The need for alternative fuels remains a growing concern in alleviating the depletion of fossil fuels for transportation to address one of the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 7: Alternative and Clean Energy) despite the emerging use of Electric Vehicles. Nipa fruticans has been introduced as a promising feedstock for bioethanol production, but its performance as a pure engine engine fuel must be determined, and its carbon footprint must be quantified to assess its impact on the environment were this paper aimed. The CO2 emissions of this study was quantified using ISO 14040 methodologies, considering direct and indirect emissions from production to utilization with key ethanol properties tested according to ASTM standards. A carbureted motorcycle was modified to a fuel injection (FI) system to assess fuel performance, with metrics like power output, consumptions, and emissions were evaluated. Results show that nipa-based bioethanol, H95F and H99F, can serve as renewable pure engine fuels, with carbon footprints of 0.2353 and 2.633 kg CO2eq per Liter respectively with 1.08% lower of kg CO2eq per Liter emissions and 32.7% lower production cost compared to fermented sugar. As pure engine fuel resulted in lowering CO emissions by 171.79% and 167.59%; and lower HC emissions 172.89% and 191.34% respectively compared to E10. These findings demonstrated the potential of nipa bioethanol as a clean and sustainable energy solution. It is recommended however that ethanol yield and distillation process be further improved and explore pure ethanol as alternative fuel to hybrid vehicles as 100% renewable vehicles.

Background: The potential of Nipa (Nypa fruticans) sap in the Cagayan Region, Philippines, for bioethanol production remains largely underexplored despite its vast expanse. Methods: This study investigates the key physico-chemical properties of Nipa sap from Aparri, Cagayan, with a focus on fermentation dynamics and storage conditions to optimize ethanol production. Two fermentation treatments closed and open vessel conditions, were compared to determine the optimal conditions for maximum ethanol yield. Over a 7-day fermentation period, the acetic acid production, yeast activity, sugar content, and ethanol concentration of closed vessel fermented sap (CVFS) and open vessel fermented sap (OVFS) were monitored. Results: CVFS demonstrated a higher ethanol yield (7.56%v/v at peak day), characterized by minimized acetic acid accumulation and stable yeast activity. In contrast, OVFS exhibited significant fluctuations in acetic acid and ethanol levels, indicating a lower fermentation efficiency. Conclusion: The presence of methanol and high acetic acid content in open-vessel fermentation systems highlights the importance of fermentation conditions to prevent impurities. This study provides valuable insights into optimizing ethanol production from fermenting Nipa sap by employing closed vessel fermentation, which is crucial for sustainable bioethanol production in the Cagayan region.

Probiotics are microorganisms that are safe and stable under product development conditions and are used as adjuncts to food and drugs to promote health, including the acceleration of nutrient digestion. Here, we present evidence on the ability of two isolates, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei BCRC-16100 and L. paracasei ZFM54, to (1) enhance carbohydrate digestion, (2) tolerate processing conditions, and (3) demonstrate safety in terms of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). These approaches include whole-genome sequence (WGS) analysis, gene expression, and bioactivity assays. WGS revealed genes encoding enzymes involved in carbohydrate digestion, tolerance to processing conditions, and AMR. The ability of the two strains to digest carbohydrates was confirmed by glucose release when cultured alongside starch. The isolates also showed versatility across a range of temperatures and alcohol concentrations, indicating their suitability for product development. Genes cause AMR, particularly against vancomycin, through three mechanisms: transporter control, transcriptional regulation, and efflux pumps. Furthermore, promoter, gene expression, and transposable element analyses showed that some upregulated AMR genes in the presence of antimicrobials were transposable. Altogether, we show the potential of the two isolates for incorporation into products as probiotics to improve carbohydrate digestion, while considering precautions regarding mobile AMR genes that may compromise safety.

The performance of an alternative fuel and its blends into a gasoline fuel engine was evaluated using a developed Multi-Blend Capable Engine (MBCE) from carb to EFI test motorcycle to enhance performance compatibility and environmental concerns of a Nipa-based ethanol as renewable alternative feedstock fuel. It shows that the test motorcycle utilizing its stock carburetor systems is compatible up to E30H only, while the EFI modification was found compatible from E10 to 100% Nipa ethanol or E100H as fuel using three different driving modes of the MBCE with decreased power-speed curve by about 24% and mileage consumption of about 6.0 %. However, emissions significantly improved in the test motorcycle with HC and CO meeting Euro 4 standards. The total carbon quantification was found to be 76-225 gCO2e/km from nipa sap collection up to its utilization as an alternative gasoline fuel engine from E10 to E100H. The study safely recommends implementing up to E30H blend without any adjustments made on carb and EFI system motorcycles. To promote higher blend biofuel adoption in support of SDG 7 Clean and Affordable Energy, the study implies carburetor systems adjustments or EFI conversion for stock carb system motorcycles, while remapping must be made to EFI motorcycles.

Probiotics are microorganisms infused in products for health benefits including acceleration of nutrient digestion, however, it is also important to ensure the safety prior to incorporation. Here, we present evidence of the ability of two probiotic isolates, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei BCRC-16100 and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei ZFM54, in the (1) enhancement of carbohydrate digestion, (2) tolerance to stress, and (3) antibiotic resistance. Approaches include whole genome sequence (WGS) analysis and bioactivity assays. WGS revealed genes suggesting the ability of the two isolates to promote carbohydrate digestion, tolerance to stress and antibiotic resistance. Carbohydrate digestive ability was confirmed through a biochemical assay where the two isolates cause glucose release from starch. The two isolates also showed versatility in a range of temperature and alcohol concentration. For antibiotic resistance particularly on vancomycin, there are three mechanisms namely transporter control, transcriptional regulation, and efflux pump. Furthermore, promoter and transposable element analysis showed that some of the active antibiotic resistant (AbR) genes can be laterally transferred. Altogether, we show the potential of two probiotic isolates to be incorporated in products for improved carbohydrate digestion and the need to address the removal of active and mobile antibiotic resistance genes that may compromise safety.

The growing misuse of antibiotics has contributed to multidrug resistance, making bacterial infections a growing concern for public health. Numerous current wound dressings, which can cause skin irritation or allergies, are often insufficient for managing large wounds, frequently leading to infections. This highlights the need for better antibacterial materials. Nypa fruticans (Nipa palm), native to Southeast Asia, has been utilized for various purposes due to its multiple benefits, including antimicrobial properties, the presence of probiotics, and high cellulose content. This study evaluated the use of cellulose hydrogels from Nipa fronds loaded with probiotics (ProbioGel) as antimicrobial agents to prevent infections. The study involved an in vitro assay in which the Kirby–Bauer method was used to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of the gel against common wound pathogens. Additionally, whole-genome sequencing and promoter analysis were performed to identify genes supporting their biochemical properties. The results showed that ProbioGel exhibited the presence of genes for Class II bacteriocin and lysozyme M1 precursor in Lacticaseibacillus paracasei BCRC-16100 is linked to its notable antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, S. epidermidis, and C. albicans. This study highlighted the potential of ProbioGel as an innovative and effective antimicrobial and anti-infection agent for wound care. The discovery of genes in the probiotic strain responsible for encoding antimicrobial peptides further supports its therapeutic potential.