1
|
Ahuja V, Singh PK, Mahata C, Jeon JM, Kumar G, Yang YH, Bhatia SK. A review on microbes mediated resource recovery and bioplastic (polyhydroxyalkanoates) production from wastewater. Microb Cell Fact 2024; 23:187. [PMID: 38951813 PMCID: PMC11218116 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-024-02430-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plastic is widely utilized in packaging, frameworks, and as coverings material. Its overconsumption and slow degradation, pose threats to ecosystems due to its toxic effects. While polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) offer a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics, their production costs present significant obstacles to global adoption. On the other side, a multitude of household and industrial activities generate substantial volumes of wastewater containing both organic and inorganic contaminants. This not only poses a threat to ecosystems but also presents opportunities to get benefits from the circular economy. Production of bioplastics may be improved by using the nutrients and minerals in wastewater as a feedstock for microbial fermentation. Strategies like feast-famine culture, mixed-consortia culture, and integrated processes have been developed for PHA production from highly polluted wastewater with high organic loads. Various process parameters like organic loading rate, organic content (volatile fatty acids), dissolved oxygen, operating pH, and temperature also have critical roles in PHA accumulation in microbial biomass. Research advances are also going on in downstream and recovery of PHA utilizing a combination of physical and chemical (halogenated solvents, surfactants, green solvents) methods. This review highlights recent developments in upcycling wastewater resources into PHA, encompassing various production strategies, downstream processing methodologies, and techno-economic analyses. SHORT CONCLUSION Organic carbon and nitrogen present in wastewater offer a promising, cost-effective source for producing bioplastic. Previous attempts have focused on enhancing productivity through optimizing culture systems and growth conditions. However, despite technological progress, significant challenges persist, such as low productivity, intricate downstream processing, scalability issues, and the properties of resulting PHA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vishal Ahuja
- Department of Biotechnology, University Centre for Research & Development, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, 140413, India
| | - Pankaj Kumar Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, University Centre for Research & Development, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, 140413, India
| | - Chandan Mahata
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign, 1304 W. Pennsylvania Avenue, Urbana, 61801, USA
| | - Jong-Min Jeon
- Green & Sustainable Materials R&D Department, Research Institute of Clean Manufacturing System, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH), Chungnam, 331-825, Republic of Korea
| | - Gopalakrishnan Kumar
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Chemistry, Bioscience and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Stavanger, Box 8600, Forus, Stavanger, 4036, Norway
| | - Yung-Hun Yang
- Department of Biological Engineering, College of Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
- Institute for Ubiquitous Information Technology and Application, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Shashi Kant Bhatia
- Department of Biological Engineering, College of Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea.
- Institute for Ubiquitous Information Technology and Application, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Thomas AP, Kasa VP, Dubey BK, Sen R, Sarmah AK. Synthesis and commercialization of bioplastics: Organic waste as a sustainable feedstock. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:167243. [PMID: 37741416 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167243] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Substituting synthetic plastics with bioplastics, primarily due to their inherent biodegradable properties, represents a highly effective strategy to address the current global issue of plastic waste accumulation in the environment. Advances in bioplastic research have led to the development of materials with improved properties, enabling their use in a wide range of applications in major commercial sectors. Bioplastics are derived from various natural sources such as plants, animals, and microorganisms. Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), a biopolymer synthesized by bacteria through microbial fermentation, exhibits physicochemical and mechanical characteristics comparable to those of synthetic plastics. In response to the growing demand for these environmentally friendly plastics, researchers are actively investigating various cleaner production methods, including modification or derivatization of existing molecules for enhanced properties and new-generation applications to expand their market share in the coming decades. By 2026, the commercial manufacturing capacity of bioplastics is projected to reach 7.6 million tonnes, with Europe currently holding a significant market share of 43.5 %. Bioplastics are predominantly utilized in the packaging industry, indicating a strong focus of their application in the sector. With the anticipated rise in bioplastic waste volume over the next few decades, it is crucial to comprehend their fate in various environments to evaluate the overall environmental impact. Ensuring their complete biodegradation involves optimizing waste management strategies and appropriate disposal within these facilities. Future research efforts should prioritize exploration of their end-of-life management and toxicity assessment of degradation products. These efforts are crucial to ensure the economic viability and environmental sustainability of bioplastics as alternatives to synthetic plastics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anjaly P Thomas
- Environmental Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India
| | - Vara Prasad Kasa
- Environmental Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India
| | - Brajesh Kumar Dubey
- Environmental Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India.
