Publications by authors named "P Lemechko"

Plastic biodegradation in natural environments is performed by the microbial biofilm living on its surface. This study identifies for the first time plastic degraders in marine environment, by using stable isotope tracers. Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) biodegradation was proved by monitoring microbial cell growth (via scanning electron microscopy and flow cytometry) and activities (via continuous oxygen consumption measurements and H-leucine incorporation for protein synthesis) during 90 days.

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Article Synopsis
  • Biodegradable polymers, like polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), are being explored to lessen the environmental impact of plastics, particularly through sustainable production methods using various carbon sources.
  • A recent study investigated how physical, chemical, and biological factors contribute to the biodegradability of tailor-made PHAs in marine settings, highlighting the importance of the chemical structure and side chain sizes of the polymers.
  • The study found that the properties of the polymer and the specific biofilm present on plastic materials (termed the 'plastisphere') significantly influence how effectively PHAs biodegrade in the ocean.
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With increasing concerns about future oil depletion and plastic pollution, bioplastics saw an increasing interest from scientists and industrials. Among bioplastics, the polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are a promising family of polyester which are both biosourced and biodegradable. Biosynthesized by microorganisms, especially bacteria, control of their monomeric composition, and thus their thermal and mechanical properties, is still a challenge to really make tailor-made syntheses.

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A straightforward and versatile method for immobilizing polysaccharides on the surface of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBHV) electrospun fibers is developed with the objective of designing a new functional biomaterial having a significant effect on cell proliferation. The approach relies on a one-step procedure: UV grafting of a photosensitive dextran (AQ-Dext) on the surface of PHBHV fibers according to a "grafting onto" method, with the use of an anthraquinone derivative. The photografting is conducted through a photoinduced free radical process employing an anthraquinone-based photosensitizer in aqueous medium.

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The biosynthesis of medium chain length poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates) mcl PHAs by Pseudomonas guezennei using glucose, sodium octanoate, and 10-undecenoic acid as sole or mixed carbon sources was investigated. Chemical composition of polyesters was analyzed by GCMS and NMR. The copolyester produced by P.

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