Showing papers in "Global challenges in 2023"

Challenges in Recycling Spent Lithium‐Ion Batteries: Spotlight on Polyvinylidene Fluoride Removal

Abstract: In the recycling of retired lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), the cathode materials containing valuable metals should be first separated from the current collector aluminum foil to decrease the difficulty and complexity in the subsequent metal extraction. However, strong the binding force of organic binder polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) prevents effective separation of cathode materials and Al foil, thus affecting metal recycling. This paper reviews the composition, property, function, and binding mechanism of PVDF, and elaborates on the separation technologies of cathode material and Al foil (e.g., physical separation, solid‐phase thermochemistry, solution chemistry, and solvent chemistry) as well as the corresponding reaction behavior and transformation mechanisms of PVDF. Due to the characteristic variation of the reaction systems, the dissolution, swelling, melting, and degradation processes and mechanisms of PVDF exhibit considerable differences, posing new challenges to efficient recycling of spent LIBs worldwide. It is critical to separate cathode materials and Al foil and recycle PVDF to reduce environmental risks from the recovery of retired LIBs resources. Developing fluorine‐free alternative materials and solid‐state electrolytes is a potential way to mitigate PVDF pollution in the recycling of spent LIBs in the EV era.

Future of Nanotechnology in Food Industry: Challenges in Processing, Packaging, and Food Safety

Abstract: Over the course of the last several decades, nanotechnology has garnered a growing amount of attention as a potentially valuable technology that has significantly impacted the food industry. Nanotechnology helps in enhancing the properties of materials and structures that are used in various fields such as agriculture, food, pharmacy, and so on. Applications of nanotechnology in the food market have included the encapsulation and distribution of materials to specific locations, the improvement of flavor, the introduction of antibacterial nanoparticles into food, the betterment of prolonged storage, the detection of pollutants, enhanced storage facilities, locating, identifying, as well as consumer awareness. Labeling food goods with nano barcodes helps ensure their security and may also be used to track their distribution. This review article presents a discussion about current advances in nanotechnology along with its applications in the field of food‐tech, food packaging, food security, enhancing life of food products, etc. A detailed description is provided about various synthesis routes of nanomaterials, that is, chemical, physical, and biological methods. Nanotechnology is a rapidly improving the field of food packaging and the future holds great opportunities for more enhancement via the development of new nanomaterials and nanosensors.

ALA‐A2 Is a Novel Anticancer Peptide Inspired by Alpha‐Lactalbumin: A Discovery from a Computational Peptide Library, In Silico Anticancer Peptide Screening and In Vitro Experimental Validation

Abstract: Anticancer peptides (ACPs) are rising as a new strategy for cancer therapy. However, traditional laboratory screening to find and identify novel ACPs from hundreds to thousands of peptides is costly and time consuming. Here, a sequential procedure is applied to identify candidate ACPs from a computer‐generated peptide library inspired by alpha‐lactalbumin, a milk protein with known anticancer properties. A total of 2688 distinct peptides, 5–25 amino acids in length, are generated from alpha‐lactalbumin. In silico ACP screening using the physicochemical and structural filters and three machine learning models lead to the top candidate peptides ALA‐A1 and ALA‐A2. In vitro screening against five human cancer cell lines supports ALA‐A2 as the positive hit. ALA‐A2 selectively kills A549 lung cancer cells in a dose‐dependent manner, with no hemolytic side effects, and acts as a cell penetrating peptide without membranolytic effects. Sequential window acquisition of all theorical fragment ions‐proteomics and functional validation reveal that ALA‐A2 induces autophagy to mediate lung cancer cell death. This approach to identify ALA‐A2 is time and cost‐effective. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the exact intracellular targets of ALA‐A2. Moreover, these findings support the use of larger computational peptide libraries built upon multiple proteins to further advance ACP research and development.

