Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tengfei Li, Arjun Vijeta, Carla Casadevall, Alexander S. Gentleman, Tijmen Euser, Erwin Reisner
Summary: Chemical recycling of synthetic polymers is a promising strategy to deconstruct plastic waste and produce valuable products. In this study, a visible-light-driven reaction was developed to deconstruct polystyrene (PS) into benzoic acid and other aromatic products, and the practicality of this strategy was demonstrated by deconstructing PS foam on a gram scale. The reaction proceeded via a C-H bond oxidation pathway, which was supported by theoretical calculations and experimental results. The study introduces concepts from small-molecule catalysis to polymer deconstruction and provides a promising method to address the global crisis of plastic pollution.
Article
Microbiology
Anutthaman Parthasarathy, Renata Rezende Miranda, Nathan C. Eddingsaas, Jonathan Chu, Ian M. Freezman, Anna C. Tyler, Andre O. Hudson
Summary: The widespread use of plastics has led to their increasing presence in the environment and subsequent pollution. Some microorganisms can degrade plastics and studying their metabolic pathways can help understand the degradation mechanisms. This study reveals the enzymatic degradation mechanism of polystyrene by Exiguobacterium sp. RIT 594 and confirms the importance of oxygen in the degradation process.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yingbo Yuan, Pan Liu, Yi Zheng, Qingbin Li, Junling Bian, Quanfeng Liang, Tianyuan Su, Longyang Dian, Qingsheng Qi
Summary: Polyolefin plastics, widely used in our daily life, are difficult to degrade due to their stable carbon-carbon bonds. This study isolated a Raoultella sp. DY2415 strain from petroleum-contaminated soil, which can degrade polyethylene and polystyrene films. After 60 days, the weight of UV-irradiated polyethylene film and polystyrene film decreased by 8% and 2% respectively, and scanning electron microscopy revealed apparent microbial colonization and holes on the film surface. Fourier transform infrared spectrometer analysis showed the introduction of new oxygen-containing functional groups into the polyolefin structure. The study provides a basis for further investigation of the biodegradation mechanism.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Davide Taurozzi, Giulia Cesarini, Massimiliano Scalici
Summary: This study analyzed the colonization of diatom community on the surface of plastic supports and found a tendency of diatom community to colonize plastic supports in lentic waters. This evidence could be important for increasing productivity and the colonization of new communities of different taxa.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Federica Tufano, Fabia Grisi, Chiara Costabile, Mina Mazzeo, Vincenzo Venditto, Antonella Caterina Boccia, Rosalba Fittipaldi, Lorella Izzo, Stefania Pragliola
Summary: The consumption and improper disposal of plastics have caused serious environmental concerns. New methods based on fluorescent tagging have been developed to facilitate the identification and sorting of different materials in plastic recycling. In this study, new fluorescent copolymers of polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) were synthesized and characterized for use as markers. These copolymers were found to have distinguishable fluorescent emissions even with a low concentration of only 1% in the PE/PS blends.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhikun Peng, Rongkui Chen, Hongji Li
Summary: Heterogeneous photocatalytic systems have been developed to selectively degrade polystyrene (PS) to aromatic monomers at room temperature and ambient pressure. By modifying TiO2 particles with potassium stearate or N,N-diethyl-3-(trimethoxysilyl)propan-1-amine, the oxidative cleavage of commercial PS to benzoic acid can achieve up to 43.5 mol % yield. The use of alkaline modifiers greatly improves the C-H oxidation and C-C cleavage reactions, and the key oxidative species in the degradation process are found to be the superoxide anion radical and single oxygen. Furthermore, this study demonstrates the efficient degradation of common PS waste to benzoic acid on the developed photocatalysts with yields ranging from 18 to 44.2 mol %.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Mingliang Zhang, YangLe Gao, Cui Yu, Jun Wang, Kexin Weng, Qin Li, Yongjin He, Zheng Guo, Huaidong Zhang, Jianzhong Huang, Li Li
Summary: This study analyzed the global changes in gene expression levels of Schizochytrium sp. FJU-512 cultured with malate. The changes mainly affected the genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation, beta-oxidation, and pentose phosphate pathways. By adding malate to the culture medium, the production of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) increased by 22%.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Li Yang, Jie Gao, Ying Liu, Guoqiang Zhuang, Xiawei Peng, Wei-Min Wu, Xuliang Zhuang
