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Grămadă (Pintilie) AM, Niculescu AG, Bîrcă AC, Holban AM, Ciceu A, Balta C, Herman H, Hermenean A, Stoica AE, Ardelean S, Alberts A, Grumezescu AM, Puticiu M. In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of rPET/Cu-Alg Nanofibers for Anti-Infective Therapy. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 17:68. [PMID: 39795470 PMCID: PMC11723116 DOI: 10.3390/polym17010068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2024] [Revised: 12/28/2024] [Accepted: 12/28/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2025] Open
Abstract
With the growing interest in nanofibers and the urgent need to address environmental concerns associated with plastic waste, there is an increasing focus on using recycled materials to develop advanced healthcare solutions. This study explores the potential of recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) nanofibers, functionalized with copper-enhanced alginate, for applications in wound dressings. Nanofibers with desirable antimicrobial properties were developed using chemical recycling and electrospinning techniques, offering a sustainable and effective option for managing wound infections and promoting healing. SEM and FT-IR analyses confirmed that the obtained nanofibers possess optimal physicochemical properties, including well-organized morphology, appropriate dimensions, and structural integrity. Biological evaluations revealed significant antimicrobial activity, with the materials effectively inhibiting microbial adherence and biofilm formation while maintaining good biocompatibility in both in vitro and in vivo studies. These findings highlight the potential of recycled PET-based nanofibers as advanced wound dressing materials to reduce infection risks and support tissue regeneration in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Mihaela Grămadă (Pintilie)
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (A.M.G.); (A.-G.N.); (A.C.B.); (A.-E.S.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (A.M.G.); (A.-G.N.); (A.C.B.); (A.-E.S.); (A.M.G.)
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Alexandra Cătălina Bîrcă
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (A.M.G.); (A.-G.N.); (A.C.B.); (A.-E.S.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Alina Maria Holban
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania;
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 030018 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alina Ciceu
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania; (A.C.); (C.B.); (H.H.); (A.H.)
| | - Cornel Balta
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania; (A.C.); (C.B.); (H.H.); (A.H.)
| | - Hildegard Herman
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania; (A.C.); (C.B.); (H.H.); (A.H.)
| | - Anca Hermenean
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania; (A.C.); (C.B.); (H.H.); (A.H.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania;
| | - Alexandra-Elena Stoica
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (A.M.G.); (A.-G.N.); (A.C.B.); (A.-E.S.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Simona Ardelean
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania;
| | - Adina Alberts
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (A.M.G.); (A.-G.N.); (A.C.B.); (A.-E.S.); (A.M.G.)
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Monica Puticiu
- Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania;
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Grămadă (Pintilie) AM, Stoica (Oprea) AE, Niculescu AG, Bîrcă AC, Vasile BȘ, Holban AM, Mihaiescu T, Șerban AI, Ciceu A, Balta C, Dumitra S, Puticiu M, Iordache F, Hermenean A, Alberts A, Grumezescu AM, Oprea OC, Ardelean S. Zinc Oxide-Loaded Recycled PET Nanofibers for Applications in Healthcare and Biomedical Devices. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 17:45. [PMID: 39795448 PMCID: PMC11723103 DOI: 10.3390/polym17010045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2024] [Revised: 12/19/2024] [Accepted: 12/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2025] Open
Abstract
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a widely utilized synthetic polymer, favored in various applications for its desirable physicochemical characteristics and widespread accessibility. However, its extensive utilization, coupled with improper waste disposal, has led to the alarming pollution of the environment. Thus, recycling PET products is essential for diminishing global pollution and turning waste into meaningful materials. Therefore, this study proposes the fabrication of electrospun membranes made of recycled PET nanofibers as a cost-effective valorization method for PET waste. ZnO nanoparticles were coated onto polymeric materials to enhance the antimicrobial properties of the PET fibers. Morphostructural investigations revealed the formation of fibrillar membranes made of unordered nanofibers (i.e., 40-100 nm in diameter), on the surface of which zinc oxide nanoparticles of 10-20 nm were attached. PET@ZnO membranes demonstrated effective antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, and molds, while imparting no toxicity to amniotic fluid stem cells. In vivo tests confirmed the materials' biocompatibility, as no side effects were observed in mice following membrane implantation. Altogether, these findings highlight the potential of integrating ZnO nanoparticles into recycled PET to develop multifunctional materials suitable for healthcare facilities (such as antimicrobial textiles) and biomedical devices, including applications such as textiles, meshes, and sutures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Mihaela Grămadă (Pintilie)
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania (A.-G.N.); (A.C.B.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Alexandra-Elena Stoica (Oprea)
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania (A.-G.N.); (A.C.B.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania (A.-G.N.); (A.C.B.); (A.M.G.)