Ecosystem Services at the Farm Level—Overview, Synergies, Trade‐Offs, and Stakeholder Analysis

Abstract: The current geological epoch is characterized by anthropogenic activity that greatly impacts on natural ecosystems and their integrity. The complex networks of ecosystem services (ESs) are often ignored because the provision of natural resources, such as food and industrial crops, is mistakenly viewed as an independent process separate from ecosystems and ignoring the impacts on ecosystems. Recently, research has intensified on how to evaluate and manage ES to minimize environmental impacts, but it remains unclear how to balance anthropogenic activity and ecosystem integrity. This paper reviews the main ESs at farm level including provisioning, regulating, habitat, and cultural services. For these ESs, synergies are outlined and evaluated along with the respective practices (e.g., cover‐ and intercropping) and ES suppliers (e.g., pollinators and biocontrol agents). Further, several farm‐level ES trade‐offs are discussed along with a proposal for their evaluation. Finally, a framework for stakeholder approaches specific to farm‐level ES is put forward, along with an outlook on how existing precision agriculture technologies can be adapted for improved assessment of ES bundles. This is believed to provide a useful framework for both decision makers and stakeholders to facilitate the development of more sustainable and resilient farming systems.

Environmental Justice and Carbon Pricing: Can They Be Reconciled?

Abstract: Carbon pricing has been criticized by environmental justice advocates on the grounds that it fails to reduce emissions significantly, fails to reduce the disproportionate impacts of hazardous co‐pollutants on people of color and low‐income communities, hits low‐income households harder than wealthier households, and commodifies nature. Designing carbon pricing policy to address these concerns can yield outcomes that are both more effective and more equitable.

Carbon Storage Tanker Lifetime Assessment

Abstract: CO2 capture and storage (CCS) is an important strategy to reduce global CO2 emissions. This work presents both cutting‐edge carbon storage tanker design, as well as novel reliability method making possible to extract useful information about the lifespan distribution of carbon capture systems from their recorded time history. The method outlined may be applied on more complex sustainable systems that are exposed to environmental stresses throughout the whole period of their planned service life. The latter is of paramount importance at the design stage for complex engineering systems. Novel design for CCS system is discussed and accurate numerical simulation results are used to apply suggested novel reliability methodology. Furthermore, traditional reliability approaches that deal with complex energy systems are not well suited for handling high dimensionality and cross‐correlation between various system components of innovative dynamic CO2 storage subsea shuttle tanker. This study has two distinctive key features: the state of art CCS design concept, and the novel general purpose reliability method, recently developed by authors, and particularly suitable for operational safety study of complex energy systems.

Sustainable Reuse and Recycling of Spent Li‐Ion batteries from Electric Vehicles: Chemical, Environmental, and Economical Perspectives

Abstract: The rapidly increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) worldwide is causing high demand for production of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Tremendous efforts have been made to develop different components of LIBs in addition to design of battery pack architectures as well as manufacturing processes to make better batteries with affordable prices. Nonetheless, sustainable use of LIBs relies on the availability and cost of rare metals, which are naturally concentrated in a few countries. In addition, toxic electrolytes used in LIBs pose concerns on environmental impacts if LIBs are not handled properly after decommissioned from EVs. Therefore, it is paramount to realize effective utilization of spent LIBs, where their remaining capacities can be reused in less demanding applications. Finally, electrode materials and other valuable components of LIBs can be recovered via recycling, completing their circular life cycle. In this review, available options of LIBs after their retirement from EV applications, including battery second use, repair of electrode materials by direct regeneration, and material recovery by hydrometallurgical or pyrometallurgical processes are discussed. Throughout the review, the discussion is based around current available technologies, their environmental impacts, and economic feasibility as well as provided examples of pilot and industrial scale adoption of the processes.

Advances in Wearable Piezoelectric Sensors for Hazardous Workplace Environments

Abstract: Recent advances in wearable energy harvesting technology as solutions to occupational health and safety programs are presented. Workers are often exposed to harmful conditions—especially in the mining and construction industries—where chronic health issues can emerge over time. While wearable sensors technology can aid in early detection and long‐term exposure tracking, powering them and the associated risks are often an impediment for their widespread use, such as the need for frequent charging and battery safety. Repetitive vibration exposure is one such hazard, e.g., whole body vibration, yet it can also provide parasitic energy that can be harvested to power wearable sensors and overcome the battery limitations. This review can critically analyze the vibration effect on workers’ health, the limitations of currently available devices, explore new options for powering different personal protective equipment devices, and discuss opportunities and directions for future research. The recent progress in self‐powered vibration sensors and systems from the perspective of the underlying materials, applications, and fabrication techniques is reviewed. Lastly, the challenges and perspectives are discussed for reference to the researchers who are interested in self‐powered vibration sensors.

