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Kim Y, Choe S, Cho Y, Moon H, Shin H, Seo J, Myung J. Biodegradation of poly(butylene adipate terephthalate) and poly(vinyl alcohol) within aquatic pathway. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 953:176129. [PMID: 39255933 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176129] [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: 06/29/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the environmental fate of biodegradable plastics in aquatic systems is crucial, given the alarming amount of plastic waste and microplastic particles transported through aquatic pathways. In particular, there is a need to analyze the biodegradation of commercialized biodegradable plastics upon release from wastewater treatment plants into natural aquatic systems. This study investigates the biodegradation behaviors of poly(butylene adipate terephthalate) (PBAT) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) in wastewater, freshwater, and seawater. Biodegradation of PBAT and PVA assessed through biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) experiments and microcosm tests revealed that the type of aquatic system governs the biodegradation behaviors of each plastic, with the highest biodegradation rate achieved in wastewater for both PBAT and PVA (25.6 and 32.2 % in 30 d, respectively). Plastic release pathway from wastewater into other aquatic systems simulated by sequential incubation in different microcosms suggested that PBAT exposed to wastewater and freshwater before reaching seawater was more prone to degradation than when directly exposed to seawater. On the other hand, PVA displayed comparable biodegradation rate regardless of whether it was directly exposed to seawater or had passed through other environments beforehand. Metagenome amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA genes revealed distinct community shifts dependent on the type of plastics in changing environments along the simulated aquatic pathway. Several bacterial species putatively implicated in the biodegradation of PBAT and PVA are discussed. Our findings underscore the significant influence of pollution routes on the biodegradation of PBAT and PVA, highlighting the potential for wastewater treatment to facilitate rapid degradation compared to direct exposure to pristine aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngju Kim
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Shinhyeong Choe
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongjun Cho
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hoseong Moon
- Graduate School of Green Growth and Sustainability, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hojun Shin
- Department of Packaging and Logistics, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongchul Seo
- Department of Packaging and Logistics, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaewook Myung
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; Graduate School of Green Growth and Sustainability, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Kaur R, Chauhan I. Biodegradable plastics: mechanisms of degradation and generated bio microplastic impact on soil health. Biodegradation 2024; 35:863-892. [PMID: 38985381 DOI: 10.1007/s10532-024-10092-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Conventional petroleum-derived polymers are valued for their versatility and are widely used, owing to their characteristics such as cost-effectiveness, diverse physical and chemical qualities, lower molecular weight, and easy processability for large-scale production. However, the extensive accumulation of such plastics leads to serious environmental issues. To combat this existing situation, an alternative lies in the production of bioplastics from natural and renewable sources such as plants, animals, microbes, etc. Bioplastics obtained from renewable sources are compostable and susceptible to degradation caused by microbes hydrolyzing to CO2, CH4, and biomass. Also, certain additives are reinforced into the bioplastic films to improve their physicochemical properties and degradation rate. However, on degradation, the bio-microplastic (BM) produced could have positive as well as negative impact on the soil health. This article thus focuses on the degradation of various fossil based as well as bio based biodegradable plastics such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polyhydroxy butyrate (PHB), polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polycaprolactone (PCL), and polysaccharide derived bioplastics by mechanical, thermal, photodegradation and microbial approaches. The degradation mechanism of each approach has been discussed in detailed for different bioplastics. How the incorporation or reinforcement of various additives in the biodegradable plastics effects their degradation rates has also been discussed. In addition to that, the impact of generated bio-microplastic on physicochemical properties of soil such as pH, bulk density, carbon, nitrogen content etc. and biological properties such as on genome of native soil microbes and on plant nutritional health have been discussed in detailed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishpreet Kaur
- Department of Biotechnology, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology Jalandhar, Punjab, 144008, India
| | - Indu Chauhan
- Department of Biotechnology, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology Jalandhar, Punjab, 144008, India.
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Mhaddolkar N, Astrup TF, Tischberger-Aldrian A, Pomberger R, Vollprecht D. Challenges and opportunities in managing biodegradable plastic waste: A review. WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOLID WASTES AND PUBLIC CLEANSING ASSOCIATION, ISWA 2024:734242X241279902. [PMID: 39344513 DOI: 10.1177/0734242x241279902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastics have certain challenges in a waste management perspective. The existing literature reviews fail to provide a consolidated overview of different process steps of biodegradable plastic waste management and to discuss the support provided by the existing legislation for the same. The present review provides a holistic overview of these process steps and a comprehensive relative summary of 13 existing European Union (EU) laws related to waste management and circular economy, and national legislations plus source separation guidelines of 13 countries, to ensure the optimal use of resources in the future. Following were the major findings: (i) numerous types and low volumes of biodegradable plastics pose a challenge to developing cost-effective waste management infrastructure; (ii) biodegradable plastics are promoted as food-waste collection aids, but consumers are often confused about their proper disposal and are prone to greenwashing from manufacturers; (iii) industry-level studies demonstrating mechanical recycling on a full scale are unavailable; (iv) the existing EU legislation dealt with general topics related to biodegradable plastics; however, only the new proposal on plastic packaging waste and the EU policy framework for bioplastics clearly mentioned their disposal and (v) clear disparities were observed between disposal methods suggested by national legislation and available source separation guidelines. Thus, to appropriately manage biodegradable plastic waste, it is necessary to develop waste processing and material utilization infrastructure as well as create consumer awareness. In the end, recommendations were provided for improved biodegradable plastic waste management from the perspective of systemic challenges identified from the literature review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namrata Mhaddolkar
- Chair of Waste Processing Technology and Waste Management (AVAW), Montanuniversität Leoben (MUL), Leoben, Austria
- DTU SUSTAIN, Department of Environmental Engineering, Danish Technical University (DTU), Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Thomas Fruergaard Astrup
- DTU SUSTAIN, Department of Environmental Engineering, Danish Technical University (DTU), Lyngby, Denmark
- Ramboll, Copenhagen S, Denmark
| | - Alexia Tischberger-Aldrian
- Chair of Waste Processing Technology and Waste Management (AVAW), Montanuniversität Leoben (MUL), Leoben, Austria
| | - Roland Pomberger
- Chair of Waste Processing Technology and Waste Management (AVAW), Montanuniversität Leoben (MUL), Leoben, Austria
| | - Daniel Vollprecht
- Chair of Resource and Chemical Engineering, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
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Nik Mut NN, Na J, Nam G, Jung J. The biodegradation of polylactic acid microplastic and their toxic effect after biofouling in activate sludge. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 362:125038. [PMID: 39343347 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.125038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 09/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/26/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
Biodegradable microplastics (MPs) can form biofilms through interactions with various microorganisms in aquatic system and can be exposed to organisms. This study first investigated biodegradability of polylactic acid (PLA) MPs and the characterization of PLA MPs before/after biofouling (4 weeks) and their toxic effects on the freshwater invertebrate Daphnia magna. The biodegradability rate of PLA MPs was up to 50% over 28 days, suggesting that even biodegradable MPs do not easily decompose under environmental conditions. Furthermore, biofouling of MPs led to an increase in size and, in the process, induced an additional functional peak in the PLA MPs. The exposure of biofouled MPs did not lead to a reduction in survival, reproduction, or growth during chronic exposure, nor did it cause feeding inhibition in juvenile (<4 days old) D. magna. However, pristine MPs significantly reduced survival, reproduction, and growth at concentrations of 5.0 mg L-1. Overall, pristine MPs caused inhibition of reproduction and growth and high mortality in D. magna, while the biofouling process did not induce these effects. Our findings highlight the complex interactions between MPs and biological components in aquatic environments, emphasizing the importance of considering biofouling dynamics when assessing the ecological impacts of biodegradable MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nik Nurhidayu Nik Mut
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Joorim Na
- OJeong Resilience Institute, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
| | - Gwiwoong Nam
- OJeong Resilience Institute, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinho Jung
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
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5
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Liu Y, Cai H, Wen Y, Song X, Wang X, Zhang Z. Research progress on degradation of biodegradable micro-nano plastics and its toxic effect mechanism on soil ecosystem. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 262:119979. [PMID: 39270956 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastics (BPs) are known to decompose into micro-nano plastics (BMNPs) more readily than conventional plastics (CPs). Given the environmental risks posed by BMNPs in soil ecosystems, their impact has garnered increasing attention. However, research focusing on the toxic effects of BMNPs on soils remains relatively limited. The degradation process and duration of BMNPs in soil are influenced by numerous factors, which directly impact the toxic effects of BMNPs. This highlights the urgent need for further research. In this context, this review delineates the classification of BPs, investigates the degradation processes of BPs along with their influencing factors, summarizes the toxic effects on soil ecosystems, and explores the potential mechanisms that underlie these toxic effects. Finally, it provides an outlook on related research concerning BMNPs in soil. The results indicate that specific BMNPs release additives at a faster rate during decomposition, degradation, and aging, with certain compounds exhibiting increased bioavailability. Importantly, a substantial body of research has shown that BMNPs generally manifest more pronounced toxic effects in comparison to conventional micro-nano plastics (CMNPs). The toxic effects associated with BMNPs encompass a decline in soil quality and microbial biomass, disruption of nutrient cycling, inhibition of plant root growth, and negative impacts on invertebrate reproduction, survival, and fertilization rates. The rough and complex surfaces of BMNPs contribute to increased mechanical damage to tested organisms, enhance absorption by microorganisms, and disrupt normal physiological functions. Notably, the toxic effects of BMNPs on soil ecosystems are influenced by factors including concentration, type of BMNPs, exposure conditions, degradation products, and the nature of additives used. Therefore, it is crucial to standardize detection technologies and toxicity testing conditions for BMNPs. In conclusion, this review provides scientific evidence that supports effective prevention and management of BMNP pollution, assessment of its ecological risks, and governance of BMNPs-related products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Regional Environment and Eco-restoration, Ministry of Education, Shenyang University, Shenyang, 110044, China
| | - Haoxuan Cai
- Key Laboratory of Regional Environment and Eco-restoration, Ministry of Education, Shenyang University, Shenyang, 110044, China
| | - Yujuan Wen
- Key Laboratory of Regional Environment and Eco-restoration, Ministry of Education, Shenyang University, Shenyang, 110044, China; Northeast Geological S&T Innovation Center of China Geological Survey, Shenyang, 110000, China; Key Laboratory of Black Soil Evolution and Ecological Effect, Ministry of Natural Resources, Shenyang, 110000, China.
