Recently, biosynthetic methods have been developed for syntShesis nanoparticles, harnessing plants and microorganisms to synthesis these nanoparticles. Several mechanisms of biosynthesis exist, including redox processes involving bioactive compounds found in plant and microbial extracts, such as proteins, phenols, and polysaccharides. In recent studies, these biosynthetic nanoparticles have been applied to suppress plant pathogens. The application of these nanoparticles in plant disease control relies on both direct and indirect mechanisms, including the generation of reactive oxygen species, disruption of microbial cell membranes, and interference with essential pathogen metabolic processes. These nanoparticles also enhance plant resistance to pathogens by modulating plant hormone signaling pathways, regulating antioxidant defense systems, and influencing electron transport processes in chloroplasts and mitochondria. Despite the numerous advantages of using nanoparticles as effective tools for controlling plant pathogens, several concerns exist regarding their overuse. These include environmental impacts and alterations to plant physiology, which could potentially harm humans. Furthermore, dose-related responses may lead to phytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and cell damage, raising concerns about their safety. Another concern is the significant variability in the effects of nanoparticles depending on various variables, including plant species, particle size, concentration, and surface properties. Our study explores the dual role of plants and microorganisms in nanoparticle biosynthesis and evaluates their applications in plant disease management and growth regulation. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the interactions between nanoparticles and plants to ensure their controlled and appropriate use.

This article discusses a simple, cost-effective, and biocompatible method for biosynthesis of ZnONPs. For the first time, Streptomyces cyaneofuscatus cell free filterate, as a reducing and stabilizing agent, was used to prepare ZnONPs using zinc acetate as metal precursor. The prepared ZnONPs were characterized using multiple analytical techniques. The UV-Vis spectrum analysis of the biosynthesized ZnONPs exhibited an absorption peak at 375 nm. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy suggested the presence of different functional groups of microbial biomolecules. XRD verified hexagonal wurtzite crystalline structure of ZnONPs. The zeta potential analysis showed good stability of ZnONPs (-26.6 mV). Furthermore, the EDX analysis explained the 73.11 % of zinc (Zn) and 26.89% of oxygen (O) elemental structure of fabricated ZnONPs which indicated the successful fabrication of ZnONPs by S. cyaneofuscatus.

Lignocellulosic biomass is an abundant renewable resource, yet its effective utilization remains limited due to its structural recalcitrance, primarily attributed to lignin. While aerobic lignin-degrading microorganisms, particularly fungi, have been extensively studied, much less is known about bacteria capable of lignin depolymerization under low-oxygen conditions. This study focused on the isolation and evaluation of native anaerobic bacterial cultures capable of degrading lignin-derived compounds to enhance biogas production. Soil samples from decaying vegetation and olive mill wastewater were used as microbial sources. Enriched cultures were developed anaerobically using kraft lignin and p-coumaric acid as sole carbon sources. Twelve pure bacterial strains were isolated and screened for their ligninolytic activity. All strains were able to degrade p-coumaric, with the highest biomass concentration reaching 387 mg L-1 and maximum substrate consumption rate at 438 mg L-1 d-1. When kraft lignin was used as sole carbon source, 9 out of 12 strains showed growth, with a maximum of 55 mg L-1 over 11 days. Enzyme activity assays confirmed the production of lignin peroxidase and laccase, with highest values at 2.10 and 0.15 U mL-1, respectively, even under conditions of limited oxygen. The enriched cultures were applied in biomethane potential (BMP) batch tests, resulting in increased methane production. The best performing culture resulted in a bioaugmentation percentage of 174% compared with control. These findings suggest that native ligninolytic bacteria can serve as promising bioaugmentation agents in anaerobic digestion of lignocellulosic waste.

