1
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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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Cao Z, Kim C, Li Z, Jung J. Comparing environmental fate and ecotoxicity of conventional and biodegradable plastics: A critical review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 951:175735. [PMID: 39187074 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175735] [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: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a consequential problem worldwide, prompting the widespread use of biodegradable plastics (BPs). However, not all BPs are completely degradable under natural conditions, but instead produce biodegradable microplastics (BMPs), release chemical additives, and absorb micropollutants, thus causing toxicity to living organisms in similar manners to conventional plastics (CPs). The new problems caused by biodegradable plastics cannot be ignored and requires a thorough comparison of the differences between conventional and biodegradable plastics and microplastics. This review comprehensively compares their environmental fates, such as biodegradation and micropollutant sorption, and ecotoxicity in soil and water environments. The results showed that it is difficult to determine the natural conditions required for the complete biodegradation of BPs. Some chemical additives in BPs differ from those in CPs and may pose new threats to ecosystems. Because of functional group differences, most BMPs had higher micropollutant sorption capacities than conventional microplastics (CMPs). The ecotoxicity comparison showed that BMPs had similar or even greater adverse effects than CMPs. This review highlights several knowledge gaps in this new field and suggests directions for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihan Cao
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Changhae Kim
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Zhihua Li
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong 264209, China
| | - Jinho Jung
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.
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3
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Courtene-Jones W, Cheung SWH, Thompson RC, Hanley ME. Effect of biodegradable and conventional microplastic exposure in combination with seawater inundation on the coastal terrestrial plant Plantago coronopus. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 360:124573. [PMID: 39029863 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124573] [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: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Coastal ecosystems face a multitude of pressures including plastic pollution and increased flood risk due to sea level rise and the frequency and severity of storms. Experiments seldom examine multiple stressors such as these, but here we quantified the effect of microplastics (polyethylene terephthalate (PET): a durable plastic and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT): a biodegradable polymer), in combination with simulated seawater inundation on the coastal species Plantago coronopus. After 35-days exposure to plastic (0.02 g.Kg-1, <300 μm diameter), P. coronopus were flooded to pot height with artificial seawater for 72-h, drained and grown for a further 24-days. Plant mortality, necrosis and photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm) were recorded throughout, with root:shoot biomass and scape production (flower stalks) quantified at harvest. There were significant interactions between microplastics and seawater on the root:shoot ratio; a measure of resource allocation. The allocation to belowground biomass increased significantly under the PET + inundation treatment compared to the PBAT + inundation and the no plastic + inundation treatments, with potential consequences on the capture of water, nutrients and sunlight, which can affect plant performance. Plant necrosis significantly increased, and Fv/Fm declined as a result of seawater inundation. While not significant, plant Fv/Fm responses were influenced by microplastics (17% and 7% reduction in PBAT and PET exposure respectively compared to the no plastic control). Plants mediated this stress response with no discernible treatment-specific effects detected in Fv/Fm 14-days after seawater introduction. Plastic exposure significantly influenced potential reproductive output, with lower average scape numbers across PBAT treatments, but higher in PET treatments. This study highlights the complex interactions and potential for microplastics to present an elevated risk when in combination with additional stressors like seawater flooding; establishing the threat presented to ecosystem resilience in a changing world is a priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Courtene-Jones
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8AA, UK.
| | - S W H Cheung
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - R C Thompson
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - M E Hanley
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8AA, UK
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4
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Liu Y, Peng W, Wei T, Yuan Y, Cao X, Ma M, Sun Q, Li M, Xie F. Strong, anti-swelling, and biodegradable seaweed-based straws with surface mineralized CaCO 3 armor. Carbohydr Polym 2024; 341:122347. [PMID: 38876717 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122347] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
While the extensive utilization of disposable plastic straws has resulted in significant environmental issues such as microplastics and soil and ocean pollution, the quest for alternative straws for versatile use remains a formidable challenge. Here, drawing inspiration from naturally water-resistant materials such as bones and sea urchins, we have developed seaweed-based straws with significantly improved water resistance and mechanical strength via in-situ mineralization of CaCO3 on their surfaces. Specifically, the COO- groups on the G (α-L-guluronate) blocks of alginate were employed to establish a robust cross-linked network, while the COO- groups on the M (β-D-mannuronate) blocks attracted free Ca2+ through electrostatic forces, thereby promoting CaCO3 nucleation. This effectively prevents COOH groups from hydrating, reducing swelling, and results in the fabrication of nano- to micron-sized CaCO3 particles that reinforce the structure without compromising the cross-linked network. Compared with the control group, the S5% sample (prepared with 5 % Na2CO3 solution) exhibited a 102 % increase in water contact angle, a 35 % decrease in swelling degree, and a 35.5 % and 37.5 % increase in ultimate flexural and tensile stress, respectively. Furthermore, the potential use of these straws as a waste for heavy metal adsorption was investigated, addressing environmental concerns while demonstrating economic feasibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanpu Liu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, PR China; Qingdao Special Food Research Institute, Qingdao 266109, PR China
| | - Wen Peng
- College of Horticulture, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, PR China
| | - Ting Wei
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, PR China; Qingdao Special Food Research Institute, Qingdao 266109, PR China
| | - Yajie Yuan
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, PR China; Qingdao Special Food Research Institute, Qingdao 266109, PR China
| | - Xianyu Cao
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, PR China; Qingdao Special Food Research Institute, Qingdao 266109, PR China
| | - Meng Ma
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, PR China; Qingdao Special Food Research Institute, Qingdao 266109, PR China
| | - Qingjie Sun
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, PR China; Qingdao Special Food Research Institute, Qingdao 266109, PR China
| | - Man Li
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, PR China; Qingdao Special Food Research Institute, Qingdao 266109, PR China.
| | - Fengwei Xie
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, United Kingdom
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Chen S, Hu YH. Complete Degradation of Polyolefin Plastic Wastes to High-Value Products. CHEMSUSCHEM 2024; 17:e202301449. [PMID: 38647354 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202301449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Plastic wastes continuously accumulate, causing critical environmental issues. It is urgent to develop efficient strategies to convert them to valuable products. Very recently, two novel approaches for plastic recycling were reported by Huber et al. (Science, 2023, 381, 660-666) and Liu et al. (Science, 2023, 381, 666-671), where polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) plastics were converted into potentially valuable products, such as alcohols, aldehydes, surfactants, and detergents. The two processes achieved complete degradation, high selectivity of target products, as well as high values of products, showing economic feasibility for industrial scale-up. These breakthroughs for plastic recycling are highlighted in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoqin Chen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931-1295, USA
| | - Yun Hang Hu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931-1295, USA
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6
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Fei J, Bai X, Jiang C, Yin X, Ni BJ. A state-of-the-art review of environmental behavior and potential risks of biodegradable microplastics in soil ecosystems: Comparison with conventional microplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 954:176342. [PMID: 39312976 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2024] [Revised: 08/03/2024] [Accepted: 09/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
As the use of biodegradable plastics becomes increasingly widespread, their environmental behaviors and impacts warrant attention. Unlike conventional plastics, their degradability predisposes them to fragment into microplastics (MPs) more readily. These MPs subsequently enter the terrestrial environment. The abundant functional groups of biodegradable MPs significantly affect their transport and interactions with other contaminants (e.g., organic contaminants and heavy metals). The intermediates and additives released from depolymerization of biodegradable MPs, as well as coexisting contaminants, induce alterations in soil ecosystems. These processes indicate that the impacts of biodegradable MPs on soil ecosystems might significantly diverge from conventional MPs. However, an exhaustive and timely comparison of the environmental behaviors and effects of biodegradable and conventional MPs within soil ecosystems remains scarce. To address this gap, the Web of Science database and bibliometric software were utilized to identify publications with keywords containing biodegradable MPs and soil. Moreover, this review comprehensively summarizes the transport behavior of biodegradable MPs, their role as contaminant carriers, and the potential risks they pose to soil physicochemical properties, nutrient cycling, biota, and CO2 emissions as compared with conventional MPs. Biodegradable MPs, due to their great transport and adsorption capacity, facilitate the mobility of coexisting contaminants, potentially inducing widespread soil and groundwater contamination. Additionally, these MPs and their depolymerization products can disrupt soil ecosystems by altering physicochemical properties, increasing microbial biomass, decreasing microbial diversity, inhibiting the development of plants and animals, and increasing CO2 emissions. Finally, some perspectives are proposed to outline future research directions. Overall, this study emphasizes the pronounced effects of biodegradable MPs on soil ecosystems relative to their conventional counterparts and contributes to the understanding and management of biodegradable plastic contamination within the terrestrial ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Fei
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xue Bai
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Chuanjia Jiang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Xianqiang Yin
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China.
| | - Bing-Jie Ni
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
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7
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Chen SQ, Huang QS, Li Y, Wu J, Chen S, Yan ZF. Targeted aggregation of PETase towards surface of Stenotrophomonas pavanii for degradation of PET microplastics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 480:135895. [PMID: 39312844 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2024] [Revised: 09/04/2024] [Accepted: 09/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most widely used plastics, but its fragmentation into microplastics poses significant environmental challenges. The recycling of PET microplastics is hindered by their low solubility and widespread dispersion in the environment, making microbial in-situ degradation a promising solution. However, existing PET-degrading strains exhibited the limited effectiveness, primarily due to the diffusion of secreted hydrolases away from the PET surface. In this study, Stenotrophomonas pavanii JWG-G1 was engineered to achieve the targeted aggregation of PET hydrolase PETase on the cell surface by fusing it with an endogenous anchor protein. This approach aims to maximise the local concentration of PETase around PET, thereby increasing the overall rate of PET degradation. The PETase surface-aggregated system, S. pavanii/PaL-PETase, demonstrated the highest degradation efficiency, achieving 63.3 % degradation of low-crystallinity PET (lcPET) and 27.3 % degradation of high-crystallinity PET bottles (hcPET) at 30 °C. This represents the highest degradation rate reported for a displayed whole-cell system at ambient temperature. Furthermore, this system exhibited broad-spectrum degradation activity against various polyesters. These findings suggest that this system offers a promising, eco-friendly solution to PET and other polyester pollution, with potential implications for environmental bioremediation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Qi Chen
- School of Biotechnology and Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Qing-Song Huang
- School of Biotechnology and Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Yang Li
- School of Biotechnology and Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jing Wu
- School of Biotechnology and Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China; National Center of Technology Innovation for Dairy, Hohhot, China
| | - Sheng Chen
- School of Biotechnology and Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Zheng-Fei Yan
- School of Biotechnology and Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China.
