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Parveen N, Naik SVCS, Vanapalli KR, Sharma HB. Bioplastic packaging in circular economy: A systems-based policy approach for multi-sectoral challenges. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 945:173893. [PMID: 38889821 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Bioplastics have long been publicized as a sustainable plastic packaging alternative; however, their widespread industrialization is still embryonic due to complex challenges spanning multiple sectors. This review critically analyses the bioplastic lifecycle and provides a holistic evaluation of both the opportunities and potential trade-offs along their value chain. Their lifecycle is divided into three sectors: 1) resources, extraction, and manufacturing, 2) product consumption which discusses availability, consumer perception, and marketing strategies, and 3) end-of-life (EoL) management which includes segregation, recycling, and disposal. In the production phase, the primary challenges include selection of suitable raw feedstocks and addressing the techno-economic constraints of manufacturing processes. To tackle these challenges, it is recommended to source sustainable feedstocks from innovative, renewable, and waste materials, adopt green synthesis mechanisms, and optimize processes for improved efficiency. The consumption phase encompasses challenges related to market availability, cost competitiveness, and consumer perception of bioplastics. Localizing feedstock sourcing and production, leveraging the economics of scale, and promoting market demand for recycled bioplastics can positively influence the market dynamics. Additionally, dispelling misconceptions about degradability through proper labeling, and employing innovative marketing strategies to enhance consumer perception of the mechanical performance and quality of bioplastics is crucial. During the EoL management phase, major challenges include inadequate awareness, inefficient segregation protocols, and bioplastics with diverse properties that are incompatible with existing waste management infrastructure. Implementing a standardized labeling system with clear representation of suitable EoL techniques and integrating sensors and machine learning-based sorting technologies will improve segregation efficiency. Further, establishing interconnected recycling streams that clearly define the EoL pathways for different bioplastics is essential to ensure circular waste management systems. Finally, designing a comprehensive systems-based policy framework that incorporates technical, economic, environmental, and social drivers is recommended to promote bioplastics as a viable circular packaging solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naseeba Parveen
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Mizoram, Aizawl 796012, India
| | - S V Chinna Swami Naik
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Uttarakhand 247667, India
| | - Kumar Raja Vanapalli
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Mizoram, Aizawl 796012, India.
| | - Hari Bhakta Sharma
- Department of Civil Engineering, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology, Rangpo, Sikkim 737136, India
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2
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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] [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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3
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Zantis LJ, Adamczyk S, Velmala SM, Adamczyk B, Vijver MG, Peijnenburg W, Bosker T. Comparing the impact of microplastics derived from a biodegradable and a conventional plastic mulch on plant performance. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 935:173265. [PMID: 38754499 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173265] [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: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Agricultural lands have been identified as plastic sinks. One source is plastic mulches, which are a source of micro- and nano-sized plastics in agricultural soils. Because of their persistence, there is now a push towards developing biodegradable plastics, which are designed to undergo (partial) breakdown after entering the environment. Yet, limited research has investigated the impacts of both conventional and biodegradable plastics on distinct plants. Moreover, comparisons among studies are difficult due to differences in experimental design. This study directly compares the effects of artificially weathered conventional polyethylene (PE) and starch-based biodegradable polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) on four food crops, including two monocots (barley, Hordeum vulgare, and wheat, Triticum aestivum L.) and two dicots (carrot, Daucus carota, and lettuce, Lactuca sativa L.). We investigated the effects of environmentally relevant low, medium, and high (0.01 %, 0.1 %, 1 % w/w) concentrations of PE and starch-PBAT blend on seed germination (acute toxicity), and subsequently on plant growth and chlorophyll through a pot-plant experiment (chronic toxicity). Germination of all species was not affected by both plastics. However, root length was reduced for lettuce and wheat seedlings. No other effects were recorded on monocots. We observed a reduction in shoot length and bud wet weight of carrot seedlings for the highest concentration of PE and starch-PBAT blend. Chronic exposure resulted in a significant decrease in shoot biomass of barley and lettuce. Additionally, a positive increase in the number of leaves of lettuce was observed for both plastics. Chlorophyll content was increased in lettuce when exposed to PE and starch-PBAT blend. Overall, adverse effects in dicots were more abundant than in monocots. Importantly, we found that the biodegradable plastic caused more commonly adverse effects on plants compared to conventional plastic, which was confirmed by a mini-review of studies directly comparing the impact of conventional and biodegradable microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Zantis
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9518, 2300 RA Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Sylwia Adamczyk
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Latokartanonkaari 9, FI-00790 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Sannakajsa M Velmala
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Latokartanonkaari 9, FI-00790 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Bartosz Adamczyk
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Latokartanonkaari 9, FI-00790 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Martina G Vijver
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9518, 2300 RA Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Willie Peijnenburg
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9518, 2300 RA Leiden, the Netherlands; National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Center for Safety of Substances and Products, P.O. Box 1, Bilthoven, the Netherlands.
| | - Thijs Bosker
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9518, 2300 RA Leiden, the Netherlands.