Abstract Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying neutrophil dynamics during COVID−19 disease progression is essential for managing severe inflammatory conditions. We investigated whether alterations in neutrophil mitochondrial function and calcium handling are associated with disrupted neutrophil homeostasis in critically ill COVID−19 patients. We analyzed neutrophil counts, phenotypes, and apoptotic profiles in critically ill COVID−19 survivors (ICU-S) and non-survivors (ICU-NS) compared with healthy controls. Flow cytometry, metabolic profiling, immunofluorescence imaging, and small RNA sequencing (miRNA-seq) were used to characterize neutrophil apoptosis-related pathways and mitochondrial function in freshly isolated neutrophils. Critically ill COVID−19 patients showed marked neutrophilia and a higher proportion of immature CD16low neutrophils relative to controls. Both ICU-S and ICU-NS groups exhibited reduced neutrophil apoptosis, as evidenced by fewer annexin V+ cells and lower cleaved caspase−3 signal compared with healthy controls. Although exploratory miRNA-seq in a small subset of ICU patients identified differentially expressed miRNAs with predicted enrichment in apoptosis- and calcium-related pathways, these mortality-associated miRNA signatures were not corroborated by functional apoptosis readouts (cleaved caspase−3 and annexin V) between ICU-S and ICU-NS. Neutrophils from ICU patients also demonstrated altered calcium handling, hyperpolarized mitochondrial membrane potential, increased complex II–linked respiration, and elevated mitochondrial ROS relative to controls. Neutrophils from critically ill COVID−19 patients display coordinated alterations in calcium handling, mitochondrial activity, and apoptosis consistent with impaired neutrophil clearance and disrupted homeostasis. These findings are observational and do not establish causality; the miRNA results should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating rather than validated mortality biomarkers.

Plastic valorization is shifting from disposal-oriented approaches toward carbon-retentive conversion pathways enabled by biotechnology. Advances in enzyme discovery, protein engineering, microbial metabolism, and hybrid catalytic processing have expanded the range of polymers that can be selectively transformed and upgraded into defined chemicals and materials. Yet inconsistent terminology, heterogeneous feedstocks, additive interference, and the absence of standardized performance metrics continue to blur the distinction between degradation and value-retentive conversion. This review develops a systems framework for biotechnology-enabled plastic valorization that integrates enzymatic depolymerization, microbial assimilation, insect-derived discovery platforms, and hybrid bio-catalytic and thermochemical processing. Quantitative benchmarking reveals a widening performance divergence between polyester depolymerization—where near-closed-loop monomer recovery is achievable—and polyolefin transformation, which remains dominated by oxidative activation and partial carbon routing. Feedstock complexity, particularly dye-containing plastics, further exposes critical requirements for detoxification, modular processing, and carbon-efficient integration. Across scales, effective plastic conversion emerges less as a problem of polymer breakdown than of controlled carbon routing. Hybrid systems expand substrate accessibility but introduce trade-offs in energy demand, separations, and operational complexity. Concurrent advances in synthetic consortia, enzyme engineering, and reactor design are enabling distributed metabolic platforms capable of upgrading heterogeneous waste streams into bioproducts, although challenges remain in polyolefin activation, scalable reactor interfaces, and techno-economic alignment with existing waste infrastructure. By linking molecular mechanisms with process translation, this review positions plastic biotechnology as a programmable carbon-management strategy and outlines research priorities required to move from laboratory depolymerization toward industrial plastic biomanufacturing.

