Types Of Plastic Research Articles

An experience of staged treatment of gunshot wounds

The article describes clinical cases of successful treatment of gunshot wounds (shot) in the Trauma Department of the Scientific Research Institute – Regional Clinical Hospital No. 1 named after Professor S.V. Ochapovsky" (Krasnodar, Russia). In the treatment of gunshot fractures, the recognized method is the use of external transosseous fixation devices, but in modern conditions it is possible to use various surgical techniques of one-stage and staged treatment. To prevent infectious complications, in addition to medications, VAC drainage and subsequently delayed autodermoplasty are recommended for victims with the most severe fractures.Purpose of a study: to select the most successful effective tactics for the treatment of non-standard clinical cases with ligamentous gunshot wounds of the extremities.Material and methods. Upon admission, all wounded underwent laboratory tests: general blood and urine tests, biochemical blood tests, immunological cytological studies, radiography and ultrasound examination (ultrasound) of the injured limb. Subsequently, surgical treatment of the wound, its vacuum therapy, plastic surgery with pedicle flaps and free skin autoplasty were performed in stages.Results. To replace the wound defect with exposure of deep anatomical structures, plastic surgery with skin-fat flaps was performed with an individual approach to the choice of the type of skin plastic surgery.Conclusion. The key factors for the success of the surgical results are consistency in treatment and active monitoring of the wound surface, aimed at early detection of potential complications in the postoperative period.

Future climate and agricultural farming systems affect the fungal plastisphere of different biodegradable plastics at the early stage of field degradation

BackgroundThe use of biodegradable mulch films has an advantage over non-biodegradable ones, as it offers degradation by microbes under environmental conditions. Nevertheless, less is known about the microbial colonization of different biodegradable plastics under different agricultural systems and climate change conditions. In the current study, the plastic degradation experiment was conducted at the Global Change Experimental Facility platform, specifically in conventional and organic farming systems, both under ambient and future climatic conditions. In this study, we investigated the early fungal colonizers associated with polybutylene-succinate (PBS) and polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT) with polyethylene (PE) as a reference in comparison to the initial soil fungal community.ResultsWe found a distinct pattern between soil and plastisphere fungi. Soil fungi were dominated by Sordariomycetes (mainly Gibellulopsis, Fusarium, and Gibberella), and fungi in plastics were dominated by Dothideomycetes (mainly Mycosphaerella, Alternaria, and Cladosporium). These microbes were previously reported as plastic colonizers and potential plastic degraders. We found that agricultural systems affect both fungal richness and community composition of the plastisphere. Plastic type significantly affected the fungal richness, but not the fungal community composition. The two different agricultural systems undergo different treatments, including crop rotation and fertilization, which in turn impact the fungal colonization of the biodegradable plastics.ConclusionsThis study provides new insights into factors that affect early fungal colonization of different biodegradable plastics under real field conditions using high-throughput sequencing. These data are of high relevance to evaluate the plastic composition for adjusted rate of plastic biodegradation for upcoming mulch film products.

Using Insect Larvae and Their Microbiota for Plastic Degradation

Plastic pollution is one of the biggest current global threats to the environment given that petroleum-based plastic is recalcitrant and can stay in the environment for decades, even centuries, depending on the specific plastic type. Since less than 10% of all plastic made is recycled, and the other solutions (such as incineration or landfill storage) are pollutant methods, new, environmentally friendly solutions are needed. In this regard, the latest biotechnological discovery on this topic is the capability of insect larvae to use plastic polymers as carbon feedstock. This present review describes the most relevant information on the insect larvae capable of degrading plastic, mainly Galleria mellonella (Fabricius, 1798), Tenebrio molitor (Linnaeus, 1758), and Zophobas atratus (Fabricius, 1776), and also adds new information about other less commonly studied “plastivore” insects such as termites. This review covers the literature from the very first work describing plastic degradation by larvae published in 2014 all the way to the very latest research available (till June 2024), focusing on the identification of a wide variety of plastic-degrading microorganisms isolated from larvae guts and on the understanding of the potential molecular mechanisms present for degradation to take place. It also describes the latest discoveries, which include the identification of novel enzymes from waxworm saliva.

