Integration of Biological Synthesis&Chemical Catalysis:Bio-based Plasticizer trans-Aconitates

Plasticizers are essential to reduce processing difficulties and improve plastic properties.However,petroleumbased phthalate plasticizers,which are mostly used at present,urgently require alternatives due to their con-firmed and serious health risks.In this study,the green mass production of trans-aconitic acid was achieved via synthetic biotechnology and microbial fermentation,which was further expanded to multiple application sce-narios using chemical esterification,resulting in trans-aconitate plasticizers that are biosafe and environmentally friendly and have high plasticizing efficiency and long-term stability.Different plasticizers with various core structures and alkyl chains were studied to determine their properties as polyvinyl chloride(PVC)plasticizers,and tributyl trans-aconitate displayed the best comprehensive performance with up to 1.24 plasticizing effi-ciency.The possible PVC plasticization mechanism with synergistic solvent,support,and shielding effects was discussed and summarized.Tributyl trans-aconitate has significant potential to replace traditional PVC plasti-cizers in general merchandise,food packaging,medicinal materials,and other products,further promoting the development of the high-quality plastic industry with greener technology and safer applications.

A sustainable process to 100%bio-based nylons integrated chemical and biological conversion of lignocellulose

Considerable progress has been made in recent years to the development of sustainable polymers from bio-based feedstocks.In this study,100%bio-based nylons were prepared via an integrated chemical and biological process from lignocellulose.These novel nylons were obtained by the melt polymerization of 3-propyladipic acid derived from lignin and 1,5-pentenediamine/1,4-butanediamine derived from carbohydrate sugar.Central to the concept is a three-step noble metal free catalytic chemical funnelling sequence(Raney Ni mediated reductive catalytic fractionation-reductive funnelling-oxidative funnelling),which allowed for obtaining a single component 3-propyladipic acid from lignin with high efficiency.The structural and thermodynamic properties of the obtained nylons have been systematically investigated,and thus obtained transparent bio-based nylons exhibited higher Mw(>32,000)and excellent thermal stability(Td5%>265℃).Considering their moderate Tg and good melt strength,these transparent bio-based nylons could serve as promising functional additives or temperature-responsive materials.

Recyclable bio-based epoxy resin thermoset polymer from wood for circular economy

Due to their extraordinary durability and thermal stability,Epoxy Resin Thermosets(ERTs)are essential in various industries.However,their poor recyclability leads to unacceptable environmental pollution.In this study,Wu et al.successfully synthesized a completely bio-based ERT using lignocellulose-derived building blocks which exhibit outstanding thermal and mechanical properties.Remarkably,these bio-materials degrade via methanolysis without the need of any catalyst,presenting a smart and cost-effective recycling strategy.Furthermore,this approach could be employed for fabricating reusable composites comprising glass fiber and plant fiber,thereby expanding its applications in sustainable transportation,coatings,paints or biomedical devices.

The Future of Plasticizers: Biobased and Oligomeric

The deficiencies of popular phthalate plasticizers(ready migration from a polymer matrix into which they have been incorporated,flammability,environmental pollution,human health risks)have stimulated efforts to develop new effective,nonmigrating,low-cost,nontoxic replacements.In the main,these have been based on readilyavailable,nontoxic biobased precursors.Some,including those prepared from plant oils,have been generated from biomaterials themselves.However,the more numerous and generally more effective have been generated from discrete compounds produced from various biomaterials.Several structural features of effective plasticizers have been recognized.Polar functionality is required to assure compatibility with a wide range of polymeric materials,including poly(vinyl chloride)(PVC),the most heavily plasticized polymer.A branched structure greatly enhances the effectiveness of compounds used as plasticizers.An oligomeric structure may strongly limit or prevent migration from a polymer matrix.Hyperbranched oligomers of defined structure derived from the readilyavailable,inexpensive,nontoxic biomonomers,glycerol and adipic acid contain all these features and are excellent plasticizers.They contain ester functionality,are highly branched,and display a large number of end groups,all of which contribute to their effectiveness as plasticizers.

