Biodegradation of Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate) Produced from Cupriavidus necator with Different Concentrations of Oleic Acid as Nutritional Supplement

The environmental impact caused by the disposal of plastics has motivated the development of biodegradable materials. Recent studies showed that supplementation with oleic acid (OA) in cultures producing poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), P(3HB), increased the polymer productivity. However only few studies have shown the properties and biodegradation profile of the polymer obtained. This research investigated the influence of OA concentration on the biodegradation of the P(3HB) obtained from cultures of Cupriavidus necator. The crystallinity of the casting films determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was reduced from 70% (0 g L⁻¹ of OA) to 52% (3.0 g L⁻¹ of OA). A reduction of 11 °C in the melting temperature was observed with 3.0 g L⁻¹ of OA. The kinetic of biodegradation was: 3.0 > 1.5 > 0.9 > 0.3 > 0 g L⁻¹ of OA.     

Morphological and Thermal Characterization of Linseed-Oil Based Polymers from Cationic and Thermal Polymerization

Linseed oil-based polymers have been synthesized via cationic and thermal polymerization and characterized through various techniques, such as SEM, DMA, DSC and TGA. The morphology of the polymer samples after extraction reveals the smooth structure of the polymer matrix. With an increase in oil content, the morphology is observed to be more loosely bound. With an increase in linseed oil content in the samples, the room temperature storage modulus (E′) varies from 10.4 × 10⁷ to 1.8 × 10⁷ Pa. The glass transition temperatures measured through DMA of the cationic samples ranges from 70 to −6 °C and the crosslink densities range from 18.4 × 10³ to 3.4 × 10³ mol/m³. The glass transition temperatures of the thermal samples range from 106 to −4 °C and the crosslink densities range from 7.7 × 10³ to 2.4 × 10³ mol/m³. The TGA results show three stages of degradation of the polymer samples and it is also revealed that these polymers are stable up to 200 °C, showing negligible decomposition.     

Characterization of Atrazine-Loaded Biodegradable Poly(Hydroxybutyrate-Co-Hydroxyvalerate) Microspheres

Polyhydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate microspheres (PHBV-MS) were prepared as a delivery system for the herbicide atrazine (ATZ). Characterization of the system included investigation of in vitro release properties and genotoxicity. ATZ − PHBV-MS particle diameters showed a size distribution range of 1–13 μm. Differential scanning calorimetry analyses indicated that ATZ was associated with the PHBV microparticles. The release profiles showed a different release behavior for the pure herbicide in solution, as compared with that containing ATZ-loaded PHBV-MS. Korsmeyer–Peppas model analyses showed that atrazine release from the microparticles occurred by a combination of diffusion through the matrix and partial diffusion through water-filled pores of the PHBV microparticles. A Lactuca sativa test result showed that the genotoxicity of ATZ-loaded PHBV-MP was decreased in relation to ATZ alone. The results demonstrate a viable biodegradable herbicide release system using atrazine for agrochemical purposes.     

Experimental evidence of colloids and nanoparticles presence from 25 waste leachates

The potential colloids release from a large panel of 25 solid industrial and municipal waste leachates, contaminated soil, contaminated sediments and landfill leachates was studied. Standardized leaching, cascade filtrations and measurement of element concentrations in the microfiltrate (MF) and ultrafiltrate (UF) fraction were used to easily detect colloids potentially released by waste. Precautions against CO₂ capture by alkaline leachates, or bacterial re-growth in leachates from wastes containing organic matter should be taken. Most of the colloidal particles were visible by transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersion spectrometry (TEM–EDS) if their elemental MF concentration is greater than 200 μg l^?1. If the samples are dried during the preparation for microscopy, neoformation of particles can occur from the soluble part of the element. Size distribution analysis measured by photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) were frequently unvalid, particularly due to polydispersity and/or too low concentrations in the leachates. A low sensitivity device is required, and further improvement is desirable in that field. For some waste leachates, particles had a zeta potential strong enough to remain in suspension. Mn, As, Co, Pb, Sn, Zn had always a colloidal form (MF concentration/UF concentration > 1.5) and total organic carbon (TOC), Fe, P, Ba, Cr, Cu, Ni are partly colloidal for more than half of the samples). Nearly all the micro-pollutants (As, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, V and Zn) were found at least once in colloidal form greater than 100 μg l^?1. In particular, the colloidal forms of Zn were always by far more concentrated than its dissolved form. The TEM–EDS method showed various particles, including manufactured nanoparticles (organic polymer, TiO₂, particles with Sr, La, Ce, Nd). All the waste had at least one element detected as colloidal. The solid waste leachates contained significant amount of colloids different in elemental composition from natural ones. The majority of the elements were in colloidal form for wastes of packaging (3), a steel slag, a sludge from hydrometallurgy, composts (2), a dredged sediment (#18), an As contaminated soil and two active landfill leachates.These results showed that cascade filtration and ICP elemental analysis seems valid methods in this field, and that electronic microscopy with elemental detection allows to identify particles. Particles can be formed from dissolved elements during TEM sample preparation and cross-checking with MF and UF composition by ICP is useful. The colloidal fraction of leachate of waste seems to be a significant source term, and should be taken into account in studies of emission and transfer of contaminants in the environment. Standardized cross-filtration method could be amended for the presence of colloids in waste leachates.     