Modeling of masonry infilled RC frames with different aspect ratios using plastic hinge and equivalent strut

The existence of diverse modeling approaches for masonry-infilled frames causes uncertainty among practicing engineers when seeking a definitive model for their design practice. This paper presents a practical and simple approach to modeling the masonry-infilled frames. The proposed approach models the plasticity in the beams and columns of the reinforced concrete (RC) frames using flexural plastic hinges while modeling the masonry panel as a nonlinear equivalent strut. The implementation of the hinge is based on discretizing the frame cross-section into fibers and utilizing a popular formula to estimate the plastic hinge length specific to masonry-infilled frames. Furthermore, the implemented equivalent strut model employs a trilinear force–displacement backbone curve. The efficiency of this approach was evaluated against the experimental results of four different tested infilled RC frames available in the literature. A conventional approach based on a typical explicit plastic hinge was included for comparison. Unlike the conventional approach, the numerical results obtained from the presented approach better matched the experimental results. Subsequently, the presented approach was utilized to investigate the effect of the aspect ratio of clay masonry infill panels on the behavior of RC frames. The investigation revealed that the panels with larger aspect ratios provided a larger contribution to the ultimate lateral load, despite experiencing lower ultimate axial stresses compared to panels with smaller aspect ratios. However, increasing the thickness of the masonry infill with a small aspect ratio appeared to improve its effectiveness in resisting the lateral force.

EMT-driven plasticity prospectively increases cell–cell variability to promote therapeutic adaptation in breast cancer

Cellular plasticity enables cancer cells to adapt non-genetically, thereby preventing therapeutic success. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a type of plasticity linked to resistance and metastasis. However, its exact impact on population diversity and its dynamics under chemotherapy is unknown. We used single-cell transcriptomics to investigate phenotypic diversity dynamics upon treatment in two in vitro models of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), where EMT-driven plasticity is either induced or spontaneously occurring. We report that EMT-driven plasticity confers higher phenotypic cell–cell variability (p < 0.001) while enriching for stem-like cells. Genetic and phenotypic cell–cell variability were not consistently correlated. High-plasticity populations displayed more pre-adapted cells before treatment (p = 0.03). In a population displaying spontaneous EMT and phenotypic variation, pre-adapted cells were a rare minority of high-scoring outliers whose expression patterns correlated with survival in TNBC patients subjected to chemotherapy (p = 0.03). Higher plasticity was not associated with a partial EMT status. Our results provide novel insights on how EMT-driven plasticity promotes a prospective diversification process increasing population phenotypic diversity, which can yield rare pre-adapted states before treatment. This highlights the need to tackle phenotypic diversity prior to treatment in high-plasticity tumours.

Temporal succession of marine microbes drives plastisphere community convergence in subtropical coastal waters.

Marine plastic pollution is a pervasive environmental issue, with microplastics serving as novel substrates for microbial colonization in aquatic ecosystems. This study investigates the succession of plastisphere communities on four common plastic types (polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polystyrene) in subtropical coastal waters of Hong Kong SAR. Over a 42-day period, we analysed the temporal development of microbial communities using a three-domain universal metabarcoding method. Our results reveal that temporal succession is a stronger driver of community structure than plastic type, with prokaryotic communities converging across different plastics as biofilms mature. Despite this convergence, plastisphere communities remain distinct from planktonic communities throughout the experiment, suggesting that plastics create unique ecological niches in marine environments. We observed differences in diversity patterns and community composition among prokaryotic, eukaryotic, and chloroplastic communities, highlighting the importance of multi-domain analyses in plastisphere research. Functional predictions suggest potential roles of prokaryotic communities in biogeochemical cycling and possible pathogenicity, highlighting the ecological and public health implications of plastisphere formation. This study provides valuable insights into the dynamics of microbial colonization across domains on marine plastics and enhances our understanding of how these anthropogenic substrates influence microbial ecology in marine ecosystems.

Seabird biomonitoring indicates similar plastic pollution throughout the Canary Current.

Marine plastic pollution is an emerging global threat for biodiversity. Plastic ingestion is one of the most typical and studied consequences with petrels being a particularly vulnerable group. We studied the plastic ingestion by Cory's shearwater (Calonectris borealis) fledglings in three islands of the Canarian Archipelago (Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote). Breeders from different islands show substantial spatial segregation in their foraging areas across the Canary Current Large Marine Ecosystem (CCLME), a critical marine biodiversity hotspot and an important fishing ground in the North Atlantic Ocean. Here, we used a combination of plastic ingestion parameters (number, maximum length, type and colour of plastics) and stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) to study potential differences in plastic ingestion loads and trophic niche between three colonies. Our findings reveal a high incidence of plastic ingestion (>90%) among birds from the three islands. However, although adult birds show foraging and trophic niche segregation across the CCLME, no substantial differences were found in plastic ingestion. White and transparent threadlike fragments were predominantly ingested, likely originating from fishing activities in the CCLME. We provide a baseline for monitoring of plastic pollution in the CCLME and highlight Cory's shearwater as an effective bioindicator of pelagic ecosystems. Our findings emphasize the need for more standardized plastic monitoring programs covering other islands, and for management measures in the fishing activities conducted in the CCLME.

