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Biodegradability of Materials

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2009) | Viewed by 220154

Special Issue Editors

University Distinguished Professor, Director, Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, Northeastern University, 140 The Fenway, room 214, 360 Huntington Avenue Boston, MA 02115, USA
Interests: drug carriers; drug delivery sytems; drug targeting; liposomes; micelles; experimental cancer immunology; imaging agents
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Chiba Institute of Technology, 2-17-1 Tsudanuma, Narashino, Chiba 275-0016, Japan
Interests: biomaterial; bio-based polymer; bioplastics; biodegradable polymer; biopolymer; composite material comprising a polymer matrix
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

To protect environment, the biodegradable materials have great advantages. However, for material stability biodegradation sometimes is a problem, for example the biomedical materials.

Keywords

  • biodegradable polymers
  • organics
  • materials

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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1019 KiB  
Article
Preparation and Enzymatic Degradation of Porous Crosslinked Polylactides of Biomass Origin
by Yuya Kido, Reika Sakai, Baiju John, Masami Okamoto and Jukka V. Seppälä
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(6), 9793-9808; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15069793 - 02 Jun 2014
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 7287
Abstract
To understand the enzymatic degradation behavior of crosslinked polylactide (PLA), the preparation and enzymatic degradation of both thermoplastic (linear) and crosslinked PLAs that have pore structures with different dimensions were carried out. The porous structures of the linear PLA samples were of micro [...] Read more.
To understand the enzymatic degradation behavior of crosslinked polylactide (PLA), the preparation and enzymatic degradation of both thermoplastic (linear) and crosslinked PLAs that have pore structures with different dimensions were carried out. The porous structures of the linear PLA samples were of micro and nanoporous nature, and prepared by batch foaming with supercritical CO2 and compared with the porous structures of crosslinked PLA (Lait-X) created by the salt leaching method. The surface and cross-sectional morphologies of the porous structures were investigated by using scanning electron microscopy. The morphological analysis of porous Lait-X showed a rapid loss of physical features within 120 h of exposure to proteinase-K enzymatic degradation at 37 °C. Due to the higher affinity for water, enhanced enzymatic activity as compared to the linear PLA porous structures in the micro and nanoporous range was observed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradability of Materials)
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366 KiB  
Article
Aerobic Degradation of Trichloroethylene by Co-Metabolism Using Phenol and Gasoline as Growth Substrates
by Yan Li, Bing Li, Cui-Ping Wang, Jun-Zhao Fan and Hong-Wen Sun
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(5), 9134-9148; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15059134 - 22 May 2014
Cited by 40 | Viewed by 7585
Abstract
Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a common groundwater contaminant of toxic and carcinogenic concern. Aerobic co-metabolic processes are the predominant pathways for TCE complete degradation. In this study, Pseudomonas fluorescens was studied as the active microorganism to degrade TCE under aerobic condition by co-metabolic degradation [...] Read more.
Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a common groundwater contaminant of toxic and carcinogenic concern. Aerobic co-metabolic processes are the predominant pathways for TCE complete degradation. In this study, Pseudomonas fluorescens was studied as the active microorganism to degrade TCE under aerobic condition by co-metabolic degradation using phenol and gasoline as growth substrates. Operating conditions influencing TCE degradation efficiency were optimized. TCE co-metabolic degradation rate reached the maximum of 80% under the optimized conditions of degradation time of 3 days, initial OD600 of microorganism culture of 0.14 (1.26 × 107 cell/mL), initial phenol concentration of 100 mg/L, initial TCE concentration of 0.1 mg/L, pH of 6.0, and salinity of 0.1%. The modified transformation capacity and transformation yield were 20 μg (TCE)/mg (biomass) and 5.1 μg (TCE)/mg (phenol), respectively. Addition of nutrient broth promoted TCE degradation with phenol as growth substrate. It was revealed that catechol 1,2-dioxygenase played an important role in TCE co-metabolism. The dechlorination of TCE was complete, and less chlorinated products were not detected at the end of the experiment. TCE could also be co-metabolized in the presence of gasoline; however, the degradation rate was not high (28%). When phenol was introduced into the system of TCE and gasoline, TCE and gasoline could be removed at substantial rates (up to 59% and 69%, respectively). This study provides a promising approach for the removal of combined pollution of TCE and gasoline. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradability of Materials)
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485 KiB  
Article
Biodegradation of Poly(butylene succinate) Powder in a Controlled Compost at 58 °C Evaluated by Naturally-Occurring Carbon 14 Amounts in Evolved CO2 Based on the ISO 14855-2 Method
by Masao Kunioka, Fumi Ninomiya and Masahiro Funabashi
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2009, 10(10), 4267-4283; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms10104267 - 30 Sep 2009
Cited by 41 | Viewed by 15734
Abstract
The biodegradabilities of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) powders in a controlled compost at 58 °C have been studied using a Microbial Oxidative Degradation Analyzer (MODA) based on the ISO 14855-2 method, entitled “Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials under controlled composting [...] Read more.
The biodegradabilities of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) powders in a controlled compost at 58 °C have been studied using a Microbial Oxidative Degradation Analyzer (MODA) based on the ISO 14855-2 method, entitled “Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions—Method by analysis of evolved carbon dioxide—Part 2: Gravimetric measurement of carbon dioxide evolved in a laboratory-scale test”. The evolved CO2 was trapped by an additional aqueous Ba(OH)2 solution. The trapped BaCO3 was transformed into graphite via a serial vaporization and reduction reaction using a gas-tight tube and vacuum manifold system. This graphite was analyzed by accelerated mass spectrometry (AMS) to determine the percent modern carbon [pMC (sample)] based on the 14C radiocarbon concentration. By using the theory that pMC (sample) was the sum of the pMC (compost) (109.87%) and pMC (PBS) (0%) as the respective ratio in the determined period, the CO2 (respiration) was calculated from only one reaction vessel. It was found that the biodegradabilities determined by the CO2 amount from PBS in the sample vessel were about 30% lower than those based on the ISO method. These differences between the ISO and AMS methods are caused by the fact that part of the carbons from PBS are changed into metabolites by the microorganisms in the compost, and not changed into CO2. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradability of Materials)
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1215 KiB  
Article
Anaerobic Biodegradation Tests of Poly(lactic acid) under Mesophilic and Thermophilic Conditions Using a New Evaluation System for Methane Fermentation in Anaerobic Sludge
by Hisaaki Yagi, Fumi Ninomiya, Masahiro Funabashi and Masao Kunioka
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2009, 10(9), 3824-3835; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms10093824 - 02 Sep 2009
Cited by 76 | Viewed by 16553
Abstract
