A review

Plastics have become an integral part of human life. Single-use plastics (SUPs) are disposable plastics designed to be used once then promptly discarded or recycled. This SUPs range from packaging and takeaway containers to disposable razors and hotel toiletries. Synthetic plastics, which are made of non-renewable petroleum and natural gas resources, require decades to perpetually disintegrate in nature thus contribute to plastic pollution worldwide, especially in marine environments. In response to these problems, bioplastics or bio-based and biodegradable polymers from renewable sources has been considered as an alternative. Understanding the mechanisms behind the degradation of conventional SUPs and biodegradability of their greener counterpart, bioplastics, is crucial for appropriate material selection in the future. This review aims to provide insights into the degradation or disintegration of conventional single-use plastics and the biodegradability of the different types of greener-counterparts, bioplastics, their mechanisms, and conditions. This review highlights on the biodegradation in the environments including composting systems. Here, the various types of alternative biodegradable polymers, such as bacterially biosynthesised bioplastics, natural fibre-reinforced plastics, starch-, cellulose-, lignin-, and soy-based polymers were explored. Review of past literature revealed that although bioplastics are relatively eco-friendly, their natural compositions and properties are inconsistent. Furthermore, the global plastic market for biodegradable plastics remains relatively small and require further research and commercialization efforts, especially considering the urgency of plastic and microplastic pollution as currently critical global issue. Biodegradable plastics have potential to replace conventional plastics as they show biodegradation ability under real environments, and thus intensive research on the various biodegradable plastics is needed to inform stakeholders and policy makers on the appropriate response to the gradually emerging biodegradable plastics.

Bio-Based Degradable Poly(ether-ester)s from Melt-Polymerization of Aromatic Ester and Ether Diols

Vanillin, as a promising aromatic aldehyde, possesses worthy structural and bioactive properties useful in the design of novel sustainable polymeric materials. Its versatility and structural similarity to terephthalic acid (TPA) can lead to materials with properties similar to conventional poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). In this perspective, a symmetrical dimethylated dialkoxydivanillic diester monomer (DEMV) derived from vanillin was synthesized via a direct-coupling method. Then, a series of poly(ether-ester)s were synthesized via melt-polymerization incorporating mixtures of phenyl/phenyloxy diols (with hydroxyl side-chains in the 1,2-, 1,3- and 1,4-positions) and a cyclic diol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM). The polymers obtained had high molecular weights (M_w = 5.3–7.9 × 10⁴ g.mol⁻¹) and polydispersity index (Đ) values of 1.54–2.88. Thermal analysis showed the polymers are semi-crystalline materials with melting temperatures of 204–240 °C, and tunable glass transition temperatures (T_g) of 98–120 °C. Their 5% decomposition temperature (T_d,5%) varied from 430–315 °C, which endows the polymers with a broad processing window, owing to their rigid phenyl rings and trans-CHDM groups. These poly(ether-ester)s displayed remarkable impact strength and satisfactory gas barrier properties, due to the insertion of the cyclic alkyl chain moieties. Ultimately, the synergistic influence of the ester and ether bonds provided better control over the behavior and mechanism of in vitro degradation under passive and enzymatic incubation for 90 days. Regarding the morphology, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging confirmed considerable surface degradation in the polymer matrices of both polymer series, with weight losses reaching up to 35% in enzymatic degradation, which demonstrates the significant influence of ether bonds for biodegradation.

Evaluating the Efficacy of Probiotics in IBS Treatment Using a Systematic Review of Clinical Trials and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis

The evaluation of probiotics’ efficacy in treating irritable bowel syndrome is supported by an increasing number of clinical studies based on a heterogeneous approach of products tested and the patient cohort involved. Although the role of gut microbiota dysbiosis in IBS pathogenesis and the beneficial contribution of probiotics were demonstrated, a tool to discriminate symptom-specific strains and a personalised medicine protocol are still lacking. Thus, this study employs, for the first time, a method that combines the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis and multi-criteria decision analysis methods in a structured decision-making tool to analyze the efficacy of probiotic mix, in order to identify the most effective formulation and to discriminate which probiotics are more efficient in treating different symptoms. The PRISMA methodology resulted in a qualitative and quantitative analysis of 104 clinical studies from 2011 to 2021, revealing a prevalence of Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis. MCDA analysis showed that formulations based on Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus acidophilus have the highest efficacy, especially on quality of life, bloating, and abdominal pain. This methodological approach could become more specific by modelling clinical studies according to the age and gender of patients and probiotic strain.

