Journal of Polymers and the Environment最新文献

{"title":"Multifunctional Chitosan-Coated Alginate Microspheres Loaded with Spirulina, Hydroxyapatite, and Metronidazole for Sustainable Periodontitis Treatment","authors":"Madeeha Arif,&nbsp;Aqsa Afzaal,&nbsp;Farhat Rafiq,&nbsp;Maleeha Nayyer,&nbsp;Muhammad Saleem,&nbsp;Mazhar Amjad Gilani,&nbsp;Muhammad Kaleem,&nbsp;Sobia Tabassum","doi":"10.1007/s10924-025-03607-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-025-03607-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Chitosan-coated alginate microspheres (M0, M1, M2.5, and M5) loaded with spirulina extract, hydroxyapatite, and metronidazole were developed for periodontitis treatment. Fabricated via ionotropic gelation, these formulations were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Their swelling kinetics and biodegradation rate indicated suitability for periodontitis treatment. The M5 formulation demonstrated superior drug loading (73.3 mg/g) and sustained release profiles, achieving 99.67% cumulative metronidazole release over 72 h. Korsmeyer-Peppas modeling revealed non-Fickian release mechanisms (<i>n</i> = 0.48–0.66) for all drug-loaded samples (M1, M2.5, M5), governed by diffusion, polymer swelling, and erosion. All formulations exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> and <i>Escherichia coli</i>. The microspheres showed 50–60% scavenging activity in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays, demonstrating their potential to suppress intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. They also displayed excellent hemocompatibility (&lt; 3% hemolysis) and enhanced NIH3T3 fibroblast viability. In wound healing assays, the M5 formulation promoted 80% wound closure within 24 h, significantly outperforming both control and M0 samples. At the molecular level, prepared microspheres upregulated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression by up to 6-fold while suppressing tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) by 60–70%, demonstrating combined angiogenic and anti-inflammatory effects. In conclusion, the M5 formulation emerged as particularly promising, combining optimal drug loading, sustained release, and multifunctional therapeutic effects. Thisstudy represents a significant advancement in localized periodontitis therapy, addressing infection control while promoting tissue regeneration through their unique composition of spirulina, hydroxyapatite, and metronidazole.</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 7","pages":"3388 - 3406"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145171176","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":"Enhancing the Curing Efficiency and Physicochemical Properties of Acrylated Epoxidized Palm Oil Polyurethane Coatings via Double Acrylation-Thiol Modification","authors":"Siti Noor Hidayah Mustapha,&nbsp;Mohamad Ismail Mohamad Isa,&nbsp;Muhammad Safwan Shamsuddin,&nbsp;Rasidi Roslan,&nbsp;Rohani Mustapha,&nbsp;Mohd Jumain Jalil","doi":"10.1007/s10924-025-03589-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-025-03589-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The slow curing and suboptimal properties of epoxidized palm oil polyurethane acrylate (EPOUA) coatings remain significant challenges that limit their performance. This study enhances these coatings by applying acrylation-thiol (AT) modification onto the EPOUA coatings provided double acrylation-thiol effect to the EPOUA. EPOUA and AT were first synthesized separately, then the AT was blended at concentrations of 2, 4, 6, and 8 parts per hundred resin (phr) EPOUA. The blended mixture was then cast onto a silicone mold with a thickness of 1 mm and cured using ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The results show that 2 and 4 phr AT significantly improved curing, reducing time by 15 and 30 s, respectively. Crosslinking density also increased, with gel content rising by 6% and 9% at 2 and 4 phr AT, respectively, while maintaining low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions (&lt; 5%). Physical properties improved, with hardness increasing threefold at 2 phr AT and fourfold at 4 phr AT on glass, plywood, and steel. Adhesion remained excellent (5B rating) on plywood, steel, and aluminum. However, higher AT concentrations (6 and 8 phr) resulted in inconsistent curing and increased VOC emissions. These findings indicate that 4 phr AT optimally improves EPOUA coatings’ curing efficiency, crosslinking, and mechanical properties while maintaining environmental compliance.