Vanillin‐Derived Thermally Reprocessable and Chemically Recyclable Schiff‐Base Epoxy Thermosets

Abstract: The paradigm shift from traditional petroleum‐based non‐recyclable thermosets to biobased repeatedly recyclable materials is required to move toward circular bioeconomy. Here, two mechanically and chemically recyclable extended vanillin‐derived epoxy thermosets are successfully fabricated by introduction of Schiff‐base/imine covalent dynamic bonds. Thermoset 1 (T1) is based on linear monomer 1 (M1) with two alcohol end groups and one imine bond, while thermoset 2 (T2) is based on branched monomer 2 (M2) with three alcohol end‐groups and three imine‐groups. Thermosets are obtained by reaction of monomer 1 (M1) and monomer 2 (M2) with trimethylolpropane triglycidyl ether. The structure of the monomers and thermosets is confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic techniques. Both thermosets exhibit good thermal and mechanical properties and they are stable in common organic solvents. Furthermore, they can be thermally reprocessed through compression molding with good recovery of the mechanical properties. Last but not least, the fabricated thermosets can be rapidly and completely chemically recycled to water‐soluble aldehydes and amines by imine hydrolysis at room temperature in 0.1 m HCl solution. This is promising for development of future materials with multiple circularity by different routes.

Biodegradation in Composting Conditions of PBEAS Monofilaments for the Sustainable End‐Use of Fishing Nets

Abstract: The development and utilization of biodegradable plastics is an effective way to overcome environmental pollution caused by the disposal of non‐degradable plastics. Recently, polybutylene succinate co‐butylene adipate co‐ethylene succinate co‐ethylene adipate, (PBEAS) a biodegradable polymer with excellent strength and elongation, was developed to replace conventional nylon‐based non‐degradable fishing nets. The biodegradable fishing gear developed in this way can greatly contribute to inhibiting ghost fishing that may occur at the fishing site. In addition, by collecting the products after use and disposing of them in composting conditions, the environmental problem such as the leakage of microplastics strongly can be prevented. In this study, the aerobic biodegradation of PBEAS fishing nets under composting conditions is evaluated and the resulting changes in physicochemical properties are analyzed. The PBEAS fishing gear exhibits a mineralization rate of 82% in a compost environment for 45 days. As a result of physicochemical analysis, PBEAS fibers show a representative decrease in molecular weight and mechanical properties under composting conditions. PBEAS fibers can be used as eco‐friendly biodegradable fishing gear that can replace existing non‐degradable nylon fibers, and in particular, fishing gear collected after use can be returned to nature through biodegradation under composting conditions.

Challenges for Hybrid Water Electrolysis to Replace the Oxygen Evolution Reaction on an Industrial Scale

Abstract: To enable a future society based on sun and wind energy, transforming electricity into chemical energy in the form of fuels is crucial. This transformation can be achieved in an electrolyzer performing water splitting, where at the anode, water is oxidized to oxygen—oxygen evolution reaction (OER)—to produce protons and electrons that can be combined at the cathode to form hydrogen—hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). While hydrogen is a desired fuel, the obtained oxygen has no economic value. A techno‐economically more suitable alternative is hybrid water electrolysis, where value‐added oxidation reactions of abundant organic feedstocks replace the OER. However, tremendous challenges remain for the industrial‐scale application of hybrid water electrolysis. Herein, these challenges, including the higher kinetic overpotentials of organic oxidation reactions compared to the OER, the small feedstock availably and product demand of these processes compared to the HER (and carbon dioxide reduction), additional purifications costs, and electrocatalytic challenges to meet the industrially required activities, selectivities, and especially long‐term stabilities are critically discussed. It is anticipated that this perspective helps the academic research community to identify industrially relevant research questions concerning hybrid water electrolysis.

A State‐of‐Art Review of the Metal Oxide‐Based Nanomaterials Effect on Photocatalytic Degradation of Malachite Green Dyes and a Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract: A wide range of hard contaminants in wastewater is generated from different industries as byproducts of the organic compound. In this review, various metal oxide‐based nanomaterials are employed for the photocatalytic removal of malachite green (MG) dye from wastewater. Some cost‐effective and appropriate testing conditions are used for degrading these hard dyes to get higher removal efficiency. The effects of specific parameters are considered such as how the catalyst is made, how much dye is in the solution at first, how much nanocatalyst is needed to break down the dye, the initial pH of the dye solution, the type of light source used, the year of publications, and how long the dye has to be exposed to light to be removed. This study suggests that Scopus‐based core collected data employ bibliometric methods to provide an objective analysis of global MG dye from 2011 to 2022 (12 years). The Scopus database collects all the information (articles, authors, keywords, and publications). For bibliometric analysis, 658 publications are retrieved corresponding to MG dye photodegradation, and the number of publications increases annually. A bibliometric study reveals a state‐of‐art review of metal oxide‐based nanomaterials' effects on photocatalytic degradation of MG dyes (12 years).

