Journal of Polymers and the Environment最新文献

{"title":"Green Synthesis, Characterization and Evaluation of Artesmisia vulgaris/Guar Gum Inter Cross-Linked Microporous Hydrogel Sponges: A pH Regulated Dais for Domperidone Delivery","authors":"Fouzia Taslim,&nbsp;Muhammad Umer Ashraf,&nbsp;Ayman M. Al-Qaaneh,&nbsp;Kashif Barkat,&nbsp;Asif Mahmood,&nbsp;Rai Muhammad Sarfraz,&nbsp;Hira Ijaz,&nbsp;Muhammad Aamir,&nbsp;Mohamed M. Salem,&nbsp;Mounir M. Bekhit","doi":"10.1007/s10924-025-03568-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-025-03568-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>A green synthesis approach was employed to synthesize stimuli-sensitive <i>Artemisia vulgaris</i>/guar gum hydrogel sponges for sustained delivery of domperidone. The fabricated hydrogel sponges were explored for drug loading (%), stimuli-responsive swelling, swelling kinetics, electrolyte sensitivity assessment, assessment of pH sensitivity, sol–gel fraction (%), drug-excipient interaction studies, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder X-ray diffraction analysis (PXRD), thermal investigation (DSC and TGA), <i>in-vitro</i> drug release studies and kinetics of drug release. Also, hydrogel sponges were evaluated for toxicity in white Albino rats. Domperidone loading was ranging from 66 to 87%. The optimal swelling of the hydrogel sponge was witnessed in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). However, significantly low swelling was obvious at acidic conditions (pH 1.2), exhibiting second-order swelling kinetics. Likewise, the hydrogel sponges also retorted to electrolyte concentrations. The sol–gel fraction analysis revealed gel fraction ranging from 81–94% in different formulations. The drug excipient compatibility analysis showed compatibility among domperidone and other excipients. The findings of SEM revealed the hydrogel sponge's porous surface along with numerous fissures. The surface morphology of hydrogel appeared rough. The PXRD results of the loaded hydrogel sponge depicted the overall crystalline nature of the domperidone and β-CD after inclusion into the sponges. Dissolution studies confirmed the domperidone release up to 10 h from hydrogel sponges at colonic pH (phosphate buffer pH 7.4), whereas an insignificant release in acidic medium. Release data confirmed first-order kinetics. Toxicological studies supported the inert nature of the developed sponge. These findings demonstrated that the developed hydrogel sponge is capable of delivering domperidone to the gastrointestinal tract for an extended time.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"33 9","pages":"3933 - 3951"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145007894","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Environmental Impact of Nanosilver on the Biodegradability of Polylactic Acid Nonwovens","authors":"Ainhoa Sánchez-Martínez,&nbsp;David Mínguez-García,&nbsp;Pablo Díaz-García,&nbsp;Jaime Gisbert-Payá","doi":"10.1007/s10924-025-03631-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-025-03631-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The integration of silver nanomaterials into the textile industry has gained attention due to their strong antimicrobial properties. However, concerns remain regarding their environmental impact, particularly at the end of the product life cycle. This study investigates the effect of silver chloride nanoparticles (AgCl NPs) on the biodegradability of polylactic acid (PLA) nonwoven textiles used as disinfectant wipes, considering ageing via standardised washing and abrasion tests. AgCl NPs were applied to nonwovens using the pad-dry-cure method. Their presence and distribution were characterised using FESEM, EDX, DLS, and FTIR-ATR. Biodegradability was assessed by measuring carbon dioxide (CO₂) evolution in a controlled soil environment. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using <i>3M™ Aerobic Count (AC) Petrifilm™ Plates</i>, applied to both textiles and post-biodegradation soil. Ecotoxicity was evaluated via an indirect approach based on <i>Lens culinaris</i> germination and growth, following OECD Test Guideline 208, using soil samples from the biodegradation process. The findings reveal that AgCl NPs hinder PLA biodegradation, significantly reducing CO₂ production and indicating bacterial inhibition. Ageing further intensified this effect by concentrating AgCl NPs on the fibre surface, enhancing antibacterial activity while reducing particle adhesion. Although no acute ecotoxicity was detected in plant-based assays, a decline in aerobic bacterial diversity was observed in soils exposed to AgCl NPs-treated samples. These results underscore the need to balance the antibacterial benefits of AgCl NPs with their environmental impact, particularly in products that may contribute to solid waste accumulation. Future research should focus on sustainable alternatives that maintain antibacterial efficiency while ensuring eco-friendly disposal.