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Journal of Oleo Science Apr 2022Black cumin oil (BC) contains certain phytochemicals, including phenolics, tocopherols, and sterols, which show strong oxidation stability. In this study, BC was blended...
Black cumin oil (BC) contains certain phytochemicals, including phenolics, tocopherols, and sterols, which show strong oxidation stability. In this study, BC was blended with refined corn oil (CO) at two concentrations (5% and 10%, w/w) and stored in plastic and glass bottles under light and dark conditions. Under light-storage conditions, blended oils in plastic bottles showed lower peroxide value (PV) and conjugated diene value (CD) compared to the control sample than dark-storage. It was also aimed to examine the phthalate levels in oil samples and evaluate the products' safety. Five main phthalates, namely di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), butyl-benzylphthalate (BBP), diisononyl phthalate (DiNP), and diisodecyl phthalate (DiDP), were evaluated. In dark and light storage conditions, the phthalate level was determined below the LOQ value in CO without added BCO in the plastic and glass bottles. In the plastic-packaged blended samples, DEHP was determined above the LOQ value in dark storage, while BBP was detected in addition to DEHP in the samples stored under the light. On the other hand, phthalate values were determined below the LOQ value in all samples stored in glass packages under the light. DEHP was the most abundant phthalate in plastic-packaged blended oils under light storage, ranging from below the LOQ (0.23 mg/kg) to 0.83 mg/kg. Based on the present findings, BC improved the stability of CO under light storage, and the phthalate levels of blended oils did not exceed the specific migration limits (SMLs) for each phthalate.
Topics: Corn Oil; Diethylhexyl Phthalate; Nigella sativa; Oxidative Stress; Phthalic Acids; Plastics
PubMed: 35387913
DOI: 10.5650/jos.ess21346 -
Advances in Clinical and Experimental... Jul 2017Tissue conditioners (TCs) are short-term soft liners, formed in situ from a mixture of a polymer powder and a liquid plasticizer. This article reviews the recent... (Review)
Review
Tissue conditioners (TCs) are short-term soft liners, formed in situ from a mixture of a polymer powder and a liquid plasticizer. This article reviews the recent advances in the composition, functions, clinical use, gelation process, and physical properties of TCs and their effects on denture bases and oral mucosa. TCs are used to improve the fit and function of an ill-fitting denture. They can also be used to treat abused mucosal tissues underlying ill-fitting acrylic dentures as temporary expedients. TCs are recommended as provisional liners to maintain the fit of removable dentures and to prevent mechanical irritation from the denture. TCs may also be used to rehabilitate cancer patients. The polymer powder, used in the formulation of TCs generally consists of polyethyl methacrylate (PEMA) and the liquid plasticizer is ester-based in ethyl alcohol solution without an acrylic monomer. The plasticizers are low molecular weight aromatic esters. Mixing of the powder and liquid results in polymer chain entanglement and the formation of a coherent gel characterized by viscoelastic behavior appropriate to its intended clinical use. The loss of surface integrity and surface roughness of TCs are regarded as the main problems in the denture bearing oral mucosa conditions resulting in inflammation of oral mucosa of the denture-bearing area - denture stomatitis. TCs provide an even distribution of masticatory force, accurately modeling itself to the changes which occur during the healing of lesion of substrate and can act therapeutically by incorporating antifungal or antibacterial agents.
Topics: Denture Bases; Denture Liners; Humans; Methylmethacrylates; Plasticizers
PubMed: 28691420
DOI: 10.17219/acem/62634 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2022The global utilization of single-use, non-biodegradable plastics, such as bottles made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), has contributed to catastrophic levels of...
Microbial Consortia and Mixed Plastic Waste: Pangenomic Analysis Reveals Potential for Degradation of Multiple Plastic Types via Previously Identified PET Degrading Bacteria.
