Mechanochemical treatment of various organic molecules is an emerging technology of green processes in biofuel, fine chemicals, or food production. Many biopolymers are involved in isolating, derivating, or modifying molecules of natural origin. Mechanochemistry provides a powerful tool to achieve these goals, but the unintentional modification of biopolymers by mechanochemical manipulation is not always obvious or even detectable. Although modeling molecular changes caused by mechanical stresses in cavitation and grinding processes is feasible in small model compounds, simulation of extrusion processes primarily relies on phenomenological approaches that allow only tool- and material-specific conclusions. The development of analytical and computational techniques allows for the inline and real-time control of parameters in various mechanochemical processes. Using artificial intelligence to analyze process parameters and product characteristics can significantly improve production optimization. We aim to review the processes and consequences of possible chemical, physicochemical, and structural changes.

Solar drying is affordable, requiring low energy and an eco-friendly method. Thus, the present paper studies the efficiency and characteristics of the indirect solar convective drying in the fruits of Arbutus unedo L. as well as its effects on the fruit phenolic compounds. The fruit samples were dried at 60 °C, 70 °C, and 80 °C. Phenolic compounds were investigated using a Liquid Chromatography platform. Experimental results revealed that the effective moisture diffusivity determined by Fick’s second law varied from 1.51 × 10⁻⁹ to 4.68 × 10⁻⁹ m²/s, and the activation energy recorded was 2203.62 kJ/kg. Both the total energy consumption and the specific electrical energy of the dried fruits decreased as temperature increased. The Midilli–Kucuk model was selected as the best-fitted model for drying Arbutus unedo L. Significant effect of temperature on phenolics was observed. The concentration of the phenolic compounds decreased by 15.54, 39, and 40.63% at 60, 70, and 80 °C, respectively.

This study investigates the electronic and optical properties of calcium-doped strontium hydride (SrH₂) using first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations via the CASTEP code with generalized gradient approximation (GGA). We explore the impact of calcium (Ca) doping on the electronic band structure, density of states (DOS), and optical absorption spectra of SrH₂. Our results show that Ca doping significantly alters the electronic properties of SrH₂, notably increasing the indirect bandgap from 1.3 eV to 1.6 eV. The DOS analysis reveals new states near the Fermi level, primarily from Ca 3d orbitals. Moreover, the optical absorption spectra display enhanced absorption in the visible range, suggesting the potential for optoelectronic applications. This research highlights the feasibility of tuning the electronic and optical characteristics of SrH₂ through Ca doping, thus opening the way for the generation of advanced materials with tailored properties.

This study explores the potential of olive leaves, long integral to Mediterranean traditional medicine, as a rich source of valuable compounds. The challenge lies in their considerable water content, hindering these compounds’ full valorization. Four drying methods (air-drying, oven-drying, freeze-drying and solar-drying) were investigated for their impact on nutrient and bioactive compound content in the leaves of four olive varieties (“Arbequina”, “Koroneiki”, “Menara” and “Picholine Marocaine”) cultivated in Morocco. In their fresh state, “Picholine Marocaine” exhibited the highest protein levels (6.11%), “Arbequina” had the highest phenolic content (20.18 mg gallic acid equivalents/g fresh weight (FW)), and “Koroneiki” and “Menara” were highest in flavonoids (3.28 mg quercetin equivalents/g FW). Specific drying methods proved optimal for different varieties. Oven-drying at 60 °C and 70 °C effectively preserved protein, while phenolic content varied with drying conditions. Air-drying and freeze-drying demonstrated effectiveness for flavonoids. In addition, an analytical approach using high-performance liquid chromatography and diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) was applied to investigate the effects of the different drying methods on the bioactive fraction of the analyzed samples. The results showed qualitative and quantitative differences depending on both the variety and the drying method used. A total of 11 phenolic compounds were tentatively identified, with oleuropein being the most abundant in all the samples analyzed. The freeze-dried samples showed the highest content of oleuropein in the varieties “Arbequina” and “Picholine Marocaine” compared to the other methods analyzed. In contrast, “Koroneiki” and “Menara” had higher oleuropein content when air dried. Overall, the obtained results highlight the importance of tailored drying techniques for the preservation of nutrients and bioactive compounds in olive leaves.

The disposal of agri‐food biomass waste, such as chestnut wood waste (CWW), poses significant environmental and industrial challenges, contributing to resource depletion and waste accumulation. The development of sustainable strategies for biomass valorization is crucial for reducing waste and promoting a circular economy. In this study, microwave‐assisted subcritical water extraction (MASWE) is investigated as an efficient and environmentally friendly method for the extraction of high‐value bioactive compounds such as condensed tannins (CTs), hydrolyzable tannins (HTs), and low‐weight polyphenols from CWW. The extraction process is followed by sequential membrane filtration and resin purification, adhering to green extraction principles to maximize yield and avoid water wastage. Furthermore, tannins are utilized in the synthesis of biopolymers, offering a promising strategy for developing novel materials with tailored properties. Their antimicrobial activity and enzyme‐inhibiting properties improve biopolymer formulations, unlocking diverse applications in sustainable materials. This approach through advanced extraction and fractionation protocols not only enhances biomass valorization—aligning with the circular economy in agri‐food waste management—but also supports advancements in green technology and the development of eco‐friendly materials.

This work presents the extrusion-based preparation of new biocomposites from two plant fibres (namely Cannabis sativa L. and Opuntia ficus-indica Mill.) that are added to two different polymers (an ethylene–octene elastomer and polylactic acid), which act as matrices. Structural and morphological characterization (using X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy) have been used to correlate the interactions between the biomass and the polymers employed with the efficiency of the proposed approach. It was found that Opuntia-based composites can be easily formed in a range of biomass/polymer ratios. However, the interaction between hemp and the matrix means that only specific ratios can form tightly bound composites. The present communication thus paves the way for more complex and comprehensive studies on the formulation of biocomposites containing these matrices.