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Oh S, Stache EE. Recent advances in oxidative degradation of plastics. Chem Soc Rev 2024. [PMID: 38884337 DOI: 10.1039/d4cs00407h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Oxidative degradation is a powerful method to degrade plastics into oligomers and small oxidized products. While thermal energy has been conventionally employed as an external stimulus, recent advances in photochemistry have enabled photocatalytic oxidative degradation of polymers under mild conditions. This tutorial review presents an overview of oxidative degradation, from its earliest examples to emerging strategies. This review briefly discusses the motivation and the development of thermal oxidative degradation of polymers with a focus on underlying mechanisms. Then, we will examine modern studies primarily relevant to catalytic thermal oxidative degradation and photocatalytic oxidative degradation. Lastly, we highlight some unique studies using unconventional approaches for oxidative polymer degradation, such as electrochemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sewon Oh
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| | - Erin E Stache
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA.
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2
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Pignataro E, Pini F, Barbanente A, Arnesano F, Palazzo A, Marsano RM. Flying toward a plastic-free world: Can Drosophila serve as a model organism to develop new strategies of plastic waste management? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 914:169942. [PMID: 38199375 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.169942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The last century was dominated by the widespread use of plastics, both in terms of invention and increased usage. The environmental challenge we currently face is not just about reducing plastic usage but finding new ways to manage plastic waste. Recycling is growing but remains a small part of the solution. There is increasing focus on studying organisms and processes that can break down plastics, offering a modern approach to addressing the environmental crisis. Here, we provide an overview of the organisms associated with plastics biodegradation, and we explore the potential of harnessing and integrating their genetic and biochemical features into a single organism, such as Drosophila melanogaster. The remarkable genetic engineering and microbiota manipulation tools available for this organism suggest that multiple features could be amalgamated and modeled in the fruit fly. We outline feasible genetic engineering and gut microbiome engraftment strategies to develop a new class of plastic-degrading organisms and discuss of both the potential benefits and the limitations of developing such engineered Drosophila melanogaster strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Pignataro
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy.
| | - Francesco Pini
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Barbanente
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy.
| | - Fabio Arnesano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy.
| | - Antonio Palazzo
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy.
| | - René Massimiliano Marsano
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy.
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3
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Vuppaladadiyam SSV, Vuppaladadiyam AK, Sahoo A, Urgunde A, Murugavelh S, Šrámek V, Pohořelý M, Trakal L, Bhattacharya S, Sarmah AK, Shah K, Pant KK. Waste to energy: Trending key challenges and current technologies in waste plastic management. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 913:169436. [PMID: 38160846 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Due to the 'forever' degrading nature of plastic waste, plastic waste management is often complicated. The applications of plastic are ubiquitous and inevitable in many scenarios. Current global waste plastics production is ca. 3.5 MMT per year, and with the current trend, plastic waste production will reach 25,000 MMT by 2040. However, the rapid growth in plastic manufacture and the material's inherent nature resulted in the accumulation of a vast amount of plastic garbage. The current recycling rate is <10 %, while the large volumes of discarded plastic waste cause environmental and ecological problems. Recycling rates for plastic vary widely by region and type of plastic. In some developed countries, the recycling rate for plastics is around 20-30 %, while in many developing nations, it is much lower. These statistics highlight the magnitude of the plastic waste problem and the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to manage plastic waste more effectively and reduce its impact on the environment. This review critically analyses past studies on the essential and efficient techniques for turning plastic trash into treasure. Additionally, an attempt has been made to provide a comprehensive understanding of the plastic upcycling process, the 3Rs policy, and the life-cycle assessment (LCA) of plastic conversion. The review advocates pyrolysis as one of the most promising methods of turning plastic trash into valuable chemicals. In addition, plastic waste management can be severely impacted due to uncontrollable events, such as Covid 19 pandemic. Recycling and chemical upcycling can certainly bring value to the end-of-life plastic. However, the LCA analysis indicated there is still a huge scope for innovation in chemical upcycling area compared to mechanical recycling. The formulation of policies and heightened public participation could play a pivotal role in reducing the environmental repercussions of plastic waste and facilitating a shift towards a more sustainable future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Abhisek Sahoo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Ajay Urgunde
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Auburn University, AL 36849, USA
| | - S Murugavelh
- CO(2) Research and Green Technologies Centre, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Vít Šrámek
- Department of Power Engineering, Faculty of Environmental Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Technická 5, 166 28 Prague 6, Czech Republic; Department of Gaseous and Solid Fuels and Air Protection, University of Chemistry and Technology, Technická 5, 166 28 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Michael Pohořelý
- Department of Power Engineering, Faculty of Environmental Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Technická 5, 166 28 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Lukáš Trakal
- Department of Environmental Geosciences, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 16500 Praha 6, Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Sankar Bhattacharya
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.
