ABSTRACT Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing global environmental challenges, affecting ecosystems, human health, and climate through persistent waste accumulation and microplastic formation. This comprehensive review elaborates on recycling techniques based on polymer, including mechanical and chemical recycling, advantages and limitations they pose. Though mechanical recycling is widely applied, diminishing the degradation and contamination of the polymer lowers its effectiveness. Chemical recycling gives material recovery of high quality but needs plenty of energy and money. The new technologies such as AI, nanotechnology, and biodegradable polymers have the possibility of enhancing efficiency and sustainability of recycling. Economic, regulatory, and behavioral barriers exist at large scales. Recycling technologies have to be engineered to develop a circular economy for plastics, politicians need to be robust, and public awareness has to be enhanced. This summary highlights the need for interdisciplinary thinking in order to enhance plastic waste management and provide sustainable solutions for a brighter future.

This article examines the mechanics, environmental aspects, and effects of biopolymer degradation as sustainable substitutes for conventional plastics. To maximize their environmental performance, it is important to understand degradation processes and the biological, abiotic, and environmental factors such as temperature, moisture, microbial activity, oxygen, pH, and UV exposure. The review emphasizes both the possible hazards, such as microplastic production, toxicity, and ecological disruptions, and the positive environmental advantages, such as pollution reduction and microplastic mitigation. It also addresses contemporary issues such as legislative gaps, lack of standardized testing, delayed degradation in natural environments, and financial constraints. In order to promote sustainable, biodegradable materials that support global environmental and societal goals, future approaches will concentrate on cutting-edge monitoring technologies, circular economy principles, policy development, and public awareness. In conclusion, biopolymers have a lot to offer the environment, but in order to fully realize their potential in sustainable development, further study, technological progress, and international collaboration are needed.

Melanoma is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer and the leading cause of death related to skin disease. Recent years have seen a significant increase in the number of cases of this type of cancer, underscoring the need to develop effective therapeutic strategies to control it. One of the most promising research directions in this field is anticancer immunotherapy, particularly the use of vaccines aimed at enhancing the body’s cellular immunity. Among the modern methods of this type, mRNA-based vaccines are prominent, gaining increasing importance as a potential tool in cancer therapy. Their main advantages include a relatively rapid and flexible production process, low production costs, and the ability to induce both humoral and cellular immune responses. Despite their numerous advantages, therapeutic mRNA vaccines also pose a number of scientific and technological challenges. These primarily concern the stability of mRNA molecules and their effective delivery to target cells. In this context, delivery systems such as lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) play a key role, protecting mRNA from degradation and facilitating its transport into the cell cytoplasm. Alternatively, systems based on biodegradable polymers are also being developed, which can provide controlled mRNA release and additional biocompatibility. However, before therapeutic mRNA vaccines become a routine component of cancer therapy, extensive clinical trials and a thorough understanding of their mechanisms of action are necessary. This paper provides an overview of the current knowledge regarding the structure and delivery methods of therapeutic mRNA vaccines, with a particular emphasis on their use in melanoma therapy. The results of clinical trials to date are also presented and the challenges associated with implementing this form of therapy in medical practice are discussed.

Plastic leachates induce appetitive response in the helmet crab Telmessus cheiragonus.

Lignocellulosic jute-based nanofiber composite as biomimetic tissue scaffold.

The Diversity of Plastisphere Bacterial and Fungal Communities Differs between Biodegradable Polymer Types in Soil.

Magnesium has attracted attention as an orthopedic implant material due to its excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability; however, rapid corrosion in physiological environments remains a major limitation. In this study, a polydopamine (PDA) intermediate layer and alginate/chitosan multilayer coating were formed on pure magnesium surfaces, with dexamethasone incorporation to simultaneously improve corrosion resistance and bioactivity. SEM observation revealed that uniform coating layers were formed on alginate/chitosan multilayer coated specimens, and the chemical structure of the coating layers was confirmed through FT-IR and XRD analyses. Electrochemical analysis revealed that the PDA/alginate/chitosan coating group exhibited higher corrosion potential (Ecorr: −0.7514 ± 0.022 V vs. −1.706 ± 0.001 V) and lower corrosion current density (icorr: 2.275 ± 0.15 × 10−7 A/cm2 vs. 1.528 ± 0.47 × 10−4 A/cm2) compared to pure magnesium, with the highest impedance indicating superior corrosion resistance. In tape peel testing, the polydopamine-coated group demonstrated superior adhesion compared to the non-coated group, and sustained release of dexamethasone was confirmed. MC3T3-E1 cell culture results confirmed cell proliferation in all specimens, with the PDA/alginate/chitosan group exhibiting the highest ALP activity compared to other surface-treated groups. Based on these results, the PDA/alginate/chitosan multilayer coating was confirmed to be an effective surface modification method for corrosion control and promotion of osteoblast differentiation on magnesium.