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Guicherd M, Ben Khaled M, Guéroult M, Nomme J, Dalibey M, Grimaud F, Alvarez P, Kamionka E, Gavalda S, Noël M, Vuillemin M, Amillastre E, Labourdette D, Cioci G, Tournier V, Kitpreechavanich V, Dubois P, André I, Duquesne S, Marty A. An engineered enzyme embedded into PLA to make self-biodegradable plastic. Nature 2024; 631:884-890. [PMID: 39020178 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07709-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Plastic production reached 400 million tons in 2022 (ref. 1), with packaging and single-use plastics accounting for a substantial amount of this2. The resulting waste ends up in landfills, incineration or the environment, contributing to environmental pollution3. Shifting to biodegradable and compostable plastics is increasingly being considered as an efficient waste-management alternative4. Although polylactide (PLA) is the most widely used biosourced polymer5, its biodegradation rate under home-compost and soil conditions remains low6-8. Here we present a PLA-based plastic in which an optimized enzyme is embedded to ensure rapid biodegradation and compostability at room temperature, using a scalable industrial process. First, an 80-fold activity enhancement was achieved through structure-based rational engineering of a new hyperthermostable PLA hydrolase. Second, the enzyme was uniformly dispersed within the PLA matrix by means of a masterbatch-based melt extrusion process. The liquid enzyme formulation was incorporated in polycaprolactone, a low-melting-temperature polymer, through melt extrusion at 70 °C, forming an 'enzymated' polycaprolactone masterbatch. Masterbatch pellets were integrated into PLA by melt extrusion at 160 °C, producing an enzymated PLA film (0.02% w/w enzyme) that fully disintegrated under home-compost conditions within 20-24 weeks, meeting home-composting standards. The mechanical and degradation properties of the enzymated film were compatible with industrial packaging applications, and they remained intact during long-term storage. This innovative material not only opens new avenues for composters and biomethane production but also provides a feasible industrial solution for PLA degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Guicherd
- Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, Toulouse, France
- Carbios, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - M Ben Khaled
- Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, Toulouse, France
| | - M Guéroult
- Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, Toulouse, France
- Carbios, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - J Nomme
- Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, Toulouse, France
| | | | | | - P Alvarez
- Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, Toulouse, France
| | - E Kamionka
- Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, Toulouse, France
| | - S Gavalda
- Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, Toulouse, France
- Carbios, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - M Noël
- Carbiolice, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - M Vuillemin
- Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, Toulouse, France
| | - E Amillastre
- Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, Toulouse, France
| | - D Labourdette
- Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, Toulouse, France
| | - G Cioci
- Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, Toulouse, France
| | | | - V Kitpreechavanich
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - P Dubois
- Center of Innovation and Research in Materials & Polymers, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - I André
- Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, Toulouse, France.
| | - S Duquesne
- Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, Toulouse, France
| | - A Marty
- Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, Toulouse, France.
- Carbios, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
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5
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Bryson E, Anastasi A, Bricknell L, Kift R. Household dog fecal composting: Current issues and future directions. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2024. [PMID: 38924209 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Dog feces are a known source of nutrient, pathogen, and plastic pollution that can harm human and ecosystem health. Home composting may be a more environmentally sustainable method of managing dog feces and reducing this pollution. While composting is an established method for recycling animal manures into low-risk soil conditioners for food production, few studies have investigated whether household-scale compost methods can safely and effectively process dog feces for use in backyard edible gardens. A broad range of literature on in situ composting of dog feces is evaluated and compared according to scale, parameters tested, and compost methods used. Studies are analyzed based on key identified knowledge gaps: appropriate compost technologies to produce quality soil conditioner on small scales, potential for fecal pathogen disinfection in mesophilic compost conditions, and biodegradation of compostable plastic dog waste bags in home compost systems. This review also discusses how existing methods and quality standards for commercial compost can be adapted to dog fecal home composting. Priorities for future research are investigation of household-scale aerobic compost methods and potential compost amendments needed to effectively decompose dog feces and compostable plastic dog waste bags to produce a good-quality, sanitized, beneficial soil conditioner for use in home gardens. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;00:1-16. © 2024 The Author(s). Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Bryson
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Wayville, South Australia, Australia
| | - Amie Anastasi
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, North Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lisa Bricknell
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, North Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ryan Kift
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, North Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia
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Piyathilake U, Lin C, Bolan N, Bundschuh J, Rinklebe J, Herath I. Exploring the hidden environmental pollution of microplastics derived from bioplastics: A review. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 355:141773. [PMID: 38548076 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141773] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
Bioplastics might be an ecofriendly alternative to traditional plastics. However, recent studies have emphasized that even bioplastics can end up becoming micro- and nano-plastics due to their degradation under ambient environmental conditions. Hence, there is an urgent need to assess the hidden environmental pollution caused by bioplastics. However, little is known about the evolutionary trends of bibliographic data, degradation pathways, formation, and toxicity of micro- and nano-scaled bioplastics originating from biodegradable polymers such as polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and starch-based plastics. Therefore, the prime objective of the current review was to investigate evolutionary trends and the latest advancements in the field of micro-bioplastic pollution. Additionally, it aims to confront the limitations of existing research on microplastic pollution derived from the degradation of bioplastic wastes, and to understand what is needed in future research. The literature survey revealed that research focusing on micro- and nano-bioplastics has begun since 2012. This review identifies novel insights into microbioplastics formation through diverse degradation pathways, including photo-oxidation, ozone-induced degradation, mechanochemical degradation, biodegradation, thermal, and catalytic degradation. Critical research gaps are identified, including defining optimal environmental conditions for complete degradation of diverse bioplastics, exploring micro- and nano-bioplastics formation in natural environments, investigating the global occurrence and distribution of these particles in diverse ecosystems, assessing toxic substances released during bioplastics degradation, and bridging the disparity between laboratory studies and real-world applications. By identifying new trends and knowledge gaps, this study lays the groundwork for future investigations and sustainable solutions in the realm of sustainable management of bioplastic wastes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udara Piyathilake
- Environmental Science Division, National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS), Kandy, 2000, Sri Lanka
| | - Chuxia Lin
- Centre for Regional and Rural Futures, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia
| | - Nanthi Bolan
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia; The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Jochen Bundschuh
- School of Engineering, Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences, The University of Southern Queensland, West Street, 4350, QLD, Australia
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water- and Waste-Management, Laboratory of Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Indika Herath
- Centre for Regional and Rural Futures, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3216, Australia.
