Photodegradation of bisphenol A polycarbonate

Laboratory-Simulated Photoirradiation Reveals Strong Resistance of Primary Macroplastics to Weathering

The photodegradation of macroplastics in the marine environment remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the weathering of commercially available plastics (tabs 1.3 × 4.4 × 0.16 cm), including high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polycarbonate, in seawater under laboratory-simulated ultraviolet A radiation for 3-9 months, equivalent to 25-75 years of natural sunlight exposure without considering other confounding factors. After the exposure, the physical integrity and thermal stability of the tabs remained relatively intact, suggesting that the bulk polymer chains were not severely altered despite strong irradiation, likely due to their low specific surface area. In contrast, the surface layer (∼1 μm) of the tabs was highly oxidized and eroded after 9 months of accelerated weathering. Several antioxidant additives were identified in the plastics through low temperature pyrolysis coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Pyr-GC/MS) analysis. The Pyr-GC/MS results also revealed many new oxygen-containing compounds formed during photodegradation, and these compounds indicated the dominance of chain scission reactions during weathering. These findings highlight the strong resistance of industrial macroplastics to weathering, emphasizing the need for a broader range of plastics with varying properties and sizes to accurately estimate plastic degradation in the marine environment.

Biochar supported Pseudomonas putida based globules for effective removal of Bisphenol A with a practical approach

The widespread and inevitable use of plastic has led to prospective ecological problems through Bisphenol A (BPA), a synthetic chemical in plastic manufacturing. The present study addresses a unique methodology for eliminating BPA using the assistance of Pseudomonas putida. In the present work, biomass was torrefied to generate biochar with highly porous networks that could accommodate the bacterial species for effective colonization and multiplication. The designed biochar-bacterial globules demonstrated the ability to effectively remove BPA (96.88%) at a concentration of up to 2 g/L. The biochar-bacterial globules could effectively adsorb BPA at a low concentration of 20 mg/L. The alteration in pH did not impact the globule's performance, providing additional support for the practical utilization of these globules in polluted water bodies. In addition, the biochar-bacterial globules exhibited superior effectiveness in degradation compared to the standard levels, particularly in saline conditions. The simplicity and effectiveness of the approach make it promising for real-world implementation in addressing ecological problems associated with BPA contamination.

UV absorption enhanced polydopamine coating

Mussel-inspired polydopamine (PDA) coatings have gained significant attention in various fields, including biomedicine, energy, detection, and UV protection, owing to their versatile and promising properties. Among these properties, UV shielding stands out as a key feature of PDA coatings. Nevertheless, the current methods for tuning the UV-shielding properties of PDA coatings are quite limited, and only rely on thickness adjustment, which might involve additional issues like color and visible light transmittance to the coating layer. In this study, we propose a facile and modular approach to enhance the UV absorption of PDA coatings by incorporating thiol-heterocycle (TH) derivatives. Both pre- and post-modification strategies can effectively impede the formation of conjugated structures within PDA, leading to enhanced UV absorption within the PDA layers. More importantly, these strategies can improve the UV absorption of PDA coatings while reducing the visible light absorption. Furthermore, this method enabled efficient regulation of the UV absorption of PDA coatings by altering the ring type (benzene ring or pyridine ring) and substituent on the ring (methoxyl group or hydrogen atom). These PDA coatings with enhanced UV absorption demonstrate great promise for applications in UV protection, antibacterial activity, wound healing and dye degradation.

Mass spectrometry of polymers: A tutorial review

Ever since the inception of synthetic polymeric materials in the late 19th century, the number of studies on polymers as well as the complexity of their structures have only increased. The development and commercialization of new polymers with properties fine-tuned for specific technological, environmental, consumer, or biomedical applications requires powerful analytical techniques that permit the in-depth characterization of these materials. One such method with the ability to provide chemical composition and structure information with high sensitivity, selectivity, specificity, and speed is mass spectrometry (MS). This tutorial review presents and exemplifies the various MS techniques available for the elucidation of specific structural features in a synthetic polymer, including compositional complexity, primary structure, architecture, topology, and surface properties. Key to every MS analysis is sample conversion to gas-phase ions. This review describes the fundamentals of the most suitable ionization methods for synthetic materials and provides relevant sample preparation protocols. Most importantly, structural characterizations via one-step as well as hyphenated or multidimensional approaches are introduced and demonstrated with specific applications, including surface sensitive and imaging techniques. The aim of this tutorial review is to illustrate the capabilities of MS for the characterization of large, complex polymers and emphasize its potential as a powerful compositional and structural elucidation tool in polymer chemistry.

