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Acinetobacter guillouiae, a lipolytic strain isolated from sludge capable of partially depolymerising polyethylene terephthalate: genomic, proteomic, and biochemical insights.

Acinetobacter guillouiae I-MWF was isolated by incubating amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film in sludge samples. The strain partially depolymerised PET powder with 11.3% crystallinity, as confirmed by FT-IR, HPLC-UV, and LC-MS analyses. Extracellular enzymes released terephthalic acid (TPA), mono(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (MHET), and bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET). Genomic analysis identified 18 putative extracellular hydrolases, including lipases and esterases, each with a conserved catalytic triad. Proteomic profiling revealed expression of two triacylglycerol lipases and two additional lipase-family proteins when the strain was cultivated with PET or a PET-Tween 80 mixture. These enzymes were cloned in Escherichia coli, but most formed insoluble, inactive inclusion bodies, and one was not expressed. Molecular modelling highlighted structural features likely to influence their catalytic interaction with PET. Although the strain partially depolymerised PET powder, it was unable to grow on PET, TPA, or ethylene glycol, indicating that PET depolymerisation occurs as a side activity rather than supporting growth. Instead, A. guillouiae displayed strong lipolytic activity and a clear preference for lipid-based substrates, achieving its highest growth with Tween 80. A lipid transporter was also expressed under these conditions, suggesting adaptation to hydrocarbon-rich environments. These findings indicate that A. guillouiae I-MWF can mediate partial PET depolymerisation without assimilating the resulting monomers, while preferentially growing on lipid-like substrates.

Acinetobacter

Diet-dependent effects of an environmentally relevant dose of polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate on white adipose tissue and systemic insulin resistance in mice.

As human exposure to micro- and nanoplastics (NPs) is unavoidable, it remains unclear whether dietary composition can modulate their health impacts. To address this, we investigated the metabolic effects of two common yet understudied polymers, polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), in mice with either healthy or energy-dense diet. C57BL/6 J male mice were exposed to an environmentally relevant dose of PE or PET (100 nm, 25 mg/kg BW/day) for 29 weeks under either a normal diet (ND) or a high-fat diet (HFD). The metabolic consequence of NP exposure was highly diet-dependent. In ND-fed mice, PE and PET reduced white adipose tissue (WAT) mass, with PET inducing metabolic changes that toward a lipodystrophy-like state. Conversely, in HFD-fed mice, both polymers impaired systemic insulin sensitivity. Regardless of diet, PE and PET promoted immunoglobin G (IgG) accumulation in epididymal WAT, with PE-exposed lean mice exhibited the most robust IgG elevation, WAT fibrosis and impaired adipogenesis. These findings demonstrate that chronic, environmentally relevant PE or PET exposure disrupts metabolic health in male mice under both dietary contexts. While dietary composition dictates the specific metabolic phenotype, it does not prevent adverse outcomes. This complicates lifestyle-based mitigation strategies and underscores the urgent need for environmental source controls.

Insulin Sensitivity

[Polyamides and esters of terephthalic acid used in the production of medical articles to be sterilized by accelerated electrons].

The paper concerns the study on the resistance of home-made polyamides and polyterephthalic acid esters used for manufacture of medical equipment to the effect of accelerated electron radiation. The studied polyamides were found to be unfit for medical articles manufacture without removal of soluble components of the plastics. Sterilization with accelerated electrons results in limited advantageous changes in polyamide properties. Medical articles made of polyethylene terephthalate can be successfully sterilized in electron accelerator with no changes in characteristics even upon prolonged storage.

Electrons

Broad-spectrum biodegradation of aliphatic and aliphatic-aromatic polyesters by Papiliotrema laurentii isolated from locust frass.

