Organo-monomers coated slow-release fertilizers: Current understanding and future prospects.

The increasing urge to make an impactful contribution towards attaining nutritional security amidst the ever-rising demand for food, changing climate and maintaining environmental health and safety has become the main focal point for today's researchers globally. Slow-release fertilizers (SRFs) are a broad, dynamic, and advance category of fertilizers but despite its environmental benefits and scientifically proven results it often faces some critical challenges, primarily due to its high cost, often stemming from synthetic coatings, deteriorating soil health and with unrevealed potential environmental impacts. Organo-monomers have gained immense popularity due to their organic origin, biodegradable nature, biocompatibility, bio-sustainability and as a targeted delivery of nutrients in the plant system leading to increase in nutrient use efficiency (NUE). They can form strong bond with other monomers, fertilizers elements and improve the soil quality, carbon sequestration and holistically the environment. This review emphasizes on organo-monomers based SRFs, its synthesis, application and deliberate mechanism of nutrient release; boosting crop productivity and global economy. In conclusion, provided the significant challenges posed by the classical or synthetically coated fertilizers; the application of organo-monomers based SRFs demonstrates immense potential for achieving sustainable yield, to help build a global nutritionally secure population.

Excision of a large trichilemmal carcinoma of the back with staged reconstruction using biodegradable temporizing matrix (BTM): A case report.

Trichilemmal carcinomas (TC) are rare skin malignancies that arise from the external root sheet of a hair follicle. Their incidence increases with advanced age and they most commonly occur on sun exposed skin or areas of significant hair growth. They vary significantly in size and appearance. Surgical excision is the most common treatment option. We report the case of a large trichilemmal carcinoma of the back occurring in a woman with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. The lesion was excised resulting in a very large defect, which was reconstructed in a staged process using biodegradable temporising matrix (BTM) and split-skin grafting. There was 95 % graft take at first graft check and the wound was fully healed at 6 weeks post grafting. BTM, already an established adjunct in the reconstruction of burns, degloving injuries and soft tissue infections, provided an enhanced aesthetic outcome and successful wound healing in this complex skin lesion excision.

Distinct species turnover patterns shaped the richness of antibiotic resistance genes on eight different microplastic polymers.

Elucidating the formation mechanism of plastisphere antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) on different polymers is necessary to understand the ecological risks of plastisphere ARGs. Here, we explored the turnover and assembly mechanism of plastisphere ARGs on 8 different microplastic polymers (4 biodegradable (bMPs) and 4 non-biodegradable microplastics (nMPs)) by metagenomic sequencing. Our study revealed the presence of 479 ARGs with abundance ranging from 41.37 to 58.17 copies/16S rRNA gene in all plastispheres. These ARGs were predominantly multidrug resistance genes. The richness of plastisphere ARGs on different polymers had a significant correlation with the contribution of species turnover to plastisphere ARGs ß diversity. Furthermore, polymer type was the most critical factor affecting the composition of plastisphere ARGs. More opportunistic pathogens carrying diverse ARGs on BMPs (PBAT, PBS, and PHA) with higher horizontal gene transfer potential may further magnify the ecological risks and human health threats. For example, the opportunistic pathogens Riemerella anatipestifer, Vibrio campbellii, and Vibrio cholerae are closely related to human production and life, which were the important potential hosts of many plastisphere ARGs and mobile genetic elements on BMPs. Thus, we emphasize the urgency of developing the formation mechanism of plastisphere ARGs and the necessity of controlling BMPs and ARG pollution, especially BMPs, with ever-increasing usage in daily life.

Microplastics from petroleum-based plastics and their effects: A systematic literature review and science mapping of global bioplastics production.

The use of bioplastics is a new strategy for reducing microplastic (MP) waste caused by petroleum-based plastics. This problem has received increased attention worldwide, leading to the development of large-scale bioplastic plants. The large amount of MPs in aquatic and terrestrial environments and the atmosphere has raised global concern. This article delves into the profound environmental impact of the increasing use of petroleum-based plastics, which contribute significantly to plastic waste and, as a consequence, to the increase in MPs. We conducted a comprehensive analysis to identify countries that are at the forefront of efforts to produce bioplastics to reduce MP pollution. In this article, we explain the development, degradation processes, and research trends of bioplastics derived from biological materials such as starch, chitin, chitosan, and polylactic acid (PLA). The findings pinpoint the top 10 countries demonstrating a strong commitment to reducing MP pollution through bioplastics. These nations included the United States, China, Spain, Canada, Italy, India, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Belgium, and the Netherlands. This study underscores the technical and economic obstacles to large-scale bioplastic production. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;00:1-20. © 2024 SETAC.