| | - Xiaoming Song
- Key Laboratory of Regional Environment and Eco-restoration, Ministry of Education, Shenyang University, Shenyang, 110044, China
| | - Xiaochu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Regional Environment and Eco-restoration, Ministry of Education, Shenyang University, Shenyang, 110044, China
| | - Zhipeng Zhang
- Sichuan Geological Environment Survey and Research Center, Sichuan, 610000, China
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Madsen J, Rech A, Hartmann NB, Daugaard AE. Preparation of Block Copolymer-Stabilized Microspheres from Commercial Plastics and Their Use as Microplastic Proxies in Degradation Studies. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:18988-18998. [PMID: 39180478 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c01719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
This study presents a novel one-pot procedure for preparing sub-10 μm poly(ethylene glycol) (MPEG)-stabilized glycol-modified poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), polycarbonate, and polycaprolactone (PCL) particles from commercial plastics. The prepared particles can be dried and directly resuspended in water, making them easy to handle and relevant mimics of microplastics. In addition, the method was extended to the preparation of unstabilized PET particles and somewhat larger polyethylene (PE)-based particles. Selected stabilized microparticles were subjected to aerobic biodegradation studies and compared with nonstabilized PET particles. All of the particles exhibited some degradation. For PLA and PET particles, the degradation corresponded well to the amount of surface-stabilizing MPEG groups or known impurities, confirming that these polymers do not degrade under the applied conditions but that the stabilizing groups do. PCL particles degraded relatively rapidly, which is consistent with the literature data and their relatively small size. PE-based particles degraded more than expected if only degradation of the stabilizing groups was taken into account, indicating that the surface chemistry of these particles plays a role in bulk degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeppe Madsen
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Arianna Rech
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Nanna B Hartmann
- Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anders E Daugaard
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
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7
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García-Depraect O, Martínez-Mendoza LJ, Aragão Börner R, Zimmer J, Muñoz R. Biomethanization of rigid packaging made entirely of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate): Mono- and co-digestion tests and microbial insights. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 408:131180. [PMID: 39098356 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.131180] [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: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
This study evaluates the anaerobic mesophilic mono- and co-digestion of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBH) plastic bottles as a proxy for rigid packaging materials. Initial tests showed a 97.3 ± 0.2 % reduction in weight and an observable alteration in the surface (thinning, color fading and pitting) of the PHBH bottles after eight weeks. Subsequent tests showed that PHBH squares (3 × 3 cm) produced 400 NmL-CH4/g-VSfed, at a slower rate compared to powdered PHBH but with similar methane yield. Co-digestion experiments with food waste, swine manure, or sewage sludge showed successful digestion of PHBH alongside organic waste (even at a high bioplastic loading of 20 % volatile solids basis), with methane production comparable to or slightly higher than that observed in mono-digestion. Molecular analyses suggested that the type of co-substrate influenced microbial activity and that methane production was mainly driven by hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis. These results suggest the potential for integrating rigid PHBH packaging into anaerobic digesters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Octavio García-Depraect
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, Dr. Mergelina s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Engineering, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Leonardo J Martínez-Mendoza
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, Dr. Mergelina s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Engineering, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Rosa Aragão Börner
- Nestlé Research, Société des Produits Nestlé S.A., Route du Jorat 57, 1000 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Zimmer
- Nestlé Research, Société des Produits Nestlé S.A., Route du Jorat 57, 1000 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Raúl Muñoz
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, Dr. Mergelina s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Engineering, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain.
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8
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Zheng M, Li Y, Dong W, Zhang Q, Wang W. Regioselective enzymatic depolymerization of aromatic-aliphatic polyester revealed by computational modelling. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 474:134797. [PMID: 38865921 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134797] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) is widely utilized in the production of food packaging and mulch films. Its extensive application has contributed significantly to global solid waste, posing numerous environmental challenges. Recently, enzymatic recycling has emerged as a promising eco-friendly solution for the management of plastic waste. Here, we systematically investigate the depolymerization mechanism of PBAT catalyzed by cutinase TfCutSI with molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics calculations. Although the binding affinities for acid ester and terephthalic acid ester bonds are similar, a regioselective depolymerization mechanism and a "chain-length" effect on regioselectivity were proposed and evidenced. The regioselectivity is highly associated with specific structural parameters, namely Substrate@O4-Met@H7 and Substrate@C1-Ser@O1 distances. Notably, the binding mode of BTa captured by X-ray crystallography does not facilitate subsequent depolymerization. Instead, a previously unanticipated binding mode, predicted through computational analysis, is confirmed to play a crucial role in BTa depolymerization. This finding proves the critical role of computational modelling in refining experimental results. Furthermore, our results revealed that both the hydrogen bond network and enzyme's intrinsic electric field are instrumental in the formation of the final product. In summary, these novel molecular insights into the PBAT depolymerization mechanism offer a fundamental basis for enzyme engineering to enhance industrial plastic recycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingna Zheng
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, PR China
| | - Yanwei Li
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, PR China.
| | - Weiliang Dong
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, PR China
| | - Qingzhu Zhang
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, PR China
| | - Wenxing Wang
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, PR China
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Prabhaharan D, Park H, Choi O, Abraham A, Sang BI. Enhancing cellulose acetate biodegradability in cigarette filters: an in-depth analysis of thermal alkaline pretreatment, microbial dynamics, and breakdown pathway prediction. Microb Cell Fact 2024; 23:199. [PMID: 39026314 PMCID: PMC11256436 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-024-02476-0] [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: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The demand for bioplastics has increased exponentially as they have emerged as alternatives to petrochemical plastics. However, there is a substantial lack of knowledge regarding bioplastic degradation. This study developed a novel pretreatment method to improve the accessibility of a bioplastic substrate for biodegradation. In this study, cellulose acetate, a bioplastic found in the world's most littered waste, e.g. cigarette filters, was selected as a potential substrate. Before anaerobic digestion, three thermal alkaline pretreatments: TA 30 °C, TA 90 °C, and TA 121 °C, were used to evaluate their effects on the chemical alterations of cellulose acetate. RESULT The ester groups in cellulose acetate were significantly reduced by the TA 30 °C pretreatment, as seen by a decrease in C = O stretching vibrations and shortening of C - O stretches (1,270 ∼ 1,210 cm- 1), indicating effective removal of acetyl groups. This pretreatment significantly enhanced cellulose acetate biodegradability to a maximum of 91%, surpassing the previously reported cellulose acetate degradation. Methane production increased to 695.0 ± 4 mL/g of volatile solid after TA 30 °C pretreatment, indicating enhanced cellulose acetate accessibility to microorganisms, which resulted in superior biogas production compared to the control (306.0 ± 10 mL/g of volatile solid). Diverse microbes in the anaerobic digestion system included hydrolytic (AB240379_g, Acetomicrobium, FN436103_g, etc.), fermentative, and volatile fatty acids degrading bacteria (JF417922_g, AB274492_g, Coprothermobacter, etc.), with Methanobacterium and Methanothermobacter being the sole hydrogenotrophic methanogens in the anaerobic digestion system. Additionally, an attempt to predict the pathway for the effective degradation of cellulose acetate from the microbial community in different pretreatment conditions. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to estimate the maximum cellulose acetate degradation rate, with a simple and cost-effective pretreatment procedure. This approach holds promise for mitigating the environmental impact of cellulose acetate of cigarette filters and presents a sustainable and economically viable waste management strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darsha Prabhaharan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimniro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyojung Park
- Center of Convergence Bioceramic Materials, Korea Institute of Ceramic Engineering & Technology, 202, Osongsaengmyeong 1-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Okkyoung Choi
- Eco Lab Center, SK Ecoplant, 51, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Amith Abraham
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimniro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoung-In Sang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimniro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea.
