Carbohydrate-based biodegradable films offer an eco-friendly alternative to conventional petroleum-derived packaging for agricultural commodities. Derived from renewable polysaccharides such as starch, cellulose, chitosan, pectin, alginate, pullulan, and xanthan gum, these films exhibit favorable biodegradability, film-forming ability, and compatibility with food systems. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of recent developments in the preparation, functionalization, and application of these polysaccharide-based films for agricultural packaging. Emphasis is placed on emerging fabrication techniques, including electrospinning, extrusion, and layer-by-layer assembly, which have significantly enhanced the mechanical, barrier, and antimicrobial properties of these materials. Furthermore, the incorporation of active compounds such as antioxidants and antimicrobials has improved the performance and shelf-life of packaged goods. Despite notable advancements, key limitations such as moisture sensitivity, poor mechanical durability, and high production costs persist. Strategies including polymer blending, nanofiller incorporation, and surface modification are explored as potential solutions. The applicability of these films in packaging fruits, vegetables, dairy, grains, and meat products is also discussed. By assessing current progress and future prospects, this review underscores the importance of carbohydrate-based films in promoting sustainable agricultural packaging systems, reducing environmental impact through the advancement of circular bioeconomy principles and sustainable development.

A model catalyst, 40%Co-1%Re/γ-Al2O3, has been used to study the effect of operation temperature and pressure on selectivity and stability during Fischer-Tropsch synthesis in a microchannel reactor. The reactor was tested at 210°C-240°C, 20-40 bar, and H2/CO = 2.1. The microchannel reactor could be operated at 85%–90% conversion with high C5+ selectivity. It was found that lower temperature favors higher hydrocarbon formation and reduces methane formation. Higher pressure in the range of 20-40 bar and 210°C did not change the methane selectivity, but the C2-C4 selectivity increased and the C5+ selectivity decreased. The product selectivity is a complex function of process conditions, and different parameters may be dominant at different process conditions. At similar conditions, the observed rate of deactivation seems to be lower in the microchannel reactor than what is usually observed in the fixed-bed reactor experiments.