Genipin

Biodegradation in water: screening tests

Link to relevant study record(s)

Reference

Endpoint:

biodegradation in water: screening test, other

Remarks:

Screening tests conducted by non-regulatory methods as part of academic research

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

key study

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

data from handbook or collection of data

Justification for type of information:

Data found in a variety of publications.
Mostly lacking methodological details but a review document has been prepared
Review includes estimation by modelling

Qualifier:

no guideline followed

Principles of method if other than guideline:

Data from academic research found in a variety of publications.
Mostly lacking methodological details but a review document has been prepared
Review includes estimation by modelling

GLP compliance:

no

Oxygen conditions:

aerobic

Inoculum or test system:

not specified

Duration of test (contact time):

< 14 d

Details on study design:

There are a number of publications describing Genipin as a 'biodegradable' crosslinking agent, but it has not been possible to find a formal regulatory study confirming this.
It has therefore been necessary to consider the weight of evidence from the available data and to also consider the modelling of the structure.
The chemical structure (SMILES) was entered in the EPISuite model with the reported melting and boiling point data and experimentally derived water solubility. The KOWWIN estimation tool was used. The results are present below.
Searches were made using key words such as 'genipin biodegradation', 'biodegradability', 'persistence' etc and a number of publications were identified and are referenced at the end of this report.

Reference substance:

not specified

Remarks:

In view of positive results, the identity of any reference to test the viability of the biological system is not critical.

Test performance:

Different academic methods used.
QSAR also performed to verify assessed biodegradation

Parameter:

other: Based on fluoresnce of the test system with genipin at 0.5%

Value:

ca. 90

Sampling time:

8 d

Remarks on result:

readily biodegradable based on QSAR/QSPR prediction

Probability of Rapid Biodegradation (BIOWIN v4.10):

   Biowin1 (Linear Model)         :   0.6263

   Biowin2 (Non-Linear Model)     :   0.8309

 Expert Survey Biodegradation Results:

   Biowin3 (Ultimate Survey Model):   2.9951  (weeks       )

   Biowin4 (Primary Survey Model) :   3.8729  (days        )

 MITI Biodegradation Probability:

   Biowin5 (MITI Linear Model)    :   0.6710

   Biowin6 (MITI Non-Linear Model):   0.4423

 Anaerobic Biodegradation Probability:

   Biowin7 (Anaerobic Linear Model):  0.6016

 Ready Biodegradability Prediction:   YES

Interpretation of results:

readily biodegradable

Conclusions:

Throughout the literature, genipin is described as a 'biodegradable' cross linking aid, suitable for use in biological matrices where the matrix needs to be metabolised; for example, in skin grafts or post-operation medical applications where the polymer matrix has to breakdown and disappear without leaving residual material in the body.

This application can be used in the repair of eye damage and in other non-medical applications where a biological membrane is needed that ultimately breaks down and 'disappears'.

The most compelling reason to consider genipin biodegradable is that it is synthesised in plants and as a rule, what nature can synthesis, nature can degrade.

Description of key information

Throughout the literature, genipin is described as a 'biodegradable' cross linking aid, suitable for use in biological matrices where the matrix needs to be metabolised; for example, in skin grafts or post-operation medical applications where the polymer matrix has to breakdown and disappear without leaving residual material in the body.

This application can be used in the repair of eye damage and in other non-medical applications where a biological membrane is needed that ultimately breaks down and 'disappears'.

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Biodegradation in water:

readily biodegradable

Type of water:

freshwater