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Ali SS, Elsamahy T, Al-Tohamy R, Sun J. A critical review of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems: Degradation mechanisms and removing strategies. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 21:100427. [PMID: 38765892 PMCID: PMC11099331 DOI: 10.1016/j.ese.2024.100427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Plastic waste discarded into aquatic environments gradually degrades into smaller fragments, known as microplastics (MPs), which range in size from 0.05 to 5 mm. The ubiquity of MPs poses a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems and, by extension, human health, as these particles are ingested by various marine organisms including zooplankton, crustaceans, and fish, eventually entering the human food chain. This contamination threatens the entire ecological balance, encompassing food safety and the health of aquatic systems. Consequently, developing effective MP removal technologies has emerged as a critical area of research. Here, we summarize the mechanisms and recently reported strategies for removing MPs from aquatic ecosystems. Strategies combining physical and chemical pretreatments with microbial degradation have shown promise in decomposing MPs. Microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, algae, and specific enzymes are being leveraged in MP remediation efforts. Recent advancements have focused on innovative methods such as membrane bioreactors, synthetic biology, organosilane-based techniques, biofilm-mediated remediation, and nanomaterial-enabled strategies, with nano-enabled technologies demonstrating substantial potential to enhance MP removal efficiency. This review aims to stimulate further innovation in effective MP removal methods, promoting environmental and social well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameh S. Ali
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
- Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt
| | - Tamer Elsamahy
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Rania Al-Tohamy
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Jianzhong Sun
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
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Diankristanti PA, Lin YC, Yi YC, Ng IS. Polyhydroxyalkanoates bioproduction from bench to industry: Thirty years of development towards sustainability. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 393:130149. [PMID: 38049017 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.130149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
The pursuit of carbon neutrality goals has sparked considerable interest in expanding bioplastics production from microbial cell factories. One prominent class of bioplastics, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), is generated by specific microorganisms, serving as carbon and energy storage materials. To begin with, a native PHA producer, Cupriavidus necator (formerly Ralstonia eutropha) is extensively studied, covering essential topics such as carbon source selection, cultivation techniques, and accumulation enhancement strategies. Recently, various hosts including archaea, bacteria, cyanobacteria, yeast, and plants have been explored, stretching the limit of microbial PHA production. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current advancements in PHA bioproduction, spanning from the native to diversified cell factories. Recovery and purification techniques are discussed, and the current status of industrial applications is assessed as a critical milestone for startups. Ultimately, it concludes by addressing contemporary challenges and future prospects, offering insights into the path towards reduced carbon emissions and sustainable development goals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yu-Chieh Lin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Chen Yi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, USA
| | - I-Son Ng
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
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Matsuno H, Eto R, Fujii M, Totani M, Tanaka K. Effect of segmental motion on hydrolytic degradation of polyglycolide in electro-spun fiber mats. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:7459-7467. [PMID: 37750204 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm00613a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Recently, environmentally degradable polymers have received great attention from the perspective of sustaining the aquatic environment. To control the degradation behavior of solid polymer materials in an aqueous phase, it is crucial to better understand the thermal molecular motion of polymer chains in water. We herein focus on polyglycolide (PGA), which is one of the representative aliphatic polyesters that are hydrolytically degradable. Three kinds of fiber mats of PGA with different fiber diameters and comparable crystallinities were prepared using an electrospinning method. Our choice of fiber mats was because the ratio of the surface area, where the hydrolytic degradation starts to occur, to the volume was larger than that for the films. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) enabled us to gain direct access to the dynamic glass transition temperature (Tgα) of PGA in the fiber mats both in dry gaseous nitrogen and liquid water. The Tgα value varied not only with the presence of water molecules, but also with the fiber diameter, or the specific surface area. The degradation behavior of PGA fiber mats was examined by immersing the samples in phosphate-buffered saline at various temperatures. When the segmental motion of PGA in the fiber mats was released, the apparent crystallinity of the mats increased, meaning that PGA amorphous chains were cleaved and thus partially eluted into the aqueous phase. It was also shown that partially cleaved chains crystallized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisao Matsuno
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan.
- Center for Polymer Interface and Molecular Adhesion Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Reiki Eto
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan.
| | - Misato Fujii
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan.
| | - Masayasu Totani
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan.
| | - Keiji Tanaka
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan.