Effect of γ-Dose rate on Biodegradation of γ-Sterilized Biomedical Polyolefins

The aim of the present study is to study the effect of γ-dose rate on the biodegradation of γ-sterilized polyolefins. Films of isotactic polypropylene, high density polyethylene and ethylene-propylene (EP) copolymer were sterilized under γ-radiation with doses of 10 and 25 kGy. Two different ⁶⁰Co sources were used with dose rate 600 and 780 Gy h⁻¹. Neat and sterilized samples were incubated in compost and fungal culture environments. The changes in functional groups, surface morphology and intrinsic viscosity in polymer chains were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, SEM and viscometric measurements, respectively. It was observed that both γ-degradation and biodegradation processes depend on the dose rate of γ-source. It was found that the biodegradation of γ-sterilized polyolefins in composting and microbial culture environments increased with decreasing the γ-dose rate.     

Fabrication of Salinomycin and Biotin Encapsulated Polymeric Nanoparticles Showing Potent Antiproliferative Activity and Induce Apoptosis in Gastric Carcinoma Cells

Cytotoxicity can be much greater than all other treatments by targeted combination chemotherapy. In this context, we have recognized the use for gastric cancer chemotherapy of multifunctional polymer nanoparticles (PNPs) loaded with Salinomycin (SAL) and Biotin (BT). The encapsulation of BT and SAL anticancer agents co-loaded with polyethylene glycol (PEGs) and nanoparticles of polylactide-co-glycolides (PLGAs) is incompetent due to inadequacy in polymeric biodegradable nanoparticles (PNPs) of the dual antitumor drugs BT and SAL. The morphology of the BT@PNPs, SAL@PNPs and SAL/BT@PNPs, and composition and sizes of the nanoparticles was investigated using a transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In vitro cell death of human gastric cell lines including SGC-791 and NCI-N87 has also been caused by SAL/BT@PNPs. A variety of biochemical stains, for example, AO/EB (Acridine Orange / Ethidium Bromide) and Hoechst, have been used to detect morphological and cell death. The mechanical examination of apoptosis was further tested using the Annexin V-FITC flow cytometry. In overall, SAL/BT@PNPs may be used as a possible instrument for enhanced gastric cancer therapy efficacy in this dual approach to drug delivery.

     

Assessment of the Viability of NIH3T3 Fibroblast Cells Cultured in Polymer Matrices with rhGH

Developing a biomaterial that functions as a scaffold (osteoconductor), combined with a growth factor (osteoinductor), is of great interest for clinical application in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Growth hormone (GH) is a good candidate, as it is a major regulator of postnatal bone growth and remodeling. Pure PLGA and 70/30 PLGA/PCL matrices were prepared by the solvent evaporation method, combined or not with GH, and tested for toxicity and cell viability using an MTT assay with NIH3T3 mouse cells (ATCC). Cell toxicity was assessed at 24, 48, 72 h, and 7 days of biomaterial exposure to culture medium. All polymers had high cell viability rates. However, from 48 h onwards, the groups with GH-polymer combinations had better results than the polymer groups without association with GH when compared to the control group. At 7 days of culture, only the pure PLGA matrix showed a significant difference from the control group. These results may suggest a preference of cells for the presence of GH in the biomaterial in culture medium, especially in the PLGA matrix. GH appeared to contribute to the increase in cell viability observed at some assessment time points, especially when combined with PLGA as compared to pure PLGA.     