Characterization of microplastic-derived dissolved organic matter in freshwater: Effects of light irradiation and polymer types

This study investigated the impacts of light irradiation and polymer types on the leaching behavior of dissolved organic matter (DOM) from microplastics (MPs) in freshwater. Polypropylene had the highest leaching capacity of DOM after photoaging, followed by polystyrene (PS), polyamide (PA) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). While similarly low levels of DOM were observed in the remaining 5 MP suspensions under UV irradiation and in almost all MP suspensions (except PA) under darkness. These suggest that the photooxidation of some buoyant plastics may influence the carbon cycling of nature waters. Among 9 MP-derived leachates, PET leachates had the highest chromophoric DOM concentration and aromaticity, probably owing to the special benzene rings and carbonyl groups in PET structures and its fast degradation rate. Protein-like substances were the primary fluorescent DOM in MP suspensions (except PS), especially in darkness no other fluorescent substances were found. Considering the bio-labile properties of proteins together, MPs regardless of floating or suspended in an aquatic environment may have prevalent long-term effects on microbial activities. Besides, from monomers to hexamers with newly formed chemical bonds were identified in UV-irradiated MP suspensions. These results will contribute to a deep insight into the potential ecological effects related to MP degradation.

How to Make Plastic Surfaces Simultaneously Hydrophilic/Oleophobic?

Hydrophilic/oleophobic surfaces are desirable in many applications including self-cleaning, antifogging, oil-water separation, etc. However, making plastic surfaces hydrophilic/oleophobic is challenging due to the intrinsic hydrophobicity/oleophilicity of plastics. Here, we report a simple and effective method of making plastics hydrophilic/oleophobic. Plastics, including poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polystyrene (PS), and polycarbonate (PC), have been coated with a perfluoropolyether (PFPE) (i.e., commercially known as Zdol) via dip coating and then irradiated with UV/Ozone. The contact angle measurements indicate that the treated plastics have a lower water contact angle (WCA) and higher hexadecane contact angle (HCA), i.e., they are simultaneously hydrophilic/oleophobic. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) results suggest that UV/Ozone treatment introduces oxygen-containing polar groups on the plastic surfaces, which renders the plastic surfaces hydrophilic. Meanwhile, more orderly packed PFPE Zdol molecules, which is due to the UV-induced bonding between PFPE Zdol and the plastic surface, result in the oleophobicity. Moreover, the simultaneous hydrophilicity/oleophobicity of functionalized plastics does not degrade in aging tests, and they have superior antifogging performance and detergent-free cleaning capability. This simple method developed here potentially can be applied to other plastics and has important implications in the functionalization of plastic surfaces.

The Evaluation of Simulated Environmental Degradation of Polycarbonate Filled with Inorganic and Organic Reinforcements

This research aimed to examine the mechanical properties of polycarbonate-based composites filled with both organic and inorganic reinforcements before and after simulated environmental degradation. Series of polycarbonate-based samples were prepared in the form of thin tapes. Their rheological properties were examined. Then, the samples were exposed to artificial environmental conditions. Finally, their rheological properties were examined once more, and the results were compared with those obtained for untreated samples. This paper presents basic research on the application of inorganic fillers to polycarbonate in order to determine the influence of the filler on the behavior of the obtained material. The aim of the work was to determine the usefulness and purpose of using this type of filler in polycarbonates for applications in contact with ultraviolet radiation, especially medical applications.