Biodegradable Poly (L-Lactic acid) Fibrous Membrane with Ribbon-Structured Fibers and Ultrafine Nanofibers Enhances Air Filtration Performance.

Here, the poly (l-lactic acid) (PLLA) membrane with multi-structured networks (MSN) is successfully prepared by electrospinning technology for the first time. It is composed of micron-sized ribbon-structured fibers and ultrafine nanofibers with a diameter of tens of nanometers, and they are connected to form the new network structure. Thanks to the special fiber morphology and structure, the interception and electrostatic adsorption ability for against atmospheric particulate matter (PM) are significantly enhanced, and the resistance to airflow is reduced due to the "slip effect" caused by ultrafine nanofibers. The PLLA MSN membrane shows excellent filtration performance with ultra-high filtration efficiency (>99.9% for PM2.5 and >99.5% for PM0.3) and ultra-low pressure drop (≈20 Pa). It has demonstrated filtration performance that even exceeds current non-biodegradable polymer materials, laying the foundation for future applications of biodegradable PLLA in the field of air filtration. In addition, this new structure also provides a new idea for optimizing the performance of other polymer materials.

Joint effect of black carbon deriving from wheat straw burning and plastic mulch film debris on the soil biochemical properties, bacterial and fungal communities.

Black carbon (BC) formed after straw burning remains in farmland soil and coexists with plastic mulch film (PMF) debris. It is unclear how BC influences soil multifunctionality in the presence of PMF debris. In this study, we determined the joint effects of BC and PMF debris on soil biochemical properties and microbial communities. We conducted a soil microcosm experiment by adding BC formed by direct burning of wheat straw and PMF debris (polyethylene (PE) and biodegradable PMF (BP)) into soil at the dosages of 1 %, and soils were sampled on the 15th, 30th, and 100th day of soil incubation for high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that the degradation of PMF debris was accompanied by the release of microplastics (MPs). BC decreased NH4+-N (PE: 68.63 %; BP: 58.97 %) and NO3--N (PE: 12.83 %; BP: 51.37 %) and increased available phosphorus (AP) (PE: 79.12 %; BP: 26.09 %) in soil containing PMF debris. There were significant differences in enzyme activity among all the treatments. High-throughput sequencing indicated that BC reduced bacterial and fungal richness and fungal diversity in PMF debris-exposed soil, whereas PMF debris and BC resulted in significant changes in the proportion of dominant phyla and genera of bacteria and fungi, which were affected by incubation time. Furthermore, BC affected microorganisms by influencing soil properties, and pH and N content were the main influencing factors. In addition, FAPRPTAX analysis indicated that BC and PMF debris affected soil C and N cycling. These findings provide new insights into the response of soil multifunctionality to BC and PMF debris.

Biodegradable biopolymers: Real impact to environment pollution.

Biobased biodegradable polymers (BBP) derived from different renewable resources are commonly considered as attractive alternative to petroleum-based polymers, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc. It is because they can address the issues of serious environmental problems resulted from accumulation of plastic wastes. In the review current methods of obtaining of most abundant BBP, polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), have been studied with an emphasis on the toxicity of compounds used for their production and additives improving consumer characteristics of PLA and PHB based market products. Substantial part of additives was the same used for traditional polymers. Analysis of the data on the response of different organisms and plants on exposure to these materials and their degradation products confirmed the doubts about real safety of BBP. Studies of safer additives are scarce and are of vital importance. Meanwhile, technologies of recycling of traditional petroleum-based polymers were shown to be well-developed, which cannot be said about PLA or PHB based polymers, and their blends with petroleum-based polymers. Therefore, development of more environmentally friendly components and sustainable technologies of production are necessary before following market expansion of biobased biodegradable products.

Characterization of cellulose nanocrystals from Zhombwe (Neorautanenia brachypus (harms) CA Sm.) bagasse.