The global utilization of single-use, non-biodegradable plastics, such as bottles made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), has contributed to catastrophic levels of plastic pollution. Fortunately, microbial communities are adapting to assimilate plastic waste. Previously, our work showed a full consortium of five bacteria capable of synergistically degrading PET. Using omics approaches, we identified the key genes implicated in PET degradation within the consortium's pangenome and transcriptome. This analysis led to the discovery of a novel PETase, EstB, which has been observed to hydrolyze the oligomer BHET and the polymer PET. Besides the genes implicated in PET degradation, many other biodegradation genes were discovered. Over 200 plastic and plasticizer degradation-related genes were discovered through the Plastic Microbial Biodegradation Database (PMBD). Diverse carbon source utilization was observed by a microbial community-based assay, which, paired with an abundant number of plastic- and plasticizer-degrading enzymes, indicates a promising possibility for mixed plastic degradation. Using RNAseq differential analysis, several genes were predicted to be involved in PET degradation, including aldehyde dehydrogenases and several classes of hydrolases. Active transcription of PET monomer metabolism was also observed, including the generation of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)/polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) biopolymers. These results present an exciting opportunity for the bio-recycling of mixed plastic waste with upcycling potential.
Topics: Bacteria; Microbial Consortia; Plasticizers; Plastics; Polyethylene Terephthalates
PubMed: 35628419
DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105612 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2022One of the main routes of fish exposure to micro- and nanoplastics (MNPLs) is their ingestion. MNPLs can act as reservoirs of organic contaminants that are adsorbed onto...
One of the main routes of fish exposure to micro- and nanoplastics (MNPLs) is their ingestion. MNPLs can act as reservoirs of organic contaminants that are adsorbed onto their surfaces, or that can leach from their complex formulations, with potential impacts on biota and along the aquatic food chain. While MNPLs have been reported in fishes worldwide, complete information on MNPL compositions, polymers and additives continues to be scarce. In this work, the presence of MNPLs in the gastrointestinal tracts (GIT) of fish from the Ebro River (Spain) was investigated using a double suspected screening approach to assess and quantify polymers and additives. The sample-preparation procedure consisted of sequential alkaline and acidic digestions with KOH and HNO, followed by ultrasonic-assisted extraction (USAE) with toluene. The analysis of polymers was carried out with size-exclusion chromatography followed by high-resolution mass spectrometry using an atmospheric pressure photoionization source, operating in negative and positive ionisation modes (SEC-(±)-APPI-HRMS) using full-scan acquisition (FS). Plastic additives were assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography with a C18 analytical column coupled to HRMS equipped with an electrospray ionisation source operating under positive and negative conditions (LC-(±ESI)-HRMS). The acquisition was performed in parallel with full-scan (FS) and data-dependent scan (ddMS) modes, working under positive and negative ionisation modes. The polymers most frequently detected and quantified in fish GITs were polysiloxanes, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS). PE was detected in 84% of the samples, with a concentration range from 0.55 to 3545 µg/g. On the other hand, plasticisers such as phthalates and stabilisers such as benzotriazoles were the most frequently identified plastic additives.
Topics: Animals; Polymers; Microplastics; Rivers; Fishes; Plastics; Gastrointestinal Tract; Polyethylene; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 36615432
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28010239 -
Andrology Jul 2016Endocrine disruptors (ED) are environmental pollutants that mimic endogenous hormonal signals. Exposure to EDs during fetal and early life is a public health concern... (Review)
Review
Endocrine disruptors (ED) are environmental pollutants that mimic endogenous hormonal signals. Exposure to EDs during fetal and early life is a public health concern because these are periods characterized by high cellular plasticity that influence the physiology and development of disease later in life. Phthalates are plasticizers used in the industry to manufacture polyvinyl chloride products and several consumer products. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is one of the most produced plasticizers; it is ubiquitously found contaminating the environment, and has been shown to be an ED. Human exposure to phthalates starts during fetal development and continues after birth through contact of the newborn with the environment and contaminated food sources. We used a rat model in which pregnant dams are gavaged with DEHP from gestational day 14 until birth to study the long-term effects of DEHP. This window of fetal exposure results in decreased circulating testosterone and aldosterone levels in adult male offspring and estradiol in the female. The observed steroid changes are likely of an epigenetic origin as DEHP is rapidly cleared after birth. Here, we review the long-term effects of fetal exposure to DEHP with a focus on the molecular and epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation, which may mediate long-term endocrine dysfunction.
