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Esposito MC, Riva L, Russo GL, Punta C, Corsi I, Tosti E, Gallo A. Reproductive toxicity assessment of cellulose nanofibers, citric acid, and branched polyethylenimine in sea urchins: Eco-design of nanostructured cellulose sponge framework (Part B). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 350:123934. [PMID: 38588971 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
In the framework of a safe-by-design approach, we previously assessed the eco-safety of nanostructured cellulose sponge (CNS) leachate on sea urchin reproduction. It impaired gamete quality, gamete fertilization competence, and embryo development possibly due to the leaching of chemical additives used during the CNS synthesis process. To extend this observation and identify the component(s) that contribute to CNS ecotoxicity, in the present study, we individually screened the cytotoxic effects on sea urchin Arbacia lixula and Paracentrotus lividus gametes and embryos of the three main constituents of CNS, namely cellulose nanofibers, citric acid, and branched polyethylenimine. The study aimed to minimize any potential safety risk of these components and to obtain an eco-safe CNS. Among the three CNS constituents, branched polyethylenimine resulted in the most toxic agent. Indeed, it affected the physiology and fertilization competence of male and female gametes as well as embryo development in both sea urchin species. These results are consistent with those previously reported for CNS leachate. Moreover, the characterisation of CNS leachate confirmed the presence of detectable branched polyethylenimine in the conditioned seawater even though in a very limited amount. Altogether, these data indicate that the presence of branched polyethylenimine is a cause-effect associated with a significant risk in CNS formulations due to its leaching upon contact with seawater. Nevertheless, the suggested safety protocol consisting of consecutive leaching treatments and conditioning of CNS in seawater can successfully ameliorate the CNS ecotoxicity while maintaining the efficacy of its sorbent properties supporting potential environmental applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Consiglia Esposito
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Riva
- Department of Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano and INSTM Local Unit, via Mancinelli 7, 20131, Milano, Italy
| | - Gian Luigi Russo
- Institute of Food Sciences, National Research Council, via Roma 64, 83100, Avellino, Italy
| | - Carlo Punta
- Department of Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano and INSTM Local Unit, via Mancinelli 7, 20131, Milano, Italy
| | - Ilaria Corsi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, via Mattioli 4, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Tosti
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gallo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, 80121, Naples, Italy.
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Bellingeri A, Palmaccio GM, Cecone C, Trotta F, Corsi I. Preliminary assessment of environmental safety (ecosafety) of dextrin-based nanosponges for environmental applications. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 273:116120. [PMID: 38401200 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
The ability to employ waste products, such as vegetable scraps, as raw materials for the synthesis of new promising adsorbing materials is at the base of the circular economy and end of waste concepts. Dextrin-based nanosponges (D_NS), both cyclodextrin (CD) and maltodextrin (MD), have shown remarkable adsorption abilities in the removal of toxic compounds from water and wastewater, thus representing a bio-based low-cost solution which is establishing itself in the market. Nevertheless, their environmental safety for either aquatic or terrestrial organisms has been overlooked, raising concern in terms of potential hazards to natural ecosystems. Here, the environmental safety (ecosafety) of six newly synthesized batches of D_NS was determined along with their full characterization by means of dynamic light scattering (DLS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflection (FTIR-ATR) and transmission electron microscopy (SEM). Ecotoxicity evaluation was performed using a battery of model organisms and ecotoxicity assays, such as the microalgae growth inhibition test using the freshwater Raphidocelis subcapitata and the marine diatom Dunaliella tertiolecta, regeneration assay using the freshwater cnidarian Hydra vulgaris and immobilization assay with the marine brine shrimp Artemia franciscana. Impact on seedling germination of a terrestrial plant of commercial interest, Cucurbita pepo was also investigated. Ecotoxicity data showed mild to low toxicity of the six batches, up to 1 mg/mL, in the following order: R. subcapitata > H. vulgaris > D. tertiolecta > A. franciscana > C. pepo. The only exception was represented by one batch (NS-Q+_BDE_(GLU2) which resulted highly toxic for both freshwater species, R. subcapitata and H. vulgaris. Those criticalities were solved with the synthesis of a fresh new batch and were hence attributed to the single synthesis and not to the specific D_NS formulation. No effect on germination of pumpkin but rather more a stimulative effect was observed. To our knowledge this is the first evaluation of the environmental safety of D_ NS. As such we emphasize that current formulations and exposure levels in the range of mg/mL do not harm aquatic and terrestrial species thus representing an ecosafe solution also for environmental applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Bellingeri
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, Siena 53100, Italy.