Microalgae-based wastewater treatment has emerged as a promising biotechnology for the simultaneous removal of nutrients and carbon dioxide (CO2). By directly assimilating carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus from municipal, industrial, agricultural, and aquaculture effluents, microalgae can reduce reliance on energy-intensive processes in conventional treatment while generating biomass for downstream use. This review provides an integrated and design-oriented analysis of the biological mechanisms, cultivation systems, and engineering strategies governing combined wastewater remediation and CO2 capture. A comparative assessment of open systems (e.g., high-rate algal ponds; HRAPs), closed photobioreactors, and hybrid configurations highlights system-level trade-offs in performance, scalability, and operational complexity. Representative genera such as Chlorella, Scenedesmus, and Arthrospira achieve up to 90% nutrient removal, with areal productivities approaching 45 g m-2 d-1 under optimized conditions. Key removal pathways, including nitrogen assimilation, phosphorus storage, and heavy metal biosorption, are evaluated alongside photosynthetic carbon fixation processes. The use of industrial flue gas (5-20% CO2) can enhance biomass productivity and carbon utilization efficiency, reaching up to 66% under optimized conditions, although system performance remains dependent on gas composition and process integration. The review further examines the integration of harvesting and biomass valorization, emphasizing that the suitability of downstream applications depends on contamination risks associated with wastewater-derived biomass, including heavy metals, pathogens, and emerging pollutants. As a result, energy recovery pathways are generally more feasible than food, feed, or pharmaceutical applications without additional purification. Techno-economic and life-cycle assessments indicate that HRAPs can reduce CO2-equivalent emissions by over 140 & times; 10-3 kg m-3 compared to activated sludge, while achieving biocrude production costs as low as USD 0.9 L-1 using wastewater-derived biomass; however, these outcomes are highly sensitive to assumptions related to harvesting, CO2 supply, system boundaries, and product pathways. Overall, this review identifies the most feasible near-term systems, key deployment barriers, and priority research directions, with emphasis on system integration, operational stability, biomass safety, and regulatory compliance.

Lignin is the most abundant renewable source of aromatic carbon on Earth and a central yet historically underutilized component of lignocellulosic biomass. Its complex and heterogeneous molecular architecture has long constrained efficient and selective conversion into value-added products, despite its high aromatic carbon content and chemical functionality. Recent advances in lignin extraction, fractionation, modification, and application-driven design have substantially expanded the range of achievable material and chemical performance within circular bioeconomy frameworks. This review provides a comprehensive and critically integrated assessment of lignin valorization that explicitly links plant biosynthesis and structural diversity to industrial convertibility, functional materials development, and sustainability performance. Green extraction technologies—including deep eutectic solvent and hydrotropic systems—are evaluated with respect to lignin structural quality, energy demand, solvent recovery, and downstream compatibility. Targeted chemical and enzymatic modification strategies enabling more reproducible lignin streams are discussed alongside applications in carbon fibers, nanomaterials, adhesives, bioplastics, cementitious systems, and additive manufacturing. Quantitative benchmarking against fossil-based incumbents identifies application domains where lignin-derived materials already achieve comparable performance, as well as areas where intrinsic structural limitations remain. In parallel, catalytic depolymerization pathways toward renewable aromatic chemicals are assessed from both mechanistic and systems-level perspectives. Environmental and economic implications are critically examined using recent life-cycle and techno-economic evidence, highlighting the influence of allocation choices, energy integration, and comparison with lignin incineration for energy recovery. Overall, this review clarifies how application-targeted lignin design and system-level sustainability assessment are essential for translating lignin’s biological complexity into scalable, competitive solutions for sustainable materials and chemicals.

Microplastics, defined as synthetic polymer particles smaller than 5 mm, have become pervasive environmental contaminants across aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric systems. Their chemical stability, hydrophobicity, and resistance to natural attenuation limit the effectiveness of conventional physical and chemical removal technologies. Microbial and enzymatic approaches have therefore emerged as promising strategies for microplastic transformation and controlled degradation, although complete mineralization is not consistently achieved. Degradation outcomes vary widely depending on polymer structure, environmental conditions, and microbial community dynamics, and incomplete depolymerization may generate intermediate products with distinct ecological implications. This review provides a mechanistically integrated analysis of microplastic biodegradation, explicitly distinguishing surface modification, depolymerization, biotransformation, and complete mineralization. Abiotic preconditioning processes, enzyme-polymer interactions, kinetic constraints in real environmental matrices, and the functional roles of single strains, microbial consortia, and genetically engineered systems are examined. Particular attention is given to environmental safety considerations, including degradation byproducts, additive release, horizontal gene transfer risks, and biosafety containment strategies. The feasibility of integrating microbial degradation into circular bio-based recycling frameworks is critically assessed through translational strategies, pilot-scale considerations, and life cycle perspectives. Although advances in enzyme engineering and synthetic biology have significantly improved depolymerization efficiency under controlled conditions, scalability, regulatory compliance, and ecosystem-level risk assessment remain central challenges. Bridging mechanistic insight with environmental realism and regulatory preparedness is essential to ensure that biodegradation strategies reduce environmental burden without redistributing ecological risk.

