Poly-lactic acid (PLA) is a synthetic polymer that has gained popularity as a scaffold due to well-established manufacturing processes, predictable biomaterial properties, and sustained therapeutic release rates. However, its drawbacks include weak mechanical parameters and reduced medicinal delivery efficacy after PLA degradation. The development of synthetic polymers that can release antibiotics and other medicines remains a top research priority. This study proposes a novel approach to produce PLA by converting Brewer’s spent grain (BSG) into lactic acid by bacterial fermentation followed by lactide ring polymerization with a metal catalyst. The elution properties of the PLA polymer are evaluated using modified Kirby–Bauer assays involving the antimicrobial chemotherapeutical, trimethoprim (TMP). Molded PLA polymer disks are impregnated with a known killing concentration of TMP, and the PLA is evaluated as a drug vehicle against TMP-sensitive Escherichia coli. This approach provides a practical means of assessing the polymer’s ability to release antimicrobials, which could be beneficial in exploring new drug-eluting synthetic polymer strategies. Overall, this study highlights the potential of using BSG waste materials to produce valuable biomaterials of medical value with the promise of expanded versatility of synthetic PLA polymers in the field of drug-impregnated tissue grafts.

In this study, we are reporting the fabrication of a nanocellulose (NFC) paper-based food indicator for chicken breast spoilage detection by both visual color change observation and smartphone image analysis. The indicator consists of a nanocellulose paper (nanopaper) substrate and a pH-responsive dye, bromocresol green (BCG), that adsorbs on the nanopaper. The nanopaper is prepared through vacuum filtration and high-pressure compression. The nanopaper exhibits good optical transparency and strong mechanical strength. The color change from yellow to blue in the nanopaper indicator corresponding to an increase in the solution pH and chicken breast meat storage data were observed and analyzed, respectively. Further, we were able to use color differences determined by the RGB values from smartphone images to analyze the results, which indicates a simple, sensitive, and readily deployable approach toward the development of future smartphone-based food spoilage tests.

The utility of brewery spent grain (BSG), a byproduct of the beer production process, for the synthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), is a significant advancement towards sustainable and cost-effective biopolymer production. This paper reviews the upcycling potential of BSG as a substrate for PHA production, utilizing various biotechnological approaches to convert this abundant waste material into high-value biodegradable polymers. Through a comprehensive review of recent studies, we highlight the biochemical composition of BSG and its suitability for microbial fermentation processes. This research delves into different methodologies for PHA production from BSG, including the use of mixed microbial cultures (MMCs) for the synthesis of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), a critical precursor in PHA production, and solid-state fermentation (SSF) techniques. We also examine the optimization of process parameters such as pH, temperature, and microbial concentration through the application of the Doehlert design, revealing the intricate relationships between these factors and their impact on VFA profiles and PHA yields. Additionally, this paper discusses challenges and future perspectives for enhancing the efficiency and economic viability of PHA production from BSG. By harnessing the untapped potential of BSG, this research contributes to the development of a circular economy model, emphasizing waste valorization and the creation of sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics.

Surface fouling remains a critical challenge for medical devices and chemosensor systems operating in biological environments, where nonspecific adsorption of proteins, cells, and microorganisms can lead to signal drift, reduced sensitivity, and shortened device lifetime. Conventional antifouling strategies rely primarily on synthetic hydrophilic polymer coatings, such as polyethylene glycol and polyvinylpyrrolidone, which are effective but face limitations related to long-term stability, thickness, and compatibility with surface-sensitive sensing modalities. In this review, we focus on hydrophobins derived from mushroom-forming and filamentous fungi as a bio-based alternative for antifouling and anti-wetting surface modification. Mushroom-derived hydrophobins are small amphiphilic proteins capable of spontaneous self-assembly into nanometer-scale films that modulate surface energy, wettability, and interfacial friction without requiring covalent functionalization. The current state of research on hydrophobin structure, classification, and self-assembly is reviewed, followed by a synthesis of reported antifouling and tribological behaviors relevant to medical and sensor-adjacent surfaces. Representative experimental observations are discussed to illustrate trends consistent with the literature, without establishing new performance benchmarks. The implications of mushroom-derived hydrophobin coatings for chemosensors and biosensors are examined, particularly with respect to signal stability, surface accessibility, and durability. Limitations and future research directions are outlined to support translation into practical sensing technologies.

Community assembly is influenced by environmental niche processes as well as stochastic processes that can be spatially dependent (e.g. dispersal limitation) or independent (e.g. priority effects). Here, we sampled senesced tree leaves as unit habitats to investigate fungal community assembly at two spatial scales: (i) small neighborhoods of overlapping leaves from differing tree species and (ii) forest stands of differing ecosystem types. Among forest stands, ecosystem type explained the most variation in community composition. Among adjacent leaves within stands, variability in fungal composition was surprisingly high. Leaf type was more important in stands with high soil fertility and dominated by differing tree mycorrhizal types (sugar maple vs. basswood or red oak), whereas distance decay was more important in oak-dominated forest stands with low soil fertility. Abundance of functional groups was explained by environmental factors, but predictors of taxonomic composition within differing functional groups were highly variable. These results suggest that fungal community assembly processes are clearest for functional group abundances and large spatial scales. Understanding fungal community assembly at smaller spatial scales will benefit from further study focusing on differences in drivers for different ecosystems and functional groups, as well as the importance of spatially independent factors such as priority effects.

Organic waste management remains a pressing environmental and economic challenge, particularly in small-scale or domestic contexts where access to industrial composting technologies is limited. This study investigates the performance of the BSG-2 fermenter, a low-cost aerobic system designed to convert brewery spent grain (BSG) and vegetable waste into nutrient-rich compost through solid-state fermentation. The fermenter, constructed from food-grade plastic, relied on intermittent forced aeration, and manual temperature and pH control to sustain microbial activity. Temperature, pH, and substrate degradation were monitored throughout a complete fermentation cycle. The system achieved consistent bio-thermal performance with peak temperatures of approximately 32 °C and a substrate volume reduction of 30–40%, confirming active microbial metabolism and substantial organic matter degradation. Minimal odor generation and low energy input highlighted the fermenter’s environmental suitability. While occasional anaerobic pockets and limited heat retention were observed, these limitations could be addressed through improved insulation and automated aeration. The sustained mesophilic heat generation observed in the system may also present opportunities for low-grade thermal recovery in small-scale applications, such as localized environmental conditioning, although the magnitude of heat produced is limited. Overall, the BSG-2 fermenter demonstrates a feasible, replicable approach to valorizing organic waste into compost and sustained mesophilic heat generation using simple, accessible materials, contributing to circular economy strategies and sustainable small-scale waste management.