Last 10 IPCB CT publications on ISI journals
1) Performance and Durability of Biopolymer Blends Containing Modified Metal Oxide Particles
G.Infurna, A.Scamporrino, E.Morici, E.Bruno, G.Pecoraro, N.Tz.Dintcheva
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17223000
This study applies circular and sustainable principles to the formulation of biopolymer-based materials using naturally occurring additives. To improve the affinity between the host matrix and additives such as metal oxides, the work involves adding stearic acid-modified zinc oxide (
f-ZnO) and sonicated titanium dioxide (s-TiO
2) to a polylactic acid and bio-derived polyamide 11 (PLA/PA11 = 70/30 w/w biopolymer blend via melt mixing. To evaluate the impact of the functionalization and sonication on metal oxides (i.e.,
f-ZnO and
s-TiO
2) introduced into the PLA/PA11 blend, composites containing unmodified ZnO and TiO
2 prepared under the same processing conditions were compared with the modified ones. All of the composites were characterised in terms of their solid-state properties, morphology, melt behaviour, and photo-oxidation resistance. The addition of both
f-ZnO and
s-TiO2 appears to exert a plasticising effect on the rheological behaviour, in contrast to unmodified ZnO and TiO
2. The presence of stearic acid tails on ZnO has been estimated at approximately 4%, whereas sonication reduces the diameter of TiO
2 particles by half. In the solid state, both unmodified and modified particles can reinforce the biopolymer matrix, enhancing the Young’s (elastic) modulus. Calorimetry analysis suggests that unmodified and modified metal oxide particles do not influence the glass transition of the PLA phase but affect the melt temperatures of both biopolymeric phases by reducing macromolecular mobility. Morphology analysis shows that the presence of both f-ZnO and s-TiO
2 particles does not reduce the size of the PA11 droplets. The f-ZnO particles, which have long stearic tails and are more compatible with the less-polar phase (PLA), are probably located at the interface between the two biopolymeric phases or in the PLA phase. Furthermore, s-TiO
2 particles, like TiO
2, do not reduce the dimensions of PA11 droplets, suggesting that there is no preferential location of the particles. Due to the presence of both
f-ZnO and
s-TiO
2, an increase in the hydrophobicity of the PLA/PA11 blend has been detected, suggesting enhanced water resistance. The photo-oxidation resistance of the PLA/PA11 blend is significantly reduced by the presence of unmodified metal oxides and even more so by the presence of modified metal oxides. This suggests that metal oxides could be considered photo-sensitive degradant agents for biopolymer blends.
2) Thermo-Mechanical Characterization of SMC/BMC Glass Fibersâ??Reinforced Polyester Composites: Toward a Novel Matrix With Zero Styrene Content
L.Saitta, S.Dattilo, G.Curcuruto, G.Scalzo, C.Tosto, I.Blanco, G.Cirrone, G.Cicala
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.70723
Glass fiber-reinforced polymer composites produced via sheet molding compound (SMC) and bulk molding compound (BMC) processes heavily rely on unsaturated polyester resins (UPRs) containing styrene, a volatile organic compound associated with environmental and health risks. In response to increasing regulatory pressure to reduce styrene emissions, this study investigates the formulation and performance of low-styrene (10%wt) and styrene-free UPR for SMC/BMC applications. Pure maleic-based and isophthalic/maleic-based polyester matrices were synthesized using 1,4-butanediol dimethacrylate as an alternative reactive diluent. These resins were reinforced with short glass fibers to produce composite laminates via a combined SMC or BMC and hot pressing production process, which were evaluated for thermo-mechanical properties and interfacial morphology. The isophthalic/maleic-based formulation with 10 wt% styrene demonstrated superior mechanical performance (i.e., flexural strength: 119.83 ± 5.52 MPa) and comparable thermal stability (Tg of 155°C) to conventional 30 wt% styrene systems, owing to improved fiber-matrix adhesion. Conversely, pure maleic-based systems exhibited higher flexural modulus but inferior mechanical strength due to poor interfacial bonding. Morphological and dynamic mechanical analyses confirmed the role of matrix structure and styrene content in governing performance. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of reducing styrene content in UPRs when optimized backbone chemical structure are used while maintaining industrially relevant processing and mechanical performance, thus supporting the transition toward sustainable composite manufacturing.