| | - Ramkrishna Sen
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India
| | - Ajit K Sarmah
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; The Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jayakumar A, Radoor S, Siengchin S, Shin GH, Kim JT. Recent progress of bioplastics in their properties, standards, certifications and regulations: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 878:163156. [PMID: 37003328 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The environmental impact associated with fossil fuel-based polymers has paved the way to explore biopolymer-based plastics, their properties, and their applications. Bioplastics are polymeric materials that are greatly interesting due to their eco-friendlier and non-toxic nature. In recent years, exploring the different sources of bioplastics and their applications has become one of the active research areas. Biopolymer-based plastics have applications in food packaging, pharmaceuticals, electronics, agricultural, automotive and cosmetic sectors. Bioplastics are considered safe, but there are several economic and legal challenges to implementing them. Hence, this review aims to i) outline the terminology associated with bioplastics, its global market, major sources, types and properties of bioplastics, ii) discuss the major bioplastic waste management and recovery options, iii) provide the major standards and certifications regarding bioplastics, iv) explore the various country-wise regulations and restrictions associated with bioplastics, and v) enumerate the various challenges and limitations associated with bioplastics and future directions. Therefore, providing adequate knowledge about various bioplastics, their properties and regulatory aspects can be of great importance in the industrialization, commercialization and globalization of bioplastics to replace petroleum-based products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aswathy Jayakumar
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; BioNanocomposite Research Center, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Sabarish Radoor
- Department of Polymer-Nano Science and Technology, Jeonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Suchart Siengchin
- Department of Materials and Production Engineering, The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering (TGGS), King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, 1518 Wongsawang Road, Bangsue, Bangkok 10800, Thailand
| | - Gye Hwa Shin
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Kunsan National University, Gunsan 54150, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Tae Kim
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; BioNanocomposite Research Center, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Martellini T, Russo A, Cincinelli A, Santini S, Lofrumento C, Baini M, Ciattini S, Conti L, Mostardini F, Mercatelli L, Ugolini A. Bioplastics on marine sandy shores: Effects on the key species Talitrus saltator (Montagu, 1808). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 876:162811. [PMID: 36924974 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Talitrid amphipods are an important component of detritus web, playing a key role in the fragmentation of organic matters of marine and terrestrial origin, and it is well known that sandhoppers ingest microplastics. To assess the effective consumption of bioplastics and their effects on survival rate and on pollutants transfer (i.e. phthalates) on supralittoral arthropods, laboratory experiments were conducted by feeding adult T. saltator with two different types of bioplastic commonly used in the production of shopping bags. Groups of about 20 individuals were fed with 10 × 10 cm sample sheets of the two types of bioplastic for four weeks. The results show that amphipods ingest bioplastics even in the absence of microbial film and that ingestion of bioplastic can have effects on talitrid amphipods. Microtomographic analyses of faecal pellets seem consistent with this finding. The high phthalate concentrations in freshly collected individuals suggest the presence in the environment of these compounds, and the ability of amphipods to assimilate them, while the decrease in phthalate concentrations in bioplastic-fed individuals could be attributed to the scavenging effect of virgin plastic, as already observed in a previous study. In summary, the results indicate that different bioplastics may have effects on T. saltator (i.e. survival rate and faecal pellets structure) and confirm a potential role of amphipods in the degradation of bioplastics in supralittoral zone of marine sandy beaches, even when bioplastics are not colonized by bacterial biofilm that seems to improve palatability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tania Martellini
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia, 3, Sesto F.no, 50019 Florence, Italy; CSGI, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, Sesto F.no, 50019 Florence, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Russo
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Romana 17, 50125 Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cincinelli
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia, 3, Sesto F.no, 50019 Florence, Italy; CSGI, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, Sesto F.no, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Saul Santini
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia, 3, Sesto F.no, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Cristiana Lofrumento
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia, 3, Sesto F.no, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Matteo Baini
