Malgorzata Piotrowska

• Lodz University of Technology

The objective of the present study was to investigate the potential effects of biofillers derived from fruit waste, a byproduct of the food-processing industry, on the degradation of ethylene–norbornene (EN) copolymers under the controlled conditions of laboratory composting. This manuscript provides a comprehensive analysis of the influence of was...

The mechanisms of the enzymatic polymerization of flavonoids, including quercetin, rutin and catechins, have been fairly well researched, but the properties of polymeric forms of flavonoids still require in-depth analysis. The products of enzymatic polymerization are oligomeric flavonoids. The antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of many oligom...

In this study, eco-friendly cotton fabrics with antimicrobial and flame-retardant properties were produced using newly developed bioactive formulations. The new natural formulations combine the biocidal properties of the biopolymer (chitosan (CS)) and essential oil (thyme oil) (EO) with the flame-retardant properties of mineral fillers (silica (SiO...

Naringenin is one of the flavonoids originating from citrus fruit. This polyphenol is mainly found in grapefruit, orange and lemon. The antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of flavonoids depend on their structure, including the polymeric form. The aim of this research was to achieve enzymatic polymerization of naringenin and to study the proper...

The aim of this research was to investigate for the first time the possible application range of sustainable cellulose-filled polymer-based materials dedicated for common use in healthcare sector. These products are exposed to contact with solutions of different acidity, microorganisms and are being constantly UV sterilized. Therefore, the impact o...

The effects of plant-based extracts on the solar aging and antimicrobial properties of impregnated ethylene–norbornene (EN) copolymer and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) were investigated. In this study, the impregnation yield of polyolefin, lacking in active centers capable of phytochemical bonding, and polyester, abundant in active sides, was measured. M...

This study aimed to present the influence of bio-based and anthraquinone dyes and their combinations on the optical properties of ethylene-propylene (EPM) composites after thermo-oxidative and climatic aging. Therefore, the chosen polymer was filled with a natural, plant-origin flavonoid—quercetin, and with two commercial anthraquinone dyes (C.I. S...

The contamination of food and feeds with mycotoxins poses a global health risk to humans and animals, with major economic consequences. Good agricultural and manufacturing practices can help control mycotoxin contamination. Since these actions are not always effective, several methods of decontamination have also been developed, including physical,...

Plant mucilage is a renewable and cost-effective source of plant-based compounds that are biologically active, biodegradable, biocompatible, nontoxic, and environmentally friendly. Until recently, plant mucilage has been of interest mostly for technological purposes. This review examined both its traditional uses and potential modern applications i...

Biomaterials prepared based on raw plant materials are becoming more and more popular due to their specific properties and environmental friendliness. Naringenin is a flavonoid naturally occurring in citrus fruit with antioxidant and pharmacological activity. Polymeric materials based on flavonoids may have favorable properties in comparison to mon...

The study aimed to prepare sustainable and degradable elastic blends of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) that were reinforced with flax fiber (FF) and montmorillonite (MMT), simultaneously filling the gap in the literature regarding the PLA-containing polymer blends filled with natural additives. The performed study reve...

(+)-Catechin is a flavonoid with valuable antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, found in significant amounts in green tea leaves. Polymeric forms of catechin have been obtained by enzymatic reaction, photopolymerization, and polycondensation in designed processes. However, so far, poly(catechin) has not been received in the cross-linking reacti...

Moulds inhabiting mineral-based materials may cause their biodeterioration, contributing to inestimable losses, especially in the case of cultural heritage objects and architectures. Fungi in mouldy buildings may also pose a threat to human health and constitute the main etiological factor in building related illnesses. In this context, research in...

Growing water and land pollution, the possibility of exhaustion of raw materials and resistance of plastics to physical and chemical factors results in increasing importance of synthetic polymers waste recycling, recovery and environmentally friendly ways of disposal. Polyurethanes (PU) are a family of versatile synthetic polymers with highly diver...

The aim of this study was to develop new sulfur-copolymer concrete composites using waste compounds that have good mechanical characteristics and show a resistance to biocorrosion. The comonomers used to synthesize the sulfur–organic copolymers were—90 wt. % sulfur; 5 wt. % dicyclopentadiene (DCPD); 5 wt. % organic monomers, styrene (SDS), 1-decene...

The scientific multistep approach described herein is a result of two years of research into a control method against microbial fouling and biodeterioration of historic building materials by phototrophs. A series of tests were conducted to select the best antifouling agent for eliminating 'green' coatings and protecting surfaces against biofouling....

Quercetin was studied as an antioxidant and environmentally-friendly coloured indicator of ageing time in a Topas cyclo-olefin copolymer (ethylene-norbornene). Derivatives of flavonoids may be interesting alternatives to the use of hindered amines or other synthetic stabilizers. Our research shows that quercetin prolongs the oxidation induction tim...