Biodegradable aliphatic and aliphatic-aromatic polyesters, such as poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polybutylene succinate (PBS), and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), are increasingly used as sustainable alternatives to petrochemical plastics. However, their depolymerization outside industrial composting facilities is often incomplete. This study characterized Papiliotrema laurentii strain 62UF-13, isolated from migratory locust frass, for broad-spectrum polyester hydrolysis. Emulsion assays demonstrated hydrolytic activity across all five polymers, with PCL and PBS showing the highest clearance rates. Solid-film assays revealed substantial gravimetric mass loss of PCL, PLA, and PHA cast films, whereas a commercial PBAT-PLA mulch film in minimal medium, underwent progressive fragmentation/disintegration, as assessed by the remaining film area. Incubation with the PBAT-PLA film was accompanied by the release of adipic acid (49.60 mg/L, week 1) and terephthalic acid (maximum 21.62 mg/L, week 4), followed by a decrease to 0.26 mg/L by week 8, coinciding with the emergence of putative 3,4-dihydroxymandelic acid and a putative acetylated derivative. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed pronounced pitting and erosion, while Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) indicated ester-bond scission and changes in crystallinity/melting behavior. Whole-genome sequencing identified eight candidate polyesterases, including cutinases and esterases, with ≥ 60% amino acid identity to known hydrolases active on PCL, PBS, PHA, and PLA. This study is the first report of P. laurentii degrading a broad range of aliphatic and aliphatic-aromatic polyesters, including partial biotransformation of terephthalate moieties from PBAT. Integration of phenotypic assays and genomic evidence positions P. laurentii 62UF-13 as a viable biocatalyst for decentralized management of biodegradable plastic waste under mild environmental conditions.

Papiliotrema laurentii

Amino acid reprogramming and biofilm-specific tricarboxylate transporters in PET-degrading Piscinibacter sakaiensis.

Plastic-degrading bacteria predominantly colonize polymer surfaces as biofilms, yet it remains unclear whether the biofilm phenotype contributes to metabolism beyond retaining extracellular enzymes. Here, we combine population-level RNA-sequencing across three conditions-biofilm cells on polyethylene terephthalate (PET), planktonic cells incubated with PET, and planktonic cells on maltose-with single-cell Raman spectroscopy to characterize the PET response of Piscinibacter sakaiensis (formerly Ideonella sakaiensis). This integrated approach reveals two metabolically distinct response layers. A carbon-source-driven response shared by all PET-exposed cells is dominated by a broad amino acid reprogramming, led by upregulation of branched-chain amino acid transport genes, enhanced serine biosynthesis, and reduced chemotaxis. A biofilm-specific layer selectively induces tripartite tricarboxylate transporter genes from three distinct genomic loci. This transcriptional feature is accompanied by a single-cell phenotype consistent with a protein-rich and saturated membrane. These results suggest that biofilm formation is not limited to enzyme retention but is associated with selective activation of transport systems, consistent with a putative role in capturing PET-derived intermediates at the polymer interface. This two-layer model separates general metabolic adaptation to PET from biofilm-specific functions and provides a framework for understanding how surface-associated bacterial physiology contributes to plastic degradation.IMPORTANCEPolyethylene terephthalate (PET) degradation in natural and engineered environments is largely mediated by surface-attached microbial communities, yet the physiological role of biofilm state during plastic degradation remains poorly understood. Using the model PET degrader Piscinibacter sakaiensis, we show that biofilm-associated cells are not simply retained near the polymer surface but exhibit a distinct metabolic program characterized by selective induction of tripartite tricarboxylate transporters. In contrast, extensive amino acid reprogramming occurs in both biofilm and planktonic PET-exposed cells, indicating that it is driven by carbon source rather than surface attachment. These findings reveal that PET degradation involves two separable physiological layers: a general metabolic response to PET-derived carbon shared across cell phenotypes, and a biofilm-specific transport response potentially linked to substrate capture at the plastic interface. This work advances our understanding of how microbial physiology is organized during plastic biodegradation and identifies transport processes as previously unrecognized components of PET-degrading biofilms.

PET biodegradation

Craniofacial contour defect reconstruction with a dacron/urethane composite: an alloplastic tray for bone induction fabrication and application.