3) Light and Alternating Temperatures Release Seed Dormancy in the Invasive Dipsacus fullonum L. Through ROS Homeostasis and ABA Regulation
P.Frazzetto, H.R.Huarte, G.D.Puglia, A.Prjibelski, S.S.Saini, V.Giglio, S.Dattilo, A.Cristaudo
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1111/ppl.70642
Seeds have developed mechanisms to perceive environmental signals, such as light and temperature, which govern germination and enhance the chance of seedling establishment. This study examined the foundations of light and temperature sensitivity in the seed dormancy release of a common weed, Dipsacus fullonum. By screening six accessions from two different regions, we identified two unique germination behaviors: one sensitive to environmental stimuli and one neutral to them. In the sensitive accession, ABA is crucial for regulating dormancy release, as it accumulates in seeds subjected to darkness, while it decreases under other conditions. We observed a rise of reactive oxygen species (ROS) under conditions that stimulate germination and highlighted that their presence enhanced germination even in the absence of light. This study employed a long-read RNA-seq technology to examine the regulation of key genes associated with germination. We identified the essential nodes in this process: DfPIF1, which maintains the dormancy state in darkness at constant temperatures mainly by promoting ABA biosynthesis and signaling, and antioxidant enzymatic machinery, DfMSD1, DfCSD2, DfAPX, and DfPRX1, whose activity regulates ROS homeostasis, promoting or inhibiting germination. This study provides novel mechanisms that regulate seed germination in weeds, specifically involving ABA regulation and ROS in response to environmental stimuli.
4) Tunable phenolic-modified alginate-chitosan semi-IPNs as multifunctional platforms for localized antimicrobial and antioxidant therapy
E.G.Tomarchio, C.Zagni, G.Curcuruto, V.Fuochi, S.Furnari, P.M.Furneri, S.Carroccio, A.Rescifina
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2025.114389
Biopolymer-based hydrogels offer a versatile platform for drug delivery thanks to their biocompatibility, use of natural polymers, and tunable properties. In this study, we developed semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) hydrogels composed of alginate (ALG) and chitosan (CS), chemically modified with caffeic acid (CA) and gallic acid (GA), to enhance both antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. The resulting hydrogels showed tunable physical states, high porosity, and good thermal stability, transitioning from liquid dispersions to solid forms under different conditions. Lomefloxacin was loaded to test local delivery performance. Drug release profiles revealed that the modification influenced release: the ALG-CS_CA hydrogel released about 61% of Lomefloxacin, while the ALG-CS_GA hydrogel released approximately 43%, in line with their swelling behavior. Incorporation of phenolic acids significantly boosted antioxidant capacity, with the GA-modified hydrogel reaching over 80% scavenging activity. Tests against
Staphylococcus aureus confirmed improved antimicrobial activity compared to unmodified ALG-CS matrices. Overall, these fully bio-based, metal-free semi-IPNs combine biocompatibility, antimicrobial and antioxidant functions, and tunable release properties. This sustainable system, based only on natural polymers and mild chemical functionalization, shows strong potential for safe, scalable biomedical applications in localized therapies for infection-prone or inflamed tissues. This green design offers practical advantages for future scale-up and sustainable production.
5) Photo-regenerable liquid crystalline polymers for the adsorption of organic pollutants
V.D’Agostino, V.Spinoso, G.Curcuruto, A.Longo, A.Martinez-Bueno, A.Lanfranchi, C.Laferrera, G.Impellizzeri, P.Lova, M.Salzano de Luna, D.Martella
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1002/rpm2.70027
The increasing presence of organic pollutants such as herbicides and pesticides in water, soil and air requires efficient strategies for their removal and degradation in a reliable and environmentally sound manner. This work focuses on adsorbent materials for water remediation, also addressing pollutant degradation, a critical aspect allowing adsorbent re-use. A photo-regenerable adsorbent based on a liquid crystal network (LCN) is proposed, consisting of a highly ordered nanoporous material obtained through the polymerization of reactive mesogenic monomers. The addition of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in the LCN matrix as photocatalyst opens to its photoregeneration, allowing degradation of the pollutants and further cycles of adsorption. The LCN-TiO2 composite was optimized using methylene blue (MB) as a model and then tested for a real pollutant. The adsorber proved its efficiency with a maximum pollutant uptake of 86 wt% and total photoregeneration achieved by irradiation with an ultraviolet source. The best tradeoff of adsorption capacity and photoregeneration efficacy was found for samples loaded with only 1 wt% of TiO2 nanoparticles. This composite also exhibited a high pollutant adsorption capacity and fast and complete photo-regeneration toward the herbicide Diquat, opening the way for a new versatile strategy for water remediation from emerging organic pollutants.
