Article
Polymer Science
Wanhong Zhang, Zhipeng Hou, Siyu Chen, Jing Guo, Jianshe Hu, Liqun Yang, Guiyang Cai
Summary: The amino acid sequence and spatial structure of lipases from different sources often result in significant differences in the active sites, which exhibit differential activity when interacting with a particular polymer, as reflected in the rate of degradation of the polymer. Therefore, studying the degradation properties of enzymes for specific polymers can be a helpful guide in production.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Maria Nunez, Sebastian Munoz-Guerra, Antxon Martinez de Ilarduya
Summary: This study investigates the enzymatic synthesis of poly(butylene-co-epsilon-caprolactone) copolyesters for the first time, demonstrating high thermal stability and semicrystalline properties. The use of Candida antarctica lipase B resulted in copolyesters free from toxic metallic catalysts, making them potential candidates for biomedical applications.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ahmed Abd El-Fattah, Elizabeth Grillo Fernandes, Federica Chiellini, Emo Chiellini
Summary: Amphiphilic copolymers with interesting architecture and tunable properties are promising materials for biomedical applications. Enzymatic catalysis provides a suitable alternative for the preparation of these materials without the use of toxic catalysts. The structure-property relationship of copolymers was studied by varying the molecular weight of Pluronic (EPE) and the molar ratios between ε-caprolactone monomer and EPE macro-initiator (M/In). The obtained copolymers were chemically characterized and their morphologies evaluated. The results showed a correlation between the differential scanning calorimetry data and X-ray diffraction data, suggesting the importance of the central block length in crystal formation. Preliminary cytotoxicity experiments confirmed the non-toxic nature of the copolymers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Linying Li, Xiumei Lin, Jianfeng Bao, Hongmei Xia, Fan Li
Summary: In this study, two novel PCL-degrading enzymes were purified and characterized. PCLase I showed higher degradation ability and was identified as a cutinase, while PCLase II was identified as a lipase.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Victoria J. Barber, Meredith A. Borden, Jill W. Alty, Ly D. Tran, Hilmar Koerner, Luke A. Baldwin, Erik J. Alexanian, Frank A. Leibfarth
Summary: There is an increasing demand for degradable polymers in sustainable plastics and medical implants. To improve their usability, it is necessary to have a better understanding of degradation factors and develop new tools for modulation. In this study, poly(caprolactone) was modified through C-H xanthylation, resulting in changes in material properties and slower degradation. The interplay between molecular and materials characteristics was found to impact the degradation rate.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Kotchaporn Thangunpai, Donghao Hu, Mikio Kajiyama, Marcos A. A. Neves, Toshiharu Enomae
Summary: Plastic waste is a global issue due to landfill overflow and pollution, leading to environmental concerns. To address this, biodegradable materials like poly-e-caprolactone (PCL) are introduced. However, PCL's natural decomposition rate is low. To increase decomposition rate, PCL is modified with maleic anhydride (MA) (PCL-g-MA), increasing hydrophilicity and amorphous region. Lipase hydrolysis experiments show that PCL-g-MA degrades faster than PCL. Morphological, thermal, and structural analysis support the hydrolysis reaction, confirming the effectiveness of the modification.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Eylem D. D. Tomak, Ahmet Can, Mahmut A. A. Ermeydan
Summary: Spruce wood was modified by grafting poly(e-caprolactone) onto the wood cell wall using ring-opening polymerization. Different monomer concentrations (30%, 50%, and 70%) were impregnated into the wood and further polymerized in DMF solution. The biodegradability of the modified wood was tested through weight losses and analyzed through FTIR and SEM analysis. The results showed that higher concentrations of e-caprolactone exhibited better decay resistance against brown rot fungi attacks, while lower concentrations were more effective against white rot fungi attacks. SEM and FTIR analysis confirmed that weight losses were due to both cell wall degradation and polymer digestion by fungal enzymes.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Pranay Amruth Maroju, Pranathi Tata, Aniket Balapure, Jayati Ray Dutta, Ramakrishnan Ganesan
Summary: Lipases-derived from Lactobacilli sp. were used to surface derivatize PCL films with silver, resulting in antimicrobial properties. Two different surface functionalization strategies were employed, both showing successful derivatization of silver over PCL film and enhanced antimicrobial effects in bacterial growth inhibition.