The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial properties of multilayer films containing a PHMG sulphanilate (polyhexamethylene guanidine sulphanilate). Three types of films were selected: monolayer and three-layer films (both containing biocide) and market foil. The antibacterial activity of polyethylene film with PHMG sulphanilate was v...

The numerous applications of polymers in many areas of our lives make it necessary to protect them from aging. Increases in the safety and time of polymer material exploitation demands the application of antidegradants with broad scopes of action. In this study, crude propolis, originating from two geographical regions of Poland, was used to protec...

Polyurethane foams due to their easily regulated domain structure are group of polymers with highly variable properties. They are widely used to provide comfort in many areas of daily life. Because of toxic prod- ucts polyurethane foam waste cannot be disposed by means of thermal degradation, they also show a high resistance to chemical and physica...

The aim of this study was to select effective and safe microbiocides for the disinfection and protection of historical wooden surfaces at the former Auschwitz II-Birkenau concentration and extermination camp. We tested seven active compounds against bacteria and moulds, of which didecyldimethylammonium chloride and N-(3-aminopropyl)-N-dodecylpropan...

Biodeterioration of archaeological materials contribute to significant economic losses and the destruction of invaluable pieces of cultural heritage. The study materials were 5 pre-Columbian fibres (1250–1450 A.D., Argentina). The microscopic analyses (SEM-EDS) showed that they were made of cotton, sisal and wool, as well as they were contaminated...

Despite the fact that synthesis of sulfur-organic copolymers was developed in the beginning of XX century [1, 2] the copolymers have attracted great attention in recent times. Mainly due to their outstanding properties in comparison to more classic polymeric materials but also for economic reasons, because nowadays, sulfur is considered as the most...

Rubber compound on the basis of natural rubber cured with dicumyl peroxide and containing carbon black or calcium carbonate as a filler and essential oils of contributed biocidal action have been studied. It was proved that the kind of essential oil and applied filler determines curing degree and mechanical properties of vulcanizates. The best bioc...

Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are widely used in disinfection of water, surfaces and instruments as well as in textile, leather and food industries because of their relatively low toxicity, broad antimicrobial spectrum, non-volatility and chemical stability. Due to these advantages, QACs are also used in restoration and can be applied on his...

Pyrolysis is well known but still developing [1] process being used for polymer wastes recycling. This method is particularly suitable for cross-linked materials, which can not be recycled by means of more conventional methods, such as, for example granulation and extrusion. Rubber which undergoes pyrolysis is being converted into three types of pr...

Museums, archives and libraries have large working environments. The goal of this study was to determine microbial contamination in these work places and estimate the influence of microcli-matic parameters and total dust content on microbial contamination. In addition, research included evaluation of ergosterol concentration and fungal bioaerosol p...

The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall preparations in the adsorption of ochratoxin A (OTA). The study involved the use of a brewer’s yeast cell wall devoid of protein substances, glucans obtained by water and alkaline extraction, a glucan commercially available as a dietary supplement for animals...

The objective of the presented study was to examine the influence of Fusarium mycotoxins (zearalenone - ZEN and deoxynivalenol - DON), administered separately and in combination, on the activity of cecal enzymes (β-glucosidase and β-glucuronidase) in gilts which were fed fodder contaminated with these mycotoxins. The activity of β-glucosidase and β...

Aim of the study was the determination of the influence of the D-gluconic acid and its acetyl derivative (2,3,4,5,6-penta-O-acetyl-D-gluconic acid) on microbiological degradation in aerobic conditions of azo dyes (Schaffer salt and I acid derivatives). The rest of the aldonic acid and its acetylated form in the structure of azo dye play a role of a...

Mycotoxins present in fodders may evoke health problems of animals and people. The data published by FAO in 2001 show that 25% of raw materials are contaminated with mycotoxins, while their type and concentration are to a great extent dependable on the climatic zone. Biological detoxification of mycotoxins by the use of microorganisms is one of the...

The 21st century is witnessing a return to green polymers made from renewable raw materials due to crude oil shortage and to ecological reasons. The main polymers meeting such conditions include aliphatic polyesters or biopolymers, the interest in which has been increasing over the last decade. The aim of our study was to obtain pro-ecological comp...

Electrochemical oxidation of dodecyl gallate (lauryl gallate), the main monomer flavanol found in green tea, was investigated on platinum electrodes using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse (DPV) methods. The rate constant, electron transfer coefficient and diffusion coefficients were determined for dodecyl gallate electrochemical oxida...

The paper presents the results of a study conducted at the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum in Oświęcim on the occurrence of biodeterioration. Visual assessment of the buildings revealed signs of deterioration of the buildings in the form of dampness, bulging and crumbling plaster, and wood fiber splitting. The external surfaces, and especially the...