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"33 8","pages":"3897 - 3918"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10924-025-03631-3.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145160493","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Anti-Hepatitis B Virus Activities of a Polysaccharide from Vinegar-Baked Radix Bupleuri in Vitro: Evidences for its Mechanisms of Action","authors":"Ya Zhao,&nbsp;Xiao Zhang,&nbsp;Peng Wan,&nbsp;Yayun Wu,&nbsp;Xiaoshuang Wang,&nbsp;Lijuan Liu,&nbsp;Qiaohong Hu,&nbsp;Shirui Mao,&nbsp;Ruizhi Zhao","doi":"10.1007/s10924-025-03628-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-025-03628-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Vinegar-baked Radix Bupleuri (VBRB) prescriptions have been used to treat chronic hepatitis B in clinic and achieved good efficacy. Polysaccharides are the main active ingredients of VBRB, but their anti-HBV activity remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the anti-HBV activity of a VBRB polysaccharide in the HepG2.2. 15 cell line and its underlying mechanism. The VBRB polysaccharide (VBCP-2) was separated and purified using various chromatographic methods. Its structure was investigated by chemical and spectroscopic analyses. Anti-HBV activity was evaluated by determining the levels of HBsAg and HBeAg in supernatants after co-culturing VBCP-2 with HepG2.2.15 cells. Gene expressions of encoding DNA polymerase (HBV-P), HBV-C, HBV-S, HBx, HNF1α and HNF-4α were determined by RT-PCR, while the protein expression of HNF-4α, HNF-1α, ERK/p38 MAPK and TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB were evaluated by western blotting to explore the mechanism. The results showed that VBCP-2 was a heteropolysaccharide with an average molecular weight of 2195.8 kDa, its structure was characterized. VBCP-2 significantly inhibited the content of HBsAg and HBeAg, and all four open reading frames of HBV DNA replication. It decreased the expressions of HNF-4α and HNF-1α, as well as the protein expressions of p-ERK1/2 and p-p38MAPK, but a marginal effect was observed on the protein expressions of TLR4, MyD88, kappa B inhibitor alpha (IκBα) and phosphorylated (p)-NF-κB p65. VBCP-2 exerts anti-HBV effects by decreasing HNF-4α and HNF-1α expressions and regulating the immune system through down-regulating p38 MAPK and p-ERK1/2 proteins, making it a promising candidate for anti-HBV infection.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"33 8","pages":"3879 - 3896"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145160494","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development of Starch-g-Oleic Acid, Gelatin and Alginate Based Magnetic Core-Shell Hydrogel Beads as Dual-Stimuli Responsive and Synergistic Tumour-Targeting Drug Delivery System","authors":"Buvana Sampath,&nbsp;Julie Charles","doi":"10.1007/s10924-025-03618-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-025-03618-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Millimetre-sized core-shell hydrogel beads with dual-stimuli (pH and magnetic) sensitiveness were synthesized for drug release in cancer therapeutics. A facile synthesis approach was employed to fabricate gelatin/starch-g-oleic acid/alginate core-shell hydrogel beads HB1 and HB2 (with NiFe₂O₄ nanoparticles). Microscopic, HRSEM and EDS examinations verified the core-shell morphology of beads, while VSM measurements demonstrated magnetic responsiveness of HB2, with saturation magnetization of 1.89 emu/g. Swelling study in different pH environments ensured the pH-sensitivity of beads. The 5-FU encapsulation efficiency was found to be approximately 32% for both beads. At pH 7.4, the maximum drug release reached 76% for HB1 and 66% for HB2, while at pH 5.5, it was 54% for HB1 and 57% for HB2. The maximum drug release observed was 19% for 5-FU/HB1 and 21% for 5-FU/HB2 in pH 1.5. These results suggest the suitability of the beads for both oral delivery and direct tumour targeting system. Comparatively, hydrogel beads without NiFe₂O₄ NPs exhibited higher release over time than those containing NiFe₂O₄ NPs, attributed to increased core crosslinking density. At 300 min, 350 G magnetic field increased drug release of HB2 by 13%. The mechanism behind the drug release process was explained by Peppas-Sahlin kinetic, which showed that polymer relaxation dominates the drug release process with minimal contribution from Fickian diffusion. Moreover, cytotoxicity study using MCF-7 cells revealed that 5-FU loaded HB2 effectively induces cancer cell death, with an IC₅₀ of 7.7 µg/ml. Biocompatibility and hemocompatibility of the hydrogel systems were also demonstrated, thereby highlighting their promise for cancer therapeutics.