Mathematical Modeling of Outdoor Natural Weathering of Polycarbonate: Regional Characteristics of Degradation Behaviors

Many natural exposure sites have been developed to ensure the reliability of materials intended for outdoor use. However, the effects of local climate on aging have not been completely understood. This study aimed to elucidate the regional characteristics of natural aging. Non-stabilized and stabilized polycarbonates were monitored in terms of their appearance (yellowing and loss of gloss) during natural weathering at five exposure sites (Tokyo, Kagoshima, Okinawa, Florida, and Arizona) in conjunction with climate fluctuation for up to 24 months. Three approaches were employed to characterize the natural aging behaviors: (i) modeling the rate function of degradation, (ii) evaluating the contribution ratio of individual degradational factors, and (iii) estimating the "synchronicity" by cross-correlation analysis with the climate dataset. The aging rates were the highest in Arizona and lowest in Kagoshima among the five exposure sites. First, prediction curves were constructed from the degradation rate function (variables: UV irradiation, temperature, and humidity), and these curves were found to agree well with the measured aging behaviors. Second, the exposure data in Arizona demonstrated strong temperature dependence, while those in Okinawa and Florida had stronger dependence on UV irradiation compared to other sites. Lastly, the synchronicity between UV irradiation and temperature was the highest in Arizona and lowest in Kagoshima, which can explain the significantly faster deterioration in Arizona and the slow deterioration in Kagoshima.

Simultaneous adsorption and determination of bisphenol compounds in water medium with a Zr(IV)-based metal-organic framework

A chemically stable Zr(IV)-based metal-organic framework (BUT-17) has been explored for simultaneous adsorption and determination of bisphenol compounds (BPs) in aqueous medium. The prepared BUT-17 possesses a large surface area (2936 m² g^-1) and excellent fluorescent performance. An adsorption capacity of 111 mg g^-1 for bisphenol A (BPA) with a rapid adsorption rate (1.76 g mg^-1 min^-1) is achieved by BUT-17. The excellent adsorption performance could be attributed to the hydrogen bond interaction between BPs and BUT-17. Furthermore, the fluorescent intensity of BUT-17 was quenched up to 92% due to the formation of complexes between BPs and BUT-17. Thus, a BUT-17-based fluorescent sensing method for the rapid determination of BPs has been established with the limit of detection of 10.0 ng mL^-1 for BPA and a linear range from 2.0 to 23.0 μg mL^-1. These results indicate that as an outstanding multifunctional platform, BUT-17 is promising for the simultaneous removal and determination of BPs in water medium. Simultaneous removal and detection of BPs with BUT-17.

Edible Films from Carrageenan/Orange Essential Oil/Trehalose-Structure, Optical Properties, and Antimicrobial Activity

The research aim was to use orange essential oil and trehalose in a carrageenan matrix to form edible packaging. The edible packaging experimentally produced by casting from an aqueous solution were evaluated by the following analysis: UV-Vis spectrum, transparency value, transmittance, attenuated total reflectance Fourier-Transform spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and antimicrobial activity. The obtained results showed that the combination of orange essential oil with trehalose decreases the transmittance value in the UV and Vis regions (up to 0.14% ± 0.02% at 356 nm), meaning that produced films can act as a UV protector. Most produced films in the research were resistant to Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus), though most films did not show antibacterial properties against Gram-negative bacteria and yeasts. FTIR and SEM confirmed that both the amount of carrageenan used and the combination with orange essential oil influenced the compatibility of trehalose with the film matrix. The research showed how different combinations of trehalose, orange essential oils and carrageenan can affect edible film properties. These changes represent important information for further research and the possible practical application of these edible matrices.

Bisphenol A and Bisphenol S Induce Endocrine and Chromosomal Alterations in Brown Trout

Bisphenol A is a widely used compound found in large amount of consumer products. As concerns have been raised about its toxicological and public health effect, the use of alternatives to bisphenol A are now increasing. Bisphenol S is one of the analogues being used as a replacement for bisphenol A despite the fact that little is known about the effects of bisphenol S on living organisms. In this study, we investigated the potential endocrine and genotoxic effects of bisphenol A and bisphenol S in juvenile brown trout (Salmo trutta). The fish were exposed to the compounds for either 2 weeks or 8 weeks via sustained-release cholesterol implants containing doses of 2 mg/kg fish or 20 mg/kg fish of the substances. The effects on the thyroid hormone levels and the estrogenic disrupting marker vitellogenin were evaluated, along with the genotoxic markers micronucleated cells and erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities. An increase in plasma vitellogenin was observed in fish exposed to the high dose of bisphenol A for 2 weeks. At this experimental time the level of the thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3) in plasma was elevated after bisphenol S exposure at the high concentration, and paralleled by an increase of micronucleated cells. Moreover, bisphenol A induced an increase of micronuclei frequency in fish erythrocytes after the exposure at the lowest dose tested. Taken together the results indicate that both bisphenol A and its alternative bisphenol S cause endocrine disrupting and genotoxic effects in brown trout, although suggesting two different mechanisms of damage underlying bisphenol A and bisphenol S activity.