Bio-based rejuvenators in asphalt pavements:A comprehensive review and analytical study

The pressing demand for sustainable advancements in road infrastructure has catalyzed extensive research into environmentally conscious alternatives for the maintenance and restoration of asphalt concrete pavements.This paper offers a comprehensive review and analysis of bio-based rejuvenators as a promising avenue for enhancing the longevity and sustainability of asphalt.Through a multifaceted exploration,it delves into various aspects of this innovative approach.Providing a thorough overview of bio-based rejuvenators,the study highlights their renewable and environmentally friendly characteristics.It conducts an in-depth examination of a wide spectrum of bio-derived materials,including vegetable oils,waste-derived bio-products,and biopolymers,through a comprehensive survey.The paper evaluates how bio-based rejuvenators enhance aged asphalt binders and mixes,effectively mitigating the adverse impacts of aging.Furthermore,it investigates how these rejuvenators address environmental concerns by identifying compatibility issues,assessing long-term performance,and evaluating economic feasibility.Finally,the paper outlines potential advancements and research pathways aimed at optimizing the utilization of bio-based rejuvenators in asphalt concrete,thereby contributing to the sustainable evolution of road infrastructure.

Aqueous-phase reforming of hydroxyacetone solution to bio-based H_(2)over supported Pt catalysts

Aqueous-phase reforming(APR)is an attractive process to produce bio-based hydrogen from waste biomass streams,during which the catalyst stability is often challenged due to the harsh reaction conditions.In this work,three Pt-based catalysts supported on C,AlO(OH),and ZrO_(2)were investigated for the APR of hydroxyacetone solution in afixed bed reactor at 225℃and 35 bar.Among them,the Pt/C catalyst showed the highest turnover frequency for H_(2)production(TOF of 8.9 molH_(2)molPt^(-1)min^(-1))and the longest catalyst stability.Over the AlO(OH)and ZrO_(2)supported Pt catalysts,the side reactions consuming H_(2),formation of coke,and Pt sintering result in a low H_(2)production and the fast catalyst deactivation.The proposed reaction pathways suggest that a promising APR catalyst should reform all oxygenates in the aqueous phase,minimize the hydrogenation of the oxygenates,maximize the WGS reaction,and inhibit the condensation and coking reactions for maximizing the hydrogen yield and a stable catalytic performance.

The effect of reactive plasticizer on viscoelastic and mechanical properties of solid rocket propellants based on different types of HTPB resin

Conventional plasticizers deteriorate mechanical and viscoelastic properties of the propellants due to their migration upon aging and long-term storage,which affects reliability and safety properties during exploitation.To address this issue,conventional plasticizer,dioctyl adipate(DOA),is replaced by reactive one,castor oil(CO).In addition,three different types of HTPB were used to obtain propellants with designed viscoelastic and mechanical properties.The CO increased propellants viscosity,without a significant impact on the propellant processability,regardless to the type of prepolymer.Conversely,mechanical properties were different depending on the type of resin,which were further analyzed by gel permeation chromatography(GPC).Addition of CO formed a denser polymer network and shifted T_(g) to higher values,compared to the compositions with DOA.The tensile strength of CO-containing propellants was lower at +20℃ and +50℃ compared to the reference compositions,while the strain at maximum load and strain at break were significantly increased with pronounced plastic deformation,especially for samples at -30℃.The inclusion of CO in the propellants composition gives more room for adjusting a wide range of mechanical properties.

From mice to humans:a need for comparable results in mammalian neuroplasticity

Brain plasticity-A universal tool with many variations:The study of brain plasticity has been gaining interest since almost a century and has now reached a huge amount of information(>80,000 results in PubMed).Overall,different types of plasticity,including stem cell-driven genesis of new neurons(adult neurogenesis),cells in arrested maturation(dormant neurons),neuro-glial and synaptic plasticity,can coexist and contribute to grant plastic changes in the brain,from a cellular to system level(Benedetti and Couillard-Despres,2022;Bonfanti et al.,2023).