6) Tracking additives fate from a biodegradable mulch film to soil: a comprehensive LC-MS investigation
V.Giglio, D.Dvorakova, F.Convertino, A.S.Tsagkaris, A.Messina, G.Proietto Salanitri, A.C.Dell’Acqua, E.Schettini, S.Carroccio
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.140039
Biodegradable mulch films (BMFs) are nowadays the alternative to conventional agricultural plastics for widespread cultivation all over the world. However, their long-term environmental impact, particularly concerning the behavior of embedded polymer additives (PAs) such as plasticizers, stabilizers, and antioxidants, remains poorly understood. These additives, not covalently bound to the polymer matrix, can leach into the soil during film degradation, potentially posing risks to ecosystems and human health. This study presents the first field burial investigation into the leaching and transformation of PAs from BMFs in a real-world context. A dual analytical approach was used: (i) targeted ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) to quantify 15 representative additives and (ii) untargeted high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) to identify transformation by-products. Analyses were performed on both BMFs and surrounding soils over different burial periods. Results show variable leaching behavior influenced by molecular weight, polarity, and polymer affinity. Notably, stabilizers like Irgafos 168 persist in microplastic fragments derived from BMF degradation, suggesting potential long-term accumulation in soil. In contrast, more polar additives such as tributyl-O-acetylcitrate exhibited vertical mobility. These findings provide crucial insights into the environmental fate of BMFs and support the need for improved risk assessment and regulatory strategies in agroecosystems.
7) The Plastic Signature: Microplastic Ingestion and Phthalate Exposure in Parapenaeus longirostris from Three Tyrrhenian Sites (Mediterranean Sea)
L.Ciaralli, S.Vencato, G.De Lucia, T.Valente, E.Monfardini, G.Libralato, L.Manfra, M.Radicioli, C.Silvestri, S.Dattilo, P.M.Riccobene, G.Gioacchini, D.Berto, V.Lombardi, Mariacristina Cocca, M.Matiddi
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics4040067
Microplastic pollution is pervasive in marine ecosystems and poses a growing threat to marine organisms and human health. This study simultaneously investigates microplastic ingestion and phthalate exposure in
Parapenaeus longirostris, a commercially valuable and ecologically relevant Mediterranean crustacean occupying an intermediate trophic position. Specimens were collected from three coastal areas in the central Tyrrhenian Sea (Western Mediterranean): near the Tiber River mouth, one of the most polluted rivers in Italy, and two additional sites to the north and south. The frequency of individuals with ingested microplastics varied among locations: 78% near the Tiber River, 64% at site S, and 38% at site N, reflecting anthropogenic pressure gradients. Analyses confirmed the lower occurrence at site N, indicating higher ingestion near land-based pollution sources. Ingested microplastic polymer types varied among sites, reflecting location-specific contamination. Phthalates were present in shrimp muscle at all sites (5-1122 ng/g w.w.) with the highest average concentration (68.26 ± 55.74 ng/g) at the site with the highest microplastic ingestion. Although no statistical correlation was found, the similar spatial distribution of microplastics and phthalates suggests a potential link influenced by local pollution and individual variability. These findings provide novel evidence of microplastic and phthalate contamination in
P. longirostris, highlighting its role as a trophic connector mediating contaminant transfer through the food web. While current levels suggest no potential risk to human health, continued monitoring and further studies on exposure along trophic pathways are recommended.
