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The Scenery of Bioplastics and Beyond: Unveiling the Environmental Implications...
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The Scenery of Bioplastics and Beyond: Unveiling the Environmental Implications for a Sustainable Horizon

A special issue of Toxics (ISSN 2305-6304). This special issue belongs to the section "Ecotoxicology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2024) | Viewed by 6351

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Silvia Celletti

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
Interests: physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses of plants to abiotic stresses such as deficiencies of natural resources (e.g., nutrients and water) or salinity; analysis of the effects of biofertilizers (i.e., biochar and wood distillate) on the soil–plant system; the use of solid and liquid byproducts of hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) in soilless culture systems; analysis of the impact of bioplastics on plant yield and soil quality
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Roberto Rosal

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, E-28871 Madrid, Spain
Interests: chemical technology; water and wastewater pollution and treatment; environmental chemistry; environmental toxicology; micro- and nanoplastics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleague,

As the global community is increasingly recognizing the need for sustainable practices, the development and use of bioplastics have gained significant attention. Bioplastics, derived from renewable resources such as plants, microbes, or agricultural by-products, represent a promising alternative to traditional plastics derived from fossil fuels. Indeed, the inherent biodegradability and reduced carbon footprint of bioplastics align perfectly with the global push for sustainable solutions. However, a comprehensive understanding of the environmental implications, with a focus on water and soil quality and the health status of crop plants, is essential to ensure the environmental sustainability of the use of these biomaterials. This Special Issue aims not only to explore and analyse, in detail, the composition of these materials, but also the environmental implications associated with the adoption of bioplastics in various sectors from agriculture and packaging to medical applications and beyond. In addition, this Special Issue will also accept papers aimed at exploring the environmental compatibility of other bio-based materials, such as biopolymers prepared for the release of functional principles and nutrients, which find application in areas such as medicine and agriculture. Original research and updated review articles are welcome.

Dr. Silvia Celletti
Prof. Dr. Roberto Rosal
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Toxics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • bioplastics
  • ecotoxicological risk
  • hydrogel
  • nanoparticles
  • plant
  • renewable materials
  • soil
  • sustainability
  • water