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Zhang Y, Cao Y, Chen B, Dong G, Zhao Y, Zhang B. Marine biodegradation of plastic films by Alcanivorax under various ambient temperatures: Bacterial enrichment, morphology alteration, and release of degradation products. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 917:170527. [PMID: 38286285 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170527] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
The global ocean has been receiving massive amounts of plastic wastes. Marine biodegradation, influenced by global climate, naturally breaks down these wastes. In this study, we systematically compared the biodegradation performance of petroleum- and bio-based plastic films, i.e., low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polylactic acid (PLA), and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) under three ambient temperatures (4, 15, and 22 °C). We deployed the our previously isolated cold-tolerant plastic-degrading Alcanivorax to simulate the accelerated marine biodegradation process and evaluated the alteration of bacterial growth, plastic films, and released degradation products. Notably, we found that marine biodegradation of PHA films enriched more bacterial amounts, induced more conspicuous morphological damage, and released more microplastics (MPs) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) under all temperatures compared to LDPE and PLA. Particularly, MPs were released from film edges and cracks with a mean size of 2.8 μm under all temperatures. In addition, the degradation products released by biodegradation of PHA under 22 °C induced the highest acute toxicity to Vibrio fischeri. Our results highlighted that: (1) marine biodegradation of plastics would release millions of MPs per cm2 exposed surface area even in cold environments within 60 days; (2) different marine biodegradation scenarios of these plastics may raise disparate impacts and mitigation-related studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanmei Zhang
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, St. John's, NL A1B 3X5, Canada
| | - Yiqi Cao
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, St. John's, NL A1B 3X5, Canada.
| | - Bing Chen
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, St. John's, NL A1B 3X5, Canada
| | - Guihua Dong
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, St. John's, NL A1B 3X5, Canada
| | - Yuanyuan Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Systems Optimization, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Baiyu Zhang
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, St. John's, NL A1B 3X5, Canada.
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Anwajler B, Witek-Krowiak A. Three-Dimensional Printing of Multifunctional Composites: Fabrication, Applications, and Biodegradability Assessment. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:7531. [PMID: 38138674 PMCID: PMC10744785 DOI: 10.3390/ma16247531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Additive manufacturing, with its wide range of printable materials, and ability to minimize material usage, reduce labor costs, and minimize waste, has sparked a growing enthusiasm among researchers for the production of advanced multifunctional composites. This review evaluates recent reports on polymer composites used in 3D printing, and their printing techniques, with special emphasis on composites containing different types of additives (inorganic and biomass-derived) that support the structure of the prints. Possible applications for additive 3D printing have also been identified. The biodegradation potential of polymeric biocomposites was analyzed and possible pathways for testing in different environments (aqueous, soil, and compost) were identified, including different methods for evaluating the degree of degradation of samples. Guidelines for future research to ensure environmental safety were also identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Anwajler
- Department of Energy Conversion Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, 27 Wybrzeze Wyspianskiego Street, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Anna Witek-Krowiak
- Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, 27 Wybrzeze Wyspianskiego Street, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland;
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Zhang L, You H, Chen J, Huang B, Cui Y, Hossain KB, Chen Q, Cai M, Qian Q. Surface structures changes and biofilm communities development of degradable plastics during aging in coastal seawater. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 193:114996. [PMID: 37301614 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114996] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastics (BPs) are a suitable alternative to conventional plastics. Still, their excessive or unplanned use may disrupt the abundance and community structure of the microbial population. To this end, a 58-day experiment in which biodegradable plastic objects, such as bags and boxes, were exposed to near-coastal seawater was conducted. They also assessed how they affected the diversity and organization of bacterial populations in seawater and on the surface of BPs products. It is evident that after the exposure time, both BP's bag and box products deteriorate in the ocean to varying degrees. The results of high-throughput sequencing of bacterial communities in seawater and those colonized on BPs products reveal significant differences in microbial community structures between seawater and BPs plastic samples. These suggest that the degradation of biodegradable plastics is shadowed by microorganisms and exposure time, while BP products influence the structural characteristics of microbial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhang
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, College of Carbon Neutral Modern Industry, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China; Engineering Research Center of Polymer Green Recycling of Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China
| | - Huimin You
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; Coastal and Ocean Management Institute, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; College of Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jianfei Chen
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, College of Carbon Neutral Modern Industry, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China; Engineering Research Center of Polymer Green Recycling of Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China
| | - Baoquan Huang
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, College of Carbon Neutral Modern Industry, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China; Engineering Research Center of Polymer Green Recycling of Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China
| | - Yaozong Cui
- College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Kazi Belayet Hossain
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; Coastal and Ocean Management Institute, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; College of Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Qinghua Chen
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, College of Carbon Neutral Modern Industry, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China; Engineering Research Center of Polymer Green Recycling of Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China
| | - Minggang Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; Coastal and Ocean Management Institute, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| | - Qingrong Qian
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, College of Carbon Neutral Modern Industry, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China; Engineering Research Center of Polymer Green Recycling of Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China.