The objective of this study was to examine ochratoxin A (OTA) binding by three lactic acid bacteria (LAB) species: Lactobacillus plantarum, L. brevis, and L. sanfranciscensis. Experiments were conducted using MRS medium and PBS buffer contaminated with 1000 ng/mL OTA and inoculated with live or thermally inactivated bacterial biomass at a concentra...

The objective of the study was to determine the effect of exposure of pigs to the Fusarium mycotoxins zearalenone (ZEN) and deoxynivalenol (DON), administered together and separately, on the colon microbiota. An experiment was conducted for 42 days on gilts, randomly assigned to four groups and administered either ZEN, DON, ZEN+DON, or a placebo. T...

Rapid, uncontrolled and massive algae growth is a commonly observed phenomenon in the aquatic environment. Minimum value for algae biomass, to consider a bloom is 0,5 mg/dm3. Such value is not always visible in ecosystem. However evidence of massive algae growth can be seen in terrestrial environment. Diversity of aerial algae colonizing historica...

The aim of this study was to examine three strains of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and three strains of lactic acid bacteria belonging to the genus Lactobacillus for their antifungal activity against the ochratoxin A producer Aspergillus westerdijkiae, as well as for their effect on OTA genotoxicity and cytotoxicity. When inoculated simultane...

The former Auschwitz-Birkenau camp, which is under the care of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum in Oświęcim, Poland, comprises historical edifices and objects commemorating the tragic events of the Second World War. These include wooden barracks as well as wooden elements of brick buildings – doors, floors, bunks, door and window frames, and str...

The objective of this study was to assess biological colonization of wooden and brick buildings in the former Auschwitz II-Birkenau concentration camp, and to identify the organisms colonizing the examined buildings. Microbiological analysis did not reveal increased microbial activity, and the total microbial count of the barrack surfaces did not e...

The objective of the study was to investigate the chemical composition of Polish rosemary and thyme oils and to quantify the effects of these oils against Brochothrix thermosphacta. The major constituents of the thyme oil investigated were monoterpenes: thymol (29.4%) and p-cymene (21.6%). The rosemary oil represents 1,8-cineole chemotype (1,8-cine...

This paper discusses the influence of high energy helium and argonium ions bombardment, applied to natural rubber vulcanizates, on their surface energy, mechanical, and microbiological properties. The influence of the modification is the highest for carbon black filled vulcanizates, no matter the applied crosslinking system. Independently on the ki...

The aim of this work was to examine two wine strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Syrena LOCK 0201 and Malaga LOCK 0173 strains) and thermally inactivated biomass of bakery yeast (BS strain) for their ability to remove ochratoxin A (OTA) from model YPG, white grape GM, and blackcurrant BM media. The media was initially contaminated by 1 lg/mL OTA....

The objective of the study was to determine the Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of thyme (29.4% thymol, 21.6% p-cymene) and rosemary essential oils (27.6% 1,8-cineole, 13.5% limonene, 13.0% β-pinene) against Brochothrix thermosphacta and to establish the feasibility of their use as components of modified atmosphere during beef refrigerated s...

Contamination of food and feeds with mycotoxins is a serious economic problem and primarily a phenomenon threatening human and animal health due to of their carcinogenic, nephrotoxic, genotoxic and teratogenic properties. In order to prevent mycotoxin production by fungi, special precautions should by applied, such as good agriculture practice, sto...

In presented work the ability of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells to binding of ochratoxin A was evaluated. The viable and thermally inactivated cells at various densities were incubated with ochratoxin A in PBS buffer and the toxin residue in supernatant was determined using HPLC method. The amount of OTA removed after 24 h of contact equalled 20, 2...

The usefulness of fluorescence microscopy and ATP determination methods for the assessment of the antimicrobial activity of bioactive polymers was analyzed. It was found that the simultaneous use of both methods gives full information about the adhesion to the polymer surface and cells viability. The comparison of less time-consuming and labor-inte...

The antifungal proprieties of essential oils against postharvest pathogens have been investigated extensively in recent years. Many essential oils exhibit pronounced antifungal activity against plant pathogens in vitro in liquid state. Their considerably higher activity in vapor phase has made essential oils attractive as fumigants. Among the huge...

The antimicrobial properties of silver and copper are well-established, especially when metals are applied in the form of nanoparticles (NPs). Silver and copper NPs or colloids agglomeration can result in the decrease of their antimicrobial and antifungi properties.The problem of NPs stability was solved by the development of silica nanospheres con...

Activities of 19 hydrolases were estimated in cell suspensions of 40 Brochothrix thermosphacta strains, isolated from meat and meat products packaged under various conditions, by using API ZYM® test. These strains produced: acidic phosphatase, esterase C4, esterase/lipase C8, α-chymotrypsin, leucine arylamidase, β-glucosidase and α-glucosidase. The...

