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Lara-Topete GO, Castanier-Rivas JD, Bahena-Osorio MF, Krause S, Larsen JR, Loge FJ, Mahlknecht J, Gradilla-Hernández MS, González-López ME. Compounding one problem with another? A look at biodegradable microplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 944:173735. [PMID: 38857803 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173735] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Environmental concerns about microplastics (MPs) have motivated research of their sources, occurrence, and fate in aquatic and soil ecosystems. To mitigate the environmental impact of MPs, biodegradable plastics are designed to naturally decompose, thus reducing the amount of environmental plastic contamination. However, the environmental fate of biodegradable plastics and the products of their incomplete biodegradation, especially micro-biodegradable plastics (MBPs), remains largely unexplored. This comprehensive review aims to assess the risks of unintended consequences associated with the introduction of biodegradable plastics into the environment, namely, whether the incomplete mineralization of biodegradable plastics could enhance the risk of MBPs formation and thus, exacerbate the problem of their environmental dispersion, representing a potentially additional environmental hazard due to their presumed ecotoxicity. Initial evidence points towards the potential for incomplete mineralization of biodegradable plastics under both controlled and uncontrolled conditions. Rapid degradation of PLA in thermophilic industrial composting contrasts with the degradation below 50 % of other biodegradables, suggesting MBPs released into the environment through compost. Moreover, degradation rates of <60 % in anaerobic digestion for polymers other than PLA and PHAs suggest a heightened risk of MBPs in digestate, risking their spread into soil and water. This could increase MBPs and adsorbed pollutants' mobilization. The exact behavior and impacts of additive leachates from faster-degrading plastics remain largely unknown. Thus, assessing the environmental fate and impacts of MBPs-laden by-products like compost or digestate is crucial. Moreover, the ecotoxicological consequences of shifting from conventional plastics to biodegradable ones are highly uncertain, as there is insufficient evidence to claim that MBPs have a milder effect on ecosystem health. Indeed, literature shows that the impact may be worse depending on the exposed species, polymer type, and the ecosystem complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Ossmar Lara-Topete
- Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Laboratorio de Sostenibilidad y Cambio Climático, Av. General Ramón Corona 2514, Zapopan, Jalisco 45138, Mexico
| | - Juan Daniel Castanier-Rivas
- Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Laboratorio de Sostenibilidad y Cambio Climático, Av. General Ramón Corona 2514, Zapopan, Jalisco 45138, Mexico
| | - María Fernanda Bahena-Osorio
- Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Laboratorio de Sostenibilidad y Cambio Climático, Av. General Ramón Corona 2514, Zapopan, Jalisco 45138, Mexico
| | - Stefan Krause
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Joshua R Larsen
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Frank J Loge
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, United States of America; Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Jürgen Mahlknecht
- Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Misael Sebastián Gradilla-Hernández
- Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Laboratorio de Sostenibilidad y Cambio Climático, Av. General Ramón Corona 2514, Zapopan, Jalisco 45138, Mexico
| | - Martín Esteban González-López
- Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Laboratorio de Sostenibilidad y Cambio Climático, Av. General Ramón Corona 2514, Zapopan, Jalisco 45138, Mexico.
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Yokoyama D, Tsuboi Y, Abe H, Nagahata R, Konno H, Yoshida M, Kikuchi J. Quantification of microbial community assembly processes during degradation on diverse plastispheres based on physicochemical characters and phylogenetic bin-based null model analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 931:172401. [PMID: 38677413 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172401] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
To understand the differences in degradation processes depending on the chemical properties of polymers, it is necessary to both quantify the microbiome composition and evaluate the process of microbial turnover (i.e., community assembly processes) in a variety of polymer materials. In this study, using a phylogenetic bin-based null model analysis (i.e., iCAMP), we evaluated community assembly processes from original estuary water to 37 types of polymers, which provide overwhelmingly diverse niches for microbes, in 14-day incubation experiments. First, we evaluated the polymer properties related to degradation rates. Polymers with higher adipic acid (AdA) monomer exhibited higher motility, hydrophilicity, and degradation rates, whereas those with higher aromatic monomer exhibited the opposite trends. Second, microbiome composition analysis was performed, and the microbiomes were significantly changed by the AdA or aromatic content. This was consistent with the polymer properties, suggesting that polymer motility and hydrophilicity attributable to the first-order structure modify the accessibility of the enzyme to the reaction site and hence the degradation rate, resulting in differences in microbiome community composition. Finally, we determined community assembly processes from estuary water to plastics using a phylogenetic bin-based null model analysis. The importance of heterogeneous selection was higher in mobile, hydrophilic, and fast-degrading polymers, while that of homogeneous selection was lower. This suggests that the environmental difference between before and after incubation becomes significant under rapid degradation, which select microbes adapted to biofilm environments. In addition, the more stochastic turnover prevailed, the more variation in the communities (i.e., β-diversity) increased. This suggests that turnover processes not dictated by the environment lead to instability in community compositions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiki Yokoyama
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan; Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, 1-7-29 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Yuri Tsuboi
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Hideki Abe
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Ritsuko Nagahata
- Research Institute for Chemical Process Technology, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8565, Japan
| | - Hideo Konno
- Interdisciplinary Research Center for Catalytic Chemistry, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8565, Japan
| | - Masaru Yoshida
- Interdisciplinary Research Center for Catalytic Chemistry, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8565, Japan
| | - Jun Kikuchi
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan; Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, 1-7-29 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan; Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, 1 Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 464-0810, Japan.