ENZYME AND MICROBIAL TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Charalampos Pronoitis, Minna Hakkarainen, Karin Odelius
Summary: By rational design of the microstructure of PHUs and utilizing solubility as an enabling tool, complex architectures can be realized with benign reagents and atom-economical reactions, without harsh reaction conditions and solvents. This approach expands the synthetic intricacy for PHUs and could potentially broaden their applications and opportunities in the future.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Azumi Kawai, Naoki Hamamoto, Yuji Sasanuma
Summary: The structures and properties of isolated and crystalline poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) chains have been investigated. Results show that the bond conformations are consistent with the calculations, and the periodic density functional theory calculations provide the optimum structures and Young's moduli of PCL crystals. Additionally, the enzymatic selectivity of biodegradable polyesters is discussed.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Po-Kai Juan, Fang-Yu Fan, Wei-Chun Lin, Pei-Bang Liao, Chiung-Fang Huang, Yung-Kang Shen, Muhammad Ruslin, Chen-Han Lee
Summary: This study utilized PCL as an additive, nHA and β-TCP as ceramic powders, and NaCl and (NH4)HCO3 as porogens to fabricate 3D porous scaffolds with excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility. Results showed that nHA and β-TCP could improve the mechanical properties, enhance the hydrophilic properties, and accelerate the degradation rate of the scaffolds.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Misbah Amin, Haq N. Bhatti, Muhammad Bilal
Summary: The study focuses on the biochemical characterization of a lipase produced by Aspergillus melleus through solid-state fermentation, showcasing its broad working pH, stability in the presence of organic solvents, and excellent ability to degrade poly(e-caprolactone). The lipase exhibited optimal activity at pH 7.5 and 40°C, with good stability even after 24 hours, making it a promising candidate for large-scale bioremediation of solid waste.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pranay Amruth Maroju, Ramakrishnan Ganesan, Jayati Ray Dutta
Summary: In this study, a facile solution-based method was used to surface derivatize poly(& epsilon;-caprolactone) films and electrospun fibers with lysozyme, aiming to impart antimicrobial properties and examine the impact on enzymatic degradation. The derivatized films and fibers showed high antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The degradation rate experienced a slight decrease upon lysozyme derivatization, but this reduction was effectively countered by the inclusion of Tween-20.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Deniz Albayrak, Hilal Turkoglu Sasmazel
Summary: The aim of this study was to produce three-dimensional fibrous surface patterns on smooth two-dimensional PCL surfaces using electrospinning and to monitor the behavior of cells through the use of a mask/stencil. The results showed that the electrospun scaffold surfaces had a uniform morphology with no beads, while the solvent cast surfaces were smooth and nonporous. The electrospun regions were more hydrophobic than the solvent cast regions. Cell culture studies revealed that the behavior of cells differed on the solvent cast and electrospun patterns.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Magdalena Lipinska
Summary: The effects of POSS nanoparticles on the properties of biodegradable poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) were studied. It was found that amine-POSS and Gly-POSS enhanced the mechanical properties of PCL, while HO-POSS facilitated crystallization. TGA analysis showed that the thermal stability of PCL decreased when HO-POSS and Gly-POSS were added.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Abdul Azeez Olayiwola Sirajudeen, Mohamad Suffian Mohamad Annuar, Ramesh Subramaniam
Summary: A microbial fuel cell combines electricity generation and wastewater treatment through metabolic activities of microorganisms. Enhancements through nanocomposites of oxidized carbon nanotubes and medium-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoates help improve electrode function, leading to higher power output and better electron transfer efficiency. Superior biofilm growth on modified surfaces plays a key role in stable and elevated power output generation.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND APPLIED BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Abdul Azeez Olayiwola Sirajudeen, Mohamad Suffian Mohamad Annuar, Khairul Anwar Ishak, Hindatu Yusuf, Ramesh Subramaniam
