Carbamazepine (CBZ), a widely consumed psychotropic pharmaceutical, is one of the most frequently detected pharmaceutical active compounds (PhACs) in water bodies. Its removal has become an issue from the human health and environmental risks point of view, due to its latent recalcitrance and toxicity properties. The oxidative removal of carbamazepine in aqueous medium has been investigated by electrooxidation processes using Ti/PbO2 and Ti/BDD circular anode electrodes in the presence of NaSO4 as electrolyte in a batch electrochemical reactor. The effect of different parameters such as current intensity (from 1 to 2A), electrolysis time (from 60 to 120min), recirculation flow rate (from 167 to 333mlmin−1), and anode material (PbO2 and BDD) were investigated by an experimental design methodology. A Factorial Design 24 was firstly used to determine the effect of parameters mentioned above on CBZ removal. The electrolysis time and current intensity were the main parameters affecting CBZ removal rate. Then, the optimal experimental parameters for carbamazepine removal were investigated using a Central Composite Design. The optimal conditions determined turned out to be Ti/PbO2 anode, current intensity 1.37A, electrolysis time 101min, and recirculation flow rate 232mlmin−1. Under these conditions the removal of 88±1.2% of CBZ and 3.159mgL−1min−1 of p-nitrosodimethylaniline were achieved. The decay kinetics was fitted a first-order reaction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the production of microbial cellulose films (MCFs) in culture media based on green tea and different carbon sources, using two microbial consortia (COr and CFr). During the fermentation process, there was a reduction in the total soluble solids (TSS) content and pH, as well as an increase in the acidity in all treatments. Furthermore, fluctuations in the total sugar content and proteins during the fermentation process were associated with the consumption of carbon and nitrogen sources, as well as the production of MCFs. In the color analysis, a decrease in the L* value was observed while the rest of the parameters remained stable. Production of films was observed between days 6 and 9 of fermentation; the preferred substrate for COr was glucose (wet base yields = 603.61% and dry base yields = 22.37%), whereas for CFr was dextrose (wet base yields = 601.49% and dry base yields = 28.14%). Finally, the MCFs produced by COr and CFr showed a homogeneous, thick appearance, slight flexibility, and the characteristic brown color of the fermentation medium.

Phycobiliproteins (PBPs), captivating water-soluble proteins found in cyanobacteria, red algae, and cryptophytes, continue to fascinate researchers and industries due to their unique properties and multifaceted applications. These proteins consist of chromophores called phycobilins (PBs), covalently linked to specific protein subunits. Major phycobiliproteins include phycocyanin (PC), allophycocyanin (APC), and phycoerythrin (PE), each distinguished by distinct absorption and emission spectra. Beyond their colorful properties, PBs exhibit a broad spectrum of biological activities, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antidiabetic effects, making them valuable for pharmaceutical, biotechnological, and medical purposes. The extraction and purification methods for PBs have been optimized to enhance their bioavailability and stability, opening new avenues for industrial production. For this review, a comprehensive literature search was conducted using scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, prioritizing peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2025, with an emphasis on recent advances from the last five years, using keywords such as “phycobiliproteins”, “phycobilins”, “bioactivities”, “therapeutic applications”, and “industrial use”. Studies were selected based on their relevance to the biological, technological, and pharmacological applications of PBPs and PBs. This review explores the diverse applications of PBs in therapeutic, diagnostic, and environmental fields, highlighting their potential as natural alternatives in the treatment of various diseases. The future perspectives for PBs focus on their incorporation into innovative drug delivery systems, biocompatible materials, and functional foods, presenting exciting opportunities for advancing human health and well-being.

Scale-up of a lead dioxide (PbO2) anode system is significant to the practical application of electrochemical oxidation (EO) in biorefractory wastewater treatment. In this study, response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to investigate the effects of different operating conditions on phenol removal by electro-oxidation with a Ti/PbO2 anode. A central composite design (CCD) was used to optimize the electro-oxidation process and to evaluate the individual and interactions effects of current intensity, electrolysis time, and recirculation flow rate on phenol removal. Synthetic wastewater (or distillate water) with phenol concentration of 10 mg/L−1 was used in this study. Optimal conditions for phenol removal were established at 1.12 A current intensity, 40 min electrolysis time, and 188 mL·min−1 recirculation flow rate, in which a removal of 78.97±1.72% was achieved. The decay kinetics of phenol removal was fitted a first-order reaction.