Contribution of mechanical forces to structural synaptic plasticity:insights from 3D cellular motility mechanisms

Cells,tissues,and organs are constantly subjected to the action of mechanical forces from the extracellular environment-and the nervous system is no exception.Cell-intrinsic properties such as membrane lipid composition,abundance of mechanosensors,and cytoskeletal dynamics make cells more or less likely to sense these forces.Intrinsic and extrinsic cues are integrated by cells and this combined information determines the rate and dynamics of membrane protrusion growth or retraction(Yamada and Sixt,2019).Cell protrusions are extensions of the plasma membrane that play crucial roles in diverse contexts such as cell migration and neuronal synapse formation.In the nervous system,neurons are highly dynamic cells that can change the size and number of their pre-and postsynaptic elements(called synaptic boutons and dendritic spines,respectively),in response to changes in the levels of synaptic activity through a process called plasticity.Synaptic plasticity is a hallmark of the nervous system and is present throughout our lives,being required for functions like memory formation or the learning of new motor skills(Minegishi et al.,2023;Pillai and Franze,2024).

Research Progress of Environment Friendly Plasticizers for Cellulose Acetate Processing

Cellulose acetate(CA)is an important cellulose derivative that can undergo thermoplas-tic processing.Plasticizers can form stable hydrogen bonds with CA molecular chains,reducing intermolecular and intramolecular interactions,and play an important role in the melting processing of CA.In recent years,environmentally friendly plasticizers that are natural,non-toxic,odorless,low dissolution,and low migration have received increas-ing attention in plastic processing.This article reviews the research progress of environ-mentally friendly plasticizers such as natural plasticizers,ionic liquid plasticizers,citrate plasticizers,and polyethylene glycol plasticizers in the processing of cellulose acetate,and looks forward to the application prospects of environmentally friendly plasticizers.

Microstructural evolution during the progressive transformation-induced plasticity effect in a Fe-0.1C-5Mnmedium manganese steel

The microstructural evolution of a cold-rolled and intercritical annealed medium-Mn steel(Fe-0.10C-5Mn)was investigated during uniaxial tensile testing.In-situ observations under scanning electron microscopy,transmission electron microscopy,and X-ray diffraction analysis were conducted to characterize the progressive transformation-induced plasticity process and associated fracture initiation mechanisms.These findings were discussed with the local strain measurements via digital image correlation.The results indicated that Lüders band formation in the steel was limited to 1.5%strain,which was mainly due to the early-stage martensitic phase transformation of a very small amount of the less stable large-sized retained austenite(RA),which led to localized stress concentrations and strain hardening and further retardation of yielding.The small-sized RA exhibited high stability and progressively transformed into martensite and contributed to a stably extended Portevin-Le Chatelier effect.The volume fraction of RA gradually decreased from 26.8%to 8.2%prior to fracture.In the late deformation stage,fracture initiation primarily occurred at the austenite/martensite and ferrite/martensite interfaces and the ferrite phase.

Neurogenesis dynamics in the olfactory bulb:deciphering circuitry organization, function, and adaptive plasticity