Anaerobic biodegradation tests of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) powder were done at the thermophilic (55 °C) and mesophilic temperature (35 °C) under aquatic conditions [total solid concentrations of the used sludge were 2.07% (at 55 °C) and 2.24% (at 35 °C)] using a newly [...] Read more.
Anaerobic biodegradation tests of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) powder were done at the thermophilic (55 °C) and mesophilic temperature (35 °C) under aquatic conditions [total solid concentrations of the used sludge were 2.07% (at 55 °C) and 2.24% (at 35 °C)] using a newly developed evaluation system. With this system, the evolved biogas is collected in a gas sampling bag at atmospheric pressure. This method is more convenient than using a pressure transducer or inverted graduated cylinder submerged in water. PLA was degraded about 60% in 30 days, about 80% in 40 days and about 90% in 60 days at 55 °C. On the other hand, the PLA degradation started in 55 days at 35 °C and degradation rate was much slower than at 55 °C. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradability of Materials)
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972 KiB  
Article
Utilization of a Biodegradable Mulch Sheet Produced from Poly(Lactic Acid)/Ecoflex®/Modified Starch in Mandarin Orange Groves
by Yuya Tachibana, Takuya Maeda, Osamu Ito, Yasukatsu Maeda and Masao Kunioka
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2009, 10(8), 3599-3615; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms10083599 - 17 Aug 2009
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 14032
Abstract
We have developed a mulch sheet made by inflation molding of PLA, Ecoflex® and modified starch, which all have different biodegradabilities. A field test of use as an agricultural mulch sheet for mandarin oranges was carried out over two years. The mechanical properties [...] Read more.
We have developed a mulch sheet made by inflation molding of PLA, Ecoflex® and modified starch, which all have different biodegradabilities. A field test of use as an agricultural mulch sheet for mandarin oranges was carried out over two years. The mechanical properties of the mulch sheet were weakened with time during the field test, but the quality of the mandarin oranges increased, a result of the controlled degradation of the sheet. The most degradable modified starch degraded first, allowing control of the moisture on the soil. Accelerator mass spectroscopy was used for evaluation of the biomass carbon ratio. The biomass carbon ratio decreased by degradation of the biobased materials, PLA and modified starch in the mulch sheet. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradability of Materials)
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132 KiB  
Article
Glycosylation of Fluorophenols by Plant Cell Cultures
by Kei Shimoda, Naoji Kubota, Yoko Kondo, Daisuke Sato and Hiroki Hamada
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2009, 10(5), 1942-1949; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms10051942 - 27 Apr 2009
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 8436
Abstract
Fluoroaromatic compounds are used as agrochemicals and released into environment as pollutants. Glycosylation of 2-, 3-, and 4-fluorophenols using plant cell cultures of Nicotiana tabacum was investigated to elucidate their potential to metabolize these compounds. Cultured N. tabacum cells converted 2-fluorophenol into its [...] Read more.
Fluoroaromatic compounds are used as agrochemicals and released into environment as pollutants. Glycosylation of 2-, 3-, and 4-fluorophenols using plant cell cultures of Nicotiana tabacum was investigated to elucidate their potential to metabolize these compounds. Cultured N. tabacum cells converted 2-fluorophenol into its β-glucoside (60%) and β-gentiobioside (10%). 4-Fluorophenol was also glycosylated to its β-glucoside (32%) and β-gentiobioside (6%) by N. tabacum cells. On the other hand, N. tabacum glycosylated 3-fluorophenol to β-glucoside (17%). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradability of Materials)
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Review

