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Boctor J, Pandey G, Xu W, Murphy DV, Hoyle FC. Nature's Plastic Predators: A Comprehensive and Bibliometric Review of Plastivore Insects. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1671. [PMID: 38932021 PMCID: PMC11207432 DOI: 10.3390/polym16121671] [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: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Unprecedented plastic production has resulted in over six billion tons of harmful waste. Certain insect taxa emerge as potential agents of plastic biodegradation. Through a comprehensive manual and bibliometric literature analysis, this review analyses and consolidates the growing literature related to insect-mediated plastic breakdown. Over 23 insect species, representing Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, and 4 other orders, have been identified for their capacity to consume plastic polymers. Natural and synthetic polymers exhibit high-level similarities in molecular structure and properties. Thus, in conjunction with comparative genomics studies, we link plastic-degrading enzymatic capabilities observed in certain insects to the exaptation of endogenous enzymes originally evolved for digesting lignin, cellulose, beeswax, keratin and chitin from their native dietary substrates. Further clarification is necessary to distinguish mineralisation from physicochemical fragmentation and to differentiate microbiome-mediated degradation from direct enzymatic reactions by insects. A bibliometric analysis of the exponentially growing body of literature showed that leading research is emerging from China and the USA. Analogies between natural and synthetic polymer's degradation pathways will inform engineering robust enzymes for practical plastic bioremediation applications. By aggregating, analysing, and interpreting published insights, this review consolidates our mechanistic understanding of insects as a potential natural solution to the escalating plastic waste crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Boctor
- Bioplastics Innovation Hub, Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (W.X.); (D.V.M.); (F.C.H.)
| | - Gunjan Pandey
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Environment, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia;
| | - Wei Xu
- Bioplastics Innovation Hub, Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (W.X.); (D.V.M.); (F.C.H.)
| | - Daniel V. Murphy
- Bioplastics Innovation Hub, Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (W.X.); (D.V.M.); (F.C.H.)
- SoilsWest, Centre for Sustainable Farming Systems, Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Frances C. Hoyle
- Bioplastics Innovation Hub, Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (W.X.); (D.V.M.); (F.C.H.)
- SoilsWest, Centre for Sustainable Farming Systems, Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
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Lu B, Lou Y, Wang J, Liu Q, Yang SS, Ren N, Wu WM, Xing D. Understanding the Ecological Robustness and Adaptability of the Gut Microbiome in Plastic-Degrading Superworms ( Zophobas atratus) in Response to Microplastics and Antibiotics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38838251 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c01692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Recent discoveries indicate that several insect larvae are capable of ingesting and biodegrading plastics rapidly and symbiotically, but the ecological adaptability of the larval gut microbiome to microplastics (MPs) remains unclear. Here, we described the gut microbiome assemblage and MP biodegradation of superworms (Zophobas atratus larvae) fed MPs of five major petroleum-based polymers (polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, and polyethylene terephthalate) and antibiotics. The shift of molecular weight distribution, characteristic peaks of C═O, and metabolic intermediates of residual polymers in egested frass proved depolymerization and biodegradation of all MPs tested in the larval intestines, even under antibiotic suppression. Superworms showed a wide adaptation to the digestion of the five polymer MPs. Antibiotic suppression negatively influenced the survival rate and plastic depolymerization patterns. The larval gut microbiomes differed from those fed MPs and antibiotics, indicating that antibiotic supplementation substantially shaped the gut microbiome composition. The larval gut microbiomes fed MPs had higher network complexity and stability than those fed MPs and antibiotics, suggesting that the ecological robustness of the gut microbiomes ensured the functional adaptability of larvae to different MPs. In addition, Mantel's test indicated that the gut microbiome assemblage was obviously related to the polymer type, the plastic degradability, antibiotic stress, and larval survival rate. This finding provided novel insights into the self-adaptation of the gut microbiome of superworms in response to different MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baiyun Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, P. R. China
| | - Yu Lou
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, P. R. China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, P. R. China
| | - Qiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, P. R. China
| | - Shan-Shan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, P. R. China
| | - Nanqi Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, P. R. China