Introduction:Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using probiotic microorganisms has emerged as a sustainable strategy for producing multifunctional nanomaterials with enhanced biomedical potential. In the present study, the probiotic bacterium Levilactobacillus brevis, isolated from raw milk and identified by 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (16S rRNA) gene sequencing under GenBank accession number PZ476340, was employed as a biological reducing and stabilizing agent for AgNP biosynthesis. Methods:Nanoparticle formation was initially confirmed by a characteristic color change and subsequently characterized using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), and zeta potential analysis. The biological activities of the biosynthesized AgNPs were evaluated through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging antioxidant assay, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) cytotoxicity assay, in vitro scratch wound-healing assay, and anticoagulant assays based on prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). Results:UV-Vis spectroscopy revealed a distinct surface plasmon resonance peak at approximately 410 nm, confirming the formation of AgNPs. FTIR analysis demonstrated the involvement of extracellular proteins and polysaccharides in nanoparticle reduction and surface capping, while TEM and SAED analyses showed predominantly spherical, crystalline nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 7 to 55 nm and an average diameter of 27.18 ± 12.7 nm. Zeta potential analysis yielded a value of -2.57 mV, indicating weak electrostatic stabilization; however, FTIR data suggested that colloidal stability was primarily maintained through steric hindrance provided by a biomolecular capping layer derived from L. brevis metabolites. The nanoparticles exhibited strong concentration-dependent antioxidant activity, achieving 79.7% DPPH radical scavenging at 1000 μg/mL, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 61.4 μg/mL. MTT assays demonstrated significant dose-dependent cytotoxicity against Vero normal kidney epithelial, MCF-7 human breast adenocarcinoma, and HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines, with IC50 values of 110.29, 81.28, and 102.64 μg/mL, respectively, accompanied by marked morphological alterations. In vitro scratch assays revealed moderate wound-healing activity, resulting in approximately 34.5% wound closure after 48 h. Furthermore, the AgNPs exhibited anticoagulant activity by prolonging PT and APTT, suggesting interactions with coagulation pathways. Conclusion:Collectively, these findings demonstrate that L. brevis can serve as an efficient microbial nanofactory for the eco-friendly synthesis of multifunctional AgNPs. The combination of nanoscale dimensions, crystalline structure, and biomolecular surface functionalization contributed to significant antioxidant, cytotoxic, wound-healing, and anticoagulant activities, highlighting the potential of probiotic-mediated nanotechnology for biomedical and therapeutic applications.

