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Screening for polymer degradation using a modified method with 14C-radiolabelled alginate
Summary
Researchers developed a modified screening method using 14C-radiolabelled alginate to assess polymer biodegradation rates, providing a faster alternative to standard OECD test guidelines needed to verify compliance with the EU 2023/2055 restriction on intentionally added synthetic microplastics in products.
The fate of polymers has been in the focus of the new restriction (Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055) issued by the European Commission on intentionally added synthetic microplastics to products used for specific purposes. Exempt from this restriction are polymers that are biodegradable, which is determined with the help of OECD test guidelines. Producers strive to shift to natural polymers, which are considered biodegradable by default. The biodegradation rates and formed degradation products of polymers are mostly unknown. During polymer development a fast screening is needed to obtain a projection of the polymer's biodegradation potential to decide if the polymer can be considered for a product. In order to investigate the degradation of polymers a modified screening method has been developed, based on the OECD 301B guideline. As modifications the test volume was reduced from 800 to 50 ml, the duration of the experiment was shortened from 28 to 10 days and a different measurement endpoint (recovery of the total organic carbon content instead of mineralisation) was chosen. The modified screening method was validated using a 14C-radiolabelled sodium alginate which gives more insight into the degradation process. Labelling of the alginate was achieved by nucleophilic substitution of the alginate's hydroxyl groups with 14C-labelled 2-bromoethanole. Care must be taken to reduce the impact of the derivatisation on the physico-chemical properties and the biodegradation of the polymer. The chosen set-up saves time and space. The modified screening method showed comparable results to the OECD 301B guideline and can be used to quickly determine if further testing for a promising polymer during product development is meaningful. Details of the synthesis procedure and characterisation will be presented as well as the results of the validation experiments. Also see: https://micro2024.sciencesconf.org/558798/document
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