Morphological classification of bioaerosols from composting using scanning electron microscopy

This research classifies the physical morphology (form and structure) of bioaerosols emitted from open windrow composting. Aggregation state, shape and size of the particles captured are reported alongside the implications for bioaerosol dispersal after release. Bioaerosol sampling took place at a composting facility using personal air filter samplers. Samples were analysed using scanning electron microscopy. Particles were released mainly as small (<1 μm) single, spherical cells, followed by larger (>1 μm) single cells, with aggregates occurring in smaller proportions. Most aggregates consisted of clusters of 2–3 particles as opposed to chains, and were <10 μm in size. No cells were attached to soil debris or wood particles. These small single cells or small aggregates are more likely to disperse further downwind from source, and cell viability may be reduced due to increased exposure to environmental factors.     

Suspension Polymerization of Poly(l-lactide-co-p-dioxanone) in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

Biodegradable copolymers of l-lactide(l-LA) and p-dioxanone(PDO) were synthesized in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂) with stannous octoate as the ring-opening catalyst and a fluorocarbon polymer surfactant as an stabilizer. Fine powderous products were achieved when more than 90% (w/w) l-LA was fed. Scanning electron micrographic images and laser diffraction particle size analysis of the products showed the mean diameter of particles greatly increased as the content of PDO increased. The obtained polymers had the number-average molecular weights ranging from 15,000 to 26,000 g mol⁻¹ (polydispersity index ranging from 1.3 to 2.1) according to the gel permeation chromatography measurements. The polymer structure was characterized by NMR spectroscopy, indicating the formation of copolymers. Thermal properties of the obtained polymers investigated using differential scanning calorimetry showed that the morphology of products was directly relevant to the crystallinity of the copolymers. The polymerization of l-LA and PDO copolymers in scCO₂ is also proposed as a novel production technique for high-purity, biodegradable polymers.     

Effect of Hydrothermal Polylactic Acid Degradation on Polymer Molecular Weight and Surface Properties

In the present work, polylactic acid, PLA, samples were degraded by hydrothermal treatment, and then their molecular weights, crystallinity, surface charges and compositions, were determined, respectively, by using viscometry, ¹H NMR, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), microelectrophoresis and Infra Red spectroscopy methods. The viscometry and ¹H NMR data indicate that the molecular weight, of the polymer, decreases after the hydrothermal treatment. However, the crystalline fractions of the PLA samples, as obtained from the DSC and X-ray data, were not altered after the hydrothermal treatment. Furthermore, the zeta potential data, as determined by microelectrophoresis, show for both non-degraded and degraded PLA, an increase of the polymer surface charge density with the pH of the aqueous phase. However, at acidic pH values, the surface charge density for the degraded PLA was higher as compared to the non degraded one. These differences in surface charge densities of the PLA samples were confirmed by Infrared study, according to which the spectra of degraded polymer show the appearance of carboxyl groups occurring at 1,600 cm⁻¹ at the polymer surface.     

High compressive strength of home waste and polyvinyl acetate composites containing silica nanoparticle filler

Simple mixing and hot pressing methods were used to make composites from home waste—in particular, paper and dry leaves—using polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) as an adhesive and silica nanoparticles as filler. The optimum composition for the strongest composites, in terms of compressive strength, had a mass ratio of silica nanoparticles/PVAc/(paper + dry leaves) of 3:80:280. With this mass ratio, a compressive strength of 68.50 MPa was obtained for samples prepared at a pressing temperature of 150°C, pressing pressure of 100 MPa, and pressing time of 20 min. The addition of silica nanoparticles increased the compressive strength by about 50%, compared with composites made without the addition of nanosilica (45.60 MPa). Higher compressive strength was obtained at a higher pressing pressure. At a pressing pressure of 120 MPa, pressing temperature of 150°C, and pressing time of 20 min, a compressive strength of 69.10 MPa was obtained. When the pressing time was increased to 45 min at a pressing pressure of 120 MPa, a compressive strength of 84.37 MPa was measured. A model was also proposed to explain the effects of pressing pressure and pressing time on compressive strength. The model predictions were in good agreement with the experimental data.     