Surface Reactions in Selective Modification: The Prerequisite for Plastic Flotation

Improper disposal of waste plastic has caused much environmental pollution, but plastic recycling can reduce the amount of new and residual waste plastic in the environment through source control. Plastic flotation can separate waste plastics with similar physical and chemical properties, which suggests its promising application in plastic recycling. With the help of the different hydrophilicities waste plastic can be separated by flotation, and hydrophilization can be accomplished by surface modifications. However, no systematic studies addressing these surface reactions have been published yet, and such modifications are a prerequisite for plastic flotation. In this critical review, we not only summarize the various modification mechanisms, including physical regulation, surface oxidation, surface degradation, dechlorination, and coating, but also have reasonably added additional information for some reactions covering surface reconstruction, plastic degradation, polymer stability, wastewater treatment, soil remediation, and chemical recycling of plastic. An entirely novel concept, the "plastic gene", is also proposed to elaborate on some contradictory results. Plastic flotation with clear surface reactions may promote plastic recycling and thereby control waste plastic at the source, save energy, and reduce microplastics. We also predict challenges for clean, efficient, and practical surface modifications and plastic flotation.

Hierarchical Micro-/Nano-Structures on Polycarbonate via UV Pulsed Laser Processing

Hierarchical micro/-nanostructures were produced on polycarbonate polymer surfaces by employing a two-step UV-laser processing strategy based on the combination of Direct Laser Interference Patterning (DLIP) of gratings and pillars on the microscale (3 ns, 266 nm, 2 kHz) and subsequently superimposing Laser-induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSS; 7-10 ps, 350 nm, 100 kHz) which adds nanoscale surface features. Particular emphasis was laid on the influence of the direction of the laser beam polarization on the morphology of resulting hierarchical surfaces. Scanning electron and atomic force microscopy methods were used for the characterization of the hybrid surface structures. Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) calculations of the laser intensity distribution on the DLIP structures allowed to address the specific polarization dependence of the LIPSS formation observed in the second processing step. Complementary chemical analyzes by micro-Raman spectroscopy and attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy provided in-depth information on the chemical and structural material modifications and material degradation imposed by the laser processing. It was found that when the linear laser polarization was set perpendicular to the DLIP ridges, LIPSS could be formed on top of various DLIP structures. FDTD calculations showed enhanced optical intensity at the topographic maxima, which can explain the dependency of the morphology of LIPSS on the polarization with respect to the orientation of the DLIP structures. It was also found that the degradation of the polymer was enhanced for increasing accumulated fluence levels.

Using Environmental Simulations to Test the Release of Hazardous Substances from Polymer-Based Products: Are Realism and Pragmatism Mutually Exclusive Objectives?

The potential release of hazardous substances from polymer-based products is currently in the focus of environmental policy. Environmental simulations are applied to expose such products to selected aging conditions and to investigate release processes. Commonly applied aging exposure types such as solar and UV radiation in combination with water contact, corrosive gases, and soil contact as well as expected general effects on polymers and additional ingredients of polymer-based products are described. The release of substances is based on mass-transfer processes to the material surfaces. Experimental approaches to investigate transport processes that are caused by water contact are presented. For tailoring the tests, relevant aging exposure types and release quantification methods must be combined appropriately. Several studies on the release of hazardous substances such as metals, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, flame retardants, antioxidants, and carbon nanotubes from polymers are summarized exemplarily. Differences between natural and artificial exposure tests are discussed and demonstrated for the release of flame retardants from several polymers and for biocides from paints. Requirements and limitations to apply results from short-term artificial environmental exposure tests to predict long-term environmental behavior of polymers are presented.