Increased awareness of environmental pollution has changed focus to the use of biodegradable materials because they lack persistence in the environment. This article focused on the production of cellulose nanocrystals from Zhombwe, Neorautanenia brachypus (Harms) CA Sm. bagasse using steam explosion, alkaline treatment, bleaching, purification, and acid hydrolysis. The chemical composition after the treatments was determined using TAPPI standards. Further characterization was done using x-ray Diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The nanoscale dimensions and morphology of the extracted nanocrystals was determined through field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). FTIR spectroscopy and DSC confirmed the removal of noncellulosic compounds. XRD revealed that N. brachypus bagasse contained cellulose type I, which partly endured morphological change to polymorph II after purification and hydrolysis. FE-SEM revealed elliptical to rod-shaped structures after acid hydrolysis, which had a mean length and width of 1103 nm and 597 nm respectively. TAPPI tests revealed that successive chemical treatments increased crystallinity by 29.7%, enriched cellulose content by 74.2%, reduced lignin content by 21.7%, and reduced hemicellulose to less than 1%. The semicrystalline nature of the material produced in our work is a promising candidate for swelling hydrogel applications in areas such as wound dressing, heavy metal removal, controlled drug delivery, agriculture, and sanitary products. Future studies may focus on surface modification of nanocrystals to improve their thermal stability and therefore expand their range for potential industrial applications.

Towards Sustainable Production of Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate: Non-biological Catalytic Syntheses of Biomass-derived Constituents.

Renewable chemicals, which are made from renewable resources such as biomass, have attracted significant interest as substitutes for natural gas- or petroleum-derived chemicals to enhance the sustainability of the chemical and petrochemical industries. Polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), which is a copolyester of 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BDO), adipic acid (AA), and dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) or terephthalic acid (TPA), has garnered significant interest as a biodegradable polymer. This study assesses the non-biological production of PBAT monomers from biomass feedstocks via heterogeneous catalytic reactions. The biomass-based catalytic routes to each monomer are analyzed and compared to conventional routes. Although no fully commercialized catalytic processes for direct conversion of biomass into 1,4-BDO, AA, DMT, and TPA are available, emerging and promising catalytic routes have been proposed. The proposed biomass-based catalytic pathways toward 1,4-BDO, AA, DMT, and TPA are not yet fully competitive with conventional fossil fuel-based pathways mainly due to high feedstock prices and the existence of other alternatives. However, given continuous technological advances in the renewable production of PBAT monomers, bio-based PBAT should be economically viable in the near future.

Biodegradable Microembolics with Nanografted Polyanions Enable High-Efficiency Drug Loading and Sustained Deep-Tumor Drug Penetration for Locoregional Chemoembolization Treatment.

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), the mainstay treatment of unresectable primary liver cancer that primarily employs nondegradable drug-loaded embolic agents to achieve synergistic vascular embolization and locoregional chemotherapy effects, suffers from an inferior drug burst behavior lacking long-term drug release controllability that severely limits the TACE efficacy. Here we developed gelatin-based drug-eluting microembolics grafted with nanosized poly(acrylic acid) serving as a biodegradable ion-exchange platform that leverages a counterion condensation effect to achieve high-efficiency electrostatic drug loading with electropositive drugs such as doxorubicin (i.e., drug loading capacity >34 mg/mL, encapsulation efficiency >98%, and loading time <10 min) and an enzymatic surface-erosion degradation pattern (∼2 months) to offer sustained locoregional pharmacokinetics with long-lasting deep-tumor retention capability for TACE treatment. The microembolics demonstrated facile microcatheter deliverability in a healthy porcine liver embolization model, superior tumor-killing capacity in a rabbit VX2 liver cancer embolization model, and stabilized extravascular drug penetration depth (>3 mm for 3 months) in a rabbit ear embolization model. Importantly, the microembolics finally exhibited vessel remodeling-induced permanent embolization with minimal inflammation responses after complete degradation. Such a biodegradable ion-exchange drug carrier provides an effective and versatile strategy for enhancing long-term therapeutic responses of various local chemotherapy treatments.

Antioxidant Edible Films Derived from Belitung Taro Tubers (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) Incorporated with Moringa Leaf Extract (Moringa oleifera).

Edible films are thin films frequently manufactured using natural bioresources and are employed in food packaging to safeguard food quality. This research prepared edible films from renewable biomass consisting of Belitung taro tuber starch (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) and incorporated sorbitol as a plasticizer, carboxymethyl cellulose as a reinforcing agent, and moringa leaf extract (Moringa oleifera) as an antioxidant. The physicochemical characteristics of the resulting edible films were examined. The most favorable treatment was identified in an edible film containing 3% (v/v based on the total volume of 100 mL) of moringa leaf extract. This exhibited a tensile strength of 6.86 N/mm2, percent elongation of 73.71%, elasticity of 9.37×10-3 kgf/mm2, water absorption of 349.03%, solubility of 93.18%, and water vapor transmission speed of 3.18 g/h m2. Its shelf life was five days at ambient temperature. The edible film was found to have 135.074 ppm of half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) based on the antioxidant analysis of inhibition concentration (IC50) value measurements, and was classified as having moderate antioxidant activity. Additionally, the biodegradability assessment revealed that the edible films degraded within 14 days. Based on this data, it can be deduced that adding moringa leaf extract enhances the physicochemical and functional characteristics of the film. These edible films can be used as substitutes for nonrenewable and nonbiodegradable packaging materials.