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"33 7","pages":"3368 - 3387"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10924-025-03589-2.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145170377","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":"Study of Sodium Alginate/polyethylene Glycol/polyvinyl Alcohol Polymeric, Doped Mn2+, Coated Recycled Fe3O4 Particle Carriers for Enhancing Catalytic Activity and Reusability of Immobilization Penicillin G Acylase","authors":"Monier Alhadi Abdelrahman Mohammed,&nbsp;Zhenbin Chen,&nbsp;Mohammed Kamal Hadi","doi":"10.1007/s10924-025-03603-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-025-03603-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In this study, Fe₃O₄ magnetic particles (MPs) were extracted from nickel slag using molten oxidation and magnetic separation, then coated with a blend of sodium alginate (SA)/polyethylene glycol (PEG)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and doped with Mn²⁺ to form Mn²⁺-Fe₃O₄@SA/PEG/PVA MPs. Glutaraldehyde (GA) was grafted onto these particles to obtain Mn²⁺-Fe₃O₄@SA/PEG/PVA-GA MPs, used as carriers for Penicillin G acylase (PGA) immobilization through a Schiff base reaction. Analytical approaches such as fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), scanning electron microscope-energy spectroscopy of dispersive x-rays (SEM-EDS), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) confirmed each modification stage. Enzymological properties of free and immobilized PGA were investigated. The findings have been achieved employing a 2.5 vol% of enzyme solution concentration, a pH of 8.0, an immobilization time of 24 h, and an immobilization temperature of 40 °C. Under these circumstances, the immobilized PGA exhibited enhanced stability across various pH and temperature settings, attaining an enzyme activity retention (<i>EAR</i>) of 95.6%, an enzyme activity (<i>EA</i>) of 31,996 U/g, and an enzyme loading capacity (<i>ELC</i>) of 118 mg/g. After 15 uses, immobilized PGA retained 92% of its initial activity, and the carrier recovery (<i>Re</i>) reached 98%. Immobilized PGA displayed superior operational and storage stability, making it highly promising for practical applications due to its increased efficiency and extended lifetime.</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 7","pages":"3348 - 3367"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145171177","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":"Enhanced Physical Performances and Hydrolytic Degradation Characteristics of Poly(lactic acid) Blend Modified with Poly(glycolic acid)","authors":"Kai Wang,&nbsp;Weiguang Jia,&nbsp;Jianing Shen,&nbsp;Zhao Ma,&nbsp;Nai Xu,&nbsp;Lisha Pan,&nbsp;Sujuan Pang","doi":"10.1007/s10924-025-03586-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-025-03586-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In this study, poly(lactic acid)/poly(glycolic acid) (PLA/PGA) blends with varying PGA contents were prepared via twin-screw extrusion, in which PGA was used as reinforcing component to enhance the comprehensive performances of PLA. The influences of PGA content on processing torque, mechanical performances, microscopic morphology, crystallization property, thermal deformation resistance, gas barrier, and hydrolytic degradation behavior were investigated. The test results of variable temperature torque, tensile property, flexural property, and DMA, etc. show that the rigid PGA component has a significant reinforcing effect on the PLA materials. For instance, compared with pure PLA, the tensile modulus and tensile strength of the PLA/PGA (60/40) blend have increased by 783.2 MPa (an increase of 22.4%) and 11.1 MPa (an increase of 16.1%), respectively. The vicat softening temperature (VST) and thermal deformation tests show that PLA/PGA blends with higher PGA content, such as PLA with 40% PGA, exhibit significant improvement in thermal deformation resistance, with minimal deformation after 5 minutes in a <span>(100^{,circ })</span>C oil bath. Moreover, the incorporation of 40 wt.% PGA significantly enhances the barrier properties of PLA, reducing water vapor permeability (WVP) by 74% and oxygen permeability (OPC) by 86% compared with pure PLA, clearly highlighting the substantial improvement in PLA’s gas barrier performance with PGA. In comparison to the relatively slow hydrolysis rate of PLA, the incorporation of PGA leads to a notable increase in the hydrolysis rate of PLA/PGA blends in alkaline solutions (pH = 13, 37<span>(,^circ)</span>C). At 40 wt.% PGA, the PLA/PGA blend’s hydrolysis rate rises from 0.13 wt.