Application of froth flotation in the separation of polyvinyl chloride and polycarbonate for recycling of waste plastic based on a novel surface modification

The complicated stream of waste plastic impedes the recycling of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polycarbonate (PC), which can be settled by flotation separation. We proposed a novel chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) pretreatment to assist the separation of PVC and PC by froth flotation, and clarified possible surface reactions of hydrophilic PC by contact angles, scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The hydrolysis and further rearrangement of carbonic esters (O(CO)O) may be deemed as the main reason for hydrophilic PC, introducing oxygenated functional groups, such as hydroxyl groups (COH), carboxyl groups (COOH), and tiny acyl chloride (ClCO), on PC surfaces. The robustness of this process was proved by efficient flotation separation of PVC and PC under various conditions of size fractions, frother concentration, mass ratio, and flotation time. The optimal pretreatment conditions for flotation separation of PVC and PC are temperature of 70 °C, ClO₂ concentration of 0.5 g/L, and treatment time of 70 min. The optimal recovery and purity of PC in sunken plastic can stably maintain 97% and 99%, respectively. Compared with waste plastic, raw PC embraces a high floatability after ClO₂ pretreatment, revealing that ageing is conducive to surface modification.

Synthesis of a Regioregular Series of Poly(aryl ether carbonates) and Their Glass Transition Temperatures

Bisphenol A polycarbonate (BPA-PC) is a remarkable high-performance engineering polymer, although it is susceptible to photo-Fries and hydrolytic degradation. New poly(aryl ether carbonates) were synthesized to address these limitations by replacing the chain backbone carbonate ester functionality with aryl ether functionality. The monomers for these new polymers were synthesized by a variation of the Ullmann condensation accelerated by 2,2,6,6-tetramethylheptane-3,5-dione and promoted by Cs₂CO₃ and 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone under mild conditions. Four such bisphenol A-based diarylether monomers containing different mass ratios of carbonate ester groups were prepared and polymerized with phosgene gas to give novel poly(aryl ether carbonates). Polymers were named as di-o-BPA-PC 9', tri-o-BPA-PC 11', tetra-o-BPA-PC 13', and penta-o-BPA-PC 15' where di-, tri-, tetra-, and penta- reflect the number of diphenylisopropylidene units in each of the respective polymers. The molecular weights of the resulting four poly(aryl ether carbonates) were measured by gel permeation chromatography. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to measure glass transition temperature (T _g). The polymers exhibited weight-average molecular weights up to 4.09 × 10⁵ g/mol and T _g in the range of 136 to 149 °C with no melting temperature peak, indicative of their amorphous character. The new polymers formed transparent and flexible films by solution casting from chloroform solution.

Effect of environmental conditions on the durability of polycarbonate for the protection of cultural heritage sites

Polycarbonate is a good material for covering and protecting cultural heritage sites because of its durability, mechanical properties, and transparency. However, polycarbonate degrades under environmental weathering with a significant decrease of physical and mechanical properties and loss of transparency. In this work, the contemporary presence of ultraviolet irradiation and different temperature and moisture conditions have been taken into account to study the environmental degradation of this polymer with regard to its mechanical and optical properties. The photo-oxidation reactions cause a decrease in the molecular weight and the formation of many oxygenated species. The hydrolytic scission, instead, gives rise to a remarkable reduction in the molecular weight. These two different degradation mechanisms do not seem interconnected because at the lowest degradation temperature and high humidity levels, the reduction of the molecular weight is more pronounced than that observed at the highest temperature but at a lower humidity level. Transparency decreases with the degradative processes, but even after severe degradation the loss of transparency is only about 10%. The yellowness index increases during the first stages of degradation, which has been attributed to the fast formation of carbonyl groups due to photo-oxidation.

Influence of Bulk Temperature on Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structures on Polycarbonate

In this paper, the influence of the bulk temperature (BT) of Polycarbonate (PC) on the occurrence and growth of Laser-induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSS) is studied. Ultrashort UV laser pulses with various laser peak fluence levels F0 and various numbers of overscans (NOS) were applied on the surface of pre-heated Polycarbonate at different bulk temperatures. Increased BT leads to a stronger absorption of laser energy by the Polycarbonate. For NOS<1000 High Spatial Frequency LIPSS (HSFL), Low Spatial Frequency LIPSS perpendicular (LSFL-I) and parallel (LSFL-II) to the laser polarization were only observed on the rim of the ablated tracks on the surface but not in the center of the tracks. For NOS≥1000, it was found that when pre-heating the polymer to a BT close its glass transition temperature (Tg), the laser fluence to achieve similar LIPSS as when processed at room temperature decreases by a factor of two. LSFL types I and II were obtained on PC at a BT close to Tg and their periods and amplitudes were similar to typical values found in the literature. To the best of the author’s knowledge, it is the first time both LSFL types developed simultaneously and consistently on the same sample under equal laser processing parameters. The evolution of LIPSS from HSFL, over LSFL-II to LSFL I, is described, depending on laser peak fluence levels, number of pulses processing the spot and bulk temperature.

