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Pérez-Flores J, Borges-Ramírez MM, Vargas-Contreras JA, Osten JRV. Inter-annual variation in the microplastics abundance in feces of the Baird's tapir (Tapirus bairdii) from the Selva Maya, México. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 941:173659. [PMID: 38839015 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173659] [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: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are found in a wide range of ecosystems, from the Arctic to the deep ocean. However, there is no data on their presence in terrestrial mammals that inhabit the Selva Maya. The aim of this study is to detect the presence of MPs in the feces of the Baird's tapir (Tapirus bairdii) from the region of Calakmul, located in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. We analyzed 129 fecal samples collected during 2017 and 2018, obtaining 57 and 72 samples during the rainy and dry seasons respectively. Sixty-eight percent of the samples contained 743 MPs with a mean of 19.3 ± 28.1 MPs/kg of dry weight (DW) feces in both years. An inter-annual variation in the average abundance of microplastic was observed during the two-year period (2017-2018), with a 72 % increase in these plastic particles in feces. Fourteen polymers were identified, with ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polypropylene (PP) and polyester (PES) being the most abundant during both years. Although the effects of MPs on the health of tapirs are not known, their presence is cause for concern. There is an urgent need for the implementation of appropriate plastic waste management programs in communities of the Selva Maya to diminish the consumption of MPs in species including humans where they pose a significant risk to health. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS: The use of plastics worldwide is increasing every day, so the presence of microplastics is and will continue to be a major environmental problem. It is known that contaminants can adhere to plastics, making them hazardous materials. Microplastics can contaminate remote areas such as Biosphere Reserves. Terrestrial species such as the tapir can ingest microplastics, putting their health at risk. Knowing the dispersion of microplastics is very important in order to manage them properly, taking into account their emission sources and type of polymer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Pérez-Flores
- Consejo Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencia y Tecnología (CONAHCYT), Av. Insurgentes Sur 1582, CP 03940 Ciudad de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico; El Colegio de La Frontera Sur (ECOSUR), Unidad de Chetumal, Avenida Centenario Km 5.5, CP 77014 Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico
| | - Merle M Borges-Ramírez
- Instituto de Ecología, Pesquería y Oceanografía del Golfo de México (EPOMEX), Universidad Autónoma de Campeche, Campus VI, Av. Héroe de Nacozari 480, CP 24070, Campeche, Campeche, Mexico
| | - Jorge A Vargas-Contreras
- Facultad de Ciencias Químico-Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Campeche, Campus V, Av. Ex Hacienda Kalá S/N, CP 24085 Campeche, Campeche, Mexico
| | - Jaime Rendón-von Osten
- Instituto de Ecología, Pesquería y Oceanografía del Golfo de México (EPOMEX), Universidad Autónoma de Campeche, Campus VI, Av. Héroe de Nacozari 480, CP 24070, Campeche, Campeche, Mexico.
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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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A shelf-life study for the evaluation of a new biopackaging to preserve the quality of organic chicken meat. Food Chem 2022; 371:131134. [PMID: 34656920 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.131134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Widespread use of traditional packaging constitutes a serious ecological problem leading to a shift to biodegradable and compostable materials. The aim of this work is to study the ability of a new biopackaging (BP), based on biodegradable and compostable material, to preserve the quality of organic chicken meat for 14 days in comparison with a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material. Results showed that the indices of Biogenic Amines (BAs) and the 18 monitored Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) have a similar trend in both packaged meats. For example, the total BAs concentration in meat increased from 390 to 961 mg Kg-1 in BP and from 393 to 800 mg Kg-1 in PET, as well as the microbiological counts. The new biopackaging (BP) showed similar properties of non-biodegradable material (PET) to preserve the shelf life of organic chicken meat and it could be used instead of plastic materials to promote a circular economy.
