Micro- and Nanoplastic Toxicity in Upper Respiratory Tract: A Scoping Review.

Objectives: To review the current literature findings dedicated to the toxicity of nano- and microplastics (NMPs) in the upper respiratory tract.

Data Sources: PubMED, Cochrane Library and Embase databases.

Review Methods: Three independent investigators conducted the literature search for the documentation and toxicity of NMP in the upper respiratory tract according to the PRISMA statements.

Can Polyhydroxyurethane-Derived Covalent Adaptable Networks Provide Environmental Benefits in Composite Applications?

Covalent adaptable networks (CANs) and CO-derived polyhydroxyurethanes (PHUs) are often deemed as sustainable alternatives to conventional thermosets, particularly for composites made with epoxy (EP) matrices. However, the sustainability of CAN-based composites has never been assessed, nor has that of thermoset PHUs. Herein, we perform a life cycle assessment of PHUs, synergetic hybrid EP-PHU CANs, and EP in composite applications with either carbon or natural fibers (NFs) in order to address their syntheses, processes, and recycling.

Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADESs) for the Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Quinoa ( Willd.) Leaves: A Semi-Quantitative Analysis Using High Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography.

Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) have emerged as a promising eco-friendly alternative to petrochemicals for extracting plant metabolites. Considering that the demand for sustainable "green" ingredients for industrial applications is growing, those solvents are purported to develop extracts with interesting phytochemical fingerprints and biological activities. Given the interest in flavonoids from Willd.

A comprehensive mechanism of polyester enzymatic depolymerization: A novel singular key parameter for streamlined eco-design.

Plastic pollution persists due to polymers' resistance to depolymerization, making eco-design and enzymatic recycling essential for sustainability. However, understanding plastic depolymerization is complex, and studies often separate enzymatic from non-enzymatic degradation, despite their interconnectedness in practice. This study aims to simplify this process, unifying key factors into a single mechanism using polylactide (PLA) as a model.

Synthesis, Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Nonisocyanate Thermoplastic Polyhydroxyurethane Nanocomposites with Cellulose Nanocrystals and Chitin Nanocrystals.

Incorporating biobased nanofillers including cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and chitin nanocrystals (ChNCs) into nonisocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) offers a multifunctional approach to improving mechanical and thermal properties while promoting sustainability and green chemistry. Nanocomposites of segmented thermoplastic polyhydroxyurethane (PHU) from vanillyl alcohol bis(cyclocarbonate) (VABC), poly(tetramethylene oxide) diamine (PTMODA), and bis(aminomethyl) norbornane (NORB) reinforced with a low amount of CNCs and partially deacetylated ChNCs were prepared and characterized. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and small-angle X-ray scattering revealed that partially deacetylated ChNCs were covalently grafted to the PHU through aminolysis of carbonate end groups in the hard segment, while CNCs were mixed with the PHU without interfacial covalent bonding.

Do We Need Titanium Dioxide (TiO) Nanoparticles in Face Masks?

The use of face masks has proven to be an effective preventive measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, concerns have emerged regarding the safety of metal (nano)particles incorporated into face masks for antimicrobial purposes. Specifically, this review examines the risks associated with TiO nanoparticles (NPs), which are classified as a possible human carcinogen.

Fully Recyclable Pluripotent Networks for 3D Printing Enabled by Dissociative Dynamic Bonds.

Additive manufacturing (AM) has risen in popularity due to its ability to produce complex shapes in a material-efficient way. However, to produce objects with advanced properties, complex multimaterial strategies are often employed. This one-polymer-one-property paradigm significantly slows down the application of AM, and in particular of fused deposition modeling (FDM), for manufacturing of functional objects.

Quantification of anthropogenic debris from small-scale fisheries and community-based aquaculture in marine and coastal ecosystems of Southwestern Madagascar.