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Roy S, Ghosh T, Zhang W, Rhim JW. Recent progress in PBAT-based films and food packaging applications: A mini-review. Food Chem 2024; 437:137822. [PMID: 37897823 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.137822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
Bioplastics are a promising alternative to non-biodegradable plastics. One of these bioplastics, PBAT (polybutylene adipate co-terephthalate), is a polyester-based bioplastic commonly used to manufacture flexible packaging films. PBAT-based films have high flexibility but relatively low strength compared to other bioplastics. The strength of PBAT films can be improved by blending them with other fillers/polymers. Additionally, the functionality of PBAT films can be enhanced by incorporating bioactive functional fillers. The physical and functional properties of PBAT films produced by adding active ingredients provide functionality and are a good alternative to non-degradable petrochemical-based plastics. The PBAT-based functional films protect food and improve packaged foods' quality and life span. Thus, this review provides recent advances in PBAT-based films and their use in active food packaging applications. After briefly describing the different fabrication methods of PBAT films, various important physical and functional properties and biodegradability are comprehensively discussed. PBAT-based active packaging film in real-time food packaging is also briefly covered. Through this review, more attention is expected to be focused on research on PBAT-based biodegradable active food packaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swarup Roy
- Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, School of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India.
| | - Tabli Ghosh
- Department of Food Engineering and Technology, Tezpur University, Tezpur, Assam 784028, India
| | - Wanli Zhang
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, PR China
| | - Jong-Whan Rhim
- Department of Food and Nutrition, BioNanocomposite Research Center, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.
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Yang Y, Cheng S, Zheng Y, Xue T, Huang JW, Zhang L, Yang Y, Guo RT, Chen CC. Remodeling the polymer-binding cavity to improve the efficacy of PBAT-degrading enzyme. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 464:132965. [PMID: 37979420 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132965] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) is among the most widely applied synthetic polyesters that are utilized in the packaging and agricultural industries, but the accumulation of PBAT wastes has posed a great burden to ecosystems. Using renewable enzymes to decompose PBAT is an eco-friendly solution to tackle this problem. Recently, we demonstrated that cutinase is the most effective PBAT-degrading enzyme and that an engineered cutinase termed TfCut-DM could completely decompose PBAT film to terephthalate (TPA). Here, we report crystal structures of a variant of leaf compost cutinase in complex with soluble fragments of PBAT, including BTa and TaBTa. In the TaBTa complex, one TPA moiety was located at a polymer-binding site distal to the catalytic center that has never been experimentally validated. Intriguingly, the composition of the distal TPA-binding site shows higher diversity relative to the one proximal to the catalytic center in various cutinases. We thus modified the distal TPA-binding site of TfCut-DM and obtained variants that exhibit higher activity. Notably, the time needed to completely degrade the PBAT film to TPA was shortened to within 24 h by TfCut-DM Q132Y (5813 mol per mol protein). Taken together, the structural information regarding the substrate-binding behavior of PBAT-degrading enzymes could be useful guidance for direct enzyme engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, 430062 Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shujing Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, 430062 Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingyu Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, 430062 Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, 430062 Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Wen Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, 430062 Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Lilan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, 430062 Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunyun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, 430062 Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Rey-Ting Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, 430062 Wuhan, People's Republic of China; Department of Immunology and Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, 311121 Hangzhou, People's Republic of China.
| | - Chun-Chi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, 430062 Wuhan, People's Republic of China; Department of Immunology and Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, 311121 Hangzhou, People's Republic of China.