Consequences of a contaminant mixture of bisphenol A (BPA) and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), two plastic-derived chemicals, on the diversity of coastal phytoplankton

To assess the impact of two plastic derived chemicals: bisphenol A (BPA) and the di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), on phytoplankton biomass and community structure, microcosm incubations were performed during spring and summer, with offshore and lagoon waters of a south-western Mediterranean ecosystem. Phytoplankton were exposed to an artificial mixture of BPA and DEHP and to marine water previously enriched with plastic-derivative compounds, originated from in situ water incubations of plastic debris for 30 days. After 96 h of incubation, changes were observed in phytoplankton biomass in the contaminated microcosms, with a net decrease (up to 50% of the control) in the concentration of Chlorophyll a in offshore waters. Concomitantly, plastic-derivative contamination provoked structural changes, especially for offshore waters. This suggests a relative tolerance of the lagoon communities to BPA and DEHP contamination, related to the dominance of Chaetoceros spp., which could potentially be used as a bioindicator in bioassessment studies.

Ionic Liquid Stabilized Gelatin-Lignin Films: A Potential UV-Shielding Material with Excellent Mechanical and Antimicrobial Properties

Significant research is currently underway to develop environmentally friendly UV-shielding materials. Herein, we have constructed choline citrate (a biobased ionic liquid, IL) stabilized homogeneous gelatin-lignin UV-shielding films with excellent antimicrobial and mechanical properties. The synthesis procedure of the films is less energy demanding, one pot, and sustainable in nature. Prepared films were characterized by mechanical and thermal analysis using UTM and TGA, respectively. ATR-IR and PXRD was employed to explore the possible formation of H-bonding between biopolymers and the IL and the change in crystallinity in films after addition of IL to the gelatin-lignin matrix. Surface morphology of prepared films has been studied using optical microscope, AFM, and field emission SEM (FE-SEM). Optical properties of prepared films were measured using UV/Vis spectroscopy. Antimicrobial activity of the prepared films was tested against Bacillus subtilis. Prepared biofilms showed a sun-protection factor (SPF) of up to ≈45.0, large elongation ≈200 %, and tensile strength ≈70 MPa, which are as good as those values exhibited by organic polymeric films, indicating a promising renewable-resources-based material for UV light blocking.

Effects of Melanin on Optical Behavior of Polymer: From Natural Pigment to Materials Applications

Melanin is a kind of ubiquitous natural pigment, which serves a variety of protective functions in many organisms. In the present study, natural melanin and synthetic melanin nanoparticles (NPs) were systematically investigated for its potential application in polymeric optical materials. A significant short-wavelength shielding and high visible light transparency polymer nanocomposite was easily obtained via tuning the melanin particle size. In particular, the nanocomposite film with melanin NPs (diameter ≈ 15 nm) loading even as low as 1 wt % blocks most ultraviolet light below 340 nm and still keeps high visible light transparency (83%) in the visible spectrum. More importantly, because of the excellent photoprotection and radical scavenging capabilities of melanin, the resulting polymer nanocomposite exhibits outstanding photostability. In effect, such fantastic melanin NPs is promising for applications in various optical materials.