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8
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Qiu Y, Wang P, Zhang L, Li C, Lu J, Ren L. Enhancing biodegradation efficiency of PLA/PBAT-ST20 bioplastic using thermophilic bacteria co-culture system: New insight from structural characterization, enzyme activity, and metabolic pathways. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 477:135426. [PMID: 39106720 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135426] [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: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
The rising utilization of PLA/PBAT-ST20 presents potential ecological risks stemming from its casual disposal and incomplete degradation. To solve this problem, this study investigated the degradation capabilities of PLA/PBAT-ST20 by a co-culture system comprising two thermophilic bacteria, Pseudomonas G1 and Kocuria G2, selected and identified from the thermophilic phase of compost. Structural characterization results revealed that the strains colonized the PLA/PBAT-ST20's surface, causing holes and cracks, with an increase in the carbonyl index (CI) and polydispersity index (PDI), indicating oxidative degradation. Enzyme activity results demonstrated that the co-culture system significantly enhanced the secretion and activity of proteases and lipases, promoting the breakdown of ester bonds. LC-QTOF-MS results showed that various intermediate products were obtained after degradation, ultimately participating in the TCA cycle (ko00020), further completely mineralized. Additionally, after 15-day compost, the co-culture system achieved a degradation rate of 72.14 ± 2.1 wt% for PBAT/PLA-ST20 films, with a decrease in the abundance of plastic fragments of all sizes, demonstrating efficient degradation of PLA/PBAT-ST20 films. This study highlights the potential of thermophilic bacteria to address plastic pollution through biodegradation and emphasizes that the co-culture system could serve as an ideal solution for the remediation of PLA/PBAT plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhan Qiu
- School of Light Industry Science and Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Food Chain Pollution Control, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; Key Laboratory of Cleaner Production and Integrated Resource Utilization of China National Light Industry, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Pan Wang
- School of Light Industry Science and Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Food Chain Pollution Control, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; Key Laboratory of Cleaner Production and Integrated Resource Utilization of China National Light Industry, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Luxi Zhang
- School of Light Industry Science and Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Chunmei Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Jiaxin Lu
- School of Light Industry Science and Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Food Chain Pollution Control, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; Key Laboratory of Cleaner Production and Integrated Resource Utilization of China National Light Industry, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China.
| | - Lianhai Ren
- School of Light Industry Science and Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Food Chain Pollution Control, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; Key Laboratory of Cleaner Production and Integrated Resource Utilization of China National Light Industry, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China.
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9
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Gong K, Liu T, Peng C, Zhao Z, Xu X, Shao X, Zhao X, Qiu L, Xie W, Sui Q, Zhang W. Water-dependent effects of biodegradable microplastics on arsenic fractionation in soil: Insights from enzyme degradation and synchrotron-based X-ray analysis. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 477:135275. [PMID: 39053062 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135275] [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: 06/02/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
The abundance of biodegradable microplastics (BMPs) is increasing in soil due to the widespread use of biodegradable plastics. However, the influence of BMPs on soil metal biogeochemistry, especially arsenic (As), under different water regimes is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of two types of BMPs (PLA-MPs and PBAT-MPs) on As fractionation in two types of soils (black soil and fluvo-aquic soil) under three water regimes including drying (Dry), flooding (FL), and alternate wetting and drying (AWD). The results show that BMPs had limited indirect effects on As fractionation by altering soil properties, but had direct effects by adsorbing and releasing As during their degradation. Enzyme degradation experiments show that the degradation of PLA-MPs led to an increased desorption of 4.76 % for As(III) and 15.74 % for As(V). Synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF) combined with micro-X-ray absorption near edge structure (μ-XANES) analysis show that under Dry and AWD conditions, As on the BMPs primarily bind with Fe hydrated oxides in the form of As(V). Conversely, 71.57 % of As on PBAT-MP under FL conditions is in the form of As(III) and is primarily directly adsorbed onto its surface. This study highlights the role of BMPs in soil metal biogeochemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kailin Gong
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Tianzi Liu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Ziyi Zhao
- International Elite Engineering School, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xiang Xu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xuechun Shao
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xuan Zhao
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Linlin Qiu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Wenwen Xie
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Qian Sui
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
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10
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Reyes MSS, Medina PMB. Leachates from plastics and bioplastics reduce lifespan, decrease locomotion, and induce neurotoxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 357:124428. [PMID: 38914198 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124428] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution continuously accumulates in the environment and poses a global threat as it fragments into microplastics and nanoplastics that can harm ecosystems. To reduce the accumulation of microplastic and nanoplastic pollution, bioplastics made from biodegradable materials are promoted as a more sustainable alternative because it can degrade faster than plastics. However, plastics also leach out chemicals as they degrade and disintegrate, but the potential toxicity of these chemicals leaching out from plastics and especially bioplastics is poorly explored. Here, we determined the composition of leachates from plastics and bioplastics and tested their toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans. LC-MS analysis of the leachates revealed that bioplastics leached a wider array of chemicals than their counterpart plastics. Toxicity testing in our study showed that the leachates from plastics and bioplastics reduced lifespan, decreased locomotion, and induced neurotoxicity in C. elegans. Leachates from bioplastics reduced C. elegans lifespan more compared to leachates from plastics: by 7%-31% for bioplastics and by 6%-15% for plastics. Leachates from plastics decreased locomotion in C. elegans more compared to leachates from bioplastics: by 8%-34% for plastics and by 11%-24% for bioplastics. No changes were observed in the ability of the C. elegans to respond to mechanical stimuli. The leachates induced neurotoxicity in the following neurons at varying trends: cholinergic neurons by 0%-53% for plastics and by 30%-42% for bioplastics, GABAergic neurons by 3%-29% for plastics and by 10%-23% for bioplastics, and glutamatergic neurons by 3%-11% for plastics and by 15%-29% for bioplastics. Overall, our study demonstrated that chemicals leaching out from plastics and bioplastics can be toxic, suggesting that both plastics and bioplastics pose ecotoxicological and human health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Sigfrid S Reyes
- Biological Models Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Ermita, Manila, 1000, Philippines
| | - Paul Mark B Medina
- Biological Models Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Ermita, Manila, 1000, Philippines.
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11
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Mckeating S, Penrhyn-Lowe OB, Flynn S, Cassin SR, Lomas S, Fidge C, Price P, Wright S, Chambon P, Rannard SP. Controlling enzyme hydrolysis of branched polymers synthesised using transfer-dominated branching radical telomerisation via telogen and taxogen selection. Commun Chem 2024; 7:197. [PMID: 39227738 PMCID: PMC11372115 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-024-01283-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
With the ever-growing reliance on polymeric materials for numerous applications, new avenues to induce, design and control degradation are clearly important. Here, we describe a previously unreported approach to controlling enzymatic hydrolysis of high molecular weight branched polymers formed from the new free-radical polymer synthesis strategy transfer-dominated branching radical telomerisation (TBRT). Modifying the chemical nature of TBRT polymers may be accomplished through telogen selection and multi-vinyl taxogen (MVT) design, and we show telogen-driven control of enzyme-catalysed hydrolysis and the impact of careful placement of hydrolytically susceptible groups within readily synthesised MVTs. Our results indicate that utilising conventional free-radical chemistries and unsaturated monomers as feedstocks for highly branched polymer architectures has considerable potential for the design of future materials that degrade into very low molecular weight byproducts at variable and controllable rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Mckeating
- Department of Chemistry & Materials Innovation Factory, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool, L69 7ZD, UK
| | - Oliver B Penrhyn-Lowe
- Department of Chemistry & Materials Innovation Factory, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool, L69 7ZD, UK
| | - Sean Flynn
- Department of Chemistry & Materials Innovation Factory, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool, L69 7ZD, UK
| | - Savannah R Cassin
- Department of Chemistry & Materials Innovation Factory, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool, L69 7ZD, UK
| | - Sarah Lomas
- Department of Chemistry & Materials Innovation Factory, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool, L69 7ZD, UK
| | - Christopher Fidge
- Unilever R&D, Port Sunlight Laboratory, Quarry Road East, Bebington, Wirral, CH63, 3JW, UK
| | - Paul Price
- Unilever R&D, Port Sunlight Laboratory, Quarry Road East, Bebington, Wirral, CH63, 3JW, UK
| | - Stephen Wright
- Department of Chemistry & Materials Innovation Factory, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool, L69 7ZD, UK
| | - Pierre Chambon
- Department of Chemistry & Materials Innovation Factory, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool, L69 7ZD, UK
| | - Steve P Rannard
- Department of Chemistry & Materials Innovation Factory, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool, L69 7ZD, UK.