Adult neurogenesis persists after birth in the subventricular zone, with new neurons migrating to the granule cell layer and glomerular layers of the olfactory bulb, where they integrate into existing circuitry as inhibitory interneurons. The generation of these new neurons in the olfactory bulb supports both structural and functional plasticity, aiding in circuit remodeling triggered by memory and learning processes. However, the presence of these neurons, coupled with the cellular diversity within the olfactory bulb, presents an ongoing challenge in understanding its network organization and function. Moreover,the continuous integration of new neurons in the olfactory bulb plays a pivotal role in regulating olfactory information processing. This adaptive process responds to changes in epithelial composition and contributes to the formation of olfactory memories by modulating cellular connectivity within the olfactory bulb and interacting intricately with higher-order brain regions. The role of adult neurogenesis in olfactory bulb functions remains a topic of debate. Nevertheless, the functionality of the olfactory bulb is intricately linked to the organization of granule cells around mitral and tufted cells. This organizational pattern significantly impacts output, network behavior, and synaptic plasticity, which are crucial for olfactory perception and memory. Additionally, this organization is further shaped by axon terminals originating from cortical and subcortical regions. Despite the crucial role of olfactory bulb in brain functions and behaviors related to olfaction, these complex and highly interconnected processes have not been comprehensively studied as a whole. Therefore, this manuscript aims to discuss our current understanding and explore how neural plasticity and olfactory neurogenesis contribute to enhancing the adaptability of the olfactory system. These mechanisms are thought to support olfactory learning and memory, potentially through increased complexity and restructuring of neural network structures, as well as the addition of new granule granule cells that aid in olfactory adaptation. Additionally, the manuscript underscores the importance of employing precise methodologies to elucidate the specific roles of adult neurogenesis amidst conflicting data and varying experimental paradigms. Understanding these processes is essential for gaining insights into the complexities of olfactory function and behavior.

The interaction between KIF21A and KANK1 regulates dendritic morphology and synapse plasticity in neurons

Morphological alterations in dendritic spines have been linked to changes in functional communication between neurons that affect learning and memory.Kinesin-4 KIF21A helps organize the microtubule-actin network at the cell cortex by interacting with KANK1;however,whether KIF21A modulates dendritic structure and function in neurons remains unknown.In this study,we found that KIF21A was distributed in a subset of dendritic spines,and that these KIF21A-positive spines were larger and more structurally plastic than KIF21A-negative spines.Furthermore,the interaction between KIF21A and KANK1 was found to be critical for dendritic spine morphogenesis and synaptic plasticity.Knockdown of either KIF21A or KANK1 inhibited dendritic spine morphogenesis and dendritic branching,and these deficits were fully rescued by coexpressing full-length KIF21A or KANK1,but not by proteins with mutations disrupting direct binding between KIF21A and KANK1 or binding between KANK1 and talin1.Knocking down KIF21A in the hippocampus of rats inhibited the amplitudes of long-term potentiation induced by high-frequency stimulation and negatively impacted the animals’cognitive abilities.Taken together,our findings demonstrate the function of KIF21A in modulating spine morphology and provide insight into its role in synaptic function.

Practice patterns among ophthalmic surgeons in treating concomitant oculoplastic conditions in preoperative period:A questionnaire-based study

BACKGROUND Addressing oculoplastic conditions in the preoperative period ensures both the safety and functional success of any ophthalmic procedure.Some oculoplastic conditions,like nasolacrimal duct obstruction,have been extensively studied,whereas others,like eyelid malposition and thyroid eye disease,have received minimal or no research.AIM To investigate the current practice patterns among ophthalmologists while treating concomitant oculoplastic conditions before any subspecialty ophthalmic intervention.METHODS A cross-sectional survey was disseminated among ophthalmologists all over India.The survey included questions related to pre-operative evaluation,anaesthetic and surgical techniques preferred,post-operative care,the use of adjunctive therapies,and patient follow-up patterns.RESULTS A total of 180 ophthalmologists responded to the survey.Most practitioners(89%)felt that the ROPLAS test was sufficient during pre-operative evaluation before any subspecialty surgery was advised.The most common surgical techniques employed were lacrimal drainage procedures(Dacryocystorhinostomy)(63.3%),eyelid malposition repair(36.9%),and ptosis repair(58.7%).Post-operatively,47.7%of respondents emphasized that at least a 4-week gap should be maintained after lacrimal drainage procedures and eyelid surgeries.Sixty-seven percent of ophthalmologists felt that topical anaesthetic procedures should be preferred while performing ocular surgeries in thyroid eye disease patients.CONCLUSION Approximately 50%of ophthalmologists handle prevalent oculoplastic issues themselves,seeking the expertise of an oculoplastic surgeon under particular conditions.Many ophthalmologists still favor using ROPLAS as a preliminary screening method before proceeding with cataract surgery.Eyelid conditions and thyroid eye disease are not as commonly addressed before subspecialty procedures compared to issues like nasolacrimal duct obstruction and periocular infections.