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Park SU, Seo HJ, Seo YH, Park JY, Kim H, Cho WY, Lee PC, Lee BY. Ductile Copolyesters Prepared Using Succinic Acid, 1,4-Butanediol, and Bis(2-hydroxyethyl) Terephthalate with Minimizing Generation of Tetrahydrofuran. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:519. [PMID: 38399897 PMCID: PMC10891720 DOI: 10.3390/polym16040519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Poly(1,4-butylene succinate) (PBS) is a promising sustainable and biodegradable synthetic polyester. In this study, we synthesized PBS-based copolyesters by incorporating 5-20 mol% of -O2CC6H4CO2- and -OCH2CH2O- units through the polycondensation of succinic acid (SA) with 1,4-butanediol (BD) and bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET). Two different catalysts, H3PO4 and the conventional catalyst (nBuO)4Ti, were used comparatively in the synthesis process. The copolyesters produced using the former were treated with M(2-ethylhexanoate)2 (M = Mg, Zn, Mn) to connect the chains through ionic interactions between M2+ ions and either -CH2OP(O)(OH)O- or (-CH2O)2P(O)O- groups. By incorporating BHET units (i.e., -O2CC6H4CO2- and -OCH2CH2O-), the resulting copolyesters exhibited improved ductile properties with enhanced elongation at break, albeit with reduced tensile strength. The copolyesters prepared with H3PO4/M(2-ethylhexanoate)2 displayed a less random distribution of -O2CC6H4CO2- and -OCH2CH2O- units, leading to a faster crystallization rate, higher Tm value, and higher yield strength compared to those prepared with (nBuO)4Ti using the same amount of BHET. Furthermore, they displayed substantial shear-thinning behavior in their rheological properties due to the presence of long-chain branches of (-CH2O)3P=O units. Unfortunately, the copolyesters prepared with H3PO4/M(2-ethylhexanoate)2, and hence containing M2+, -CH2OP(O)(OH)O-, (-CH2O)2P(O)O- groups, did not exhibit enhanced biodegradability under ambient soil conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Bun Yeoul Lee
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (S.U.P.); (H.J.S.); (Y.H.S.); (J.Y.P.); (H.K.); (W.Y.C.); (P.C.L.)
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6
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Karimi A, Rahmatabadi D, Baghani M. Direct Pellet Three-Dimensional Printing of Polybutylene Adipate-co-Terephthalate for a Greener Future. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:267. [PMID: 38257066 PMCID: PMC10820913 DOI: 10.3390/polym16020267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The widespread use of conventional plastics in various industries has resulted in increased oil consumption and environmental pollution. To address these issues, a combination of plastic recycling and the use of biodegradable plastics is essential. Among biodegradable polymers, poly butylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT) has attracted significant attention due to its favorable mechanical properties and biodegradability. In this study, we investigated the potential of using PBAT for direct pellet printing, eliminating the need for filament conversion. To determine the optimal printing temperature, three sets of tensile specimens were 3D-printed at varying nozzle temperatures, and their mechanical properties and microstructure were analyzed. Additionally, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) was conducted to evaluate the thermal behavior of the printed PBAT. Furthermore, we designed and printed two structures with different infill percentages (40% and 60%) to assess their compressive strength and energy absorption properties. DMTA revealed that PBAT's glass-rubber transition temperature is approximately -25 °C. Our findings demonstrate that increasing the nozzle temperature enhances the mechanical properties of PBAT. Notably, the highest nozzle temperature of 200 °C yielded remarkable results, with an elongation of 1379% and a tensile strength of 7.5 MPa. Moreover, specimens with a 60% infill density exhibited superior compressive strength (1338 KPa) and energy absorption compared with those with 40% infill density (1306 KPa). The SEM images showed that with an increase in the nozzle temperature, the quality of the print was greatly improved, and it was difficult to find microholes or even a layered structure for the sample printed at 200 °C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin Karimi
- School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran P.O. Box 11155-9567, Iran (D.R.)
- Department of Aerospace Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran P.O. Box 11155-9567, Iran
| | - Davood Rahmatabadi
- School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran P.O. Box 11155-9567, Iran (D.R.)
| | - Mostafa Baghani
- School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran P.O. Box 11155-9567, Iran (D.R.)