- Department of Environmental, Earth and Physical Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, Siena, Italy
| | - Samuele Ciattini
- Centro di Cristallografia (CRIST), University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, Sesto Fiorentino, I-50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Luca Conti
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia, 3, Sesto F.no, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | | | - Luca Mercatelli
- National institute of Optics, CNR, Largo E. Fermi, 6, 50125 Florence, Italy
| | - Alberto Ugolini
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Romana 17, 50125 Florence, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hayes G, Laurel M, MacKinnon D, Zhao T, Houck HA, Becer CR. Polymers without Petrochemicals: Sustainable Routes to Conventional Monomers. Chem Rev 2023; 123:2609-2734. [PMID: 36227737 PMCID: PMC9999446 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Access to a wide range of plastic materials has been rationalized by the increased demand from growing populations and the development of high-throughput production systems. Plastic materials at low costs with reliable properties have been utilized in many everyday products. Multibillion-dollar companies are established around these plastic materials, and each polymer takes years to optimize, secure intellectual property, comply with the regulatory bodies such as the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals and the Environmental Protection Agency and develop consumer confidence. Therefore, developing a fully sustainable new plastic material with even a slightly different chemical structure is a costly and long process. Hence, the production of the common plastic materials with exactly the same chemical structures that does not require any new registration processes better reflects the reality of how to address the critical future of sustainable plastics. In this review, we have highlighted the very recent examples on the synthesis of common monomers using chemicals from sustainable feedstocks that can be used as a like-for-like substitute to prepare conventional petrochemical-free thermoplastics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Graham Hayes
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, CV4 7ALCoventry, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Laurel
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, CV4 7ALCoventry, United Kingdom
| | - Dan MacKinnon
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, CV4 7ALCoventry, United Kingdom
| | - Tieshuai Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, CV4 7ALCoventry, United Kingdom
| | - Hannes A Houck
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, CV4 7ALCoventry, United Kingdom.,Institute of Advanced Study, University of Warwick, CV4 7ALCoventry, United Kingdom
| | - C Remzi Becer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, CV4 7ALCoventry, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Antohi VM, Ionescu RV, Zlati ML, Iticescu C, Georgescu PL, Calmuc M. Regional Regression Correlation Model of Microplastic Water Pollution Control Using Circular Economy Tools. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20054014. [PMID: 36901030 PMCID: PMC10002311 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Water pollution caused by microplastics represents an important challenge for the environment and people's health. The weak international regulations and standards in this domain support increased water pollution with microplastics. The literature is unsuccessful in establishing a common approach regarding this subject. The main objective of this research is to develop a new approach to necessary policies and ways of action to decrease water pollution caused by microplastics. In this context, we quantified the impact of European water pollution caused by microplastics in the circular economy. The main research methods used in the paper are meta-analysis, statistical analysis and an econometric approach. A new econometric model is developed in order to assist the decision makers in increasing efficiency of public policies regarding water pollution elimination. The main result of this study relies on combining, in an integrated way, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's (OECD) data on microplastic water pollution and identifying relevant policies to combat this type of pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Marian Antohi
- Department of Business Administration, Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, 800001 Galati, Romania
- Department of Finance, Accounting and Economic Theory, Transylvania University of Brasov, 500036 Brasov, Romania
| | - Romeo Victor Ionescu
- Department of Administrative Sciences and Regional Studies, Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, 800201 Galati, Romania
| | - Monica Laura Zlati
- Department of Business Administration, Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, 800001 Galati, Romania
| | - Catalina Iticescu
- Department of Chemistry, Physics and Environment, REXDAN Research Infrastructure, Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, 800008 Galati, Romania
| | - Puiu Lucian Georgescu
- Department of Chemistry, Physics and Environment, REXDAN Research Infrastructure, Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, 800008 Galati, Romania
| | - Madalina Calmuc