An alloplastic tray made of poly(ethylene terephthalate) cloth mesh and poly(ether urethane) used in conjunction with cancellous bone-chip grafts is the basis for this new method of reconstructing facial osseous contour defects. The tray can be prefabricated in quantity and at low cost for standard defects, such as discontinuity defects of the mandible or for chin augmentation. It can be custom-fabricated for specific defects in individual patients as, for example, gunshot wounds to the forehead. The materials were chosen because of their known histocompatibility, the ease of fabrication, and because the materials can be molded to form esthetic contours. The can be easily modified at the time of surgery. Sterilization is by autoclaving. Initial studied were undertaken in mongrel dogs where mandibular discontinuity defects in the range of 2-4 cm were reconstructed. In man, the technique has been used to reconstruct discontinuity defects of the mandible ranging in size from 1.5-12 cm in 16 patients. Atrophic mandibular alveolar ridges have been augmented using this technique in 7 patients, thus providing an adequate alveolar ridge for dentures. Two patients with defects of the skull secondary to gunshot wounds have had frontal bone restoration using this method. Reconstructions of the ear, the chin, and the orbital floor are currently being evaluated. This technique overcomes many problems of esthetic contour reconstruction and combines the use of autogenous cancellous particulate bone and a tissue-compatible synthetic composite material.

Bone Transplantation

Interactions between segmented polyurethane surfaces and the plasma protein fibrinogen.

Surfaces of a segmented polyurethane were varied by casting on poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and glass substrates, and were characterized through infrared-attenuated total-reflection spectroscopy (ATR). Surfaces cast on glass substrates showed a higher content of polyether segments, whereas those cast on PET contained a higher relative concentration of aromatic segments. Adsorption, and possible conformational changes of fibrinogen, were found to be more substantial on polymer surfaces having a higher content of polyether segments. It is concluded that the relatively good blood compatibility of segmented polyurethanes is partly due to the presence of peptide-like bonds on aromatic segments.

Adsorption

Neurocranial reconstruction using an elastomer-coated cloth mesh and bone grafting.

The purpose of this report is to present out 5-year experience in reconstructing large bony defects in the cranial vault of 16 patients. The method employs an alloplastic implant device made of elastomer-coated cloth mesh, used in conjunction with bone grafting [D. L. Leake and M. Habal, J. Biomed. Mater. Res., 10, 555 (1976)]. The cranial defects ranged in size from 6 X 6 cm to 15 X 17 cm. The defects were in the frontal, temporoparietal, and occipital regions. Particularly challenging was the frontal-orbital region involving the superciliary ridges. The alloplastic implant provides controlled contour of the bone graft material while providing strength and stability during healing. The implant has adequate but not complete ridigity, allowing adaptability inthe operating room. The elastomer used is a polyetherurethane. Any biocompatible cloth mesh can be used, but Dacron [poly(ethylene terephthalate)] was chosen because of its extensive implant history. Contrasted with reconstruction using only bone, where as many as half of the cases had uneveness and were found to be anesthetically unsatisfactory, the technique described here has resulted in aesthetically excellent results and an intact neurocranium in the 16 patients studied thus far.

Adolescent

Craniofacial and mandibular osseous contour reconstruction: the use of a new "combination" graft.

The use of autogenous bone graft to repair major defects is most feasible biologically. When the bone could not be shaped or carved to fit a given defect, the use of solid alloplastic biomaterial implants gained wide popularity. We are describing a new method wherein a "combination" graft is used. It possesses the advantage of the dependence on autogenous cancellous bone graft, and the added bone inducing capability of a recently developing biomaterial implant (Polyurethane-Terephthalate). The results obtained in the repair of major defects in patients after ablative surgery, or as sequelae of trauma, document the advantages of this new mode of treatment. In selected patients with major defects due to deficiency or absence of the osseous framework of the face, the use of "combination" grafts has proven to be the most appropriate form of repair.

Animals

[The change of physical properties of plastics (polyoxymethylenecopolymer, polyethyleneterephthalate, polyethylene, polytetrafluorethylene) after animal implantation and autoclavation (author's transl)].