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Rajeshkumar L, Kumar PS, Ramesh M, Sanjay MR, Siengchin S. Assessment of biodegradation of lignocellulosic fiber-based composites - A systematic review. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:127237. [PMID: 37804890 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Lignocellulosic fiber-reinforced polymer composites are the most extensively used modern-day materials with low density and better specific strength specifically developed to render better physical, mechanical, and thermal properties. Synthetic fiber-reinforced composites face some serious issues like low biodegradability, non-environmentally friendly, and low disposability. Lignocellulosic or natural fiber-reinforced composites, which are developed from various plant-based fibers and animal-based fibers are considered potential substitutes for synthetic fiber composites because they are characterized by lightweight, better biodegradability, and are available at low cost. It is very much essential to study end-of-life (EoL) conditions like biodegradability for the biocomposites which occur commonly after their service life. During biodegradation, the physicochemical arrangement of the natural fibers, the environmental conditions, and the microbial populations, to which the natural fiber composites are exposed, play the most influential factors. The current review focuses on a comprehensive discussion of the standards and assessment methods of biodegradation in aerobic and anaerobic conditions on a laboratory scale. This review is expected to serve the materialists and technologists who work on the EoL behaviour of various materials, particularly in natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites to apply these standards and test methods to various classes of biocomposites for developing sustainable materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Rajeshkumar
- Centre for Machining and Materials Testing, KPR Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - P Sathish Kumar
- Natural Composites Research Group Lab, Department of Materials and Production Engineering, The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering (TGGS), King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - M Ramesh
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, KIT-Kalaignarkarunanidhi Institute of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - M R Sanjay
- Natural Composites Research Group Lab, Department of Materials and Production Engineering, The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering (TGGS), King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Suchart Siengchin
- Natural Composites Research Group Lab, Department of Materials and Production Engineering, The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering (TGGS), King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), Bangkok, Thailand
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Yan X, Chen Q, Zhang Z, Fu Y, Huo Z, Wu Y, Shi H. Chemical features and biological effects of degradation products of biodegradable plastics in simulated small waterbody environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166829. [PMID: 37673271 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166829] [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: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
A plethora of research has focused on the biosafety of biodegradable plastics (BPs), including their microplastic formation and additives leaching; however, relatively fewer studies have explored biodegradation products. This study aims to investigate the biological effects and chemical features of degradation products from three kinds of BPs, namely polyglycolic acid (PGA), poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), and the blends of PGA/PBAT without the addition of additives, in a simulated small waterbody environment with extracted soil solution for three months. Results showed that exposure to the whole degradation remnants of three BPs had no lethal effects on zebrafish at the current BP environmental concentrations (from 0.24 to 12.72 mg plastic/L) in small waterbodies. However, from the calculated BPs environmental concentrations (from 0.57 to 43.82 mg plastic/L) in 2026, PGA and PGA/PBAT blends may cause adverse effects on the cardiovascular system such as heartbeat rate suppression in zebrafish embryos, and also lead to reduced body length and pericardial edema and spinal curvature in fish larvae. We further qualitatively analyzed the composition of degradation products, and quantitatively measured four dominant degradation monomers (glycolic acid (GA), adipic acid (A), 1,4-butanediol (B), and terephthalic acid (T)) in the degradation remnants. It was found that the observed toxicities were probably due to the presence of GA, A, and T monomers, and their concentrations can reach 0.776, 0.034, and 0.6 mg/L under the calculated future scenario, respectively. It is worth mentioning that either GA or T monomers at the above concentrations were found to cause suppressed heartbeat rate in zebrafish embryos. Collectively, though the degradation products of BPs are temporarily safe at current environmental concentrations, they may lead to non-negligible toxicity with increasing production and continual improper recycling and/or BP waste management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyun Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Qiqing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Yangtze Delta Estuarine Wetland Ecosystem Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education & Shanghai Science and Technology Committee, Shanghai 200241, China.