A Novel UV-Shielding and Transparent Polymer Film: When Bioinspired Dopamine-Melanin Hollow Nanoparticles Join Polymers

Ultraviolet (UV) light is known to be harmful to human health and cause organic materials to undergo photodegradation. In this Research Article, bioinspired dopamine-melanin solid nanoparticles (Dpa-s NPs) and hollow nanoparticles (Dpa-h NPs) as UV-absorbers were introduced to enhance the UV-shielding performance of polymer. First, Dpa-s NPs were synthesized through autoxidation of dopamine in alkaline aqueous solution. Dpa-h NPs were prepared by the spontaneous oxidative polymerization of dopamine solution onto polystyrene (PS) nanospheres template, followed by removal of the template. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/Dpa nanocomposite films were subsequently fabricated by a simple casting solvent. UV irradiation protocols were set up, allowing selective study of the extra-shielding effects of Dpa-s versus Dpa-h NPs. In contrast to PVA/Dpa-s films, PVA/Dpa-h films exhibit stronger UV-shielding capabilities and can almost block the complete UV region (200-400 nm). The excellent UV-shielding performance of the PVA/Dpa-h films mainly arises from multiple absorption because of the hollow structure and large specific area of Dpa-h NPs. Moreover, the wall thickness of Dpa-h NPs can be simply controlled from 28 to 8 nm, depending on the ratio between PS and dopamine. The resulting films with Dpa-h NPs (wall thickness = ∼8 nm) maintained relatively high transparency to visible light because of the thinner wall thickness. The results indicate that the prepared Dpa-h NPs can be used as a novel UV absorber for next-generation transparent UV-shielding materials.

Simultaneous Observation of Cells and Nuclear Tracks from the Boron Neutron Capture Reaction by UV-C Sensitization of Polycarbonate

The distribution of boron in tissue samples coming from boron neutron capture therapy protocols can be determined through the analysis of its autoradiography image on a nuclear track detector. A more precise knowledge of boron atom location on the microscopic scale can be attained by the observation of nuclear tracks superimposed on the sample image on the detector. A method to produce an "imprint" of cells cultivated on a polycarbonate detector was developed, based on the photodegradation properties of UV-C radiation on this material. Optimal conditions to generate an appropriate monolayer of Mel-J cells incubated with boronophenylalanine were found. The best images of both cells and nuclear tracks were obtained for a neutron fluence of 1013 cm-2, 6 h UV-C (254 nm) exposure, and 4 min etching time with a KOH solution. The imprint morphology was analyzed by both light and scanning electron microscopy. Similar samples, exposed to UV-A (360 nm) revealed no cellular imprinting. Etch pits were present only inside the cell imprints, indicating a preferential boron uptake (about threefold the incubation concentration). Comparative studies of boron absorption in different cell lines and in vitro evaluation of the effect of diverse boron compounds are feasible with this methodology.

Scratch-resistant sol–gel coatings on pristine polycarbonate

A novel strategy to enhance scratch resistance via the incorporation of ZTP onto silica-based sol–gel coating is proposed.

Stability of dioctyl sulfosuccinate (DOSS) towards hydrolysis and photodegradation under simulated solar conditions

Dioctyl sulfosuccinate (DOSS) is one of the main components of Corexit® EC9500A, a chemical dispersant formulation used at the surface and at depth during the response to the Deepwater Horizon incident. Despite being a high volume use chemical, data on its environmental stability are scarce. Hydrolysis and photodegradation of DOSS in both pure water and seawater were reported in the present study. DOSS photodegraded much faster under ultraviolet light source (254 nm, with half-life in hours) compared to relevant environmental light sources i.e., 350 nm and solar simulator (with half-lives in days). LC/MS-MS analysis of hydrolysis and photo-irradiated samples showed the presence of a common degradation product. MS/MS fragmentation of that product indicated a substitution of an octyl group by a hydroxyl group with a corresponding formula of C12H21O7S, which was confirmed by HRMS detection (Q-TOF, m/z 309.1017, +1.29 ppm).

Recycling of engineering plastics from waste electrical and electronic equipments: influence of virgin polycarbonate and impact modifier on the final performance of blends

This study is focused on the recovery and recycling of plastics waste, primarily polycarbonate, poly(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) and high impact polystyrene, from end-of-life waste electrical and electronic equipments. Recycling of used polycarbonate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polycarbonate/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene/high impact polystrene material was carried out using material recycling through a melt blending process. An optimized blend composition was formulated to achieve desired properties from different plastics present in the waste electrical and electronic equipments. The toughness of blended plastics was improved with the addition of 10 wt% of virgin polycarbonate and impact modifier (ethylene-acrylic ester-glycidyl methacrylate). The mechanical, thermal, dynamic-mechanical and morphological properties of recycled blend were investigated. Improved properties of blended plastics indicate better miscibility in the presence of a compatibilizer suitable for high-end application.