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"33 8","pages":"3824 - 3850"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145169755","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Recent Advances in Injectable Stimuli-Responsive Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications","authors":"Hanieh Khonakdar,&nbsp;Morteza Ehsani,&nbsp;Ghasem Naderi,&nbsp;Fatemeh Shokrolahi,&nbsp;Hossein Ali Khonakdar","doi":"10.1007/s10924-025-03620-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-025-03620-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Injectable stimuli-responsive hydrogels have emerged as a highly versatile class of biomaterials designed to enhance precision in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. These hydrogels are engineered to undergo controlled sol–gel transitions or degradation in response to specific environmental stimuli, including temperature, pH, enzymes, reactive oxygen species (ROS), glucose, light, ultrasound, magnetic fields, and electricity. By leveraging these stimuli-responsiveness properties, hydrogels offer significant advantages, such as improved biocompatibility, minimally invasive administration, and the ability to provide localized and sustained therapeutic effects. In this review, a comprehensive analysis of recent developments in injectable stimuli-responsive hydrogels is provided, with a focus on their classification, fabrication techniques, and biomedical applications. Particular attention is given to their role in cardiovascular therapy, cancer treatment, and other emerging fields where targeted therapeutic interventions are required. Furthermore, existing challenges related to hydrogel stability, responsiveness, and clinical translation are discussed, along with potential strategies for overcoming these limitations. By summarizing key advancements and addressing future perspectives, this review aims to provide a valuable resource for researchers working toward the next generation of smart hydrogel-based biomedical solutions.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"33 8","pages":"3512 - 3554"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145170699","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Degradable and UV-Crosslinkable Polyurethanes Based on Curcumin and Hydroxyethyl Hexahydrotriazine","authors":"Weihua Xu,&nbsp;Tianxi Liu,&nbsp;Yingying Han,&nbsp;Yu Zheng,&nbsp;Shijing Yan,&nbsp;Hui You","doi":"10.1007/s10924-025-03621-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-025-03621-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Sustainable polyurethane materials derived from biomass or degradable components hold great promise. In this study, we polymerized UV-photoreactive curcumin (Cur), hydroxyethyl hexahydrotriazine (HT), and polyethylene glycol (PEG) with isophorone diisocyanate to craft a bio-based polyurethane (Cur-PU) film that exhibits both degradability and UV cross-linking capabilities. The feed ratio, encompassing NCO/OH and the hydroxyl groups of the raw materials, was meticulously optimized through a series of structural and physicochemical tests to yield high-performance, degradable Cur-PU films. FT-IR spectra confirmed the successful synthesis of the material. Property assessments revealed that adjusting the relevant ratios enhanced the structural rigidity and crosslinking density of the Cur-PU, leading to improved thermal stability, mechanical strength, and accelerated degradation time. Specifically, at an NCO/OH ratio of 1.6 and a PEG-OH/HT-OH/Cur-OH ratio of 2/4/4, the Cur-PU film exhibited balanced performance characteristics, including a tensile strength of 12.1 MPa, an elongation at break of 516%, a glass transition temperature of 90.7 °C, a 5% weight loss temperature of 230 °C, and a degradation time of 2.12 h in 2 M phosphoric acid/ethanol. Furthermore, the optimally prepared Cur-PU showcased exceptional recyclability and UV-photocrosslinking properties. Its recycled products retained PEG and Cur components, and the high UV-photocrosslinking content contributed to enhanced Young’s modulus and thermal properties. When compared to conventional PU materials, the PU material developed in this study demonstrates environmental friendliness and broader application potential, thanks to its recyclability and photosensitivity advantages.