Summary: The study investigates a biopolymer composite membrane for proton exchange in microbial fuel cell applications, consisting of PHB composited with mcl-PHA matrix. The composite membrane shows improved directional proton conduction compared to Nafion, with 10% and 15% PHB composites achieving two-fold maximum voltage potential. The composite membrane demonstrates enhanced MFC performance in terms of power density, COD removal, NH3-N removal, and CE recovery, showing resistance to oxygen diffusion and higher efficiency with real wastewater substrate.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Khairul Anwar Ishak, Thamil Selvi Velayutham, Mohamad Suffian Mohamad Annuar, A. Azeez Olayiwola Sirajudeen
Summary: Dielectric spectroscopy was used to study relaxation phenomena in PHAs, revealing the effects of molecular structure and temperature on dielectric response. Primary α-relaxation signals were observed at glass transition temperature, while secondary β- and γ-relaxations were detected at low temperatures. Comparison and discussion of dielectric properties of representative PHA samples were conducted.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
S. M. Daniel Syed Mohamed, Khairul Anwar Ishak, Mohamad Suffian Mohamad Annuar, Thamil Selvi Velayutham
Summary: The effects of different concentrations of MA on the yield and properties of the graft copolymers (PHA-g-MA) were investigated, indicating changes in molecular weight, resistivity to alkali conditions, and thermal stability. The mechanism of the copolymerization was proposed based on the results.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Khairul Anwar Ishak, Muhammad Fakhrurazi Ahmad Fadzil, Mohamad Suffian Mohamad Annuar
Summary: A sugar-fatty acid ester, glucose monooleate, was synthesized using commercial immobilized lipase from Candida antarctica. An oil-in-water emulsion preparation using a non-ionic surfactant mixture and various vegetable oils showed that coconut and sunflower oils could form nanosized oil droplets, while olive, palm, and jojoba oils produced larger oil particles in the emulsion.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chong-Boon Ong, Mohamad Suffian Mohamad Annuar
Summary: The study focused on the immobilization of cross-linked tannase enzymes with pristine multi-walled carbon nanotubes through physical adsorption. The composite exhibited enhanced radical scavenging properties when used to treat green tea infusion extract, showing potential for improving the antioxidative capacity of green tea. This approach offers a cost-effective, easy-to-operate, and recyclable method for enhancing the functional properties of health-related food supplements.
JOURNAL OF FOOD BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Khairul Anwar Ishak, Nur Azmina Mohamed Safian, Mohamad Suffian Mohamad Annuar
Summary: The application of microbiologically produced polymer, mcl-PHA, and its graft copolymer, PHA-g-PMA, as supporting matrices for holding zinc oxide microparticles in environmental remediation technology was investigated. The composite PHA-g-PMA/ZnO showed significantly enhanced photodegradation of methylene blue compared to the neat PHA/ZnO composite, indicating improved photocatalytic performance.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Khairul Anwar Ishak, Mohamad Suffian Mohamad Annuar, Muhammad Haziq Aris
Summary: Ultrasonication was used to study the scission of different commercially available polycaprolactone (PCL) with varying initial molecular weights. The results showed that the size reduction and polydispersity index changes of the sonicated PCL samples depended on their initial molecular weight and effective concentration. The scission event involved an unzipping mechanism driven by forces associated with sonication energy dissipation. Further scission of the generated fragments was no longer possible below a limiting molecular weight for the designated PCL.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Polymer Science
Chong-Boon Ong, Mohamad Suffian Mohamad Annuar
Summary: This review introduces the applications of bioresponsive hydrogels in the field of biomedicine, particularly in diagnostics, drug delivery, and tissue regeneration/wound healing, with various responses towards enzymes, nucleic acids, and glucose.
POLYMER SCIENCE SERIES B
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nurul Huda Alwakil, Mohamad Suffian Mohamad Annuar, Mahanom Jalil
Summary: Zingiber zerumbet, also known as 'Lempoyang', possesses various phytomedicinal properties, and its rhizome contains important secondary metabolites such as zerumbone and alpha-humulene. The synergistic effects of plant growth hormones and elicitors can enhance the production of zerumbone and alpha-humulene in adventitious root culture of Z. zerumbet.