Environmental release behavior, cell toxicity and intracellular distribution of novel biodegradable plastic materials.

In response to the increasingly severe issue of plastic waste, biodegradable plastics have garnered extensive attention as a potential alternative to traditional plastics. Among these materials, biodegradable plastics hold a dominant position. The objective of this study was to assess the environmental risks of five commercially available biodegradable plastics: polyglycolic acid (PGA), polylactic acid (PLA), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene carbonate) (PBC), and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT). The evaluation included their physical properties, microplastic release behavior, and cytotoxicity. In addition, the effect of age process on the environmental behavior of biodegradable plastic materials was further investigated. The results revealed that PGA and PBS exhibited lower risks in terms of microplastic release, whereas PLA demonstrated higher environmental mobility. Further cytotoxicity experiments indicated that PLA and PBS exerted significant toxic effects on human cell lines, including human normal liver cells (LO2), human monocytic leukemia cells (THP-1), human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and human colon carcinoma cells (Caco-2). Additionally, this study utilized Nile Red labeling to observe the co-culture system of PGA with THP-1cells, uncovering that THP-1cells gradually engulfed and internalized PGA microplastics over time. This finding provides new insights into the potential mechanism by which microplastics promote cell proliferation. Moreover, we also found that the aging process partially reduced the cytotoxicity of PGA, but had little effect on environmental mobility. Considering the comprehensive research findings, PGA is considered an ideal material for large-scale applications due to its low cytotoxicity and environmental risks. In contrast, the environmental safety of other types of plastics requires more comprehensive risk assessment to determine their suitability. This study provides significant scientific evidence for the environmental impact assessment of biodegradable plastics and plays a crucial role in promoting the development of sustainable plastic alternatives.

Occurrence and migration of synthetic phenolic antioxidants in food packaging materials: Effects of plastic types and storage temperature.

Synthetic phenolic antioxidants (SPAs) are widely used in food packaging materials to extend product shelf life. Not much attention has been paid to high molecular weight SPAs (HMW SPAs) so far, despite their potential health risks. In this study, we first analyzed the concentrations of ten HMW SPAs in food plastic packaging materials (including 6 plastic categories, n=116). The total concentrations of HMW SPAs (∑SPAs) ranged from 0.0844 to 894mg/kg, with a geometric mean of 71.7mg/kg. The predominant HMW SPAs included AO1010 (accounting for 71.8% of total concentrations of HMW SPAs), AO1076 (21.4%), and AO3114 (3.14%), with AO1010 detected in all samples. Higher concentrations were notably found in polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) materials. Migration tests revealed that HMW SPAs could readily transfer into food simulants, with PP exhibiting the lowest migration levels. Migration of SPAs into fatty foods was pronounced, increasing with temperature (temperature gradients: 4°C, 25°C, and 60°C). In the 95% ethanol food simulants, the maximum migration amounts of AO1076 in PE (7.05mg/kg at 25°C) and PET (9.79mg/kg at 25°C; 10.8mg/kg at 60°C) surpassed the specific migration limit (SML) set by the national standards, posing potential food safety risks. This was the first report on the presence and migration patterns of ten HMW SPAs in food plastic packaging materials, providing crucial insights into food packaging material safety.

Catalytic co-pyrolysis of PET/PP plastics and olive pomace biomass with marble sludge catalyst