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Wang J, Jia M, Zhang L, Li X, Zhang X, Wang Z. Biodegradable microplastics pose greater risks than conventional microplastics to soil properties, microbial community and plant growth, especially under flooded conditions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 931:172949. [PMID: 38703848 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172949] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastics (bio-plastics) are often viewed as viable option for mitigating plastic pollution. Nevertheless, the information regarding the potential risks of microplastics (MPs) released from bio-plastics in soil, particularly in flooded soils, is lacking. Here, our objective was to investigate the effect of polylactic acid MPs (PLA-MPs) and polyethylene MPs (PE-MPs) on soil properties, microbial community and plant growth under both non-flooded and flooded conditions. Our results demonstrated that PLA-MPs dramatically increased soil labile carbon (C) content and altered its composition and chemodiversity. The enrichment of labile C stimulated microbial N immobilization, resulting in a depletion of soil mineral nitrogen (N). This specialized environment created by PLA-MPs further filtered out specific microbial species, resulting in a low diversity and simplified microbial community. PLA-MPs caused an increase in denitrifiers (Noviherbaspirillum and Clostridium sensu stricto) and a decrease in nitrifiers (Nitrospira, MND1, and Ellin6067), potentially exacerbating the mineral N deficiency. The mineral N deficit caused by PLA-MPs inhibited wheatgrass growth. Conversely, PE-MPs had less effect on soil ecosystems, including soil properties, microbial community and wheatgrass growth. Overall, our study emphasizes that PLA-MPs cause more adverse effect on the ecosystem than PE-MPs in the short term, and that flooded conditions exacerbate and prolong these adverse effects. These results offer valuable insights for evaluating the potential threats of bio-MPs in both uplands and wetlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Minghao Jia
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Long Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xiaona Li
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Xiaokai Zhang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China.
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11
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Armijo-Galdames B, Sadler JC. One-Pot Biosynthesis of Acetone from Waste Poly(hydroxybutyrate). ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING 2024; 12:7748-7756. [PMID: 38783840 PMCID: PMC11110063 DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.4c00357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The plastic waste crisis is catalyzing change across the plastics life cycle. Central to this is increased production and application of bioplastics and biodegradable plastics. In particular, poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) is a biodegradable bioplastic that can be produced from various renewable and waste feedstocks and is a promising alternative to some petrochemical-derived and non-biodegradable plastics. Despite its advantages, PHB biodegradation depends on environmental conditions, and the effects of degradation into microplastics, oligomers, and the 3-hydroxybutyrate (3-HB) monomer on soil microbiomes are unknown. We hypothesized that the ease of PHB biodegradation renders this next-generation plastic an ideal feedstock for microbial recycling into platform chemicals currently produced from fossil fuels. To demonstrate this, we report the one-pot degradation and recycling of PHB into acetone using a single strain of engineered Escherichia coli. Following strain development and initial bioprocess optimization, we report maximum titers of 123 mM acetone (7 g/L) from commercial PHB granules after 24 h fermentation at 30 °C. We further report biorecycling of an authentic sample of post-consumer PHB waste at a preparative scale. This is the first demonstration of biological recycling of PHB into a second-generation chemical, and it demonstrates next-generation plastic waste as a novel feedstock for the circular bioeconomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamín
O. Armijo-Galdames
- Institute of Quantitative
Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Roger Land Building, Alexander Crum
Brown Road, King’s Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, U.K.
| | - Joanna C. Sadler
- Institute of Quantitative
Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Roger Land Building, Alexander Crum
Brown Road, King’s Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, U.K.
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12
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Rahmati F, Sethi D, Shu W, Asgari Lajayer B, Mosaferi M, Thomson A, Price GW. Advances in microbial exoenzymes bioengineering for improvement of bioplastics degradation. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 355:141749. [PMID: 38521099 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141749] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution has become a major global concern, posing numerous challenges for the environment and wildlife. Most conventional ways of plastics degradation are inefficient and cause great damage to ecosystems. The development of biodegradable plastics offers a promising solution for waste management. These plastics are designed to break down under various conditions, opening up new possibilities to mitigate the negative impact of traditional plastics. Microbes, including bacteria and fungi, play a crucial role in the degradation of bioplastics by producing and secreting extracellular enzymes, such as cutinase, lipases, and proteases. However, these microbial enzymes are sensitive to extreme environmental conditions, such as temperature and acidity, affecting their functions and stability. To address these challenges, scientists have employed protein engineering and immobilization techniques to enhance enzyme stability and predict protein structures. Strategies such as improving enzyme and substrate interaction, increasing enzyme thermostability, reinforcing the bonding between the active site of the enzyme and substrate, and refining enzyme activity are being utilized to boost enzyme immobilization and functionality. Recently, bioengineering through gene cloning and expression in potential microorganisms, has revolutionized the biodegradation of bioplastics. This review aimed to discuss the most recent protein engineering strategies for modifying bioplastic-degrading enzymes in terms of stability and functionality, including enzyme thermostability enhancement, reinforcing the substrate binding to the enzyme active site, refining with other enzymes, and improvement of enzyme surface and substrate action. Additionally, discovered bioplastic-degrading exoenzymes by metagenomics techniques were emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzad Rahmati
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Qom Branch, Islamic Azad University (IAU), Qom 37185364, Iran
| | - Debadatta Sethi
- Sugarcane Research Station, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Nayagarh, India
| | - Weixi Shu
- Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS, B2N 5E3, Canada
| | | | - Mohammad Mosaferi
- Health and Environment Research Center, Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Allan Thomson
- Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation., 173 Dr. Bernie MacDonald Dr., Bible Hill, Truro, NS, B6L 2H5, Canada
| | - G W Price
- Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS, B2N 5E3, Canada.
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13
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Yasin NM, Pancho F, Yasin M, Van Impe JFM, Akkermans S. Novel methods to monitor the biodegradation of polylactic acid (PLA) by Amycolatopsis orientalis and Amycolatopsis thailandensis. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1355050. [PMID: 38655392 PMCID: PMC11035760 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1355050] [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: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Plastics are essential in modern life, but their conventional production is problematic due to environmental pollution and waste management issues. Polylactic acid (PLA) is a widely used bioplastic that is bio-based and biodegradable, making it a key player in the bioeconomy. PLA has been proven to be degradable in various settings, including aqueous, soil, and compost environments. However, monitoring and optimizing PLA biodegradation remains challenging. This study proposes methods to improve the quantification of PLA biodegradation by Amycolatopsis spp. Ultrasound treatments (10 s) significantly improved the enumeration of viable Amycolatopsis cells by breaking the pellets into quantifiable individual cells. A separation technique combining ultrasound (120 s) and 40 μm cell strainers effectively isolated PLA particles from biomass to quantify PLA weight loss. This enabled the monitoring of PLA biofragmentation. Finally, CO2 production was measured according to ISO 14852 to quantify mineralization. Integrating these methods provides an improved quantification for PLA biodegradation along its different stages. In a case study, this led to the construction of a carbon balance where 85.1% of initial carbon content was successfully tracked. The developed techniques for monitoring of PLA biodegradation are essential to design future waste management strategies for biodegradable plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najwa Mat Yasin
- BioTeC+ - Chemical and Biochemical Process Technology and Control, KU Leuven, Ghent, Belgium
- Faculty of Ocean Engineering and Informatics, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Farlash Pancho
- BioTeC+ - Chemical and Biochemical Process Technology and Control, KU Leuven, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Md Yasin
- BioTeC+ - Chemical and Biochemical Process Technology and Control, KU Leuven, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan F. M. Van Impe
- BioTeC+ - Chemical and Biochemical Process Technology and Control, KU Leuven, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Simen Akkermans
- BioTeC+ - Chemical and Biochemical Process Technology and Control, KU Leuven, Ghent, Belgium
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14
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Ashraf Joolaei A, Makian M, Prakash O, Im S, Kang S, Kim DH. Effects of particle size on the pretreatment efficiency and subsequent biogas potential of polylactic acid. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 394:130306. [PMID: 38199437 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.130306] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The fragmentation of bioplastics (BPs) before pretreatment and anaerobic digestion is conducted for higher efficiency; however, based on the literature, the size reduction varies widely. In this study, initially, various combinations of thermal-alkaline pretreatments were applied at different strengths to the polylactic acid (PLA) in three groups (<0.5, 0.5 < size < 1.0, and 1.0 < size < 2.0 mm). After pretreatment, the solubilization of PLA was increased to 11.5-40.0 % using alkaline dosage and temperature ranging from 50 to 200 g OH-/kg BP, 60-100 °C, respectively, in a 1-10 h timeframe. The results were statistically proved using a 3D response surface graph, where the pretreatment was more effective for smaller particle sizes. The reduction in particle size also increased the CH4 production, which was more pronounced at the strong pretreatment (24 % increment vs. 10-15 %). Computed results indicated 44-86 % conversion of pretreated PLA particles to CH4, supported by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis, especially focusing on the intensity of -OH bands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ashraf Joolaei
- Department of Smart-city Engineering, Inha University, 100 Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Masoud Makian
- Department of Smart-city Engineering, Inha University, 100 Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Om Prakash
- Department of Smart-city Engineering, Inha University, 100 Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongwon Im
- Department of Environmental Research, Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungwon Kang
- Department of Environmental Research, Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Hoon Kim
- Department of Smart-city Engineering, Inha University, 100 Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea.