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10
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Liu X, Wang X, Wang R, Guo S, Ahmad S, Song Y, Gao P, Chen J, Liu C, Ding N. Effects comparison between the secondary nanoplastics released from biodegradable and conventional plastics on the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes between bacteria. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 317:120680. [PMID: 36414161 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have caused widespread concern because of their potential harm to environmental safety and human health. As substitutes for conventional plastics, the toxic effects of short-term degradation products of biodegradable plastics (polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)) on bacteria and their impact on ARGs transfer were the focus of this study. After 60 days of degradation, more secondary nanoplastics were released from the biodegradable plastics PLA and PHA than that from the conventional plastics polystyrene (PS). All kinds of nanoplastics, no matter released from biodegradable plastics or conventional plastics, had no significant toxicity to bacteria. Nanoplastic particles from biodegradable plastics could significantly increase the transfer efficiency of ARGs. Although the amount of secondary nanoplastics produced by PHA microplastics was much higher than that of PLA, the transfer frequency after exposure to PLA was much higher, which may be due to the agglomeration of PHA nanoplastics caused by plastic instability in solution. After exposure to the 60 d PLA nanoplastics, the transfer frequency was the highest, which was approximately 28 times higher than that of control. The biodegradable nanoplastics significantly enhanced the expression of the outer membrane pore protein genes ompA and ompC, which could increase cell membrane permeability. The expression levels of trfAp and trbBp were increased by repressed major global regulatory genes korA, korB, and trbA, which eventually led to an increase in conjugative transfer frequency. This study provides important insights into the evaluation of the environmental and health risks caused by secondary nanoplastics released from biodegradable plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomei Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong, 273165, China.
| | - Xiaolong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education), College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - RenJun Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong, 273165, China
| | - Saisai Guo
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education), College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Shakeel Ahmad
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education), College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Yuhao Song
- School of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong, 273165, China
| | - Peike Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong, 273165, China
| | - Junfeng Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong, 273165, China
| | - Chunchen Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong, 273165, China
| | - Ning Ding
- School of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, Shandong, 273165, China
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11
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Wicaksono JA, Purwadaria T, Yulandi A, Tan WA. Bacterial dynamics during the burial of starch-based bioplastic and oxo-low-density-polyethylene in compost soil. BMC Microbiol 2022; 22:309. [PMID: 36536283 PMCID: PMC9764577 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-022-02729-1] [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: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plastic waste accumulation is one of the main ecological concerns in the past decades. A new generation of plastics that are easier to degrade in the environment compared to conventional plastics, such as starch-based bioplastics and oxo-biodegradable plastics, is perceived as a solution to this issue. However, the fate of these materials in the environment are unclear, and less is known about how their presence affect the microorganisms that may play a role in their biodegradation. In this study, we monitored the dynamics of bacterial community in soil upon introduction of commercial carrier bags claimed as biodegradable: cassava starch-based bioplastic and oxo-low-density polyethylene (oxo-LDPE). Each type of plastic bag was buried separately in compost soil and incubated for 30, 60, 90, and 120 days. Following incubation, soil pH and temperature as well as the weight of remaining plastics were measured. Bacterial diversity in soil attached to the surface of remaining plastics was analyzed using Illumina high-throughput sequencing of the V3-V4 region of 16SrRNA gene. RESULTS After 120 days, the starch-based bioplastic weight has decreased by 74%, while the oxo-LDPE remained intact with only 3% weight reduction. The bacterial composition in soil fluctuated over time with or without the introduction of either type of plastic. While major bacterial phyla remained similar for all treatment in this study, different types of plastics led to different soil bacterial community structure. None of these bacteria were abundant continuously, but rather they emerged at specific time points. The introduction of plastics into soil increased not only the population of bacteria known for their ability to directly utilize plastic component for their growth, but also the abundance of those that may interact with direct degraders. Bacterial groups that are involved in nitrogen cycling also arose throughout burial. CONCLUSIONS The introduction of starch-based bioplastic and oxo-LDPE led to contrasting shift in soil bacterial population overtime, which may determine their fate in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Abednego Wicaksono
- grid.443450.20000 0001 2288 786XMaster of Biotechnology Program, Faculty of Biotechnology, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, BSD Campus, Jalan Raya Cisauk – Lapan no. 10, Tangerang, Indonesia
| | - Tresnawati Purwadaria
- grid.443450.20000 0001 2288 786XBiotechnology Program, Faculty of Biotechnology, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, BSD Campus, Jalan Raya Cisauk – Lapan no. 10, Tangerang, Indonesia
| | - Adi Yulandi
- grid.443450.20000 0001 2288 786XBiotechnology Program, Faculty of Biotechnology, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, BSD Campus, Jalan Raya Cisauk – Lapan no. 10, Tangerang, Indonesia