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"33 8","pages":"3851 - 3863"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145170692","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Influence of Layered Double Hydroxides (LDHs) Intercalated with Glycine on Antibacterial and Mechanical Properties of Waterborne Polyurethane-Based Films for Food Packaging","authors":"Abdulrahim Rahimi,&nbsp;Mir Saeed Seyed Dorraji,&nbsp;Samaneh Barzegari,&nbsp;Maryam Azizi,&nbsp;Mortaza Rastgar","doi":"10.1007/s10924-025-03614-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-025-03614-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In the past few years, the effective application of waterborne polyurethane (WPU) in the automotive industry, paint, packaging, and many other industries has drawn the attention of researchers to the synthesis of new WPU nanocomposite through structural modification and additive incorporation. In this research, layered double hydroxide (LDH) compounds were intercalated with glycine (Gly) to obtain the multifunctional nanoplates. The nanoplates were incorporated into the WPU matrix to create versatile antibacterial and oxygen barrier films while maintaining the essential characteristics of polyurethane films. The structure, mechanical performance, antibacterial activity, morphology, and water absorption behavior of the resulting nanocomposite films were thoroughly analyzed to assess their suitability for food packaging applications. The results show that LDH and LDH-Gly nanoplates improve the mechanical features of waterborne polyurethane-based films. Additionally, the modified films exhibited superior antibacterial activity compared to pure WPU films, showing increased resistance against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, the incorporation of LDH-Gly nanoplates significantly reduced the water uptake and oxygen transmission rate (OTR), indicating improved barrier performance.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"33 8","pages":"3864 - 3878"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145170700","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Interplay Between Processing Phenomena and Molecular Structure in Poly(Lactic Acid)/Poly(Butylene Adipate-co-Terephthalate) Blend Foams","authors":"Milad Esmaeili-ZaviehKord,&nbsp;Seyed Rasoul Mousavi,&nbsp;Shervin Ahmadi,&nbsp;Morteza Ehsani,&nbsp;Farkhondeh Hemmati,&nbsp;Elmuez A. Dawi,&nbsp;Hossein Ali Khonakdar","doi":"10.1007/s10924-025-03622-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-025-03622-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene adipate-<i>co</i>-terephthalate) (PLA/PBAT) blend foams containing 2, 4, and 6 phr chain extender (CE) were extruded at varying barrel and die temperatures (160, 175, and 190 °C). The correlations of the foams’ structural and physical properties with the rheological, molecular structure, and crystallization were investigated in depth. The analysis demonstrated that the foam with 2 phr CE extruded at 190 °C (FPPCE2T190) and the foam with 4 phr processed at 175 °C (FPPCE4T175) exhibited superior properties among the samples studied. Gel permeation chromatography revealed an enhancement in molecular weight for CE-containing foams, with the foam containing 4 phr CE prepared at 190 °C (FPPCE4T190) achieving a higher molecular weight than FPPCE4T175. Rheometric mechanical spectrometry identified that the FPPCE4T190 exhibited a highly branched structure with numerous short branches, while FPPCE4T175 featured fewer longer branches. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) further confirmed these findings, indicating that FPPCE4T190 achieved the highest degree of crystallinity. These results highlight the critical influence of CE content and processing temperature on the molecular structure and physical properties of the PLA/PBAT blend foams.