Biodegradation of Poly(vinyl alcohol) and Bacterial Cellulose Composites by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aspergillus niger</Emphasis>

The ability of fungal strains to attack a composite material obtained from poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and bacterial cellulose (BC) is investigated. The fungal strain tested was Aspergillus niger. This fungal strain was able to change not only the polymer surface from smoother to rougher, but also to disrupt the polymer. The degradation results were confirmed by visual observations, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses, X-ray diffraction analyses and FTIR spectra of the film samples. SEM micrographs confirmed the growth of fungi on the composite film surface. The degree of microbial degradation depends on culture medium and on composition of polymeric materials, especially on PVA content. The biodegradation process is accelerated by the presence of glucose in the culture medium as an easily available carbon source.     

A Composting Study of Membrane-Like Polyvinyl Alcohol Based Resins and Nanocomposites

This study presents the effect of biodegradation, in a composting medium, on properties of membrane-like crosslinked and noncrosslinked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and nanocomposites. The composting was carried out for 120 days and the biodegradation of these materials was characterized using various techniques. The changes in the PVA resin and nanocomposite surface topography and microstructure during composting were also characterized. The results from the analyses suggest biodegradation of PVA based materials in compost medium was mainly by enzymes secreted by fungi. The results also indicate that the enzymes degraded the amorphous regions of the specimens first and that the PVA crystallinity played an important role in its biodegradation. The surface roughness of the specimens was seen to increase with composting time as the microbial colonies grew which in turn facilitated further microorganism growth. All specimens broke into small pieces between 90 and 120 days of composting as a result of deep biodegradation. Glyoxal and malonic acid crosslinking decreased the PVA biodegradation rate slightly. Addition of highly crystalline microfibrillated cellulose and naturally occurring halloysite nanotubes in PVA based nanocomposites also decreased the biodegradation rate. The three factors: PVA crystallinity, crosslinking and additives, may be utilized effectively to extend the life of these materials in real life applications.     

Characterization of Biodegradable Composite Films Prepared from Blends of Poly(Vinyl Alcohol), Cornstarch,and Lignocellulosic Fiber

Several composite blends of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and lignocellulosic fibers were prepared and characterized. Cohesive and flexible cast films were obtained by blending lignocellulosic fibers derived from orange waste and PVA with or without cornstarch. Films were evaluated for their thermal stability, water permeability and biodegradation properties. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated the suitability of formulations for melt processing, and for application as mulch films in fields at much higher temperatures. Composite films were permeable to water, but at the same time able to maintain consistency and composition upon drying. Chemical crosslinking of starch, fiber and PVA, all hydroxyl functionalized polymers, by hexamethoxymethylmelamine (HMMM) improved water resistance in films. Films generally biodegraded within 30 days in soil, achieving between 50–80% mineralization. Both starch and lignocellulosic fiber degraded much more rapidly than PVA. Interestingly, addition of fiber to formulations enhanced the PVA degradation.     

A Sensitive Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Method for Detection of Polyimide Degradation by Microorganisms

An electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique was evaluated for monitoring microbial degradation of electronic packaging polyimides. The microbial inoculum was a mixed culture of fungi isolated previously from deteriorated polyimides. The active fungal consortium comprised Aspergillus versicolor, Cladosporium cladosporioides, and a Chaetomium species. After inoculation, fungal growth on the polyimides resulted in distinctive EIS spectra indicative of polymer insulation failure, which directly related to polymer integrity. Degradation appeared to occur in a number of steps and two distinctive stages in the decline of film resistance were observed in the inoculated EIS cells within the 2 and 10 weeks after inoculation. The early stage of resistance decrease may be related to the ingress of water molecules and ionic species into the polymeric materials, whereas the second stage probably resulted from partial degradation of the polymers by fungal growth on the polymer film. The relationship between changes of impedance spectra and microbial degradation of the polymer was further supported by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations of fungi growing on the surface of the inoculated polyimides. Our data indicate that the EIS can be used in detection of early degradation of resistant polymers and polyimides that are susceptible to biodeterioration.     