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12
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Qin W, Qiu Y, He H, Guo B, Li P. Pyrogallic acid-compatibilized polylactic acid/thermoplastic starch blend produced via one-step twin-screw extrusion. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 276:133758. [PMID: 38992550 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133758] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
In this study, a one-step extrusion method is proposed to prepare blended polylactic acid (PLA)/thermoplastic starch (TPS) using a novel plant-derived compatibilizer, pyrogallic acid (PGA), to enhance the PLA/TPS compatibility. The effects of PGA on the mechanical behavior, fractured cross-section morphology, thermal and dynamic mechanical performance, and water resistance of PLA/TPS blends were systematically studied. Results demonstrate that the addition of PGA effectively improves the compatibility between TPS and PLA, resulting in enhanced tensile strength, crystallinity, elongation at break, thermal stability, and hydrophobicity of the blends. Specifically, incorporating 1.5 phr of PGA into the blend system yields the highest values for tensile strength (23.38 MPa) and elongation at break (16.96 %), which are 24.7 % and 233.2 %, respectively, higher than those observed for pure PLA/TPS blends. Furthermore, other properties exhibit obvious improvements upon incorporation of PGA into the blends. This approach provides a promising strategy for enhancing the performance of PLA/TPS blends and expanding their applications in food packaging, agricultural film, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbo Qin
- College of Science, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Yongkang Qiu
- College of Science, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Huan He
- College of Science, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Bin Guo
- College of Science, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China; Post-Doctoral Research Center of Nanjiecun Group, Luohe, Henan 462600, China.
| | - Panxin Li
- Post-Doctoral Research Center of Nanjiecun Group, Luohe, Henan 462600, China
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13
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Liu C, Yuan W, Ma W, Yang M, Yang M, Cui L, Guan C. Influence of carboxy-terminated hyperbranched polyester and polyethylene glycol on the mechanical and thermal properties of polylactic acid/straw flour composites. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 279:135226. [PMID: 39216576 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.135226] [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: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 08/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Polylactic acid (PLA) wood-plastic composites have a significant advantage over traditional petroleum-based plastics due to their biodegradability. However, PLA has several shortcomings, including high brittleness, low heat resistance, slow crystallization, and poor compatibility with biomass materials, which have limited its potential applications. In this paper, we investigated the effects of carboxy-terminated hyperbranched polyester (CHBP) on the mechanical, crystalline, and thermal properties of PLA/straw flour (SF) blends through extrusion injection molding. Additionally, we added the traditional plasticizer polyethylene glycol (PEG) to synergize with CHBP to enhance the toughness of PLA/SF composites. Our results showed that the appropriate addition of CHBP effectively improved the interfacial bonding between PLA and straw flour. The incorporation of CHBP also improved the tensile strength, bending strength, impact strength, elongation at break, thermal stability, and crystallization rate of the composites. Furthermore, the addition of both CHBP and PEG significantly improved the impact strength of the composites compared to using PEG alone. This method also improved the heat resistance of the material and reduced the migration of plasticizers. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of using hyperbranched polymers and plasticizers to enhance the toughness, thermal stability, and crystalline properties of PLA wood-plastic composites, providing a new approach to improving the properties of these composites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenghe Liu
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Polytechnic University (SSPU), Shanghai 201209, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenyi Yuan
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Polytechnic University (SSPU), Shanghai 201209, People's Republic of China
| | - Weilian Ma
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Polytechnic University (SSPU), Shanghai 201209, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Yang
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Polytechnic University (SSPU), Shanghai 201209, People's Republic of China
| | - Man Yang
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Polytechnic University (SSPU), Shanghai 201209, People's Republic of China
| | - Liming Cui
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Polytechnic University (SSPU), Shanghai 201209, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuanjin Guan
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Polytechnic University (SSPU), Shanghai 201209, People's Republic of China.
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14
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Guidotti G, Palumbo A, Soccio M, Gazzano M, Salatelli E, Siracusa VM, Lotti N. Fully Bio-Based Blends of Poly (Pentamethylene Furanoate) and Poly (Hexamethylene Furanoate) for Sustainable and Flexible Packaging. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:2342. [PMID: 39204562 PMCID: PMC11360354 DOI: 10.3390/polym16162342] [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: 07/27/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
In the present study, bio-based polymeric blends have been prepared for applications in the field of sustainable food packaging, starting from two furan-based homopolymers, poly(hexamethylene 2,5-furanoate) (PHF) and poly(pentamethylene 2,5-furanoate) (PPeF). PHF and PPeF were synthesized by two-step melt polycondensation-a solvent-free synthetic strategy-and then binary physical mixtures, PHF/PPeF, with different weight compositions were prepared by dissolution in a common solvent. The blends were processed into compression-moulded films, and molecular, morphological, structural, thermal, and mechanical characterizations were subsequently carried out. Blending did not negatively affect the thermal stability of the parent homopolymers, and good compatibility between them was observed. This strategy also allowed for the modulation of the chain rigidity as well as of the crystallinity, simply by acting on the relative weight amount of the homopolymers. From a mechanical point of view, the presence of PPeF led to a reduction in stiffness and an increase in the elongation at break, obtaining materials with an elastomeric behaviour. Evaluation of the gas barrier properties confirmed that the good barrier properties of PHF were preserved by blending. Finally, lab-scale composting tests confirmed a greater weight loss of the mixtures with respect to the PHF homopolymer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Guidotti
- Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, University of Bologna, Via Terracini 28, 40131 Bologna, Italy; (G.G.); (A.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Arianna Palumbo
- Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, University of Bologna, Via Terracini 28, 40131 Bologna, Italy; (G.G.); (A.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Michelina Soccio
- Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, University of Bologna, Via Terracini 28, 40131 Bologna, Italy; (G.G.); (A.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Massimo Gazzano
- Institute for Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity, ISOF-CNR, Via Gobetti 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Elisabetta Salatelli
- Department of Industrial Chemistry “Toso Montanari”, University of Bologna, Viale Risorgimento 4, 40136 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Valentina M. Siracusa
- Chemical Science Department, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy;
| | - Nadia Lotti
- Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, University of Bologna, Via Terracini 28, 40131 Bologna, Italy; (G.G.); (A.P.); (M.S.)
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Agro-Food Research, CIRI-AGRO, Via Q. Bucci 336, 47521 Cesena, Italy
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15
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Liu S, Chen Q, Ding H, Song Y, Pan Q, Deng H, Zeng EY. Differences of microplastics and nanoplastics in urban waters: Environmental behaviors, hazards, and removal. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 260:121895. [PMID: 38875856 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121895] [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: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are ubiquitous in the aquatic environment and have caused widespread concerns globally due to their potential hazards to humans. Especially, NPs have smaller sizes and higher penetrability, and therefore can penetrate the human barrier more easily and may pose potentially higher risks than MPs. Currently, most reviews have overlooked the differences between MPs and NPs and conflated them in the discussions. This review compared the differences in physicochemical properties and environmental behaviors of MPs and NPs. Commonly used techniques for removing MPs and NPs currently employed by wastewater treatment plants and drinking water treatment plants were summarized, and their weaknesses were analyzed. We further comprehensively reviewed the latest technological advances (e.g., emerging coagulants, new filters, novel membrane materials, photocatalysis, Fenton, ozone, and persulfate oxidation) for the separation and degradation of MPs and NPs. Microplastics are more easily removed than NPs through separation processes, while NPs are more easily degraded than MPs through advanced oxidation processes. The operational parameters, efficiency, and potential governing mechanisms of various technologies as well as their advantages and disadvantages were also analyzed in detail. Appropriate technology should be selected based on environmental conditions and plastic size and type. Finally, current challenges and prospects in the detection, toxicity assessment, and removal of MPs and NPs were proposed. This review intends to clarify the differences between MPs and NPs and provide guidance for removing MPs and NPs from urban water systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuan Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Qiqing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Haojie Ding
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 123456, China
| | - Yunqian Song
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology (ACWEB, formerly AWMC), The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Qixin Pan
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Huiping Deng
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Eddy Y Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters (Ministry of Education), School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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16
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Du M, Xue R, Yuan W, Cheng Y, Cui Z, Dong W, Qiu B. Tandem Integration of Biological and Electrochemical Catalysis for Efficient Polyester Upcycling under Ambient Conditions. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:9768-9775. [PMID: 39057181 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c02966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Excessive production of waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) poses an ecological challenge, which necessitates developing technologies to extract the values from end-of-life PET. Upcycling has proven effective in addressing the low profitability of current recycling strategies, yet existing upcycling technologies operate under energy-intensive conditions. Here we report a cascade strategy to steer the transformation of PET waste into glycolate in an overall yield of 92.6% under ambient conditions. The cascade approach involves setting up a robust hydrolase with 95.6% PET depolymerization into ethylene glycol (EG) monomer within 12 h, followed by an electrochemical process initiated by a CO-tolerant Pd/Ni(OH)2 catalyst to convert the EG intermediate into glycolate with high Faradaic efficiency of 97.5%. Techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment indicate that, compared with the widely adopted electrochemical technology that heavily relies on alkaline pretreatment for PET depolymerization, our designed enzymatic-electrochemical approach offers a cost-effective and low-carbon pathway to upgrade PET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Du
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pesticide Sciences, Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Rui Xue
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, China
| | - Wenfang Yuan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pesticide Sciences, Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yun Cheng
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, China
| | - Zhongli Cui
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environmental Microbiology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Weiliang Dong
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, China
| | - Bocheng Qiu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pesticide Sciences, Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
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17
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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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18