Challenges for Circular Economy under the EU 2020/741 Wastewater Reuse Regulation

Abstract: Wastewater reuse is seen as an opportunity to support a circular economy and optimize water resources. However, the use of wastewater is limited by the need for the proper protection of health and the environment and demands a certain minimum quality of treated reclaimed water. The objective of this work is to evaluate the opportunities both for the agents in the water treatment chain (from municipalities to farmers) and for technology providers under the recently approved Regulation EU‐2020/741. The new market and opportunities require new value chains, technology development, governance, risk assurance, and adapted local regulation. Bottlenecks also pose technological, environmental, institutional, economic, and social challenges. The identified needs and barriers must be properly addressed in order to accelerate the transformation of the water sector toward the circular economy. As a conclusion, Reg EU 2020/741 introduces minimum requirements for urban wastewater reuse and requires the definition of risk management and transparency. The real impact of regulation on circular‐economy objectives is limited by water scarcity and crop profitability. Social acceptance is critical for success.

Knowledge, Information, and Data Readiness Levels (KaRLs) for Risk Assessment, Communication, and Governance of Nano‐, New, and Other Advanced Materials

Abstract: The obvious benefits derived from the increasing use of engineered nano‐, new, and advanced materials and associated products have to be weighed out by a governance process against their possible risks. Differences in risk perception (beliefs about potential harm) among stakeholders, in particular nonscientists, and low transparency of the underlying decision processes can lead to a lack of support and acceptance of nano‐, new, and other advanced material enabled products. To integrate scientific outcomes with stakeholders needs, this work develops a new approach comprising a nine‐level, stepwise categorization and guidance system entitled “Knowledge, Information, and Data Readiness Levels” (KaRLs), analogous to the NASA Technology Readiness Levels. The KaRL system assesses the type, extent, and usability of the available data, information, and knowledge and integrates the participation of relevant and interested stakeholders in a cocreation/codesign process to improve current risk assessment, communication, and governance. The novelty of the new system is to communicate and share all available and relevant elements on material related risks in a user/stakeholder‐friendly, transparent, flexible, and holistic way and so stimulate reflection, awareness, communication, and a deeper understanding that ultimately enables the discursive process that is needed for the sustainable risk governance of new materials.

(Global Challenges 3/2023)

Abstract: Global ChallengesVolume 7, Issue 3 2370031 Cover PictureOpen Access (Global Challenges 3/2023) First published: 10 March 2023 https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.202370031AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Graphical Abstract Volume7, Issue3March 20232370031 RelatedInformation

Nickel Oxide Decorated Halloysite Nanotubes as Sulfur Host Materials for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Abstract: Lithium–sulfur batteries with high energy density still confront many challenges, such as polysulfide dissolution, the large volume change of sulfur, and fast capacity fading in long‐term cycling. Herein, a naturally abundant clay material, halloysite, is introduced as a sulfur host material in the cathode of Li–S batteries. Nickel oxide nanoparticles are embedded into the halloysite nanotubes (NiO@Halloysite) by hydrothermal and calcination treatment to improve the affinity of halloysite nanotubes to polysulfides. The NiO@Halloysite composite loaded with sulfur (S/NiO@Halloysite) is employed as the cathode of Li–S batteries, which combines the physical confinements of tubular halloysite particles and good chemical adsorption ability of NiO. The S/NiO@Halloysite electrode exhibits a high discharge capacity of 1205.47 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C. In addition, it demonstrates enhanced cycling stability, retaining ≈60% of initial capacity after 450 cycles at 0.5 C. The synthesized NiO@Halloysite can provide a promising prospect and valuable insight into applying natural clay materials in Li–S batteries.