- Center for Polymer Interface and Molecular Adhesion Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
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Niu R, Zheng Z, Lv X, He B, Chen S, Zhang J, Ji Y, Liu Y, Zheng L. Long-Chain Branched Bio-Based Poly(butylene dodecanedioate) Copolyester Using Pentaerythritol as Branching Agent: Synthesis, Thermo-Mechanical, and Rheological Properties. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3168. [PMID: 37571061 PMCID: PMC10420638 DOI: 10.3390/polym15153168] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The introduction of long-chain branched structures into biodegradable polyesters can effectively improve the melt strength and blow-molding properties of polyesters. In this study, pentaerythritol (PER) was used as a branching agent to synthesize branched poly(butylene dodecanedioate) (PBD), and the resulting polymers were characterized by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Proton Spectra (1H NMR) and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). It was found that the introduction of a small amount of PER (0.25-0.5 mol%) can generate branching and even crosslinking structures. Both impact strength and tensile modulus can be greatly improved by the introduction of a branching agent. With the introduction of 1 mol% PER content in PBD, the notched impact strength of PBD has been increased by 85%, and the tensile modulus has been increased by 206%. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry results showed that PER-branched PBDs exhibited improved crystallization ability compared with linear PBDs. Dynamic viscoelastics revealed that shear-thickening behaviors can be found for all branched PBD under low shear rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruixue Niu
- School of Textile Science and Engineering, Tiangong University, Tianjin 300387, China; (R.N.); (X.L.); (B.H.); (J.Z.); (Y.J.); (Y.L.)
- Hebei Tieke Yichen New Materials Technology Co., Ltd., Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Zhening Zheng
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Faculty of Science Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 100872, China;
| | - Xuedong Lv
- School of Textile Science and Engineering, Tiangong University, Tianjin 300387, China; (R.N.); (X.L.); (B.H.); (J.Z.); (Y.J.); (Y.L.)
| | - Benqiao He
- School of Textile Science and Engineering, Tiangong University, Tianjin 300387, China; (R.N.); (X.L.); (B.H.); (J.Z.); (Y.J.); (Y.L.)
| | - Sheng Chen
- Technology Innovation Center of Risk Prevention and Control of Refining and Chemical Equipment for State Market Regulation, China Special Equipment Inspection and Research Institute, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Jiaying Zhang
- School of Textile Science and Engineering, Tiangong University, Tianjin 300387, China; (R.N.); (X.L.); (B.H.); (J.Z.); (Y.J.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yanhong Ji
- School of Textile Science and Engineering, Tiangong University, Tianjin 300387, China; (R.N.); (X.L.); (B.H.); (J.Z.); (Y.J.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yi Liu
- School of Textile Science and Engineering, Tiangong University, Tianjin 300387, China; (R.N.); (X.L.); (B.H.); (J.Z.); (Y.J.); (Y.L.)
| | - Liuchun Zheng
- School of Textile Science and Engineering, Tiangong University, Tianjin 300387, China; (R.N.); (X.L.); (B.H.); (J.Z.); (Y.J.); (Y.L.)
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, China
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Frank C, Emmerstorfer-Augustin A, Rath T, Trimmel G, Nachtnebel M, Stelzer F. Bio-Polyester/Rubber Compounds: Fabrication, Characterization, and Biodegradation. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:2593. [PMID: 37376240 DOI: 10.3390/polym15122593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Biobased and biodegradable polymers (BBDs) such as poly(3-hydroxy-butyrate), PHB, and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) are considered attractive alternatives to fossil-based plastic materials since they are more environmentally friendly. One major problem with these compounds is their high crystallinity and brittleness. In order to generate softer materials without using fossil-based plasticizers, the suitability of natural rubber (NR) as an impact modifier was investigated in PHBV blends. Mixtures with varying proportions of NR and PHBV were generated, and samples were prepared by mechanical mixing (roll mixer and/or internal mixer) and cured by radical C-C crosslinking. The obtained specimens were investigated with respect to their chemical and physical characteristics, applying a variety of different methods such as size exclusion chromatography, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal analysis, XRD, and mechanical testing. Our results clearly indicate that NR-PHBV blends exhibit excellent material characteristics including high elasticity and durability. Additionally, biodegradability was tested by applying heterologously produced and purified depolymerases. pH shift assays and morphology analyses of the surface of depolymerase-treated NR-PHBV through electron scanning microscopy confirmed the enzymatic degradation of PHBV. Altogether, we prove that NR is highly suitable to substitute fossil-based plasticizers; NR-PHBV blends are biodegradable and, hence, should be considered as interesting materials for a great number of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Frank
- Acib-GmbH, Krenngasse 32, A-8010 Graz, Austria
- Institute for Chemistry and Technology of Materials, Graz University of Technology, Stremayrgasse 9, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Anita Emmerstorfer-Augustin
- Acib-GmbH, Krenngasse 32, A-8010 Graz, Austria
- Institute for Molecular Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, NAWI Graz, BioTechMed-Graz, Petersgasse 14, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Thomas Rath
- Institute for Chemistry and Technology of Materials, Graz University of Technology, Stremayrgasse 9, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Gregor Trimmel
- Institute for Chemistry and Technology of Materials, Graz University of Technology, Stremayrgasse 9, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Manfred Nachtnebel
- Graz Centre for Electron Microscopy, Steyrergasse 17, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Franz Stelzer
- Acib-GmbH, Krenngasse 32, A-8010 Graz, Austria
- Institute for Chemistry and Technology of Materials, Graz University of Technology, Stremayrgasse 9, A-8010 Graz, Austria