%/h to 1.55 wt.%/h, with a 94.9% weight loss after 60 hours of immersion. In summary, the incorporation of the PGA component significantly enhances the comprehensive performance of the PLA blend, potentially further expanding its application fields and scenarios.      </p></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"33 7","pages":"3276 - 3293"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145170294","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":"Harnessing the Osteogenic Potential of Novel Copper Modified Baghdadite Nanogalleris Integrated in Silk Fibroin Electrospun Scaffolds for Enhanced Bone Regeneration","authors":"Sanaz Khademolqorani,&nbsp;Seyedeh Nooshin Banitaba,&nbsp;Monireh Kouhi,&nbsp;Bahareh Behrouznejad","doi":"10.1007/s10924-025-03598-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-025-03598-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Electrospun silk fibroin (SF) fibers present an innovative solution for regenerating the intricate bone structure, tackling the critical issue of bone defects. Their customizable biodegradation and impressive mechanical strength foster the cell growth and differentiation. Moreover, integrating ceramic biomaterials into the engineered bones can enhance apatite formation and cell proliferation, thanks to their outstanding bioactivity. Herein, novel Cu-dopped baghdadite (Ca₃ZrSi₂O₉) was synthesized for the first time and employed as a bioactive filler in the SF nanofibers. Accordingly, SF nanofibers loaded with 3 and 5% baghdadite and Cu-doped baghdadite nanoparticles were fabricated. The results exhibited a significant reduction in the average fiber diameters through loading 3% baghdadite and Cu-doped baghdadite, respectively. Trimming SF fibers with fillers led to the formation of more crystalline zones, enhancing mechanical strength. Baghdadite nanoparticles decorated with Cu could boost apatite crystal formation on the SF fibers, providing a desirable condition for cell growth. The electrospun silk fibroin network, enhanced with 3% Cu-doped baghdadite, showcased remarkable antibacterial properties that are frequently underestimated in the context of bone regeneration. Additionally, it created an optimal environment for cell growth and adhesion. This groundbreaking material paves the way for significant advancements in bone tissue engineering, potentially transforming regenerative therapies and setting new standards in the field.</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 7","pages":"3294 - 3311"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145170295","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":"Synergistic Flame Retardancy of a Bio-based Additive and Intumescent System for Enhanced Fire Safety in Flexible Polyurethane Foams","authors":"Shuangyu Xie,&nbsp;Yuhui Xie,&nbsp;Lugui Lan,&nbsp;Feng Wu,&nbsp;Dong Feng,&nbsp;Yang Meng,&nbsp;Yi Mei,&nbsp;Delong Xie","doi":"10.1007/s10924-025-03569-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-025-03569-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In recent years, the development of bio-based flame retardants for flexible polyurethane foam (FPUF) has become essential, particularly due to environmental and health concerns associated with traditional petrochemical-derived additives. This study reports the successful synthesis of a novel bio-based flame retardant, NMDPLA, using renewable precursors: meglumine, phytic acid, and phenylboronic acid. NMDPLA was combined with protonated chitosan and ammonium polyphosphate through electrostatic self-assembly to create an intumescent flame retardant (APCS). The incorporation of NMDPLA and APCS notably enhances both mechanical properties and flame retardancy of FPUF. The formulation containing 40 wt% NMDPLA in total polyol and 3.0 wt% APCS achieved a Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) of 23.6, showed no droplet formation in UL-94 tests, and produced a complete carbon residue. Cone calorimetry results demonstrated reductions in total heat release (THR) and peak heat release rate (PHRR) by 22.65% and 20.48%, respectively, compared to pure foam. Balancing mechanical performance and flame retardancy poses a significant challenge, as traditional additives often compromise one for the other. This work underscores the necessity of developing bio-based alternatives that effectively address this balance, enhancing fire safety while preserving material integrity and supporting the transition to sustainable solutions.