Paenilamicins from the honey bee pathogen Paenibacillus larvae are context-specific translocation inhibitors of protein synthesis.

The paenilamicins are a group of hybrid non-ribosomal peptide-polyketide compounds produced by the honey bee pathogen Paenibacillus larvae that display activity against Gram-positive pathogens, such as Staphylococcus aureus. While paenilamicins have been shown to inhibit protein synthesis, their mechanism of action has remained unclear. Here, we have determined structures of the paenilamicin PamB2 stalled ribosomes, revealing a unique binding site on the small 30S subunit located between the A- and P-site tRNAs. In addition to providing a precise description of interactions of PamB2 with the ribosome, the structures also rationalize the resistance mechanisms utilized by P. larvae. We could further demonstrate that PamB2 interferes with the translocation of mRNA and tRNAs through the ribosome during translation elongation, and that this inhibitory activity is influenced by the presence of modifications at position 37 of the A-site tRNA. Collectively, our study defines the paenilamicins as a new class of context-specific translocation inhibitors.

Recycling potential of carbon fibres in the construction industry: From a technical and ecological perspective.

Even though carbon fibres (CFs) have been increasingly used, their end-of-life (EOL) handling presents a challenge. To address this issue, we evaluated the use of recycled CFs (rCFs), produced through pyrolysis, as rovings to be used in textile reinforced concrete structures. Mechanical processing (hammer mill) with varying machine settings was then used to assess EOL handling, considering the separation potential of rCFs and the length of separated rCFs. The results showed that rCF rovings can be separated from concrete with an average of 87 wt.-%, whereas the highest rCF length and separation yield were observed in different machine settings. In addition, a techno-environmental assessment on the mechanical process was performed to compare different machine settings. The machine settings with the highest yield of rCF rovings also had the highest fine fraction that cannot be further separated. Furthermore, life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted covering three life cycles of CFs and an additional LCA for comparing rCF with virgin CF. LCA results revealed that CF reinforced plastic and concrete productions are the two main contributors to environmental impacts. The comparative LCA between virgin CF and rCF also showed that using rCF is environmentally advantageous, as virgin CF production causes 230% more global warming potential compared to rCF. Future studies assessing different allocation approaches, quantifying the quality of rCF, and its inclusion in LCA are relevant.

Methodology to quantify single-use plastic products in municipal solid waste Part 2: Quantification of tobacco products with filters in Germany.

Discharge from unrestricted tobacco products with filters (TPF) causes environmental damage. To reduce TPF litter quantities, Directive (EU) 2019/904 requires TPF producers to proportionally contribute to the costs of discarding their products in public waste collection systems, including litter waste ones. An appropriate output-based cost model requires assessing TPF quantities in relevant waste streams. Currently, there is no comprehensive data available on TPF quantities in municipal solid waste (MSW). Therefore, a case study was conducted to quantify TPF in MSW. This study aimed to determine TPF quantities (1) in residual waste from four German district types and (2) in waste from public collection systems for three settlement structures within Trier City. Relevant waste streams from public collection systems, namely waste from public waste receptacles, street-cleaning waste and sinkhole residues, were identified. For both sampling campaigns, consideration was given to extrapolating the results to a larger scale. The results showed that the average specific TPF quantities in residual waste were 277.7, 271.8, 193.3 and 204.5 gi- 1a- 1 in the selected city district, urban district, densely populated rural district and sparsely populated rural district, respectively. Extrapolation of these results to Germany yielded a specific TPF quantity in residual waste of 250.3 gi-1a-1. The average specific TPF quantities in waste from public waste receptacles, street-cleaning waste and sinkhole residues were 12.2, 47.4 and 9.9 gi-1a- 1, respectively. The results could contribute to cost model development based on Directive (EU) 2019/904.

Methodology to quantify single-use plastic products in municipal solid waste Part 1: Development of a sampling methodology.

In recent years, the consumption of plastic products intended for single use has increased. Directive (EU) 2019/904 aims to reduce the use and the resulting generated waste quantity of single-use plastic (SUP) products. Therefore, manufacturers of SUP products are required to contribute proportionately to the costs of disposing of their products in public collection systems, including litter waste. One possibility to develop a cost model is to determine SUP-product quantities in relevant municipal solid waste (MSW) streams. The partly low quantities and small size of specific SUP products and the focus on waste from public collection systems, including litter waste, impede special requirements for the sampling and analytical procedures. This article provides an approach for sampling and analysing MSW to determine SUP-product quantities. The developed sampling method examines the selection of a suitable sampling area, considering the possibility of extrapolation to a national scale. The adapted sampling procedure aims to achieve statistically representative results. The presented sample preparation is especially suitable for low quantities and small SUP-product sizes. The developed sampling and analytical method aims to achieve representative and reproducible results regarding SUP-product quantities in MSW. The results can contribute to the development of a cost model based on Directive (EU) 2019/904.