Plastic waste accumulation represents a persistent environmental challenge driven by rapidly increasing polymer production, short product lifecycles, and insufficient end-of-life management. Although the circular economy emphasizes recyclability and material value retention, real-world plastic waste streams are highly heterogeneous, contaminated, and economically constrained, limiting the effectiveness of single-pathway solutions. This review synthesizes recent advances and provides a systems-level assessment of scalable plastic waste management strategies under circular economy constraints, evaluating mechanical, chemical, thermochemical, and biological treatment routes in terms of material circularity, scalability, environmental trade-offs, and deployment limits. Reported studies indicate that artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted sorting systems can achieve classification accuracies exceeding 90-98%, while optimized hybrid recycling and logistics strategies can improve material recovery efficiencies by approximately 20-50% under controlled implementation conditions. Particular attention is given to the conditional role of microbial and enzymatic degradation, where engineered enzymatic and microbial systems have demonstrated 20-60% improvements in degradation performance compared with conventional baseline processes, although these pathways remain unsuitable as universal circular solutions due to kinetic, material, and infrastructural constraints. AI is examined as a cross-cutting enabler that supports waste sorting, process optimization, life-cycle assessment, and decision-making under uncertainty, with fuzzy logic and hybrid AI frameworks highlighted for their robustness in nonlinear and data-scarce waste systems. By synthesizing technological, economic, and policy barriers, the review clarifies key trade-offs between recyclability and degradability and positions energy recovery and biodegradation as complementary, residual pathways within a hierarchy-driven circular economy. Priority research and implementation opportunities are identified, including hybrid bio-thermochemical processing, AI-assisted system integration, standardized performance metrics, and coordinated policy instruments. Overall, this comprehensive review provides a coherent framework for environmentally grounded, data-informed, and scalable plastic waste management, supporting the transition from fragmented approaches toward integrated circular plastic systems.

Azo dyes are the most widely used class of synthetic colorants in textile and related industries; however, their discharge into natural ecosystems poses severe environmental and human-health concerns due to their xenobiotic structure, toxicity, and resistance to degradation. Traditional physicochemical remediation strategies are often costly and may result in incomplete mineralization and secondary pollution. Microbial systems provide an ecologically compatible and economically viable solution through efficient enzymatic reduction and subsequent mineralization of azo dyes and their degradation intermediates. This review synthesizes current advances in microbial bioremediation, with particular emphasis on the enzymatic mechanisms and metabolic processes involved in azo dye degradation, including the roles of key enzymes such as azoreductases, laccases, and peroxidases. The synergistic performance of microbial consortia, optimization of environmental and nutritional parameters, and the integration of bioelectrochemical systems are also discussed. Recent innovations—including genetic engineering, advanced immobilized biocatalysts, nanobiotechnology, high-performance bioreactors, and artificial-intelligence-driven process optimization—are evaluated for their potential to enhance biodegradation efficiency and operational stability. Finally, the major challenges and future perspectives for developing robust microbial systems capable of efficient detoxification and mineralization of azo dyes in industrial wastewater are highlighted. Overall, this review emphasizes the potential of microbial systems and emerging biotechnological strategies as sustainable solutions for azo dye remediation and environmentally responsible wastewater management.

Lignin-derived aromatics and synthetic azo dyes are among the most persistent and toxic pollutants released by textile processing, petrochemical industries, pulp-and-paper manufacturing, and agricultural waste streams. Their structural complexity, chemical stability, and resistance to degradation impose substantial ecological and health concerns, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable and low-cost biological solutions. Growing evidence positions termite-gut symbioses—particularly yeast populations inhabiting wood-feeding termites—as a promising reservoir of biocatalysts capable of both degrading recalcitrant aromatic pollutants and generating lipids suitable for biodiesel production. This review synthesizes current knowledge on termite-gut-derived oleaginous yeasts, focusing on their enzymatic mechanisms, metabolic capabilities, and biotechnological potential within integrated biorefinery concepts. Recent literature reports demonstrate that termite-associated yeasts harbor diverse oxidative and reductive enzymes, including laccases, dye-decolorizing peroxidases, manganese peroxidases, dioxygenases, and azoreductases, which collectively mediate the depolymerization, detoxification, and mineralization of lignin-derived and dye-derived aromatic compounds. Pollutant-induced oxidative stress responses in oleaginous yeasts have also been widely documented to enhance lipid biosynthesis, linking environmental detoxification to biodiesel precursor generation through an energetically favorable, self-reinforcing metabolic cycle. Advances in genomics, transcriptomics, metabolic engineering, yeast surface display, and directed evolution have further expanded the opportunities to engineer multi-trait yeast chassis optimized for challenging industrial waste streams. This review also evaluates techno-environmental considerations relevant to practical deployment, including process scalability, tolerance to inhibitors, reactor configurations, and integration with lignocellulosic biorefineries and wastewater treatment systems. Particular attention is given to the potential of engineered termite-gut yeasts to function in hybrid microbial consortia, immobilized biocatalytic systems, and continuous-flow platforms. By consolidating the emerging scientific evidence, this review highlights termite-gut yeasts as a promising biological platform capable of bridging aromatic pollutant detoxification with renewable lipid production. Their dual functionality aligns strongly with circular bioeconomy goals, offering a path toward low-carbon, waste-to-value biorefineries.