| | - Ajit K Sarmah
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Faculty of Engineering, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
| | - Kalpit Shah
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Kamal K Pant
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India.
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Naidu G, Nagar N, Poluri KM. Mechanistic Insights into Cellular and Molecular Basis of Protein-Nanoplastic Interactions. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2305094. [PMID: 37786309 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202305094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Plastic waste is ubiquitously present across the world, and its nano/sub-micron analogues (plastic nanoparticles, PNPs), raise severe environmental concerns affecting organisms' health. Considering the direct and indirect toxic implications of PNPs, their biological impacts are actively being studied; lately, with special emphasis on cellular and molecular mechanistic intricacies. Combinatorial OMICS studies identified proteins as major regulators of PNP mediated cellular toxicity via activation of oxidative enzymes and generation of ROS. Alteration of protein function by PNPs results in DNA damage, organellar dysfunction, and autophagy, thus resulting in inflammation/cell death. The molecular mechanistic basis of these cellular toxic endeavors is fine-tuned at the level of structural alterations in proteins of physiological relevance. Detailed biophysical studies on such protein-PNP interactions evidenced prominent modifications in their structural architecture and conformational energy landscape. Another essential aspect of the protein-PNP interactions includes bioenzymatic plastic degradation perspective, as the interactive units of plastics are essentially nano-sized. Combining all these attributes of protein-PNP interactions, the current review comprehensively documented the contemporary understanding of the concerned interactions in the light of cellular, molecular, kinetic/thermodynamic details. Additionally, the applicatory, economical facet of these interactions, PNP biogeochemical cycle and enzymatic advances pertaining to plastic degradation has also been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goutami Naidu
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India
| | - Nupur Nagar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India
| | - Krishna Mohan Poluri
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India
- Centre for Nanotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India
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5
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Wang F, Zhang Q, Cui J, Bao B, Deng X, Liu L, Guo MY. Polystyrene microplastics induce endoplasmic reticulum stress, apoptosis and inflammation by disrupting the gut microbiota in carp intestines. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 323:121233. [PMID: 36804561 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have been recognized as a widespread new pollutant in nature and have induced an increase in the occurrence of a variety of diseases in carp. An animal model of microplastic ingestion was successfully established in an aqueous environment. The gut microbiota was analysed using a metagenomic approach. The results showed a significant reduction in the relative abundances of Lactococcus garvieae, Bacteroides_paurosaccharolyticus, and Romboutsia_ilealis after PS-MPs treatment. The 16S Silva database was used to predict and analyse the known genes. Intestinal flora disorders related to infectious diseases, cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, endocrine and metabolic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and other diseases were found. The intake of PS-MPs resulted in damage to carp intestinal tissue and apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells. The levels of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were significantly increased with the intake of PS-MPs. The gene and protein levels of GRP78, Caspase-3, Caspase-7, Caspase-9, Caspase-12, PERK, IRE1, and ATF6 were further examined in PS group. The occurrence of ERS and apoptosis in carp intestines was confirmed. These results suggest that the accumulation of PS-MPs in the aquatic environment can disturb the carp gut microbiota and induce ERS, apoptosis, and inflammation in the intestinal tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuhan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qirui Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jie Cui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China.
| | - Bowen Bao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xian Deng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lin Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China.
| | - Meng-Yao Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, People's Republic of China.