Assembling the climate story: use of storyline approaches in climate‐related science

Abstract: Storylines are introduced in climate science to provide unity of discourse, integrate the physical and socioeconomic components of phenomena, and make climate evolution more tangible. The use of this concept by multiple scholar communities and the novelty of some of its applications renders the concept ambiguous nonetheless, because the term hides behind a wide range of purposes, understandings, and methodologies. This semi‐systematic literature review identifies three approaches that use storylines as a keystone concept: scenarios—familiar for their use in IPCC reports—discourse‐analytical approaches, and physical climate storylines. After screening peer‐reviewed articles that mention climate and storylines, 270 articles are selected, with 158, 55, and 57 in each category. The results indicate that each scholarly community works with a finite and different set of methods and diverging understandings. Moreover, these approaches have received criticism in their assembly of storylines: either for lacking explicitness or for the homogeneity of expertise involved. This article proposes that cross‐pollination among the approaches can improve the usefulness and usability of climate‐related storylines. Among good practices are the involvement of a broader range of scientific disciplines and expertise, use of mixed‐methods, assessment of storylines against a wider set of quality criteria, and targeted stakeholder participation in key stages of the process.

Updates on Hydrogen Value Chain: A Strategic Roadmap

Abstract: A strategic roadmap for noncarbonized fuels is a global priority, and the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions is a key focus of the Paris Agreement to mitigate the effects of rising temperatures. In this context, hydrogen is a promising noncarbonized fuel, but the pace of its implementation will depend on the engineering advancements made at each step of its value chain. To accelerate its adoption, various applications of hydrogen across industries, transport, power, and building sectors have been identified, where it can be used as a feedstock, fuel, or energy carrier and storage. However, widespread usage of hydrogen will depend on its political, industrial, and social acceptance. It is essential to carefully assess the hydrogen value chain and compare it with existing solar technologies. The major challenge to widespread adoption of hydrogen is its cost as outlined in the roadmap for hydrogen. It needs to be produced at the levelized cost of hydrogen of less than $2 kg−1 to be competitive with the established process of steam methane reforming. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of each step of the hydrogen value chain, outlining both the current challenges and recent advances.

Image Enhancement via Special Functions and Its Application for Near Infrared Imaging

Abstract: Image enhancement is important given that it can be used to highlight the area of interest in the images. This article designs four filters via special function for realizing image enhancement. Firstly, a filter based on the exponential function is designed. When the value of the progression is even, the edge feature can be extracted. When the value of the progression is odd, sharp contrast can be obtained. Secondly, a filter is built using hyperbolic cosine and its inverse function, where a printmaking feature can be extracted. Thirdly, a filter is made via a hyperbolic secant function and its inverse. It can lead to the extraction of image edge. When the progression value is increasing, marginal effect can be found and the brightness is decreasing. Ripple morphology can be found. Fourthly, a filter is constructed through a hyperbolic sine function and its inverse, where marginal features can be extracted. Furthermore, these filters are useful for extracting the marginal features even when a high noise density of 0.9 is added to the original images. They are useful for highlighting the images acquired from near infrared imaging.

(Global Challenges 5/2023)

Abstract: Global ChallengesVolume 7, Issue 5 2370051 Cover PictureOpen Access (Global Challenges 5/2023) First published: 17 May 2023 https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.202370051AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Graphical Abstract Volume7, Issue5Special Issue: Marine Novel ProteinsMay 20232370051 RelatedInformation

Increasing Profitability of Ethanol Photoreforming by Simultaneous Production of H2 and Acetal

Abstract: Often, H2 is produced photocatalytically at the expense of sacrificial agents. When a sacrificial agent is selectively oxidized, this allows coupling of H2 production with synthesis of value-added organic compounds. Herein, it is argued that the conversion of bioethanol into 1,1-diethoxyethane with simultaneous H2 production increases the economic viability of photocatalysis and suggests a semiconductor material that is the most relevant for this purpose.