Most coastal populations in Southwestern Madagascar live on the resources provided by small-scale fishery (SSF), and over the past twenty years, sea cucumber and seaweed farming has grown significantly. This study analyzes the importance of these fisheries and community-based aquaculture (CBA) activities in the contribution of anthropogenic marine debris (AMD) to coastal ecosystems in Southwestern Madagascar. Sampling was conducted in the rainy and dry seasons in three sites with contrasted fishing and farming activities.

Extraction of chitin and chitosan from Hermetia illucens breeding waste: A greener approach for industrial application.

Sustainably exploiting the waste of the black soldier fly (BSF) to produce chitin and chitosan remains a challenge. This work valorizes the pupal cases of BSF for chitin and chitosan extraction. Four chemical extraction processes have been employed.

3D-Printed Phenylboronic Acid-Bearing Hydrogels for Glucose-Triggered Drug Release.

Diabetes is a major health concern that the next-generation of on-demand insulin releasing implants may overcome via personalized therapy. Therein, 3D-printed phenylboronic acid-containing implants with on-demand glucose-triggered drug release abilities are produced using high resolution stereolithography technology. To that end, the methacrylation of phenylboronic acid is targeted following a two-step reaction.

Unseen riverine risk: Spatio-temporal shifts of microplastic pollution and its bioavailability in freshwater fish within the Ikopa River urban system.

Growing concern over microplastic pollution, driven by their widespread accumulation in the environment, stresses the need for comprehensive assessments. This study investigates the spatial and temporal distribution of microplastics in the Ikopa River (Antananarivo - Madagascar), which flows through a densely populated area, and examines their correlation with contamination levels in local fish species. By analyzing upstream and downstream stations across wet and dry seasons, only a notable increase in microplastic concentration downstream during the wet season was observed, ranging from 138.

Differentiation of petro-sourced plastic microfilaments from organic microfilaments by SEM-EDX in environmental samples.

Quantifying microplastics (MPs) in marine environments is challenging due to the complexities of differentiation from other materials. This study aims to distinguish petro-sourced plastic microfilaments from organic ones in environmental samples using scanning electron microscope coupled with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) analysis. Therefore, 38 particles resembling MPs (PRMPs) from sediments and organisms in Madagascar were analyzed.

Recent Advances in Solid-State Modification for Thermoplastic Polymers: A Comprehensive Review.

This review introduces groundbreaking insights in polymer science, specifically spotlighting a novel review of the solid-state modification (SSM) approach of thermoplastic polymers, a method not extensively explored. Unlike traditional melt polymer modification, SSM stands out by incorporating monomers or oligomers into the amorphous phase of polymers through innovative exchange reactions. The background of the study places thermoplastics within the context of their increased use over the past century, highlighting their versatility in various applications and the associated environmental and health concerns due to certain additives.

Protecting public health and the environment: towards a general ban on cellulose acetate cigarette filters in the European Union.

After the establishment of a causal relationship between tobacco use and cancer in the 1950s, cellulose acetate filters were introduced with the claim to reduce the adverse health impact of unfiltered cigarettes. Often perceived to be more pleasant and healthy, filters encouraged smoking. However, filtered cigarettes are more deeply inhaled to obtain the same nicotine demand while altered combustion releases more tobacco-specific nitrosamines.

Covalent Adaptable Networks through Dynamic ,-Acetal Chemistry: Toward Recyclable CO-Based Thermosets.

Finding new chemistry platforms for easily recyclable polymers has become a key challenge to face environmental concerns and the growing plastics demand. Here, we report a dynamic chemistry between CO-sourced alkylidene oxazolidones and thiols, delivering circular non-isocyanate polyurethane networks embedding ,-acetal bonds. The production of oxazolidone monomers from CO is facile and scalable starting from cheap reagents.

Balancing the Strength-Impact Relationship and Other Key Properties in Polypropylene Copolymer-Natural CaSO (Anhydrite)-Filled Composites.

To develop novel mineral-filled composites and assess their enhanced properties (stiffness, a good balance between mechanical strength and impact resistance, greater temperature stability), a high-impact polypropylene copolymer (PPc) matrix containing an elastomeric discrete phase was melt mixed with natural CaSO β-anhydrite II (AII) produced from gypsum rocks. First, in a prior investigation, the PPc composites filled with AII (without any modification) displayed enhanced stiffness, which is correlated with the relative content of the filler. The tensile and impact strengths dramatically decreased, especially at high filling (40 wt.