Exploration of the Effect of Chitosan and Crosslinking Agent Concentration on the Properties of Dual Responsive Chitosan-g-Poly (N-Isopropylacrylamide) Co-polymeric Particles

The objective of the present study was to synthesize and evaluate the effect of change in concentration of chitosan (CS) and N,N-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA)- a cross linking agent, on various properties such as lower critical solution temperature (LCST), zeta potential, particle size and poly dispersity index (PDI) of the synthesized co-polymer. Nine different formulations of chitosan-g-poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) (CS-g-PNIPAAm) co-polymer with varying CS and MBA concentrations were synthesized by a surfactant free dispersion copolymerization method. The synthesized co-polymer was further characterized and confirmed for its structure, morphology, particle size, zeta-potential, thermo and pH responsive properties, in-vitro cyto-compatability and stability studies using various analytical tools. The data confirms the successful synthesis of co-polymer. The increase in the concentrations of CS and MBA during the polymerization of co-polymer, resulted in proportional increase of LCST and zeta potential with decrease in particle size of co-polymeric nanoparticles. pH responsive studies showed that as the pH of the medium increases particle size and zeta potential decreases with increase in LCST of co-polymeric nanoparticles. From the results, it can be inferred that the synthesized co-polymeric nanoparticles exerted thermo and pH responsive properties with biocompatibility. By varying the CS and MBA concentrations in the co-polymer, desired LCST, particle size and zeta potential for co-polymeric nanoparticles can be obtained and thus the synthesized co-polymer may have great potential to be used as a drug carrier (nanoform) with both thermo and pH responsiveness.     

A Novel Affinity Chromatographic Material for the Purification of Extracellular Polyhydroxybutyrate Depolymerases

A novel affinity chromatographic material, which is composed of silica matrix, coated with polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) powder, suitable for the purification of PHB depolymerases, was developed. The surface morphology of the PHB-silica coated particles (silica-PHB composite particles) was examined by scanning electron microscopy and revealed a successful uniform coating of silica particles with PHB. Moreover, the complex of these materials retained its homogeneity even after incubation at 80 °C for 6 h, whereas the strong binding of PHB on silica surface was further verified by thermal gravimetric analysis and by PHB extraction- from silica surface- experiments. This novel material was demonstrated to be suitable for both, the one-step on-batch and on-column purification of Thermus thermophilus extracellular PHB depolymerase. The enzyme exhibited higher affinity against the composite of silica-PHB particles than PHB powder, since the one-step purification-fold and the overall recovery of the enzyme were 2.8 and 4 times higher respectively, in the first case. Reusability of the silica-PHB composites particles was examined by determining the recoveries of PHB depolymerase. The enzyme recoveries were ranged from 30 to 35% for the first five uses, whereas for further uses recoveries gradually dropped to 15–18% indicating that the particles could be used repeatedly for five times. This material could be also a suitable support for lipases or other proteins that exhibit strong affinity to hydrophobic materials.     

In Vitro and In Vivo Anticancer Activity of Ferula Gummosa Essential Oil Nanoemulsions (FGEO-NE) for the Colon Cancer Treatment

This survey was performed to aim of synthesize Nano emulsion from Ferula gummosa essential oil (FEGO-NE) and to evaluate its anti-tumor effect. First, Ferula gummosa essential oil was analyzed by GC–MS method, and then the Nano emulsion was synthesized as O/W and after characterization by DLS, Zeta potential, AFM, FESEM and TEM methods, its toxicity was evaluated by MTT method. Then its pro-apoptotic effects were evaluated by qPCR (Caspase3, 9, Bax and Bcl-2) method and AO/PI staining. The cancer induction model was used to evaluate the antitumor effects in Balb/C mice. The anti-angiogenic and antioxidant effects were evaluated by qPCR (VEGF, CAT and SOD) method. The results of physicochemical studies showed the formation of droplet with dimensions of 24.6 nm, dispersion index of 0.41 and zeta potential of ? 28.5 mV with a spherical morphology. The Nano emulsion synthesized at a concentration of 2.9 μg/mL inhibited about 50% of ht-29 cells, while up to a concentration of 4 μg/mL showed no inhibitory effect on normal cells. Increase of caspase 3, 9 and Bax and decrease of BCL-2 gene expression along with increase of apoptotic cells in AP/PI staining confirmed induction of apoptosis by FEGO-NE. The FEGO-NE showed an inhibitory effect on angiogenesis and an additive effect on the expression of antioxidant genes. In addition, the reduction of tumor volume (69.72% in 14 days) in samples treated with FEGO-NE was confirmed. The results of this study showed that FEGO-NE by various mechanisms are able to inhibit cancer cells and have a reducing effect on induced tumors in the in vivo model. These results suggest FEGO-NEs as a suitable candidate for cancer therapy studies.