Biodegradable microspheres come into sight: A promising biomaterial for delivering drug to the posterior segment of the eyeball.

Posterior segment disease acts as a major cause of irreversible visual impairments. Successful treatment of posterior segment disease requires the efficient delivery of therapeutic substances to the targeted lesion. However, the complex ocular architecture makes the bioavailability of topically applied drugs extremely low. Invasive delivery approaches like intravitreal injection may cause adverse complications. To enhance the efficiency, several biomedical engineering systems have been developed to increase the penetration efficiency and improve the bioavailability of drugs at the posterior segments. Advantageously, biodegradable microspheres are found to deliver the therapeutic agents in a controlled fashion. The microspheres prepared from novel biomaterials can realize the prolonged release at the posterior segment with minimum side effects. Moreover, it will be degraded automatically into products that are non-toxic to the human body without the necessity of secondary operation to remove the residual polymer matrix. Additionally, biodegradable microspheres have decent thermoplasticity, adjustable hydrophilicity, controlled crystallinity, and high tensile strength, which make them suitable for intraocular delivery. In this review, we introduce the latest advancements in microsphere production technology and elaborate on the biomaterials that are used to prepare microspheres. We discuss systematically the pharmacological characteristics of biodegradable microspheres and compare their potential advantages and limitations in the treatment of posterior segment diseases. These findings would enrich our knowledge of biodegradable microspheres and cast light into the discovery of effective biomaterials for ocular drug delivery.

Reproduction, growth and oxidative stress in earthworm Eisenia andrei exposed to conventional and biodegradable mulching film microplastics.

Plastic contamination in agricultural soils has become increasingly evident. Plastic mulching films are widely used in agricultural practices. However, the increased use of biodegradable plastics has, to some extent, replaced their non-degradable counterparts. The fragmentation of plastics generates microplastics (MPs), posing risk to soil functions and organisms. In this study the effects of low-density polyethylene microplastics (PE-MP) and polybutylene adipate terephthalate biodegradable microplastics (PBAT-BD-MP) originating from mulching films on the earthworm Eisenia andrei were studied. The earthworms were exposed to seven concentrations (0, 0.005, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, and 5 % w/w) based on environmentally relevant levels and worst-case scenarios on soil contamination. Survival, growth, reproduction, and biomarkers for oxidative stress [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione (GSH), and lipid peroxidation (LPO)] were analysed. Additionally, the Integrated Biomarker Response Index (IBR) was calculated to assess the overall oxidative stress status of the earthworms. Results showed that PE-MP exposure slightly decreased the biomass of the earthworms towards higher concentrations, whereas PBAT-BD-MPs induced growth at lower concentrations. MPs did not have a significant effect on Eisenia andrei reproduction; however, a slight negative trend was observed in juvenile production with increasing PE-MP concentrations. Both PE-MP and PBAT-BD-MP affected antioxidant system, PE-MPs with changes in CAT and GR levels and PBAT-BD-MPs inducing effects on SOD and LPO levels. Additionally, both MPs exhibited effects on soil parameters, resulting in increased soil pH and water-holding capacity at 5 % concentration. Changes in soil parameters can further affect soil organisms such as earthworms. This study provides understanding of the ecotoxicological effects of conventional and biodegradable microplastics on the earthworm Eisenia andrei. It also shows that MP particles of both conventional and biodegradable mulching films induce oxidative stress, considered as an early-warning indicator for adverse ecological effects, in environmentally relevant concentrations.

Chitosan/poly-γ-glutamic acid crosslinked hydrogels: Characterization and application as bio-glues.