Supporting Agri-Food SMEs in Italy in the Post-COVID-19 Context: From Horizon 2020 to Horizon Europe

In recent decades, European policy has targeted specific measures towards SMEs. The recently concluded Horizon 2020 Programme, under the Europe 2020 Strategy, has provided economic support to stimulate competitiveness and boost the economy of member states by focusing on innovation. The SME Instrument, through a structure of multiple calls, constituted the vehicle for SMEs to access the funds made available by the European Union with disruptive innovation proposals. The initial structure of the SME Instrument, developed in phases and along the lines of the US Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Programme, was afterwards simplified in the design of its successor, the EIC Accelerator Pilot. The success of the above mentioned economic instruments led the European institutions to develop a new instrument, the EIC Accelerator, supported by the current Horizon Europe programme. After outlining the main features of this transition and the novelties introduced, this paper aims to ascertain the extent to which SMEs in the agri-food sector in Italy have had the ability and opportunity to intercept funds by measuring participation in the SME Instrument. Furthermore, it intends to verify which type of firms in the agri-food sector, divided into agricultural and industrial enterprises, intercepted more of the examined funds, and which organisational phase, productive or commercial, the enterprises have been oriented towards, also giving relevancy to the specific objects of the winning projects.

Recent Advances of Marine Sponge-Associated Microorganisms as a Source of Commercially Viable Natural Products

Many industrially significant compounds have been derived from natural products in the environment. Research efforts so far have contributed to the discovery of beneficial natural products that have improved the quality of life on Earth. As one of the sources of natural products, marine sponges have been progressively recognised as microbial hotspots with reports of the sponges harbouring diverse microbial assemblages, genetic material, and metabolites with multiple industrial applications. Therefore, this paper aims at reviewing the recent literature (primarily published between 2016 and 2022) on the types and functions of natural products synthesised by sponge-associated microorganisms, thereby helping to bridge the gap between research and industrial applications. The metabolites that have been derived from sponge-associated microorganisms, mostly bacteria, fungi, and algae, have shown application prospects especially in medicine, cosmeceutical, environmental protection, and manufacturing industries. Sponge bacteria-derived natural products with medical properties harboured anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral functions. Efforts in re-identifying the origin of known and future sponge-sourced natural products would further clarify the roles and significance of microbes within marine sponges.

Organizational, societal, knowledge and skills capacity for a low carbon energy transition in a Circular Waste Bioeconomy (CWBE): Observational evidence of the Thessaly region in Greece

Advancing a Circular Waste Bioeconomy (CWBE) should be a priority over business-as-usual, entailing sustainable resource use in early and late stages of industrialization processes. The present paper is both descriptive and prescriptive. Firstly, it aims to explore the main barriers, challenges, opportunities, and the context within agro-biomass and agro-industrial waste valorization can accelerate a low carbon economy, in the Thessaly region of Greece, where agricultural production and agro-industrial business are the prevailing economic sectors. Secondly, organizational, societal, knowledge and skills capacity actions are suggested as the most likely to change the business-as usual scenarios. A SWOT analysis performed to draw useful conclusions about the extent to which CWBE principles can be integrated into the economic, social, and environmental life of the Thessaly region, and recommendations made of what it is needed. One of the key insights is how to leverage emerging low carbon circular economy for regional regenerative future. The results showed that waste is managed inefficiently in the region and there is a lack of synergies and collaborations between different stakeholders. The milestones of accelerating a low carbon CWBE for regional development, and employment are a) the territorial cohesion and regional symbiosis, b) increasing the financial market opportunities for small and critical projects, c) promoting awareness, public knowledge, skills, and the responsibility of young scientists and citizens.

Eco-Innovations Transition of Agri-food Enterprises Into a Circular Economy

Eco-innovations that reduce the environmental effect of manufacturing and consumption are seen as critical components of sustainable development and a critical component of the transition to a circular economy. Food systems address the issue of food waste, which is generally acknowledged as a cost to the economy, the environment, and society. Eco-innovations seem to be critical for the food system's transformation to a more circular model centered on sustainable food production and processing. The goal of this paper was to determine the variables that influenced the introduction of product, process, organizational, and marketing innovations in European Union agri-food enterprises between 2012 and 2014. According to a preliminary analysis of the data, 57.40% of agribusinesses did not implement any form of innovation, which prompted the authors to study the difficulties surrounding innovation development over the 3-year reference period. Several key factors emerge as significant influences on the introduction of product innovations (0.055**); contractual requirements as significant influences on the introduction of process innovations (−0.081***); and environmental incentives as significant influences on the introduction of marketing innovations (0.062***). Additionally, product (0.704***) and process (1.051***) innovations tend to have a greater influence on enterprises' views of circular benefits. The investigation also demonstrates how enterprises and end users interpret the effect of various forms of innovation differently. Indeed, end users, in contrast to how enterprises understand it, believe that organizational (0.611***) and marketing (0.916***) innovations are critical in pursuing circular benefits.

Role of Biofuels in Energy Transition, Green Economy and Carbon Neutrality

Modern civilization is heavily reliant on petroleum-based fuels to meet the energy demand of the transportation sector. However, burning fossil fuels in engines emits greenhouse gas emissions that harm the environment. Biofuels are commonly regarded as an alternative for sustainable transportation and economic development. Algal-based fuels, solar fuels, e-fuels, and CO2-to-fuels are marketed as next-generation sources that address the shortcomings of first-generation and second-generation biofuels. This article investigates the benefits, limitations, and trends in different generations of biofuels through a review of the literature. The study also addresses the newer generation of biofuels highlighting the social, economic, and environmental aspects, providing the reader with information on long-term sustainability. The use of nanoparticles in the commercialization of biofuel is also highlighted. Finally, the paper discusses the recent advancements that potentially enable a sustainable energy transition, green economy, and carbon neutrality in the biofuel sector.