Summary: Yellow mealworms are capable of biodegrading polystyrene and low-density polyethylene, forming new oxygen-containing functional groups and causing changes in physical and chemical properties. The biodegradation of PS is gut microbe-dependent, while LDPE biodegradation is less dependent on gut microbes. Gut microbial community significantly shift under different dietary conditions associated with the biodegradation of EPS and LDPE.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Federica Spina, Maria Laura Tummino, Anna Poli, Valeria Prigione, Viktoria Ilieva, Piersandro Cocconcelli, Edoardo Puglisi, Pierangiola Bracco, Marco Zanetti, Giovanna Cristina Varese
Summary: The fungal community in plastic-contaminated landfill soil was studied, showing that certain strains can utilize polyethylene as a sole carbon source for growth and degradation, with potential applications in plastic waste management.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Anisha S. Navlekar, Ezinne Osuji, Deborah L. Carr
Summary: Recent studies have focused on specific members of insect larval gut microbiota in plastic degradation, but the impact of plastics on the overall gut microbial community remains unknown. This study examined the gut microbial composition of Tenebrio molitor (PS degrader) and Plodia interpunctella (PE degrader) larvae in control and plastic-fed groups. The results showed significant changes in microbial abundance in Plodia interpunctella fed with PE, but no significant changes in Tenebrio molitor fed with PS, suggesting different mechanisms involved in plastic degradation.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Zhuang Yao, Hyeon Jeong Seong, Yu -Sin Jang
Summary: The invention and widespread use of plastics have brought convenience to modern life but also caused serious environmental issues. Current disposal methods are expensive and unsustainable, hence research is increasingly focusing on the biodegradation of plastics like polyethylene.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bryan D. James, Sibel I. Karchner, Anna N. Walsh, Neelakanteswar Aluru, Diana G. Franks, Kallen R. Sullivan, Christopher M. Reddy, Collin P. Ward, Mark E. Hahn
Summary: Sunlight can transform plastic into water-soluble products, which may have potential toxicity for vertebrate animals. In this study, we exposed zebrafish larvae to photoproduced and dark leachates from different types of polyethylene bags and films, and evaluated their acute toxicity and gene expression. While we observed no acute toxicity, RNA sequencing revealed differences in the number of differentially expressed genes for each leachate treatment. Gene ontology analysis suggested that the additive-free polyethylene leachates disrupted neuromuscular processes, particularly for the photoproduced leachates. We also found that the composition of photoproduced leachates from conventional bags differed due to titanium dioxide-catalyzed reactions, which may explain the fewer differentially expressed genes elicited by these leachates. This study highlights the product formulation-specific potential toxicity of photoproduced plastic products on gene expression in zebrafish larvae.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zihan Xue, Xiang Yu, Xuebin Ke, Jian Zhao
Summary: In this study, a visible-light-driven photocatalysis and photothermal Fenton-like reaction method for the removal of microplastics is developed by utilizing alpha-Fe2O3 nanoflower on TiO2 with a hierarchical structure of inverse opal-like layer/nanotube arrays. The results show that the light initiation and photothermal effect are essential for achieving high degradation efficiency of plastics, and a distinctive melting phenomenon of plastics under mild conditions is observed for the first time. The catalyst system also demonstrates good performance in degrading plastic spheres and foam of different particle sizes. This work provides a novel strategy and insights for removing microplastics and bulk plastics.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-NANO
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yingnan Huang, Fei Dang, Yongguang Yin, Guodong Fang, Yujun Wang, Guanghui Yu, Dongmei Zhou, Baoshan Xing
Summary: Microplastics (MPs) are commonly found in the environment, and research has shown that they can alter the chemical speciation of coexisting contaminants. This study demonstrates that upon solar irradiation, polystyrene (PS) is able to photoreduce dissolved silver (Ag(I)) to metallic silver nanoparticles (Ag(0)-NPs), with carbonyl groups on weathered PS playing a key role in the reduction process. These findings reveal the chemical reactivity of weathered PS and highlight the potential impact of microplastics in the natural environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Greta Biale, Jacopo La Nasa, Marco Mattonai, Andrea Corti, Virginia Vinciguerra, Valter Castelvetro, Francesca Modugno
Summary: The study analyzed the degradation processes of naturally photo-aged microplastic particles in the environment, revealing the generation of extractable low molecular weight products during photo-degradation. Different types of polymers produced different types of degradation products during the degradation process.