| | - Zhuolan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Ye Fu
- College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Zhanbin Huo
- College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Huahong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
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9
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Jang Y, Kim M, Kim Y, Yu J, Kim SK, Han J, Kim YH, Min J. Enhancing biodegradation of PBAT through bio-stimulation using Pseudozyma jejuensis for effective plastic waste reduction. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 340:139867. [PMID: 37597621 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT) is a flexible and biodegradable material that finds applications in mulching film and the food packaging industry. In this study, we aimed to address the global plastic waste problem by developing an improved biodegradation system for PBAT. Our focus was on utilizing the biodegradation capabilities of Pseudozyma jejuensis, a microorganism known for its ability to decompose Polycaprolactam (PCL). Through bio-stimulation, we aimed to enhance the growth mechanism of P. jejuensis and optimize PBAT biodegradation. Our results demonstrated significant structural changes in the PBAT film, as revealed by FT-IR analysis. Moreover, FE-SEM imaging exhibited evident surface erosion and pitting, indicating physical alterations due to biodegradation. These findings provide strong evidence for the efficiency of our developed biodegradation system. To fully harness the potential of this system and enable its practical implementation, further research is warranted to optimize and scale up the process. Our work contributes to the ongoing efforts to combat the global plastic waste crisis, offering a valuable solution for the efficient biodegradation of PBAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yewon Jang
- School of Semiconductor and Chemical Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, 54896, Republic of Korea.
| | - Minseo Kim
- School of Semiconductor and Chemical Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, 54896, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yeji Kim
- School of Semiconductor and Chemical Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, 54896, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jaeyoung Yu
- School of Semiconductor and Chemical Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, 54896, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sung-Kon Kim
- School of Semiconductor and Chemical Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, 54896, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jeehoon Han
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yang-Hoon Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Chungbuk National University, Chungdae-Ro, Seowon-Gu, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jiho Min
- School of Semiconductor and Chemical Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, 54896, Republic of Korea.
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10
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Gao J, Wang K, Xu N, Li L, Ma Z, Zhang Y, Xiang K, Pang S, Pan L, Li T. Influence of a Multiple Epoxy Chain Extender on the Rheological Behavior, Crystallization, and Mechanical Properties of Polyglycolic Acid. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:2764. [PMID: 37447410 DOI: 10.3390/polym15132764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the impact of a multiple epoxy chain extender (ADR) on the rheological behavior, crystallization, and mechanical properties of polyglycolic acid (PGA). Tests of the torque and melt mass flow rate and dynamic rheological analysis were conducted to study the rheological behavior of PGA modified with ADR. The rheological results of the modified PGA showed a significantly increased viscosity and storage modulus with an increase in the ADR amount, which could be attributed to the chain extension/branching reactions between PGA and ADR. It was proved that ADR could be used as an efficient chain extender for tailoring the rheological performance of PGA. The Han plot of the modified PGA showed a transition of viscous behavior to elastic behavior, while the ADR content was increased from 0 to 0.9 phr. The formation of long-chain branches (LCBs) was confirmed via the Cole-Cole plot and weighted relaxation spectrum, wherein the LCBs substantially changed the rheological behavior of the modified PGA. The vGP plots predicted a star-type topological structure for the LCBs. The results of non-isothermal crystallization kinetics suggested that the crystallization of the modified PGA was predominantly homogeneous nucleation and three-dimensional growth. The crystallinity decreased slightly with the increase in the ADR amount. Compared to neat PGA, the modified PGA samples exhibited better tensile and flexural performances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng Gao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Kai Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Nai Xu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Luyao Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Zhao Ma
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Yipeng Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Kun Xiang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Sujuan Pang
- School of Science, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Lisha Pan
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Tan Li
- Shiner National and Local Joint Engineering and Research Center, Shiner Industrial Co., Ltd., Haikou 570228, China
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11
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Zena Y, Periyasamy S, Tesfaye M, Tumsa Z, Jayakumar M, Mohamed BA, Asaithambi P, Aminabhavi TM. Essential characteristics improvement of metallic nanoparticles loaded carbohydrate polymeric films - A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 242:124803. [PMID: 37182627 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Petroleum-based films have contributed immensely to various environmental issues. Developing green-based films from carbohydrate polymers is crucial for addressing the harms encountered. However, some limitations exist on their property, processibility, and applicability that prohibit their processing for further developments. This review discusses the potential carbohydrate polymers and their sources, film preparation methods, such as solvent-casting, tape-casting, extrusion, and thermo-mechanical compressions for green-based films using various biological polymers with their merits and demerits. Research outcomes revealed that the essential characteristics improvement achieved by incorporating different metallic nanoparticles has significantly reformed the properties of biofilms, including crystallization, mechanical stability, thermal stability, barrier function, and antimicrobial activity. The property-enhanced bio-based films made with nanoparticles are potentially interested in replacing fossil-based films in various areas, including food-packaging applications. The review paves a new way for the commercial use of numerous carbohydrate polymers to help maintain a sustainable green environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yezihalem Zena
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, Adama Science and Technology University, Adama 1888, Ethiopia
| | - Selvakumar Periyasamy
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, Adama Science and Technology University, Adama 1888, Ethiopia.
