A simple method for the production of nano polyethylene particles for rapid assay of polyethylene biodegradation

Synthetic polymers, such as polyethylene (PE), are produced daily in large quantities and, due to their unique properties, like durability and low cost, consumed in various capacities worldwide, subsequently accumulating in terrestrial and marine environments. In recent years, several studies have focused on the toxicological effects of these plastic particles, and bioremediation approaches for the removal of these wastes. Easy access to nano and micro-sized PE particles in these approaches is crucial and urgent. In this research, we report a simple, fast, and cost-effective method for producing nano polyethylene particles (NPE) that are stable and capable of dispersion in water without chemical modifications. PE particles were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis. As a result, a wide size range of particles (mainly 500 and 810 nm) with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.88 was made, mainly amorphous in structure and as the initial polymer lacking functional groups. The non-toxic nature of these nanoparticles for bacteria was tested by MTT method. The application of this method to the production of NPE is prominent in the toxicity effects of these particles in living organisms, the efficient selection of polyethylene-degrading microorganisms from the environment, and for industrial use to facilitate the degradation process of polyethylene and convert waste into high-value products.