Microplastic and nanoplastic exposure and risk of diabetes mellitus

The issue of plastic pollutants has become a growing concern.Both microplastics(MPs)(particle size<5 mm)and nanoplastics(NPs)(particle size<1μm)can cause DNA damage,cytotoxicity,and oxidative stress in various organisms.The primary known impacts of microplastic/nanoplastic are observed in the liver and respiratory system,leading to hepatotoxicity and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Although research on the effects of MPs and NPs on diabetes is still in its early stages,there are potential concerns.This editorial highlights the risk to diabetics from co-exposure to contaminants and MPs/NPs,supported by evidence from animal studies and the various chemical compositions of MPs/NPs.

A Literature Review on Sustainability of Bio-Based and Biodegradable Plastics:Challenges and Opportunities

This study examines the literature on bio-based and biodegradable plastics published between 2000 and 2021 and provides insights and research suggestions for the future.The study gathers data from the Scopus and ISI Web of Science databases,then picks 1042 publications objectively and analyses their metadata.Furthermore,144 papers from the Web of Science are analysed to present insights and classifications of the literature based on content analyses,including assessment/evaluation of the sustainability of bio-based and biodegradable Plastics,sustainability of biodegradable Plastics,and factors driving the uptake of biodegradable plastics.The study finds that most research on bio-based and biodegradable plastic film evaluations considered only one dimension of sustainability,few considered two dimensions,and very few considered three dimensions.Though,in recent years,academic and industrial interest has grown dramatically in biodegradable plastics towards sustainability.The triple bottom line method in this report(economic benefit,social responsibility,and environmental protection)was employed to assess the biodegradable plastics towards sustainability.Top journals,Influential authors,top contributing institutions,top contributing nations,and contributions by fields are all identified in this study.This research gives a detailed but straightforward theoretical design of bio-based and biodegradable polymers.The study’s results and future research initiatives provide a new path for further investigation and contribution to the field.

Plasticizing Effect of Camellia oleifera Seed-Oil-Based Plasticizer on PVC Material Modification

In this study,as the plasticizer,Camellia oleifera seed-oil-based cyclohexyl ester(COSOCE)was prepared by the reaction of cyclohexene oxide and refined C.oleifera seed oil(RCOSO)obtained by acidification hydrolysis after saponification.In addition,the structure of the target product was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared(FTIR)spectroscopy,nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)spectroscopy,and Raman spectroscopy.COSOCE was used as plasticizer-modified polyvinyl chloride(PVC)membranes.The structure of the COSOCE-modified PVC membranes were characterized by Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy(SEM).The properties of the COSOCE-modified PVC membrane were characterized by contact angle measurements,universal testing machine,thermogravimetric analysis(TGA),and differential scanning calorimetry(DSC).The results revealed that(1)The COSOCE-modified PVC membranes exhibit a good microscopic morphology.Combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDS)and contact angle measurement results,the COSOCE-modified PVC membranes are confirmed to be a hydrophilic material.(2)The modified PVC membrane with 60%COSOCE exhibited the best mechanical properties.The tensile strength reached 23.56±2.94 MPa.(3)COSOCE-modified PVC material exhibited better thermal stability,with a loss rate of less than 75%at the end of the first decomposition stage.Compared with that of the dioctyl-phthalate(DOP)-modified PVC membrane,the initial decomposition temperature of PVC was increased by 1.17°C–8.17°C,and the residual rate was increased by 0.67%–5.75%.The carbon–carbon double bond in the COSOCE molecular structure can remove the free radicals generated during the degradation of PVC material and slow down the decomposition rate of PVC.In addition,the double bond can be cross-linked partially with the PVC molecular chain containing the conjugated polyene structure,thereby increasing the movement resistance of the PVC molecular chain segment.Hence,COSOCE can replace DOP as a PVC plasticizer.