| | - Wei-Min Wu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of Chemistry, William & Cloy Codiga Resource Recovery Center, Center for Sustainable Development & Global Competitiveness, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Defeng Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, P. R. China
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Redko V, Wolska L, Olkowska E, Tankiewicz M, Cieszyńska-Semenowicz M. Long-Term Polyethylene (Bio)Degradation in Landfill: Environmental and Human Health Implications from Comprehensive Analysis. Molecules 2024; 29:2499. [PMID: 38893375 PMCID: PMC11173707 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112499] [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: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the process of long-term (bio)degradation of polyethylene (PE) in an old municipal waste landfill (MWL) and its implications for environmental and human health. Advanced techniques, such as ICP-ES/MS and IC-LC, were used to analyze heavy metals and anions/cations, demonstrating significant concentration deviations from control samples. The soil's chemical composition revealed numerous hazardous organic compounds, further indicating the migration of additives from PE to the soil. Toxicological assessments, including Phytotoxkit FTM, Microtox® bioassay, and Ostracodtoxkit®, demonstrated phytotoxicity, acute toxicity, and high mortality in living organisms (over 85% for Heterocypris Incongruens). An unusual concentration of contaminants in the MWL's middle layers, linked to Poland's economic changes during the 1980s and 1990s, suggests increased risks of pollutant migration, posing additional environmental and health threats. Moreover, the infiltration capability of microorganisms, including pathogens, into PE structures raises concerns about potential groundwater contamination through the landfill bottom. This research underscores the need for vigilant management and updated strategies to protect the environment and public health, particularly in older landfill sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladyslav Redko
- Division of Environmental Toxicology, Faculty of Health Sciences with Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Dębowa 23 A, 80-204 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Lidia Wolska
- Division of Environmental Toxicology, Faculty of Health Sciences with Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Dębowa 23 A, 80-204 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Ewa Olkowska
- Division of Environmental Toxicology, Faculty of Health Sciences with Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Dębowa 23 A, 80-204 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Maciej Tankiewicz
- Division of Environmental Toxicology, Faculty of Health Sciences with Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Dębowa 23 A, 80-204 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Monika Cieszyńska-Semenowicz
- Division of Environmental Toxicology, Faculty of Health Sciences with Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Dębowa 23 A, 80-204 Gdansk, Poland
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Xu L, Li Z, Wang L, Xu Z, Zhang S, Zhang Q. Progress in polystyrene biodegradation by insect gut microbiota. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 40:143. [PMID: 38530548 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-024-03932-0] [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: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Polystyrene (PS) is frequently used in the plastics industry. However, its structural stability and difficulty to break down lead to an abundance of plastic waste in the environment, resulting in micro-nano plastics (MNPs). As MNPs are severe hazards to both human and environmental health, it is crucial to develop innovative treatment technologies to degrade plastic waste. The biodegradation of plastics by insect gut microorganisms has gained attention as it is environmentally friendly, efficient, and safe. However, our knowledge of the biodegradation of PS is still limited. This review summarizes recent research advances on PS biodegradation by gut microorganisms/enzymes from insect larvae of different species, and schematic pathways of the degradation process are discussed in depth. Additionally, the prospect of using modern biotechnology, such as genetic engineering and systems biology, to identify novel PS-degrading microbes/functional genes/enzymes and to realize new strategies for PS biodegradation is highlighted. Challenges and limitations faced by the application of genetically engineered microorganisms (GEMs) and multiomics technologies in the field of plastic pollution bioremediation are also discussed. This review encourages the further exploration of the biodegradation of PS by insect gut microbes/enzymes, offering a cutting-edge perspective to identify PS biodegradation pathways and create effective biodegradation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luhui Xu
- College of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Zelin Li
- College of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Liuwei Wang
- College of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Zihang Xu
- College of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Shulin Zhang
- College of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Qinghua Zhang
- College of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China.
