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Wang Y, van Putten RJ, Tietema A, Parsons JR, Gruter GJM. Polyester biodegradability: importance and potential for optimisation. GREEN CHEMISTRY : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL AND GREEN CHEMISTRY RESOURCE : GC 2024; 26:3698-3716. [PMID: 38571729 PMCID: PMC10986773 DOI: 10.1039/d3gc04489k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
To reduce global CO2 emissions in line with EU targets, it is essential that we replace fossil-derived plastics with renewable alternatives. This provides an opportunity to develop novel plastics with improved design features, such as better reusability, recyclability, and environmental biodegradability. Although recycling and reuse of plastics is favoured, this relies heavily on the infrastructure of waste management, which is not consistently advanced on a worldwide scale. Furthermore, today's bulk polyolefin plastics are inherently unsuitable for closed-loop recycling, but the introduction of plastics with enhanced biodegradability could help to combat issues with plastic accumulation, especially for packaging applications. It is also important to recognise that plastics enter the environment through littering, even where the best waste-collection infrastructure is in place. This causes endless environmental accumulation when the plastics are non-(bio)degradable. Biodegradability depends heavily on circumstances; some biodegradable polymers degrade rapidly under tropical conditions in soil, but they may not also degrade at the bottom of the sea. Biodegradable polyesters are theoretically recyclable, and even if mechanical recycling is difficult, they can be broken down to their monomers by hydrolysis for subsequent purification and re-polymerisation. Additionally, both the physical properties and the biodegradability of polyesters are tuneable by varying their building blocks. The relationship between the (chemical) structures/compositions (aromatic, branched, linear, polar/apolar monomers; monomer chain length) and biodegradation/hydrolysis of polyesters is discussed here in the context of the design of biodegradable polyesters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS), University of Amsterdam Science Park 904 1098 XH Amsterdam The Netherlands
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam Science Park 904 1098 XH Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | | | - Albert Tietema
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam Science Park 904 1098 XH Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - John R Parsons
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam Science Park 904 1098 XH Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Gert-Jan M Gruter
- van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS), University of Amsterdam Science Park 904 1098 XH Amsterdam The Netherlands
- Avantium Support BV Zekeringstraat 29 1014 BV Amsterdam The Netherlands
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Wang Y, van der Maas K, Weinland DH, Trijnes D, van Putten RJ, Tietema A, Parsons JR, de Rijke E, Gruter GJM. Relationship between Composition and Environmental Degradation of Poly(isosorbide- co-diol oxalate) (PISOX) Copolyesters. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:2293-2302. [PMID: 38277479 PMCID: PMC10851428 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c09699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
To reduce the global CO2 footprint of plastics, bio- and CO2-based feedstock are considered the most important design features for plastics. Oxalic acid from CO2 and isosorbide from biomass are interesting rigid building blocks for high Tg polyesters. The biodegradability of a family of novel fully renewable (bio- and CO2-based) poly(isosorbide-co-diol) oxalate (PISOX-diol) copolyesters was studied. We systematically investigated the effects of the composition on biodegradation at ambient temperature in soil for PISOX (co)polyesters. Results show that the lag phase of PISOX (co)polyester biodegradation varies from 0 to 7 weeks. All (co)polyesters undergo over 80% mineralization within 180 days (faster than the cellulose reference) except one composition with the cyclic codiol 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM). Their relatively fast degradability is independent of the type of noncyclic codiol and results from facile nonenzymatic hydrolysis of oxalate ester bonds (especially oxalate isosorbide bonds), which mostly hydrolyzed completely within 180 days. On the other hand, partially replacing oxalate with terephthalate units enhances the polymer's resistance to hydrolysis and its biodegradability in soil. Our study demonstrates the potential for tuning PISOX copolyester structures to design biodegradable plastics with improved thermal, mechanical, and barrier properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- van‘t
Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS), University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam 1098 XH, The Netherlands
- Institute
for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam 1098 XH, The Netherlands
| | - Kevin van der Maas
- van‘t
Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS), University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam 1098 XH, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel H. Weinland
- van‘t
Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS), University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam 1098 XH, The Netherlands
| | - Dio Trijnes
- van‘t
Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS), University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam 1098 XH, The Netherlands