| | - Watumesa Agustina Tan
- grid.443450.20000 0001 2288 786XBiotechnology Program, Faculty of Biotechnology, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, BSD Campus, Jalan Raya Cisauk – Lapan no. 10, Tangerang, Indonesia
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12
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Zhang Y, Gao W, Mo A, Jiang J, He D. Degradation of polylactic acid/polybutylene adipate films in different ratios and the response of bacterial community in soil environments. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 313:120167. [PMID: 36115492 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastic mulch film (BDM) is an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional polyethylene mulch, and has been growingly used in agriculture. However, practical degradation performance of BDM, especially the widely used type of blended polylactic acid (PLA)/polybutylene adipate (PBAT) in different ratios, and microbial alteration in soil environments, remain largely unrevealed. In this study, four types of BDM blended with 40-80% PLA and 20-60% PBAT were comparatively investigated through microcosm soil incubation experiments for 105 days, and combined with conditions of different soil moisture or pH. Microbiome within film-surrounding soil were assayed using 16 S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. Results showed a trend of increasing degradation efficiency with the increase of PLA proportion, and 70% PLA and 30% PBAT group presented the highest weight loss rate, i.e., 60.16 ± 5.86%. In addition, degradation and aging of PLA/PBAT varied among different soil moisture and pH values. A moderate moisture, i.e., 60% and a neutral pH7.0 caused significantly high degradation efficiency compared to other moisture or pH conditions. Moreover, bacterial abundance and community structure in the surrounding soil were related to soil moisture and pH. PLA/PBAT incubation treatment induced a remarkable increase in abundance of degradation-related species Pseudomonas and Sphingomonas. Bacterial richness and diversity in soil correspondingly respond to ratio-different PLA/PBAT's degradation under moisture/pH-different conditions through a redundancy analysis. Altogether, these findings indicate that practical degradation of PLA/PBAT film is closely related to soil environments and bacterial community. It is significant for the application of biodegradable plastics in agriculture on the perspective of soil sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalin Zhang
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Wei Gao
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation of Organic Solid Waste, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Aoyun Mo
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Jie Jiang
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation of Organic Solid Waste, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Defu He
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation of Organic Solid Waste, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China; Technology Innovation Center for Land Spatial Eco-restoration in Metropolitan Area, Ministry of Natural Resources, Shanghai, 200062, China.
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13
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Chemical recycling and upcycling of poly(bisphenol A carbonate) via metal acetate catalyzed glycolysis. Polym Degrad Stab 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2022.110210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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14
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Cruz RMS, Krauter V, Krauter S, Agriopoulou S, Weinrich R, Herbes C, Scholten PBV, Uysal-Unalan I, Sogut E, Kopacic S, Lahti J, Rutkaite R, Varzakas T. Bioplastics for Food Packaging: Environmental Impact, Trends and Regulatory Aspects. Foods 2022; 11:3087. [PMID: 36230164 PMCID: PMC9563026 DOI: 10.3390/foods11193087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The demand to develop and produce eco-friendly alternatives for food packaging is increasing. The huge negative impact that the disposal of so-called "single-use plastics" has on the environment is propelling the market to search for new solutions, and requires initiatives to drive faster responses from the scientific community, the industry, and governmental bodies for the adoption and implementation of new materials. Bioplastics are an alternative group of materials that are partly or entirely produced from renewable sources. Some bioplastics are biodegradable or even compostable under the right conditions. This review presents the different properties of these materials, mechanisms of biodegradation, and their environmental impact, but also presents a holistic overview of the most important bioplastics available in the market and their potential application for food packaging, consumer perception of the bioplastics, regulatory aspects, and future challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui M S Cruz
- Department of Food Engineering, Institute of Engineering, Campus da Penha, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- MED-Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development and CHANGE-Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Campus de Gambelas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Victoria Krauter
- Packaging and Resource Management, Department Applied Life Sciences, FH Campus Wien, University of Applied Sciences, 1100 Vienna, Austria
| | - Simon Krauter
- Packaging and Resource Management, Department Applied Life Sciences, FH Campus Wien, University of Applied Sciences, 1100 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sofia Agriopoulou
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Peloponnese, 24100 Kalamata, Greece
| | - Ramona Weinrich
- Department of Consumer Behaviour in the Bioeconomy, University of Hohenheim, Wollgrasweg 49, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Carsten Herbes
- Institute for International Research on Sustainable Management and Renewable Energy, Nuertingen Geislingen University, Neckarsteige 6-10, 72622 Nuertingen, Germany
| | - Philip B V Scholten
- Bloom Biorenewables, Route de l'Ancienne Papeterie 106, 1723 Marly, Switzerland
| | - Ilke Uysal-Unalan
- Department of Food Science, Aarhus University, Agro Food Park 48, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