Ecofriendly hydrogels were prepared using chitosan (CH, 285 kDa) and two fractions of low molecular weight microbial poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) (R1 and R2 of 59 kDa and 20 kDa, respectively). The hydrogels were synthesized through sustainable physical blending, employing three CH/γ-PGA mass ratios (1/9, 2/8, and 3/7), resulting in the formation of physically crosslinked materials. The six resulting CH/R1 and CH/R2 hydrogels were physico-chemically characterized and the ones with the highest yields (CH/R1 and CH/R2 ratio of 3/7), analyzed for rheological and morphological properties, showed to act as bio-glues on wood and aluminum compared to commercial vinyl- (V1) and acetovinyl (V2) glues. Lap shear analyses of CH/R1 and CH/R2 blends exhibited adhesive strength on wood, as well as adhesive/cohesive failure like that of V1 and V2. Conversely, CH/R2 had higher adhesive strength and adhesive/cohesive failure on aluminum, while CH/R1 showed an adhesion strength with adhesive failure on the metal similar to that of V1 and V2. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the formation of strong physical bonds between the hydrogels and both substrates. Beyond their use as bio-adhesives, the unique properties of the resulting crosslinked materials make them potentially suitable for various applications in paint, coatings, heritage preservation, and medical sector.

Developmental prospects of carrageenan-based wound dressing films: Unveiling techno-functional properties and freeze-drying technology for the development of absorbent films - A review.

This review explores the intricate wound healing process, emphasizing the critical role of dressing material selection, particularly for chronic wounds with high exudate levels. The aim is to tailor biodegradable dressings for comprehensive healing, focusing on maximizing moisture retention, a vital element for adequate recovery. Researchers are designing advanced wound dressings that enhance techno-functional and bioactive properties, minimizing healing time and ensuring cost-effective care. The study delves into wound dressing materials, highlighting carrageenan biocomposites superior attributes and potential in advancing wound care. Carrageenan's versatility in various biomedical applications demonstrates its potential for tissue repair, bone regeneration, and drug delivery. Ongoing research explores synergistic effects by combining carrageenan with other novel materials, aiming for complete biocompatibility. As innovative solutions emerge, carrageenan-based wound-healing medical devices are poised for global accessibility, addressing challenges associated with the complex wound-healing process. The exceptional physico-mechanical properties of carrageenan make it well-suited for highly exudating wounds, offering a promising avenue to revolutionize wound care through freeze-drying techniques. This thorough approach to evaluating the wound healing effectiveness of carrageenan-based films, particularly emphasizing the development potential of lyophilized films, has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for patients receiving wound healing treatments.

Tumor microenvironment responsive chitosan-coated W-doped MoOx biodegradable composite nanomaterials for photothermal/chemodynamic synergistic therapy.

Chemodynamic therapy (CDT), an approach that eradicates tumor cells through the catalysis of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into highly toxic hydroxyl radicals (·OH), possesses distinct advantages in tumor specificity and minimal side effects. However, CDT's therapeutic efficacy is currently hampered by the low production efficiency of ·OH. To address this limitation, this study introduces a water-soluble chitosan-coated W-doped MoOx (WMoOx/CS) designed for the combined application of photothermal therapy (PTT) combined with CDT. The W-doped MoOx (WMoOx) was synthesized in one step by the hydrothermal method, and its surface was modified by water-soluble chitosan (carboxylated chitosan, CS) to enhance its biocompatibility. WMoOx boasts a high near-infrared photothermal conversion efficiency of 52.66 %, efficiently transducing near-infrared radiation into heat. Moreover, the Mo4+/Mo5+ and W5+ ions in WMoOx catalyze H2O2 to produce ·OH for CDT, and the Mo5+/Mo6+ and W6+ ions in WMoOx reduce intracellular glutathione levels and prevent the scavenging of ·OH by glutathione. Crucially, the combination of WMoOx/CS and near-infrared light irradiation demonstrates promising synergistic antitumor effects in both in vitro and in vivo models, highlighting its potential for the combined application of PTT and CDT.

Preparation of chitosan/Tenebrio molitor larvae protein/curcumin active packaging film and its application in blueberry preservation.

