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Esposito MC, Riva L, Russo GL, Punta C, Corsi I, Tosti E, Gallo A. Reproductive toxicity assessment of cellulose nanofibers, citric acid, and branched polyethylenimine in sea urchins: eco-design of nanostructured cellulose sponge framework (Part B). Environ Pollut 2024:123934. [PMID: 38588971 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
In the framework of a safe-by-design approach, we previously assessed the eco-safety of nanostructured cellulose sponge (CNS) leachate on sea urchin reproduction. It impaired gamete quality, gamete fertilization competence, and embryo development possibly due to the leaching of chemical additives deriving from their chemical synthesis. To extend this observation and identify the component(s) that contribute to CNS ecotoxicity, in the present study, we individually screened the cytotoxic effects on sea urchin Arbacia lixula and Paracentrotus lividus gametes and embryos of the three main constituents of CNS, namely cellulose nanofibers, citric acid, and branched polyethylenimine. The study aimed to minimize any potential safety risk of these components and to obtain an eco-safe CNS. Among the three CNS constituents, branched polyethylenimine resulted in the most toxic agent. Indeed, it affected the physiology and fertilization competence of male and female gametes as well as embryo development in both sea urchin species. These results are consistent with those previously reported for CNS leachate. Moreover, the characterisation of CNS leachate confirmed the presence of detectable branched polyethylenimine in the conditioned seawater even though in a very limited amount. Altogether, these data indicate that the presence of branched polyethylenimine is a cause-effect associated with a significant risk in CNS formulations due to its leaching upon contact with seawater. Nevertheless, the suggested safety protocol consisting of consecutive leaching treatments and conditioning of CNS in seawater can successfully ameliorate the CNS ecotoxicity while maintaining the efficacy of its sorbent properties supporting potential environmental applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Consiglia Esposito
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Riva
- Department of Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano and INSTM Local Unit, via Mancinelli 7, 20131, Milano, Italy
| | - Gian Luigi Russo
- Institute of Food Sciences, National Research Council, via Roma 64, 83100, Avellino, Italy
| | - Carlo Punta
- Department of Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano and INSTM Local Unit, via Mancinelli 7, 20131, Milano, Italy
| | - Ilaria Corsi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, via Mattioli 4, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Tosti
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gallo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, 80121, Naples, Italy.
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