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Lopresti F, Botta L, La Carrubba V, Di Pasquale L, Settanni L, Gaglio R. Combining carvacrol and nisin in biodegradable films for antibacterial packaging applications. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 193:117-126. [PMID: 34688672 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.10.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
In this work, the feasibility of antibacterial biopolymeric films containing carvacrol (CRV) and a nisin commercial formulation (Nis) for potential food packaging applications was investigated. As polymer matrix, a commercial biodegradable polymer formulation of Mater-Bi (MB) was chosen due to its significant food packaging applications. CRV and Nis were chosen due to their well-established antibacterial properties and their potential synergistic effect. MB/CRV, MB/Nis, and MB/CRV/Nis systems were produced by melt mixing and compression molding. The mechanical properties of the films were evaluated by tensile tests. Differential scanning calorimetry was assessed aiming at investigating the effect of the two compounds and their mixture on the thermal properties of MB. The release profile of CRV and Nis from the MB-based films was evaluated in water at 4 °C by UV-Vis measurements and it was fitted with a power-law model. The antibacterial activity of MB-based films was tested in vitro against Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enteritidis, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. The combination of CRV and Nis strongly affected the properties of the MB-based films and ensured higher antibacterial activity if compared to MB/CRV and MB/Nis systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Lopresti
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria, Università degli Studi di Palermo, RU INSTM, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Luigi Botta
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria, Università degli Studi di Palermo, RU INSTM, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo La Carrubba
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria, Università degli Studi di Palermo, RU INSTM, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Liliana Di Pasquale
- Dipartimento Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Forestali, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 4, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Luca Settanni
- Dipartimento Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Forestali, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 4, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Raimondo Gaglio
- Dipartimento Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Forestali, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 4, 90128 Palermo, Italy
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Films Based on Mater-Bi ® Compatibilized with Pine Resin Derivatives: Optical, Barrier, and Disintegration Properties. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13091506. [PMID: 34067087 PMCID: PMC8124954 DOI: 10.3390/polym13091506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Mater-Bi® NF866 (MB) was blended with gum rosin and two pentaerythritol esters of gum rosin (labeled as LF and UT), as additives, to produce biobased and compostable films for food packaging or agricultural mulch films. The films were prepared by blending MB with 5, 10, and 15 wt.% of each additive. The obtained films were characterized by optical, colorimetric, wettability, and oxygen barrier properties. Moreover, the additives and the MB-based films were disintegrated under composting conditions and the effect of each additive on the biodegradation rate was studied. All films were homogeneous and optically transparent. The color of the films tended to yellow tones due to the addition of pine resin derivatives. All the formulated films presented a complete UV-transmittance blocking effect in the UVA and UVB region, and those with 5 wt.% of pine resin derivatives increased the MB hydrophobicity. Low amounts of resins tend to maintain the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) values of the neat MB, due to its good solubilizing and compatibilizing effects. The disintegration under composting conditions test revealed that gum rosin completely disintegrates in about 90 days, while UT degrades 80% and LF degrades 5%, over 180 days of incubation. As expected, the same tendency was obtained for the disintegration of the studied films, although Mater-Bi® reach 28% of disintegrability over the 180 days of the composting test.
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Wettability, absorption and degradation behavior of microwave-assisted compression molded kenaf/HDPE composite tank under various environments. Polym Degrad Stab 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2021.109500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Scaffaro R, Maio A, Sutera F, Gulino EF, Morreale M. Degradation and Recycling of Films Based on Biodegradable Polymers: A Short Review. Polymers (Basel) 2019; 11:E651. [PMID: 30970659 PMCID: PMC6523205 DOI: 10.3390/polym11040651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The environmental performance of biodegradable materials has attracted attention from the academic and the industrial research over the recent years. Currently, degradation behavior and possible recyclability features, as well as actual recycling paths of such systems, are crucial to give them both durability and eco-sustainability. This paper presents a review of the degradation behaviour of biodegradable polymers and related composites, with particular concern for multi-layer films. The processing of biodegradable polymeric films and the manufacturing and properties of multilayer films based on biodegradable polymers will be discussed. The results and data collected show that: poly-lactic acid (PLA), poly-butylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT) and poly-caprolactone (PCL) are the most used biodegradable polymers, but are prone to hydrolytic degradation during processing; environmental degradation is favored by enzymes, and can take place within weeks, while in water it can take from months to years; thermal degradation during recycling basically follows a hydrolytic path, due to moisture and high temperatures (β-scissions and transesterification) which may compromise processing and recycling; ultraviolet (UV) and thermal stabilization can be adequately performed using suitable stabilizers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Scaffaro
- University of Palermo, Department of Engineering, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Andrea Maio
- University of Palermo, Department of Engineering, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Fiorenza Sutera
- University of Palermo, Department of Engineering, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
| | | | - Marco Morreale
- Kore University of Enna, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Cittadella Universitaria, 94100 Enna, Italy.