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Jiao H, Ali SS, Alsharbaty MHM, Elsamahy T, Abdelkarim E, Schagerl M, Al-Tohamy R, Sun J. A critical review on plastic waste life cycle assessment and management: Challenges, research gaps, and future perspectives. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 271:115942. [PMID: 38218104 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.115942] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
The global production and consumption of plastics, as well as their deposition in the environment, are experiencing exponential growth. In addition, mismanaged plastic waste (PW) losses into drainage channels are a growing source of microplastic (MP) pollution concern. However, the complete understanding of their environmental implications throughout their life cycle is yet to be fully understood. Determining the potential extent to which MPs contribute to overall ecotoxicity is possible through the monitoring of PW release and MP removal during remediation. Life cycle assessments (LCAs) have been extensively utilized in many comparative analyses, such as comparing petroleum-based plastics with biomass and single-use plastics with multi-use alternatives. These assessments typically yield unexpected or paradoxical results. Nevertheless, there is still a paucity of reliable data and tools for conducting LCAs on plastics. On the other hand, the release and impact of MP have so far not been considered in LCA studies. This is due to the absence of inventory-related data regarding MP releases and the characterization factors necessary to quantify the effects of MP. Therefore, this review paper conducts a comprehensive literature review in order to assess the current state of knowledge and data regarding the environmental impacts that occur throughout the life cycle of plastics, along with strategies for plastic management through LCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixin Jiao
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - 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.
| | - Mohammed Husssein M Alsharbaty
- Department of Prosthodontics, College of Dentistry, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq; Branch of Prosthodontics, College of Dentistry, University of Al-Ameed, Karbala, Iraq.
| | - Tamer Elsamahy
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Esraa Abdelkarim
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Michael Schagerl
- Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, Vienna A-1030, Austria.
| | - 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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Kudzin MH, Piwowarska D, Festinger N, Chruściel JJ. Risks Associated with the Presence of Polyvinyl Chloride in the Environment and Methods for Its Disposal and Utilization. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 17:173. [PMID: 38204025 PMCID: PMC10779931 DOI: 10.3390/ma17010173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Plastics have recently become an indispensable part of everyone's daily life due to their versatility, durability, light weight, and low production costs. The increasing production and use of plastics poses great environmental problems due to their incomplete utilization, a very long period of biodegradation, and a negative impact on living organisms. Decomposing plastics lead to the formation of microplastics, which accumulate in the environment and living organisms, becoming part of the food chain. The contamination of soils and water with poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) seriously threatens ecosystems around the world. Their durability and low weight make microplastic particles easily transported through water or air, ending up in the soil. Thus, the problem of microplastic pollution affects the entire ecosystem. Since microplastics are commonly found in both drinking and bottled water, humans are also exposed to their harmful effects. Because of existing risks associated with the PVC microplastic contamination of the ecosystem, intensive research is underway to develop methods to clean and remove it from the environment. The pollution of the environment with plastic, and especially microplastic, results in the reduction of both water and soil resources used for agricultural and utility purposes. This review provides an overview of PVC's environmental impact and its disposal options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin H. Kudzin
- Łukasiewicz Research Network—Lodz Institute of Technology, 19/27 Marii Sklodowskiej-Curie Str., 90-570 Łódź, Poland; (M.H.K.); (D.P.); (N.F.)
- Circular Economy Center (BCG), Environmental Protection Engineering Research Group, Brzezińska 5/15, 92-103 Łódź, Poland
| | - Dominika Piwowarska
- Łukasiewicz Research Network—Lodz Institute of Technology, 19/27 Marii Sklodowskiej-Curie Str., 90-570 Łódź, Poland; (M.H.K.); (D.P.); (N.F.)
