Articles tagged with Biodegradability
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Researchers developed a green composite material from biodegradable polymers and Yakushima Jisugi tree bark, finding that its mechanical strength predicts biodegradation process. The team tracked degradation over six months, developing a model linking strength loss to the degradation process.
A research group at Osaka Metropolitan University has pioneered a technology for preparing biodegradable polymer capsules using naturally occurring molecules. The new method produces stable, shelf-life-friendly capsules that can store target molecules and undergo photodegradation upon exposure to light.
Researchers at RIKEN have developed a new plant-based plastic made from cellulose that rapidly degrades in natural environments, eliminating microplastic waste. The biodegradable plastic can be adjusted in strength and flexibility with added choline chloride, providing a practical solution to ocean pollution.
Researchers have identified iron-manganese alloys as promising candidates for temporary bone fixation. These alloys combine strength, biocompatibility, and degradation properties, allowing them to support bone healing while degrading naturally. However, challenges remain, including controlling the release of manganese, which can pose t...
Researchers developed biodegradable cesium nanosalts that activate anti-tumor immunity by inducing pyroptosis and intervening in metabolism. The nanosalts disrupt intracellular ion homeostasis, causing osmotic pressure surges and triggering cell lysis, releasing damage-associated molecular patterns that activate a robust immune response.
An AI-driven irrigation management system developed by Texas A&M University students uses soil sensors, crop data, and weather forecasts to optimize watering. The system conserves water, reduces costs, and increases crop yields, addressing global issues of water scarcity and inequity.
Researchers at Seoul National University have developed a fully biodegradable, high-performance conductive fiber that can be seamlessly integrated into wearable electronics. The fiber system maintains performance during use but vanishes in enzyme-rich or soil environments, leaving no harmful residues behind.
Scientists at Rice University developed a scalable approach to engineer bacterial cellulose into high-strength, multifunctional materials. The dynamic biosynthesis technique aligns bacterial cellulose fibers in real-time, resulting in robust biopolymer sheets with exceptional mechanical properties.
Empa researchers have developed a bio-based, biodegradable material from fungal mycelium that avoids chemical processing. The material has versatile functional properties, including emulsification capabilities, and is suitable for various applications. Its biodegradability makes it an attractive alternative to traditional materials.
The robot leverages the Marangoni effect to propel itself forward, utilizing citric acid, sodium bicarbonate, and propylene glycol as non-toxic and biodegradable components. The device can act as a source of nourishment for aquatic wildlife, promoting sustainability in environmental monitoring.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have designed biodegradable press-on nails called Bio-e-Nails, made from algae or shellfish-derived ingredients. These customizable, colorful nails can be easily remelted and reshaped for new uses, promoting a more sustainable beauty industry.
Researchers have successfully created semi-transparent wooden slices that are durable and flexible by modifying the natural structure of wood using natural materials. The new material has potential applications as an energy-efficient alternative to glass in windows, and could also be used in wearable sensors or solar cell coatings.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a system that actively removes microplastics from water in a single cycle. The microcleaners, made from biodegradable materials, use the Marangoni effect to self-disperse and capture microplastics, which are then collected by skimming.
Researchers developed biodegradable bamboo drinking straws with high tensile strength and flexibility. The new straw material absorbs less water than paper straws and retains greater wet strength, making it a cost-effective solution to plastic pollution.
Researchers at Monash University have developed a zinc alloy that is stronger than permanent steel implants and more durable than biodegradable options. The innovative material could revolutionize orthopaedic care by promoting better healing outcomes and minimizing disruption to surrounding tissues.
A new biodegradable polymer-based delivery system efficiently transports mRNA, outperforming existing lipid nanoparticles in delivery efficiency and expression duration. The study also shows improved immune response results without liver accumulation or toxicity.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have synthesized a biodegradable nylon precursor through artificial photosynthesis, producing an eco-friendly alternative plastic. The breakthrough utilizes L-alanine and ammonia to create raw materials for a nylon-type biodegradable plastic.
Researchers have made significant advancements in cellulose-based sutures, showcasing their potential as sustainable alternatives for wound closure and healing. The new materials demonstrate non-toxicity, biocompatibility, and mechanical strength, with nanocellulose showing particular promise due to its high strength and flexibility.
Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a stronger, biodegradable adhesive polymer that can replace common superglues. The new polymer, made from P3HB, offers tunable adhesion strength and is biodegradable under various conditions.
Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a new dropsonde that can be dropped into a typhoon without a parachute, showing high accuracy in measuring atmospheric data. The device measured temperature, humidity, and wind speed with differences less than 1K and 2m/sec from reference radiosonde data.
Researchers at MIT have developed a class of biodegradable materials that can replace plastic beads used in some health and beauty products. The particles are shown to be effective in encapsulating essential nutrients such as vitamin A, which could help alleviate nutrient deficiencies in populations worldwide.
Researchers developed a new durable plastic that breaks down in seawater, reducing microplastic pollution. The material is strong, non-toxic, and customizable for various applications.
Researchers developed a method to enhance compatibility and biodegradability of PLA/biomass composites through forest residue torrefaction. The composite showed improved tensile strength without compromising biodegradability, making it a more sustainable option for disposable products.
Researchers from Osaka University have developed tough biodegradable plastics with movable cyclodextrin crosslinks, which improve both durability and degradation capabilities. The new polymers can be broken down by enzymes into useful precursor molecules, reducing waste generation.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a polymer that can be used in commercial 3D printers without solvent, leading to major advantages across different applications. The new solvent-free material has been shown to improve mechanical properties while maintaining biodegradability.
Researchers found that foamed cellulose diacetate (CDA) degrades 15 times faster than solid CDA and even faster than paper. The study's results suggest that foamed CDA could be used to replace Styrofoam plastic and single-use plastics, reducing plastic pollution and environmental impacts.
The team created a new method by adding two different enzymes to the existing reaction, increasing conversion rates from 46% in 7 hours to 80% in 5 hours. This approach also improved fumaric acid production efficiency from 10% to 16%.
A new USDA-funded research grant supports the development of sustainable, biodegradable mulch films that can provide nutrients to crops while reducing plastic pollution. The project aims to create durable and effective films that can be used for years without harming the environment.
Seoul National University researchers developed a biodegradable electronic tent technology that enables non-invasive brain disease diagnosis using a needle. The device unfolds to cover the entire brain over a large area and naturally decomposes in the body after diagnosis, minimizing side effects.
A recent survey conducted by University of Massachusetts Amherst found that consumers prefer glass packaging for orange juice due to its perceived sustainability, but surprisingly, it is actually among the least sustainable options. The study ranked cartons as the most sustainable followed by plastic, aluminum, and then glass.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed biodegradable and recyclable luminescent polymers that can break down under heat or mild acid. The material showed a tenfold increase in light-emitting efficiency, making it suitable for applications such as displays and medical imaging.
Biodegradable electronics can safely degrade into materials absorbed by the body after use. Researchers have developed a way to control their dissolve rate using dissolvable elements, such as inorganic fillers and polymers, allowing them to last longer without compromising medical purpose.
This study validates a two-stage process for producing polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) using peanut oil and propionate with Cupriavidus necator. The findings show that peanut oil is the most beneficial carbon source, leading to increased biomass and PHA production.
A new study found that biodegradable teabags made from polylactic acid (PLA) can take years to break down in soil and cause harm to earthworms. The research highlights the need for clear disposal information on product packaging, as many manufacturers are not providing accurate guidance.
Researchers at Aarhus University have developed a three-stage process to convert polyethylene (PE) into biodegradable polyester, addressing the issue of plastic waste. The method utilizes enzymes, microorganisms, and chemical processes to break down PE's strong carbon bonds.
A team of Tohoku University researchers developed an environmentally friendly composite material from washi, showcasing improved strength and biodegradability. The new material boasts a tensile strength over 60% higher than pure PBS, making it suitable for sustainable applications.
Researchers developed nontoxic, biodegradable, and high-performing lubricant additives for water power turbines using ionic liquids. The ILs demonstrated significant reductions in friction and equipment wear compared to commercial gear oils.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego developed a biodegradable form of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) filled with bacterial spores from Bacillus subtilis. The material breaks down in compost environments within five months, even without additional microbes.
A team of researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology developed a self-folding origami gripper that can be mounted onto drones, enabling them to grasp and hold objects. The gripper weighs only 5 grams but demonstrates grasping force equivalent to holding a 130-gram object.
Kobe University researchers develop a bacterial plastic factory that produces highly transparent, biodegradable plastics with improved properties. By blending polylactic acid with ultra-high molecular weight LAHB, they create a material that exhibits all the desired properties.
Scientists developed a printable, bio-based aerogel using cellulose that is biocompatible, has high porosity, and excellent heat-insulating properties. Its anisotropy allows for controlled thermal conductivity and precise applications in medicine and microelectronics.