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Yang S, Li Y, Nie M, Liu X, Wang Q, Chen N, Zhang C. Lifecycle Management for Sustainable Plastics: Recent Progress from Synthesis, Processing to Upcycling. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2404115. [PMID: 38869422 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202404115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Plastics, renowned for their outstanding properties and extensive applications, assume an indispensable and irreplaceable role in modern society. However, the ubiquitous consumption of plastic items has led to a growing accumulation of plastic waste. Unreasonable practices in the production, utilization, and recycling of plastics have led to substantial energy resource depletion and environmental pollution. Herein, the state-of-the-art advancements in the lifecycle management of plastics are timely reviewed. Unlike typical reviews focused on plastic recycling, this work presents an in-depth analysis of the entire lifecycle of plastics, covering the whole process from synthesis, processing, to ultimate disposal. The primary emphasis lies on selecting judicious strategies and methodologies at each lifecycle stage to mitigate the adverse environmental impact of waste plastics. Specifically, the article delineates the rationale, methods, and advancements realized in various lifecycle stages through both physical and chemical recycling pathways. The focal point is the attainment of optimal recycling rates for waste plastics, thereby alleviating the ecological burden of plastic pollution. By scrutinizing the entire lifecycle of plastics, the article aims to furnish comprehensive solutions for reducing plastic pollution and fostering sustainability across all facets of plastic production, utilization, and disposal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangqiao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- The Research Department of Resource Carbon Neutrality, Tianfu Yongxing Laboratory, Chengdu, 610213, China
| | - Yijun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- The Research Department of Resource Carbon Neutrality, Tianfu Yongxing Laboratory, Chengdu, 610213, China
| | - Min Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xingang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- The Research Department of Resource Carbon Neutrality, Tianfu Yongxing Laboratory, Chengdu, 610213, China
| | - Ning Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- The Research Department of Resource Carbon Neutrality, Tianfu Yongxing Laboratory, Chengdu, 610213, China
| | - Chuhong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- The Research Department of Resource Carbon Neutrality, Tianfu Yongxing Laboratory, Chengdu, 610213, China
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19
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Aarsen C, Liguori A, Mattsson R, Sipponen MH, Hakkarainen M. Designed to Degrade: Tailoring Polyesters for Circularity. Chem Rev 2024; 124:8473-8515. [PMID: 38936815 PMCID: PMC11240263 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.4c00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
A powerful toolbox is needed to turn the linear plastic economy into circular. Development of materials designed for mechanical recycling, chemical recycling, and/or biodegradation in targeted end-of-life environment are all necessary puzzle pieces in this process. Polyesters, with reversible ester bonds, are already forerunners in plastic circularity: poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is the most recycled plastic material suitable for mechanical and chemical recycling, while common aliphatic polyesters are biodegradable under favorable conditions, such as industrial compost. However, this circular design needs to be further tailored for different end-of-life options to enable chemical recycling under greener conditions and/or rapid enough biodegradation even under less favorable environmental conditions. Here, we discuss molecular design of the polyester chain targeting enhancement of circularity by incorporation of more easily hydrolyzable ester bonds, additional dynamic bonds, or degradation catalyzing functional groups as part of the polyester chain. The utilization of polyester circularity to design replacement materials for current volume plastics is also reviewed as well as embedment of green catalysts, such as enzymes in biodegradable polyester matrices to facilitate the degradation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celine
V. Aarsen
- Department
of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal
Institute of Technology, Teknikringen 58, 100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Liguori
- Department
of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal
Institute of Technology, Teknikringen 58, 100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department
of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Rebecca Mattsson
- Department
of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal
Institute of Technology, Teknikringen 58, 100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mika H. Sipponen
- Department
of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius väg 16C, 106
91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Minna Hakkarainen
- Department
of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal
Institute of Technology, Teknikringen 58, 100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
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20
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Chen H, Huang D, Zhou W, Deng R, Yin L, Xiao R, Li S, Li F, Lei Y. Hotspots lurking underwater: Insights into the contamination characteristics, environmental fates and impacts on biogeochemical cycling of microplastics in freshwater sediments. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:135132. [PMID: 39002483 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
The widespread presence of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environments has become a significant concern, with freshwater sediments acting as terminal sinks, rapidly picking up these emerging anthropogenic particles. However, the accumulation, transport, degradation and biochemical impacts of MPs in freshwater sediments remain unresolved issues compared to other environmental compartments. Therefore, this paper systematically revealed the spatial distribution and characterization information of MPs in freshwater (rivers, lakes, and estuaries) sediments, in which small-size (<1 mm), fibers, transparent, polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP) predominate, and the average abundance of MPs in river sediments displayed significant heterogeneity compared to other matrices. Next, the transport kinetics and drivers of MPs in sediments are summarized, MPs transport is controlled by the particle diversity and surrounding environmental variability, leading to different migration behaviors and transport efficiencies. Also emphasized the spatio-temporal evolution of MPs degradation processes and biodegradation mechanisms in sediments, different microorganisms can depolymerize high molecular weight polymers into low molecular weight biodegradation by-products via secreting hydrolytic enzymes or redox enzymes. Finally, discussed the ecological impacts of MPs on microbial-nutrient coupling in sediments, MPs can interfere with the ecological balance of microbially mediated nutrient cycling by altering community networks and structures, enzyme activities, and nutrient-related functional gene expressions. This work aims to elucidate the plasticity characteristics, fate processes, and potential ecological impact mechanisms of MPs in freshwater sediments, facilitating a better understanding of environmental risks of MPs in freshwater sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haojie Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Danlian Huang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China; Greater Bay Area Institute for Innovation, Hunan University, Guangzhou 511300, Guangdong, PR China.
| | - Wei Zhou
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Rui Deng
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, PR China
| | - Lingshi Yin
- College of Water Resources & Civil Engineering, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, PR China
| | - Ruihao Xiao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Sai Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Fei Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Yang Lei
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
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21
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Liang B, Deng Y, Zhong Y, Chen X, Huang Y, Li Z, Huang X, Yang X, Du J, Ye R, Xian H, Feng Y, Bai R, Fan B, Yang X, Huang Z. Gastrointestinal Incomplete Degradation Exacerbates Neurotoxic Effects of PLA Microplastics via Oligomer Nanoplastics Formation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2401009. [PMID: 38751156 PMCID: PMC11267364 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202401009] [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: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastics, hailed for their environmental friendliness, may pose unforeseen risks as they undergo gastrointestinal degradation, forming oligomer nanoplastics. Despite this, the influence of gastrointestinal degradation on the potential human toxicity of biodegradable plastics remains poorly understood. To this end, the impact of the murine in vivo digestive system is investigated on the biotransformation, biodistribution, and toxicity of PLA polymer and PLA oligomer MPs. Through a 28-day repeated oral gavage study in mice, it is revealed that PLA polymer and oligomer microplastics undergo incomplete and complete degradation, respectively, in the gastrointestinal tract. Incompletely degraded PLA polymer microplastics transform into oligomer nanoplastics, heightening bioavailability and toxicity, thereby exacerbating overall toxic effects. Conversely, complete degradation of PLA oligomer microplastics reduces bioavailability and mitigates toxicity, offering a potential avenue for toxicity reduction. Additionally, the study illuminates shared targets and toxicity mechanisms in Parkinson's disease-like neurotoxicity induced by both PLA polymer and PLA oligomer microplastics. This involves the upregulation of MICU3 in midbrains, leading to neuronal mitochondrial calcium overload. Notably, neurotoxicity is mitigated by inhibiting mitochondrial calcium influx with MCU-i4 or facilitating mitochondrial calcium efflux with DBcAMP in mice. These findings enhance the understanding of the toxicological implications of biodegradable microplastics on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boxuan Liang
- The Tenth Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University (Dongguan People's Hospital)Southern Medical UniversityDongguan523059China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of CosmeticsGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease ResearchDepartment of Toxicology, School of Public HealthSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Yanhong Deng
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of CosmeticsGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease ResearchDepartment of Toxicology, School of Public HealthSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Yizhou Zhong
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of CosmeticsGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease ResearchDepartment of Toxicology, School of Public HealthSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Xiaoqing Chen
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of CosmeticsGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease ResearchDepartment of Toxicology, School of Public HealthSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Yuji Huang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of CosmeticsGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease ResearchDepartment of Toxicology, School of Public HealthSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Zhiming Li
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of CosmeticsGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease ResearchDepartment of Toxicology, School of Public HealthSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Xiyun Huang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of CosmeticsGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease ResearchDepartment of Toxicology, School of Public HealthSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Xiaohong Yang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of CosmeticsGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease ResearchDepartment of Toxicology, School of Public HealthSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Jiaxin Du
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of CosmeticsGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease ResearchDepartment of Toxicology, School of Public HealthSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Rongyi Ye
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of CosmeticsGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease ResearchDepartment of Toxicology, School of Public HealthSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Hongyi Xian
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of CosmeticsGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease ResearchDepartment of Toxicology, School of Public HealthSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Yu Feng
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of CosmeticsGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease ResearchDepartment of Toxicology, School of Public HealthSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Ruobing Bai
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of CosmeticsGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease ResearchDepartment of Toxicology, School of Public HealthSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Bingchi Fan
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of CosmeticsGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease ResearchDepartment of Toxicology, School of Public HealthSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Xingfen Yang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of CosmeticsGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease ResearchResearch Center for Food safety and HealthSchool of Public HealthSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Zhenlie Huang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of CosmeticsGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease ResearchDepartment of Toxicology, School of Public HealthSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