The results of studies of the influence of a compatibilizer on the properties of binary polylactide (PLA) and thermoplastic starch (TPS) blends have been presented. The polylactide modified with reactive anhydride groups (PLAm) was applied as compatibilizer. The synthesis of thermoplastic potato (TPS-Z) and corn (TPS-K) starch, the compatibilizer a...

The aim of the study was to recognize exposure to biological agents in the air of waste sorting plants. This publication contains the characteristics of technical solutions in use during sorting of waste and the results of quantitative analysis in terms of the presence of moulds and inhalable dust in the air. The study was conducted in the summerti...

Investigations described in the article were done to estimate antimicrobial properties of silver preparations in decorative, waterborne paints. Several commercially available preparations were used in the research. Tests were performed for silver concentrations of 30 ppm or 40 ppm (by weight, recounted per Ag) per paint, for coatings on glass, card...

Microbiological contamination with fungi, including moulds, can pose a significant health hazard to those working in archives or museums. The species involved include Aspergillus, Penicillium, Geotrichum, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Mucor, Rhizopus, Trichoderma, Fusarium which are associated mostly with allergic response of different types. The aim o...

Due to their properties and common occurrence, fungi constitute the most frequent cause of biodeterioration of building materials and a serious health hazard to occupants. The authors present the methods of mycological analysis used to assess contamination caused by moulds and their metabolites in buildings.The article focuses on culture-based meth...

The aim of the study was to quantitatively and qualitatively identify moulds occurring in the air of selected office rooms. The study was conducted in the wintertime inside four office rooms with moisture trace and one control room. To assess mycological contamination of the air, triple samples were directly collected on Petri dishes (Malt Extract...

The present study is a part of a larger project on assessment of exposure to biological agents and respiratory health effects among metal workers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of microbial contamination of metalworking coolants as a potential source of harmful biological agents in three different metal industry plants in Poland....

In recent years interest in mycotoxin-producing fungi growing in indoor environments has increased. Evidence of mutagenic potential of some molds or their mycotoxins is still equivocal. Much more information is available for single mycotoxins or their metabolites than for complex mixtures composed of different fungi products. The aim of this study...

Biological decontamination of mycotoxins using microorganisms is one of the well known strategies for the management of mycotoxins in foods and feeds. Among the different potential decontaminating microorganisms,Saccharomyces cerevisiae and lactic acid bacteria represent unique groups, which are widely used in food fermentation and preservation. Th...

Epoxidized natural rubber was filled with (a) dried, (b) frozen (1× at -190°C) and dried, and (c) frozen (5×) and dried potato starch, 5-30 phr. At 5-10 phr, neither vulcanization time nor torque was affected. At 25-30 phr of starch-b and esp. -c, tensile strength and elongation at break were reduced and the vulcametric module rose. Tensile propert...

The vulcanizates of epoxidized natural rubber of epoxidation degree equal 50 mol % (ENR50) were prepared. The samples were cured using two methods (traditional or unconventional one) and contained different amounts of keratin hydrolyzate as biologically active additive. Mechanical properties of these vulcanizates and their susceptibility to biologi...

The effects of leather powders, chrome tanned leather powders and keratin were studied on properties of the synthetic isoprene rubber IR and the microbiological decomposition of the resulting proteinous-elastomeric composites. The proteins were obtained from the waste of the leather industry. The incorporation of proteins into the mixes of syntheti...

The aim of this study was to examine 29 strains of lactic acid bacteria of the Lactobacillus and Lactococcus genera, assessing their sensitivity to ochratoxin A and their ability to remove it from a liquid medium. It was demonstrated that most strains are insensitive to the presence of OTA at the quantity of 5 microg/disc. It was demonstrated that...

The presented study concerned mycological analysis of buildings in Lódź and evaluation of the role between filamentous fungi contaminated flats and inhabitants health (allergic airway diseases). 49 inhabitants of 20 flats with signs of moulds contamination were examined. Air samples were collected in houses and outdoors. In all inhabitants skin pri...

This paper describes the changes in the level of ochratoxin A during a baker's sour dough fermentation using lactic acid bacteria and yeast starter cultures. It was concluded that all of the examined organisms caused a varied ochratoxin A degradation in both monocultures and the mixed population.

On Aug 6, 1999 this sequence version replaced gi:1658297.

The results of an investigation into microbiological contamination of metalworking fluids and the impact on air quality are presented in this work. 5 machines in metalworking factories in Lodz underwent evaluation. The total number of bacteria ranged from 7,2×103 CFU/cm3 to 2,8×107 CFU/cm3. 60-90% of total bacteria were gram-negative bacteria. Fung...

Praca doktorska wykonana w Instytucie Technologii Fermentacji i Mikrobiologii na Wydziale Chemii Spożywczej i Biotechnologii Politechniki Łódzkiej. Promotor: dr hab. Zofia Żakowska