14 March 2025
Last week, the 9th Green and Sustainable Chemistry Conference, held in Pune, India, welcomed the participation of several members of the PATh group, a research group from CICECO. The event stood out for the exchange of knowledge and innovations in the field of sustainable chemistry and brought special recognition to Mariana Aguiar, a PhD student who presented the work titled “Enhancing Plastic Waste Recycling: Investigating the Impact of Additives on Polymer Degradation via Laccase from Trametes versicolor.”
The poster was awarded the “Best Poster” prize, marking a significant milestone for Mariana, who, despite participating in several national and international conferences and workshops, had never received such recognition before. "It is extremely rewarding to be acknowledged by the scientific community. When the recognition comes from an international event, the sense of accomplishment and duty fulfilled is even greater, as it reflects the global reach of our work," she stated.
The presented study focused on the impact of dyes on the enzymatic degradation of synthetic polymers, specifically high-density polyethylene (HDPE), one of the most widely used plastic materials in everyday life. The results demonstrated that, in the absence of dyes, the polymer's mass loss was ten times higher compared to tests where dyes were present, highlighting the influence of these additives on plastic recycling and degradation.
The researcher also emphasized the crucial role of CICECO in developing the work: "CICECO provided access to essential materials and equipment, as well as the opportunity to collaborate with highly qualified professionals whose diverse expertise enriched the research."
This recognition underscores the importance of the work carried out by the PATh group in promoting innovative and sustainable solutions for plastic waste recycling, contributing to a more ecological and responsible future.
Related Articles
Researchers
Mariana I. S. Aguiar
PhD StudentWe use cookies for marketing activities and to offer you a better experience. By clicking “Accept Cookies” you agree with our cookie policy. Read about how we use cookies by clicking "Privacy and Cookie Policy".