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"33 7","pages":"3190 - 3208"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145144322","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":"Plasticization of Poly(lactic acid) by Bio-based Plasticizers Derived from Castor Oil","authors":"Yi-jie Yang,&nbsp;Qiang Dou","doi":"10.1007/s10924-025-03612-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-025-03612-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Two bio-based plasticizers derived from castor oil: raw butyl ricinoleate (RBR) and castor oil glycidyl ether (COGE) were used to plasticize polylactic acid (PLA) by one-step melt blending method. Compatibility analyses revealed that the generation of the branched products between epoxide groups of COGE and carboxyl groups of residual ricinoleic acid (RA) in the RBR and PLA improved the compatibility of the blends. The blends were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), rheology, thermogravimetry (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarized light microscopy (PLM), contact angle measurement and tensile test. The results showed that COGE could act as a compatibilizer and interact with carboxyl groups in RBR and PLA, significantly improving the interfacial compatibility, thermal stability and ductility of the blends. The generation of the entanglements among the molecular chains weakened the crystallization capacity of the ternary blends. The extension of molecular chains and entanglement of branched chains also increased the viscosity of the blends. Thanks to the synergistic application of RBR and COGE, the strain at break of PLA/RBR/COGE (85/3.75/11.25) blends reached 146%, which was 14.9 times larger than that of pure PLA. These blends presented excellent mechanical performance and processing ability, and thus have application scenarios in biodegradable packages and articles.</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 7","pages":"3241 - 3258"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145168377","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":"Hydrolysis in PET Alcohol Salt Systems: Exploration of Novel Catalytic Pathways","authors":"Panpan Cui,&nbsp;Chao Ge,&nbsp;Sheng Shi,&nbsp;Meiling Zhang,&nbsp;Qianyu Su,&nbsp;Wensheng Hou","doi":"10.1007/s10924-025-03588-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-025-03588-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The production and disposal of polyester fibers have been rapidly increasing, highlighting the urgent need for green and efficient recycling technologies to promote fiber resource circularity. Although the conventional alkaline hydrolysis method for polyester offers a simple process, its reliance on strong alkaline media and high-temperature conditions leads to severe equipment corrosion, high energy consumption, and significant secondary pollution risks, greatly limiting its large-scale application. In this study, an innovative ethanol-sodium carbonate (EtOH-Na₂CO₃) synergistic catalytic system was developed. By leveraging the cooperative effects of an organic–inorganic hybrid solvent, PET was efficiently depolymerized under mild conditions. The results indicate that when the alcohol-to-water ratio was optimized to 1:1 (v/v), the catalyst loading (Na₂CO₃/PET) was set at 2:3 (w/w). The reaction was conducted at 150 °C for 105 min; PET was completely converted, achieving a terephthalic acid (TPA) yield of up to 98%, five times higher than that of traditional non-alcoholic systems. Moreover, this method was also applicable to colored polyester fibers, producing TPA that met industrial-grade standards. These findings demonstrate the great potential of this approach for large-scale applications. This study not only elucidates the synergistic catalytic mechanism of the organic–inorganic hybrid solvent system but also establishes a technological bridge from fundamental research to industrial application. It provides an innovative strategy for the closed-loop management of chemical fibers. It offers a novel solution for the high-value recovery of complex fiber waste, thereby facilitating the deep integration of green chemical processes and circular economy models.