- CiFOOD-Center for Innovative Food Research, Aarhus University, Agro Food Park 48, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ece Sogut
- Department of Food Science, Aarhus University, Agro Food Park 48, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Food Engineering, Suleyman Demirel University, 32200 Isparta, Turkey
| | - Samir Kopacic
- Institute for Bioproducts and Paper Technology, Graz University of Technology, Inffeldgasse 23, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Johanna Lahti
- Sustainable Products and Materials, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Visiokatu 4, 33720 Tampere, Finland
| | - Ramune Rutkaite
- Department of Polymer Chemistry and Technology, Kaunas University of Technology, Radvilenu Rd 19, 50254 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Theodoros Varzakas
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Peloponnese, 24100 Kalamata, Greece
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15
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Sun Y, Zheng Z, Wang Y, Yang B, Wang J, Mu W. PLA composites reinforced with rice residues or glass fiber—a review of mechanical properties, thermal properties, and biodegradation properties. JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10965-022-03274-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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16
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Chow J, Perez‐Garcia P, Dierkes R, Streit WR. Microbial enzymes will offer limited solutions to the global plastic pollution crisis. Microb Biotechnol 2022; 16:195-217. [PMID: 36099200 PMCID: PMC9871534 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Global economies depend on the use of fossil-fuel-based polymers with 360-400 million metric tons of synthetic polymers being produced per year. Unfortunately, an estimated 60% of the global production is disposed into the environment. Within this framework, microbiologists have tried to identify plastic-active enzymes over the past decade. Until now, this research has largely failed to deliver functional biocatalysts acting on the commodity polymers such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinylchloride (PVC), ether-based polyurethane (PUR), polyamide (PA), polystyrene (PS) and synthetic rubber (SR). However, few enzymes are known to act on low-density and low-crystalline (amorphous) polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and ester-based PUR. These above-mentioned polymers represent >95% of all synthetic plastics produced. Therefore, the main challenge microbiologists are currently facing is in finding polymer-active enzymes targeting the majority of fossil-fuel-based plastics. However, identifying plastic-active enzymes either to implement them in biotechnological processes or to understand their potential role in nature is an emerging research field. The application of these enzymes is still in its infancy. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on microbial plastic-active enzymes, their global distribution and potential impact on plastic degradation in industrial processes and nature. We further outline major challenges in finding novel plastic-active enzymes, optimizing known ones by synthetic approaches and problems arising through falsely annotated and unfiltered use of database entries. Finally, we highlight potential biotechnological applications and possible re- and upcycling concepts using microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Chow
- Department of Microbiology and BiotechnologyUniversity of HamburgHamburgGermany
| | - Pablo Perez‐Garcia
- Department of Microbiology and BiotechnologyUniversity of HamburgHamburgGermany
| | - Robert Dierkes
- Department of Microbiology and BiotechnologyUniversity of HamburgHamburgGermany
| | - Wolfgang R. Streit
- Department of Microbiology and BiotechnologyUniversity of HamburgHamburgGermany
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17
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Awasthi SK, Kumar M, Kumar V, Sarsaiya S, Anerao P, Ghosh P, Singh L, Liu H, Zhang Z, Awasthi MK. A comprehensive review on recent advancements in biodegradation and sustainable management of biopolymers. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 307:119600. [PMID: 35691442 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Recent years have seen upsurge in plastic manufacturing and its utilization in various fields, such as, packaging, household goods, medical applications, and beauty products. Due to various adverse impacts imposed by synthetic plastics on the health of living well-being and the environment, the biopolymers have been emerged out an alternative. Although, the biopolymers such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are entirely degradable. However, the other polymers, such as poly (lactic acid) (PLA) are only partially degradable and often not biosynthesized. Biodegradation of the polymers using microorganisms is considered an effective bioremediation approach. Biodegradation can be performed in aerobic and anaerobic environments. In this context, the present review discusses the biopolymer production, their persistence in the environment, aerobic biodegradation, anaerobic biodegradation, challenges associated with biodegradation and future perspectives. In addition, this review discusses the advancement in the technologies associated with biopolymer production, biodegradation, and their biodegradation standard in different environmental settings. Furthermore, differences in the degradation condition in the laboratory as well as on-site are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjeev Kumar Awasthi
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi Province, PR China
| | - Manish Kumar
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur, 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Vinay Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Surendra Sarsaiya
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Prathmesh Anerao
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur, 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Pooja Ghosh
- Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Lal Singh
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur, 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Hong Liu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi Province, PR China
| | - Zengqiang Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi Province, PR China
| | - Mukesh Kumar Awasthi
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi Province, PR China.