Eco-friendly non-isocyanate polyurethane and carboxymethyl cellulose composite films reinforced with sodium lignosulfonate for sustainable packaging applications.

Intelligent packaging films based on anthocyanins: A review of structural properties, biodegradable polymers, application and prospects in food freshness monitoring

Sonodynamic biodegradable pseduo-conjugate polymer delivery of warfarin for inducing generation of cancerous ROS and ferroptosis

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of death worldwide. Current treatments using balloon angioplasty, stents, and bypass grafts still suffer from significant risks of restenosis and thrombosis. This review outlines key research areas where polymers are used in treatments for cardiovascular diseases, highlighting developments from the last decade. Designed to serve both experts and non-experts in the field, it requires little prior knowledge of the subject. A description of the cardiovascular system, cardiovascular diseases, current treatments, and their limitations are first introduced. After providing a detailed overview of the basic and advanced requirements for new treatments, recent advances in key research fields where polymers are applied to achieve these goals are highlighted. While surface modifications aim to improve endothelialization and/or prevent neointimal proliferation, shape memory polymer stents are intended to reduce damage to the arterial wall upon expansion. Research has also focused on developing biodegradable polymer stents to avoid any remaining material in the artery after healing. Finally, various advanced processing methods enable the production of polymeric personalized stents. By addressing various research areas in a single review, the interplay among them is highlighted, demonstrating that their convergence is essential for optimizing treatments and improving human quality of life.

In situ reprogramming of tumor associated macrophages with versatile nano-epigenetic inhibitor for lung cancer therapy.

Phenolic acid-functionalized and loaded electrospun nanofibers: Innovations in active and multifunctional food packaging.

The growing demand for improved food safety has fueled significant interest in antimicrobial polymeric coatings for food contact surfaces. This review offers a thorough examination of various antimicrobial coatings, including natural biopolymerbased, synthetic, and hybrid composites, spotlighting their modes of action and effectiveness in combating microbial contamination. It explores key antimicrobial agents such as metal-based compounds, natural antimicrobials, and synthetic chemicals, discussing their unique properties and potential applications. Equally, the review evaluates different testing methods for antimicrobial efficacy and identifies critical performance factors, including environmental conditions, surface properties, and the type of microbial contaminants. The hurdles and limitations of these coatings are also addressed, including concerns about durability, health and environmental impacts, and economic viability. Through detailed case studies, this review synthesizes current knowledge and offers insights into future research, with a particular focus on biodegradable polymers and innovative natural antimicrobials. The findings emphasize the potential of antimicrobial coatings to enhance food safety and inform the development of sustainable food packaging technologies, supporting advancements in health-conscious and environmentally friendly industrial applications.

Wound healing is a complex physiological process that demands multifunctional therapeutic approaches to ensure effective recovery. This study presents a straightforward approach using blend electrospinning to produce multimodal hybrid nanomaterials that accelerate the wound healing process. Poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL), cellulose acetate (CA), and polyethylene oxide (PEO) were utilized as biodegradable, compatible, and compliant polymers for generating nanofibers. Hybrid nanofibers functionalized with dexamethasone, ascorbic acid, and hyperbranched polymers introduce anti-inflammatory, regenerative, and antimicrobial properties. Pristine nanofibers with diameters of 0.818 ± 0.028 and 0.845 ± 0.039µm were generated, while drug-loaded fibers with average diameters of 1.075 ± 0.055 and 1.235 ± 0.075µm were obtained. The fibers demonstrated a porosity ranging from 72 % to 86 %. Further, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and contact angle, as well as zeta potential measurements, highlight the physicochemical properties of the fibers. In vivo studies of the nanofibers demonstrated that by day 11, there was a significant acceleration in wound healing. A remarkable acceleration was observed in cell proliferation, granulation, and remodeling phases. The findings emphasize the potential of multimodal hybrid nanofibers as advanced wound dressings and the importance of integrative strategies in wound care.

