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This study investigates the development and characterization of chitosan, gelatin, and chitosan/gelatin (Chi/Gel) bioaerogel composites through a facile and eco-friendly approach. The goal is to optimize their structural and functional properties for potential environmental and biomedical applications. Direct freezing and lyophilization approach were used to prepare the aerogels, the focus was on investigating the effects of blending ratios on the density, porosity, surface area, and water absorption capabilities of the aerogels. The results show that Chi/Gel 60/40 composition achieved an optimal balance of structural robustness and functional performance, characterized by a moderate density of 74.2 mg/[cm.sup.3], the highest porosity among the samples at 93.5%, an impressive surface area of 184.8 [m.sup.2]/g, and a water absorption capacity of 28.8 g/g. These results suggest that the synergistic effect of chitosan and gelatin at specific ratios significantly enhances the overall properties of the material. Our findings suggest that Chi/Gel bioaerogels, especially the 60/40 composite, hold great promise for diverse applications. Highlights * All Gelatin/Chitosan bioaerogels exhibited high porosity and low density. * The Chi/Gel 60/40 mix achieved the highest porosity and surface area. * Highest water adsorption was observed in the Chi/Gel 60/40 composite. * Synergistic effects enhanced properties of the Gelatin/Chitosan scaffolds. KEYWORDS bioaerogel, biopolymers, chitosan, eco-friendly, gelatin, porose materials, 1 | INTRODUCTION In recent years, the focus has shifted towards developing aerogels from biopolymers due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and abundance. (1,2) Bioaerogels, known for their extraordinary lightweight and [...]

The use of agricultural biomass fibers, specifically palm kernel shell (PKS), has significant potential to enhance biodiesel production. This approach overcomes economic barriers and contributes to sustainability by repurposing agricultural biomass. This study explores the effectiveness of PKS as a cost‐effective and sustainable catalyst support. Palm kernel shell was chosen due to its high carbon content, low ash presence, and abundance as a byproduct in the palm oil industry, making it an economically viable and environmentally friendly option. In this study, an optimized activated carbon from PKS biomass was fabricated as catalyst support to enhance biodiesel production efficiency. Using response surface methodology (RSM), the PKS was impregnated with phosphoric acid and synthesized at various acid concentrations, impregnation times, and activation times to enhance porosity for catalytic support capabilities. The experimental design included a central composite design (CCD) to vary these factors systematically and determine their optimal levels. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis revealed significant development of porosity, affirming the efficient activation process. Energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis confirmed phosphorus incorporation during activation, indicating the formation of an intricate pore structure. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy highlighted the presence of functional groups pertinent to the biodiesel reaction process. The transesterification process employing PKS as a catalyst with different biobased feedstocks, such as waste frying oils from corn, palm, and sunflower, led to biodiesel yields of varying efficiencies. Notably, corn oil had the highest yield at 94.92%. This study highlights the potential of PKS as a biobased catalyst support and contributes to the broader biorefinery concept by integrating biomass utilization into renewable fuel production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wide expansion of the meat industry generated tremendous amounts of animal-based waste. Discarded beef tallow (DBT) is one of those prevalent lipid-rich wastes disposed of by slaughterhouses, meat processing units, and tanneries. The current study utilized the advanced technology of supercritical CO2 (SC-CO2) to extract lipid content from DBT for biodiesel production through transesterification. The effects of SC-CO2 parameters on the extraction rate were investigated over ranges of (32–80°C) for temperature, (10–50 MPa) for pressure, and (15–150 min) for treatment time. Using response surface methodology (RSM), both processes of SC-CO2 and transesterification were optimized. The highest extraction rate was 86.10%, obtained at the experimental conditions of 60°C for temperature, 30 MPa for pressure, and 120 min for treatment time. For the transesterification, the maximum yield of biodiesel was 95.15%, obtained at the reaction conditions of 1:7.5, 1.16 wt%, 58°C, and 72 min for lipid to methanol molar ratio, catalyst ratio, temperature, and time, respectively. The outcomes of the kinetic and thermodynamic analyses showed that the SC-CO2 extraction was an endothermal, unspontaneous, and temperature-dependent process. The characteristics of the synthesized biodiesel largely comply with the ASTM D6751 and EN 14,214 standards. The findings of the current study confirm the viability of SC-CO2 to extract lipids from DBT as a low-cost feedstock for biodiesel production. HIGHLIGHTS: Lipids were extracted from discarded beef tallow using supercritical CO2. Kinetics & thermodynamics analyses were conducted for the lipid extraction. Dependent and independent variables were optimized by RSM. Biodiesel fuel was synthesized from the separated lipids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the evolving field of bioproducts, materials that synergize sustainability with functionality are of paramount importance. Mycelium composites, derived from intricate networks of fungal filaments, are gaining traction as innovative bioproducts that offer a compelling blend of eco‐friendliness, renewability, and adaptability. As the quest intensifies for alternatives that can mitigate the environmental toll of conventional products, mycelium‐based solutions are emerging as beacons on the sustainable bioproducts horizon. Their transition from niche innovations to mainstream applications depends on their ability to overcome a series of fabrication challenges. This review paper investigates the critical challenges faced in the fabrication of mycelium composite. It examines rigorously some essential factors leading to fabrication failure, such as contamination, inconsistent growth, insufficient moisture, inappropriate pH, and improper substrate preparation. The review offers a comprehensive analysis of each factor influencing mycelium growth and the resulting composite properties, with an emphasis on preventative and mitigating strategies. Through an in‐depth exploration of case studies detailing unsuccessful mycelium composite fabrication, the significance of understanding these failure factors is emphasized. The paper culminates in a forward‐thinking discourse on potential strategies for refining fabrication processes, and identifies promising research areas poised to enhance both the success rate and overall efficiency of mycelium composite production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]