Article
Engineering, Marine
Yichun Xie, Elaine Y. Y. Huang, Wenyan Nong, Sean T. S. Law, Yifei Yu, Khan Cheung, Yiqian Li, Cheuk Fung Wong, Ho Yin Yip, Patrick W. S. Joyce, King Ming Chan, Ka Hou Chu, Bayden D. Russell, Laura J. Falkenberg, Jerome H. L. Hui
Summary: The Hong Kong oyster is a native species with scientific, ecological, cultural and nutritional importance. However, limited information about its genetics, stress adaptation mechanisms, and gut microbiota has restricted the sustainable production and use of oyster resources. This study conducted population structure analysis, transcriptome analysis, and microbiota profiling to reveal the molecular basis for the oyster's adaptation to environmental conditions.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Ecology
V. Bala Chaudhary, E. Penelope Holland, Suw Charman-Anderson, Aidee Guzman, Lukas Bell-Dereske, Tanya E. Cheeke, Adriana Corrales, Jessica Duchicela, Cameron Egan, Manju M. Gupta, S. Emilia Hannula, Rachel Hestrin, Shabana Hoosein, Amit Kumar, Genet Mhretu, Lena Neuenkamp, Pushpa Soti, Yichun Xie, Thorunn Helgason
Summary: This article discusses the definition and classification of mycorrhizal trait framework, highlighting its importance in understanding mycorrhizal symbioses.
TRENDS IN ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Wai Lok So, Wenyan Nong, Yichun Xie, Tobias Baril, Hai-yao Ma, Zhe Qu, Jasmine Haimovitz, Thomas Swale, Juan Diego Gaitan-Espitia, Kwok Fai Lau, Stephen S. Tobe, William G. Bendena, Zhen-peng Kai, Alexander Hayward, Jerome H. L. Hui
Summary: Myriapods, specifically centipedes and millipedes, have undergone rapid genome evolution shaped by ecological pressures. The differences in their genomic pathways are a result of their divergence from the myriapod ancestor.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Elaine Y. Y. Huang, Sean T. S. Law, Wenyan Nong, Ho Yin Yip, Theethawat Uea-Anuwong, Ioannis Magouras, Jerome H. L. Hui
Summary: This study conducted a survey on anticoagulant rodenticide resistance in rats collected in Hong Kong, revealing the presence of the Tyr139Cys mutation in the VKORC1 gene in R. tanezumi, while no known substitutions leading to resistance were detected in R. losea and R. norvegicus. Additionally, previously undescribed missense mutations were found in each species. Whole genome sequencing and SNP identification were also carried out, emphasizing the importance of regular genetic testing and population genomic analyses for effective rodent management.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Cheryl W. Y. Shum, Wenyan Nong, Wai Lok So, Yiqian Li, Zhe Qu, Ho Yin Yip, Thomas Swale, Put O. Ang, King Ming Chan, Ting Fung Chan, Ka Hou Chu, Apple P. Y. Chui, Kwok Fai Lau, Sai Ming Ngai, Fei Xu, Jerome H. L. Hui
Summary: This study sequenced and assembled the genome of the sea anemone Exaiptasia pallida and discovered potential genes involved in the late phase of cnidarian tissue regeneration, namely GLWamide neuropeptides and sesquiterpenoid pathway genes.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Allergy
Lingyi Wang, Qing Xiong, Nawannaporn Saelim, Lin Wang, Wenyan Nong, Angel Tsz-Yau Wan, Mai Shi, Xiaoyu Liu, Qin Cao, Jerome Ho Lam Hui, Nitat Sookrung, Ting-Fan Leung, Anchalee Tungtrongchitr, Stephen Kwok Wing Tsui
Summary: The study successfully characterized the allergen profile of the American cockroach at the molecular level, identifying seven novel allergen groups and one isoallergen. The research also revealed the possibility of cross-reaction with closely related species.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yifei Yu, Wenyan Nong, Wai Lok So, Yichun Xie, Ho Yin Yip, Jasmine Haimovitz, Thomas Swale, David M. M. Baker, William G. G. Bendena, Ting Fung Chan, Apple P. Y. Chui, Kwok Fai Lau, Pei-Yuan Qian, Jian-Wen Qiu, Benoit Thibodeau, Fei Xu, Jerome H. L. Hui