With growing concerns about postharvest spoilage of fruits, higher requirements have been placed on high-performance and sustainable active packaging materials. In this study, we prepared curcumin-based functional composite films using chitosan (CS) and Tenebrio molitor larvae protein (TMP) as the substrates. The effects of curcumin concentration on the structural and physicochemical properties of the composite films were determined. Curcumin was equally distributed in the polymer film through physical interactions. Furthermore, the curcumin composite film with 0.3 % addition exhibited a 27.39 % increase in elongation at break (EBA), a 37.04 % increase in the water vapor barrier, and strong UV-blocking properties and antioxidant activity compared with the control film (CS/TMP). The degradation experiment of the composite film on natural soil revealed that the composite film exhibited good biodegradability and environmental protection. Furthermore, the applicability of functional composite films for preserving blueberries was investigated. Compared with the control film and polyethylene (PE) films, the prepared composite films packaging treatment reduced the decay rate and weight loss rate of blueberries during storage, delayed softening and aging, and maintained the quality of blueberries. Using sustainable protein resources (TMP) and natural polysaccharides as packaging materials provides an economically, feasible and sustainable way to achieve the functional preservation of biomass materials.

Effects of agricultural microplastics in multigenerational tests with insects; mealworms Tenebrio molitor.

Mulching films, widely used in agriculture, are a large source of microplastics (MPs) to soil. However, there is little knowledge on the long-term effects of agricultural MPs on soil invertebrates. We investigated the effects of MPs from conventional non-biodegradable, fossil-based, low-density polyethylene (PE) and biodegradable fossil-based poly(butylene adipate-coterephthalate) (starch-PBAT blend) mulching films on two generations of the mealworm Tenebrio molitor. No effects of MPs (0.005 %-5 %, w/w dry food) on mealworm development and survival were observed until the end of the experiments (12 weeks for the first generation, nine weeks for the second generation), but effects on their moulting and growth were observed. These were most evident for PE MPs (5 %, w/w), where a decrease in larval growth and moulting was noted in the first generation. On the contrary, PBAT MPs (5 %, w/w) significantly induced the growth of mealworms in the second generation. In addition, there was a non-significant trend towards increased growth at all other PBAT MP exposure concentrations. Increased growth is most likely due to the biodegradation of starch PBAT MPs by mealworms. Overall, these data suggest that PE and PBAT MPs do not induce significant effects on mealworms at environmentally relevant concentrations, but rather only at very high exposure concentrations (5 %).

Biodegradable Ferroelectric Molecular Plastic Crystal HOCH2(CF2)7CH2OH Structurally Inspired by Polyvinylidene Fluoride.

Ferroelectric materials, traditionally comprising inorganic ceramics and polymers, are commonly used in medical implantable devices. However, their nondegradable nature often necessitates secondary surgeries for removal. In contrast, ferroelectric molecular crystals have the advantages of easy solution processing, lightweight, and good biocompatibility, which are promising candidates for transient (short-term) implantable devices. Despite these benefits, the discovered biodegradable ferroelectric materials remain limited due to the absence of efficient design strategies. Here, inspired by the polar structure of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), a ferroelectric molecular crystal 1H,1H,9H,9H-perfluoro-1,9-nonanediol (PFND), which undergoes a cubic-to-monoclinic ferroelectric plastic phase transition at 339 K, is discovered. This transition is facilitated by a 2D hydrogen bond network formed through O-H···O interactions among the oriented PFND molecules, which is crucial for the manifestation of ferroelectric properties. In this sense, by reducing the number of -CF2- groups from ≈5 000 in PVDF to seven in PFND, it is demonstrated that this ferroelectric compound only needs simple solution processing while maintaining excellent biosafety, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. This work illuminates the path toward the development of new biodegradable ferroelectric molecular crystals, offering promising avenues for biomedical applications.

Influence of biodegradable plastics on the generation of disinfection byproducts in the chlorination process.

Biodegradable plastics (BPs) have seen a continuous increase in annual production and application due to their environmentally sustainable characteristics. However, research on the formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) from biodegradable microplastics (BMPs) during chlorination is limited, and the effects of aqueous solution chemistry on this process have yet to be explored. Therefore, two biodegradable microplastics, polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), were investigated in this study to examine the changes in their physicochemical properties before and after chlorination, and the formation of DBPs under different environmental conditions. The results showed that PLA was more chlorine-responsive, and generated more DBPs. The pH converted some of the intermediates into more stable DBPs by affecting the concentration of HClO and base-catalyzed reactions, whereas ionic strength slightly reduced DBP concentration by ion adsorption and promoting the aggregation of BMPs. Finally, since PLA has a slightly greater volume of mesopores and micropores compared to PBAT, it may more effectively adsorb DBP precursors beyond natural organic matter (NOM), such as some anthropogenic pollutants, thus potentially decreasing the formation of chlorinated DBPs in surface water. This research explored the potentiality for DBP formation by BMPs under different water quality conditions during the disinfection process, which is useful for assessing the environmental hazards of BMPs.