Topics: Aldosterone; Animals; Diethylhexyl Phthalate; Epigenesis, Genetic; Estradiol; Female; Male; Plasticizers; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Rats; Testosterone
PubMed: 27044004
DOI: 10.1111/andr.12175 -
Environmental Science & Technology Jan 2024Hazardous chemicals in building and construction plastics can lead to health risks due to indoor exposure and may contaminate recycled materials. We systematically...
Hazardous chemicals in building and construction plastics can lead to health risks due to indoor exposure and may contaminate recycled materials. We systematically sampled new polyvinyl chloride floorings on the Swiss market ( = 151). We performed elemental analysis by X-ray fluorescence, targeted and suspect gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of -phthalates and alternative plasticizers, and bioassay tests for cytotoxicity and oxidative stress, and endocrine, mutagenic, and genotoxic activities (for selected samples). Surprisingly, 16% of the samples contained regulated chemicals above 0.1 wt %, mainly lead and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). Their presence is likely related to the use of recycled PVC in new flooring, highlighting that uncontrolled recycling can delay the phase-out of hazardous chemicals. Besides DEHP, 29% of the samples contained other -phthalates (mainly diisononyl and diisodecyl phthalates, DiNP and DiDP) above 0.1 wt %, and 17% of the samples indicated a potential to cause biological effects. Considering some overlap between these groups, they together make up an additional 35% of the samples of potential concern. Moreover, both suspect screening and bioassay results indicate the presence of additional potentially hazardous substances. Overall, our study highlights the urgent need to accelerate the phase-out of hazardous substances, increase the transparency of chemical compositions in plastics to protect human and ecosystem health, and enable the transition to a safe and sustainable circular economy.
Topics: Humans; Plasticizers; Diethylhexyl Phthalate; Ecosystem; Phthalic Acids; Plastics; Hazardous Substances
PubMed: 38241221
DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c04851 -
Environmental Science & Technology Jun 2024Microplastics are routinely ingested and inhaled by humans and other organisms. Despite the frequency of plastic exposure, little is known about its health consequences....
Microplastics are routinely ingested and inhaled by humans and other organisms. Despite the frequency of plastic exposure, little is known about its health consequences. Of particular concern are plastic additives─chemical compounds that are intentionally or unintentionally added to plastics to improve functionality or as residual components of plastic production. Additives are often loosely bound to the plastic polymer and may be released during plastic exposures. To better understand the health effects of plastic additives, we performed a comprehensive literature search to compile a list of 2,712 known plastic additives. Then, we performed an integrated toxicogenomic analysis of these additives, utilizing cancer classifications and carcinogenic expression pathways as a primary focus. Screening these substances across two chemical databases revealed two key observations: (1) over 150 plastic additives have known carcinogenicity and (2) the majority (∼90%) of plastic additives lack data on carcinogenic end points. Analyses of additive usage patterns pinpointed specific polymers, functions, and products in which carcinogenic additives reside. Based on published chemical-gene interactions, both carcinogenic additives and additives with unknown carcinogenicity impacted similar biological pathways. The predominant pathways involved DNA damage, apoptosis, the immune response, viral diseases, and cancer. This study underscores the urgent need for a systematic and comprehensive carcinogenicity assessment of plastic additives and regulatory responses to mitigate the potential health risks of plastic exposure.
Topics: Plastics; Carcinogens; Humans; Microplastics
PubMed: 38830620
DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c06840 -
Chemosphere Nov 2022Phthalate esters (PAEs) are hazardous organic compounds that are widely added to plastics to enhance their flexibility, temperature, and acidic tolerance. The increase... (Review)
Review
Phthalate esters (PAEs) are hazardous organic compounds that are widely added to plastics to enhance their flexibility, temperature, and acidic tolerance. The increase in global consumption and the corresponding environmental pollution of PAEs has caused broad public concerns. As most PAEs accumulate in soil due to their high hydrophobicity, composting is a robust remediation technology for PAE-contaminated soil (efficiency 25%-100%), where microbial activity plays an important role. This review summarized the roles of the microbial community, biodegradation pathways, and specific enzymes involved in the PAE degradation. Also, other green technologies, including biochar adsorption, bioaugmentation, and phytoremediation, for PAE degradation were also presented, compared, and discussed. Composting combined with these technologies significantly enhanced removal efficiency; yet, the properties and roles of each bacterial strain in the degradation, upscaling, and economic feasibility should be clarified in future research.