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18
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Jiménez DJ, Öztürk B, Wei R, Bugg TD, Amaya Gomez CV, Salcedo Galan F, Castro-Mayorga JL, Saldarriaga JF, Tarazona NA. Merging Plastics, Microbes, and Enzymes: Highlights from an International Workshop. Appl Environ Microbiol 2022; 88:e0072122. [PMID: 35762791 PMCID: PMC9317848 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00721-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the Anthropocene, plastic pollution is a worldwide concern that must be tackled from different viewpoints, bringing together different areas of science. Microbial transformation of polymers is a broad-spectrum research topic that has become a keystone in the circular economy of fossil-based and biobased plastics. To have an open discussion about these themes, experts in the synthesis of polymers and biodegradation of lignocellulose and plastics convened within the framework of The Transnational Network for Research and Innovation in Microbial Biodiversity, Enzymes Technology and Polymer Science (MENZYPOL-NET), which was recently created by early-stage scientists from Colombia and Germany. In this context, the international workshop "Microbial Synthesis and Degradation of Polymers: Toward a Sustainable Bioeconomy" was held on 27 September 2021 via Zoom. The workshop was divided into two sections, and questions were raised for discussion with panelists and expert guests. Several key points and relevant perspectives were delivered, mainly related to (i) the microbial evolution driven by plastic pollution; (ii) the relevance of and interplay between polymer structure/composition, enzymatic mechanisms, and assessment methods in plastic biodegradation; (iii) the recycling and valorization of plastic waste; (iv) engineered plastic-degrading enzymes; (v) the impact of (micro)plastics on environmental microbiomes; (vi) the isolation of plastic-degrading (PD) microbes and design of PD microbial consortia; and (vii) the synthesis and applications of biobased plastics. Finally, research priorities from these key points were identified within the microbial, enzyme, and polymer sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Javier Jiménez
- Microbiomes and Bioenergy Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Başak Öztürk
- Junior Research Group Microbial Biotechnology, Leibniz Institute DSMZ—German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Ren Wei
- Junior Research Group Plastic Biodegradation, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Timothy D. Bugg
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | | | - Felipe Salcedo Galan
- Department of Chemical and Food Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
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19
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Biodegradable Polymer Matrix Composites Containing Graphene-Related Materials for Antibacterial Applications: A Critical Review. Acta Biomater 2022; 151:1-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.07.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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20
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Erdal NB, Hakkarainen M. Degradation of Cellulose Derivatives in Laboratory, Man-Made, and Natural Environments. Biomacromolecules 2022; 23:2713-2729. [PMID: 35763720 PMCID: PMC9277587 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Biodegradable polymers complement recyclable materials in battling plastic waste because some products are difficult to recycle and some will end up in the environment either because of their application or due to wear of the products. Natural biopolymers, such as cellulose, are inherently biodegradable, but chemical modification typically required for the obtainment of thermoplastic properties, solubility, or other desired material properties can hinder or even prevent the biodegradation process. This Review summarizes current knowledge on the degradation of common cellulose derivatives in different laboratory, natural, and man-made environments. Depending on the environment, the degradation can be solely biodegradation or a combination of several processes, such as chemical and enzymatic hydrolysis, photodegradation, and oxidation. It is clear that the type of modification and especially the degree of substitution are important factors controlling the degradation process of cellulose derivatives in combination with the degradation environment. The big variation of conditions in different environments is also briefly considered as well as the importance of the proper testing environment, characterization of the degradation process, and confirmation of biodegradability. To ensure full sustainability of the new cellulose derivatives under development, the expected end-of-life scenario, whether material recycling or "biological" recycling, should be included as an important design parameter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nejla B Erdal
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology, FibRe - Centre for Lignocellulose-based Thermoplastics, Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, Teknikringen 58, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Minna Hakkarainen
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology, FibRe - Centre for Lignocellulose-based Thermoplastics, Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, Teknikringen 58, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
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21
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Bio-Based Materials Riding the Wave of Sustainability: Common Misconceptions, Opportunities, Challenges and the Way Forward. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14095032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Solid waste disposal, particularly of plastic and rubber, significantly impacts the environment and human health; thus, encouraging consumers to u sustainable alternatives is essential to ensure a resilient future. In recent decades, bio-based material research has primarily focused on bioplastics and, accordingly, current knowledge of alternative sustainable materials (such as biorubber) is fragmented, with consumer misconceptions posing a key challenge. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of bio-based materials, in addition to common misconceptions about them. The findings of a public survey that aimed to assess consumers’ attitudes towards, as well as their awareness and perceptions of, conventional and sustainable alternative materials, particularly oxo-biodegradable rubbers, are also reported in this paper. Despite their unfamiliarity with the terms ‘bio-based’ and ‘oxo-biodegradable’, most respondents had a positive view of bio-based products and expressed an interest in reducing their use of conventional products in favour of sustainable alternatives. The results also revealed that consumers are willing to spend more on sustainable alternatives because they are aware of the environmental issues associated with solid waste. This study provides new insights into knowledge gaps and challenges that must be addressed to promote the prudent use of sustainable materials in a fast-changing world.
