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M SF, Narayanan R. Enterobacter cloacae-mediated polymer biodegradation: in-silico analysis predicts broad spectrum degradation potential by Alkane monooxygenase. Biodegradation 2024:10.1007/s10532-024-10091-4. [PMID: 39001975 DOI: 10.1007/s10532-024-10091-4] [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: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution poses a significant environmental challenge. In this study, the strain Enterobacter cloacae O5-E, a bacterium displaying polyethylene-degrading capabilities was isolated. Over a span of 30 days, analytical techniques including x-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, optical profilometry, hardness testing and mass spectrometric analysis were employed to examine alterations in the polymer. Results revealed an 11.48% reduction in crystallinity, a 50% decrease in hardness, and a substantial 25-fold increase in surface roughness resulting from the pits and cracks introduced in the polymer by the isolate. Additionally, the presence of degradational by-products revealed via gas chromatography ascertains the steady progression of degradation. Further, recognizing the pivotal role of alkane monooxygenase in plastic degradation, the study expanded to detect this enzyme in the isolate molecularly. Molecular docking studies were conducted to assess the enzyme's affinity with various polymers, demonstrating notable binding capability with most polymers, especially with polyurethane (- 5.47 kcal/mol). These findings highlight the biodegradation potential of Enterobacter cloacae O5-E and the crucial involvement of alkane monooxygenase in the initial steps of the degradation process, offering a promising avenue to address the global plastic pollution crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shafana Farveen M
- Department of Genetic Engineering, School of Bioengineering and Faculty of Engineering and Technology, College of Engineering & Technology (CET), SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Kanchipuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India
| | - Rajnish Narayanan
- Department of Genetic Engineering, School of Bioengineering and Faculty of Engineering and Technology, College of Engineering & Technology (CET), SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Kanchipuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India.
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Motelica L, Ficai D, Oprea OC, Trusca RD, Ficai A, Stelescu MD, Sonmez M, Nituica M, Mustatea G, Holban AM. Antimicrobial Packaging for Plum Tomatoes Based on ZnO Modified Low-Density Polyethylene. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6073. [PMID: 38892267 PMCID: PMC11172566 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Food safety and quality are major concerns in the food industry. Despite numerous studies, polyethylene remains one of the most used materials for packaging due to industry reluctance to invest in new technologies and equipment. Therefore, modifications to the current materials are easier to implement than adopting whole new solutions. Antibacterial activity can be induced in low-density polyethylene films only by adding antimicrobial agents. ZnO nanoparticles are well known for their strong antimicrobial activity, coupled with low toxicity and UV shielding capability. These characteristics recommend ZnO for the food industry. By incorporating such safe and dependable antimicrobial agents in the polyethylene matrix, we have obtained composite films able to inhibit microorganisms' growth that can be used as packaging materials. Here we report the obtaining of highly homogenous composite films with up to 5% ZnO by a melt mixing process at 150 °C for 10 min. The composite films present good transparency in the visible domain, permitting consumers to visualize the food, but have good UV barrier properties. The composite films exhibit good antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity from the lowest ZnO composition (1%), against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. The homogenous dispersion of ZnO nanoparticles into the polyethylene matrix was assessed by Fourier transform infrared microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The optimal mechanical barrier properties were obtained for composition with 3% ZnO. The thermal analysis indicates that the addition of ZnO nanoparticles has increased thermal stability by more than 100 °C. The UV-Vis spectra indicate a low transmittance in the UV domain, lower than 5%, making the films suitable for blocking photo-oxidation processes. The obtained films proved to be efficient packaging films, successfully preserving plum (Rome) tomatoes for up to 14 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludmila Motelica
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (L.M.); (D.F.); (R.-D.T.); (A.F.); (A.M.H.)
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, 3 Ilfov St., 050044 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Denisa Ficai
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (L.M.); (D.F.); (R.-D.T.); (A.F.); (A.M.H.)
