Pili nutshell (PS), an abundant agro-industrial byproduct in the Bicol Region, Philippines, demonstrates substantial potential as a solid biofuel and bioenergy feedstock. Proximate and ultimate analyses revealed high volatile matter (72.00 ± 0.20 wt%), low ash content (4.33 ± 0.76 wt%), and a higher heating value of 20.60 MJ/kg, indicating strong suitability as a solid fuel for thermochemical conversion and biofuel production. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was conducted from 30 °C to 900 °C at heating rates of 10, 15, and 20 °C/min under nitrogen to examine its thermal decomposition behavior. The process followed three stages: initial moisture loss, active devolatilization, and lignin-rich char formation. The resulting kinetic and thermodynamic parameters are directly relevant for designing fast pyrolysis processes aimed at liquid biofuel production and optimizing downstream fuel utilization of the derived bio-oil and char. Kinetic analysis using the Coats–Redfern method identified third-order reaction (CR03) and diffusion-controlled (DM6) models as best-fitting, with activation energies ranging from 64.03–96.21 kJ/mol (CR03) and 66.98–104.72 kJ/mol (DM6). Corresponding thermodynamic parameters—ΔH (58.67–90.95 kJ/mol), ΔG (201.51–231.46 kJ/mol), and ΔS (−174.57 to −255.08 kJ/mol·K)—indicated an endothermic, non-spontaneous, entropy-reducing reaction pathway. Model-free methods confirmed a highly reactive zone at α = 0.3–0.6, with consistent E_a values (~130–190 kJ/mol). These findings affirm the viability of PS for fast pyrolysis, offering data-driven insights for optimizing advanced fuel and bioenergy systems in line with circular economy objectives.

This study was conducted to search for green technology that can extract metabolites from neem leaves for use in the development of botanical pesticide against Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera:Tephritidae). Rice wine, rice wash, vinegar and distilled water were used as solvents and hot infusion, maceration, hot continuous reflux (Soxhlet), and fermentation were the methods employed. The different leaf extracts prepared by green technology were evaluated for their potentials as pesticide against B. dorsalis. Vinegar extract via Soxhlet extraction (V-S) for eight (8) h registered to have the highest mortality but not significantly different from vinegar - fermentation (V-F), rice wash - Soxhlet (RWa-S), vinegar - maceration (V-M), distilled water - fermentation (DW-F), and rice wash - fermentation (RWa-F) extracts. Phythochemicals present in the extracts are affected by the solvent-extraction interaction. Among the sixteen solvent-extraction interactions, the use of rice wash and fermentation is the most economical method in extracting the extracting the active components of neem leaves against B. dorsalis. Rice wash is a waste that can be utilized in the development of a biopesticide from neem leaves for pest management of B. dorsalis. This is the first report that rice wash is used as extracting solvent in green synthesis.

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) peel, a food processing waste, is rich in polyphenols and polysaccharides, two substances that have previously been linked in the selective recovery of gold from metals solution. This study was carried out to develop biosorbents from green and ripe mango peel for the retrieval of gold from electronic waste (e-waste). Biosorbents were produced by cross-linking the components of mango peel through acid treatment. The gold from the mixture of metals leached from the e-waste was recovered using the cross-linked and untreated mango peel. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was employed to confirm cross-linking and to monitor the adsorption of gold. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed to characterize the surface of the biosorbents. Incineration was conducted to separate gold from the biosorbent. The results of the FTIR analysis revealed an increase in the intensity of the peak for CO=and the appearance of the signal for C-O-C, suggesting cross-linking. The FTIR spectra of the untreated and cross-linked biosorbents also showed more intense peak for CO=which may be due to the oxidation of OH groups as gold ions are reduced. The SEM revealed increase in the roughness of the surface of the biosorbents, presumably as the result of gold deposition. Although all biosorbents were able to capture gold from the leachate, the cross-linked green mango peel appeared to be the most effective.

Objectives: This study aimed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using ethanol leaf extracts of Clerodendrum schmidtii and to evaluate their anti-angiogenic activity as a potential basis for cancer-related applications. Methods: Freeze-dried leaves were extracted with ethanol, and AgNPs were synthesized under optimized conditions (1:1 extract-to-AgNO₃ ratio, pH 11, 80 °C, 30 min). The resulting nanoparticles were characterized using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential analysis. Anti-angiogenic activity was assessed using the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay with proper controls and replication. Findings: The CS-AgNPs had an average particle size of 54.3 ± 15.7 nm and a zeta potential of -77.6 ± 6.6 mV, indicating excellent colloidal stability. UV-Vis analysis showed a peak at 403 nm. The FTIR analysis revealed the functional groups (-OH, C=O, C=C, C-N) associated with phytochemical-mediated reduction and capping. SEM analysis showed predominantly spherical particles. In the CAM assay, CS-AgNPs produced a dose-dependent inhibition of angiogenesis, reaching a 73.78 ± 2.34% reduction in vascular branching at 500 ppm extract equivalent (50 ppm AgNPs). This inhibitory effect was significantly greater than the 54.71 ± 3.31% inhibition observed with the crude extract alone. Nonlinear regression confirmed an IC50 of 249.4 ± 7.7 ppm. Novelty: This study reports, for the first time, the green synthesis of AgNPs using C. schmidtii and demonstrates their significant anti-angiogenic activity, highlighting their potential as plant-derived candidates for anticancer nanomedicine, pending further in vivo validation. Keywords: Clerodendrum schmidtii, Silver Nanoparticles, Green Synthesis, Anti-angiogenic Activity, Chorioallantoic Membrane Assay, Dose-dependent Inhibition

This study characterized the phytochemical composition, evaluated the antioxidant capacity, and assessed the teratogenic effects of crude betel nut (Areca catechu L.) extract. The bioactive constituents were extracted using 95% ethanol. Preliminary phytochemical screening identified the presence of alkaloids. Folin-Ciocalteu assay quantified the phenolic content at 617 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) per gram of dried extract, reflecting substantial phenolics such as flavonoids, steroids, and tannins known for anthelmintic properties. The extract exhibited strong free radical scavenging against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, with an EC₅₀ value of 1.104 ± 0.312 ppm, comparable to ascorbic acid (1.239 ± 0.086 ppm). Zebrafish embryo assays revealed 1.0 g/kg body weight as the safest exposure concentration after 48 hours, whereas higher doses (1.5 and 2.0 g/kg BW) induced toxicity and teratogenicity, likely attributable to alkaloid constituents. This study uniquely integrates phytochemical, antioxidant, and zebrafish embryo toxicity analyses to identify A. catechu as a potential natural anthelmintic and antioxidant source for small ruminants, while establishing 1.0 g/kg BW as a safe therapeutic dose for further drug development.