Happiness Management: A Culture to Explore From Brand Orientation as a Sign of Responsible and Sustainable Production

The overarching call to action represented by the sustainable development goals (SDGs) calls for new sustainable production and management models. Likewise, in periods of crisis, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic, companies are forced to develop competitive and sustainable development strategies to increase their brand value and achieve a good market position. Therefore, this work's main objective is to design a structural equation modelling (SEM) to analyse the main critical dimensions of brand orientation to influence happiness in responsible and sustainable entities. For this purpose, a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out based on primary data from a survey of a representative sample of 216 managers of small- and medium-sized enterprises in Andalusia (Spain) in the construction, industry and services sectors. The model results reveal significant dimensions of brand orientation and positively direct influence on happiness management. One of the significant managerial implications of this work is that the model allows for more responsible and sustainable management of entities by considering brand orientation about happiness.

Implications for Sustainability of the Joint Application of Bioeconomy and Circular Economy: A Worldwide Trend Study

The joint application of bioeconomy (BE) and circular economy (CE) promotes the sustainable use of natural resources, since by applying a systemic approach, it improves the efficiency of these resources and reduces the impact on the environment. Both strategies, which belong to the area of green economy, provide a global and integrated approach towards environmental sustainability, as regards the extraction of biological materials, the protection of biodiversity and even the primary function of food production in agriculture. The objective was to analyze the implications for sustainability of BE and CE joint application. A systematic and bibliometric review has been applied to a sample of 1961 articles, selected from the period 2004–May 2021. A quantitative and qualitative advance is observed in this field of study. The expansion of scientific production is due to its multidisciplinary nature, since it implies technical, environmental and economic knowledge. The main contribution of this study is to understand the state of research on the implications for sustainability that BE and CE have when combined, in relation to their evolution, the scientific collaboration between the main driving agents, and the identification of the main lines of research developed.

From Innovation to Application: Bridging the Valley of Death in Industrial Biotechnology

Few biotechnology innovations make it through the Valley of Death to markets. Based on our experience with academia, technology transfer offices, and industry, we provide insights into differences in operating levels, how to best traverse the Valley of Death, and ways to foster more innovation towards market implementation.

Proteins from Agri-Food Industrial Biowastes or Co-Products and Their Applications as Green Materials

A great amount of biowastes, comprising byproducts and biomass wastes, is originated yearly from the agri-food industry. These biowastes are commonly rich in proteins and polysaccharides and are mainly discarded or used for animal feeding. As regulations aim to shift from a fossil-based to a bio-based circular economy model, biowastes are also being employed for producing bio-based materials. This may involve their use in high-value applications and therefore a remarkable revalorization of those resources. The present review summarizes the main sources of protein from biowastes and co-products of the agri-food industry (i.e., wheat gluten, potato, zein, soy, rapeseed, sunflower, protein, casein, whey, blood, gelatin, collagen, keratin, and algae protein concentrates), assessing the bioplastic application (i.e., food packaging and coating, controlled release of active agents, absorbent and superabsorbent materials, agriculture, and scaffolds) for which they have been more extensively produced. The most common wet and dry processes to produce protein-based materials are also described (i.e., compression molding, injection molding, extrusion, 3D-printing, casting, and electrospinning), as well as the main characterization techniques (i.e., mechanical and rheological properties, tensile strength tests, rheological tests, thermal characterization, and optical properties). In this sense, the strategy of producing materials from biowastes to be used in agricultural applications, which converge with the zero-waste approach, seems to be remarkably attractive from a sustainability prospect (including environmental, economic, and social angles). This approach allows envisioning a reduction of some of the impacts along the product life cycle, contributing to tackling the transition toward a circular economy.

Specific and Cumulative Exhaust Gas Emissions in Micro-Scale Generators Fueled by Syngas from Biomass Gasification

Climate change, environmental degradation, and biodiversity loss are prompting production systems to shift from a fossil-based economy to a circular bio-based one. In this context, biomass gasification is a promising alternative to fossil fuels that can contribute to power generation in rural communities and remote areas as well as provide a sustainable source of energy for developed countries. In this work, exhaust gas emissions (CO, NOx, and SO2) of two syngas-fueled micro-scale generators were measured. The first system is a commercial biomass gasifier genset, whereas the second is composed of a laboratory-scale gasifier prototype and a portable petrol generator. For this second facility, emissions were measured both running on gasoline and on syngas. The comparison was performed both on the pollutant concentration and on their cumulative amount. This comparison was made possible by calculating the exhaust gas flow by knowing the combustion stoichiometry and fuel consumption. The results showed a much lower pollutant concentration running on syngas compared to gasoline. In particular, considering the best configurations, every cubic meter of exhaust gas released running on syngas contains about 20 times less CO and almost one-third less NOx compared to gasoline. Moreover, the cumulative amount of emissions released was also considerably lower due to the lower exhaust gas flow (about 25%) released running on syngas.