Summary: By sequencing the genome and transcriptomes of elegance coral, researchers have gained insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying coral biology and genomic evolution. They discovered the presence of sesquiterpenoid biosynthetic pathway genes and microRNAs in the coral, which can potentially provide further understanding of coral development and response to climate change. The study also suggests that elegance coral could be used as a laboratory model for environmental and ecological experiments.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Wai Lok So, Ka Wai Ting, Sheung Yee Lai, Elaine Yi Ying Huang, Yue Ma, Tze Kiu Chong, Ho Yin Yip, Hoi Ting Lee, Billy Chun Ting Cheung, Man Ka Chan, Wenyan Nong, Michelle Man Suet Law, Derrick Yuk Fo Lai, Jerome Ho Lam Hui
Summary: This study revealed the diversity of soil macrofauna in Hong Kong through a citizen science project. A total of 150 morphospecies were collected, with 85 of them identified using DNA barcoding. The findings established a solid foundation for further research in soil biodiversity.
BIODIVERSITY DATA JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zheng Zhong, Xi Zhou, Yichun Xie, L. M. Chu
Summary: This study investigated the influence of particle size and larval age on plastic consumption and degradation by mealworms. The results showed that mealworms of three-month-old had the highest consumption rate and the greatest resistance to high doses of microplastic feeding. Therefore, microplastic waste can be provided to three-month old mealworms as half replacement of bran diet for the most effective plastic consumption and degradation.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yichun Xie, Long-Yiu Chan, Ming-Yan Cheung, Man-Wah Li, Hon-Ming Lam
Summary: The growth and development of plants are determined by a combination of internal developmental programming and interactions with the environment. Recent studies have focused on RNA modifications, known as the epitranscriptome, and their role in gene regulation during plant-environment interactions. This review summarizes the various epitranscriptomic modifications found in plants, including chemical modifications, RNA editing, and transcript isoforms, and discusses the potential of third-generation sequencing for RNA modification detection. The importance of epitranscriptomics in unraveling gene regulatory networks in plants is highlighted, encouraging the use of multi-omics approaches.
Article
Microbiology
Yichun Xie, Po-Lam Chan, Hoi-Shan Kwan, Jinhui Chang
Summary: In this study, the transcriptional changes and modifications in Coprinopsis cinerea during different developmental processes were investigated using high-throughput sequencing. The results revealed that the transition and modification of the transcriptome played a crucial role in the physiological and morphological alterations of the fungus. Additionally, stage- and tissue-specific alternative splicing and RNA editing were observed and had an impact on fungal development. These findings are important for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying fungal developmental regulation.
Article
Biology
Wenyan Nong, Yifei Yu, Madeleine E. Aase-Remedios, Yichun Xie, Wai Lok So, Yiqian Li, Cheuk Fung Wong, Toby Baril, Sean T. S. Law, Sheung Yee Lai, Jasmine Haimovitz, Thomas Swale, Shan-Shan Chen, Zhen-Peng Kai, Xi Sun, Zhongdao Wu, Alexander Hayward, David E. K. Ferrier, Jerome H. L. Hui
Summary: This study presents the first genome assembly for the snail B. straminea, offering new insights into phenomena related to schistosomiasis vector snails and evolutionary genomics questions regarding molluscs. The research identified developmental homeobox genes, hormonal genes, and stress-response genes in the genome, as well as syntenic conservation and evolutionary changes in gene clusters in comparison with other mollusc genomes. The presence of sesquiterpenoid and cholesterol metabolic pathway genes in Gastropoda was also revealed, along with a sesquiterpenoid hormone responsive system in B. straminea.