Chronic wounds remain a major clinical challenge due to their strong association with antibiotic-resistant microbial biofilms. These nonhealing wounds demand advanced therapeutic strategies that go beyond passive protection to actively monitor and respond to changes in the wound environment. To address this, we propose an activity-based sensing strategy that detects bacterial proteolytic activity using composition-tunable biopolymer films that degrade in response to pathogen-secreted enzymes. Gelatin films cross-linked with (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (GPTMS) and blended with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) were engineered to undergo selective peptide-bond cleavage by proteolytic activity. The incorporation of PEO enhanced water uptake and accelerated enzymatic degradation, with the optimal composition (25% PEO) exhibiting 4-fold faster mass loss compared to cross-linked gelatin, reaching ∼80% degradation within 12-24 h in the presence of the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa and ∼35% within 24-48 h with drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Real-time acoustic measurements revealed distinct degradation kinetics and viscoelastic signatures at nanoscale that correlated with P. aeruginosa protease activity, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy confirmed structural and morphological changes following enzymatic exposure. Together, these findings establish a label-free, enzyme-responsive sensing platform that transduces bacterial activity, including biofilm-associated proteolysis, into quantitative physical signals. These findings establish composition-tunable enzyme-responsive biopolymer degradation as a viable broad-spectrum platform responding to total proteolytic activity. As no pathogen-specific recognition elements are required, this platform offers excellent potential to detect challenging polymicrobial infections.

Air quality management in greenhouses is critical to safeguarding plant health and occupational safety, yet conventional filtration methods often fall short in performance and sustainability. These enclosed environments are prone to the accumulation of bioaerosols, including fungi, bacteria, pollen, and dust particles, which can compromise crop productivity and pose health risks to workers. This review explores recent advancements in air filtration technologies for controlled environments such as greenhouses, where airborne particulate matter, bioaerosols, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present ongoing challenges. Special focus is given to the development of filtration media based on electrospun nanofibers, which offer high surface area, tunable porosity, and low airflow resistance. The use of biodegradable polymers in these systems to support environmental sustainability is examined, along with electrospinning techniques that enable precise control over fiber morphology and functionalization. Antimicrobial enhancements are discussed, including inorganic agents such as metal nanoparticles and bio-based options like essential oils. Essential oils, known for their broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, are assessed for their potential in long-term, controlled-release applications through nanofiber encapsulation. Overall, this paper highlights the potential of integrating sustainable materials, innovative fiber fabrication techniques, and nature-derived antimicrobials to advance air filtration performance while meeting ecological and health-related standards.

The design of functional and sustainable materials requires a detailed understanding of the material properties and degradation mechanisms. In particular, the design of fully biodegradable polymers could allow a quick and controlled decomposition of materials before they accumulate in the environment and break down to micro- and nanoplastics. An important degradation pathway proceeds via the hydrolysis of polyesters. To obtain the best performing material candidates, a multiscale-level understanding that takes into account electronic structure combined with multiple configurations at the macroscopic scale is necessary. In this contribution, we present the extension of the multiscale Quantum Cluster Equilibrium method to oligomer materials. We showcase the first application of this methodology to oligomer systems, in particular oligo(ε-Caprolactone). The ε-Caprolactone oligomers were synthesized and characterized comprehensively by means of NMR, SEC, DSC, and TGA. Experimentally, two melting temperatures were observed, which were predicted by theoretical calculations and are in convincing agreement.

Biodegradable polymer films used for mulching practices provide numerous benefits while minimizing the environmental impact associated with traditional plastic films. Understanding the degradation processes of biodegradable films is essential for optimizing their performance and ensuring their effective breakdown in the environment. This article analyzes the degradation phenomenon for a commercial PLA/PBAT biodegradable mulching film with reference to Mediterranean environmental conditions. The paper presents the results of chemical and mechanical tests on aged samples obtained by in situ degradation trials on three different soils (pellet, sandy and clay) with the aim of exploring the role of environmental conditions in the degradation process. Degradation tests have considered the decay of morphological, chemical and mechanical properties during standard crop cycles of the South Mediterranean area.

Polypropylene microplastics (PP-MPs) represent a persistent class of marine pollutants due to their hydrophobicity, high crystallinity, and resistance to environmental degradation. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding the environmental behavior, physicochemical aging, and ecotoxicological risks of PP-MPs, with emphasis on microbial degradation pathways involving bacteria, fungi, algae, and filter-feeding invertebrates. The biodegradation of PP-MPs is jointly regulated by environmental conditions, polymer properties, and the structure and function of plastisphere communities. Although photo-oxidation and mechanical abrasion enhance microbial colonization by increasing surface roughness and introducing oxygenated functional groups, overall degradation rates remain low in marine environments. Emerging mitigation strategies include biodegradable polymer alternatives, multifunctional catalytic and adsorptive materials, engineered microbial consortia, and integrated photo–biodegradation systems. Key research priorities include elucidating molecular degradation mechanisms, designing programmable degradable materials, and establishing AI-based monitoring frameworks. This review provides a concise foundation for developing ecologically safe and scalable approaches to PP-MP reduction and sustainable marine pollution management.