Enzymatic synthesis and structural modeling of bio-based oligoesters as an approach for fast screening of marine biodegradation and ecotoxicity

Without prejudice to the fact that biodegradability inherently signifies a desirable trait in plastic products, nor does it automatically grant them a sustainable "license", the present investigation provides insights into the relationships between the chemical structure and properties of bio-based polymers. This facilitates the rational design of new polymers and materials tailored to specific uses and applications. Given the widespread use of esters and polyesters in products such as cosmetics, fishing nets, food packaging, etc., there is a critical need for stringent eco-design criteria based on biodegradability and ecotoxicity studies. Furthermore, it is crucial to not only study the biodegradability of polymers but also to assess the toxicity and biodegradability of individual monomers within the context of microplastic research. Our results reveal that aromatic monomers accumulate when inoculum from the Adriatic Sea is used. However, we have demonstrated that the slower degradation observed in certain sites is affected by industrial and urban pollution, suggesting that ecosystems adapt to non-natural chemical pollutants. While clean seas are more susceptible to toxic chemical buildup, biotic catalytic activities offer promise for plastic pollution mitigation. Furthermore, the integration of experimental and computational methods provides a rapid screening tool for sustainable monomers and oligomers, with bio-based alternatives showing promise.