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6
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Tournier V, Duquesne S, Guillamot F, Cramail H, Taton D, Marty A, André I. Enzymes' Power for Plastics Degradation. Chem Rev 2023; 123:5612-5701. [PMID: 36916764 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Plastics are everywhere in our modern way of living, and their production keeps increasing every year, causing major environmental concerns. Nowadays, the end-of-life management involves accumulation in landfills, incineration, and recycling to a lower extent. This ecological threat to the environment is inspiring alternative bio-based solutions for plastic waste treatment and recycling toward a circular economy. Over the past decade, considerable efforts have been made to degrade commodity plastics using biocatalytic approaches. Here, we provide a comprehensive review on the recent advances in enzyme-based biocatalysis and in the design of related biocatalytic processes to recycle or upcycle commodity plastics, including polyesters, polyamides, polyurethanes, and polyolefins. We also discuss scope and limitations, challenges, and opportunities of this field of research. An important message from this review is that polymer-assimilating enzymes are very likely part of the solution to reaching a circular plastic economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Tournier
- Carbios, Parc Cataroux-Bâtiment B80, 8 rue de la Grolière, 63100 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Sophie Duquesne
- Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, TBI, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, Toulouse, France, 135, avenue de Rangueil, F-31077 Toulouse Cedex 04, France
| | - Frédérique Guillamot
- Carbios, Parc Cataroux-Bâtiment B80, 8 rue de la Grolière, 63100 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Henri Cramail
- Université Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LCPO, 16 Avenue Pey-Berland, 33600 Pessac, France
| | - Daniel Taton
- Université Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LCPO, 16 Avenue Pey-Berland, 33600 Pessac, France
| | - Alain Marty
- Carbios, Parc Cataroux-Bâtiment B80, 8 rue de la Grolière, 63100 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Isabelle André
- Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, TBI, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, Toulouse, France, 135, avenue de Rangueil, F-31077 Toulouse Cedex 04, France
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Microbial Enzyme Biotechnology to Reach Plastic Waste Circularity: Current Status, Problems and Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043877. [PMID: 36835289 PMCID: PMC9967032 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The accumulation of synthetic plastic waste in the environment has become a global concern. Microbial enzymes (purified or as whole-cell biocatalysts) represent emerging biotechnological tools for waste circularity; they can depolymerize materials into reusable building blocks, but their contribution must be considered within the context of present waste management practices. This review reports on the prospective of biotechnological tools for plastic bio-recycling within the framework of plastic waste management in Europe. Available biotechnology tools can support polyethylene terephthalate (PET) recycling. However, PET represents only ≈7% of unrecycled plastic waste. Polyurethanes, the principal unrecycled waste fraction, together with other thermosets and more recalcitrant thermoplastics (e.g., polyolefins) are the next plausible target for enzyme-based depolymerization, even if this process is currently effective only on ideal polyester-based polymers. To extend the contribution of biotechnology to plastic circularity, optimization of collection and sorting systems should be considered to feed chemoenzymatic technologies for the treatment of more recalcitrant and mixed polymers. In addition, new bio-based technologies with a lower environmental impact in comparison with the present approaches should be developed to depolymerize (available or new) plastic materials, that should be designed for the required durability and for being susceptible to the action of enzymes.