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 6823 KiB  
Article
Development of Biodegradable Bioplastics with Sericin and Gelatin from Silk Cocoons and Fish Waste
by Natesan Vijayakumar, Aathiyur Velumani Sanjay, Khalid A. Al-Ghanim, Marcello Nicoletti, Gurunathan Baskar, Ranvijay Kumar and Marimuthu Govindarajan
Toxics 2024, 12(7), 453; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12070453 - 24 Jun 2024
Viewed by 2003
Abstract
The bioplastics sector promotes environmentally friendly means of cutting down on the usage of fossil fuels, plastic waste, and environmental pollution. Plastic contamination has detrimental effects on both ecological systems and the global food supply. The approach we present here to resolve this [...] Read more.
The bioplastics sector promotes environmentally friendly means of cutting down on the usage of fossil fuels, plastic waste, and environmental pollution. Plastic contamination has detrimental effects on both ecological systems and the global food supply. The approach we present here to resolve this issue involves the integration of sericin and gelatin, obtained from cocoon and fish waste, respectively, with nano-reinforced cellulose crystals, to develop a biodegradable and compostable plastic material. The use of cocoon and fish wastes for the extraction of sericin and gelatin presents an environmentally beneficial approach since it contributes to waste reduction. The sericin level found in silk cocoon waste was determined to be 28.08%, and the gelatin amount in fish waste was measured to be 58.25%. The inclusion of sericin and gelatin in bioplastics was accompanied by the incorporation of glycerol, vinegar, starch, sodium hydroxide, and other coloring agents. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) examination of bioplastics revealed the presence of functional groups that corresponded to the sericin and gelatin components. The tensile strength of the bioplastic material was measured to be 27.64 MPa/psi, while its thickness varied between 0.072 and 0.316 mm. The results of burial experiments indicated that the bioplastic material had a degradation rate of 85% after 14 days. The invention exhibits potential as a viable alternative for packaging, containment, and disposable plastic materials. The use of this sustainable approach is recommended for the extraction of sericin and gelatin from silk cocoons and fish waste, with the intention of using them as raw materials for bioplastic production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Scenery of Bioplastics and Beyond: Unveiling the Environmental Implications for a Sustainable Horizon)
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19 pages, 2084 KiB  
Article
Unveiling Molecular Effects of the Secondary Metabolite 2-Dodecanone in the Model Hymenopteran Nasonia vitripennis
by Rosario Planelló, Mónica Aquilino, Laureen Beaugeard, Lola Llorente, Óscar Herrero, David Siaussat and Charlotte Lécureuil
Toxics 2024, 12(2), 159; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12020159 - 18 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1676
Abstract
Over the past decade, multiple studies have suggested that the secondary metabolites produced by plants against herbivorous insects could be used as biopesticides. However, as the molecular mechanism of action of these compounds remains unknown, it is difficult to predict how they would [...] Read more.
Over the past decade, multiple studies have suggested that the secondary metabolites produced by plants against herbivorous insects could be used as biopesticides. However, as the molecular mechanism of action of these compounds remains unknown, it is difficult to predict how they would affect non-target insects; thus, their innocuity needs to be clarified. Here, we investigate, from the molecular level to the organism, the responses of a useful parasitic insect Nasonia vitripennis (Walker, 1836) being exposed at the pupae stage for 48 h (up to 6 days) to sublethal doses (5 µg/L and 500 µg/L) of 2-Dodecanone. 2-Dodecanone altered the gene expression of genes related to ecdysone-related pathways, biotransformation, and cell homeostasis. A significant induction of ecdysone response-genes (EcR, usp, E78, Hr4, Hr38) was detected, despite no significant differences in ecdysteroid levels. Regarding the cell homeostasis processes, the gene l(2)efl was differentially altered in both experimental conditions, and a dose-dependent induction of hex81 was observed. 2-Dodecanone also triggered an induction of Cyp6aQ5 activity. Finally, 2-Dodecanone exposure had a significant effect on neither development time, energy reserves, nor egg-laying capacity; no potential genotoxicity was detected. For the first time, this study shows evidence that 2-Dodecanone can modulate gene expression and interfere with the ecdysone signalling pathway in N. vitripennis. This could lead to potential endocrine alterations and highlight the suitability of this organism to improve our general understanding of the molecular effects of plant defences in insects. Our findings provide new insights into the toxicity of 2-Dodecanone that could potentially be explored in other species and under field conditions for plant protection and pest management as a means to reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Scenery of Bioplastics and Beyond: Unveiling the Environmental Implications for a Sustainable Horizon)
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12 pages, 1525 KiB  
Article
Dose-Dependent Effects of a Corn Starch-Based Bioplastic on Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.): Implications for Growth, Biochemical Parameters, and Nutrient Content
by Nazanin Azarnejad, Silvia Celletti, Majid Ghorbani, Riccardo Fedeli and Stefano Loppi
Toxics 2024, 12(1), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12010080 - 17 Jan 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2223
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a pressing global issue, prompting the exploration of sustainable alternatives such as bioplastics (BPs). In agriculture, BPs have gained relevance as mulching films. This study investigated the effect of the presence in the soil of different concentrations (0–3%, w/ [...] Read more.
Plastic pollution is a pressing global issue, prompting the exploration of sustainable alternatives such as bioplastics (BPs). In agriculture, BPs have gained relevance as mulching films. This study investigated the effect of the presence in the soil of different concentrations (0–3%, w/w) of a corn starch-based bioplastic on basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). The results showed that increasing bioplastic concentration reduced shoot fresh biomass production. Biochemical analyses revealed changes in the shoot in soluble protein content, biomarkers of oxidative and osmotic stress (malondialdehyde and proline, respectively), anti-radical activity, and antioxidant compounds (phenols, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid), which are indicative of plant adaptive mechanisms in response to stress caused by the presence of the different concentrations of bioplastic in the soil. Macro- and micronutrient analysis showed imbalances in nutrient uptake, with a decreased content of potassium, phosphorus, and manganese, and an increased content of magnesium, iron, and copper in the shoot at high BP concentrations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Scenery of Bioplastics and Beyond: Unveiling the Environmental Implications for a Sustainable Horizon)
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