</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 7","pages":"3209 - 3222"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145168385","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 Magnetic Grafted Chitosan Schiff Base NiFe-CSSB-MA with High Efficient Capacity for the Adsorption of Pb(II), and Hg(II) Ions from Water","authors":"Aliakbar Dehno Khalaji","doi":"10.1007/s10924-025-03595-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-025-03595-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Removing heavy metal ions from the wastewater before discharge in an environment is an essential issue, because of their toxicity, carcinogenicity, and mutagenicity. Herein, NiFe₂O₄ grafted chitosan Schiff base with malic acid (NiFe-CSSB-MA) was synthesized, characterized, and applied as a new adsorbent to remove Pb(II) and Hg(II) metal ions from aqueous solutions. The results indicated that the NiFe-CSSB-MA has different functional groups, rough surfaces, good thermal stability, and magnetic properties. The removal efficiency of Pb(II), and Hg(II) ions was studied using the batch experiments at different initial pH solutions, contact times, initial metal ions concentration, adsorbent dose, and temperature. The adsorption results indicated that the as-prepared NiFe-CSSB-MA showed the maximum adsorption capacity of 147.75 mg/g for Pb(II) and 140.25 mg/g for Hg(II) at optimum conditions. The adsorption kinetic and isotherm models indicate the monolayer adsorption of Pb(II) and Hg(II) ions with the pseudo-second-order (PSO) and Langmuir models, respectively. The results confirmed that the Pb(II) and Hg(II) adsorption was dependent on the coordination of surface functional groups of NiFe-CSSB-MA with the Pb(II) and Hg(II) ions. Additionally, the ions adsorption was identified as an endothermic and spontaneous process. Finally, according to these results, the nanocomposite NiFe-CSSB-MA is a potential adsorbent for the removal of typical metal ions from an aqueous solution.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"33 7","pages":"3223 - 3240"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145168376","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":"Bentonite-Polymer Seed Encapsulants with Microparticles for Agricultural and Reforestation Using UAVs","authors":"Cameron Dingley,&nbsp;Peter Cass,&nbsp;Benu Adhikari,&nbsp;Prajakta Bendre,&nbsp;Nitin Mantri,&nbsp;Fugen Daver","doi":"10.1007/s10924-025-03605-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-025-03605-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) offer a promising solution for efficient and cost-effective reforestation, particularly on challenging terrains inaccessible by traditional methods. This study explores soft hydrogel technology as a seed encapsulant for UAV dispersal, emphasizing criteria such as on-site preparation feasibility, a limited (5-hour) processing window, and deployment capabilities from a UAV at 3 m height. The research utilising a Psyllium Husk Mucilage (PHM) hydrogel was deemed to be impractical due to rapid degradation and prolonged stabilisation requirements. Hence, the current study employed a blend of bentonite micro-clay, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and sodium alginate (SA), simplifying processing requirements, and potentially improving the permeability with the degradation process, due to cracking. Growth and germination of all seeds were evaluated under 50% and 90% soil field capacity (FC), mimicking dry and moist soil conditions, and compared with conventional planting (C-Planted) and surface sowing (C-Surface). While the encapsulants successfully germinated agricultural seeds overall they were worse than C-Planted at 50% FC, and C-Surface at 90% FC. Encapsulant growth performance for beans was also concluded to be reduced compared to C-Planted at 50% FC. Cucumbers exhibited improved growth with encapsulants at both moisture levels. For non-agricultural native species like C. refractus and E. coolabah, CMC encapsulants initially showed low germination rates, though the addition of additives and microparticles (CMC-AB) notably enhanced germination outcomes. For A. stenophylla the application of microparticles (CMC-B) and CMC-AB reduced growth properties, whilst CMC-AB largely had no effect on the growth properties of C. refractus. The reduced germination rates with encapsulants were attributed to potential seed entrapment within the gel matrix, limiting emergence. In conclusion, while bentonite clay-based hydrogel encapsulants show promise for agricultural and non-agricultural seed germination and growth enhancement, their efficacy varies across species and soil moisture conditions. The study underscores the need for further optimization to maximize their potential in UAV-based reforestation efforts.</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 7","pages":"3259 - 3275"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10924-025-03605-5.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145168375","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}