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Anand U, Dey S, Bontempi E, Ducoli S, Vethaak AD, Dey A, Federici S. Biotechnological methods to remove microplastics: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS 2023; 21:1787-1810. [PMID: 36785620 PMCID: PMC9907217 DOI: 10.1007/s10311-022-01552-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics pollution is major threat to ecosystems and is impacting abiotic and biotic components. Microplastics are diverse and highly complex contaminants that transport other contaminants and microbes. Current methods to remove microplastics include biodegradation, incineration, landfilling, and recycling. Here we review microplastics with focus on sources, toxicity, and biodegradation. We discuss the role of algae, fungi, bacteria in the biodegradation, and we present biotechnological methods to enhance degradation, e.g., gene editing tools and bioinformatics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uttpal Anand
- Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 8499000 Midreshet Ben Gurion, Israel
| | - Satarupa Dey
- Department of Botany, Shyampur Siddheswari Mahavidyalaya, University of Calcutta, Ajodhya, Shyampur, Howrah, 711312 India
| | - Elza Bontempi
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, INSTM Unit of Brescia, University of Brescia, Via Branze 38, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Serena Ducoli
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, INSTM Unit of Brescia, University of Brescia, Via Branze 38, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - A. Dick Vethaak
- Department of Environment and Health, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Abhijit Dey
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, 86/1 College Street, Kolkata, West Bengal 700073 India
| | - Stefania Federici
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, INSTM Unit of Brescia, University of Brescia, Via Branze 38, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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Construction of Fusion Protein with Carbohydrate-Binding Module and Leaf-Branch Compost Cutinase to Enhance the Degradation Efficiency of Polyethylene Terephthalate. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032780. [PMID: 36769118 PMCID: PMC9917269 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is a manufactured plastic broadly available, whereas improper disposal of PET waste has become a serious burden on the environment. Leaf-branch compost cutinase (LCC) is one of the most powerful and promising PET hydrolases, and its mutant LCCICCG shows high catalytic activity and excellent thermal stability. However, low binding affinity with PET has been found to dramatically limit its further industrial application. Herein, TrCBM and CfCBM were rationally selected from the CAZy database to construct fusion proteins with LCCICCG, and mechanistic studies revealed that these two domains could bind with PET favorably via polar amino acids. The optimal temperatures of LCCICCG-TrCBM and CfCBM-LCCICCG were measured to be 70 and 80 °C, respectively. Moreover, these two fusion proteins exhibited favorable thermal stability, maintaining 53.1% and 48.8% of initial activity after the incubation at 90 °C for 300 min. Compared with LCCICCG, the binding affinity of LCCICCG-TrCBM and CfCBM-LCCICCG for PET has been improved by 1.4- and 1.3-fold, respectively, and meanwhile their degradation efficiency on PET films was enhanced by 3.7% and 24.2%. Overall, this study demonstrated that the strategy of constructing fusion proteins is practical and prospective to facilitate the enzymatic PET degradation ability.
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Parthasarathy A, Miranda RR, Eddingsaas NC, Chu J, Freezman IM, Tyler AC, Hudson AO. Polystyrene Degradation by Exiguobacterium sp. RIT 594: Preliminary Evidence for a Pathway Containing an Atypical Oxygenase. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10081619. [PMID: 36014041 PMCID: PMC9416434 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10081619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The widespread use of plastics has led to their increasing presence in the environment and subsequent pollution. Some microorganisms degrade plastics in natural ecosystems and the associated metabolic pathways can be studied to understand the degradation mechanisms. Polystyrene (PS) is one of the more recalcitrant plastic polymers that is degraded by only a few bacteria. Exiguobacterium is a genus of Gram-positive poly-extremophilic bacteria known to degrade PS, thus being of biotechnological interest, but its biochemical mechanisms of degradation have not yet been elucidated. Based solely on genome annotation, we initially proposed PS degradation by Exiguobacterium sp. RIT 594 via depolymerization and epoxidation catalyzed by a ring epoxidase. However, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis revealed an increase of carboxyl and hydroxyl groups with biodegradation, as well as of unconjugated C-C double bonds, both consistent with dearomatization of the styrene ring. This excludes any aerobic pathways involving side chain epoxidation and/or hydroxylation. Subsequent experiments confirmed that molecular oxygen is critical to PS degradation by RIT 594 because degradation ceased under oxygen-deprived conditions. Our studies suggest that styrene breakdown by this bacterium occurs via the sequential action of two enzymes encoded in the genome: an orphan aromatic ring-cleaving dioxygenase and a hydrolase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anutthaman Parthasarathy
- Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY 14623, USA
- School of Chemistry and Biosciences, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK
| | - Renata Rezende Miranda
- Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY 14623, USA
| | - Nathan C. Eddingsaas
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY 14623, USA
| | - Jonathan Chu
- Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY 14623, USA
| | - Ian M. Freezman
- Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY 14623, USA
| | - Anna C. Tyler
- Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY 14623, USA
| | - André O. Hudson
- Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY 14623, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-585-475-4259
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Abstract
In the Anthropocene, plastic pollution is a worldwide concern that must be tackled from different viewpoints, bringing together different areas of science. Microbial transformation of polymers is a broad-spectrum research topic that has become a keystone in the circular economy of fossil-based and biobased plastics. To have an open discussion about these themes, experts in the synthesis of polymers and biodegradation of lignocellulose and plastics convened within the framework of The Transnational Network for Research and Innovation in Microbial Biodiversity, Enzymes Technology and Polymer Science (MENZYPOL-NET), which was recently created by early-stage scientists from Colombia and Germany. In this context, the international workshop “Microbial Synthesis and Degradation of Polymers: Toward a Sustainable Bioeconomy” was held on 27 September 2021 via Zoom. The workshop was divided into two sections, and questions were raised for discussion with panelists and expert guests. Several key points and relevant perspectives were delivered, mainly related to (i) the microbial evolution driven by plastic pollution; (ii) the relevance of and interplay between polymer structure/composition, enzymatic mechanisms, and assessment methods in plastic biodegradation; (iii) the recycling and valorization of plastic waste; (iv) engineered plastic-degrading enzymes; (v) the impact of (micro)plastics on environmental microbiomes; (vi) the isolation of plastic-degrading (PD) microbes and design of PD microbial consortia; and (vii) the synthesis and applications of biobased plastics. Finally, research priorities from these key points were identified within the microbial, enzyme, and polymer sciences.
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12
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Preparation and Properties of Blended Composite Film Manufactured Using Walnut-Peptide-Chitosan-Sodium Alginate. Foods 2022; 11:foods11121758. [PMID: 35741956 PMCID: PMC9223285 DOI: 10.3390/foods11121758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, layer-by-layer assembly was performed to prepare sodium alginate (SA) layer and walnut-peptide-chitosan (CS) bilayer composite films. Genipin was adopted to crosslink CS and walnut peptide. The properties of walnut peptide-CS-SA composite film were determined, and the influence of material ratio on the performance of composite film was explored. According to the results, the mechanical tensile property, oil absorption property, and water vapor barrier property of the composite film were improved with the presence of genipin. Moreover, the proportion of CS and walnut peptide had significant effects on color, transmittance, mechanical properties, barrier properties, and antioxidant properties of the composite films. Among them, the composite film containing 1% (w/v) CS, 1% (w/v) walnut peptide, and 0.01% (w/v) genipin showed the best performance, with a tensile strength of 3.65 MPa, elongation at break of 30.82%, water vapor permeability of 0.60 g·mm·m-2·h-1·kPa-1, oil absorption of 0.85%, and the three-phase electrochemistry of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging rate of 25.59%. Under this condition, the tensile property, barrier property, and oxidation resistance of the composite film are good, which can provide a good preservation effect for food, and has great application potential.
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Guo C, Guo H. Progress in the Degradability of Biodegradable Film Materials for Packaging. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12050500. [PMID: 35629826 PMCID: PMC9143987 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12050500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
In today’s world, the problem of “white pollution” is becoming more and more serious, and many countries have paid special attention to this problem, and it has become one of the most important tasks to reduce polymer waste and to protect the environment. Due to the degradability, safety, economy and practicality of biodegradable packaging film materials, biodegradable packaging film materials have become a major trend in the packaging industry to replace traditional packaging film materials, provided that the packaging performance requirements are met. This paper reviews the degradation mechanisms and performance characteristics of biodegradable packaging film materials, such as photodegradation, hydrodegradation, thermo-oxidative degradation and biodegradation, focuses on the research progress of the modification of biodegradable packaging film materials, and summarizes some challenges and bottlenecks of current biodegradable packaging film materials.