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Lo Re G, Sessini V. Wet Feeding Approach for Cellulosic Materials/PCL Biocomposites. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1021/bk-2018-1304.ch011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Giada Lo Re
- Division of Biocomposites, Department of Fiber and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Teknikringen 56, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Valentina Sessini
- Laboratory of Polymeric and Composite Materials, University of Mons – UMONS, Place du Parc 23, 7000 Mons, Belgium
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Harrison JP, Boardman C, O'Callaghan K, Delort AM, Song J. Biodegradability standards for carrier bags and plastic films in aquatic environments: a critical review. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2018; 5:171792. [PMID: 29892374 PMCID: PMC5990801 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.171792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Plastic litter is encountered in aquatic ecosystems across the globe, including polar environments and the deep sea. To mitigate the adverse societal and ecological impacts of this waste, there has been debate on whether 'biodegradable' materials should be granted exemptions from plastic bag bans and levies. However, great care must be exercised when attempting to define this term, due to the broad and complex range of physical and chemical conditions encountered within natural ecosystems. Here, we review existing international industry standards and regional test methods for evaluating the biodegradability of plastics within aquatic environments (wastewater, unmanaged freshwater and marine habitats). We argue that current standards and test methods are insufficient in their ability to realistically predict the biodegradability of carrier bags in these environments, due to several shortcomings in experimental procedures and a paucity of information in the scientific literature. Moreover, existing biodegradability standards and test methods for aquatic environments do not involve toxicity testing or account for the potentially adverse ecological impacts of carrier bags, plastic additives, polymer degradation products or small (microscopic) plastic particles that can arise via fragmentation. Successfully addressing these knowledge gaps is a key requirement for developing new biodegradability standard(s) for lightweight carrier bags.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse P. Harrison
- UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH3 9FD, UK
- Division of Microbial Ecology, Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, Research Network ‘Chemistry Meets Microbiology’, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Carl Boardman
- School of Engineering and Innovation, The Open University, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, UK
| | | | - Anne-Marie Delort
- Université Clermont Auvergne, Institut de Chimie de Clermont-Ferrand, CNRS, BP 10448, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jim Song
- Wolfson Centre for Materials Processing, Brunel University, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, UK
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Saharudin MS, Wei J, Shyha I, Inam F. Biodegradation of Halloysite Nanotubes-Polyester Nanocomposites Exposed to Short Term Seawater Immersion. Polymers (Basel) 2017; 9:E314. [PMID: 30970992 PMCID: PMC6418935 DOI: 10.3390/polym9080314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs)-polyester nanocomposites with four different concentrations were produced using solution casting technique and the biodegradation effect of short-term seawater exposure (120 h) was studied. Monolithic polyester was observed to have the highest seawater absorption with 1.37%. At 0.3 wt % HNTs reinforcement, the seawater absorption dropped significantly to the lowest value of 0.77% due to increase of liquid diffusion path. For samples tested in dry conditions, the Tg, storage modulus, tensile properties and flexural properties were improved. The highest improvement of Tg was from 79.3 to 82.4 °C (increase 3.1 °C) in the case of 0.3 wt % HNTs. This can be associated with the exfoliated HNTs particles, which restrict the mobility of polymer chains and thus raised the Tg. After seawater exposure, the Tg, storage modulus, tensile properties and flexural properties of polyester and its nanocomposites were decreased. The Young's modulus of 0.3 wt % HNTs-polyester dropped 20% while monolithic polyester dropped up to 24% compared to their values in dry condition. Apart from that, 29% flexural modulus reduction was observed, which was 18% higher than monolithic polyester. In contrast, fracture toughness and surface roughness increased due to plasticization effect. The presence of various microbial communities caused gradual biodegradation on the microstructure of the polyester matrix as also evidently shown by SEM images.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Shahneel Saharudin
- Department of Mechanical and Construction Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK.
