0
Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Detection Methods Remediation Sign in to save

Mass Spectrometry Reveals Molecular Structure of Polyhydroxyalkanoates Attained by Bioconversion of Oxidized Polypropylene Waste Fragments

Polymers 2019 45 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 35 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.
Marta Musioł, Brian Johnston, Iza Radecka, Marek Kowalczuk Emo Chiellini, David Barsi, David Barsi, Barbara Mendrek, Brian Johnston, Barbara Mendrek, Grażyna Adamus, Vassilka Ivanova Ilieva, Vassilka Ivanova Ilieva, Wanda Sikorska, Paweł Chaber, Marta Musioł, Iza Radecka, Marek Kowalczuk Magdalena Zięba, Marta Musioł, Paweł Chaber, Adam A. Marek, Iza Radecka, Barbara Mendrek, Anabel Itohowo Ekere, Anabel Itohowo Ekere, Grażyna Adamus, Marek Kowalczuk

Summary

Using mass spectrometry, researchers confirmed that bacteria can use oxidized polypropylene plastic as a carbon source to produce polyhydroxyalkanoate bioplastics, demonstrating a pathway for converting plastic waste into valuable biodegradable materials. This circular approach could help address plastic pollution while creating economically useful products.

Polymers

This study investigated the molecular structure of the polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) produced via a microbiological shake flask experiment utilizing oxidized polypropylene (PP) waste as an additional carbon source. The bacterial strain <i>Cupriavidus necator</i> H16 was selected as it is non-pathogenic, genetically stable, robust, and one of the best known producers of PHA. Making use of PHA oligomers, formed by controlled moderate-temperature degradation induced by carboxylate moieties, by examination of both the parent and fragmentation ions, the ESI-MS/MS analysis revealed the 3-hydroxybutyrate and randomly distributed 3-hydroxyvalerate as well as 3-hydroxyhexanoate repeat units. Thus, the bioconversion of PP solid waste to a value-added product such as PHA tert-polymer was demonstrated.

Sign in to start a discussion.

Share this paper