Abstract: The present disclosure provides for compositions, slow-release fertilizer composition, methods of making these compositions, and the like. The present disclosure can be advantageous in some instances since it can achieve multiple goals, where in one aspect, the 5 modified lignin is used to prepare materials with strong adsorption capacity to the heavy metals, and then the material is used to coat fertilizer to prepare controlled-release fertilizer. The application of embodiments of the coated fertilizer in soil not only control the release of nutrients and improve the fertilizer use efficiency, but also effectively adsorb heavy metals in soil and repair the polluted soil.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for methods for depolymerizing lignin to produce other useful products. For example, low molecular weight aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons (e.g., hydrocarbons having 8 to 20 carbon atoms (C8 to C20 hydrocarbons)) as well as oil products can be produced using methods of the present disclosure. The method can include treatment of the lignin using a catalyst composition, where the catalyst composition comprises a persulfate salt and a transition metal catalyst.

Abstract: Nanoparticles and compositions thereof are provided for detecting and/or preventing food spoilage. Methods of making the nanoparticles and compositions, and methods of using the nanoparticles and compositions, e.g. in food packaging, are also provided. The nanoparticles can have a hydrophobic core containing a hydrophobic active agent, e.g. a hydrophobic dye and/or an antimicrobial agent, for detecting and/or preventing food spoilage. The nanoparticles can also have a copolymer of a hydrophobic polymer repeat unit, e.g. styrene or lactic acid, and a pH responsive dendrimer repeat unit. The pH responsive dendrimer repeat unit can have a pH responsive amine core having a plurality of branched acrylate arms extending therefrom. The nanoparticles can be chemically stable at neutral pH, and then release the hydrophobic active agent at a pH range indicative of food spoilage. By releasing the hydrophobic dye and/or antimicrobial agent, the nanoparticles can detect and/or inhibit food spoilage.

Abstract: Described herein are devices for determining or monitoring the quality of a food product. In one aspect, the devices comprise a pH-sensitive film incorporated within a quick response code, wherein the pH-sensitive film is positioned to be in contact with the food product. The pH-sensitive film produces different colors subject to changes in pH of the food product. The color produced by the pH-sensitive film can then be correlated to the quality of the food product. The quick response code can provide additional information regarding the food product.

Abstract: Nanoparticles and compositions thereof are provided for detecting and/or preventing food spoilage. Methods of making the nanoparticles and compositions, and methods of using the nanoparticles and compositions, e.g. in food packaging, are also provided. The nanoparticles can have a hydrophobic core containing a hydrophobic active agent, e.g. a hydrophobic dye and/or an antimicrobial agent, for detecting and/or preventing food spoilage. The nanoparticles can also have a copolymer of a hydrophobic polymer repeat unit, e.g. styrene or lactic acid, and a pH responsive dendrimer repeat unit. The pH responsive dendrimer repeat unit can have a pH responsive amine core having a plurality of branched acrylate arms extending therefrom. The nanoparticles can be chemically stable at neutral pH, and then release the hydrophobic active agent at a pH range indicative of food spoilage. By releasing the hydrophobic dye and/or antimicrobial agent, the nanoparticles can detect and/or inhibit food spoilage.