Abstract Fungal exopolysaccharides (EPSs) are increasingly recognized as structurally programmable microbial polymers with applications spanning biomedicine, materials engineering, food systems, and environmental technologies. While previous reviews have often addressed fungal EPS diversity, production variables, or application domains separately, an integrated framework linking biosynthesis, molecular architecture, process control, and translational manufacturing remains underdeveloped. This review positions fungal EPSs as next-generation biomaterials by integrating (i) biochemical and genetic regulation of EPS biosynthesis, (ii) structure–function mapping across major polymer classes, (iii) cultivation and downstream processing workflows that enable reproducible product specifications, and (iv) industrial translation pathways within scalable and sustainability-aligned biomanufacturing systems. Gene-cluster–resolved case studies and process-to-product design principles illustrate how metabolic flux, fermentation parameters, and polymer modification shape functional performance. Current bottlenecks—including strain-dependent variability, purification complexity, quality harmonization, and techno-economic constraints—are critically evaluated to distinguish laboratory potential from scalable feasibility. By shifting from descriptive cataloging toward platform-based engineering logic, this review provides a translational roadmap for rational fungal EPS design within standardized and application-driven manufacturing frameworks.

Termite gut yeasts represent a highly promising yet underexplored resource for the integrated bioremediation of aromatic wastes and biodiesel production. These yeasts possess a remarkable ability to degrade complex aromatic compounds, such as lignin-derived phenolics and azo dye intermediates, while simultaneously accumulating lipids, which can be used for biofuel production. However, several challenges, including low lipid yield, toxicity from aromatic intermediates, scalability issues, and high nutrient requirements, limit their industrial application. To overcome these limitations, advanced metabolic engineering, enzyme optimization, and bioreactor design are essential. This review explores the unique advantages of termite gut yeasts, their current deficiencies, and the potential of novel biotechnological approaches such as synthetic biology, systems biology, and co-culture systems. The paper also discusses a strategic roadmap for optimizing termite yeasts for large-scale industrial applications, including the development of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) tools, multi-zone bioreactors, and collaborative partnerships with industries. The integration of bioremediation and biodiesel production presents a disruptive and sustainable technology that, if optimized, could revolutionize both waste management and renewable energy sectors.

The increasing global demand for sustainable protein sources necessitates the exploration of alternative solutions beyond traditional livestock and crop-based proteins. Microalgae present a promising alternative due to their high protein content, rapid biomass accumulation, and minimal land and water requirements. Furthermore, their ability to thrive on non-arable land and in wastewater systems enhances their sustainability and resource efficiency. Despite these advantages, scalability and economical feasibility remain major challenges in microalgal protein production. This review explores recent advancements in microalgal protein cultivation and extraction technologies, including pulsed electric field, ultrasound-assisted extraction, enzyme-assisted extraction, and microwave-assisted extraction. These innovative techniques have significantly improved protein extraction efficiency, purity, and sustainability, while addressing cell wall disruption and protein recovery challenges. Additionally, the review examines protein digestibility and bioavailability, particularly in the context of human nutrition and aquafeed applications. A critical analysis of life cycle assessment studies highlights the environmental footprint and economical feasibility of microalgal protein production compared to conventional protein sources. Although microalgal protein production requires significant energy inputs, advancements in biorefinery approaches, carbon dioxide sequestration, and industrial integration can help mitigate these limitations. Finally, this review outlines key challenges and future research directions, emphasizing the need for cost reduction strategies, genetic engineering for enhanced yields, and industrial-scale process optimization. By integrating innovative extraction techniques with biorefinery models, microalgal proteins hold immense potential as a sustainable, high-quality protein source for food, feed, and nutraceutical applications.

