Microplastics from petroleum-based plastics and their effects: A systematic literature review and science mapping of global bioplastics production.

The use of bioplastics is a new strategy for reducing microplastic (MP) waste caused by petroleum-based plastics. This problem has received increased attention worldwide, leading to the development of large-scale bioplastic plants. The large amount of MPs in aquatic and terrestrial environments and the atmosphere has raised global concern. This article delves into the profound environmental impact of the increasing use of petroleum-based plastics, which contribute significantly to plastic waste and, as a consequence, to the increase in MPs. We conducted a comprehensive analysis to identify countries that are at the forefront of efforts to produce bioplastics to reduce MP pollution. In this article, we explain the development, degradation processes, and research trends of bioplastics derived from biological materials such as starch, chitin, chitosan, and polylactic acid (PLA). The findings pinpoint the top 10 countries demonstrating a strong commitment to reducing MP pollution through bioplastics. These nations included the United States, China, Spain, Canada, Italy, India, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Belgium, and the Netherlands. This study underscores the technical and economic obstacles to large-scale bioplastic production. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;00:1-20. © 2024 SETAC.

Development and application of hydroxyapatite-based scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration: A systematic literature review.

Hydroxyapatite [HA, Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2], with its robust biocompatibility and bioactivity, has found extensive utility in bone grafting, replacement therapies, and supplemental medical materials. HA is highly regarded for its osteoconductive properties because it boasts hydrophilicity, nontoxicity, non-allergenicity, and non-mutagenicity. Nevertheless, HA's intrinsic mechanical weakness has spurred efforts to enhance its properties. This enhancement is achieved through ion incorporation, with elements such as magnesium, zinc, lithium, strontium, boron, and others being integrated into the HA structure. In the domain of orthopedics, HA-based scaffolds have emerged as a solution for addressing prevalent issues like bone deformities and defects stemming from congenital anomalies, injuries, trauma, infections, or tumors. The fabrication of three-dimensional scaffolds (3D scaffolds) has enabled advancements in bone regeneration and replacement, with a focus on practical applications such as repairing calvarial, skull, and femoral defects. In vitro and in vivo assessments have substantiated the effectiveness of 3D scaffolds for bone defect repair, regeneration, and tissue engineering. Beyond bone-related applications, scaffolds demonstrate versatility in enhancing cartilage healing and serving as bioimplants. The wide array of scaffold applications underscores their ongoing potential for further development in the realm of medical science.

High efficiency self-cleaning of nanocomposites ZnO with additional chitosan for helping electron and hole transport.

ZnO/chitosan coated wool fabric has been applied as a self-cleaning which obtained through sol-gel method for various pH: 5, 7, and 9. The self-cleaning test was carried out by irradiating the cloth samples using UVA-UVB lamps up to 15 h with dye for the clothing stain. ZnO/chitosan composites were characterized using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR), and UV-Visible spectroscopy. The diffraction spectra from chitosan for pH 9 is 19.56°. The vibration bond at the wavenumbers 422 cm-1- 621 cm-1 identified as ZnO bond and at the wavenumber 3495 cm-1 identified for stretching -OH and -NH2 from chitosan. Optical properties were analysed using the Kamers Kronig (KK) relation which was applied to the FTIR spectra and shows the highest distance between two optical photon vibration modes (∆ (LO-TO)) is 199 cm-1 was obtained when the pH 9. The pH 9 is the best self-cleaning performance for dye stain which completely lost after being exposed for 15 h irradiation. Samples pH 9 shows the best self-cleaning due to the smallest crystallite size and highest bandgap and (∆ (LO-TO)) indicated high potential for new self-cleaning material in future.

The Immunomodulatory Activities of Picria Fel-Terrae Lour Herbs towards RAW 264.7 Cells.

AIM: To investigate immunomodulatory activities of Picria fel-terrae Lour herbs extract against inflammatory biomarkers by conducting cell culture experiments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The herbs of Picria fel-terrae Lour were dried and extracted with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, 96% ethanol, followed by evaporation and freeze-drying. Phytochemicals screening were analysed with thin layer chromatography method. Cell viability was assessed with MTT assay. The genes of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α, Interleukin (IL)-6, interleukin (IL)-1ß and inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS), Cyclooxygenase (COX-2) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophages were analysed by Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) method. RESULTS: Phytochemicals screening showed the presence of steroids in n-hexane extract (ENPFH) and flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, tannins in ethyl acetate (EEAPFH) and ethanol (EEPFH) extracts. The Viability of RAW 264.7 cell toward ENPFH, EEAPFH, and EEPFH (1-200 µgmL-1) showed no toxicity effects. At the gene level, ENPFH; EEAPFH; EEPFH decreased the gene expression of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß, iNOS, and COX-2 which induced with LPS (1 µgmL-1). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that extracts of Picria fel-terrae Lour Herbs possesses immunomodulatory activities by inhibiting selected inflammatory biomarkers at the gene levels in LPS-induced macrophages.

The Inhibitory Activity of Picria fel-terrae Lour Herbs Extract on Nitric Oxide Production toward RAW 264.7 Cells Induced by Lipopolysaccharide.

AIM: The objective of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory activity of Picria fel-terrae Lour on Nitric Oxide production toward RAW 264.7 cells. METHODS: The extraction was obtained by maceration method using n-hexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol solvents and then nitric oxide (NO) production was obtained using Griess reagent. RESULTS: Extract of Picria fel-terrae Lour herbs can reduce the NO production toward RAW 264.7 cells with induced by lipopolysaccharide has obtained nitric concentrations 12.5 and 25 µg/mL from n-hexane extract (72.50 ± 4.51 and 10.42 ± 1.82), ethyl acetate extract: (88.33 ± 6.51 and 30.83 ± 6.86), ethanol extract: (75.00 ± 1.91 and 22.08 ± 2.53). CONCLUSION: n-hexane extract of Picria fel-terrae Lour Herbs has a high potential to reduce the NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells compared to ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts of Picria fel-terrae Lour Herbs.