Liquid crystal monomers (LCMs), prized for their unique optical properties, are ubiquitous in a range of electronic products. However, their growing use and disposal have led to a continuous influx of LCMs into the environment as contaminants. This review synthesizes information on the sources, environmental distribution, migration, transformation, toxicity, and risks associated with LCMs. It also introduces predictions of adverse outcomes related to protein binding potential, grounded in the Adverse Outcome Pathway framework. It was pointed out for the first time that the fundamental causes of LCM contamination were informal recycling and dismantling patterns, coupled with obsolete liquid crystal processing technologies. The significant variability among different types of LCMs in distribution patterns, environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, mobility, and toxicity were emphasized. Notably, fluorinated LCMs, especially fluorobiphenyls, which posed the greatest comprehensive risk, were prone to accumulate in atmospheric dust. Our molecular docking results showed that monomers containing cyano groups, which had greater direct toxicity, carcinogenic, and mutagenic risk, also exhibited strong binding affinity, underscoring the need for priority control strategies. Additionally, this review delved into LCM exposure pathways and the heightened toxicity during degradation and metabolism. It emphasizes the importance of risk assessments for LCMs and identifies key scientific questions that require further investigation. The insights provided a scientific foundation for preventing environmental risks and promoting green chemical alternatives related to LCMs.

中文翻译：

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液晶单体的环境行为、毒性和风险：批判性综述


液晶单体 （LCM） 因其独特的光学特性而备受推崇，在一系列电子产品中无处不在。然而，它们日益增长的使用和处置导致 LCM 作为污染物不断涌入环境中。本综述综合了与 LCM 相关的来源、环境分布、迁移、转化、毒性和风险的信息。它还引入了与蛋白质结合电位相关的不良结果预测，基于不良结果途径框架。首次指出，LCM 污染的根本原因是非正式的回收和拆卸模式，以及过时的液晶加工技术。强调了不同类型 LCMs 在分布模式、环境持久性、生物积累、迁移性和毒性方面的显著差异。值得注意的是，综合风险最大的氟化 LCM，尤其是氟联苯，容易在大气尘埃中积累。我们的分子对接结果显示，含有氰基的单体具有较大的直接毒性、致癌性和致突变风险，也表现出很强的结合亲和力，强调了优先控制策略的必要性。此外，本综述深入探讨了 LCM 暴露途径以及降解和代谢过程中毒性的增加。它强调了 LCM 风险评估的重要性，并确定了需要进一步调查的关键科学问题。这些见解为预防环境风险和推广与 LCM 相关的绿色化学替代品提供了科学基础。