Contaminations are challenging for monocultures, as they impact the culture conditions and thus influence the growth of the target organism and the overall biomass composition. In phycology, axenic cultures comprising a single living species are commonly strived for both basic research and industrial applications, because contaminants reduce significance for analytic purposes and interfere with the safety and quality of commercial products. We aimed to establish axenic cultures of Limnospira fusiformis, known as the food additive “Spirulina”. Axenicity is strived because it ensures that pathogens or harmful microorganisms are absent and that the harvested biomass is consistent in terms of quality and composition. For the axenic treatment, we applied sterile filtration, ultrasonication, pH treatment, repeated centrifugation, and administration of antibiotics. For testing axenicity, we considered the most common verification method plate tests with Lysogeny Broth (LB) medium, which indicated axenicity after treatments were performed. In addition, we included plate tests with Reasoner’s 2A (R2A) agar and modified Zarrouk+ medium, the latter comparable to the biochemical properties of L. fusiformis’ cultivation medium. In contrast to LB plates, the other media, particularly Zarrouk+, indicated bacterial contamination. We conclude that LB-agar plates are inappropriate for contamination screening of extremophiles. Contamination was also verified by cultivation-independent methods like flow cytometry and 16S rRNA genome amplicon sequencing. We detected taxa of the phyla Proteobacteria, Bacteriodota, Firmicutes and to a lesser extent Verrucomicrobiota. Contaminants are robust taxa, as they survived aggressive treatments. Sequencing data suggest that some of them are promising candidates for in-depth studies to commercially exploit them.

Plant-derived bioactive compounds and essential oils (EOs) have garnered significant attention in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and nutraceutical industries due to their broad-spectrum therapeutic activities. These natural compounds exhibit antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory properties, making them promising candidates for modern medicine and functional health applications. This review provides a detailed analysis of their chemical composition, mechanisms of action, and recent advancements in extraction methodologies. Key focus areas include their role in treating microbial infections, inflammatory disorders, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, we explore innovative extraction techniques, such as supercritical fluid extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and nanoformulations, that enhance bioavailability and clinical efficacy. The challenges of bioavailability, standardization, and regulatory considerations are also discussed, paving the way for future research and potential therapeutic applications in integrative medicine. By bridging traditional knowledge with modern scientific insights, this review highlights the evolving landscape of plant-based medicine and its significance in healthcare innovation.

The myriad consumption of plastic regularly, environmental impact and health disquietude of humans are at high risk. Microplastics (MPs) represent a contemporary type of contamination that has permeated several environmental areas. MP pollution is already widespread in marine environments, leading to increased awareness over the past few decades. Multiple studies are being conducted to determine the source of MPs and their harmful impacts on marine life and, ultimately, human health. Thus, this paper rigorously analyzed the origin, accumulation, and detrimental impacts of MPs on the marine ecosystem. An increase in the death rate, a decrease in the rate of growth, and a reduction in the quantity of food ingested were the primary changes that occurred in marine organisms. The hydrophobic properties of MPs enable them to facilitate the formation of biofilms, which are referred to as the plastisphere. These biofilms have the capacity to transport chemicals that are frequently hazardous and may potentially infiltrate the food chain. The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly exacerbated the plastic and MP contamination in coastal and marine environments as a result of the improper management of personal protective equipment and explosive production. The most recent developments in environmental DNA (eDNA) are valuable tools for the detection and tracking of MP contamination in coastal and marine ecosystems. These technologies offer greater sensibility, efficacy, and involvement in the process. There are several measures and attempts that must be taken to address the MP pollution issues in the marine environment. The knowledge gained from this review will serve as a foundation for future marine MP research and management techniques.