Preparation and Characterization of Gamma Irradiated Sugar Containing Starch/Poly (Vinyl Alcohol)-Based Blend Films

Blends based on different ratios of starch (35–20%) and plasticizer (sugar; 0–15%) keeping the amount of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) constant, were prepared in the form of thin films by casting solutions. The effects of gamma-irradiation on thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties were investigated. The studies of mechanical properties showed improved tensile strength (TS) (9.61 MPa) and elongation at break (EB) (409%) of the starch-PVA-sugar blend film containing 10% sugar. The mechanical testing of the irradiated film (irradiated at 200 Krad radiation dose) showed higher TS but lower EB than that of the non-radiated film. FTIR spectroscopy studies supported the molecular interactions among starch, PVA, and sugar in the blend films, that was improved by irradiation. Thermal properties of the film were also improved due to irradiation and confirmed by thermo-mechanical analysis (TMA), differential thermo-gravimetric analysis (DTG), differential thermal analysis (DTA), and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). Surface of the films were examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM) image that supported the evidence of crosslinking obtained after gamma irradiation on the film. The water up-take and degradation test in soil of the film were also evaluated. In this study, sugar acted as a good plasticizing agent in starch/PVA blend films, which was significantly improved by gamma radiation and the prepared starch-PVA-sugar blend film could be used as biodegradable packaging materials.     

Influence of pH and C/N Ratio on Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Biodegradation in Mixed Bacterial Culture

Cultivation conditions affecting poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) degradation by a mixed bacterial culture of Bacillus sp. and Curtobacterium sp. were investigated. Bacterial strains used in this study were isolated from the watercourse and the sewage sludge of vinylonfibre mill by enrichments on PVA as the sole carbon source. The results showed that PVA was greatly degraded under the following conditions: 0.5% PVA as a substrate at the initial medium pH of 8 with 0.15% glucose and urea at C/U ratio 1.5:1 and 1% bacterial inoculum, at a temperature of 35 °C and a shaking speed of 110 rpm. The analysis of FTIR and ¹H NMR spectra before and after biodegradation indicate fission of the PVA molecular chain during the incubation.     

Comparative Biodegradation Study of Starch- and Polylactic Acid-Based Materials

The degradation of starch- and polylactic acid-based plastic films by microorganisms extracted from compost was studied in a liquid medium. The various degradation products produced were measured throughout the duration of the experiment, and total carbon balances were estimated. For an easily biodegradable material, the evolution of the way carbon repartitioned between different degradation products was quite similar whatever the experimental condition or the type of substrate. On the other hand, for a resistant material exposed to these microorganisms, the nature of the biodegradation depended strongly on the experimental conditions. In the latter case, a differential scanning calorimetry analysis confirmed the importance of the applied norm on the state of the residual material. The consequences for improved methods of estimation of biodegradability of these materials are discussed.     

Properties of Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)/Chitosan Nanocomposite Films Reinforced with Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Amorphous Lignocellulose Nanofibers

The objective of this study was to investigate the properties of poly(vinyl alcohol)/chitosan nanocomposite films reinforced with different concentration of amorphous LCNFs. The properties analyzed were morphological, physical, chemical, thermal, biological, and mechanical characteristics. Oil palm empty fruit bunch LCNFs obtained from multi-mechanical stages were more dominated by amorphous region than crystalline part. Varied film thickness, swelling degree, and transparency of PVA/chitosan nanocomposite films reinforced with amorphous part were produced. Aggregated LCNFs, which reinforced PVA/chitosan polymer blends, resulted in irregular, rough, and uneven external surfaces as well as protrusions. Based on XRD analysis, there were two or three imperative peaks that indicated the presence of crystalline states. The increase in LCNFs concentration above 0.5% to PVA/chitosan polymer blends led to the decrease in crystallinity index of the films. A noticeable alteration of FTIR spectra, which included wavenumber and intensity, was obviously observed along with the inclusion of amorphous LCNFs. That indicated that a good miscibility between amorphous LCNFs and PVA/chitosan polymer blend generated chemical interaction of those polymers during physical blending. Reinforcement of PVA/chitosan polymer blends with amorphous LCNFs influenced the changes of T_g (glass transition temperature), T_m (melting point temperature), and T_max (maximum degradation temperature). Three thermal phases of PVA/chitosan/LCNFs nanocomposite films were also observed, including absorbed moisture evaporation, PVA and chitosan polymer backbone structural degradation and LCNFs pyrolysis, and by-products degradation of these polymers. The addition of LCNFs 0.5% had the highest tensile strength and the addition of LCNFs above 0.5% decreased the strength. The incorporation of OPEFB LCNFs did not show anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties of the films. The addition of amorphous LCNFs 0.5% into PVA/chitosan polymer blends resulted in regular and smooth external surfaces, enhanced tensile strength, increased crystallinity index, and enhanced thermal stability of the films.     