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, 3 Ilfov St., 050044 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ovidiu-Cristian Oprea
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (L.M.); (D.F.); (R.-D.T.); (A.F.); (A.M.H.)
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, 3 Ilfov St., 050044 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Roxana-Doina Trusca
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (L.M.); (D.F.); (R.-D.T.); (A.F.); (A.M.H.)
| | - Anton Ficai
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (L.M.); (D.F.); (R.-D.T.); (A.F.); (A.M.H.)
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, 3 Ilfov St., 050044 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Maria Daniela Stelescu
- National Research and Development Institute for Textile and Leather, Leather and Footwear Institute, 93 Ion Minulescu Street, 031215 Bucharest, Romania; (M.D.S.); (M.S.); (M.N.)
| | - Maria Sonmez
- National Research and Development Institute for Textile and Leather, Leather and Footwear Institute, 93 Ion Minulescu Street, 031215 Bucharest, Romania; (M.D.S.); (M.S.); (M.N.)
| | - Mihaela Nituica
- National Research and Development Institute for Textile and Leather, Leather and Footwear Institute, 93 Ion Minulescu Street, 031215 Bucharest, Romania; (M.D.S.); (M.S.); (M.N.)
| | - Gabriel Mustatea
- National R&D Institute for Food Bioresources—IBA Bucharest, Dinu Vintila Street 6, 021102 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Alina Maria Holban
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (L.M.); (D.F.); (R.-D.T.); (A.F.); (A.M.H.)
- Microbiology & Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 077206 Bucharest, Romania
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Charoensri K, Shin YJ, Park HJ. Innovative HDPE Composites Enriched with UV Stabilizer and Diatomaceous Earth/Zinc Oxide for Enhanced Seafood Packaging and Antimicrobial Properties. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:4577. [PMID: 38231978 PMCID: PMC10708040 DOI: 10.3390/polym15234577] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The fisheries industry encounters distinct packaging challenges, including the need to protect perishable seafood from rapid spoilage caused by UV radiation while allowing for reuse. This study tackles these issues by introducing advanced high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites enhanced with a UV stabilizer and inorganic fillers, such as diatomaceous earth/zinc oxide (DZ). Our investigation explores the transformative effects of weathering on these pioneering composites, evaluating shifts in mechanical, physical, thermal properties, and sub-zero temperature stability. Incorporating a UV stabilizer alongside DZ within the HDPE matrix significantly enhances mechanical performance and weathering resilience. These enhancements extend the longevity of seafood packaging while preserving product quality. Moreover, our findings reveal a substantial breakthrough in antimicrobial properties. The inclusion of DZ, with or without a UV stabilizer, results in an impressive up to 99% enhancement in antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. This discovery not only bolsters the protective attributes of HDPE packaging but also presents a compelling case for the development of active packaging materials derived from DE/ZnO composites. This study bridges the gap between packaging and seafood quality, introducing advanced polymeric packaging technology for seafood products. It highlights the mutually beneficial link between packaging improvements and ensuring seafood quality, meeting industry needs while promoting sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yang J. Shin
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea;
| | - Hyun J. Park
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea;
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Zhu X, Li J, Zhang L, Lang F, Hou X, Zhao X, Zhang W, Zhao C, Yang Z. Effect of Strain Rate on Nano-Scale Mechanical Behavior of A-Plane (112¯0) ZnO Single Crystal by Nanoindentation. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:404. [PMID: 36838103 PMCID: PMC9960592 DOI: 10.3390/mi14020404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In this study, nanoindentation tests at three different strain rates within 100 nm indentation depth were conducted on an a-plane (112¯0) ZnO single crystal to investigate the effect of strain rate on its nano-scale mechanical behavior. The load-indentation-depth curves, pop-in events, hardness and Young's moduli of an a-plane (112¯0) ZnO single crystal at different strain rates were investigated at the nano-scale level. The results indicated that, with the indentation depth increasing, the load increased gradually at each maximum indentation depth, hma, during the loading process. A distinct pop-in event occurred on each loading curve except that corresponding to the hmax of 10 nm. The applied load at the same indentation depth increased with the increasing strain rate during the nanoindentation of the a-plane (112¯0) ZnO single crystal. The higher strain rate deferred the pop-in event to a higher load and deeper indentation depth, and made the pop-in extension width larger. The hardness showed reverse indentation size effect (ISE) before the pop-in, and exhibited normal ISE after the pop-in. Both the hardness and the Young's modulus of the a-plane (112¯0) ZnO single crystal increased with the increasing strain rate, exhibiting the positive strain-rate sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Zhu
