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Soo XYD, Muiruri JK, Wu WY, Yeo JCC, Wang S, Tomczak N, Thitsartarn W, Tan BH, Wang P, Wei F, Suwardi A, Xu J, Loh XJ, Yan Q, Zhu Q. Bio-Polyethylene and Polyethylene Biocomposites: An Alternative toward a Sustainable Future. Macromol Rapid Commun 2024; 45:e2400064. [PMID: 38594967 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202400064] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Polyethylene (PE), a highly prevalent non-biodegradable polymer in the field of plastics, presents a waste management issue. To alleviate this issue, bio-based PE (bio-PE), derived from renewable resources like corn and sugarcane, offers an environmentally friendly alternative. This review discusses various production methods of bio-PE, including fermentation, gasification, and catalytic conversion of biomass. Interestingly, the bio-PE production volumes and market are expanding due to the growing environmental concerns and regulatory pressures. Additionally, the production of PE and bio-PE biocomposites using agricultural waste as filler materials, highlights the growing demand for sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics. According to previous studies, addition of ≈50% defibrillated corn and abaca fibers into bio-PE matrix and a compatibilizer, results in the highest Young's modulus of 4.61 and 5.81 GPa, respectively. These biocomposites have potential applications in automotive, building construction, and furniture industries. Moreover, the advancement made in abiotic and biotic degradation of PE and PE biocomposites is elucidated to address their environmental impacts. Finally, the paper concludes with insights into the opportunities, challenges, and future perspectives in the sustainable production and utilization of PE and bio-PE biocomposites. In summary, production of PE and bio-PE biocomposites can contribute to a cleaner and sustainable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Yun Debbie Soo
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Joseph Kinyanjui Muiruri
- Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE2), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 1 Pesek Road, Jurong Island, 627833, Singapore
| | - Wen-Ya Wu
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Jayven Chee Chuan Yeo
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Suxi Wang
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Nikodem Tomczak
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Warintorn Thitsartarn
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Beng Hoon Tan
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Pei Wang
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Fengxia Wei
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Ady Suwardi
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Jianwei Xu
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
- Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE2), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 1 Pesek Road, Jurong Island, 627833, Singapore
| | - Xian Jun Loh
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
- Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE2), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 1 Pesek Road, Jurong Island, 627833, Singapore
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, 9 Engineering Drive 1, #03-09 EA, Singapore, 117575, Singapore
| | - Qingyu Yan
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Qiang Zhu
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
- Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE2), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 1 Pesek Road, Jurong Island, 627833, Singapore
- School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, Singapore, 637371, Singapore
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Keith M, Koller M, Lackner M. Carbon Recycling of High Value Bioplastics: A Route to a Zero-Waste Future. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1621. [PMID: 38931972 PMCID: PMC11207349 DOI: 10.3390/polym16121621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Today, 98% of all plastics are fossil-based and non-biodegradable, and globally, only 9% are recycled. Microplastic and nanoplastic pollution is just beginning to be understood. As the global demand for sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics continues to rise, biobased and biodegradable plastics have emerged as a promising solution. This review article delves into the pivotal concept of carbon recycling as a pathway towards achieving a zero-waste future through the production and utilization of high-value bioplastics. The review comprehensively explores the current state of bioplastics (biobased and/or biodegradable materials), emphasizing the importance of carbon-neutral and circular approaches in their lifecycle. Today, bioplastics are chiefly used in low-value applications, such as packaging and single-use items. This article sheds light on value-added applications, like longer-lasting components and products, and demanding properties, for which bioplastics are increasingly being deployed. Based on the waste hierarchy paradigm-reduce, reuse, recycle-different use cases and end-of-life scenarios for materials will be described, including technological options for recycling, from mechanical to chemical methods. A special emphasis on common bioplastics-TPS, PLA, PHAs-as well as a discussion of composites, is provided. While it is acknowledged that the current plastics (waste) crisis stems largely from mismanagement, it needs to be stated that a radical solution must come from the core material side, including the intrinsic properties of the polymers and their formulations. The manner in which the cascaded use of bioplastics, labeling, legislation, recycling technologies, and consumer awareness can contribute to a zero-waste future for plastics is the core topics of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Keith
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK;
| | - Martin Koller
- Institute of Chemistry, NAWI Graz, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria;
| | - Maximilian Lackner
- Go!PHA, Oudebrugsteeg 9, 1012 JN Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien, Hoechstaedtplatz 6, 1200 Vienna, Austria
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Xiong Z, Zhang Y, Chen X, Sha A, Xiao W, Luo Y, Han J, Li Q. Soil Microplastic Pollution and Microbial Breeding Techniques for Green Degradation: A Review. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1147. [PMID: 38930528 PMCID: PMC11205638 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), found in many places around the world, are thought to be more detrimental than other forms of plastics. At present, physical, chemical, and biological methods are being used to break down MPs. Compared with physical and chemical methods, biodegradation methods have been extensively studied by scholars because of their advantages of greenness and sustainability. There have been numerous reports in recent years summarizing the microorganisms capable of degrading MPs. However, there is a noticeable absence of a systematic summary on the technology for breeding strains that can degrade MPs. This paper summarizes the strain-breeding technology of MP-degrading strains for the first time in a systematic way, which provides a new idea for the breeding of efficient MP-degrading strains. Meanwhile, potential techniques for breeding bacteria that can degrade MPs are proposed, providing a new direction for selecting and breeding MP-degrading bacteria in the future. In addition, this paper reviews the sources and pollution status of soil MPs, discusses the current challenges related to the biodegradation of MPs, and emphasizes the safety of MP biodegradation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jialiang Han
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industrialization, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, No. 2025, Chengluo Avenue, Longquanyi District, Chengdu 610106, China; (Z.X.); (Y.Z.); (X.C.); (A.S.); (W.X.); (Y.L.)
| | - Qiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industrialization, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, No. 2025, Chengluo Avenue, Longquanyi District, Chengdu 610106, China; (Z.X.); (Y.Z.); (X.C.); (A.S.); (W.X.); (Y.L.)