Fungal Degradation of the Bioplastic PHB (Poly-3-hydroxy- butyric acid)

PHB (poly-3-hydroxybutyric acid) is a thermoplastic polyester synthesized by Ralstonia eutropha and other bacteria as a form of intracellular carbon and energy storage and accumulated as inclusions in the cytoplasm of these bacteria. The degradation of PHB by fungi from samples collected from various environments was studied. PHB depolymerization was tested in vials containing a PHB-containing medium which were inoculated with isolates from the samples. The degradation activity was detected by the formation of a clear zone below and around the fungal colony. In total, 105 fungi were isolated from 15 natural habitats and 8 lichens, among which 41 strains showed PHB degradation. Most of these were deuteromycetes (fungi imperfecti) resembling species of Penicillium and Aspergillus and were isolated mostly from soils, compost, hay, and lichens. Soil-containing environments were the habitats from which the largest number of fungal PHB degraders were found. Other organisms involved in PHB degradation were observed. A total number of 31 bacterial strains out of 67 isolates showed clear zones on assay medium. Protozoa, possible PHB degraders, were also found in several samples such as pond, soil, hay, horse dung, and lichen. Lichen, a fungi and algae symbiosis, was an unexpected sample from which fungal and bacterial PHB degraders were isolated.     

Evaluation of the Biodegradability of Polyvinyl Alcohol/Starch Blends: A Methodological Comparison of Environmentally Friendly Materials

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and starch are both biodegradable polymers. These two polymers can be prepared as biodegradable plastics that are emerging as one of the environmental friendly materials available now. In this study, after reacting with sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP), modified corn starch was blended with PVA in different ratios by a barbender. Test samples were prepared for mechanical and thermal properties measurements. The surface roughness and morphology of fractured surface of the samples were observed by an atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) measurements. Aqueous degradation by enzyme, water absorption and biodegradability behavior were evaluated for the degradability. The biodegradability of these materials was followed by bio-reactivity kinetics models. Results showed that the addition of modified starch could enhance its water uptake. With an addition of 20 wt% of modified starch, the blend had a maximum weight loss during enzymatic degradation. It was found that the degradability was enhanced with the addition of the starch. Analyzing the results of the biodegradability based on the kinetic models, the growth rate of the microorganism was found to be increasing with the increase of the content of starch in the PVA/starch blends in the first order reaction fashion. In our biodegradability analysis, i.e., based on the China national standards (CNS) 14432 regulations, we estimated the decomposition behavior based on the mentioned first order reaction. We found that the PVA/starch blends would take 32.47, 16.20 and 12.47 years to degrade by 70% as their starch content 0, 20 and 40 wt%, respectively.     

Biodegradable Films Based on Blends of Gelatin and Poly (Vinyl Alcohol): Effect of PVA Type or Concentration on Some Physical Properties of Films

The aim of this work was to develop biodegradable films based on blends of gelatin and poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA), without a plasticizer. Firstly, the effect of five types of PVA with different degree of hydrolysis (DH) on the physical properties of films elaborated with blends containing 23.1% PVA was studied. One PVA type was then chosen for the study of the effect of the PVA concentration on the mechanical properties, color, opacity, gloss, and water solubility of the films. The five types of PVA studied allowed for films with different characteristics, but with no direct relationship with the DH of the PVA. Therefore, the PVA Celvol^®418 with a DH = 91.8% was chosen for the second part, because they produced films with greater tensile strength. The PVA concentration affected all studied properties of films. These results could be explained by the results of the DSC and FTIR analyses, which showed that some interactions between the gelatin and the PVA occurred depending on the PVA concentration, affecting the crystallinity of the films.     

