Microbial degradation of polyethylene polymer: current paradigms, challenges, and future innovations.

Polyethylene (PE) is the second most commonly used plastic worldwide, mainly used to produce single-use items such as bags and bottles. Its significant resistance to natural biodegradation results in the accumulation of PE in landfills, leading to various ecological and toxicological consequences. Despite extensive research on the microbial degradation of PE, achieving complete biodegradation remains a challenge.

Harnessing Lignin Nanoparticles for Sustainable Enzyme Immobilization: Current Paradigms and Future Innovations.

Lignin, a vital plant component, is key in providing structural integrity and is the second most abundant biopolymer in nature. The growing interest in sustainable and efficient biocatalysis has driven the exploration of lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) as a promising platform for enzyme immobilization. Given lignin's abundance and structural role in plants, converting it into nanoparticles offers a potential eco-friendly alternative to traditional supports.

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the invasive Asian clam (Corbicula fluminea) from polluted urban river areas of Bangladesh and evaluation of human health risk.

The invasive Asian clam species, Corbicula fluminea, has significant ecological and societal implications at both local and international levels due to its nutritional aspects. C. fluminea from four urban rivers in Bangladesh exhibited negative allometric growth and degree of contamination with potentially toxic elements (PTEs), which posed a concern to human health based on the AAS and USEPA risk models.

Microbial chemotaxis in degradation of xenobiotics: Current trends and opportunities.

Chemotaxis, the directed movement of microbes in response to chemical gradients, plays a crucial role in the biodegradation of xenobiotics, such as pesticides, industrial chemicals, and pharmaceuticals, which pose significant environmental and health risks. Emerging trends in genomics, proteomics, and synthetic biology have advanced our understanding and control of these processes, thereby enabling the development of engineered microorganisms with tailored chemotactic responses and degradation capabilities. This process plays an essential physiological role in processes, such as surface sensing, biofilm formation, quorum detection, pathogenicity, colonization, symbiotic interactions with the host system, and plant growth promotion.

Green synthesis of polyphenol-grafted lignin nanoparticles and their application as sustainable anti-acne, antioxidant, and UV-blocking agents.

Acne is a persistent infectious skin condition primarily caused by Propionibacterium acne that affects 80 % of teenagers. The rise of antibiotic resistance in P. acnes has led to an increasing interest in exploring alternative antimicrobial agents.