Sustainable and efficient waste management requires involvement of symbiotic solutions to various types of wastes, and so to achieve circular economy. Through this motivation, in this study, combined thermochemical conversion (pyrolysis) of plastics, biomass and marble processing effluents physicochemical treatment sludge (K1) were studied. In this combination, plastics were petroleum-based synthetic aromatic (PET) and aliphatic (PP) organics, while olive pomace-OP was natural agricultural residue. K1 was mineral product, which was first introduced in the literature as pyrolysis catalyst by the authors. In the study, co-pyrolysis of polymers and biomass was catalyzed by mineral waste containing CaCO3. The effect of plastic type and pyrolyzed material mixture ratio on pyrolysis fractions were investigated. Moreover, material recovery potential from pyrolysis fractions were discussed. In catalytic co-pyrolysis, by increasing the plastic ratio in the mixture, the pyrolytic liquid and oligomer fraction increased while the solid (char) and gas fraction decreased. For 70%PP+15%OP+15%K1 mixture, liquid product was dominant, whereas with 60%PET+20%OP+20%K1 much more pyrolytic gas fraction produced. The thermal degradation of char products did not exceed 2-3% up to 600°C and this stability continues up to approximately 700°C reveals the potential of the char to be used in alternative areas as a material with high thermal resistance. The catalytic co-pyrolysis liquid products contain alkanes, alkenes, acids, phenols, benzene, aldehydes, esters, alcohols, ketones. Benzene, acid and alcohol groups were dominant in liquids, while alkane, alkene and alkyne groups were dominant in gases.

Surveys of Knowledge and Awareness of Plastic Pollution and Risk Reduction Behavior in the General Population: A Systematic Review

Individual attitudes and knowledge can predict pro-environmental behaviors. Public surveys, therefore, can provide precious information, which can guide sensitization interventions. In this systematic review, we searched Medline and Embase, with no language or date restrictions, for surveys designed to measure in the general population the level of knowledge about different types of plastics, the risks associated with plastic pollution, and awareness of actions to reduce them. Survey tools were analyzed following the guide of Burns and Kho, and study methodological quality was assessed via the Appraisal Tool for Cross-Sectional Studies. We included 17 articles published from 2019 to 2024, mostly concerning European populations. The tools comprised a median of 13 items (range 7–50), and very differently formulated questions. Overall, 13/17 (76.5%) study questionnaires received less than 50% (&lt;3.5) of the maximum possible score. The remaining four questionnaires obtained intermediate scores (between 3.5 and 5.3) indicating moderate quality. Most studies did not employ the appropriate cross-sectional survey methodology, only two studies statistically justified sample sizes, only three reported a sampling frame, and only two described a selection process that appears to be representative. In most cases, the instruments were not validated, and the statistical significance of key variables was not provided. The many shortcomings highlighted in this review emphasize the urgent need for methodological rigor when conducting survey studies, which are essential tools for public health.

Biodegradation potential of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) using Aspergillus niger and Phanerochaete chrysosporium

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is one of the most predominant and widely used plastic types on earth. This study investigated the degradation of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) with two fungal species. Aspergillus niger and Phanerochaete chrysosporium were the two fungal species that were isolated from garbage soil and screened in two medium broths independently i.e. Czapek-Dox broth (CDB) and Mineral salt medium (MSM). The broth was used to inoculate both fungi species in flasks where LDPE polymer as source of carbon. Non pre-treatment LDPE samples were incubated for a 20-day biodegradation process. Microbial population, biomass layer, pH were maintained during the process. The final biodegradation percentage after 20 days was 40% in CDB and minimum degradation rate in MSM. The morphological, structural and functional group alterations on LDPE were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). DSC analytical method confirmed the LDPE polymer chain breakdown. LDPE exposed to fungi species was reported to show crystallinity and crystal size differences with peak intensity at 21.4°. Through the analysis of FTIR peaks were observed at 2927 and 2523 cm−1. This research highlights the potential of both fungi for biodegradation of LDPE. However, with these findings adaptive metabolic pathways for LDPE biodegradation need to be linked and studied.Graphical

Bacterium-Phage Symbiosis Facilitates the Enrichment of Bacterial Pathogens and Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria in the Plastisphere.

The plastisphere, defined as the ecological niche for microbial colonization of plastic debris, has been recognized as a hotspot of pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. However, the interactions between bacteria and phages facilitated by the plastisphere, as well as their impact on microbial risks to public health, remain unclear. Here, we analyzed public metagenomic data from 180 plastisphere and environmental samples, stemming from four different habitats and two plastic types (biodegradable and nonbiodegradable plastics) and obtained 611 nonredundant metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) and 4061 nonredundant phage contigs. The plastisphere phage community exhibited decreased diversity and virulent proportion compared to those found in environments. Indexes of phage-host interaction networks indicated significant associations of phages with pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB), particularly for biodegradable plastics. Known phage-encoded auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) were involved in nutrient metabolism, antibiotic production, quorum sensing, and biofilm formation in the plastisphere, which contributed to enhanced competition and survival of pathogens and ARB hosts. Phages also carried transcriptionally active virulence factor genes (VFGs) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and could mediate their horizontal transfer in microbial communities. Overall, these discoveries suggest that plastisphere phages form symbiotic relationships with their hosts, and that phages encoding AMGs and mediating horizontal gene transfer (HGT) could increase the source of pathogens and antibiotic resistance from the plastisphere.