- REXDAN Research Infrastructure, Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, 800008 Galati, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Vicente D, Proença DN, Morais PV. The Role of Bacterial Polyhydroalkanoate (PHA) in a Sustainable Future: A Review on the Biological Diversity. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2959. [PMID: 36833658 PMCID: PMC9957297 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20042959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Environmental challenges related to the mismanagement of plastic waste became even more evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. The need for new solutions regarding the use of plastics came to the forefront again. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) have demonstrated their ability to replace conventional plastics, especially in packaging. Its biodegradability and biocompatibility makes this material a sustainable solution. The cost of PHA production and some weak physical properties compared to synthetic polymers remain as the main barriers to its implementation in the industry. The scientific community has been trying to solve these disadvantages associated with PHA. This review seeks to frame the role of PHA and bioplastics as substitutes for conventional plastics for a more sustainable future. It is focused on the bacterial production of PHA, highlighting the current limitations of the production process and, consequently, its implementation in the industry, as well as reviewing the alternatives to turn the production of bioplastics into a sustainable and circular economy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Diogo Neves Proença
- Department of Life Sciences, Centre for Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Processes, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
J RB, V GS. A systematic review on plastic waste conversion for a circular economy: recent trends and emerging technologies. Catal Sci Technol 2023. [DOI: 10.1039/d2cy02066a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Our biosphere has been adversely affected by plastic waste pollution, especially non-biodegradables in landfills, which induces hazardous chemical leaching and toxic gas emissions on burning into the atmosphere.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Banu J
- Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Neelakudi, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu-610005, India
| | - Godvin Sharmila V
- Department of Civil Engineering, Rohini College of Engineering and Technology, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, India
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Das S, Kalyani MI. From trash to treasure: review on upcycling of fruit and vegetable wastes into starch based bioplastics. Prep Biochem Biotechnol 2022:1-15. [PMID: 36565171 DOI: 10.1080/10826068.2022.2158470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Growing public concern toward environmental sustainability is currently motivating a paradigm shift toward designing easily degradable plastics that can replace conventional synthetic plastics. The massive rise in food waste generation has led to an increased burden on landfills, thereby resulting in the higher emission of greenhouse gases. Using this food waste to produce bioplastics will benefit not only the environment but also develop a systematic food waste management system. Moreover, bioplastics are preferred due to the use of biomaterials derived from renewable resources. Furthermore, bioplastics degrade faster than conventional synthetic plastics, which take years to degrade. The biodegradation of bioplastics occurs under normal environmental conditions and disintegrates into carbon dioxide, water, biomass, and inorganic compounds without producing hazardous residues. In this review, we will discuss the synthesis of starch based bioplastics using discarded parts of various fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, we will address the importance of various components in the development of starch based bioplastics, such as fillers, plasticizers, and other additives that are essential in providing the bioplastic with different physio-mechanical properties. Therefore, bioplastic production using food waste will pave the way to achieve systematic waste management and environmental sustainability in the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Subhankar Das
- Biotechnology Unit, Mangalore University, Mangalore, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Tarrés Q, Aguado R, Domínguez-Robles J, Larrañeta E, Delgado-Aguilar M. Valorization of Kraft Lignin from Black Liquor in the Production of Composite Materials with Poly(caprolactone) and Natural Stone Groundwood Fibers. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14235178. [PMID: 36501573 PMCID: PMC9735539 DOI: 10.3390/polym14235178] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of new materials is currently focused on replacing fossil-based plastics with sustainable materials. Obtaining new bioplastics that are biodegradable and of the greenest possible origin could be a great alternative for the future. However, there are some limitations-such as price, physical properties, and mechanical properties-of these bioplastics. In this sense, the present work aims to explore the potential of lignin present in black liquor from paper pulp production as the main component of a new plastic matrix. For this purpose, we have studied the simple recovery of this lignin using acid precipitation, its thermoplastification with glycerin as a plasticizing agent, the production of blends with poly(caprolactone) (PCL), and finally the development of biocomposite materials reinforcing the blend of thermoplastic lignin and PCL with stone groundwood fibers (SGW). The results obtained show that thermoplastic lignin alone cannot be used as a bioplastic. However, its combination with PCL provided a tensile strength of, e.g., 5.24 MPa in the case of a 50 wt.% blend. In addition, when studying the properties of the composite materials, it was found that the tensile strength of a blend with 20 wt.% PCL increased from 1.7 to 11.2 MPa with 40 wt.% SGW. Finally, it was proven that through these biocomposites it is possible to obtain a correct fiber-blend interface.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Quim Tarrés