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14
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Depolymerization of P4HB and PBS Waste and Synthesis of the Anticancer Drug Busulfan from Plastic Waste. Catalysts 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/catal12040381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sustainable synthesis of pharmaceuticals is one of the main challenges for the pharmaceutical industry. Production of these compounds from plastic waste can provide an innovative and ecological approach to their sustainable synthesis. In this context, plastic waste can be regarded as a potential cheap resource for the production of compounds of interest to the pharmaceutical industry. In this work, the first methodologies for the reductive depolymerization of poly(4-hydroxybutyrate) (P4HB) and polybutylene succinate (PBS) plastic waste are reported using the catalyst systems MoO2Cl2(H2O)2/silane, MoO2Cl2(H2O)2/borane and KOH/PhSiH3 with moderate to excellent yields. We also developed the first synthetic strategy for the synthesis of a drug, the anticancer busulfan, from P4HB and PBS plastic waste with moderate overall yields.
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Methodologies to Assess the Biodegradability of Bio-Based Polymers—Current Knowledge and Existing Gaps. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14071359. [PMID: 35406232 PMCID: PMC9002992 DOI: 10.3390/polym14071359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Our society lives in a time of transition where traditional petroleum-based polymers/plastics are being replaced by more sustainable alternative materials. To consider these bioproducts as more viable options than the actual ones, it is demanded to ensure that they are fully biodegradable or compostable and that there is no release of hazardous compounds to the environment with their degradation. It is then essential to adapt the legislation to support novel specific guidelines to test the biodegradability of each biopolymer in varied environments, and consequently, establish consistent data to design a coherent labeling system. This review work aims to point out the current standards that can serve as a basis for the characterization of biopolymers’ biodegradation profile in different environments (soil, compost, and aquatic systems) and identify other laboratory methodologies that have been adopted for the same purpose. With the information gathered in this work, it was possible to identify remaining gaps in existing national and international standards to help establish new validation criteria to be introduced in future research and policies related to bioplastics to boost the sustainable progress of this rising industry.
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Liu L, Xu M, Ye Y, Zhang B. On the degradation of (micro)plastics: Degradation methods, influencing factors, environmental impacts. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:151312. [PMID: 34743885 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Plastics and microplastics are difficult to degrade in the natural environment due to their hydrophobicity, the presence of stable covalent bonds and functional groups that are not susceptible to attack. In nature, microplastics are more likely to attract other substances due to their large specific surface area, which further prevents degradation from occurring. Some of these substances are toxic and harmful, and can be spread to various organisms through the food chain along with the microplastics to cause harm to them. Degradation is an effective way to eliminate plastic pollution, and a comprehensive understanding of the methods and mechanisms of plastic degradation is necessary, because it is the result of synergistic effects of several degradation methods, both in nature and in consideration of future engineering applications. The authors firstly summarize the degradation methods of (micro)plastics; secondly, review the influence of intrinsic properties and environmental factors during the degradation process; finally, discuss the environmental impact of the degradation products of (micro)plastics. It is evident that the degradation of (micro)plastics still has many challenges to overcome, and there are no mature and effective methods that can be applied in engineering practice or widely used in nature. Therefore, there is an urgent need for research on the degradation of (micro)plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingchen Liu
- School of Architecture and Civil Engineering of Xihua University, Chengdu 610039, PR China
| | - Mingjie Xu
- School of Architecture and Civil Engineering of Xihua University, Chengdu 610039, PR China
| | - Yuheng Ye
- School of Architecture and Civil Engineering of Xihua University, Chengdu 610039, PR China
| | - Bin Zhang
- School of Architecture and Civil Engineering of Xihua University, Chengdu 610039, PR China; School of Food and Biotechnology of Xihua University, Chengdu 610039, PR China.
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