Ingestion of polyethylene microplastics impacts cichlid behaviour despite having low retention time.

Microplastics, particles between 0.001 and 5 mm in diameter, are ubiquitous in the environment and their consumption by aquatic organisms is known to lead to a variety of adverse effects. However, studies on the effects of microplastics on prey fish have not shown consistent trends, with results varying across species and plastic type used. Here, we manipulated the levels of microplastic (MP) exposure among juvenile convict cichlids (Archocentrus nigrofasciatus) by feeding them brine shrimp (Artemia spp.) exposed to 0, 10, or 100 MP ml-1 of virgin polyethylene microspheres (10-20 μm) for a 10-day period. We then tested groups of 3 cichlids in a 2-day maze trial, in which we measured the latency to explore and time to complete a novel maze. We found no impacts of microplastic exposure on foraging rate, growth, or competitive aggression. However, our results demonstrate that microplastics exposure shaped exploratory behaviour and maze performance. Despite these effects, we found very little microplastics remaining in the fish's bodies after the experiment. A companion experiment demonstrates that most plastic particles were egested within 24 h. Our current results show that pristine microplastics at non-lethal levels have consequences on cichlid behaviour and decision-making but not growth.

Combined BPA and DIBP Exposure Induced Intestinal Mucosal Barrier Impairment Through the Notch Pathway and Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in Mice.

Bisphenol A (BPA) and diisobutyl (DIBP) phthalate are widely used as typical plasticizers in food packaging. Plasticizers can be released from polymers, migrate into food, and be ingested by humans, leading to various health problems. However, little research has investigated the combined toxicity of BPA and DIBP, particularly their intestinal toxicity. Our goal is to analyse the combined toxicity of BPA (50 mg/kg) and DIBP (500 mg/kg) on the intestines of KM mice. Additionally, we tried to find natural products that can inhibit or prevent the combined toxicity of BPA and DIBP. The results indicated that the combination of BPA and DIBP exposure resulted in a reduction of beneficial flora, an increase in D-Lac levels (136 ± 14 μmol/L), an increase in intestinal permeability, activation of the notch pathway, and a decline in intestinal stem cells (ISCs) to goblet cells, compared to single-exposure sources. Nevertheless, Rubus chingii Hu phenolic extract (RHPE) (200, 400 and 600 mg/kg) ameliorated the BPA and DIBP-induced intestinal microbiota disruption and intestinal mucosal barrier impairment by inhibiting the overactivation of the notch pathway. The results of this study highlight the potential risks to human health posed by the combination of BPA and DIBP and may help explain the potential pathways of enterotoxicity caused by combined ingestion.

Water: Impacts of plastic pollution on human health and biological systems

Current spare of human development consisting of advancements in science and technology that led to the synthesis of plastics, polymers with diverse benefits in human endeavours; and on the other hand, the need for quality water is more intensified nowadays. Plastics pollution is rising due to mismanagement, and inturn causing contamination of water bodies and ultimately affecting biological systems. A review of literatures pertaining water, plastics and water pollution was done to fulfill the objective of this study. This study examines the harmful effects of plastics in water on human health and biological systems. Plastics, widely used in daily life, contaminate water sources, posing significant health risks. This review explores the role of water in biological systems, types of plastics, sources of plastic pollution, harmful chemicals conveyed by plastics, and management strategies.This paper concludes that behavior change, effective waste management, effective water supply and treatment, awareness creation may contribute greatly in controlling water pollution caused by plastic pollution.

Co-Pyrolysis of Plastic Waste and Lignin: A Pathway for Enhanced Hydrocarbon Recovery

Various plastics and biomass wastes, such as polypropylene (PP), low- or high-density polyethylene (LDPE/HDPE), and lignin, have become some of the most concerning wastes nowadays. In this context, this study aimed to investigate the possibility of applying thermochemical processes for the valorization of these materials. The experiments were carried out using a thermogravimetric analyzer on individual plastic and lignin samples and their mixtures at different mass ratios of 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, and 1:4. The gaseous products evolved during the pyrolysis process were analyzed by combined thermogravimetric and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (TG-FTIR) and chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) to analyze the functional groups and chemical composition of the obtained pyrolysis products. The results showed that the main functional groups of lignin monitored by TG-FTIR were aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons, while all plastics showed the same results for hydrocarbons. The investigation confirmed that mixing these types of plastics with lignin at different mass ratios led to increased recovery of higher-value-added products. Py-GC/MS analysis showed that the greatest results of compound recovery were achieved with lignin and LDPE/HDPE mixtures at 600 °C. At this temperature and with a mass ratio of 1:3, the plastic’s radicals enhanced the depolymerization of lignin, encouraging its wider decomposition to hydrocarbons that can be applied for the production of value-added chemicals and bio-based energy.