| | - Melaku Tesfaye
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, Adama Science and Technology University, Adama 1888, Ethiopia
| | - Zelalem Tumsa
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, Adama Science and Technology University, Adama 1888, Ethiopia
| | - Mani Jayakumar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Haramaya Institute of Technology, Haramaya University, P.O. Box No. 138, Haramaya, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
| | - Badr A Mohamed
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Perumal Asaithambi
- Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Jimma Institute of Technology, Jimma University, Po Box - 378, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Tejraj M Aminabhavi
- Center for Energy and Environment, School of Advanced Sciences, KLE Technological University, Hubballi 580 031, India.
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12
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Characterization of a PBAT Degradation Carboxylesterase from Thermobacillus composti KWC4. Catalysts 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/catal13020340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The large amount of waste synthetic polyester plastics has complicated waste management and also endangering the environment due to improper littering. In this study, a novel carboxylesterase from Thermobacillus composti KWC4 (Tcca) was identified, heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli, purified and characterized with various plastic substrates. Irregular grooves were detected on polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) film by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after Tcca treatment, and Tcca can also hydrolyze short–chain diester bis(hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET). The optimal pH and temperature for Tcca were 7.0 and 40 °C, respectively. In order to explore its catalytic mechanism and improve its potential for plastic hydrolysis, we modeled the protein structure of Tcca and compared it with its homologous structures, and we identified positions that might be crucial for the binding of substrates. We generated a variety of Tcca variants by mutating these key positions; the variant F325A exhibited a more than 1.4–fold improvement in PBAT hydrolytic activity, and E80A exhibited a more than 4.1–fold increase in BHET activity when compared to the wild type. Tcca and its variants demonstrated future applicability for the recycling of bioplastic waste containing a PBAT fraction.
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13
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Wang J, Sharaf F, Kanwal A. Nitrate pollution and its solutions with special emphasis on electrochemical reduction removal. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:9290-9310. [PMID: 36464745 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24450-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate pollution has become a serious environmental concern all over the world including in China due to the mismanagement of water resources and human activities. Agricultural runoff and industrial and nuclear waste are among the major sources of nitrate pollution. Consuming nitrate-rich water can cause many chronic diseases including digestive problems, which can lead to many types of cancer and other serious health issues. Denitrification is the natural process for nitrate reduction under aerobic conditions, but it cannot handle an excess of nitrate, so several methods have been adopted for nitrate removal, i.e., biological, chemical, physicochemical, and electrochemical reduction removal. Among all, electrochemical reduction removal is a cost-effective and environmental-friendly process. To obtain the maximal elimination efficiency ideal conditions of current intensity, pH, plate distance, initial nitrate concentration, and type of electrolyte solution should be studied for effective nitrate removal. Electrochemical reduction removal of nitrate involves the transfer of electrons and hydrogenation. Besides an efficient nitrate removal process, electrochemical reduction removal has some drawbacks like sludge formation, low selectivity for nitrogen, and production of brine that limit its long-term implementation. This review focused on nitrate pollution, previous nitrate removal strategies, and essential principles for understanding the mechanism of electrochemical reduction removal and controlling the products of the reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahong Wang
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, 710021, Xi'an, China.
| | - Faisal Sharaf
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, 710021, Xi'an, China
| | - Aqsa Kanwal
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, 710021, Xi'an, China
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14
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Cho JY, Kim SH, Cho DH, Jung HJ, Chan Kim B, Bhatia SK, Gurav R, Lee J, Park SH, Park K, Joo HS, Yang YH. Simultaneous monitoring of each component on degradation of blended bioplastic using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Anal Biochem 2022; 655:114832. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2022.114832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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15
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Compatibilization strategies and analysis of morphological features of Poly(Butylene Adipate-Co-Terephthalate) (PBAT)/Poly(Lactic Acid) PLA blends: a state-of-art review. Eur Polym J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2022.111304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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