Last 10 IPCB CT publications on ISI journals
1) 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.
2) 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.
3) 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.
4) 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.
5) 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.
6) Development of a γ-Cyclodextrin-Based Cryogel Loaded with Trimethoprim for Acne Treatment: Design, Synthesis, and In Vitro Evaluation
E.G.Tomarchio, V.Giglio, V.Fuochi, S.Furnari, P.M.Furneri, T.Mecca, S.Dattilo, C.Zagni, A.Rescifina
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26136319
Innovative functional materials integrating host-guest complexes in cryogels offer promising applications in topical drug delivery, enhancing drug solubility and stability. In this study, we designed and developed a cryogel-based patch for acne treatment by polymerizing an acrylate-functionalized γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CD) and trimethoprim (TMP) inclusion complex with [2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride (AETMA) at low temperatures. A multistep workflow was applied to synthesize the inclusion complex via mortar-assisted kneading, followed by cryogel formulation through radical cryopolymerization. The resulting hybrid system leverages the cationic nature of AETMA to promote adhesion and electrostatic interactions with the skin surface. At the same time, γ-CD serves as a drug reservoir, facilitating sustained release of the drug. The system was characterized by FT-IR, TGA, and SEM analyses. In vitro release studies demonstrated a sustained TMP release profile, best described by the Korsmeyer-Peppas diffusion model. Antibacterial assays confirmed the system’s effectiveness against Staphylococcus aureus, supporting its potential for localized and prolonged acne treatment. Moreover, cytocompatibility tests demonstrated that the formulation is biocompatible, further validating its suitability for topical application.
7) Neuraminidase 1 secondary deficiency contributes to CNS pathology in neurological mucopolysaccharidoses via brain protein hypersialylation
T.Xu, R.Heon-Roberts, T.Moore, P.Dubot, X.Pan, T.Guo, C.W.Cairo, R.J.Holley, B.Bigger, T.M.Durcan, T.Levade, J.Ausseil, B.Amilhon, A.Gorelik, B.Nagar, S.Khan, S.Tomatsu, L.Sturiale, A.Palmigiano, I.Röckle, H.Thiesler, H.Hildebrandt, D.Garozzo, A.V.Pshezhetsky
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI177430
Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are lysosomal storage diseases caused by defects in catabolism of glycosaminoglycans. MPS I, II, III, and VII, which are associated with lysosomal accumulation of heparan sulphate (HS), manifest with neurological deterioration and currently lack effective treatments. We report that neuraminidase 1 (NEU1) activity is drastically reduced in brain tissues of patients with neurological MPS and mouse models but not in neurological lysosomal disorders without HS storage. Accumulated HS disrupts the lysosomal multienzyme complex of NEU1 with cathepsin A, β-galactosidase (GLB1), and glucosamine-6-sulfate sulfatase (GALNS), leading to NEU1 deficiency and partial GLB1 and GALNS deficiencies in cortical tissues and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived (iPSC-derived) cortical neurons of patients with neurological MPS. Increased sialylation of N-linked glycans in brains of patients with MPS and mice implicated insufficient processing of sialylated glycans, except for polysialic acid. Correction of NEU1 activity in MPS IIIC mice by lentiviral (LV) gene transfer ameliorated previously identified hallmarks of the disease, including memory impairment, behavioral traits, and reduced levels of excitatory synapse markers VGLUT1 and PSD95. Overexpression of NEU1 also restored levels of VGLUT1/PSD95-positive puncta in cortical iPSC-derived MPS IIIA neurons. Our results demonstrate that HS-induced secondary NEU1 deficiency and aberrant sialylation of brain glycoproteins constitute what we believe is a novel pathological pathway in the neurological MPS spectrum crucially contributing to CNS pathology.
8) Mono-allelic p.R37H Dehydrodolichyl Diphosphate Synthase variants lead to protein glycosylation defects, aberrant lipid profiles and interneuron scarcity in a novel mouse model of progressive epileptic encephalopathy
A.Da Silva, S.B.Tene Tadoum, I.J.J.Muffels, R.Budhraja, L.Sturiale, A.Messina, M.Giladi, M.Taherzadeh, M.Fazeli, E.Bonneil, S.Khan, D.te Vruchte, Y.Yamanaka, G.Di Cristo, F.F.Hamdan, F.M.Platt, S.Tomatsu, Y.Haitin, T.Kozicz, P.Thibault, D.Garozzo, A.Pandey, E.Morava, E.Rossignol, A.V.Pshezhetsky
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.08.15.670547
Developmental delay and seizures with or without movement abnormalities (OMIM 617836) caused by heterozygous pathogenic variants in the
DHDDS gene (DHDDS-CDG) is a rare genetic disease that belongs to the progressive encephalopathy spectrum. It results in developmental delay in affected children, accompanied by myoclonus, seizures, ataxia and tremor, which worsens over time.
DHDDS encodes a subunit of a DHDDS/NUS1 cis-prenyltransferase (
cis-PTase), a branch point enzyme of the mevalonate pathway essential for N-linked glycosylation. We describe the first mouse model of this disease,
DhddsR37H+/- strain, heterozygous for the human recurrent de novo c.110G>A:p.R37H pathogenic variant.