- Department of Cardiovascular SurgeryZhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510280China
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22
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Palenzuela M, Mula E, Blanco C, Sessini V, Shakaroun RM, Li H, Guillaume SM, Mosquera MEG. Copolymerization of β-Butyrolactones into Functionalized Polyhydroxyalkanoates Using Aluminum Catalysts: Influence of the Initiator in the Ring-Opening Polymerization Mechanism. Macromol Rapid Commun 2024; 45:e2400091. [PMID: 38690992 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202400091] [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: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Within bioplastics, natural poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) stands out as fully biocompatible and biodegradable, even in marine environments; however, its high isotacticity and crystallinity limits its mechanical properties and hence its applications. PHB can also be synthesized with different tacticities via a catalytic ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of rac-β-butyrolactone (BBL), paving the way to PHB with better thermomechanical and processability properties. In this work, the catalyst family is extended based on aluminum phenoxy-imine methyl catalyst [AlMeL2], that reveals efficient in the ROP of BBL, to the halogeno analogous complex [AlClL2]. As well, the impact on the ROP mechanism of different initiators is further explored with a particular focus in dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP), a hardly studied initiator for the ROP of BBL. A thorough mechanistic study is performed that evidences the presence of two concomitant DMAP-mediated mechanisms, that lead to either a DMAP or a crotonate end-capping group. Besides, in order to increase the possibilities of PHB post-polymerization functionalization, the introduction of a side-chain functionality is explored, establishing the copolymerization of BBL with β-allyloxymethylene propiolactone (BPLOAll), resulting in well-defined P(BBL-co-BPLOAll) copolymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Palenzuela
- Departamento de Química Orgánica y Química Inorgánica, Instituto de Investigación en Química "Andrés M. del Río" (IQAR), Universidad de Alcalá, Campus Universitario, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, 28871, Spain
| | - Esther Mula
- Departamento de Química Orgánica y Química Inorgánica, Instituto de Investigación en Química "Andrés M. del Río" (IQAR), Universidad de Alcalá, Campus Universitario, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, 28871, Spain
| | - Carlos Blanco
- Departamento de Química Orgánica y Química Inorgánica, Instituto de Investigación en Química "Andrés M. del Río" (IQAR), Universidad de Alcalá, Campus Universitario, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, 28871, Spain
| | - Valentina Sessini
- Departamento de Química Orgánica y Química Inorgánica, Instituto de Investigación en Química "Andrés M. del Río" (IQAR), Universidad de Alcalá, Campus Universitario, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, 28871, Spain
| | - Rama M Shakaroun
- Univ. Rennes, CNRS, Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes, UMR 6226, Rennes, F-35042, France
| | - Hui Li
- Univ. Rennes, CNRS, Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes, UMR 6226, Rennes, F-35042, France
| | - Sophie M Guillaume
- Univ. Rennes, CNRS, Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes, UMR 6226, Rennes, F-35042, France
| | - Marta E G Mosquera
- Departamento de Química Orgánica y Química Inorgánica, Instituto de Investigación en Química "Andrés M. del Río" (IQAR), Universidad de Alcalá, Campus Universitario, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, 28871, Spain
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23
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Zhang S, Zhong X, Chen J, Nilghaz A, Yun X, Wan X, Tian J. Manufacturing biodegradable lignocellulosic films with tunable properties from spent coffee grounds: A sustainable alternative to plastics. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 273:132918. [PMID: 38844282 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132918] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Manufacturing biodegradable lignocellulosic films from spent coffee grounds (SCG) as an alternative to commercial plastics is a viable solution to address plastic pollution. Here, the biodegradable lignocellulosic films from SCG were fabricated via a sequential alkaline treatment and ionic liquid-based dissolution process. The alkaline treatment process could swell the cell wall of SCG, change its carbohydrates and lignin contents, and enhance its solubility in ionic liquids. The prepared SCG films with different lignin contents exhibited outstanding UV blocking capability (42.07-99.99 % for UVB and 20.96-99.99 % for UVA) and light scattering properties, good surface hydrophobicity (water contact angle = 63.2°-88.7°), enhanced water vapor barrier property (2.28-6.79 × 10-12 g/m·s·Pa), and good thermal stability. Moreover, the SCG films exhibit excellent mechanical strength (50.10-81.56 MPa, tensile strength) and biodegradability (fully degraded within 30 days when buried in soil) compared to commercial plastic. The SCG films represent a promising alternative that can replace non-biodegradable plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaokai Zhang
- State Key Lab of Pulp and Papermaking Engineering, School of Light Industry and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Xin Zhong
- State Key Lab of Pulp and Papermaking Engineering, School of Light Industry and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Junyu Chen
- State Key Lab of Pulp and Papermaking Engineering, School of Light Industry and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Azadeh Nilghaz
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - Xueyan Yun
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Xiaofang Wan
- State Key Lab of Pulp and Papermaking Engineering, School of Light Industry and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Junfei Tian
- State Key Lab of Pulp and Papermaking Engineering, School of Light Industry and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China.
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24
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Foli G, Capelli F, Grande M, Tagliabue S, Gherardi M, Minelli M. Optimization of Laminated Bio-Polymer Fabrication for Food Packaging Application: A Sustainable Plasma-Activated Approach. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1851. [PMID: 39000706 PMCID: PMC11244328 DOI: 10.3390/polym16131851] [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: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The current level of packaging consumption imposes a need to fabricate single-use food packaging with renewable and compostable materials, such as bio-polyesters (e.g., polylactic acid, PLA and polybutylene succinate, PBS) or cellulose, but their use is still problematic. Fabrication of bio-compostable composites can specifically address impeding challenges, and adhesive lamination, achieved with compostable glue, is becoming more and more popular with respect to the less versatile hot lamination. In this context, plasma activation, a chemical-free oxidation technique of a material's surface, is used to increase the affinity of three different biomaterials (cellulose, PLA and PBS) toward a compostable polyurethane adhesive to decrease its amount by gluing bio-polyesters to cellulose. Optical Microscopy reveals activation conditions that do not affect the integrity of the materials, while Water Contact Analyses confirm the activation of the surfaces, with contact angles decreased to roughly 50 deg in all cases. Unexpectedly, ζ-potential analyses and subtractive infrared spectroscopy highlight how the activation performed superficially etches cellulose, while for both PLA and PBS, a general decrease in surface potential and an increase in superficial hydroxyl group populations confirm the achievement of the desired oxidation. Thus, we rationalize continuous activation conditions to treat PLA and PBS and to glue them to neat cellulose. While no beneficial effect is observed with activated PLA, bi-laminate composites fabricated with activated PBS fulfill the benchmark for adhesion strength using less than before, while oxygen permeation analyses exclude plasma-induced etching even at a nanoscale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Foli
- Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Research–Advanced Mechanics and Materials (CIRI–MAM), University of Bologna–Viale del Risorgimento, 2, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (F.C.); (M.G.); (M.M.)
- Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering (DICAM), University of Bologna, Via Umberto Terracini, 28, 40131 Bologna, Italy
| | - Filippo Capelli
- Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Research–Advanced Mechanics and Materials (CIRI–MAM), University of Bologna–Viale del Risorgimento, 2, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (F.C.); (M.G.); (M.M.)
- Department of Industrial Engineering (DIN), University of Bologna, Via Umberto Terracini, 24, 40131 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Mariachiara Grande
- Department of Industrial Engineering (DIN), University of Bologna, Via Umberto Terracini, 24, 40131 Bologna, Italy;
| | | | - Matteo Gherardi
- Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Research–Advanced Mechanics and Materials (CIRI–MAM), University of Bologna–Viale del Risorgimento, 2, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (F.C.); (M.G.); (M.M.)
- Department of Industrial Engineering (DIN), University of Bologna, Via Umberto Terracini, 24, 40131 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Matteo Minelli
- Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Research–Advanced Mechanics and Materials (CIRI–MAM), University of Bologna–Viale del Risorgimento, 2, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (F.C.); (M.G.); (M.M.)
- Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering (DICAM), University of Bologna, Via Umberto Terracini, 28, 40131 Bologna, Italy
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25
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Svoboda R, Machotová J. How Depolymerization-Based Plasticization Affects the Process of Cold Crystallization in Poly(P-Dioxanone). Macromol Rapid Commun 2024:e2400369. [PMID: 38923170 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202400369] [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: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The self-plasticization, i.e., the increase in the polymer chains' mobility by including its monomer, has a major impact on a polymer's structural, thermal, and mechanical properties. In this study, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), optical and Raman microscopies, thermo-mechanical analysis (TMA), size exclusion chromatography equipped with a multi-angle light scattering detector (SEC-MALS), and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) are used to investigate the effect of thermally induced self-plasticization of poly-(p-dioxanone), PDX, on the crystal growths from the amorphous and molten states. Significant changes in the crystallization behavior and mechanical properties of PDX are found only for samples self-plasticized at the depolymerization temperature (Td) above 150 °C. The intense self-plasticization leads to the decrease of the crystallization temperature, increase of the crystal growth rapidity, disappearance of the distinct α→α' polymorphic transition, reduction of the overall melting temperature, and segregation of the redundant monomer. Although the morphology of the crystalline phase has a major impact on the mechanical properties of PDX, the self-plasticization itself does not seem to result in any major changes in the magnitude, localization, or morphology of formed crystallites (these are primarily driven by the temperature of crystal growth). The manifestation of the variable activation energy concept is discussed for the present crystallization data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Svoboda
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Pardubice, Studentská 573, Pardubice, 53210, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Machotová
- Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Macromolecular Materials, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Pardubice, Studentská 573, Pardubice, 53210, Czech Republic
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26
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Liu S, Tang S, Lu Y, Su T, Wang Z. Preparation of Esterified Starches with Different Amylose Content and Their Blending with Polybutylene Succinate. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6301. [PMID: 38928007 PMCID: PMC11203958 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126301] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Three types of starch with different amylose content were esterified and blended with polybutylene succinate (PBS) to obtain esterified manioc starch/PBS (EMS/PBS), esterified corn starch/PBS (ECS/PBS), and esterified waxy corn starch/PBS (EWS/PBS) composites. The EMS/PBS and ECS/PBS composites with high amylose content displayed typical V-type crystal structures. The original crystals of EWS, which had low amylose content, were disrupted during the esterification process. EWS exhibited the strongest interaction with PBS and the most favorable interface compatibility. The pyrolysis temperature was in order of EMS/PBS < ECS/PBS < EWS/PBS. The elongation at break of the three blends was higher than that of pure PBS. The esterification and plasticization of the EWS/PBS composite were the most comprehensive. The EWS/PBS composite showed the lowest storage modulus (G') and complex viscosity (η*). The interfacial bonding force of the composite materials increased with more amylopectin, decreasing intermolecular forces and destroying crystal structures, which decreased G' and η* and increased toughness. The EWS/PBS composite, with the least amylose content, had the best hydrophobicity and degradation performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuning Liu
- School of Petrochemical Engineering, Liaoning Petrochemical University, Fushun 113001, China (S.T.); (Y.L.)