Balancing Acute and Chronic Occupational Risks: The Use of Nitrile Butadiene Rubber Undergloves by Firefighters to Reduce Exposure to Toxic Contaminants.

Firefighters are exposed via multi-route exposure to a multitude of chemicals (PAHs, VOCs, flame retardants, dioxins, etc.) that may cause acute and long-term health effects. The dermal absorption of contaminants is a major contributor to the overall exposure and can be reduced by wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.

Ionically Modified Gelatin Hydrogels Maintain Murine Myogenic Cell Viability and Fusion Capacity.

For tissue engineering of skeletal muscles, there is a need for biomaterials which do not only allow cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation, but also support the physiological conditions of the tissue. Next to the chemical nature and structure of the biomaterial, its response to the application of biophysical stimuli, such as mechanical deformation or application of electrical pulses, can impact in vitro tissue culture. In this study, gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) is modified with hydrophilic 2-acryloxyethyltrimethylammonium chloride (AETA) and 3-sulfopropyl acrylate potassium (SPA) ionic comonomers to obtain a piezoionic hydrogel.

Long-term immersion of compostable plastics in marine aquarium: Microbial biofilm evolution and polymer degradation.

The best-selling compostable plastics, polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT), can accidentally end up in the marine environment due to plastic waste mismanagement. Their degradation and colonization by microbial communities are poorly documented in marine conditions. To better understand their degradation, as well as the dynamics of bacterial colonization after a long immersion time (99, 160, and 260 days), PBAT, semicrystalline, and amorphous PLA films were immersed in a marine aquarium.

Design of Thermoplastic Polyurethanes with Conferred Antibacterial, Mechanical, and Cytotoxic Properties for Catheter Application.

Thermoplastic polyurethanes () are proposed as suitable solution for the fabrication of biocompatible catheters with appropriate mechanical parameters and confirmed antibacterial and cytocompatible properties. For this purpose, a series of quaternary ammonium salts () and quaternary phosphonium salts () based monomers were prepared followed by the determination of their minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against Gram-positive () and Gram-negative (). A combination of the most active ammonium () and phosphonium () salts led to a MIC down to 2.

Pellet-Based Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)-Derived Process for the Development of Polylactic Acid/Hydroxyapatite Scaffolds Dedicated to Bone Regeneration.

Scaffolds can be defined as 3D architectures with specific features (surface properties, porosity, rigidity, biodegradability, etc.) that help cells to attach, proliferate, and to differentiate into specific lineage. For bone regeneration, rather high mechanical properties are required.

Green Topochemical Esterification Effects on the Supramolecular Structure of Chitin Nanocrystals: Implications for Highly Stable Pickering Emulsions.

In nature, chitin is organized in hierarchical structures composed of nanoscale building blocks that show outstanding mechanical and optical properties attractive for nanomaterial design. For applications that benefit from a maximized interface such as nanocomposites and Pickering emulsions, individualized chitin nanocrystals (ChNCs) are of interest. However, when extracted in water suspension, their individualization is affected by ChNC self-assembly, requiring a large amount of water (above 90%) for ChNC transport and stock, which limits their widespread use.

Nanocluster-Based Drug Delivery and Theranostic Systems: Towards Cancer Therapy.

Over the last decades, the global life expectancy of the population has increased, and so, consequently, has the risk of cancer development. Despite the improvement in cancer therapies (e.g.

Paliperidone palmitate as model of heat-sensitive drug for long-acting 3D printing application.

In this work, two technologies were used to prepare long-acting implantable dosage forms in the treatment of schizophrenia. Hot-melt extrusion (HME) as well as fused deposition modelling (FDM) were used concomitantly to create personalized 3D printed implants. Different formulations were prepared using an amorphous PLA as matrix polymer and different solid-state plasticizers.