| | | | - Albert Tietema
- Institute
for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam 1098 XH, The Netherlands
| | - John R. Parsons
- Institute
for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam 1098 XH, The Netherlands
| | - Eva de Rijke
- Institute
for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam 1098 XH, The Netherlands
| | - Gert-Jan M. Gruter
- van‘t
Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS), University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam 1098 XH, The Netherlands
- Avantium
Support BV, Zekeringstraat
29, Amsterdam 1014 BV, The Netherlands
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Weinland DH, van der Maas K, Wang Y, Bottega Pergher B, van Putten RJ, Wang B, Gruter GJM. Overcoming the low reactivity of biobased, secondary diols in polyester synthesis. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7370. [PMID: 36450717 PMCID: PMC9712608 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34840-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Shifting away from fossil- to biobased feedstocks is an important step towards a more sustainable materials sector. Isosorbide is a rigid, glucose-derived secondary diol, which has been shown to impart favourable material properties, but its low reactivity has hampered its use in polyester synthesis. Here we report a simple, yet innovative, synthesis strategy to overcome the inherently low reactivity of secondary diols in polyester synthesis. It enables the synthesis of fully biobased polyesters from secondary diols, such as poly(isosorbide succinate), with very high molecular weights (Mn up to 42.8 kg/mol). The addition of an aryl alcohol to diol and diacid monomers was found to lead to the in-situ formation of reactive aryl esters during esterification, which facilitated chain growth during polycondensation to obtain high molecular weight polyesters. This synthesis method is broadly applicable for aliphatic polyesters based on isosorbide and isomannide and could be an important step towards the more general commercial adaption of fully biobased, rigid polyesters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel H. Weinland
- grid.7177.60000000084992262Van’t Hoff Institute of Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94720, 1090GS Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kevin van der Maas
- grid.7177.60000000084992262Van’t Hoff Institute of Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94720, 1090GS Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yue Wang
- grid.7177.60000000084992262Van’t Hoff Institute of Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94720, 1090GS Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bruno Bottega Pergher
- grid.7177.60000000084992262Van’t Hoff Institute of Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94720, 1090GS Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robert-Jan van Putten
- grid.7177.60000000084992262Van’t Hoff Institute of Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94720, 1090GS Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,grid.432077.50000 0004 0646 5570Avantium Chemicals BV, Zekeringstraat 29, 1014BV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bing Wang
- grid.432077.50000 0004 0646 5570Avantium Chemicals BV, Zekeringstraat 29, 1014BV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gert-Jan M. Gruter
- grid.7177.60000000084992262Van’t Hoff Institute of Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94720, 1090GS Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,grid.432077.50000 0004 0646 5570Avantium Chemicals BV, Zekeringstraat 29, 1014BV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Drobota M, Ursache S, Aflori M. Surface Functionalities of Polymers for Biomaterial Applications. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14122307. [PMID: 35745883 PMCID: PMC9229900 DOI: 10.3390/polym14122307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Changes of a material biointerface allow for specialized cell signaling and diverse biological responses. Biomaterials incorporating immobilized bioactive ligands have been widely introduced and used for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications in order to develop biomaterials with improved functionality. Furthermore, a variety of physical and chemical techniques have been utilized to improve biomaterial functionality, particularly at the material interface. At the interface level, the interactions between materials and cells are described. The importance of surface features in cell function is then examined, with new strategies for surface modification being highlighted in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mioara Drobota
- “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 41A Aleea Gr. Ghica Voda, 700487 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Stefan Ursache
- Innovative Green Power, No. 5 Iancu Bacalu Street, 700029 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Magdalena Aflori
- “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 41A Aleea Gr. Ghica Voda, 700487 Iasi, Romania;
- Correspondence:
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Wang Y, Davey CJE, van der Maas K, van Putten RJ, Tietema A, Parsons JR, Gruter GJM. Biodegradability of novel high T g poly(isosorbide-co-1,6-hexanediol) oxalate polyester in soil and marine environments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 815:152781. [PMID: 34990691 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In order to reduce the plastic accumulation in the environment, biodegradable plastics are attracting interest in the plastics market. However, the low thermal stability of most amorphous biodegradable polymers limits their application. With the aim of combining high glass transition temperature (Tg), with good (marine) biodegradation a family of novel fully renewable poly(isosorbide-co-diol) oxalate (PISOX-diol) copolyesters was recently developed. In this study, the biodegradability of a representative copolyester, poly(isosorbide-co-1,6-hexanediol) oxalate (PISOX-HDO), with 75/25 mol ratio IS/HDO was evaluated at ambient temperature (25 °C) in soil and marine environment by using a Respicond system with 95 parallel reactors, based on the principle of frequently monitoring CO2 evolution. During 50 days incubation in soil and seawater, PISOX-HDO mineralised faster than cellulose. The ready biodegradability of PISOX-HDO is related to the relatively fast non-enzymatic hydrolysis of polyoxalates. To study the underlying mechanism of PISOX-HDO biodegradation, the non-enzymatic hydrolysis of PISOX-HDO and the biodegradation of the monomers in soil were also investigated. Complete hydrolysis was obtained in approximately 120 days (tracking the formation of hydrolysis products via 1H NMR). It was also shown that (enzymatic) hydrolysis to the constituting monomers is the rate-determining step in this biodegradation mechanism. These monomers can subsequently be consumed and mineralised by (micro)organisms in the environment much faster than the polyesters. The combination of high Tg (>100 °C) and fast biodegradability is quite unique and makes this PISOX-HDO copolyester ideal for short term applications that demand strong mechanical and physical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS), University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Charlie J E Davey
- van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS), University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Kevin van der Maas
- van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS), University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Albert Tietema
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - John R Parsons
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Gert-Jan M Gruter
- van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS), University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Avantium Support BV, Zekeringstraat 29, 1014 BV Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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PLA Nanofibers for Microenvironmental-Responsive Quercetin Release in Local Periodontal Treatment. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27072205. [PMID: 35408602 PMCID: PMC9000246 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27072205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The management of periodontitis remains a vital clinical challenge due to the interplay between the microorganisms of the dental biofilm and the host inflammatory response leading to a degenerative process in the surrounding tissues. Quercetin (QUE), a natural flavonol found in many foods, including apples, onions and tea, has exhibited prolonged and strong antibiofilm and anti-inflammatory effects both in vitro and in vivo. However, its clinical application is limited by its poor stability and water solubility, as well as its low bioavailability. Thus, in the present study, electrospun polylactic acid (PLA) nanofibers loaded with different amounts (5−10% w/w) of QUE were produced to rapidly respond to the acidic microenvironment typical of periodontal pockets during periodontal disease. This strategy demonstrated that PLA-QUE membranes can act as a drug reservoir releasing high QUE concentrations in the presence of oral bacterial infection (pH < 5.5), and thus limiting Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 and Streptococcus mutans biofilm maturation. In addition, released QUE exerts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on P. gingivalis Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human gingival fibroblast (HGFs). The reported results confirmed that PLA-QUE membranes could inhibit subgingival biofilm maturation while reducing interleukin release, thereby limiting host inflammatory response. Overall, this study provided an effective pH-sensitive drug delivery system as a promising strategy for treating periodontitis.
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The Road to Bring FDCA and PEF to the Market. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14050943. [PMID: 35267764 PMCID: PMC8912366 DOI: 10.3390/polym14050943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Biobased polymers and materials are desperately needed to replace fossil-based materials in the world’s transition to a more sustainable lifestyle. In this article, Avantium describes the path from invention towards commercialization of their YXY® plants-to-plastics Technology, which catalytically converts plant-based sugars into FDCA—the chemical building block for PEF (polyethylene furanoate). PEF is a plant-based, highly recyclable plastic, with superior performance properties compared to today’s widely used petroleum-based packaging materials. The myriad of topics that must be addressed in the process of bringing a new monomer and polymer to market are discussed, including process development and application development, regulatory requirements, IP protection, commercial partnerships, by-product valorisation, life cycle assessment (LCA), recyclability and circular economy fit, and end-of-life. Advice is provided for others considering embarking on a similar journey, as well as an outlook on the next, exciting steps towards large-scale production of FDCA and PEF at Avantium’s Flagship Plant and beyond.
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