| | - Shi Tang
- School of Petrochemical Engineering, Liaoning Petrochemical University, Fushun 113001, China (S.T.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yuanhao Lu
- School of Petrochemical Engineering, Liaoning Petrochemical University, Fushun 113001, China (S.T.); (Y.L.)
| | - Tingting Su
- School of Petrochemical Engineering, Liaoning Petrochemical University, Fushun 113001, China (S.T.); (Y.L.)
| | - Zhanyong Wang
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
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27
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Wang Y, Zhao C, Lu A, Dong D, Gong W. Unveiling the hidden impact: How biodegradable microplastics influence CO 2 and CH 4 emissions and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) profiles in soil ecosystems. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 471:134294. [PMID: 38669928 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134294] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastics promise eco-friendliness, yet their transformation into microplastics (bio-MPs) raises environmental alarms. However, how those bio-MPs affect the greenhouse gases (GHGs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in soil ecosystems remains largely unexplored. Here, we investigated the effects of diverse bio-MPs (PBAT, PBS, and PLA) on GHGs and VOCs emission in typical paddy or upland soils. We monitored the carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) fluxes in-situ using the self-developed portable optical gas sensor and analyzed VOC profiles using a proton-transfer reaction mass spectrometer (PTR-MS). Our study has revealed that, despite their biodegradable nature, bio-MPs do not always promote soil GHG emissions as previously thought. Specifically, PBAT and PLA significantly increased CO2 and CH4 emissions up to 1.9-7.5 and 115.9-178.5 fold, respectively, compared to the control group. While PBS exhibited the opposite trend, causing a decrease of up to 39.9% for CO2 and up to 39.9% for CH4. In addition, different types of bio-MPs triggered distinct soil VOC emission patterns. According to the Mann-Whitney U-test and Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA), a recognizable VOC pattern associated with different bio-MPs was revealed. This study claims the necessity of considering polymer-specific responses when assessing the environmental impact of Bio-MPs, and providing insights into their implications for climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihao Wang
- Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; School of Agricultural Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Chunjiang Zhao
- Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Anxiang Lu
- Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Daming Dong
- Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China.
| | - Wenwen Gong
- Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China.
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28
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Rajendran DS, Venkataraman S, Jha SK, Chakrabarty D, Kumar VV. A review on bio-based polymer polylactic acid potential on sustainable food packaging. Food Sci Biotechnol 2024; 33:1759-1788. [PMID: 38752115 PMCID: PMC11091039 DOI: 10.1007/s10068-024-01543-x] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) stands as a compelling alternative to conventional plastic-based packaging, signifying a notable shift toward sustainable material utilization. This comprehensive analysis illuminates the manifold applications of PLA composites within the realm of the food industry, emphasizing its pivotal role in food packaging and preservation. Noteworthy attributes of PLA composites with phenolic active compounds (phenolic acid and aldehyde, terpenes, carotenoid, and so on) include robust antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, significantly enhancing its capability to bolster adherence to stringent food safety standards. The incorporation of microbial and synthetic biopolymers, polysaccharides, oligosaccharides, oils, proteins and peptides to PLA in packaging solutions arises from its inherent non-toxicity and outstanding mechanical as well as thermal resilience. Functioning as a proficient film producer, PLA constructs an ideal preservation environment by merging optical and permeability traits. Esteemed as a pioneer in environmentally mindful packaging, PLA diminishes ecological footprints owing to its innate biodegradability. Primarily, the adoption of PLA extends the shelf life of products and encourages an eco-centric approach, marking a significant stride toward the food industry's embrace of sustainable packaging methodologies. Graphical abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Devi Sri Rajendran
- Integrated Bioprocessing Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRM IST), Chengalpattu District, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203 India
| | - Swethaa Venkataraman
- Integrated Bioprocessing Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRM IST), Chengalpattu District, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203 India
| | - Satyendra Kumar Jha
- Integrated Bioprocessing Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRM IST), Chengalpattu District, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203 India
| | - Disha Chakrabarty
- Integrated Bioprocessing Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRM IST), Chengalpattu District, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203 India
| | - Vaidyanathan Vinoth Kumar
- Integrated Bioprocessing Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRM IST), Chengalpattu District, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203 India
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29
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Jilili Y, Li F, Ma Y, Zhen W. Analysis of the degradation and crystallization behavior during the thermal degradation of poly(lactic acid)/modified hectorite nanocomposites films by simultaneous rheology and FTIR technology. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 270:132403. [PMID: 38754660 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132403] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
This study presents the synthesis of Hec-g@PS through the innovative surface modification of hectorite via photocatalytic atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Then, PLA/Hec-g@PS nanocomposites films was prepared with Hec-g@PS as additives by blown molding technique. Furthermore, the thermal degradation kinetics and crystallization kinetics during the thermal degradation of PLA based nanocomposites films were investigated with simultaneous rheology and FTIR technology. The findings indicated that the activation energies for PLA and PLA/Hec-g@PS were -54,702.12 J/mol and -107,963.47 J/mol, respectively, demonstrating that Hec-g@PS substantially influenced PLA thermal stability. Additionally, while the crystallization rates of PLA based films decreased with rising degradation temperatures. Quantum chemical calculations revealed that the mode of interaction between Hec-g@PS and PLA was mainly dominated by dispersion, supplemented by electrostatic and induced interactions of -22.2103 kcal/mol, -16.0779 kcal/mol and -5.4954 kcal/mol, respectively. The combination of crystallization kinetics and quantum chemical calculations further confirmed that Hec-g@PS promoted the alignment of PLA molecular chains due to the enhanced interaction force between them. Hec-g@PS functioned as a nucleating agent, facilitating PLA crystallization and effectively mitigated its thermal degradation. Hec-g@PS as a nucleating agent provides valuable insights into the potential application prospects of biodegradable materials, particularly in the fields of biomedicine and packaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yikelamu Jilili
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Utilization of Carbon-Based Energy Resources, Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Fine Chemicals, Ministry of Education and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
| | - Fei Li
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Utilization of Carbon-Based Energy Resources, Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Fine Chemicals, Ministry of Education and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
| | - Yumiao Ma
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Utilization of Carbon-Based Energy Resources, Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Fine Chemicals, Ministry of Education and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
| | - Weijun Zhen
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Utilization of Carbon-Based Energy Resources, Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Fine Chemicals, Ministry of Education and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China.
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30
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An Y, Padermshoke A, Van Nguyen T, Takahara A. Surface Chemistry in Environmental Degradation of Polymeric Solids. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:9336-9344. [PMID: 38669192 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c00731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) cause significant adverse environmental effects. To address this issue, a scientific approach for understanding the formation of MPs is essential. In this Perspective, we summarize the three typical degradation behaviors of polymeric solids from a surface chemistry perspective: chemical degradation, biodegradation, and mechanical degradation. These three degradation processes can occur consecutively or simultaneously in poorly managed polymeric materials, ultimately resulting in their disintegration into the environment. This Perspective provides valuable insights into controlling the degradation of polymeric solids and designing eco-friendly polymers for a sustainable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjun An
- Research Center for Negative Emission Technologies, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Adchara Padermshoke
- Research Center for Negative Emission Technologies, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Thinh Van Nguyen
- Research Center for Negative Emission Technologies, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Atsushi Takahara
- Research Center for Negative Emission Technologies, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
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31
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Sun Y, Sun G. A natural butter glyceride as a plasticizer for improving thermal, mechanical, and biodegradable properties of poly(lactide acid). Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 263:130366. [PMID: 38401589 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130366] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biobased and biodegradable thermoplastic polyester with great potential to replace petroleum-based plastics. However, its poor toughness and slow biodegradation rate affect broad applications of PLA in many areas. In this study, a glycerol triester existing in natural butter, glycerol tributyrate, was creatively explored and compared with previously investigated triacetin and tributyl citrate, as potential plasticizers of PLA for achieving improved mechanical and biodegradation performances. The compatibilities of these agents with PLA were assessed quantitively via the Hansen solubility parameter (HSP) and measured by using different testing methods. The incorporation of these compounds with varied contents ranging from 1 to 30 % in PLA altered thermal, mechanical, and biodegradation properties consistently, and the relationship and impacts of chemical structures and properties of these agents were systematically investigated. The results demonstrated that glycerol tributyrate is a novel excellent plasticizer for PLA and the addition of this triester not only effectively reduced the glass transition, cold crystallization, and melting temperatures and Young's modulus, but also led to a significant improvement in the enzymatic degradation rate of the plasticized PLA. This study paves a way for the development of sustainable and eco-friendly food grade plasticized PLA products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufa Sun
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Gang Sun
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States.