Biodegradation of Coir and Sisal Applied in the Automotive Industry

This paper discusses the results of biodegradability tests of natural fibers used by the automotive industry, namely: coir, coir with latex, and sisal. The biodegradation of coir, coir with latex, and of sisal fibers was determined by monitoring the production of carbon dioxide (CO₂) (IBAMA—E.1.1.2, 1988) and fungal growth (DIN 53739, 1984). The contents of total extractives, lignin, holocellulose, ashes, carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen of the fibers under study were determined in order to ascertain their actual content and to understand the results of the biodegradation tests. The production of CO₂ indicated low biodegradation, i.e., about 10% in mass, for all the materials after 45 days of testing; in other words, no material inhibited glucose degradation. However, the percentage of sisal fiber degradation was fourfold higher than that of coir with latex in the same period of aging. The fungal growth test showed a higher growth rate on sisal fibers, followed by coir without latex. In the case of coir with latex, we believe the fungal growth was not intense, because natural latex produces a bactericide or fungicide for its preservation during bleeding [1]. An evaluation of the materials after 90 days of aging tests revealed breaking of the fibers, particularly sisal and coir without latex, indicating fungal attack and biodegradation processes.     

Degradation in an Inert Solid Medium of Poly(Lactic Acid) Polymeric Material by Kibdelosporangium aridum

The aim of this work was to estimate the biodegradation of a poly(lactic acid) polymeric material by the actinomycetes Kibdelosporangium aridum using a vermiculite based inert solid medium which could simulate compost medium and enable us to achieve complete carbon balances. The mineralisation rate at the end of the test was compared to those obtained for two basal media. It was shown that cumulative mineralisation after 45 days of degradation was greater (70%) in vermiculite with a basal medium containing gelatin than in vermiculite with a basal medium containing glucose (20%).     

Biodegradation Behavior of Composite Films with Poly (Vinyl Alcohol) Matrix

The main objective of this study was to develop biodegradable, composite materials, based on poly (vinyl alcohol), bacterial cellulose and chitosan for possible application in packaging industry. Two composite materials were prepared, one containing poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and bacterial cellulose (BC), named PVA/BC, and the other containing PVA, BC but also chitosan (CTS), named PVA/BC/CTS. The biodegradation behavior was studied in a fed-batch bioreactor, in aerobic and anaerobic conditions, using activated sludge. Biodegradation tests were based on weight loss measurements. Structural changes were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and the morphological ones by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). After 4?weeks, the biodegradation experiments have shown a relative high degradation of the PVA/BC/CTS film compared with the PVA/BC one. These results were confirmed by spectral analysis and also by SEM images. Besides, the SEM images revealed that biodegradation occurs also inside the composite materials, not only on the surface.     

Confirmation of colonization of degrading bacterium strain SC-17 on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) cast film

To clarify the mechanism of microbial degradation owing to colonization ofPseudomonas sp. strain SC-17 on a poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) cast film surface, morphological and spectroscopic analyses of the degraded film were investigated and colonization kinetics on the films is discussed. By spectroscopic analysis of unique hemispherical degradation marks, cells of strain SC-17 adhering to the marks' surface were confirmed. To account for the hemispherical hole formation and their linear enlargement with culture time, a three-dimensional colony growth model toward the interior of the film was developed. The model explained the hemispherical hole formation well. It was concluded that the hemispherical holes resulted from the colonization of strain SC-17 on the film surfaces. It was further determined that the microbial degradation by strain SC-17 is initiated from small pits formed on the PHB film surface.     