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330 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in Synthetic Bioelastomers
by Rui Shi, Dafu Chen, Quanyong Liu, Yan Wu, Xiaochuan Xu, Liqun Zhang and Wei Tian
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2009, 10(10), 4223-4256; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms10104223 - 29 Sep 2009
Cited by 116 | Viewed by 15347
Abstract
This article reviews the degradability of chemically synthesized bioelastomers, mainly designed for soft tissue repair. These bioelastomers involve biodegradable polyurethanes, polyphosphazenes, linear and crosslinked poly(ether/ester)s, poly(ε-caprolactone) copolymers, poly(1,3-trimethylene carbonate) and their copolymers, poly(polyol sebacate)s, poly(diol-citrates) and poly(ester amide)s. The in vitro and in [...] Read more.
This article reviews the degradability of chemically synthesized bioelastomers, mainly designed for soft tissue repair. These bioelastomers involve biodegradable polyurethanes, polyphosphazenes, linear and crosslinked poly(ether/ester)s, poly(ε-caprolactone) copolymers, poly(1,3-trimethylene carbonate) and their copolymers, poly(polyol sebacate)s, poly(diol-citrates) and poly(ester amide)s. The in vitro and in vivo degradation mechanisms and impact factors influencing degradation behaviors are discussed. In addition, the molecular designs, synthesis methods, structure properties, mechanical properties, biocompatibility and potential applications of these bioelastomers were also presented. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradability of Materials)
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630 KiB  
Review
Biodegradability of Plastics
by Yutaka Tokiwa, Buenaventurada P. Calabia, Charles U. Ugwu and Seiichi Aiba
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2009, 10(9), 3722-3742; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms10093722 - 26 Aug 2009
Cited by 1142 | Viewed by 78343
Abstract
Plastic is a broad name given to different polymers with high molecular weight, which can be degraded by various processes. However, considering their abundance in the environment and their specificity in attacking plastics, biodegradation of plastics by microorganisms and enzymes seems to be [...] Read more.
Plastic is a broad name given to different polymers with high molecular weight, which can be degraded by various processes. However, considering their abundance in the environment and their specificity in attacking plastics, biodegradation of plastics by microorganisms and enzymes seems to be the most effective process. When plastics are used as substrates for microorganisms, evaluation of their biodegradability should not only be based on their chemical structure, but also on their physical properties (melting point, glass transition temperature, crystallinity, storage modulus etc.). In this review, microbial and enzymatic biodegradation of plastics and some factors that affect their biodegradability are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradability of Materials)
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604 KiB  
Review
Biodegradability Evaluation of Polymers by ISO 14855-2
by Masahiro Funabashi, Fumi Ninomiya and Masao Kunioka
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2009, 10(8), 3635-3654; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms10083635 - 18 Aug 2009
Cited by 78 | Viewed by 19032
Abstract
Biodegradabilities of polymers and their composites in a controlled compost were described. Polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) were employed as biodegradable polymers. Biodegradabilities of PCL and PLA samples in a controlled compost were measured using a Microbial Oxidative Degradation Analyzer (MODA) according [...] Read more.
Biodegradabilities of polymers and their composites in a controlled compost were described. Polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) were employed as biodegradable polymers. Biodegradabilities of PCL and PLA samples in a controlled compost were measured using a Microbial Oxidative Degradation Analyzer (MODA) according to ISO 14855-2. Sample preparation method for biodegradation test according to ISO/DIS 10210 was also described. Effects of sizes and shapes of samples on biodegradability were studied. Reproducibility of biodegradation test of ISO 14855-2 by MODA was confirmed. Validity of sample preparation method for polymer pellets, polymer film, and polymer products of ISO/DIS 10210 for ISO 14855-2 was confirmed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradability of Materials)
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110 KiB  
Review
Biodegradation of Silk Biomaterials
by Yang Cao and Bochu Wang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2009, 10(4), 1514-1524; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms10041514 - 31 Mar 2009
Cited by 513 | Viewed by 23715
Abstract
Silk fibroin from the silkworm, Bombyx mori, has excellent properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradation, non-toxicity, adsorption properties, etc. As a kind of ideal biomaterial, silk fibroin has been widely used since it was first utilized for sutures a long time ago. The [...] Read more.
Silk fibroin from the silkworm, Bombyx mori, has excellent properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradation, non-toxicity, adsorption properties, etc. As a kind of ideal biomaterial, silk fibroin has been widely used since it was first utilized for sutures a long time ago. The degradation behavior of silk biomaterials is obviously important for medical applications. This article will focus on silk-based biomaterials and review the degradation behaviors of silk materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradability of Materials)
285 KiB  
Review
Biodegradable Polydepsipeptides
by Yakai Feng and Jintang Guo
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2009, 10(2), 589-615; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms10020589 - 13 Feb 2009
Cited by 91 | Viewed by 13192
Abstract
This paper reviews the synthesis, characterization, biodegradation and usage of bioresorbable polymers based on polydepsipeptides. The ring-opening polymerization of morpholine-2,5-dione derivatives using organic Sn and enzyme lipase is discussed. The dependence of the macroscopic properties of the block copolymers on their structure is [...] Read more.
This paper reviews the synthesis, characterization, biodegradation and usage of bioresorbable polymers based on polydepsipeptides. The ring-opening polymerization of morpholine-2,5-dione derivatives using organic Sn and enzyme lipase is discussed. The dependence of the macroscopic properties of the block copolymers on their structure is also presented. Bioresorbable polymers based on polydepsipeptides could be used as biomaterials in drug controlled release, tissue engineering scaffolding and shape-memory materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradability of Materials)
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