UV activation of polymeric high aspect ratio microstructures: ramifications in antibody surface loading for circulating tumor cell selection

The need to activate thermoplastic surfaces using robust and efficient methods has been driven by the fact that replication techniques can be used to produce microfluidic devices in a high production mode and at low cost, making polymer microfluidics invaluable for in vitro diagnostics, such as circulating tumor cell (CTC) analysis, where device disposability is critical to mitigate artifacts associated with sample carryover. Modifying the surface chemistry of thermoplastic devices through activation techniques can be used to increase the wettability of the surface or to produce functional scaffolds to allow for the covalent attachment of biologics, such as antibodies for CTC recognition. Extensive surface characterization tools were used to investigate UV activation of various surfaces to produce uniform and high surface coverage of functional groups, such as carboxylic acids in microchannels of different aspect ratios. We found that the efficiency of the UV activation process is highly dependent on the microchannel aspect ratio and the identity of the thermoplastic substrate. Colorimetric assays and fluorescence imaging of UV-activated microchannels following EDC/NHS coupling of Cy3-labeled oligonucleotides indicated that UV-activation of a PMMA microchannel with an aspect ratio of ~3 was significantly less efficient toward the bottom of the channel compared to the upper sections. This effect was a consequence of the bulk polymer's damping of the modifying UV radiation due to absorption artifacts. In contrast, this effect was less pronounced for COC. Moreover, we observed that after thermal fusion bonding of the device's cover plate to the substrate, many of the generated functional groups buried into the bulk rendering them inaccessible. The propensity of this surface reorganization was found to be higher for PMMA compared to COC. As an example of the effects of material and microchannel aspect ratios on device functionality, thermoplastic devices for the selection of CTCs from whole blood were evaluated, which required the immobilization of monoclonal antibodies to channel walls. From our results, we concluded the CTC yield and purity of isolated CTCs were dependent on the substrate material with COC producing the highest clinical yields for CTCs as well as better purities compared to PMMA.

Online solid phase extraction liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (SPE-LC-MS/MS) method for the determination of sucralose in reclaimed and drinking waters and its photo degradation in natural waters from South Florida

Background

Sucralose has gained popularity as a low calorie artificial sweetener worldwide. Due to its high stability and persistence, sucralose has shown widespread occurrence in environmental waters, at concentrations that could reach up to several μg/L. Previous studies have used time consuming sample preparation methods (offline solid phase extraction/derivatization) or methods with rather high detection limits (direct injection) for sucralose analysis. This study described a faster and sensitive analytical method for the determination of sucralose in environmental samples.

Results

An online SPE-LC–MS/MS method was developed, being capable to quantify sucralose in 12 minutes using only 10 mL of sample, with method detection limits (MDLs) of 4.5 ng/L, 8.5 ng/L and 45 ng/L for deionized water, drinking and reclaimed waters (1:10 diluted with deionized water), respectively. Sucralose was detected in 82% of the reclaimed water samples at concentrations reaching up to 18 μg/L. The monthly average for a period of one year was 9.1 ± 2.9 μg/L. The calculated mass loads per capita of sucralose discharged through WWTP effluents based on the concentrations detected in wastewaters in the U. S. is 5.0 mg/day/person. As expected, the concentrations observed in drinking water were much lower but still relevant reaching as high as 465 ng/L. In order to evaluate the stability of sucralose, photodegradation experiments were performed in natural waters. Significant photodegradation of sucralose was observed only in freshwater at 254 nm. Minimal degradation (<20%) was observed for all matrices under more natural conditions (350 nm or solar simulator). The only photolysis product of sucralose identified by high resolution mass spectrometry was a de-chlorinated molecule at m/z 362.0535, with molecular formula C₁₂H₂₀Cl₂O₈.

Conclusions

Online SPE LC-APCI/MS/MS developed in the study was applied to more than 100 environmental samples. Sucralose was frequently detected (>80%) indicating that the conventional treatment process employed in the sewage treatment plants is not efficient for its removal. Detection of sucralose in drinking waters suggests potential contamination of surface and ground waters sources with anthropogenic wastewater streams. Its high resistance to photodegradation, minimal sorption and high solubility indicate that sucralose could be a good tracer of anthropogenic wastewater intrusion into the environment.