Mechanism of Microbial Degradation of Slow-Release Fertilizers

Methyleneureas are condensation products of urea and formaldehyde of different molecular mass and solubility; they are used in large amounts both as resins, binders, and insulating materials for industrial applications, as well as a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer for greens, lawns, or in bioremediation processes. In the present study, the microbial breakdown of these products was investigated. The nitrogen was released as ammonia and urea, and the formaldehyde released immediately oxidized via formiate to carbon dioxide. The enzymatic mechanism of metabolization of methyleneureas was studied in microorganisms isolated from soil, which were able to use these compounds as the sole source of nitrogen for growth. A strain of the Gram-negative bacterium Ralstonia paucula (formerly Alcaligenes sp. CDC group IVc-2) completely degraded methylenediurea and dimethylenetriurea to urea, ammonia, formaldehyde, and carbon dioxide. The enzyme initiating this degradation (methylenediurease) was purified and turned out to be different from the previously described enzyme from Ochrobactrum anthropi with regard to its regulation of expression and physicobiochemical properties. Fungal degradation of methyleneureas may occur via the formation of organic acids, thus leading to a nonenzymatic degradation of methyleneureas, which are unstable under acidic conditions.     

Studies on enhanced degradable plastics. III. The effect of weathering of polyethylene and (ethylene-carbon monoxide) copolymers on moisture and carbon dioxide permeability

Two enhanced-photodegradable polyethylenes were studied to determine the effect of photooxidative degradation upon transport properties. Water vapor permeability of LDPE films containing metal compound prooxidants, weathered to different extents under outdoor exposure was studied. A film made of LDPE blended with 20 wt% of polycaprolactone was also examined to determine if biodegradation over a 40-day period resulted in a measurable change in its water vapor transport characteristics. A gravimetric technique was used to study the effects of outdoor and weather-ometer exposures on the permeability of carbon dioxide of both the LDPE film and (ethylene-carbon monoxide) copolymer films. Generally, photooxidative degradation was seen to be accompanied by a change in transport characteristics of the polymer films.     

外加营养源对氯氰菊酯降解菌GF31降解特性的影响

利用本实验室保存的一株铜绿假单胞菌(Pseudomonas aeruginosa)GF31,考察了外加不同的碳、氮源对菌株降解氯氰菊酯特性的影响.实验结果表明:适量浓度的碳、氮源对降解有明显的刺激作用,外加碳源中葡萄糖的刺激作用最为明显,外加0.8 g/L的葡萄糖,氯氰菊酯降解率提高了13.7%;外加氮源中以蛋白胨对微生物的促进作用最突出,当外加5.0 g/L蛋白胨时,氯氰菊酯降解率从27.5%提高到70.0%;降解5 d后,氯氰菊酯的降解已基本趋于平衡.     

Role of Crosslinker on the Biodegradation Behavior of Starch/Polyvinylalcohol Blend Films

The effect of crosslinkers on the biodegradation behavior of starch/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) blend films was investigated by weight loss study, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Starch/PVA films were prepared by solution casting method and 5 weight% of four different crosslinking agents like epichlorohydrin, formaldehyde, zinc oxide and borax were used in four different sets to crosslink the films. These crosslinked starch/PVA films were biodegraded in compost. Weight loss study showed that crosslinking retarded the biodegradation of the films in the first 15?days, but after that, there was a significant increase in weight loss. The DSC analysis revealed that the consumption of starch and consequent rearrangement of the PVA molecules were distinctly different in the crosslinked films due to the effect of different crosslinking agents.     

Biodegradability of Starch Based Self-Supporting Antimicrobial Film and Its Effect on Soil Quality

Alarming environmental pollution from petroleum based non-biodegradable disposable packaging films has generated concern for development of alternatives from natural polymers such as starch. In the present work, the biodegradability of a self-supporting film made from starch and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) (starch:PVA?=?9:1 as the polymer) together with glutaraldehyde as crosslinker and sodium propionate (SP) as antimicrobial was investigated by soil burial method. The changes in soil composition namely pH, organic carbon, available and total nitrogen, and water holding capacity as a result of biodegradation were also estimated. The film underwent ≈?90% biodegradation within a period of 28 days, with simultaneous increase in soil nutrients. Moreover, the pH remained in the accepted limit for plant growth. Thus, antimicrobial in the film did not hamper its biodegradation, rather disposal of the film in soil might facilitate plant growth.