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15
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Jaffur BN, Kumar G, Jeetah P, Ramakrishna S, Bhatia SK. Current advances and emerging trends in sustainable polyhydroxyalkanoate modification from organic waste streams for material applications. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:126781. [PMID: 37696371 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
The current processes for producing polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are costly, owing to the high cost of cultivation feedstocks, and the need to sterilise the growth medium, which is energy-intensive. PHA has been identified as a promising biomaterial with a wide range of potential applications and its functionalization from waste streams has made significant advances recently, which can help foster the growth of a circular economy and waste reduction. Recent developments and novel approaches in the functionalization of PHAs derived from various waste streams offer opportunities for addressing these issues. This study focuses on the development of sustainable, efficient, and cutting-edge methods, such as advanced bioprocess engineering, novel catalysts, and advances in materials science. Chemical techniques, such as epoxidation, oxidation, and esterification, have been employed for PHA functionalization, while enzymatic and microbial methods have indicated promise. PHB/polylactic acid blends with cellulose fibers showed improved tensile strength by 24.45-32.08 % and decreased water vapor and oxygen transmission rates while PHB/Polycaprolactone blends with a 1:1 ratio demonstrated an elongation at break four to six times higher than pure PHB, without altering tensile strength or elastic modulus. Moreover, PHB films blended with both polyethylene glycol and esterified sodium alginate showed improvements in crystallinity and decreased hydrophobicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bibi Nausheen Jaffur
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Mauritius, Réduit 80837, Mauritius.
| | - Gopalakrishnan Kumar
- Institute of Chemistry, Bioscience and Environmental, Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - Pratima Jeetah
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Mauritius, Réduit 80837, Mauritius
| | - Seeram Ramakrishna
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, 9 Engineering Drive 1, 117575, Singapore
| | - Shashi Kant Bhatia
- Department of Biological Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, South Korea
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16
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Julinová M, Šašinková D, Minařík A, Kaszonyiová M, Kalendová A, Kadlečková M, Fayyazbakhsh A, Koutný M. Comprehensive Biodegradation Analysis of Chemically Modified Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) Materials with Different Crystal Structures. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:4939-4957. [PMID: 37819211 PMCID: PMC10646986 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
This work presents a comprehensive analysis of the biodegradation of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and chemically modified PHB with different chemical and crystal structures in a soil environment. A polymer modification reaction was performed during preparation of the chemically modified PHB films, utilizing 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(tert-butylperoxy)-hexane as a free-radical initiator and maleic anhydride. Films of neat PHB and chemically modified PHB were prepared by extrusion and thermocompression. The biological agent employed was natural mixed microflora in the form of garden soil. The course and extent of biodegradation of the films was investigated by applying various techniques, as follows: a respirometry test to determine the production of carbon dioxide through microbial degradation; scanning electron microscopy (SEM); optical microscopy; fluorescence microscopy; differential scanning calorimetry (DSC); and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Next-generation sequencing was carried out to study the microbial community involved in biodegradation of the films. Findings from the respirometry test indicated that biodegradation of the extruded and chemically modified PHB followed a multistage (2-3) course, which varied according to the spatial distribution of amorphous and crystalline regions and their spherulitic morphology. SEM and polarized optical microscopy (POM) confirmed that the rate of biodegradation depended on the availability of the amorphous phase in the interspherulitic region and the width of the interlamellar region in the first stage, while dependence on the size of spherulites and thickness of spherulitic lamellae was evident in the second stage. X-ray diffraction revealed that orthorhombic α-form crystals with helical chain conformation degraded concurrently with β-form crystals with planar zigzag conformation. The nucleation of PHB crystals after 90 days of biodegradation was identified by DSC and POM, a phenomenon which impeded biodegradation. Fluorescence microscopy evidenced that the crystal structure of PHB affected the physiological behavior of soil microorganisms in contact with the surfaces of the films.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markéta Julinová
- Department
of Environmental Protection Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, Nad Ovčírnou 3685, 760 01, Zlín, Czech Republic
| | - Dagmar Šašinková
- Department
of Environmental Protection Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, Nad Ovčírnou 3685, 760 01, Zlín, Czech Republic
| | - Antonín Minařík
- Department
of Physics and Material Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, Vavrečkova 5669, 760 01, Zlin, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Kaszonyiová
- Department
of Polymer Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, Vavrečkova 5669, 760 01, Zlín, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Kalendová
- Department
of Polymer Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, Vavrečkova 5669, 760 01, Zlín, Czech Republic
| | - Markéta Kadlečková
- Department
of Physics and Material Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, Vavrečkova 5669, 760 01, Zlin, Czech Republic
| | - Ahmad Fayyazbakhsh
- Department
of Environmental Protection Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, Nad Ovčírnou 3685, 760 01, Zlín, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Koutný
- Department
of Environmental Protection Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, Nad Ovčírnou 3685, 760 01, Zlín, Czech Republic
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17
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Kadoya R, Soga H, Matsuda M, Sato M, Taguchi S. Bacterial Population Changes during the Degradation Process of a Lactate (LA)-Enriched Biodegradable Polymer in River Water: LA-Cluster Preferable Bacterial Consortium. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:4111. [PMID: 37896354 PMCID: PMC10610160 DOI: 10.3390/polym15204111] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The lactate-based polyester poly[lactate (LA)-co-3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB)], termed LAHB, is a highly transparent and flexible bio-based polymeric material. There are many unknowns regarding its degradation process in riverine environments, especially the changes in bacterial flora that might result from its degradation and the identities of any LAHB-degrading bacteria. LAHB were immersed in the river water samples (A and B), and LAHB degradation was observed in terms of the weight change of the polymer and the microscopic changes on the polymer surfaces. A metagenomic analysis of microorganisms was conducted to determine the effect of LAHB degradation on the aquatic environment. The bacterial flora obtained from beta diversity analysis differed between the two river samples. The river A water sample showed the simultaneous degradation of LA and 3HB even though the copolymer was LA-enriched, suggesting preferable hydrolysis of the LA-enriched segments. In contrast, only 3HB degraded for the LAHB in the river B water sample. The linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis revealed 14 bacteria that were significantly increased in the river A water sample during LAHB degradation, suggesting that these bacteria preferentially degraded and assimilated LA-clustering polymers. Our metagenomic analysis provides useful insights into the dynamic changes in microbial communities and LA-clustering polymer-degrading bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryosuke Kadoya
- Department of Food and Nutrition, School of Life Studies, Sugiyama Jogakuen University, 17-3 Hoshigaoka Motomachi, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8662, Aichi, Japan; (H.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Hitomi Soga
- Department of Food and Nutrition, School of Life Studies, Sugiyama Jogakuen University, 17-3 Hoshigaoka Motomachi, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8662, Aichi, Japan; (H.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Miki Matsuda
- Department of Food and Nutrition, School of Life Studies, Sugiyama Jogakuen University, 17-3 Hoshigaoka Motomachi, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8662, Aichi, Japan; (H.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Michio Sato
- Microbial Genetics Laboratory, Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Graduate School of Agriculture, Meiji University, 1-1-1 Higashimita, Tama-ku, Kawsaki 214-8571, Kanagawa, Japan;
| | - Seiichi Taguchi
- Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai-cho, Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Hyogo, Japan;
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18
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Abed RMM, Al-Hinai M, Al-Balushi Y, Haider L, Muthukrishnan T, Rinner U. Degradation of starch-based bioplastic bags in the pelagic and benthic zones of the Gulf of Oman. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 195:115496. [PMID: 37703633 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
The Gulf of Oman is becoming increasingly polluted with plastics, hence bioplastics have been considered 'a substitute', although their biodegradability in marine environments has not been well investigated. Most research has been performed on cellulose-based bioplastics, whereas starch-based bioplastics have proven to be a suitable, but less researched, alternative. This study is the first of its kind designed to investigate the degradability of two different types of starch-based bioplastic bags, available in the market and labeled as "biodegradable", in the pelagic and benthic zones of one of the warmest marine environment in the world. Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) showed a clear reduction in the presence of OH, CH, and CO in the bioplastic bags after 5 weeks of immersion. Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) indicated degradation of glycerol, starch, and polyethylene. The biofouling bacterial communities on bioplastic surfaces showed distinct grouping based on the immersion zone. Candidaatus saccharibacteria, Verrucomicrobiae, Acidimicrobiia and Planctomycetia sequences were only detectable on bioplastics in the pelagic zone, whereas Actinomyces, Pseudomonas, Sphingobium and Acinetobacter related sequences were only found on bioplastics in the benthic layer. We conclude that starch-based bioplastics are more readily degradable in the Gulf of Oman than conventional plastics, hence could serve as a better environmentally friendly alternative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raeid M M Abed
- Biology Department, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, P. O. Box: 36, PC 123 Al Khoud, Sultanate of Oman.