- College of Science, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot 010051, China
- School of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Shanghai Technical Institute of Electronics & Information, Shanghai 201411, China
- College of Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia Open University, Hohhot 010011, China
| | - Jijun Li
- College of Science, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot 010051, China
- School of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Shanghai Technical Institute of Electronics & Information, Shanghai 201411, China
| | - Lihua Zhang
- College of Arts and Sciences, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Fengchao Lang
- College of Science, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot 010051, China
| | - Xiaohu Hou
- Test Center, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot 010051, China
| | - Xueping Zhao
- Test Center, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot 010051, China
| | - Weiguang Zhang
- College of Science, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot 010051, China
| | - Chunwang Zhao
- School of Materials Science and Hydrogen Energy, Foshan University, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Zijian Yang
- College of Science, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot 010051, China
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Polylactic acid tungsten trioxide reinforced composites: A study of their thermal, optical, and gamma radiation attenuation performance. Radiat Phys Chem Oxf Engl 1993 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2022.110705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Active Packaging Material Based on Immobilized Diatomaceous Earth/Zinc Oxide/High-Density Polyethylene Composite for Sea Food and Products. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14235228. [PMID: 36501622 PMCID: PMC9739206 DOI: 10.3390/polym14235228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the key factors of supporting the rapidly expanding seafood product industry in terms of quality control is the utilization of active packaging materials. Microorganisms are primarily responsible for the perishability and rapid disintegration of seafood. The incorporation of an inorganic compound, such as silica-based diatomaceous earth (DE), and a metal oxide, such as zinc oxide (ZnO), is proposed to develop active packaging materials with excellent antibacterial activity, minimized fishy odor, and brittleness at subzero temperatures. The mechanical, morphological, and physicochemical properties of these materials were investigated. The results show that the addition of DE/ZnO improved the antibacterial activity of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) samples by up to approximately 95% against both gram-positive and -negative bacteria. Additionally, it enhanced the Izod strength and stability at subzero temperatures of the samples. The odor evaporation test revealed that trimethylamine can be minimized in proportion to increasing DE/ZnO composite concentration. As a result, the development of active packaging materials from DE/ZnO composites is an emerging polymeric packaging technology for seafood products, wherein packaging and seafood quality are linked.
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Gupta J, Kumar A, Roy A, Anu, Deeksha, Kour P, Singh RP, Yogesh GK, Yadav K. Effects of Interfacial Interactions and Nanoparticle Agglomeration on the Structural, Thermal, Optical, and Dielectric Properties of Polyethylene/Cr2O3 and Polyethylene/Cr2O3/CNTs Nanocomposites. J Inorg Organomet Polym Mater 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10904-022-02508-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Evaluation of the Effect of Different Nano-Size of WO3 on the Structural and Mechanical Properties of HDPE. J Inorg Organomet Polym Mater 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10904-021-02219-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Sharma P, Mali HS, Dixit A. Mechanical behavior and fracture toughness characterization of high strength fiber reinforced polymer textile composites. IRANIAN POLYMER JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13726-020-00884-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Alsayed Z, Badawi MS, Awad R. Investigation of Thermal and Mechanical Behavior of HDPE/ZnFe2O4 Composite. J Inorg Organomet Polym Mater 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10904-021-01903-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Thermal and Mechanical Properties of HDPE Reinforced with Al2O3 Nanoparticles Processed by Thermokinectic Mixer. J Inorg Organomet Polym Mater 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10904-020-01709-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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