- Institute of Product Design and Manufacturing (UniKL IPROM), Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Jiacheng Wei
- Department of Mechanical and Construction Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK.
| | - Islam Shyha
- Department of Mechanical and Construction Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK.
| | - Fawad Inam
- Department of Mechanical and Construction Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK.
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Effect of Cold Drawing on Mechanical Properties of Biodegradable Fibers. J Appl Biomater Funct Mater 2017; 15:e70-e76. [DOI: 10.5301/jabfm.5000328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Biodegradable polymers are currently gaining importance in several fields, because they allow mitigation of the impact on the environment related to disposal of traditional, nonbiodegradable polymers, as well as reducing the utilization of oil-based sources (when they also come from renewable resources). Fibers made of biodegradable polymers are of particular interest, though, it is not easy to obtain polymer fibers with suitable mechanical properties and to tailor these to the specific application. The main ways to tailor the mechanical properties of a given biodegradable polymer fiber are based on crystallinity and orientation control. However, crystallinity can only marginally be modified during processing, while orientation can be controlled, either during hot drawing or cold stretching. In this paper, a systematic investigation of the influence of cold stretching on the mechanical and thermomechanical properties of fibers prepared from different biodegradable polymer systems was carried out. Methods Rheological and thermal characterization helped in interpreting the orientation mechanisms, also on the basis of the molecular structure of the polymer systems. Results and conclusions It was found that cold drawing strongly improved the elastic modulus, tensile strength and thermomechanical resistance of the fibers, in comparison with hot-spun fibers. The elastic modulus showed higher increment rates in the biodegradable systems upon increasing the draw ratio.
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Re GL, Morreale M, Scaffaro R, La Mantia FP. Biodegradation paths of Mater-Bi®/kenaf biodegradable composites. J Appl Polym Sci 2013. [DOI: 10.1002/app.39027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Da Róz A, Ferreira A, Yamaji F, Carvalho A. Compatible blends of thermoplastic starch and hydrolyzed ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers. Carbohydr Polym 2012; 90:34-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2012.04.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2011] [Revised: 03/29/2012] [Accepted: 04/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Lo Re G, Morreale M, Scaffaro R, La Mantia FP. Kenaf-filled biodegradable composites: rheological and mechanical behaviour. POLYM INT 2012. [DOI: 10.1002/pi.4243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Vilaplana F, Strömberg E, Karlsson S. Environmental and resource aspects of sustainable biocomposites. Polym Degrad Stab 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2010.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Nostro A, Scaffaro R, Ginestra G, D'Arrigo M, Botta L, Marino A, Bisignano G. Control of biofilm formation by poly-ethylene-co-vinyl acetate films incorporating nisin. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2010; 87:729-37. [PMID: 20414650 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-010-2598-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2010] [Revised: 03/04/2010] [Accepted: 03/31/2010] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of poly-ethylene-co-vinyl acetate (EVA) films incorporating different concentrations (0.1%, 0.5% and 1%) of nisin on the biofilm-forming ability of Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 7644, Staphylococcus aureus 815 and Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 35984. Nisin was incorporated into two grades of EVA (EVA14 and EVA28) in the melt during a common film-blowing operation. The efficacy of EVA/nisin films was evaluated by biofilm biomass measurements and Live/Dead staining in combination with fluorescence microscopy. In order to evaluate whether the nisin incorporation could modify the film surface properties, contact angle measurements and scanning electron microscopy were performed. The results revealed the efficacy of EVA14/nisin films in reducing biofilm formation on their surfaces with more evident effect for S. epidermidis than L. monocytogenes and S. aureus strains. In contrast, EVA28/nisin films showed unsatisfactory activity. Fluorescence microscopy confirmed poor biofilm formation on EVA14/nisin films, also characterised by the presence of dead cells. The data presented in this study offer new potential applications for developing strategies aimed to improve the effect of antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Nostro
- Pharmaco-Biological Department, University of Messina, Viale Annunziata, 98100, Messina, Italy.
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