| | - Mahmood Al-Hinai
- Biology Department, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, P. O. Box: 36, PC 123 Al Khoud, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Yasmin Al-Balushi
- Biology Department, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, P. O. Box: 36, PC 123 Al Khoud, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Lorenz Haider
- Institute of Applied Chemistry, IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems, Piaristengasse 1, 3500 Krems, Austria
| | - Thirumahal Muthukrishnan
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Uwe Rinner
- Institute of Applied Chemistry, IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems, Piaristengasse 1, 3500 Krems, Austria
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19
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Kim MS, Chang H, Zheng L, Yan Q, Pfleger BF, Klier J, Nelson K, Majumder ELW, Huber GW. A Review of Biodegradable Plastics: Chemistry, Applications, Properties, and Future Research Needs. Chem Rev 2023; 123:9915-9939. [PMID: 37470246 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Environmental concerns over waste plastics' effect on the environment are leading to the creation of biodegradable plastics. Biodegradable plastics may serve as a promising approach to manage the issue of environmental accumulation of plastic waste in the ocean and soil. Biodegradable plastics are the type of polymers that can be degraded by microorganisms into small molecules (e.g., H2O, CO2, and CH4). However, there are misconceptions surrounding biodegradable plastics. For example, the term "biodegradable" on product labeling can be misconstrued by the public to imply that the product will degrade under any environmental conditions. Such misleading information leads to consumer encouragement of excessive consumption of certain goods and increased littering of products labeled as "biodegradable". This review not only provides a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art biodegradable plastics but also clarifies the definitions and various terms associated with biodegradable plastics, including oxo-degradable plastics, enzyme-mediated plastics, and biodegradation agents. Analytical techniques and standard test methods to evaluate the biodegradability of polymeric materials in alignment with international standards are summarized. The review summarizes the properties and industrial applications of previously developed biodegradable plastics and then discusses how biomass-derived monomers can create new types of biodegradable polymers by utilizing their unique chemical properties from oxygen-containing functional groups. The terminology and methodologies covered in the paper provide a perspective on directions for the design of new biodegradable polymers that possess not only advanced performance for practical applications but also environmental benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Soo Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin─Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Hochan Chang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin─Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Lei Zheng
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Qiang Yan
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin─Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Brian F Pfleger
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin─Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
- DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, University of Wisconsin─Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Microbiology Doctoral Training Program, University of Wisconsin─Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - John Klier
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Kevin Nelson
- Amcor, Neenah Innovation Center, Neenah, Wisconsin 54956, United States
| | - Erica L-W Majumder
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin─Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - George W Huber
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin─Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
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20
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Jayakumar A, Radoor S, Siengchin S, Shin GH, Kim JT. Recent progress of bioplastics in their properties, standards, certifications and regulations: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 878:163156. [PMID: 37003328 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The environmental impact associated with fossil fuel-based polymers has paved the way to explore biopolymer-based plastics, their properties, and their applications. Bioplastics are polymeric materials that are greatly interesting due to their eco-friendlier and non-toxic nature. In recent years, exploring the different sources of bioplastics and their applications has become one of the active research areas. Biopolymer-based plastics have applications in food packaging, pharmaceuticals, electronics, agricultural, automotive and cosmetic sectors. Bioplastics are considered safe, but there are several economic and legal challenges to implementing them. Hence, this review aims to i) outline the terminology associated with bioplastics, its global market, major sources, types and properties of bioplastics, ii) discuss the major bioplastic waste management and recovery options, iii) provide the major standards and certifications regarding bioplastics, iv) explore the various country-wise regulations and restrictions associated with bioplastics, and v) enumerate the various challenges and limitations associated with bioplastics and future directions. Therefore, providing adequate knowledge about various bioplastics, their properties and regulatory aspects can be of great importance in the industrialization, commercialization and globalization of bioplastics to replace petroleum-based products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aswathy Jayakumar
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; BioNanocomposite Research Center, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Sabarish Radoor
- Department of Polymer-Nano Science and Technology, Jeonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Suchart Siengchin
- Department of Materials and Production Engineering, The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering (TGGS), King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, 1518 Wongsawang Road, Bangsue, Bangkok 10800, Thailand
| | - Gye Hwa Shin
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Kunsan National University, Gunsan 54150, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Tae Kim
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; BioNanocomposite Research Center, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.
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21
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Álvarez-Méndez SJ, Ramos-Suárez JL, Ritter A, Mata González J, Camacho Pérez Á. Anaerobic digestion of commercial PLA and PBAT biodegradable plastic bags: Potential biogas production and 1H NMR and ATR-FTIR assessed biodegradation. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16691. [PMID: 37303513 PMCID: PMC10248121 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioplastics aim to substitute conventional plastics in most applications, a critical one being the collection of organic wastes for composting or anaerobic degradation. The anaerobic biodegradability of six commercial bags composed of PBAT or PLA/PBAT blends and certified as compostable [1] was studied using 1H NMR and ATR-FTIR techniques. This study aims to elucidate if commercial bioplastic bags are biodegradable under conventional conditions found in anaerobic digestates. Results showed that all studied bags are hardly anaerobically biodegradable at mesophilic temperatures. The biogas yield resulting from the anaerobic digestion under laboratory conditions oscillated between 270.3 ± 45.5 L kgVS-1 for a trash bag composed of 26.64 ± 0.03%/73.36 ± 0.03% PLA/PBAT and 36.7 ± 25.0 L kgVS-1 for a bag composed of 21.24 ± 0.08%/78.76 ± 0.08% PLA/PBAT. The degree of biodegradation did not correlate with PLA/PBAT molar composition. However, 1H NMR characterization showed that the anaerobic biodegradation occurred mostly in the PLA fraction. No bioplastics biodegradation products were detected in the digestate fraction (<2 mm). Finally, none of the biodegraded bags comply with the EN 13432 standard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Joaquín Álvarez-Méndez
- Departamento de Ingeniería Agraria y del Medio Natural. Universidad de La Laguna. La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Bio-Orgánica Antonio González, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Juan Luis Ramos-Suárez
- Departamento de Ingeniería Agraria y del Medio Natural. Universidad de La Laguna. La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Axel Ritter
- Área de Ingeniería Agroforestal, Universidad de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Javier Mata González
- Departamento de Ingeniería Agraria y del Medio Natural. Universidad de La Laguna. La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Ángeles Camacho Pérez
- Departamento de Ingeniería Agraria y del Medio Natural. Universidad de La Laguna. La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
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22
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Myburgh MW, Favaro L, van Zyl WH, Viljoen-Bloom M. Engineered yeast for the efficient hydrolysis of polylactic acid. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 378:129008. [PMID: 37011843 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129008] [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: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Polylactic acid (PLA) is a major contributor to the global bioplastic production capacity. However, post-consumer PLA waste is not fully degraded during non-optimal traditional organic waste treatment processes and can persist in nature for many years. Efficient enzymatic hydrolysis of PLA would contribute to cleaner, more energy-efficient, environmentally friendly waste management processes. However, high costs and a lack of effective enzyme producers curtail the large-scale application of such enzymatic systems. This study reports the recombinant expression of a fungal cutinase-like enzyme (CLE1) in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which produced a crude supernatant that efficiently hydrolyses different types of PLA materials. The codon-optimised Y294[CLEns] strain delivered the best enzyme production and hydrolysis capabilities, releasing up to 9.44 g/L lactic acid from 10 g/L PLA films with more than 40% loss in film weight. This work highlights the potential of fungal hosts producing PLA hydrolases for future commercial applications in PLA recycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marthinus W Myburgh
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Department of Agronomy Food Natural Resources Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), Padova University, Agripolis, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Favaro
- Department of Agronomy Food Natural Resources Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), Padova University, Agripolis, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - Willem H van Zyl
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
| | - Marinda Viljoen-Bloom
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa.
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23
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García-Depraect O, Lebrero R, Martínez-Mendoza LJ, Rodriguez-Vega S, Aragão Börner R, Börner T, Muñoz R. Enhancement of biogas production rate from bioplastics by alkaline pretreatment. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 164:154-161. [PMID: 37059039 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The effect of alkali-based pretreatment on the methanization of bioplastics was investigated. The tested bioplastics included PHB [poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)], PHBH [poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate)], PHBV [poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate], PLA (polylactic acid), and a PLA/PCL [poly(caprolactone)] 80/20 blend. Prior to methanization tests, the powdered polymers (500-1000 μm) at a concentration of 50 g/L were subjected to alkaline pretreatment using NaOH 1 M for PLA and PLA/PCL, and NaOH 2 M for PHB-based materials. Following 7 days of pretreatment, the amount of solubilized carbon for PLA and its blend accounted for 92-98% of the total initial carbon, while lower carbon recoveries were recorded for most PHB-based materials (80-93%), as revealed by dissolved total organic carbon analysis. The pretreated bioplastics were then tested for biogas production by means of mesophilic biochemical methane potential tests. Compared to unpretreated PHBs, methanization rates of pretreated PHBs were accelerated by a factor of 2.7 to 9.1 with comparable (430 NmL CH4/g material feed) or slightly lower (15% in the case of PHBH) methane yields, despite featuring a 1.4-2.3 times longer lag phases. Both materials, PLA and the PLA/PCL blend, were only extensively digested when pretreated, yielding about 360-380 NmL CH4 per gram of material fed. Unpretreated PLA-based materials showed nearly zero methanization under the timeframe and experimental conditions tested. Overall, the results suggested that alkaline pretreatment can help to enhance the methanization kinetics of bioplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Octavio García-Depraect
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, Dr. Mergelina s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Engineering, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Raquel Lebrero
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, Dr. Mergelina s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Engineering, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Leonardo J Martínez-Mendoza
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, Dr. Mergelina s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Engineering, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Sara Rodriguez-Vega
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, Dr. Mergelina s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Engineering, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Rosa Aragão Börner
- Nestlé Research, Société des Produits Nestlé S.A., Route du Jorat 57, 1000 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tim Börner
- Nestlé Research, Société des Produits Nestlé S.A., Route du Jorat 57, 1000 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Raúl Muñoz
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, Dr. Mergelina s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Engineering, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain.