Masthead: (Global Challenges 5/2023)

Abstract: Global ChallengesVolume 7, Issue 5 2370052 MastheadOpen Access Masthead: (Global Challenges 5/2023) First published: 17 May 2023 https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.202370052AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL No abstract is available for this article. Volume7, Issue5Special Issue: Marine Novel ProteinsMay 20232370052 RelatedInformation

High Thermoelectric Performance in Ti3C2Tx MXene/Sb2Te3 Composite Film for Highly Flexible Thermoelectric Devices

Abstract: Flexible thin-film thermoelectric devices (TEDs) can generate electricity from the heat emitted by the human body, which holds great promise for use in energy supply and biomonitoring technologies. The p-type Sb2Te3 hexagon nanosheets are prepared by the hydrothermal synthesis method and compounded with Ti3C2Tx to make composite films, and the results show that the Ti3C2Tx content has a significant impact on the thermoelectric properties of the composite films. When the Ti3C2Tx content is 2 wt%, the power factor of the composite film reaches ≈59 µW m−1 K−2. Due to the outstanding electrical conductivity, high specific surface area, and excellent flexibility of Ti3C2Tx, the composite films also exhibit excellent thermoelectric and mechanical properties. Moreover, the small addition of Ti3C2Tx has a negligible effect on the phase composition of Sb2Te3 films. The TED consists of seven legs with an output voltage of 45 mV at ΔT = 30 K. The potential of highly flexible thin film TEDs for wearable energy collecting and sensing is great.

Challenges Regarding Protein Provision for the Growing Global Population: Improving the Environmental Impact of Traditional Protein Supply Chains and Maximising use of Coproducts and Alternative, New Resources

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High‐Performance Isotropic Thermo‐Electrochemical Cells Using Agar‐Gelled Ferricyanide/Ferrocyanide/Guanidinium

Abstract: An isotropic thermo‐electrochemical cell is introduced with a high Seebeck coefficient (Se) of 3.3 mV K−1 that uses a ferricyanide/ferrocyanide/guanidinium‐based agar‐gelated electrolyte. A power density of about 20 µW cm−2 is achieved at a temperature difference of about 10 K, regardless of whether the heat source is on the top or bottom section of the cell. This behavior is very different from that of cells with liquid electrolytes, which exhibit high anisotropy, and for which high Se values are achieved only by heating the bottom electrode. The guanidinium‐containing gelatinized cell does not exhibit steady‐state operation, but its performance recovers when disconnected from the external load, suggesting that the observed power drop under load conditions is not due to device degeneration. The large Se value and isotropic properties can mean that the novel system represents a major advancement from the standpoint of harvesting of low‐temperature heat, such as body heat and solar thermal heat.

Spatial Layouts of Low‐Entropy Hydration Shells Guide Protein Binding

Abstract: Protein–protein binding enables orderly biological self‐organization and is therefore considered a miracle of nature. Protein‒protein binding is driven by electrostatic forces, hydrogen bonding, van der Waals force, and hydrophobic interactions. Among these physical forces, only hydrophobic interactions can be considered long‐range intermolecular attractions between proteins due to the electrostatic shielding of surrounding water molecules. Low‐entropy hydration shells around proteins drive hydrophobic attraction among them that essentially coordinate protein‒protein binding. Here, an innovative method is developed for identifying low‐entropy regions of hydration shells of proteins by screening off pseudohydrophilic groups on protein surfaces and revealing that large low‐entropy regions of the hydration shells typically cover the binding sites of individual proteins. According to an analysis of determined protein complex structures, shape matching between a large low‐entropy hydration shell region of a protein and that of its partner at the binding sites is revealed as a universal law. Protein‒protein binding is thus found to be mainly guided by hydrophobic collapse between the shape‐matched low‐entropy hydration shells that is verified by bioinformatics analyses of hundreds of structures of protein complexes, which cover four test systems. A simple algorithm is proposed to accurately predict protein binding sites.

Masthead: (Global Challenges 3/2023)

Abstract: Global ChallengesVolume 7, Issue 3 2370032 MastheadOpen Access Masthead: (Global Challenges 3/2023) First published: 10 March 2023 https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.202370032AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume7, Issue3March 20232370032 RelatedInformation

Masthead: (Global Challenges 1/2023)

Abstract: Global ChallengesVolume 7, Issue 1 2370012 MastheadOpen Access Masthead: (Global Challenges 1/2023) First published: 06 January 2023 https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.202370012AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL No abstract is available for this article. Volume7, Issue1January 20232370012 RelatedInformation

Masthead: (Global Challenges 2/2023)

Abstract: Global ChallengesVolume 7, Issue 2 2370022 MastheadOpen Access Masthead: (Global Challenges 2/2023) First published: 06 February 2023 https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.202370022AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL No abstract is available for this article. Volume7, Issue2February 20232370022 RelatedInformation