The growing population and healthy food demands have led to a rise in food waste generation, causing severe environmental and economic impacts. However, food waste (FW) can be converted into sustainable animal feed, reducing waste disposal and providing an alternative protein source for animals. The utilization of FW as animal feed presents a solution that not only tackles challenges pertaining to FW management and food security but also lessens the demand for the development of traditional feed, which is an endeavour that is both resource and environmentally intensive in nature. Moreover, this approach can also contribute to the circular economy by creating a closed-loop system that reduces the use of natural resources and minimizes environmental pollution. Therefore, this review discusses the characteristics and types of FW, as well as advanced treatment methods that can be used to recycle FW into high-quality animal feed and its limitations, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of using FW as animal feed. Finally, the review concludes that utilization of FW as animal feed can provide a sustainable solution for FW management, food security, preserving resources, reducing environmental impacts, and contributing to the circular bioeconomy.

The exponential growth of agricultural output is a result of the increasing world population. Agro-wastes are now acknowledged as an alternative material for the manufacture of renewable, inexpensive, and sustainable bio-composite-based products. Huge amounts of agricultural produce are often lost owing to a lack of processing facilities or storage space. Agriculture wastes contain a significant concentration of carbohydrates as well as various multifunctional groups and organic substances, such as polymeric proteins. Interestingly, nanotechnology provides better potential to transform agricultural wastes easily into valuable and cost-effective products, removing the need to utilize noxious chemicals, which can create a variety of health and environmental difficulties. Recently, there has been an increase in interest in eco-friendly nanomaterial (NM) production techniques that utilize extracts generated from agricultural waste. Such nanoparticles (NPs) have been extensively studied for numerous uses, including antibacterial agents, water purification, the breakdown of industrial colours, and many others. Consequently, the purpose of this review is to investigate the different sources, characteristics, and nano-management of agro-waste; valuable NMs derived from agro-waste; and their possible applications.

Concrete is commonly used as a foundation material in the construction sector. It's been around for over two centuries, and it looks like it'll keep being the material of choice for construction for the foreseeable future. Structural materials, long-term degradation creates microcracks which increases permeability and eventually lead to failure. Moreover, the identification and remediation of these fissures provide a formidable challenge, as they jeopardize the integrity and longevity of concrete buildings, particularly those subject to rigorous sealing criteria. Cement manufacturing and widespread usage both contribute to climate imbalance, with the former responsible for 5–7% of global carbon dioxide emissions. Biotechnology provides a viable alternative by allowing the culture of bacteria to produce calcium carbonate, a key ingredient in cement. Biomineralization and crystallization processes play a crucial role in the synthesis and transportation of concrete-compatible chemicals, enabling their delivery to fissure within concrete structures. This review paper discusses a methodology for advancing sustainable architecture in the future, utilizing the adaptable metabolic processes of microorganisms as a foundation. This involves integrating microbial technologies and materials created by microorganisms into the field of built environment design and construction. Currently, there is a growing presence in the market of innovative materials such as Bio-cement, which exhibit lower levels of embodied carbon compared to traditional materials. Furthermore, it discusses advancements in the synthesis and optimization of bio-concrete to address challenges in energy efficiency, structural integrity, and lifecycle performance. By bridging sustainability goals with cutting-edge technology, bio-concrete emerges as a cornerstone for resilient and eco-friendly infrastructure, laying the foundation for innovative architectural paradigms.

Microbial urease (amidohydrolase, EC 3.5.1.5) is a metalloenzyme of significant biological and ecological importance, widely distributed among various microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, and archaea. This enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of urea (CH4N2O) into ammonia (NH3) and carbon dioxide (CO2), at a rate approximately 1014 times the rate of the noncatalyzed reaction. Urease is an enzyme that contains nickel and has a high molecular weight and many subunits. The cellular localization of urea necessitates its entry into the cell for consumption, and in certain organisms, energy-dependent urea absorption mechanisms have been recognized. The kinetic and thermodynamic mechanisms governing urease activity, emphasizing the enzyme’s active site dynamics, substrate binding, and catalytic efficiency. We discuss recent advances in understanding the molecular basis of urease function, including its thermodynamic stability and inhibition strategies. The presence and activity of urease are pivotal in both environmental and clinical settings, influencing soil fertility, plant growth, alcoholic beverage production, biocalcification, and human health. In agriculture, microbial urease contributes to soil alkalization and nutrient availability, making it a key factor in sustainable farming practices. This review delves into the thermodynamics and catalytic mechanism of microbial urease, highlighting the enzyme's active site, metal ion cofactors, and substrate specificity. We explore the regulation of urease expression in various microorganisms and discuss the environmental conditions that influence urease activity. Additionally, this paper provides a comprehensive understanding of microbial urease, emphasizing its dual role as both a beneficial and pathogenic agent in different ecosystems. The knowledge presented here aims to inform the development of strategies for managing urease activity in both environmental and clinical settings, with potential implications for improving human health and agricultural productivity.