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Alexandra Cătălina Bîrcă
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania (A.-G.N.); (A.C.B.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Bogdan Ștefan Vasile
- Research Center for Advanced Materials, Products and Processes, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania;
- National Research Center for Micro and Nanomaterials, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alina Maria Holban
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania;
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 030018 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Teodora Mihaiescu
- Department of Preclinic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 050097 Bucharest, Romania; (T.M.); (A.I.Ș.); (F.I.)
| | - Andreea Iren Șerban
- Department of Preclinic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 050097 Bucharest, Romania; (T.M.); (A.I.Ș.); (F.I.)
| | - Alina Ciceu
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania; (A.C.); (C.B.); (A.H.)
| | - Cornel Balta
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania; (A.C.); (C.B.); (A.H.)
| | - Simona Dumitra
- Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania; (S.D.); (M.P.)
| | - Monica Puticiu
- Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania; (S.D.); (M.P.)
| | - Florin Iordache
- Department of Preclinic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 050097 Bucharest, Romania; (T.M.); (A.I.Ș.); (F.I.)
| | - Anca Hermenean
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310414 Arad, Romania; (A.C.); (C.B.); (A.H.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania; (S.D.); (M.P.)
| | - Adina Alberts
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania (A.-G.N.); (A.C.B.); (A.M.G.)
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Ovidiu Cristian Oprea
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Simona Ardelean
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310130 Arad, Romania;
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Rasilainen I, Lahtela V, Kärki T. A review of plastic waste nanocomposites: assessment of features and applications. DISCOVER NANO 2024; 19:112. [PMID: 38970729 PMCID: PMC11227482 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-024-04062-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Hundreds of millions of metric tons of plastic waste are generated globally every year. Processing waste into secondary raw material is preferred over energy production and landfilling. However, mechanical recycling generally deteriorates the properties of plastic waste limiting its range of potential applications. Nanocomposite fabrication is a solution to recycle plastic waste into value-added applications due to improved properties generated by nanomaterial reinforcement, however received little study. The aim of this review is to present the current status, identify research gaps and provide topics for further research of polymer nanocomposites prepared from plastic waste in respect to utilized materials, processing methods, enhanced properties, sustainability, economics, nanomaterial safety, and applications. It is found that morphological, mechanical, thermal, flame retardancy, physical, barrier, electrical and shielding properties of plastic waste can be enhanced with low loadings of different nanomaterials making them promising materials for various applications including electronic, shielding, thermal, packaging, filtration, and water treatment. Utilization of plastic waste instead of virgin polymers can be beneficial in respect to economics and sustainability, but the energy intensive and expensive production of the most nanomaterials, and the plastic waste pretreatment methods can negate these benefits. To enhance sustainability, further research should be conducted on utilization of energy friendly nanomaterials in plastic waste nanocomposites. Further research is needed also on polymer nanocomposite safety because of the unknow composition of the plastic waste and the potential for nanomaterial release during nanocomposite's life cycle. All in all, further research and national regulations and guidance are needed on virgin polymer and plastic waste nanocomposites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Rasilainen
- Fiber Composite Laboratory, LUT School of Energy Systems, Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUT, Yliopistonkatu 34, 53851, Lappeenranta, Finland.
| | - Ville Lahtela
- SCI-MAT Research Platform & Fiber Composite Laboratory, LUT School of Energy Systems, Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUT, Yliopistonkatu 34, 53851, Lappeenranta, Finland
| | - Timo Kärki
- Fiber Composite Laboratory, LUT School of Energy Systems, Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUT, Yliopistonkatu 34, 53851, Lappeenranta, Finland
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Bian X, Xia G, Xin JH, Jiang S, Ma K. Applications of waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) based nanostructured materials: A review. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 350:141076. [PMID: 38169200 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.141076] [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: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
While polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has enjoyed widespread use, a large volume of plastic waste has also been produced as a result, which is detrimental to the environment. Traditional treatment of plastic waste, such as landfilling and incinerating waste, causes environmental pollution and poses risks to public health. Recycling PET waste into useful chemicals or upcycling the waste into high value-added materials can be remedies. This review first provides a brief introduction of the synthesis, structure, properties, and applications of virgin PET. Then the conversion process of waste PET into high value-added materials for different applications are introduced. The conversion mechanisms (including degradation, recycling and upcycling) are detailed. The advanced applications of these upgraded materials in energy storage devices (supercapacitors, lithium-ion batteries, and microbial fuel cells), and for water treatment (to remove dyes, heavy metals, and antibiotics), environmental remediation (for air filtration, CO2 adsorption, and oil removal) and catalysis (to produce H2, photoreduce CO2, and remove toxic chemicals) are discussed at length. In general, this review details the exploration of advanced technologies for the transformation of waste PET into nanostructured materials for various applications, and provides insights into the role of high value-added waste products in sustainability and economic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyan Bian
- School of Fashion and Textiles, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gang Xia
- School of Fashion and Textiles, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - John H Xin
- School of Fashion and Textiles, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Shouxiang Jiang
- School of Fashion and Textiles, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Kaikai Ma
- School of Fashion and Textiles, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
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