Synthesis and Characterization of Phenyl Camellia oleifera Seed Oil Ester Plasticizing PVC

Plasticizers are essential additives in the processing of polyvinyl chloride(PVC),with phthalate plasticizers being widely used.However,these conventional plasticizers have been shown to be harmful to human health and environmentally unfriendly,necessitating the exploration of eco-friendly bio-based alternatives.In this study,Camellia oleifera seed oil,a specialty resource in China,was utilized as a raw material and reacted with 4,4′-Methylenebis(N,N-diglycidylaniline)(AG-80)to synthesize Phenyl Camellia seed Oil Ester(PCSOE).PCSOE was employed as a plasticizer to prepare modified PVC films with varying concentrations,with the conventional plasticizer dioctyl phthalate(DOP)serving as a control.Experimental results demonstrate that PSCOE-plasticized PVC films exhibit enhanced hydrophilicity,tensile strength,and thermal stability compared to DOP-modified PVC films.The contact angle of PSCOE-plasticized PVC films ranges from 66.26°to 78.48°,which is generally lower than the contact angle of DOP-modified PVC films at 78.40°,indicating improved hydrophilicity due to the modification with PCSOE.The tensile strength of PSCOE-plasticized PVC films ranges from 17.73 to 20.17 MPa,all surpassing the value of 16.41 MPa for DOP-modified PVC films.Moreover,the temperatures corresponding to 5%,10%,and 50%weight loss for PVC samples modified with PCSOE are higher than those for DOP.Hence,PCSOE presents a viable alternative to DOP as a plasticizer for PVC materials.

Bio-Based Hyperbranched Toughener From Tannic Acid and Its Enhanced Solvent-Free Epoxy Resin with High Performance

It is essential to design economic and efficient tougheners to prepare high-performance epoxy resin;however,this has remained a huge challenge.Herein,an eco-friendly,low-cost,and facile-fabricated bio-based hyperbranched toughener,carboxylic acid-functionalized tannic acid(CATA),was successfully prepared and applicated to the preparation of solvent-free epoxy resins.The mechanical performance,morphology,structural characterization,and thermal characterization of toughened epoxy resin system were studied.The toughened epoxy resin system with only 1.0wt%CATA reached the highest impact strength,111%higher than the neat epoxy resin system.Notably,the tensile strength and elongation at break of toughened epoxy resin systems increased moderately with increasing CATA loading.Nonphase-separated hybrids with significant toughening effect were obtained.Additionally,the thermal stabilities of toughened epoxy resin systems decreased with increasing CATA loading.This study provides an eco-friendly,cost-effective,and facile approach for the preparation of high-performance,solvent-free epoxy resins with potential for practical applications in sealing integrated circuits and electrical devices fields.

Synthesis of aliphatic amidediol and used as a novel mixed plasticizer for thermoplastic starch

In this paper,aliphatic amidediol was synthesized and mixed with glycerol used as a plasticizer for preparing thermoplastic starch（AGPTPS）.The yield of aliphatic amidediol was 91%.FF-IR expressed that the mixture of aliphatic amidediol and glycerol formed stronger and stable hydrogen bond with starch molecules compared to the native cornstarch.By scanning electron microscope（SEM）native cornstarch granules were proved to transfer to a homogeneous continuous system.After being stored for a period time at room temperature,the mechanical properties of AGPTPS were also studied.As a mixed plasticizer,aliphatic amidediol and glycerol would be practical to extend TPS application scopes.