Article
Polymer Science
Khairul Anwar Ishak, Nur Azmina Mohamed Safian, Shafarina Azlinda Ahmad Kamal, Thamil Selvi Velayutham, Mohamad Suffian Mohamad Annuar
Summary: In this study, radical copolymerization of medium-chain-length PHA with MA assisted by high-energy sound wave was successfully achieved, with optimal concentrations of PHA, MA, and H2O2 determined for graft copolymerization. Various physicochemical analyses were used to investigate the copolymerizing process between PHA chains and PMA.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Khairul Anwar Ishak, Chong-Boon Ong, Nur Azmina Mohamed Safian, Mohamad Suffian Mohamad Annuar
Summary: Biological elastomer, medium-chain-length poly-3-hydroxyalkanoate (mcl-PHA), and its graft copolymer were studied for reactive coating application. The films composited with silver-doped zinc oxide (Ag-ZnO) demonstrated sustained photocatalytic activities and inhibited microbial growth on the film surface. The Ag-ZnO-PHA composite film showed negligible toxicity and potential advantages in reactive coating applications.
JOURNAL OF THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Azam Akhbari, Shaliza Ibrahim, Low Chin Wen, Afifi Zainal, Noraziah Muda, Liyana Yahya, Onn Chiu Chuen, Farahin Mohd Jais, Mohamad Suffian bin Mohamad Annuar
Summary: This study evaluated the production of biohydrogen from palm oil mill effluent (POME) through dark fermentation under mesophilic and thermophilic conditions. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to investigate the influence of POME concentration and volumetric substrate to inoculum ratio on the process performance. The results showed that the highest COD removal, hydrogen content, and hydrogen yield were obtained at a substrate concentration of 12.5 g COD/l and S:I ratio of 1:1.5 in both temperatures. The optimized parameters projected by RSM showed better results in terms of process performance.
KOREAN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Matthew Raj Alias, Chong-Boon Ong, Mohamad Suffian Mohamad Annuar
Summary: The immobilization of cross-linked tannase onto carboxyl-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-COOH) was achieved via physical adsorption. The successful adsorption event was confirmed through spectroscopic and morphological characterizations of the enzyme-nanotubes composite. The enzyme composite showed comparable or even superior catalytic activities and stabilities compared to free tannase under different conditions.
JOURNAL OF THE SERBIAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Abdul Azeez Olayiwola Sirajudeen, M. Suffian M. Annuar
Summary: Polymeric modifications to anode, cathode, and PEM materials and functionalities significantly enhance the performance of microbial fuel cell, improving proton flow, reducing internal resistance, and enhancing electrochemical activity, among others.
JOURNAL OF THE SERBIAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Tetsu Sato, Mariko Takahashi, Takeshi Saito, Masahito Toyonaga, Itsuo Tanuma, Rie Yamada, Satoru Hosoda
Summary: An automatic evaluation system for photooxidation has been developed and successfully applied to assess the photo-OIT of LDPE samples containing photooxidation stabilizers. The system allows independent setting of various measurement conditions and provides detailed information on the photooxidation process.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Zongzheng Zuo, Shuxue Zhou
Summary: In this study, three fluoroalkyl trimethoxysilane (FATMS) additives with different chain lengths were incorporated into a two-component polyurethane clearcoat to improve its hydrophobic durability. The coatings modified with FATMS maintained their surface hydrophobicity under various conditions, but quickly lost it when exposed to both UV irradiation and/or high temperature with water. The results suggest that the FATMS route is more suitable for indoor applications at room temperature.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Song Li, Feng Zhao, Xueya Wang, Zhihua Liu, Jingze Guo, Yutong Li, Shuangmei Tan, Zhenxiang Xin, Shuai Zhao, Lin Li
Summary: Green flame retardants have garnered attention for their environmental friendliness, but current options fall short in achieving high flame retardancy for flammable polymers and maintaining environmental protection. This study takes a two-pronged approach to address flame retardants and the flame-retardant process. An eco-friendly bio-based synergistic flame retardant (PAU), synthesized using phytic acid (PA) and urea (U), is used to create a flame retardant coating that can be directly applied to any surface shape using polydopamine as an adhesive. The resulting EPS-PAU exhibits excellent flame retardancy, smoke suppression, and light weight while only slightly increasing the density.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2024)