The change of physical properties of plastics (polyoxymethylene-copolymer, polyethyleneterephthalate, polyethylene, polytetrafluorethylene) and the bio-compatibility of these materials were examined by implantation in the backmuscle of 6-month-old male rabbits for 4 and 12 weeks and after autoclavation. We have found out, that after implantation and autoclavation polyethylene-terephthalate demonstrates a strong diminution of the visco-elastic qualities. Polyethylene and polytetrafluorethylene were not changed by these treatments. After an implantation of 12 weeks and an autoclavation of four times the visco-elastic properties of polyoxymethylene-copolymer were only slightly diminished by 10 to 15%. The histological investigation of the surrounding tissue demonstrated a very good bio-compatibility of polyethylene. After an implantation of 4 weeks polyoxymethylene-copolymer, polyethyleneterephthalate and polytetrafluorethylene produced a comparable foreign body reaction, which, however, was evidently diminished after an implantation of 12 weeks.

Animals

Ultrahigh-throughput screening assay for PET-degrading enzymes.

In recent years, several PET-degrading enzymes have been identified from both known microorganisms and metagenomic sources in response to the growing environmental issue of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) accumulation. Despite this progress, there is a limited number of (ultra)high-throughput screening methods for assessing PET-hydrolyzing activity without relying on surrogate substrates. This method utilizes the coupled activity of ketoreductases (KREDs) and diaphorase to produce a fluorescent compound (resorufin) in the presence of PET degradation products, offering a more direct and efficient screening approach. A metagenomic KRED was coupled with the diaphorase from Clostridium kluyveri to enable the detection of the hydrolysis of PET degradation products catalyzed by the Bacillus subtilis BS2 esterase. The coupled reaction was established in water-in-oil microdroplets, encapsulating a single E. coli cell per droplet, demonstrating its potential for use in the ultrahigh-throughput screening of metagenomic libraries or randomized libraries for directed evolution campaigns.

High-Throughput Screening Assays

Reconstitution of craniofacial osseous contour deformities, sequelae of trauma and post resection for tumors, with an alloplastic-autogenous graft.

Our experience using a new technique for reconstructing contour defects of facial bones has been presented. It employs particulate, cancellous bone and an implantable prosthesis accurately fabricated of polyether urethane and polyethylene terephthalate cloth mesh which can be produced in a variety of configurations. A mannequin made of these materials displaying the various parts of the craniofacial complex that have been restored or are currently under investigation is shown in Figure 10. Large cranial vault defects, orbital floors, mandibles including chin augmentation, and nasal bone deformities have been successfully restored in man. Restoration of the pinna of the ear is currently being evaluated in laboratory animals.

Adolescent

Polymers in contact with the body.

The clinical use of polymeric materials in the body to repair and restore damaged or diseased tissues and organs is substantially increasing on an annual basis. Concomitant with this use is an increase in materials related research on medically used polymers. Information on the historical and current clinical use of polymeric materials is provided in order to establish a basis for the philosophy and problems encountered in assessing the acceptability of various polymers in the biological system. The requisite properties which must be demonstrated by a polymer in contact with the body are discussed from two viewpoints, i.e., the effects of the material on the stability of the host and the effects of the host on the stability of the material. In addition, the effects of synthesis, processing, storage, sterilization, implantation, and possible degradation of polymers are discussed, poly(ethylene terephthalate) being used as an example.

Biomedical Engineering

Discovering hidden candidate plastic-degrading enzymes: Combined multi-omics and machine learning strategy.

Plastic pollution poses a major threat to the stability of natural ecosystems as well as human health. Microbial enzymes have long been considered a potential resource for targeted biodegradation but, except for a few successful cases, the discovery of efficient enzymes has proved challenging. Aiming to accelerate the process, we propose an approach combining metagenomics, metatranscriptomics and semi-supervised learning that selects promising plastic-degrading candidate enzymes from the proteome of relevant microorganisms. Tested on a dataset of over 10,000 microbial proteins, ranking models consistently prioritize known plastic-degrading enzymes, achieving an area under the cumulative distribution function curve above 0.96, with leave-one-family-out cross-validation indicating that performance is largely retained across protein families. As a case study, this work focuses on mixed microbial cultures exposed for extended periods to polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyurethane substrates. The prevalent species after selective enrichment were functionally characterized, finding Rhodococcus aetherivorans as the most relevant species in two of the five cultures under investigation. Among the top-ranked proteins, several have high structural similarity with known enzymes despite not being identified by sequence similarity search. Moreover, according to metatranscriptomics results, several of these enzymes were found to be expressed at the same level or above that of annotated enzymes, suggesting that they may have functional relevance. Overall, this work highlights the potential of integrating multi-omics with data-driven methods for enzyme discovery and for accelerating the development of biotechnological solutions to plastic pollution.