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Boran T, Zengin OS, Seker Z, Akyildiz AG, Kara M, Oztas E, Özhan G. An evaluation of a hepatotoxicity risk induced by the microplastic polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) using HepG2/THP-1 co-culture model. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:28890-28904. [PMID: 38564126 PMCID: PMC11058773 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33086-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Inappropriate disposal of plastic wastes and their durability in nature cause uncontrolled accumulation of plastic in land/marine ecosystems, also causing destructive effects by bioaccumulating along the food chain. Microplastics may cause chronic inflammation in relation to their permanent structures, especially through oxidative stress and cytotoxic cellular damage, which could increase the risk of cancer development. The accumulation of microplastics in the liver is a major concern, and therefore, the identification of the mechanisms of their hepatotoxic effects is of great importance. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is a widely used thermoplastic. It has been determined that PMMA disrupts lipid metabolism in the liver in various aquatic organisms and causes reproductive and developmental toxicity. PMMA-induced hepatotoxic effects in humans have not yet been clarified. In our study, the toxic effects of PMMA (in the range of 3-10 μm) on the human liver were investigated using the HepG2/THP-1 macrophage co-culture model, which is a sensitive immune-mediated liver injury model. Cellular uptake of micro-sized PMMA in the cells was done by transmission electron microscopy. Determination of its effects on cell viability and inflammatory response, oxidative stress, along with gene and protein expression levels that play a role in the mechanism pathways underlying the effects were investigated. The results concluded that inflammation, oxidative stress, and disruptions in lipid metabolism should be the focus of attention as important underlying causes of PMMA-induced hepatotoxicity. Our study, which points out the potential adverse effects of microplastics on human health, supports the literature information on the subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tugce Boran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozge Sultan Zengin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Institute of Graduate Studies in Health Sciences, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zehra Seker
- Institute of Graduate Studies in Health Sciences, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Aysenur Gunaydin Akyildiz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehtap Kara
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ezgi Oztas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gül Özhan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Burelo M, Martínez A, Hernández-Varela JD, Stringer T, Ramírez-Melgarejo M, Yau AY, Luna-Bárcenas G, Treviño-Quintanilla CD. Recent Developments in Synthesis, Properties, Applications and Recycling of Bio-Based Elastomers. Molecules 2024; 29:387. [PMID: 38257300 PMCID: PMC10819226 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29020387] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
In 2021, global plastics production was 390.7 Mt; in 2022, it was 400.3 Mt, showing an increase of 2.4%, and this rising tendency will increase yearly. Of this data, less than 2% correspond to bio-based plastics. Currently, polymers, including elastomers, are non-recyclable and come from non-renewable sources. Additionally, most elastomers are thermosets, making them complex to recycle and reuse. It takes hundreds to thousands of years to decompose or biodegrade, contributing to plastic waste accumulation, nano and microplastic formation, and environmental pollution. Due to this, the synthesis of elastomers from natural and renewable resources has attracted the attention of researchers and industries. In this review paper, new methods and strategies are proposed for the preparation of bio-based elastomers. The main goals are the advances and improvements in the synthesis, properties, and applications of bio-based elastomers from natural and industrial rubbers, polyurethanes, polyesters, and polyethers, and an approach to their circular economy and sustainability. Olefin metathesis is proposed as a novel and sustainable method for the synthesis of bio-based elastomers, which allows for the depolymerization or degradation of rubbers with the use of essential oils, terpenes, fatty acids, and fatty alcohols from natural resources such as chain transfer agents (CTA) or donors of the terminal groups in the main chain, which allow for control of the molecular weights and functional groups, obtaining new compounds, oligomers, and bio-based elastomers with an added value for the application of new polymers and materials. This tendency contributes to the development of bio-based elastomers that can reduce carbon emissions, avoid cross-contamination from fossil fuels, and obtain a greener material with biodegradable and/or compostable behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Burelo
- Institute of Advanced Materials for Sustainable Manufacturing, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Queretaro 76130, Mexico;
| | - Araceli Martínez
- Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores, Unidad Morelia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Antigua Carretera a Pátzcuaro No. 8701, Col. Ex. Hacienda de San José de la Huerta, Morelia 58190, Michoacán, Mexico;
| | | | - Thomas Stringer
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Queretaro 76130, Mexico; (T.S.); (M.R.-M.)
| | | | - Alice Y. Yau
- Department of Analytical and Environmental Chemistry, Southwest Research Institute, 6220 Culebra Road, San Antonio, TX 78238, USA;
| | - Gabriel Luna-Bárcenas
- Institute of Advanced Materials for Sustainable Manufacturing, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Queretaro 76130, Mexico;
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