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22
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Microorganisms harbor keys to a circular bioeconomy making them useful tools in fighting plastic pollution and rising CO 2 levels. Extremophiles 2022; 26:10. [PMID: 35118556 PMCID: PMC8813813 DOI: 10.1007/s00792-022-01261-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The major global and man-made challenges of our time are the fossil fuel-driven climate change a global plastic pollution and rapidly emerging plant, human and animal infections. To meet the necessary global changes, a dramatic transformation must take place in science and society. This transformation will involve very intense and forward oriented industrial and basic research strongly focusing on (bio)technology and industrial bioprocesses developments towards engineering a zero-carbon sustainable bioeconomy. Within this transition microorganisms-and especially extremophiles-will play a significant and global role as technology drivers. They harbor the keys and blueprints to a sustainable biotechnology in their genomes. Within this article, we outline urgent and important areas of microbial research and technology advancements and that will ultimately make major contributions during the transition from a linear towards a circular bioeconomy.
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23
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Krauklis AE, Karl CW, Rocha IBCM, Burlakovs J, Ozola-Davidane R, Gagani AI, Starkova O. Modelling of Environmental Ageing of Polymers and Polymer Composites-Modular and Multiscale Methods. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:216. [PMID: 35012240 PMCID: PMC8747293 DOI: 10.3390/polym14010216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Service lifetimes of polymers and polymer composites are impacted by environmental ageing. The validation of new composites and their environmental durability involves costly testing programs, thus calling for more affordable and safe alternatives, and modelling is seen as such an alternative. The state-of-the-art models are systematized in this work. The review offers a comprehensive overview of the modular and multiscale modelling approaches. These approaches provide means to predict the environmental ageing and degradation of polymers and polymer composites. Furthermore, the systematization of methods and models presented herein leads to a deeper and reliable understanding of the physical and chemical principles of environmental ageing. As a result, it provides better confidence in the modelling methods for predicting the environmental durability of polymeric materials and fibre-reinforced composites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey E. Krauklis
- Institute for Mechanics of Materials, University of Latvia, Jelgavas Street 3, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia;
| | | | - Iuri B. C. M. Rocha
- Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, P.O. Box 5048, 2600 GA Delft, The Netherlands;
| | - Juris Burlakovs
- Institute of Forestry and Rural Engineering, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 5 Kreutzwaldi St., 51014 Tartu, Estonia;
| | - Ruta Ozola-Davidane
- Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences, University of Latvia, Raina Blvd 19, LV-1586 Riga, Latvia;
| | - Abedin I. Gagani
- Siemens Digital Industries Software, Via Werner von Siemens 1, 20128 Milan, Italy;
| | - Olesja Starkova
- Institute for Mechanics of Materials, University of Latvia, Jelgavas Street 3, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia;
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Kobayashi Y, Ueda T, Ishigami A, Ito H. Changes in Crystal Structure and Accelerated Hydrolytic Degradation of Polylactic Acid in High Humidity. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13244324. [PMID: 34960875 PMCID: PMC8707235 DOI: 10.3390/polym13244324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Highly crystallized polylactic acid (PLA) is suitable for industrial applications due to its stiffness, heat resistance, and dimensional stability. However, crystal lamellae in PLA products might delay PLA decomposition in the environment. This study clarifies how the initial crystal structure influences the hydrolytic degradation of PLA under accelerated conditions. Crystallized PLA was prepared by annealing amorphous PLA at a specific temperature under reduced pressure. Specimens with varied crystal structure were kept at 70 °C and in a relative humidity (RH) of 95% for a specific time. Changes in crystal structure were analyzed using differential calorimetry and wide-angle X-lay diffraction. The molecular weight (MW) was measured with gel permeation chromatography. The crystallinity of the amorphous PLA became the same as that of the initially annealed PLA within one hour at 70 °C and 95% RH. The MW of the amorphous PLA decreased faster even though the crystallinity was similar during the accelerated degradation. The low MW chains of the amorphous PLA tended to decrease faster, although changes in the MW distribution suggested random scission of the molecular chains for initially crystallized PLA. The concentrations of chain ends and impurities, which catalyze hydrolysis, in the amorphous region were considered to be different in the initial crystallization. The crystallinity alone does not determine the speed of hydrolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Kobayashi
- Research Center for GREEN Materials and Advanced Processing (GMAP), 4-3-16 Jonan, Yonezawa 992-8510, Japan;
- Correspondence: (Y.K.); (H.I.); Tel.: +81-238-26-3430 (Y.K.); +81-238-26-3081 (H.I.)
| | - Tsubasa Ueda
- Graduate School of Organic Materials Science, Yamagata University, 4-3-16 Jonan, Yonezawa 992-8510, Japan;
| | - Akira Ishigami
- Research Center for GREEN Materials and Advanced Processing (GMAP), 4-3-16 Jonan, Yonezawa 992-8510, Japan;
- Graduate School of Organic Materials Science, Yamagata University, 4-3-16 Jonan, Yonezawa 992-8510, Japan;
| | - Hiroshi Ito
- Research Center for GREEN Materials and Advanced Processing (GMAP), 4-3-16 Jonan, Yonezawa 992-8510, Japan;
- Graduate School of Organic Materials Science, Yamagata University, 4-3-16 Jonan, Yonezawa 992-8510, Japan;
- Correspondence: (Y.K.); (H.I.); Tel.: +81-238-26-3430 (Y.K.); +81-238-26-3081 (H.I.)
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