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24
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Arora Y, Sharma S, Sharma V. Microalgae in Bioplastic Production: A Comprehensive Review. ARABIAN JOURNAL FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2023; 48:7225-7241. [PMID: 37266400 PMCID: PMC10183103 DOI: 10.1007/s13369-023-07871-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The current era of industrialization includes a constantly increasing demand for plastic products, but because plastics are rarely recycled and are not biodegradable plastic pollution or "white pollution" has been the result. The consumption of petroleum-based plastics will be 20% of global annual oil by 2050, and thus there is an inevitable need to find an innovative solution to reduce plastic pollution. The biodegradable and environmentally benign bioplastics are suitable alternative to fossil-based plastics in the market due to sustainability, less carbon footprint, lower toxicity and high degradability rate. Microalgal species is an innovative approach to be explored and improved for bioplastic production. Microalgae are generally present in abundant quantity in our ecosystem, and polysaccharide in the algae can be processed and utilized to make biopolymers. Also, these species have a high growth rate and can be easily cultivated in wastewater streams. The review aims to determine the recent status of bioplastic production techniques from microalgal species and also reveal optimization opportunities involved in the process. Several strategies for bioplastic production from algal biomass are being discussed nowadays, and the most prominent are "with blending" (blending of algal biomass with bioplastics and starch) and "without blending" (microalgae as a feedstock for polyhydroxyalkanoates production). The advanced research on modern bioengineering techniques and well-established genetic tools like CRISPR-Cas9 should be encouraged to develop recombinant microalgae strains with elevated levels of PHA/PHB inside the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukta Arora
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Jalandhar, Punjab India
| | - Shivika Sharma
- Biochemical Conversion Division, SSS-NIBE, Kapurthala, Punjab India
| | - Vikas Sharma
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Jalandhar, Punjab India
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25
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Bartolucci L, Cordiner S, De Maina E, Kumar G, Mele P, Mulone V, Igliński B, Piechota G. Sustainable Valorization of Bioplastic Waste: A Review on Effective Recycling Routes for the Most Widely Used Biopolymers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097696. [PMID: 37175402 PMCID: PMC10178466 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastics-based materials have a high carbon footprint, and their disposal is a considerable problem for the environment. Biodegradable bioplastics represent an alternative on which most countries have focused their attention to replace of conventional plastics in various sectors, among which food packaging is the most significant one. The evaluation of the optimal end-of-life process for bioplastic waste is of great importance for their sustainable use. In this review, the advantages and limits of different waste management routes-biodegradation, mechanical recycling and thermal degradation processes-are presented for the most common categories of biopolymers on the market, including starch-based bioplastics, PLA and PBAT. The analysis outlines that starch-based bioplastics, unless blended with other biopolymers, exhibit good biodegradation rates and are suitable for disposal by composting, while PLA and PBAT are incompatible with this process and require alternative strategies. The thermal degradation process is very promising for chemical recycling, enabling building blocks and the recovery of valuable chemicals from bioplastic waste, according to the principles of a sustainable and circular economy. Nevertheless, only a few articles have focused on this recycling process, highlighting the need for research to fully exploit the potentiality of this waste management route.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Bartolucci
- Industrial Engineering Department, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Cordiner
- Industrial Engineering Department, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele De Maina
- Industrial Engineering Department, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Gopalakrishnan Kumar
- Institute of Chemistry, Bioscience and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Stavanger, 4036 Stavanger, Norway
| | - Pietro Mele
- Industrial Engineering Department, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Mulone
- Industrial Engineering Department, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Bartłomiej Igliński
- Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Gagarina 7, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Piechota
- GPCHEM, Laboratory of Biogas Research and Analysis, Legionów 40a/3, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
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26
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Kim J, Gupta NS, Bezek LB, Linn J, Bejagam KK, Banerjee S, Dumont JH, Nam SY, Kang HW, Park CH, Pilania G, Iverson CN, Marrone BL, Lee KS. Biodegradation Studies of Polyhydroxybutyrate and Polyhydroxybutyrate- co-Polyhydroxyvalerate Films in Soil. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087638. [PMID: 37108799 PMCID: PMC10146786 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to increased environmental pressures, significant research has focused on finding suitable biodegradable plastics to replace ubiquitous petrochemical-derived polymers. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a class of polymers that can be synthesized by microorganisms and are biodegradable, making them suitable candidates. The present study looks at the degradation properties of two PHA polymers: polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and polyhydroxybutyrate-co-polyhydroxyvalerate (PHBV; 8 wt.% valerate), in two different soil conditions: soil fully saturated with water (100% relative humidity, RH) and soil with 40% RH. The degradation was evaluated by observing the changes in appearance, chemical signatures, mechanical properties, and molecular weight of samples. Both PHB and PHBV were degraded completely after two weeks in 100% RH soil conditions and showed significant reductions in mechanical properties after just three days. The samples in 40% RH soil, however, showed minimal changes in mechanical properties, melting temperatures/crystallinity, and molecular weight over six weeks. By observing the degradation behavior for different soil conditions, these results can pave the way for identifying situations where the current use of plastics can be replaced with biodegradable alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihyeon Kim
- Chemistry Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA
- Department of Materials Engineering and Convergence Technology, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Nevin S Gupta
- Chemistry Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA
| | - Lindsey B Bezek
- Chemistry Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA
| | - Jacqueline Linn
- Chemistry Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA
| | - Karteek K Bejagam
- Materials Science and Technology Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA
| | - Shounak Banerjee
- Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA
| | - Joseph H Dumont
- Chemistry Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA
| | - Sang Yong Nam
- Department of Materials Engineering and Convergence Technology, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Woo Kang
- Department of Energy Engineering, Future Convergence Technology Research Institute, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52725, Republic of Korea
| | - Chi Hoon Park
- Department of Energy Engineering, Future Convergence Technology Research Institute, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52725, Republic of Korea
| | - Ghanshyam Pilania
- Materials Science and Technology Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA
- General Electric Global Research Center, Niskayuna, NY 12309, USA
| | - Carl N Iverson
- Chemistry Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA
| | - Babetta L Marrone
- Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA
| | - Kwan-Soo Lee
- Chemistry Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA
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27
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Jin Y, de Leeuw KD, Strik DPBTB. Microbial Recycling of Bioplastics via Mixed-Culture Fermentation of Hydrolyzed Polyhydroxyalkanoates into Carboxylates. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:2693. [PMID: 37048987 PMCID: PMC10096456 DOI: 10.3390/ma16072693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) polymers are emerging within biobased biodegradable plastic products. To build a circular economy, effective recycling routes should be established for these and other end-of-life bioplastics. This study presents the first steps of a potential PHA recycling route by fermenting hydrolyzed PHA-based bioplastics (Tianan ENMATTM Y1000P; PHBV (poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)) into carboxylates acetate and butyrate. First, three different hydrolysis pretreatment methods under acid, base, and neutral pH conditions were tested. The highest 10% (from 158.8 g COD/L to 16.3 g COD/L) of hydrolysate yield was obtained with the alkaline pretreatment. After filtration to remove the remaining solid materials, 4 g COD/L of the hydrolyzed PHA was used as the substrate with the addition of microbial nutrients for mixed culture fermentation. Due to microbial conversion, 1.71 g/L acetate and 1.20 g/L butyrate were produced. An apparent complete bioconversion from intermediates such as 3-hydroxybutyrate (3-HB) and/or crotonate into carboxylates was found. The overall yields of the combined processes were calculated as 0.07 g acetate/g PHA and 0.049 g butyrate/g PHA. These produced carboxylates can theoretically be used to reproduce PHA or serve many other applications as part of the so-called carboxylate platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Jin
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University & Research, 6708 WG Wageningen, The Netherlands; (Y.J.); (K.D.d.L.)
| | - Kasper D. de Leeuw
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University & Research, 6708 WG Wageningen, The Netherlands; (Y.J.); (K.D.d.L.)
- ChainCraft B.V., 1043 AP Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - David P. B. T. B. Strik
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University & Research, 6708 WG Wageningen, The Netherlands; (Y.J.); (K.D.d.L.)
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28
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Falzarano M, Polettini A, Pomi R, Rossi A, Zonfa T. Anaerobic Biodegradability of Commercial Bioplastic Products: Systematic Bibliographic Analysis and Critical Assessment of the Latest Advances. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:2216. [PMID: 36984096 PMCID: PMC10058929 DOI: 10.3390/ma16062216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Bioplastics have entered everyday life as a potential sustainable substitute for commodity plastics. However, still further progress should be made to clarify their degradation behavior under controlled and uncontrolled conditions. The wide array of biopolymers and commercial blends available make predicting the biodegradation degree and kinetics quite a complex issue that requires specific knowledge of the multiple factors affecting the degradation process. This paper summarizes the main scientific literature on anaerobic digestion of biodegradable plastics through a general bibliographic analysis and a more detailed discussion of specific results from relevant experimental studies. The critical analysis of literature data initially included 275 scientific references, which were then screened for duplication/pertinence/relevance. The screened references were analyzed to derive some general features of the research profile, trends, and evolution in the field of anaerobic biodegradation of bioplastics. The second stage of the analysis involved extracting detailed results about bioplastic degradability under anaerobic conditions by screening analytical and performance data on biodegradation performance for different types of bioplastic products and different anaerobic biodegradation conditions, with a particular emphasis on the most recent data. A critical overview of existing biopolymers is presented, along with their properties and degradation mechanisms and the operating parameters influencing/enhancing the degradation process under anaerobic conditions.