| | - Gian Marco Palmaccio
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Claudio Cecone
- Department of Chemistry, Nis Interdepartmental Centre, University of Turin, Via P. Giuria 7, Turin 10125, Italy
| | - Francesco Trotta
- Department of Chemistry, Nis Interdepartmental Centre, University of Turin, Via P. Giuria 7, Turin 10125, Italy
| | - Ilaria Corsi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, Siena 53100, Italy.
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Souza SSD, Gomes AR, Guimarães ATB, Matos LPD, Mendonça JDS, Luz TMD, Matos SGDS, Rodrigues ASDL, Senthil-Nathan S, Rakib MRJ, Kamaraj C, Rocha TL, Islam ARMT, Malafaia G. Exposure to microcrystallized cellulose affects the health of tadpoles and sheds light on the threat these materials pose to amphibians. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123236. [PMID: 38160776 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The increasing use of cellulose-based materials (CBMs) has provided beneficial applications in different sectors. However, its release into environments may represent an ecological risk, therefore demanding that ecotoxicological studies be conducted to understand the risks (current and future) of CBM pollution. Thus, we evaluated the possible effects of microcrystalline cellulose (CMs) in Physalaemus cuvieri tadpoles. After seven days of exposure to CMs (at 58.29 and 100 mg/L), the animals were subjected to behavioral evaluation, and different biomarkers (biometric and biochemical) were evaluated. Although our data do not point to a neurotoxic effect of CMs (inferred by the absence of behavioral changes and changes in AChE and BChE activity), animals exposed to CMs showed differences in body condition. Furthermore, we noticed an increase in the frequency of erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities and DNA damage, which were correlated with the ingestion of CMs. We noticed that the antioxidant activity of tadpoles exposed to CMs (inferred by SOD, CAT, and DPPH radical scavenging activity) was insufficient to control the increase in ROS and MDA production. Furthermore, exposure to CMs induced a predominant Th2-specific immune response, marked by suppressed IFN-γ and increased IL-10 levels, with a consequent reduction in NO levels. Principal component analysis and IBRv-2 indicate, in general, a primarily more toxic response to animals exposed to the highest CM concentration. Therefore, our study evidence that CMs affect the health of P. cuvieri tadpoles and sheds light on the threat these materials pose to amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sindoval Silva de Souza
- Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil; Laboratory of Toxicology Applied to the Environment, Goiano Federal Institute - Urutaí Campus, Urutaí, GO, Brazil
| | - Alex Rodrigues Gomes
- Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Ecology, Conservation, And Biodiversity, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Letícia Paiva de Matos
- Laboratory of Toxicology Applied to the Environment, Goiano Federal Institute - Urutaí Campus, Urutaí, GO, Brazil
| | - Juliana Dos Santos Mendonça
- Laboratory of Toxicology Applied to the Environment, Goiano Federal Institute - Urutaí Campus, Urutaí, GO, Brazil
| | - Thiarlen Marinho da Luz
- Laboratory of Toxicology Applied to the Environment, Goiano Federal Institute - Urutaí Campus, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Ecology, Conservation, And Biodiversity, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Aline Sueli de Lima Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Toxicology Applied to the Environment, Goiano Federal Institute - Urutaí Campus, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil
| | - Sengottayan Senthil-Nathan
- Division of Biopesticides and Environmental Toxicology, Sri Paramakalyani Centre for Excellence in Environmental Sciences, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Alwarkurichi, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, 627 412, India
| | | | | | - Thiago Lopes Rocha
- Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology and Ecotoxicology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiania, Goiás, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Biology of the Parasite-Host Relationship (PPGBRPH), Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Brazil
| | | | - Guilherme Malafaia
- Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil; Laboratory of Toxicology Applied to the Environment, Goiano Federal Institute - Urutaí Campus, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Ecology, Conservation, And Biodiversity, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Biology of the Parasite-Host Relationship (PPGBRPH), Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Brazil.
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