     

Preliminary Testing of the Influence of Modified Polycaprolactones on Anabaena Variabilis Growth in Seawater

Several new biodegradable polymer materials have recently come onto the global market. Mostly the results on degradation kinetic studies are presented. This paper suggests using one of the tests to estimate the impact of polymer packaging material on sea life. The microorganism chosen was Anabaena variabilis (identified in many waters, including those of the Baltic Sea, especially in the Gulf of Gdańsk and Puck Bay; this cyanobacterium has a tendency to move with deep-sea waters causing algal blooms that upset the ecological balance of the marine environment [1]). The chosen polymer materials were polycaprolactone modified with thermoplastic starch (PCL/TPS > 85%) or with calcium carbonate (60% PCL/40% CaCO₃). They were incubated in seawater in the presence of A. variabilis. The chlorophyll a content was determined as the criterion of cyanobacterial growth in the presence of the tested polymers. The polymer surface and colour changes in the cyanobacterium culture were recorded photographically. The experimental results indicate that the addition of polymer samples to the cyanobacterium culture affects its biological balance. During the experiment in seawater, cyanobacteria adhered to the polymer surfaces and their growth was stimulated to different degree by the polymers. Thus, the suggested test differentiate the behaviour of both materials studied. Cyanobacterial growth was lower in the presence of PCL modified with calcium carbonate than in the presence PCL/TPS blend.     

Kinetic Study of Biopolymer (PHB) Synthesis in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Alcaligenes</Emphasis> sp. in Submerged Fermentation Process Using TEM

Poly-β-hydroxybuyrate (PHB) is a carbon—energy storage material which is accumulated as intracellular granule in variety of microorganism under nutrient starved conditions. Solid PHB is a biodegradable thermoplastic polymer and is utilizable in various ways similar to many conventional plastics. Ralstonia eutropha (Alcaligenes sp.), a gram negative bacteria accumulates PHB as insoluble granules inside the cells when nutrients other than carbon are limited. In this report effort has been made to analyze PHB granule synthesis inside Alcaligenes sp. NCIM 5085 by transmission electron microscopy and qualitative estimation of PHB was carried out by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy which provide better precision compared to other conventional techniques previously applied for PHB determination. Maximum PHB concentration of 2.20 ± 0.40 g/L and cell biomass of 3.42 ± 0.20 g/L was obtained after 48.0 h of fermentation. Leudking-Piret equation deduced mixed growth associated product formation which varies from earlier reports.     

Feature of Dust Particles in the Spring Free Troposphere over Dunhuang in Northwestern China: Electron Microscopic Experiments on Individual Particles Collected with a Balloon-borne Impactor

Free tropospheric aerosol particles were collected using a balloon-borne particle impactor in August of 2002 and March of 2003 at Dunhuang in northwestern China (40°00′N, 94°30′E), and the morphology and elemental composition of the aerosol particles were analyzed in order to understand the mixing state of coarse dust particles (diameter >1 μm) over the desert areas in the Asian continent in spring. Electron microscopic experiments on the particles revealed that dust particles were major constituents of coarse mode particles in the free troposphere over the Taklamakan Desert in spring and summer. Si-rich or Ca-rich particles are major components of dust particles collected in the free troposphere over dunhuang and the values of [number of Ca-rich particles]/[number of Si-rich particles] differs markedly between spring and summer, being about 0.3 in the spring of 2003 and about 1.0 in the summer of 2002 at heights 3–5 km above sea level. It is likely that the condition of the ground surface and the strength of vertical mixing in source areas of Asian dust are potential factors causing the difference in the chemical types of dust particles. Comparison of the elemental compositions of these particles with those of particles collected over Japan strongly suggests that these particles were chemically modified during their long-range transport in the free troposphere. Analysis of wind systems shows that both the predominating westerly wind in the free troposphere and the surface wind strongly controlled by the geographical structure of the Tarim Basin are important in the long-range transport of KOSA particles originating in the Taklamakan Desert.     