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29
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Santos-Beneit F, Chen LM, Bordel S, Frutos de la Flor R, García-Depraect O, Lebrero R, Rodriguez-Vega S, Muñoz R, Börner RA, Börner T. Screening Enzymes That Can Depolymerize Commercial Biodegradable Polymers: Heterologous Expression of Fusarium solani Cutinase in Escherichia coli. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11020328. [PMID: 36838293 PMCID: PMC9963400 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, a number of microbial enzymes capable of degrading plastics have been identified. Biocatalytic depolymerization mediated by enzymes has emerged as a potentially more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to the currently employed methods for plastic treatment and recycling. However, the functional and systematic study of depolymerase enzymes with respect to the degradation of a series of plastic polymers in a single work has not been widely addressed at present. In this study, the ability of a set of enzymes (esterase, arylesterase and cutinase) to degrade commercial biodegradable polymers (PBS, PBAT, PHB, PHBH, PHBV, PCL, PLA and PLA/PCL) and the effect of pre-treatment methods on their degradation rate was assessed. The degradation products were identified and quantified by HPLC and LC-HRMS analysis. Out of the three enzymes, Fusarium solani cutinase (FsCut) showed the highest activity on grinded PBAT, PBS and PCL after 7 days of incubation. FsCut was engineered and heterologous expressed in Escherichia coli, which conferred the bacterium the capability of degrading solid discs of PBAT and to grow in PBS as the sole carbon source of the medium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Santos-Beneit
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, Dr. Mergelina s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Engineering, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
- Correspondence: (F.S.-B.); (T.B.)
| | - Le Min Chen
- Nestlé Research, Société des Produits Nestlé S.A, Route du Jorat 57, 1000 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sergio Bordel
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, Dr. Mergelina s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Engineering, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Raquel Frutos de la Flor
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Engineering, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Octavio García-Depraect
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, Dr. Mergelina s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Engineering, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Raquel Lebrero
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, Dr. Mergelina s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Engineering, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Sara Rodriguez-Vega
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, Dr. Mergelina s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Engineering, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Raúl Muñoz
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, Dr. Mergelina s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Engineering, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Rosa Aragão Börner
- Nestlé Research, Société des Produits Nestlé S.A, Route du Jorat 57, 1000 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tim Börner
- Nestlé Research, Société des Produits Nestlé S.A, Route du Jorat 57, 1000 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (F.S.-B.); (T.B.)
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30
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Mistry AN, Kachenchart B, Pinyakong O, Assavalapsakul W, Jitpraphai SM, Somwangthanaroj A, Luepromchai E. Bioaugmentation with a defined bacterial consortium: A key to degrade high molecular weight polylactic acid during traditional composting. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 367:128237. [PMID: 36332866 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.128237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Polylactic acid (PLA) is commercialized as a compostable bio-thermoplastic. PLA degrades under industrial composting conditions where elevated temperatures are maintained for a long timeframe. However, these conditions cannot be achieved in a non-industrial compost pile. Therefore, this study aims to degrade high molecular weight PLA films by adding a PLA-degrading bacterial consortium (EAc) comprised of Nocardioides zeae EA12, Stenotrophomonas pavanii EA33, Gordonia desulfuricans EA63, and Chitinophaga jiangningensis EA02 during traditional composting. With EAc-bioaugmentation, PLA films (5-30% w/w) had complete disintegration (35 d), 77-82% molecular weight reduction (16 d), and higher CO2 liberation and mineralization than non-bioaugmented composting. Bacterial community analyses showed that EAc-bioaugmentation increased the relative abundance of Schlegelella, a known polymer degrader, and interacted positively with beneficial indigenous microbes like Bacillus, Schlegelella and Thermopolyspora. The bioaugmentation also decreased compost phytotoxicity. Hence, consortium EAc shows potential in PLA-waste treatment applications, such as backyard and small-scale composting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avnish Nitin Mistry
- International Program in Hazardous Substance and Environmental Management (IP-HSM), Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; Center of Excellence on Hazardous Substance Management (HSM), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Boonlue Kachenchart
- Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Onruthai Pinyakong
- Center of Excellence on Hazardous Substance Management (HSM), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Microbial Technology for Marine Pollution Treatment (MiTMaPT), Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wanchai Assavalapsakul
- Center of Excellence in Microbial Technology for Marine Pollution Treatment (MiTMaPT), Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Somrudee Meprasert Jitpraphai
- Center of Excellence in Microbial Technology for Marine Pollution Treatment (MiTMaPT), Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Anongnat Somwangthanaroj
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ekawan Luepromchai
- Center of Excellence on Hazardous Substance Management (HSM), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Microbial Technology for Marine Pollution Treatment (MiTMaPT), Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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31
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Isolation of Thermophilic Bacteria and Investigation of Their Microplastic Degradation Ability Using Polyethylene Polymers. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10122441. [PMID: 36557694 PMCID: PMC9787896 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10122441] [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: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pose potential public health challenges because of their widespread occurrences in all environmental compartments. While most studies have focused on the occurrence fate of microplastics in wastewater treatment systems, the biodegradation of microplastics in wastewater is generally little understood. Therefore, we used two Gram-positive and thermophilic bacteria, called strain ST3 and ST6, which were identified by morphological, biochemical, physiological, and molecular analyses, to assess the growth and biodegradation potential of two different sized (50 and 150 m) polyethylene particles. The degradation was monitored based on structural and surface morphological changes. According to 16S rRNA analyses, ST3 and ST6 were identified as Anoxybacillus flavithermus ST3 and Anoxybacillus sp. ST6, respectively. The occurrence of cracks, holes, and dimensional changes was detected by scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, critical characteristic absorption band formation and modifications were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In addition to these, it was found that Anoxybacillus flavithermus ST3 and Anoxybacillus sp. ST6 produced high level of alpha-Amylase. These results showed that thermophilic bacteria are capable of the biodegradation of microplastics and production of alpha-Amylase.
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32
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Anaerobic Co-Digestion of Bioplastics and Food Waste under Mesophilic and Thermophilic Conditions: Synergistic Effect and Biodegradation. FERMENTATION-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/fermentation8110638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
To mitigate the various problems caused by using conventional plastics, bioplastic (BP) has emerged as a substitute for plastics. BP wastes after use are commonly treated using composting, causing many environmental problems. Anaerobic digestion (AD) has become prominent as an alternative method of producing renewable energy. The aim of this study was to estimate the methane production yield (MPY) of BPs (polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)) with mechanical pretreatment (particle size < 0.5 cm) and investigate the effect of co-digestion of BPs and food waste (FW). Batch experiments were conducted under mesophilic and thermophilic conditions at various mixing ratios (FW/PLA or PHA = 95:5 and 90:10 on a weight basis). During 20 d of digestion at temperatures of 37 and 55 °C, MPYs of PHA were 153.8–172.0 mL CH4/g chemical oxygen demand (COD), but that of PLA was significantly low (<25.6 mL CH4/g COD). Higher MPYs were attained at 55 °C than at 37 °C. The synergistic effects of FW addition on BP AD were observed at both temperatures, especially at 55 °C. By comparing theoretical (based on mono-digestion results) and actual (based on co-digestion results) MPYs, the synergistic effect of FW addition on MPY of co-digestion reached 8.5–26.6% and 12.7–25.5% for PLA- and PHA-fed tests, respectively. The biodegradation rates (on a volatile solids (VS) basis) of PLA and PHA were 6.0–13.7% and 49.1–52.3% and increased by 1.8–4.3 and 1.2–1.5 times in the PLA- and PHA-fed co-digestion tests, respectively. Co-digestion of FW might be a feasible treatment option for BPs combined with simple mechanical pretreatment.
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García-Depraect O, Lebrero R, Rodriguez-Vega S, Börner RA, Börner T, Muñoz R. Production of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) from five commercial bioplastics via acidogenic fermentation. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 360:127655. [PMID: 35870672 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The feasibility of producing volatile fatty acids (VFAs) from five commercial bioplastics via acidogenic fermentation by a non-pretreated anaerobic sludge was investigated. Mesophilic, anaerobic, acidogenic batch assays at 1, 10 and 20 g/L feed concentrations revealed the feasibility of producing VFAs from polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), i.e., PHB and PHBV, but not from PBS, PCL and PLA under the test conditions and time. However, only high PHA substrate concentrations (10-20 g/L) resulted in organic overloading and decreasing the pH of the culture broth down to 4-5, which in turn induced the accumulation of VFAs via kinetic imbalance between acidogenesis and methanogenesis. Gaseous carbon (C-CO2 and C-CH4) accounted for 8-35% of the total initial carbon, while C-VFAs represented 10-18%, mainly as acetate and butyrate. This study represents the first systematically assessed proof-of-concept to produce VFAs from PHA, which is key for the design of bioplastic-to-bioplastic recycling (bio)technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Octavio García-Depraect
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Engineering, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; Institute of Sustainable Processes, Dr. Mergelina s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Raquel Lebrero
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Engineering, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; Institute of Sustainable Processes, Dr. Mergelina s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Sara Rodriguez-Vega
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Engineering, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; Institute of Sustainable Processes, Dr. Mergelina s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Rosa Aragão Börner
- Nestlé Research, Société des Produits Nestlé S.A, Route du Jorat 57, 1000 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tim Börner
- Nestlé Research, Société des Produits Nestlé S.A, Route du Jorat 57, 1000 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Raúl Muñoz
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Engineering, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; Institute of Sustainable Processes, Dr. Mergelina s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain.
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Mat Yasin N, Akkermans S, Van Impe JFM. Enhancing the biodegradation of (bio)plastic through pretreatments: A critical review. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 150:1-12. [PMID: 35780576 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2022.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
As plastic packaging becomes nearly indispensable in the plastic economy, rigorous efforts have been made to recapture the material value form this waste stream, which is mostly composed of highly resistant plastics. Biodegradation offers an attractive alternative for conventional plastic waste treatment as this approach is environmentally friendly, has low cost and facilitates valorisation. Moreover, there is also an increasing interest in plastic pretreatments waste to enhance biodegradation. This review investigates the pretreatment methods that optimise plastic biodegradation by examining the process's mechanisms and key influencing factors, which can be categorised into: biotic factors, abiotic factors and polymer characteristics. Various types of chemical and physical pretreatments have demonstrated to effectively enhance biodegradation through oxidation and surface changes on the plastics, leading to increased bioconversion rates and biogas production. A critical evaluation of the various categories of pretreatment methods is presented. This evaluation leads to the conclusion that the category of non-thermal physical treatments is most promising, due to the relatively low energy requirements and the absence of a need for chemical additions. Moreover, non-thermal physical treatments have demonstrated application potential at large scale. Based on these conclusions, pretreatments are expected to be an integral part of the biodegradation of plastics within a circular economy approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najwa Mat Yasin
- BioTeC+ - Chemical and Biochemical Process Technology and Control, Department of Chemical Engineering, KU Leuven, Gebroeders De Smetstraat 1, 9000 Gent, Belgium; Faculty of Ocean Engineering and Informatics, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), 21030 Terengganu, Malaysia.
| | - Simen Akkermans
- BioTeC+ - Chemical and Biochemical Process Technology and Control, Department of Chemical Engineering, KU Leuven, Gebroeders De Smetstraat 1, 9000 Gent, Belgium.
| | - Jan F M Van Impe
- BioTeC+ - Chemical and Biochemical Process Technology and Control, Department of Chemical Engineering, KU Leuven, Gebroeders De Smetstraat 1, 9000 Gent, Belgium.
