The need for sustainable agriculture and a circular economy encourages the search for effective ways to utilize organic waste and transform it into valuable resources. Digestate, a by-product of anaerobic digestion of organic materials (biogas residue), is a promising organic fertilizer. This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the quality of digestate obtained from a mixture of coffee, barley, and chicory waste, based on detailed biochemical studies. Purpose. The aim of the study was to assess the physicochemical properties of the digestate, the content of macro- and microelements, the amino acid profile, the potential presence of biostimulants, microbiological safety, and the concentration of heavy metals in comparison with regulatory requirements. Materials and Methods. The physicochemical and microbiological parameters of the digestate derived from a mixture of coffee, barley, and chicory wastes were analyzed using standard methods. Results. The obtained data indicate the agronomic feasibility and environmental safety of using this digestate as an organic fertilizer. The analysis of digestate derived from coffee, barley, and chicory wastes demonstrates its potential as a high-quality, safe, and multifunctional organic fertilizer that provides essential macro- and microelements, improves soil physicochemical and biological properties, and exhibits biostimulant activity. Conclusions. The digestate produced from a mixture of coffee, barley, and chicory wastes is an environmentally friendly, safe organic fertilizer with high agronomic potential and may be recommended for improving soil fertility and crop yields.
Aim. To investigate the morphoanatomical characteristics and genetic diversity of Danaus chrysippus across diverse ecological landscapes of Jharkhand, India, using an integrative morpho-molecular approach. Materials and Methods. Specimens were collected from nine sites across eight districts of Jharkhand. Morphoanatomical features, including wing patterns and genital structures, were examined using standard taxonomic procedures. Genomic DNA was extracted, and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences were amplified and analyzed. Sequence data were submitted to DDBJ (accession IDs LC818942 to LC877969). Species identity was confirmed using BLASTn, and phylogenetic analyses were conducted in MEGA X using Maximum Likelihood (ML), Neighbor-Joining (NJ), and Minimum Evolution (ME) methods. Results. Morphological observations confirmed characteristic traits, including brush-footed forelegs, sexually dimorphic hindwing markings, and distinct male and female genital structures. CO1 sequences (509–698 bp) exhibited an AT-rich composition (mean A+T ≈ 69.9%). Pairwise genetic distances among most isolates were low (0.0000–0.0197), indicating high genetic uniformity. However, the Dumri isolate (LC877967) showed marked divergence (~0.14–0.146), suggesting the presence of an Evolutionarily Significant Unit (ESU). Phylogenetic analyses consistently grouped all other isolates into a single clade, while the Dumri isolate formed a distinct lineage. Conclusions. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of DNA barcoding in detecting genetic variation within D. chrysippus populations. The distinctiveness of the Dumri isolate highlights its potential evolutionary and conservation significance. These findings provide a baseline for future monitoring of butterfly genetic diversity in ecologically sensitive regions of Jharkhand.
Phosphorus removal from municipal wastewater is essential to prevent eutrophication and support the transition toward a circular economy. Efficient treatment requires not only compliance with discharge standards but also consideration of the potential for resource recovery. Aim. To analyze modern phosphorus removal technologies and to develop recommendations for process optimization using mathematical modeling. Methods. The study was based on the analysis of EU regulatory documents, Ukrainian standards, EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) guidelines, and scientific literature (2000-2026). Special attention was given to enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR), combined treatment systems, phosphorus recovery technologies, and modeling approaches such as ASM2d. Results. Chemical precipitation provides high phosphorus removal efficiency (up to 90–95%), but it also significantly increases sludge production. EBPR reduces sludge formation and operational costs but is sensitive to influent conditions. Systems that combine EBPR with chemical post-treatment achieve the highest efficiency (up to 99,6%) with a moderate increase in sludge (10-20%). Conclusions. The combination of biological phosphorus removal with chemical polishing is the most effective and economically viable solution. This approach enables phosphorus removal efficiencies exceeding 95% while minimizing sludge production and supporting resource recovery strategies.
Polyvalent human intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a complex protein preparation obtained from human plasma and requires strict quality control to ensure safety and clinical efficacy. One important quality attribute is anticomplementary activity (ACA), which reflects the potential of immunoglobulin preparations to activate the complement system. Aim. The study aimed to assess the applicability of the Tris-glycine buffer as an alternative to the pharmacopoeial barbital buffer and to provide practical guidance for laboratories performing ACA testing. Methods. Тwo approaches for determining ACA were evaluated: the method described in the European Pharmacopeia (Ph. Eur.) and a modified procedure using a Tris-glycine buffer. Тwo approaches for determining ACA were evaluated: the method described in the European Pharmacopeia (Ph. Eur.) and a modified procedure using a Tris-glycine buffer. The tested immunoglobulins were obtained by fractionation of donor blood plasma (de-identified blood samples). Complement activity was evaluated by determining the degree of hemolysis of activated complement. ACA was assayed according to the method described in Ph. Eur. 01/2018:20617 by calculating the ratio of the activity of bound complement in the tested sample (solutions of the preparation and standard samples) to its output activity in the control sample. Data were analyzed using linear regression and a two-tailed Student's t-test (Microsoft Excel). Results. We tested the Tris-glycine buffer-based modification for the ACA assay. The methodology was effectively reproduced and verified to meet the requirements specified in the Ph. Eur. monograph 01/2018:20617. In addition, the workflow has been optimized, increasing analytical productivity by using deep-well plates instead of individual microtubes, reducing hands-on time, and improving reproducibility by minimizing operator-dependent variability. Ноwever, when barbital buffer is replaced with a Tris-glycine buffer, samples must be adjusted to pH 7.0 before analysis, as the buffering capacity of Tris-glycine is insufficient to maintain a stable pH in the reaction mixture. Under these conditions, all tested samples met the acceptance criteria, with ACA values below 50% (less than 1 CH50/mL per 1 mg of immunoglobulin), indicating minimal complement activation. Conclusion. The proposed modification represents a practical optimization of the known method, the AСA assay. It facilitates more efficient and reproducible testing in quality control laboratories, while maintaining compliance with established safety criteria for immunoglobulin G preparations.
Aims. To review the antimicrobial potential of Staphylococcus epidermidis, particularly its bacteriocins and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), and to highlight their possible applications in human health, food preservation, aquaculture, and other industrial sectors. Methods. A literature-based review approach was adopted to analyze existing studies on S. epidermidis–derived antimicrobial compounds. Published research focusing on bacteriocins, AMPs, pathogen inhibition, strain safety, and potential applications across healthcare and non-healthcare sectors was examined. Results. Studies indicate that S. epidermidis produces potent antimicrobial compounds, including bacteriocins and AMPs, which exhibit strong pathogen-specific activity. These compounds demonstrate inhibitory effects against several pathogens, notably methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and show promise in managing skin infections, chronic wounds, and biofilm-associated infections. Although the bacterium is widely present in natural environments, its potential applications in food preservation and aquaculture remain underexplored. Furthermore, the dual nature of S. epidermidis as both a beneficial commensal and an opportunistic pathogen has limited its broader utilization. However, recent advances in strain selection and genetic studies have identified non-virulent strains, such as S. epidermidis YTPW-4, which lack major pathogenic traits and may be suitable for safe biotechnological applications. Conclusions. S. epidermidis–derived bacteriocins and AMPs represent promising antimicrobial agents with potential applications beyond healthcare, including sustainable food systems, aquaculture, and precision medicine. However, comprehensive safety assessments and further research are necessary to harness their therapeutic and industrial potential fully.