Topics: Biodegradation, Environmental; Composting; Dibutyl Phthalate; Esters; Phthalic Acids; Plastics; Soil; Soil Pollutants; Technology
PubMed: 35988768
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135989 -
Environment International Mar 2022Several phthalates have been restricted/banned due to their adverse endocrine disrupting properties. The use of other phthalates and substitutes has increased. Here we...
Exposure to 15 phthalates and two substitutes (DEHTP and DINCH) assessed in trios of infants and their parents as well as longitudinally in infants exclusively breastfed and after the introduction of a mixed diet.
OBJECTIVE
Several phthalates have been restricted/banned due to their adverse endocrine disrupting properties. The use of other phthalates and substitutes has increased. Here we examine the current exposure to phthalates in family trios comprised of infants and their parents and in infants exclusive breastfed and following introduction to a mixed diet.
METHODS
Metabolites of 15 phthalates and two substitutes, di(2-ethylhexyl)-teraphthalate (DEHTP) and diisononyl-cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate (DINCH), were measured in urine samples collected from >100 infants and their parents and in paired urine samples collected from 67 infants, while they were exclusively breastfed and when they got mixed diet.
RESULTS
Among infants and their parents, metabolites of nine out of 15 phthalates and both substitutes were detected in >74% of all samples. Estimated daily intake (DI) calculated as µg/kg/day, showed similar exposure levels among infants and their parents for several of the substances, and infants were more exposed to DEHTP than their mothers. Significantly higher estimated DIs were observed for some low-molecular phthalates in infants exclusively breastfed. In contrast, comparable estimated DIs were observed for many other phthalates and DEHTP regardless of feeding status. For most of the substances, the within-family variation, was lower than the between-family variation. Likewise, the within-infant variation on exclusively breast vs. mixed diet was lower than the between-infant variation. Independent of food status, some infants were concurrently exposed to almost all the measured phthalates and substitutes in higher amounts than others.
CONCLUSION
Surprisingly, irrespective of diet status infants were exposed to several phthalates and substitutes some of which have been regulated for years. Exposure patterns and levels were similar in infants and their parents. Importantly, risk assessment based on new refined reference doses (RfD-AA) exceeded the safety level for anti-androgenic effects in a number of infants and parents, which is of concern.
Topics: Breast Feeding; Diet; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Pollutants; Female; Humans; Phthalic Acids; Plasticizers
PubMed: 35091377
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107107 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Sep 2023In recent years, there has been a growing attempt to manipulate various properties of biodegradable materials to use them as alternatives to their synthetic plastic... (Review)
Review
In recent years, there has been a growing attempt to manipulate various properties of biodegradable materials to use them as alternatives to their synthetic plastic counterparts. Alginate is a polysaccharide extracted from seaweed or soil bacteria that is considered one of the most promising materials for numerous applications. However, alginate potential for various applications is relatively limited due to brittleness, poor mechanical properties, scaling-up difficulties, and high water vapor permeability (WVP). Choosing an appropriate plasticizer can alleviate the situation by providing higher flexibility, workability, processability, and in some cases, higher hydrophobicity. This review paper discusses the main results and developments regarding the effects of various plasticizers on the properties of alginate-based films during the last decades. The plasticizers used for plasticizing alginate were classified into different categories, and their behavior under different concentrations and conditions was studied. Moreover, the drawback effects of plasticizers on the mechanical properties and WVP of the films are discussed. Finally, the role of plasticizers in the improved processing of alginate and the lack of knowledge on some aspects of plasticized alginate films is clarified, and accordingly, some recommendations for more classical studies of the plasticized alginate films in the future are offered.
PubMed: 37764413
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28186637