- LEPAMAP-PRODIS Research Group, University of Girona, Maria Aurèlia Capmany 61, 17003 Girona, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Roberto Aguado
- LEPAMAP-PRODIS Research Group, University of Girona, Maria Aurèlia Capmany 61, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Juan Domínguez-Robles
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Lisburn Road 97, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Eneko Larrañeta
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Lisburn Road 97, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Marc Delgado-Aguilar
- LEPAMAP-PRODIS Research Group, University of Girona, Maria Aurèlia Capmany 61, 17003 Girona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Recent Advances in Biodegradable Polymers and Their Biological Applications: A Brief Review. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14224924. [PMID: 36433050 PMCID: PMC9693219 DOI: 10.3390/polym14224924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The rising significance of the field of biopolymers has driven the rapid progress of this distinctive class of polymeric materials in the past decades. Biodegradable polymers have acquired much attention because they play an essential role in humans' lives due to their specific tunable electrical conductivity and biodegradability characteristics, making them fascinating in many applications. Herein, we debated the recent progress in developing biodegradable polymers and their applications. Initially, we introduce the basics of conducting and biodegradable polymers, trailed by debates about the effective strategies currently used to develop biopolymers. Special importance will focus on the uses of biodegradable polymers in drug delivery and tissue engineering, as well as wound healing, demonstrating the recent findings, and uses of several biodegradable polymers in modern biological uses. In this review, we have provided comprehensive viewpoints on the latest progress of the challenges and future prospects involving biodegradable polymers' advancement and commercial applications.
Collapse
|
12
|
An Environmentally-Friendly Three-Dimensional Computer-Aided Verification Technique for Plastic Parts. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14152996. [PMID: 35893960 PMCID: PMC9330585 DOI: 10.3390/polym14152996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Plastic components play a significant role in conserving and saving energy. Plastic products provide some advantages over metal, including reducing part weight, manufacturing costs, and waste, and increasing corrosion resistance. Environmental sustainability is one of the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Currently, the non-contact computer-aided verification method is frequently employed in the plastic industry due to its high measurement efficiency compared with the conventional contact measuring method. In this study, we proposed an innovative, green three-dimensional (3D) optical inspection technology, which can perform precise 3D optical inspection without spraying anything on the component surface. We carried out the feasibility experiments using two plastic parts with complex geometric shapes under eight different proposed measurement strategies that can be adjusted according to the software interface. We studied and analyzed the differences in 3D optical inspection for building an empirical technical database. Our aim in this study is to propose a technical database for 3D optical measurements of an object without spraying anything to the component’s surface. We found that the research results fulfilled the requirements of the SDGs. Our research results have industrial applicability and practical value because the dimensional average error of the two plastic parts has been controlled at approximately 3 µm and 4.7 µm.
Collapse
|
13
|
Approaching a Zero-Waste Strategy in Rapeseed (Brassica napus) Exploitation: Sustainably Approaching Bio-Based Polyethylene Composites. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14137942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The current need to develop more sustainable processes and products requires the study of new materials. In the field of plastic materials, the need to develop 100% bio-based materials that meet market requirements is evident. In this sense, the present work aims to explore the potential of rapeseed waste as a reinforcement of a bio-based plastic matrix that does not generate new sub-waste. For this purpose, three types of processing of rapeseed residues have been studied: (i) milling; (ii) mechanical process; (iii) thermomechanical process. In addition, the reinforcing capacity of these materials, together with the need for an optimized coupling agent at 6 wt.%, has been verified. The micromechanics of the materials have been evaluated to determine the development of these fibers in the composite material. The results obtained show remarkable increases in mechanical properties, reaching more than 141% in tensile strength and 128% in flexural strength. There is a remarkable difference in the impact behavior between the materials with milled rapeseed and the fibers obtained by mechanical or thermomechanical processes. It was found that by sustainable design it is possible to achieve a 76.2% reduction in the amount of plastic used to manufacture material with the same mechanical properties.
Collapse
|