Biodegradation, Environmental

Controlled framework nickel exsolution in metal-organic frameworks creates confined active sites for chemoselective citral hydrogenation.

Selective hydrogenation of citral to citronellal over non-noble-metal catalysts remains challenging because highly active metallic Ni simultaneously promotes efficient substrate activation and undesired over‑hydrogenation of the desired product. Herein, we develop a controlled exsolution strategy in waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-derived nickel metal-organic frameworks (Ni-MOFs) to transform framework Ni into confined metallic active sites while preserving the porous framework architecture. During reductive treatment, framework Ni2+ species undergo gradual node-to-metal evolution, generating highly dispersed Ni0 sites confined within the partially retained MOF framework. More importantly, the degree of framework Ni exsolution governs the balance between citral activation and citronellal over‑hydrogenation, thereby establishing a distinct chemoselective window. Within the optimal exsolution regime, the framework-confined Ni0 sites enable efficient H2 activation and selective hydrogenation of the CC bond while suppressing the subsequent hydrogenation of citronellal. Consequently, the optimized catalyst achieves ∼99% citral conversion and 100% citronellal selectivity at 90 °C and 2 MPa H2, together with excellent catalytic stability and recyclability. Beyond the sustainable valorization of waste PET, this work establishes controlled framework exsolution as an effective strategy for engineering confined active sites and regulating chemoselectivity in non-noble-metal hydrogenation catalysts.

Chemoselective hydrogenation

Ageing effects on chemical, physical, mechanical, and morphological properties of clear aligners - a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Clear aligner (CA) therapy has experienced rapid use over the past two decades to treat orthodontic malocclusions. However, evidence on CA material degradation in the oral environment remains limited and often focuses on single brands or isolated material properties. OBJECTIVES: To investigate CA ageing characteristics across different materials and brands and evaluate the chemical, physical, mechanical, and morphological changes following simulated or intraoral ageing. SEARCH METHODS: Five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE [Ovid], ProQuest, and Scopus) were searched to 18 March 2026, with no restrictions. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Studies assessing CA properties after intraoral use or simulated ageing (thermocycling, cyclic loading, or liquid immersion) were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Study selection followed PRISMA 2020. RoB was assessed using QUIN for purely in vitro studies, JBI for cohort in vivo studies, and Cochrane RoB 2 for RCTs. Results were synthesised narratively and organised by property domain, as substantial methodological heterogeneity precluded formal meta-analysis. Where protocols were comparable, a simple pooled weighted mean was calculated and presented graphically. RESULTS: Ninety-five studies were included. RoB was low in eight studies, moderate in sixty-two, and high in twenty-five. Chemical composition remained largely stable during ageing, though some brands showed trace elemental release. Physical, mechanical, and morphological properties showed material-dependent deterioration. Pooled discolouration was greatest with coffee (weighted mean ΔE = 70.9), versus tea (ΔE = 18.4) and red wine (ΔE = 11.5), with Invisalign® consistently exceeding the clinically perceptible threshold. Force decay of 40-90% typically occurred within 48 h. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)-based and directly printed aligners (DPAs) generally showed greater susceptibility than polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG)-based aligners, though findings on hardness, roughness, and stiffness were inconsistent. CONCLUSIONS: CA materials undergo clinically relevant degradation during use, particularly in TPU-based and DPAs aligners. Clinicians may need to prioritise material-specific protocols, reinforce dietary and cleaning instructions, and consider force decay when determining aligner replacement intervals. PROSPERO number: CRD420251110248.

Humans