8) Hybrid nanocomposites of cerium oxide nanoparticles in chitosan/alginate to enhance the salinity stress tolerance of Carrizo citrange rootstock
G.Granata, L.Vitiello, S.Boninelli, G.Curcuruto, M.Spadaro, J.Arbiol, C.Geraci, G.Las Casas, B.Torrisi, F.Ferlito, S.Dattilo, M.Miritello
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2025.117404
An innovative hybrid nanocomposite based on ceria was synthesized to enhance the salinity stress tolerance of Carrizo citrange rootstock. Our approach involved loading ceria nanoparticles (CeO
2) in chitosan (Chi) and alginate (Alg) biopolymeric nanocomposites, obtaining a water dispersion easily sprayable to plants leaves. The material properties were assessed by chemical and morphological analysis, revealing the success of preparation in terms of nanometric sizes and stability. The quantification of metal oxide content in the Chi/Alg-CeO
2 hybrid nanocomposite suspension was achieved by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry resulting in 15Â mg/L of cerium. The hybrid nanocomposite degradation was also studied by accelerated aging under UV-A radiation, evidencing a depletion of polymeric counterparts. The water dispersion of Chi/Alg-CeO
2 hybrid nanocomposites was tested on one year old potted seedlings to evaluate its efficacy in mitigating the plant tolerance against saline stress. Morphological and biochemical behaviour together to antioxidant activities were monitored for different saline concentrations. Increased proline levels and total polyphenols were recorded with Chi/Alg-CeO
2 treatment. Data revealed that Chi/Alg-CeO
2 increased provided a remarkable solution in alleviating high levels of oxidative processes, allowing higher water absorption to form the root system, thus inducing plant growth in conditions of mid-low photosynthetic capacity.
9) Copolymerization of CO2 and Cyclohexene Oxide in the Presence of Functional Transfer Agents Provides Telechelic Polycarbonates: Synthesis of CO2-Containing Macromonomers and Macroinitiators
R.Chiarcos, K.Sparnacci, D.Antonioli, S.Carroccio, G.Curcuruto, R.Po, P.Biagini, S.Losio, M.Laus
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1002/macp.202400383
One possible way to store the excess CO
2 present in atmosphere is to use it as a reagent for the synthesis of commodities. In particular, CO
2 and epoxides can be copolymerized to produce a large variety of polycarbonates which appear very promising in various application fields. Further, the addition of an appropriate transfer agent in the reaction mixture promotes the formation of telechelic polycarbonates which can be used where specific functional polymers are necessary. In this work, (hydroxyethyl) methacrylate and 2-hydroxyethyl-2-bromoisobutyrate species are exploited as transfer agents in the copolymerization of CO
2 and cyclohexene oxide, in the presence of a macrocyclic phenolate dimagnesium catalyst. The effect of the transfer agent concentration on the polycarbonate characteristics is evaluated. Finally, the obtained telechelic polycarbonates are used as macromonomers and macroinitiators in the synthesis of statistical and block copolymers.
10) Electrospinning Versus Solvent Casting Approach to Fabricate Tailored PES/SPES/PVP Membranes of Next Generation
G.Scalzo, N.Gholamiarjenaki, D.Carbone, C.Puglisi, S.Dattilo, L.Saitta, G.Sodeifian, C.Santillo, G.Mercorillo, F.Samperi
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.4c11107
This study explored the potential of blending poly(ether sulfone)/disulfonated poly(ether ulfone) (PES/SPES) at various weight ratios with and without polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) to enhance the membrane properties for potential applications like fuel cells, water treatment, and lithium-ion battery separators. SPES was appropriately synthesized as a copolymer constituted of alternated unsulfonated (ES) and disulfonated (SES) sequences, achieving a degree of sulfonation of about 100%. SPES improved the membrane’s hydrophilicity, while PVP acts as compatibilizer of PES/SPES blends and pore creator. For comparison purposes, two different approaches were exploited for membrane fabrication: casting and electrospinning techniques. The membranes were characterized using various techniques to evaluate thermal stability, hydrophilicity, uptake behavior, morphology, and microstructure. SEM images revealed that the SPES content and PVP incorporation significantly influenced membrane morphology and porosity. Water uptake increased with SPES content, while methanol uptake was less affected. PVP enhanced both water and methanol uptake in the solvent-cast membranes. Electrospun membranes exhibited higher uptake due to their increased porosity and surface area. Contact angle measurements confirmed that SPES improved hydrophilicity and surface roughness played a crucial role. TGA analysis showed that PES membranes had the highest thermal stability, while SPES decreased it. DSC analysis revealed that PVP acted as a compatibilizer in solvent-cast membranes but not in electrospun ones. The study demonstrated that both blend composition and fabrication techniques could be tailored to optimize membrane properties for specific applications. The findings provide valuable insights for developing advanced membranes with an enhanced performance.
Top