Biodegradation of Epoxy and MF Modified Polyurethane Films Derived from a Sustainable Resource

Mesua ferrea L. seed oil (MFLSO) modified polyurethanes blends with epoxy and melamine formaldehyde (MF) resins have been studied for biodegradation with two techniques, namely microbial degradation (broth culture technique) and natural soil burial degradation. In the former technique, rate of increase in bacterial growth in polymer matrix was monitored for 12 days via a visible spectrophotometer at the wavelength of 600 nm using McFarland turbidity as the standard. The soil burial method was performed using three different soils under ambient conditions over a period of 6 months to correlate with natural degradation. Microorganism attack after the soil burial biodegradation of 180 days was realized by the measurement of loss of weight and mechanical properties. Biodegradation of the films was also evidenced by SEM, TGA and FTIR spectroscopic studies. The loss in intensity of the bands at ca. 1735 cm⁻¹ and ca. 1050 cm⁻¹ for ester linkages indicates biodegradation of the blends through degradation of ester group. Both microbial and soil burial studies showed polyurethane/epoxy blends to be more biodegradable than polyurethane/MF blends. Further almost one step degradation in TG analysis suggests degradation for both the blends to occur by breakage of ester links. The biodegradation of the blends were further confirmed by SEM analyses. The study reveals that the modified MFLSO based polyurethane blends deserve the potential to be applicable as “green binders” for polymer composite and surface coating applications.     

The effect of the addition of fly ash to municipal digested sludge on its electroosmotic dewatering

Effective handling of municipal digested sludge requires that the product cake have low water content. To this end, we investigated the change in sludge dewaterability after the addition of fly ash to municipal digested sludge, dewatering of which is difficult because of its high organic content. The performance of the dewatering is compared with that of electroosmotic dewatering (EDW) and conventional mechanical dewatering (CMD). Fly ash classified by sieving to the size of 25–75 μm and >75 μm is added to the municipal digested sludge by 10, 20, and 50 wt% by wet base. When adding fly ash particles to municipal digested sludge, dewatering efficiency improved with smaller fly ash particle size and with increase in the amount. When sludge was dewatered using an electroosmotic dewatering method, the dewatering efficiency is improved about 40% by adding fly ash of 25–75 μm particle size with 20 wt% when compared with conventional mechanical dewatering method without adding the fly ash. It is concluded that fly ash particles rich in inorganic material are helpful in the dewatering process when added to municipal digested sludge and EDW is more effective than CDW.     

Behavior of TiO2 nanoparticles during incineration of solid paint waste: A lab-scale test

In order to assess the potential impacts posed by products containing engineered nanoparticles, it is essential to generate more data about the release of these particles from products’ life cycle. Although first studies were performed to investigate the release of nanoparticles from use phase, very few data are available on the potential release from recycling or disposal of nano-enhanced products.In this work, we investigated the behavior of TiO₂ nanoparticles from incineration of solid paint waste containing these particles. Solid paint debris with and without TiO₂ nanoparticles were treated in a lab scale incineration plant at 950 °C (combustion temperature) and in oxidizing atmosphere. The obtained ashes were also vitrified with additives and the release of Ti was finally evaluated by leaching test. From our incineration lab-scale experiment, we did not observe a release of TiO₂ nanoparticles into the atmosphere, and Ti was attached to the surface of obtained solid residues (i.e. ashes). The characterization of ashes showed that TiO₂ nanoparticles reacted during the incineration to give calcium titanate. Finally, a very low release of Ti was measured, less 1 mg/kg, during the leaching test of ashes vitrified with glass cullet and feldspathic inert. Our work suggests that TiO₂ nanoparticles added in paints may undergo to physicochemical transformation during the incineration, and that Ti found in ashes may be strongly immobilized in glass matrix. Since this conclusion is based on lab-scale experiment, further research is required to identify which nanoparticles will be emitted to the environment from a real-word-incineration system of household hazardous waste.