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Ali N, Rashid MI, Rehan M, Shah Eqani SAMA, Summan ASA, Ismail IMI, Koller M, Ali AM, Shahzad K. Environmental Evaluation of Polyhydroxyalkanoates from Animal Slaughtering Waste Using Material Input Per Service Unit. N Biotechnol 2023; 75:40-51. [PMID: 36948413 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2023.03.004] [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: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
The massive production and extensive use of fossil-based non-biodegradable plastics are leading to their environmental accumulation and ultimately cause health threats to animals, humans, and the biosphere in general. The problem can be overcome by developing eco-friendly ways for producing plastics-like biopolymers from waste residues such as of agricultural origin. This will solve two currently prevailing social issues: waste management and the efficient production of a biopolymer that is environmentally benign, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). The current study assesses the environmental impact of biopolymer (PHA) manufacturing, starting from slaughterhouse waste as raw material. The Material Input Per Service Unit methodology (MIPS) is used to examine the sustainability of the PHA production process. In addition, the impact of shifting from business-as-usual energy provision (i.e., electricity from distribution grid network and heat provision from natural gas) to alternative renewable energy sources is also evaluated. As a major outcome, it is shown that the abiotic material contribution for PHA production process is almost double for using hard coal as an energy source than the petro-plastic low-density-poly(ethene) (LPDE), which PHA shall ultimately replace. Likewise, abiotic material contribution is 43% and 7% higher when using the electricity from the European electricity mix (EU-27 mix) and biogas, respectively, than in the case of LDPE production. However, PHA production based on wind power for energy provision has 12% lower abiotic material input than LDPE. Furthermore, the water input decreases when moving from the EU-27 mix to wind power. The reduction in water consumption for various electricity provision resources amounts to 20% for the EU-27 mix, 25% for hard coal, 71% for wind, and 70% for biogas. As the main conclusion, it is demonstrated that using wind farm electricity to generate PHA is the most environmentally friendly choice. Biogas is the second-best choice, although it requires additional abiotic material input.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadeem Ali
- Centre of Excellence in Environmental Studies, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Imtiaz Rashid
- Centre of Excellence in Environmental Studies, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Rehan
- Centre of Excellence in Environmental Studies, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Syed Ali Musstjab Akber Shah Eqani
- Public Health and Environment Division, Department of Biosciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Islamabad 45550, Pakistan
| | - Ahmed Saleh Ahmed Summan
- Centre of Excellence in Environmental Studies, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Martin Koller
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, NAWI Graz, Heinrichstrasse 28/IV, A-8010 Graz, Austria; ARENA Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Ressourcenschonende & Nachhaltige Technologien, Graz, Austria.
| | - Arshid Mahmood Ali
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khurram Shahzad
- Centre of Excellence in Environmental Studies, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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Koller M. Advances in Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) Production, Volume 3. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:bioengineering9070328. [PMID: 35877379 PMCID: PMC9312071 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9070328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Steadily increasing R&D activities in the field of microbial polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolyesters are committed to growing global threats from climate change, aggravating plastic pollution, and the shortage of fossil resources. These prevailing issues paved the way to launch the third Special Issue of Bioengineering dedicated to future-oriented biomaterials, characterized by their versatile plastic-like properties. Fifteen individual contributions to the Special Issue, written by renowned groups of researchers from all over the world, perfectly mirror the current research directions in the PHA sector: inexpensive feedstock like carbon-rich waste from agriculture, mitigation of CO2 for PHA biosynthesis by cyanobacteria or wild type and engineered “knallgas” bacteria, powerful extremophilic PHA production strains, novel tools for rapid in situ determination of PHA in photobioreactors, modelling of the dynamics of PHA production by mixed microbial cultures from inexpensive raw materials, enhanced bioreactor design for high-throughput PHA production by sophisticated cell retention systems, sustainable and efficient PHA recovery from biomass assisted by supercritical water, enhanced processing of PHA by application of novel antioxidant additives, and the development of compatible biopolymer blends. Moreover, elastomeric medium chain length PHA (mcl-PHA) are covered in-depth, inter alia, by introduction of a novel class of bioactive mcl-PHA-based networks, in addition to the first presentation of the new rubber-like polythioester poly(3-mercapto-2-methylpropionate). Finally, the present Special Issue is concluded by a critical essay on past, ongoing, and announced global endeavors for PHA commercialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Koller
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, NAWI Graz, Heinrichstrasse 28/IV, 8010 Graz, Austria; ; Tel.: +43-316-380-5463
- ARENA—Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Ressourcenschonende und Nachhaltige Technologien, Inffeldgasse 21b, 8010 Graz, Austria
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Haloarchaea as emerging big players in future polyhydroxyalkanoate bioproduction: Review of trends and perspectives. CURRENT RESEARCH IN BIOTECHNOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.crbiot.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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