New research from University of California San Diego and Algenesis shows that their plant-based polymers can break down in under seven months, even at the microplastic level. This discovery offers a sustainable solution to the environmental and health impacts of microplastics.
Researchers have developed protein-based components that can be used to create sustainable, biodegradable diapers and sanitary pads. These materials are made from porous biomass that is often discarded by the food and agricultural industries, reducing plastic waste and pollution.
Researchers at NJIT's Newark College of Engineering and College of Science and Liberal Arts receive $265K in grants from the New Jersey Health Foundation to develop biodegradable materials, enhance bone regeneration, and create air filters for viral removal. The projects focus on addressing environmental impact and promoting healthcare...
Researchers from IOCB Prague and Ghent University have developed 3D-printable gelatin-based materials that can be easily monitored using X-rays or CT scans. This improvement enables the tracking of implant biodegradation and mechanical failures, allowing for tailored clinical requirements.
Researchers have developed a novel biohybrid catalyst that uses an anchor peptide to oxidize polystyrene microparticles, making them degradable. The catalyst accelerates the formation of polar OH groups through reaction with Oxone, allowing for efficient breakdown and degradation of polystyrene.
The biodegradable sensor, made from plant-based material, can detect pesticide levels in minutes and has the potential to help assure food safety. The study showed that washing and immersion were insufficient to remove residues of pesticides, highlighting the need for reliable detection methods.
Researchers at RIKEN successfully spin artificial spider silk that closely matches natural production, mimicking the complex molecular structure of silk. The eco-friendly innovation has potential benefits for environment and biomedical fields.
Researchers propose using waste materials like agricultural residues and old cotton textile waste to produce regenerative textiles. The study evaluates the potential of these waste sources for textile applications, identifying soybean, wheat, rice, sorghum, and sugarcane residues as suitable candidates.
Researchers developed a biodegradable sponge that releases medication slowly into the organism, improving treatment efficacy for vulvovaginal candidiasis. The device is made from soft, biocompatible materials and can be inserted by patients themselves, making treatment more comfortable.
Biopolymer composites made from agarose and chitosan demonstrate enhanced strength, antibacterial properties, and water repellence. These sustainable materials could lead to eco-friendly packaging solutions for food and consumer goods.
Researchers found that most allegedly biodegradable plastic items sold by Brazilian supermarkets are actually oxo-degradable plastics banned in several countries. The products cost 125% more than conventional alternatives and failed to meet minimum requirements for genuine biodegradability.
A University of Otago study found biodegradable plastics can negatively impact wild fish, especially in terms of escape performance and aerobic metabolism. In contrast, bioplastics only affected maximum escape speed, highlighting the need for regulation and control of raw materials used.
A novel biodegradable optical fiber made from agar has been developed to measure or modulate electrical currents in the body. The fiber can be used to monitor bioelectrical stimuli produced in the brain or muscles, serving as a biodegradable alternative to conventional electrodes.
A study by researchers at the University of São Paulo found that glitter can hinder the growth of cyanobacteria, a key component of aquatic ecosystems. The toxic effects of glitter on microorganisms have not been well-studied, but the findings suggest that even low concentrations can negatively impact susceptible organisms.
Researchers at the University of Konstanz have developed a biodegradable mineral plastic with self-healing properties, replacing polyacrylic acid with sustainable polyglutamic acid. The new material retains its positive properties and has been shown to degrade in just 32 days using microorganisms from forest soils.
Researchers at UBC Okanagan have developed a new method to incorporate used plastic bottles into clay soil stabilization in landfills, strengthening the soil and preventing pollutants from escaping. This innovative approach has the potential to divert millions of metric tons of plastic waste from landfills each year.
Researchers from the University of Portsmouth found that biodegradable fishing gear (BFG) does not significantly reduce the cost of ghost fishing due to decreased fishing efficiency. The study suggests that implementing BFG could still have economic benefits, but only if it can achieve similar fishing efficiency as traditional gear.
Researchers found large quantities of plastic mulch fragments in strawberry fields, negatively impacting soil qualities and microbial respiration. The study's findings suggest that biodegradable or natural mulches could be alternatives to reduce long-term plastic pollution.
Researchers have developed a biodegradable fluorescent nanoprobe to detect diabetic retinopathy (DR) at its early molecular stage. The nanoprobe binds to VEGFR-2, expressed in the retinal microvessels, allowing for early diagnosis and intervention.