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32
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Ali Z, Abdullah M, Yasin MT, Amanat K, Ahmad K, Ahmed I, Qaisrani MM, Khan J. Organic waste-to-bioplastics: Conversion with eco-friendly technologies and approaches for sustainable environment. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 244:117949. [PMID: 38109961 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Petrochemical-based synthetic plastics poses a threat to humans, wildlife, marine life and the environment. Given the magnitude of eventual depletion of petrochemical sources and global environmental pollution caused by the manufacturing of synthetic plastics such as polyethylene (PET) and polypropylene (PP), it is essential to develop and adopt biopolymers as an environment friendly and cost-effective alternative to synthetic plastics. Research into bioplastics has been gaining traction as a way to create a more sustainable and eco-friendlier environment with a reduced environmental impact. Biodegradable bioplastics can have the same characteristics as traditional plastics while also offering additional benefits due to their low carbon footprint. Therefore, using organic waste from biological origin for bioplastic production not only reduces our reliance on edible feedstock but can also effectively assist with solid waste management. This review aims at providing an in-depth overview on recent developments in bioplastic-producing microorganisms, production procedures from various organic wastes using either pure or mixed microbial cultures (MMCs), microalgae, and chemical extraction methods. Low production yield and production costs are still the major bottlenecks to their deployment at industrial and commercial scale. However, their production and commercialization pose a significant challenge despite such potential. The major constraints are their production in small quantity, poor mechanical strength, lack of facilities and costly feed for industrial-scale production. This review further explores several methods for producing bioplastics with the aim of encouraging researchers and investors to explore ways to utilize these renewable resources in order to commercialize degradable bioplastics. Challenges, future prospects and Life cycle assessment of bioplastics are also highlighted. Utilizing a variety of bioplastics obtained from renewable and cost-effective sources (e.g., organic waste, agro-industrial waste, or microalgae) and determining the pertinent end-of-life option (e.g., composting or anaerobic digestion) may lead towards the right direction that assures the sustainable production of bioplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zain Ali
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering & Information Technology, 64200, Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Abdullah
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering & Information Technology, 64200, Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Talha Yasin
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering & Information Technology, 64200, Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan.
| | - Kinza Amanat
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering & Information Technology, 64200, Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan.
| | - Khurshid Ahmad
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Food Processing & Safety Control, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, No.1299, Sansha Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266404, P.R. China.
| | - Ishfaq Ahmed
- Haide College, Ocean University of China, Laoshan Campus, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266100, PR China
| | - Muther Mansoor Qaisrani
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering & Information Technology, 64200, Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan
| | - Jallat Khan
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering & Information Technology, 64200, Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan; Institute of Chemistry, Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology (KFUEIT), 64200, Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan.
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33
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Park SU, Seo HJ, Seo YH, Park JY, Kim H, Cho WY, Lee PC, Lee BY. Ductile Copolyesters Prepared Using Succinic Acid, 1,4-Butanediol, and Bis(2-hydroxyethyl) Terephthalate with Minimizing Generation of Tetrahydrofuran. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:519. [PMID: 38399897 PMCID: PMC10891720 DOI: 10.3390/polym16040519] [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: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Poly(1,4-butylene succinate) (PBS) is a promising sustainable and biodegradable synthetic polyester. In this study, we synthesized PBS-based copolyesters by incorporating 5-20 mol% of -O2CC6H4CO2- and -OCH2CH2O- units through the polycondensation of succinic acid (SA) with 1,4-butanediol (BD) and bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET). Two different catalysts, H3PO4 and the conventional catalyst (nBuO)4Ti, were used comparatively in the synthesis process. The copolyesters produced using the former were treated with M(2-ethylhexanoate)2 (M = Mg, Zn, Mn) to connect the chains through ionic interactions between M2+ ions and either -CH2OP(O)(OH)O- or (-CH2O)2P(O)O- groups. By incorporating BHET units (i.e., -O2CC6H4CO2- and -OCH2CH2O-), the resulting copolyesters exhibited improved ductile properties with enhanced elongation at break, albeit with reduced tensile strength. The copolyesters prepared with H3PO4/M(2-ethylhexanoate)2 displayed a less random distribution of -O2CC6H4CO2- and -OCH2CH2O- units, leading to a faster crystallization rate, higher Tm value, and higher yield strength compared to those prepared with (nBuO)4Ti using the same amount of BHET. Furthermore, they displayed substantial shear-thinning behavior in their rheological properties due to the presence of long-chain branches of (-CH2O)3P=O units. Unfortunately, the copolyesters prepared with H3PO4/M(2-ethylhexanoate)2, and hence containing M2+, -CH2OP(O)(OH)O-, (-CH2O)2P(O)O- groups, did not exhibit enhanced biodegradability under ambient soil conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Bun Yeoul Lee
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (S.U.P.); (H.J.S.); (Y.H.S.); (J.Y.P.); (H.K.); (W.Y.C.); (P.C.L.)
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Yuan L, Deng S, Wang Y, Xiu H, Zhang Q, Bai H. Remarkably enhanced stereocomplex crystallization of high-molar-mass enantiomeric polylactide blends by adding double-grafted copolymers. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 258:128919. [PMID: 38134994 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128919] [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: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Stereocomplex (SC) crystallization can prominently improve the physico-chemical properties of poly(l-lactide)/poly(d-lactide) (PLLA/PDLA) blends, yielding a novel polylactide (PLA) material. However, the predominant formation of SC crystals in the melt-processing of high-molar-mass (high-MW, >100 kg/mol) enantiomeric PLA blends remains a huge challenge due to the competition between SC crystallization and homocrystallization. Herein, double-grafted copolymer having both PLLA and PDLA side chain has been designed and synthesized as an efficient crystallization promoter for the harvest of SC crystals in the high-MW PLLA/PDLA blends. The results show that, with the addition of such a copolymer, the blends can preferentially crystallize into SC crystals in both isothermal and non-isothermal conditions. Promisingly, the SC crystals can be exclusively formed by adding only small amounts (e.g., 0.5 wt%) of the copolymer, without the formation of any homocrystals. This interesting observation can be interpreted by the crucial role of the unique copolymer in suppressing the phase separation of the opposite PLA enantiomers upon melting as an efficient compatibilizer and then encouraging the generation of alternatingly arranged PLLA/PDLA chain clusters favored for SC nucleation and crystal growth. These findings provide new inspiration for the development of high-performance PLA with desirable SC crystallizability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizhi Yuan
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, PR China
| | - Shihao Deng
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, PR China
| | - Yue Wang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, PR China
| | - Hao Xiu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, PR China
| | - Qin Zhang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, PR China
| | - Hongwei Bai
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, PR China.
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Shamshina JL, Berton P. Ionic Liquids as Designed, Multi-Functional Plasticizers for Biodegradable Polymeric Materials: A Mini-Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1720. [PMID: 38338998 PMCID: PMC10855424 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031720] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Measures to endorse the adoption of eco-friendly biodegradable plastics as a response to the scale of plastic pollution has created a demand for innovative products from materials from Nature. Ionic liquids (ILs) have the ability to disrupt the hydrogen bonding network of biopolymers, increase the mobility of biopolymer chains, reduce friction, and produce materials with various morphologies and mechanical properties. Due to these qualities, ILs are considered ideal for plasticizing biopolymers, enabling them to meet a wide range of specifications for biopolymeric materials. This mini-review discusses the effect of different IL-plasticizers on the processing, tensile strength, and elasticity of materials made from various biopolymers (e.g., starch, chitosan, alginate, cellulose), and specifically covers IL-plasticized packaging materials and materials for biomedical and electrochemical applications. Furthermore, challenges (cost, scale, and eco-friendliness) and future research directions in IL-based plasticizers for biopolymers are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia L. Shamshina
- Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute, Department of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Paula Berton
- Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Department, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
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36
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James BD, Ward CP, Hahn ME, Thorpe SJ, Reddy CM. Minimizing the Environmental Impacts of Plastic Pollution through Ecodesign of Products with Low Environmental Persistence. ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING 2024; 12:1185-1194. [PMID: 38273987 PMCID: PMC10806995 DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c05534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
While plastic pollution threatens ecosystems and human health, the use of plastic products continues to increase. Limiting its harm requires design strategies for plastic products informed by the threats that plastics pose to the environment. Thus, we developed a sustainability metric for the ecodesign of plastic products with low environmental persistence and uncompromised performance. To do this, we integrated the environmental degradation rate of plastic into established material selection strategies, deriving material indices for environmental persistence. By comparing indices for the environmental impact of on-the-market plastics and proposed alternatives, we show that accounting for the environmental persistence of plastics in design could translate to societal benefits of hundreds of millions of dollars for a single consumer product. Our analysis identifies the materials and their properties that deserve development, adoption, and investment to create functional and less environmentally impactful plastic products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan D. James
- Department
of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods
Hole Oceanographic Institution; Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
- Department
of Biology, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution; Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
| | - Collin P. Ward
- Department
of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods
Hole Oceanographic Institution; Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
| | - Mark E. Hahn
- Department
of Biology, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution; Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
| | - Steven J. Thorpe
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, University
of Toronto; Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E4, Canada
| | - Christopher M. Reddy
- Department
of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods
Hole Oceanographic Institution; Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
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37
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Ivanchenko O, Destarac M. 1,1'- Thiocarbonyldiimidazole Radical Copolymerization for the Preparation of Degradable Vinyl Polymers. ACS Macro Lett 2024; 13:47-51. [PMID: 38118079 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.3c00676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
1,1'-Thiocarbonyldiimidazole (TCDI) readily undergoes radical copolymerization with tert-butyl acrylate (tBA), N,N-dimethylacrylamide, and styrene. 1H NMR monitoring of the comonomer reactivity revealed a notable compatibility between TCDI and comonomers, resulting in similar consumption rates when TCDI was introduced at a 10% feed ratio. Furthermore, trithiocarbonate-mediated RAFT copolymerization of TCDI with tBA gave polymers that exhibited a linear increase of molar mass (Mnth = 2-10 kg mol-1) with conversion with relatively low dispersities (1.2-1.4). Importantly, this process enabled a successful chain extension of the produced P(TCDI-co-tBA) copolymer with styrene to form a diblock copolymer. The copolymers generated through this method contain TCDI-derived diimidazolyl thioether moieties, as established through 1H NMR spectroscopy. Additionally, degradation experiments using isopropylamine, benzoyl peroxide, sodium methoxide, and bleach have provided further confirmation of the presence of degradable TCDI moieties in the vinyl copolymer backbone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleksandr Ivanchenko
- Laboratoire SOFTMAT, Université de Toulouse, CNRS UMR 5623, Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, Toulouse 31062, France
| | - Mathias Destarac
- Laboratoire SOFTMAT, Université de Toulouse, CNRS UMR 5623, Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, Toulouse 31062, France
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38
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Zhang X, Feng X, Ma Y, Niu Z, Zhang Y. Comparison of chlorination resistance of biodegradable microplastics and conventional microplastics during the disinfection process in water treatments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168229. [PMID: 37923261 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168229] [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: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, microplastics (MPs) widely exist in the environment, and water treatment plants are important sources of MPs. Chlorine is widely used in the disinfection process in water treatment plants and has strong oxidation, however, the chemical and physical properties changes of MPs during chlorination were unclear. Thus, in this study, based on the actual used chlorine concentrations, different chlorination conditions were simulated to study the variation of MPs after chlorination. Meanwhile, the produced disinfection by-products were monitored. The results showed that under high chlorination concentration conditions, functional groups of polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polylactic acid (PLA) changed, while no peak shift or change of poly (butyleneadipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) could be detected. Moreover, after chlorination, partial yellowing and cracks appeared on PS, PLA, and PBAT, while PE remained white and showed little morphological changes. Besides, chlorination led to the narrowing of the cold crystallization peak and melting peak of PLA, while chlorination had little influence on the crystal structure of PE and PBAT. Furthermore, the reaction between PLA and chlorine mostly produced more trichloromethane than other types of MPs. Consequently, when chlorine concentrations were in the range of 2.5 to 5000 mg/L, the chlorination resistance was PBAT/PE > PLA > PS. Specifically, PBAT had the strongest chlorination resistance in terms of chemical properties, while PE had the strongest chlorination resistance in terms of physical properties. Therefore, the degradability of biodegradable MPs is not higher than that of conventional MPs in all cases. Moreover, it should be noted that most changes occurred only in high chlorine concentrations. Thus, neither conventional MPs nor biodegradable MPs can be completely degraded during the chlorination process in water treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohan Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xiangyu Feng
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yongzheng Ma
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Zhiguang Niu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China; International Joint Institute of Tianjin University, Fuzhou, Fuzhou 350205, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China.