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Lodz, 21/23 Jana Matejki Str., 90-237 Łódź, Poland
- UNESCO Chair on Ecohydrology and Applied Ecology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 12/16 Banacha Str., 90-232 Łódź, Poland
- European Regional Centre for Ecohydrology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Tylna Str., 90-364 Łódź, Poland
| | - Natalia Festinger
- Łukasiewicz Research Network—Lodz Institute of Technology, 19/27 Marii Sklodowskiej-Curie Str., 90-570 Łódź, Poland; (M.H.K.); (D.P.); (N.F.)
- Circular Economy Center (BCG), Environmental Protection Engineering Research Group, Brzezińska 5/15, 92-103 Łódź, Poland
| | - Jerzy J. Chruściel
- Łukasiewicz Research Network—Lodz Institute of Technology, 19/27 Marii Sklodowskiej-Curie Str., 90-570 Łódź, Poland; (M.H.K.); (D.P.); (N.F.)
- Circular Economy Center (BCG), Environmental Protection Engineering Research Group, Brzezińska 5/15, 92-103 Łódź, Poland
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Jin J, Arciszewski J, Auclair K, Jia Z. Enzymatic polyethylene biorecycling: Confronting challenges and shaping the future. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 460:132449. [PMID: 37690195 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132449] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Polyethylene (PE) is a widely used plastic known for its resistance to biodegradation, posing a significant environmental challenge. Recent advances have shed light on microorganisms and insects capable of breaking down PE and identified potential PE-degrading enzymes (PEases), hinting at the possibility of PE biorecycling. Research on enzymatic PE degradation is still in its early stages, especially compared to the progress made with polyethylene terephthalate (PET). While PET hydrolases have been extensively studied and engineered for improved performance, even the products of PEases remain mostly undefined. This Perspective analyzes the current state of enzymatic PE degradation research, highlighting obstacles in the search for bona fide PEases and suggesting areas for future exploration. A critical challenge impeding progress in this field stems from the inert nature of the C-C and C-H bonds of PE. Furthermore, breaking down PE into small molecules using only one monofunctional enzyme is theoretically impossible. Overcoming these obstacles requires identifying enzymatic pathways, which can be facilitated using emerging technologies like omics, structure-based design, and computer-assisted engineering of enzymes. Understanding the mechanisms underlying PE enzymatic biodegradation is crucial for research progress and for identifying potential solutions to the global plastic pollution crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Jin
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, 18 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON KL7 3N6, Canada
| | - Jane Arciszewski
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St. West, Montréal QC H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Karine Auclair
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St. West, Montréal QC H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Zongchao Jia
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, 18 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON KL7 3N6, Canada.
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Viel T, Manfra L, Zupo V, Libralato G, Cocca M, Costantini M. Biodegradation of Plastics Induced by Marine Organisms: Future Perspectives for Bioremediation Approaches. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:2673. [PMID: 37376319 DOI: 10.3390/polym15122673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a distinctive element of the globalized world. In fact, since the 1970s the expansion and use of plastics, particularly in the consumer and commercial sectors, has given this material a permanent place in our lives. The increasing use of plastic products and the wrong management of end-of-life plastic products have contributed to increasing environmental pollution, with negative impacts on our ecosystems and the ecological functions of natural habitats. Nowadays, plastic pollution is pervasive in all environmental compartments. As aquatic environments are the dumping points for poorly managed plastics, biofouling and biodegradation have been proposed as promising approaches for plastic bioremediation. Known for the high stability of plastics in the marine environment, this represents a very important issue to preserve marine biodiversity. In this review, we have summarized the main cases reported in the literature on the degradation of plastics by bacteria, fungi, and microalgae and the degradation mechanisms involved, to highlight the potential of bioremediation approaches to reduce macro and microplastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Viel
- Department of Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegri, 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia 26, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Loredana Manfra
- Department of Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati 48, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Zupo
- Stazione Zoologica, Ecosustainable Biotechnology Department, Ischia Marine Centre, Via Buonocore 42, 80077 Ischia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Libralato
- Department of Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia 26, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Mariacristina Cocca
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegri, 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Maria Costantini
- Department of Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
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