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"33 8","pages":"3806 - 3823"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145167421","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Synthesis of High-Molecular-Weight Poly (Itaconic-Co-Methacrylic Acid) Copolymers for the Fabrication of Nanocomposite Hydrogels for Cationic Dye Removal","authors":"Gloria Huerta-Ángeles,&nbsp;Lívia Kanizsová,&nbsp;Rafał Konefał,&nbsp;Kacper Mielczarek,&nbsp;Magdalena Konefał,&nbsp;Jiří Hodan,&nbsp;Olga Kočková,&nbsp;Ewa Pavlová,&nbsp;Szczepan Bednarz,&nbsp;Hynek Beneš","doi":"10.1007/s10924-025-03624-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-025-03624-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study introduces a novel class of physically crosslinked hydrogels synthesized from high-molecular-weight copolymers consisting of itaconic acid (IA), methacrylic acid (MAA) and laponite RD, which efficiently removes cationic dyes. The copolymers synthesized via free-radical polymerization in a deep eutectic solvent demonstrated increased thermal stability with increasing MAA content. Rheological assessments revealed elastic solid behavior (G′ &gt; G″), with decreased stiffness correlated with increased MAA content, which was attributed to diminished electrostatic interactions. Structural analyses, including WAXS/SAXS and TEM, confirmed the complete exfoliation of the clay and the formation of a hierarchical network; upon dye adsorption, an expansion of the basal spacing to 15–20 nm was observed. The hydrogels exhibited a swelling capacity of up to 38 g/g in pure water, which was reduced to 10 g/g in saline conditions. The highest adsorption capacity of basic fuchsin was determined to be 70 mg/g, achieving a 99.5% removal efficiency using 0.05 g/L of adsorbent over a 2-hour period. The adsorption process followed the Freundlich isotherm and was well described by a nonlinear pseudo-first-order (PFO) kinetic model. The dye adsorption process was spontaneous, and exothermic and followed physisorption. Crosslinking with calcium ions substantially increased the storage modulus by 252-fold and controlled the swelling ratio to 15.9 ± 0.7 g/g, facilitating regeneration cycles with 99.2 ± 0.2% efficiency. These findings position IA-MAA laponite RD hydrogels as sustainable materials with significant potential for application in dye-contaminated wastewater treatment.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"33 8","pages":"3785 - 3805"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10924-025-03624-2.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145167064","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Depolymerization of Polycaprolactone to 6-hydroxyhexanoic Acid by Candida antarctica Lipase B in Aqueous Media and in Toluene/Water Emulsions","authors":"Tomás Roncal,&nbsp;Belén Maestro,&nbsp;Pablo Ortiz","doi":"10.1007/s10924-025-03617-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-025-03617-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In today’s world, the widespread utilization of plastics results in millions of tons of waste plastics being generated every year, which ultimately has become a great problem because of its environmental impact. Recycling of plastics can relieve this problem, as it prevents the loss of the material and energy used in their production and contributes to the reduction of CO₂ emissions. Depolymerization of plastic waste back to the original monomers seems to be the soundest alternative for plastics recycling, as it allows the production of the same original polymer or, eventually, the upcycling to other valuable chemicals. Polycaprolactone (PCL), one of the most widely used biodegradable polyesters, was subjected to enzymatic depolymerization to its monomer, 6-hydroxyhexanoic acid (6-HHA), catalyzed by a commercial <i>Candida antarctica</i> lipase B (CalB) following two alternative processes. The first one was carried out in aqueous medium and allowed the complete depolymerization of 100 g/L PCL in less than 24 h in an optimized phosphate-buffered medium. The second one is a novel two-phase system process in toluene/water emulsion, where PCL was initially dissolved in the organic phase and the hydrolysis product, 6-HHA, was accumulated in the buffered aqueous phase through the action of CalB. The highest depolymerizing activity among all the conditions tested, either in aqueous medium or in emulsion, was found in emulsion when the pH buffer was Tris-HCl, producing up to 71.2 g/L 6-HHA in only 5 h of enzyme treatment and achieving complete depolymerization of PCL in less than 24 h.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"33 8","pages":"3772 - 3784"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10924-025-03617-1.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145165959","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}