Nanocellulose Extraction from Biomass Waste: Unlocking Sustainable Pathways for Biomedical Applications

The escalating global waste crisis necessitates innovative solutions. This study investigates the sustainable production of nanocellulose from biomass waste and its biomedical applications. Cellulose‐rich materials–including wood, textiles, agricultural residues, and food by‐products–were systematically processed using alkaline, acid, and oxidative pretreatments to enhance fiber accessibility. Mechanical techniques, such as grinding and homogenization, combined with chemical methods like acid hydrolysis and 2,2,6,6‐Tetramethylpiperidin‐1‐yl‐oxyl (TEMPO) oxidation, were employed to successfully isolate nanocellulose. Post‐treatment modifications, including surface coating and cross‐linking, further tailored its properties for specific applications. The results demonstrated nanocellulose's biocompatibility, biodegradability, and functional versatility. In wound healing, it enhanced moisture management and exhibited antimicrobial properties. Its high surface area facilitated efficient drug loading and controlled release in drug delivery applications. Nanocellulose bioinks supported cell proliferation in 3D bioprinting for tissue engineering. Additional applications in biosensors and personal care products were also identified. This study advances sustainable materials science, aligning resource conservation with circular economy principles to address biomedical sector needs

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Inter-comparison of radiation -based reference crop evapotranspiration methods

This paper investigates the evaluation and inter comparison of evapotranspiration models with data from a station in Tamil Nadu, India. In the present study cross comparison of the best or representative equation forms selected from each category namely (1) temperature-based methods, and (2) radiation-based methods ware made along with FAO Modified Penman method. Six representative empirical ETr equation selected from the two categories, namely Blaney-Criddly, Hamon, and Kharrufa (temperature-based), Doorenbos and Puitt, Jensen-Haise, and McGuinness and Bordne (radiation-based) were evaluated and compared. All the equations are recalibrated and the constants in each equation are redefined for the data from the selected station. The result shows that, large bias existed when the original constants were used for the determination of ETr. Regression equations were developed to correct the differences in magnitude of evapotranspiration. When recalibrated constant values were substituted for the original constant values, all the six methods have improved in the estimation of the ETr for the region. Based on the closeness in ETr value to that of FAO Modified Penman method and r2 value, radiation-based methods namely Doorenbos-Pruitt and Jensen-Haise can be recommended for estimating ETr in the study area than using temperature-based methods

Inter-comparison of radiation -based reference crop evapotranspiration methods

This paper investigates the evaluation and inter comparison of evapotranspiration models with data from a station in Tamil Nadu, India. In the present study cross comparison of the best or representative equation forms selected from each category namely (1) temperature-based methods, and (2) radiation-based methods ware made along with FAO Modified Penman method. Six representative empirical ETr equation selected from the two categories, namely Blaney-Criddly, Hamon, and Kharrufa (temperature-based), Doorenbos and Puitt, Jensen-Haise, and McGuinness and Bordne (radiation-based) were evaluated and compared. All the equations are recalibrated and the constants in each equation are redefined for the data from the selected station. The result shows that, large bias existed when the original constants were used for the determination of ETr. Regression equations were developed to correct the differences in magnitude of evapotranspiration. When recalibrated constant values were substituted for the original constant values, all the six methods have improved in the estimation of the ETr for the region. Based on the closeness in ETr value to that of FAO Modified Penman method and r2 value, radiation-based methods namely Doorenbos-Pruitt and Jensen-Haise can be recommended for estimating ETr in the study area than using temperature-based methods

Inter-comparison of temperature-based reference crop evapotranspiration methods

This paper investigates the evaluation and possibility of recalibrating temperature-based methods for estimating reference crop evapotranspiration (ETr) at a station in Tamil Nadu. Seven temperature-based evapotranspiration methods namely Thronthwaite, Blaney-Criddle, Romanenko, Hamon, Hargreaves, Linacre, and Kharrufa methods were evaluated and compared with each other and with a standard method in estimating ETr in the selected region. All the seven methods were developed in countries other than India and hence, the empirical coefficients in the equations in each method need to be recalibrated to make them applicable to climatic conditions of the study area in India. In the present study, FAO Modified Penman method was used as the standard method for evaluation and altering the coefficients in the above temperature-based ETr methods, such that these seven methods can then be used to determine the ETr in the selected region. The evaluation was first made using the original values of the coefficients involved in each equation. All the equations were recalibrated and the coefficients in each method were calculated afresh to be appropriate to the climatic data of the study area in India. The results show that, large bias existed when the original coefficients were used for the determination of ETr. Regression equations were developed to correct the differences in magnitude of evapotranspiration. When recalibrated coefficients were substituted, all the seven methods improved the estimation of the ETr for the region. With properly recalibrated values of the coefficients, Blaney-Criddle, Thronthwaite, and Hamon methods can be recommended for estimating ETr in the study region, as far as temperature-based methods are concerned

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Not AvailableBanana is known to have high content of polyphenols, polysaccharides and tannins which inhibits polymerase chain reaction (PCR) while detecting the viral pathogens. Multiple-step nucleic acid (NA) extraction protocols are common, but more expensive, time consuming, laborious, and may lead to cross contamination. A simple extraction protocol (SEP) for preparing viral NA from leaves and aphids for detection of BBTV by PCR was developed. Inclusion of sodium sulphite and polyvinylpyrrolidone in the extraction buffer minimized the interferences due to polyphenols and polysaccharides, and an homogenization step has increased the percent detection from plants exhibiting various types of symptoms over virus release protocols reported previously. The detection efficacy for the template obtained in this SEP was comparable with that of templates obtained with a CTAB method and a commercial DNA extraction kit for NA extract preparation. The sensitivity test in PCR showed that this assay could detect 0.1 pg/μl plasmid DNA which is equivalent to 1 × 104 copies. Virus could be detected using SEP from freeze dried as well as CaCl2 dried samples of BBTV infected banana leaves. This methodology provides quality PCR product for direct sequencing suitable for identification and characterization of BBTV. The NA extract prepared by SEP is suitable for BBTV detection in quantitative PCR using SYBR Green chemistry and loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay. This protocol is sensitive, rapid, less prone to contamination, economical, and has potential for large-scale application in surveys, surveillance, quarantine, and certification programmes.Not Availabl