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Shilpa, Basak N, Meena SS. Microbial biodegradation of plastics: Challenges, opportunities, and a critical perspective. FRONTIERS OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERING 2022; 16:161. [PMID: 35874797 PMCID: PMC9295099 DOI: 10.1007/s11783-022-1596-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The abundance of synthetic polymers has increased due to their uncontrolled utilization and disposal in the environment. The recalcitrant nature of plastics leads to accumulation and saturation in the environment, which is a matter of great concern. An exponential rise has been reported in plastic pollution during the corona pandemic because of PPE kits, gloves, and face masks made up of single-use plastics. The physicochemical methods have been employed to degrade synthetic polymers, but these methods have limited efficiency and cause the release of hazardous metabolites or by-products in the environment. Microbial species, isolated from landfills and dumpsites, have utilized plastics as the sole source of carbon, energy, and biomass production. The involvement of microbial strains in plastic degradation is evident as a substantial amount of mineralization has been observed. However, the complete removal of plastic could not be achieved, but it is still effective compared to the preexisting traditional methods. Therefore, microbial species and the enzymes involved in plastic waste degradation could be utilized as eco-friendly alternatives. Thus, microbial biodegradation approaches have a profound scope to cope with the plastic waste problem in a cost-effective and environmental-friendly manner. Further, microbial degradation can be optimized and combined with physicochemical methods to achieve substantial results. This review summarizes the different microbial species, their genes, biochemical pathways, and enzymes involved in plastic biodegradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa
- Department of Biotechnology, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology Jalandhar, Punjab, 144027 India
| | - Nitai Basak
- Department of Biotechnology, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology Jalandhar, Punjab, 144027 India
| | - Sumer Singh Meena
- Department of Biotechnology, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology Jalandhar, Punjab, 144027 India
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Cucina M, Soggia G, De Nisi P, Giordano A, Adani F. Assessing the anaerobic degradability and the potential recovery of biomethane from different biodegradable bioplastics in a full-scale approach. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 354:127224. [PMID: 35483534 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anaerobic degradability and the potential recovery of biomethane from different bioplastics using a full-scale approach. Bioplastics were placed inside a real anaerobic digestion plant working under thermophilic conditions and quantitative and qualitative degradation of bioplastics was evaluated. Laboratory-scale experiments were used to determine the amount of biomethane produced by anaerobic degradation of bioplastics. Polylactic acid-based items may degrade completely using retention times compatible with anaerobic digestion plants contributing positively to biomethane production, i.e., in 90 days 397 ± 8 NL CH4 kgvolatile solids-1 were produced by polylactic acid-based cutlery. Starch-based shoppers showed a quick degradation of the starch component in the first month of anaerobic digestion, followed by a slow degradation of the polyester component. Anaerobic digestion and/or anaerobic digestion coupled to digestate composting may represent the best strategy to dispose these wastes meeting the principles of Circular Economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Cucina
- Gruppo Ricicla Lab. - DiSAA - Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Gabriele Soggia
- Gruppo Ricicla Lab. - DiSAA - Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Patrizia De Nisi
- Gruppo Ricicla Lab. - DiSAA - Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Andrea Giordano
- Acqua & Sole Srl - Via Giulio Natta, 27010 Vellezzo Bellini, (PV), Italy
| | - Fabrizio Adani
- Gruppo Ricicla Lab. - DiSAA - Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy.
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Gadaleta G, De Gisi S, Picuno C, Heerenklage J, Cafiero L, Oliviero M, Notarnicola M, Kuchta K, Sorrentino A. The influence of bio-plastics for food packaging on combined anaerobic digestion and composting treatment of organic municipal waste. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 144:87-97. [PMID: 35334386 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2022.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The use of bio-plastic-based packaging as an alternative to conventional plastic packaging is increasing. Among the plethora of different bio-based plastics, the most relevant ones are those that, at the end of their life, can be treated with the organic fraction of municipal solid waste. Even in these cases, their impact on the waste processing and recycling is not always positive. This study aim to assess on a laboratory scale the influence on combined anaerobic digestion and composting industrial processes of a bio-based plastic film, namely cellulose acetate (CA), in pure and modified (additions of additive) forms. CA films were mixed with organic waste and subjected to: (i) anaerobic digestion; (ii) active composting and (iii) two stages of curing composting. Anaerobic digestion and composting were monitored through methane yield and oxygen uptake respectively; additionally, the bio-plastics degree of disintegration was assessed during all the processes. The final disintegration of pure and modified CA was 73.82% and 54.66%, respectively. Anaerobic digestion contributes to the disintegration of the material, while aerobic treatment appears to be nearly ineffective, especially for modified CA. The presence of cellulose acetate during anaerobic digestion of food waste increased the methane yield by about 4.5%. Bioassay confirmed the absence of possible toxic effects on the final compost from the bio-plastic treatment. Although bio-based materials are not the only solution to plastic pollution, the findings confirm the need to upgrade the organic waste treatment plants and the necessity to revise the requirements for the use of compost in agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Gadaleta
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Land, Building Engineering and Chemistry (DICATECh), Politecnico di Bari, Via E. Orabona n.4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Sabino De Gisi
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Land, Building Engineering and Chemistry (DICATECh), Politecnico di Bari, Via E. Orabona n.4, 70125 Bari, Italy.
| | - Caterina Picuno
- Hamburg University of Technology - Sustainable Resource and Waste Management, Blohmstraße 15, D-21079 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Joern Heerenklage
- Hamburg University of Technology - Sustainable Resource and Waste Management, Blohmstraße 15, D-21079 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Livia Cafiero
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB), National Research Council (CNR), P.le E. Fermi, 1, I-80055 Portici (Napoli), Italy
| | - Maria Oliviero
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB), National Research Council (CNR), P.le E. Fermi, 1, I-80055 Portici (Napoli), Italy
| | - Michele Notarnicola
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Land, Building Engineering and Chemistry (DICATECh), Politecnico di Bari, Via E. Orabona n.4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Kerstin Kuchta
- Hamburg University of Technology - Sustainable Resource and Waste Management, Blohmstraße 15, D-21079 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Sorrentino
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB), National Research Council (CNR), P.le E. Fermi, 1, I-80055 Portici (Napoli), Italy
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Promising Developments in Bio-Based Products as Alternatives to Conventional Plastics to Enable Circular Economy in Ukraine. RECYCLING 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/recycling7020020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Transforming the plastic industry toward producing more sustainable alternatives than conventional plastics, as an essential enabler of the bio-based circular economy (CE), requires reinforcing initiatives to drive solutions from the lab to the market. In this regard, startups and ideation and innovation events can potentially play significant roles in consolidating efforts and investments by academia and industry to foster bio-based and biodegradable plastic-related developments. This study aimed to present the current trends and challenges of bioplastics and bio-based materials as sustainable alternatives for plastics. On this basis, having conducted a systematic literature review, the seminal research themes of the bio-based materials and bioplastics literature were unfolded and discussed. Then, the most recent developments of bio-based sustainable products in Ukraine, as alternatives to petroleum-based plastics, that have gained publicity through local startup programs and hackathons were presented. The findings shed light on the potential of the bio-based sector to facilitate the CE transition through (i) rendering innovative solutions most of which have been less noticed in academia before; (ii) enhancing academic debate and bridging the gap between developers, scholars, and practitioners within the plastic industry toward creating circularity across the supply chain; (iii) identifying the main challenges and future perspectives for further investigations in the future.
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Ebrahimzade I, Ebrahimi-Nik M, Rohani A, Tedesco S. Towards monitoring biodegradation of starch-based bioplastic in anaerobic condition: Finding a proper kinetic model. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 347:126661. [PMID: 35007734 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.126661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Bioplastic biodegradation showed varying behavior during the process of biodegradation. The First-order and Gompertz models are the most prevalent models for monitoring biodegradation in an anaerobic digestion (AD) process, which do not suit adequately bioplastics fermentation modeling. This research aimed at studying the kinetics of methane production during AD of starch-based bioplastic by using a large library of non-linear regressions (NLRs) and an artificial neural network (ANN). Although 26 NLR models (25 were outlined in the AD literature + 1 modified by authors) have been analyzed, 9 of them were proper predictors for the whole AD process for methane production. In the end M9, which has been proposed by authors, was selected owing to the simplicity of regression as well as good statistical criteria. Moreover, MLP-ANN could outperform the NLR model and has been selected as the superior model that can define the kinetics of bioplastic AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Ebrahimzade
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammadali Ebrahimi-Nik
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Abbas Rohani
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Silvia Tedesco
- Department of Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
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