Invasion and ecological impact of the biofouling tube worm Hydroides elegans (Polychaeta: Serpulidae) in Korean coastal waters

Biofouling, the colonization of submerged surfaces by organisms including microorganisms, plants, algae, and animals, involves both natural and artificial environments. The serpulid worm Hydroides elegans, known as an invasive species in global port areas, creates extensive aggregations of calcareous tubes. In 2019, H. elegans was found attached to the research vessel ISABU in Korea, and a phylogenetic analysis was conducted to identify the species and determine its genetic characteristics. Following its detection, mesocosm experiments with plastic panels (PP, PE, PET, and EPS) were undertaken to investigate its recruitment and adaptation processes within new ecosystems. During the 12-week experiment, the biomass of H. elegans increased on all plastic types, significantly contributing to the overall biomass accumulation. This invasive species has replaced the previously prevalent native species Hydroides ezoensis, achieving dominance over other taxonomic groups in biomass. These findings demonstrate the significant ecological disruptions caused by non-indigenous species introduced through maritime activities, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced preventative and monitoring strategies

Antibacterial thermoplastic starch/sepiolite bio-nanocomposite films: Effects of plasticizer type and starch source

The use of starch-based films as an alternative food packaging has gained prominence as part of efforts to ensure sustainability and manage post-user waste, aligning with European regulations and broader global sustainability goals. In this study, Thermoplastic starch (TPS) bio-nanocomposite hybrid films were developed by incorporating high purity sepiolite (HPS) and Turkish oregano extract (OE) as reinforcement and antimicrobial additives, respectively. The interactive effects of four experimental variables (temperature, time, plasticizer type, and ratio) on the mechanical characteristics of corn and potato starch-based films were evaluated using Box-Behnken response surface methodology. A three-level, three-factor Box-Behnken design was utilized to investigate the effects of the experimental variables on tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (EB), and E-modulus (EM) of the starch-based films. The potato-based TPS films using sorbitol rather than glycerol exhibited better mechanical properties than corn starch-based TPS films under the optimized experimental parameters of 70°C gelatinization temperature, 60 minutes gelatinization time, and 40% sorbitol plasticizer. The addition of 3% HPS slightly enhanced the mechanical (TS: 26.0 MPa, EB:11.3%, and EM:1817 MPa) and oxygen permeability characteristics (OTR: 25 cc/m2.day) of the potato-based bio-nanocomposite films. The hybrid films prepared with the addition of OE provided &gt;99.7% antibacterial resistance to E. coli and S. aureus bacteria (in accordance with ASTM D3985). These findings suggest that starch-based hybrid films offer a promising approach to address both environmental and food safety concerns, raising the prospect of using such films as innovative active packaging materials in the future.

Microplastic accumulation in various bird species in Turkey.

Plastic pollution constitutes one of the major environmental problems of our time, and in recent years, it has emerged as a significant threat to the environment and to various organisms, including bird species. In this context, this study, which provides the first data in Türkiye, aimed to determine the level of microplastic (MP) pollution in 12 bird species (Eurasian buzzard; short-toed snake-eagle; white stork; northern long-eared owl; common barn-owl; ruddy shelduck; Eurasian eagle-owl; scarlet macaw; common pheasant; Indian peafowl; common kestrel; and gray parrot). The results indicate that MPs were detected in 50% of the specimens (n = 20), with an average of one MP/item per individual. With an average of three MPs per individual, the short-toed snake-eagle was found to be the species with the highest MP accumulation. Fibers (range: 51-534 µm) were the most common type of plastic found in the gastrointestinal tract of birds, with ethylene vinyl acetate and navy blue being the most common polymer type and color, respectively. It was also found that the abundance of MPs increased with the weight of specimens, contributing to the hypothesis that there is a correlation between the size/weight of animals and increased levels of MP accumulation. These findings highlight the impact of plastic pollution on birdlife and the need for further monitoring to assess the ecological impact of pollution.