DhddsR37H+/- mice present with seizures, myoclonus and memory deficits associated with reduced density or/and maturity of inhibitory interneurons in the cortex. Multiomics analyses of mouse CNS tissues, together with the enzymatic/structural characterization of the R37H DHDDS mutant protein, reveal that the variant produces a catalytically inactive enzyme and results in a brain dolichol deficit, aberrant glycosylation of brain glycoproteins, including those involved in synaptic transmission, and major perturbations in the CNS proteome and lipidome. Acetazolamide, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor clinically approved for treatment of glaucoma, epilepsy, and intracranial hypertension, and successfully used "off-label" to treat genetic movement disorders, drastically reduces seizure susceptibility to pentylenetetrazol in
DhddsR37H+/- mice, suggesting potential therapeutic value of using this drug in human DHDDS-CDG patients. Together, our results define
cis-PTase as a master regulator of CNS development and function and establish that its monoallelic debilitating variants cause a novel Congenital Disorder of Glycosylation, associated with aberrant levels of neuronal proteins and lipids.
9) Sustainable biocomposites from polybutylene succinate reinforced with glochids: Combining waste valorization with improved material properties and accelerated biodegradability
F.Marchetta, L.D’Arienzo, L.Di Maio, L.Botta, M.C.Mistretta, P.Rizzarelli, M.Leanza, P.Scarfato
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coco.2025.102597
This study presents the development and characterization of novel biodegradable biocomposites composed of polybutylene succinate (PBS) reinforced with glochids, a fibrous agro-food waste from
Opuntia ficus-indica fruits. With their naturally barbed surface, glochids offer the potential to enhance interfacial adhesion with the polymer matrix, contributing to improved composite performance. The research aligns with circular economy principles by transforming an abundant byproduct into a functional reinforcement, reducing waste while providing sustainable materials entirely derived from renewable resources with enhanced properties. Biocomposites with different glochids loadings (14, 20, and 30 wt%) were prepared using twin-screw extrusion and subjected to comprehensive physical-mechanical characterization (thermal and FT-IR spectroscopy measurements, morphological analyses, tensile tests) and biodegradability analyses in compost. The addition of glochids resulted in improved mechanical properties, including increased Young’s modulus (up to a maximum of ca. 70% for the most loaded system) and stiffness, with an enhancement in heat deflection temperature (HDT) of over 10°C, suggesting suitability for high-temperature applications. Moreover, despite the fact that glochids induced an initial increase in hydrophobicity, compost burial tests revealed that the natural filler accelerated degradation within 90 days, demonstrating improved end-of-life performance. These findings highlight the potential of PBS/glochids biocomposites as eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastics for applications such as packaging, consumer goods, and automotive interiors. By promoting waste valorization, these materials align with the principles of a circular economy, fostering more sustainable production and consumption practices.
10) PP-Based Blends with PVP-I Additive: Mechanical, Thermal, and Barrier Properties for Packaging of Iodophor Pharmaceutical Formulations
M.Leanza, D.Carbone, G.Poggi, M.Rapisarda, M.Baiamonte, E.Spina, D.Chelazzi, P.Baglioni, F.La Mantia, P.Rizzarelli
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17182442
The influence of minor components on leaching molecular iodine (I2) through polypropylene (PP)-based packaging from a povidone iodine-based (PVP-I) formulation, simulating an ophthalmic application, was evaluated. I2 is a cheap, broad-spectrum, and multi-target antiseptic. Nevertheless, it is volatile, and the prolonged storage of I2-based formulations is demanding in plastic packaging because of transmission through the material. Therefore, we explored the possibility of moderating the loss of I2 from an iodophor formulation by introducing small amounts of molecular iodine into the polymer material commonly used in eyedropper caps, i.e., PP. Thus, PP was blended via an extrusion process with a polymeric complex containing iodine (such as PVP-I) or with a second polymeric component able to complex the I2 released from an iodophor solution. The aim of this work was to introduce I2 into PP-based polymer matrices without using organic solvents and indirectly, i.e., through the addition of components that could generate molecular iodine or complex it in the solid phase, as I2 is heat-sensitive. To increase the miscibility between PP and PVP-I, poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) or a vinyl pyrrolidone vinyl acetate copolymer 55/45 (Sokalan) were added as compatibilizers. The PP-based binary and ternary blends, in granular or sheet form, were characterized thermally (Differential Scanning Calorimetry, DSC, and Thermogravimetric analysis, TGA), mechanically (tensile tests), morphologically (scanning electron microscopy (SEM)), and chemically (attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR)). Additionally, the variation in wettability induced by the introduction of the hydrophilic minority components was determined by static contact angle measurements (static contact angle (SCA)), and tests were carried out to determine the barrier properties against oxygen (oxygen transmission rate (OTR)) and molecular iodine. The I2 leaching of the different blends was compared with that of PP by monitoring the I2 retention in a buffered PVP-I solution via UV-vis spectroscopy. Overall, the experimental data showed the capability of the minority components in the blends to increase thermal stability as well as act as a barrier to oxygen. Additionally, the PP blend with PVP-I induced a reduction in molecular iodine leaching in comparison with PP.
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