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39
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Tessanan W, Phinyocheep P, Amornsakchai T. Sustainable Materials with Improved Biodegradability and Toughness from Blends of Poly(Lactic Acid), Pineapple Stem Starch and Modified Natural Rubber. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:232. [PMID: 38257031 PMCID: PMC10821380 DOI: 10.3390/polym16020232] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), derived from renewable resources, plays a significant role in the global biodegradable plastic market. However, its widespread adoption faces challenges, including high brittleness, hydrophobicity, limited biodegradability, and higher costs compared to traditional petroleum-based plastics. This study addresses these challenges by incorporating thermoplastic pineapple stem starch (TPSS) and modified natural rubber (MNR) into PLA blends. TPSS, derived from pineapple stem waste, is employed to enhance hydrophilicity, biodegradability, and reduce costs. While the addition of TPSS (10 to 40 wt.%) marginally lowered mechanical properties due to poor interfacial interaction with PLA, the inclusion of MNR (1 to 10 wt.%) in the PLA/20TPSS blend significantly improved stretchability and impact strength, resulting in suitable modulus (1.3 to 1.7 GPa) and mechanical strength (32 to 52 MPa) for diverse applications. The presence of 7 wt.% MNR increased impact strength by 90% compared to neat PLA. The ternary blend exhibited a heterogeneous morphology with enhanced interfacial adhesion, confirmed by microfibrils and a rough texture on the fracture surface. Additionally, a downward shift in PLA's glass transition temperature (Tg) by 5-6 °C indicated improved compatibility between components. Remarkably, the PLA ternary blends demonstrated superior water resistance and proper biodegradability compared to binary blends. These findings highlight the potential of bio-based plastics, such as PLA blends with TPSS and MNR, to contribute to sustainable economic models and reduce environmental impact for using in plastic packaging applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wasan Tessanan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama VI Road, Payathai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (W.T.); (P.P.)
- Center of Sustainable Energy and Green Materials, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Phuttamonthon 4 Road, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Pranee Phinyocheep
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama VI Road, Payathai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (W.T.); (P.P.)
| | - Taweechai Amornsakchai
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama VI Road, Payathai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (W.T.); (P.P.)
- Center of Sustainable Energy and Green Materials, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Phuttamonthon 4 Road, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
- TEAnity Team Co., Ltd., 40/494 Soi Navamintra 111, Khet Bueng Kum, Bangkok 10230, Thailand
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40
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Zhang Y, Tao J, Bai Y, Wang F, Xie B. Incomplete degradation of aromatic-aliphatic copolymer leads to proliferation of microplastics and antibiotic resistance genes. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 181:108291. [PMID: 37907056 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108291] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastics (BDPs) have attracted extensive attention as an alternative to conventional plastics. BDPs could be mineralized by composting, while the quality of compost affected by the presence of BDPs and the residual microplastics (MPs) has not been well evaluated. This study aimed to explore the MPs release potential and environmental implications of commercial BDPs (aromatic-aliphatic copolymer) films in uncontrolled composting. Results showed that the molecular weight of BDPs decreased by >60% within 60 d. However, the non-extracted organic matter and wet-sieving measurements indicated that MPs continuously released and accumulated during regular composting. The average MPs release potential (0.1-5 mm) was 134.6 ± 18.1 particles/mg (BDPs), which resulted in 103-104 particles/g dw in compost. The plastisphere of MPs showed a significantly higher (0.95-16.76 times) abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), which resulted in the rising (1.34-2.24 times) of ARGs in compost heaps, in comparison to the control groups. Overall, BDPs promote the spread of ARGs through the selective enrichment of bacteria and horizontal transfer from released MPs. These findings confirmed that BDPs could enhance the release potential of MPs and the dissemination of ARGs, which would promote the holistic understanding and environmental risk of BDPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Zhang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation on Organic Solid Waste, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Shanghai Key Lab for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jianping Tao
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation on Organic Solid Waste, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Shanghai Key Lab for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yudan Bai
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation on Organic Solid Waste, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Shanghai Key Lab for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation on Organic Solid Waste, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Shanghai Key Lab for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Bing Xie
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation on Organic Solid Waste, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Shanghai Key Lab for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China.
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41
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Burelo M, Hernández-Varela JD, Medina DI, Treviño-Quintanilla CD. Recent developments in bio-based polyethylene: Degradation studies, waste management and recycling. Heliyon 2023; 9:e21374. [PMID: 37885729 PMCID: PMC10598529 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, the tendency to replace conventional fossil-based plastics is increasing considerably; there is a growing trend towards alternatives that involve the development of plastic materials derived from renewable sources, which are compostable and biodegradable. Indeed, only 1.5 % of whole plastic production is part of the small bioplastics market, even when these materials with a partial or full composition from biomass are rapidly expanding. A very interesting field of investigation is currently being developed in which the disposal and processing of the final products are evaluated in terms of reducing environmental harm. This review presents a compilation of polyethylene (PE) types, their uses, and current problems in the waste management of PE and recycling. Particularly, this review is based on the capabilities to synthesize bio-based PE from natural and renewable sources as a replacement for the raw material derived from petroleum. In addition to recent studies in degradation on different types of PE with weight loss ranges from 1 to 47 %, the techniques used and the main changes observed after degradation. Finally, perspectives are presented in the manuscript about renewable and non-renewable polymers, depending on the non-degradable, biodegradable, and compostable behavior, including composting recent studies in PE. In addition, it contributes to the 3R approaches to responsible waste management of PE and advancement towards an environmentally friendly PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Burelo
- Institute of Advanced Materials for Sustainable Manufacturing, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, 64849, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
| | - Josué David Hernández-Varela
- Institute of Advanced Materials for Sustainable Manufacturing, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, 64849, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
| | - Dora I. Medina
- Institute of Advanced Materials for Sustainable Manufacturing, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, 64849, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
| | - Cecilia D. Treviño-Quintanilla
- Institute of Advanced Materials for Sustainable Manufacturing, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, 64849, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
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Santini G, Castiglia D, Perrotta MM, Landi S, Maisto G, Esposito S. Plastic in the Environment: A Modern Type of Abiotic Stress for Plant Physiology. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3717. [PMID: 37960073 PMCID: PMC10648480 DOI: 10.3390/plants12213717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, plastic pollution has become a growing environmental concern: more than 350 million tons of plastic material are produced annually. Although many efforts have been made to recycle waste, a significant proportion of these plastics contaminate and accumulate in the environment. A central point in plastic pollution is demonstrated by the evidence that plastic objects gradually and continuously split up into smaller pieces, thus producing subtle and invisible pollution caused by microplastics (MP) and nanoplastics (NP). The small dimensions of these particles allow for the diffusion of these contaminants in farmlands, forest, freshwater, and oceans worldwide, posing serious menaces to human, animal, and plant health. The uptake of MPs and NPs into plant cells seriously affects plant growth, development, and photosynthesis, finally limiting crop yields and endangering natural environmental biodiversity. Furthermore, nano- and microplastics-once adsorbed by plants-can easily enter the food chain, being highly toxic to animals and humans. This review addresses the impacts of MP and NP particles on plants in the terrestrial environment. In particular, we provide an overview here of the detrimental effects of photosynthetic injuries, oxidative stress, ROS production, and protein damage triggered by MN and NP in higher plants and, more specifically, in crops. The possible damage at the physiological and environmental levels is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Santini
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Cinthia, I-80126 Napoli, Italy; (G.S.); (M.M.P.); (G.M.); (S.E.)
| | - Daniela Castiglia
- Bio-Organic Chemistry Unit, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry CNR, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli, 80078 Naples, Italy
| | - Maryanna Martina Perrotta
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Cinthia, I-80126 Napoli, Italy; (G.S.); (M.M.P.); (G.M.); (S.E.)
| | - Simone Landi
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Cinthia, I-80126 Napoli, Italy; (G.S.); (M.M.P.); (G.M.); (S.E.)
| | - Giulia Maisto
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Cinthia, I-80126 Napoli, Italy; (G.S.); (M.M.P.); (G.M.); (S.E.)
| | - Sergio Esposito
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Cinthia, I-80126 Napoli, Italy; (G.S.); (M.M.P.); (G.M.); (S.E.)
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