Articles tagged with Biodegradable Plastics
Virginia Tech researchers have developed degradable polymers with a new molecular architecture that combines strength, toughness, flexibility, and oxygen-blocking properties. The findings have implications for food packaging, which could lead to more sustainable and durable materials.
Biodegradable plastics can be made tougher and more break down at a controlled rate by adjusting the size of movable molecular crosslinks. This study uses a biodegradable polymer called polycaprolactone and upcycles an industrial by-product into a supramolecular material.
A new study reveals that animals and microorganisms work together to break down microbial PHAs, providing a previously overlooked way for animal food webs to access carbon. This discovery opens a new perspective on interactions between microorganisms and animals, highlighting the importance of studying unusual organisms.
Researchers at Virginia Tech develop process to strip chlorine from PVC and produce synthetic lubricant-based oils. The new method converts discarded PVC into a key lubricant ingredient, offering a potential solution to two environmental challenges: recycling difficult-to-process plastics and producing valuable industrial materials.
Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a catalytic process to transform carbon dioxide into recyclable, high-performance materials. These new materials can replace today's plastics in many situations and feature sought-after characteristics such as high mechanical strength and flexibility. The foundational building blo...
Researchers at the University of Minnesota developed a new strategy to accelerate the breakdown of compostable PLA plastics under everyday composting conditions. The addition of a trace amount of 2-sulfobenzoic acid cyclic anhydride (SAn) dramatically enhances their hydrolytic degradation, making them more suitable for home composting.
Researchers introduce 'plantymers', plastics that break down naturally in the environment, addressing traditional plastic drawbacks. Plantymers are strong enough to compete with fossil-based plastics, making them suitable for fruit packaging and other applications.
Reducing carbon dioxide concentration improves microbial production of biodegradable plastic, such as poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate]. Lower CO2 levels trigger adaptive cellular responses that enhance carbon utilization efficiency.
A novel, two-sided dressing made from sustainable polymers has been developed to deliver antibiotics directly to wounds during critical early stages of infection. The dressing reduces bacterial growth and biofilm formation by over 90%, promoting healing and reducing the risk of treatment failure.
Researchers developed a PLA additive that enhances biodegradability without compromising strength or transparency. The modification process improves composting efficiency, making it feasible for home composting bins.
Natural waters slow down nature's cleanup process by shielding plastics from sunlight and microbes, according to a new study. The chemical makeup of natural waters, especially combinations of salt and organic matter, significantly delays the breakdown of polystyrene plastic.
Researchers have developed a chemical upcycling method that converts existing plastics into new materials with rapidly degrading properties. This process has the potential to tackle global plastic pollution issues by replacing non-biodegradable plastics.
A global study of marine litter has identified food and beverage plastics as the leading contributors to ocean pollution, with plastic packaging, caps, and bottles dominating shoreline debris worldwide. The research highlights the urgent need for reduced plastic production and more efficient waste management practices.
Researchers developed Cel-T plastic, a novel cellulose-based supramolecular plastic with high mechanical strength, thermal stability, and versatile shapeability. The material combines the strengths of polylactic acid, polymethyl methacrylate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, and polyethylene terephthalate.
Scientists at Tufts University and Imperial College London develop a new method to transform silk into high-performance solids that preserve its natural strength. The resulting material is remarkably tough and has exceptional properties similar to wood, while also being transparent to visible light.
Researchers find crab shell waste alters microbial communities on biodegradable plastics, reducing breakdown rate. The effect persists even without direct contact, suggesting biochemical compounds released from crab shells trigger changes in the plastisphere.
A team at Virginia Tech developed a water-based process to create multilayer bioplastic films that are both high-performing and easier to manufacture. The method avoids toxic solvents and matches current industrial production speeds, making it viable for real-world use.
A new study by the University at Buffalo reveals that unequal access to recycling facilities plays a key role in shaping plastic waste management practices in the US. Wealthier and more college-educated communities are more likely to have convenient access to large-scale industrial recycling facilities, making recycling easier and more...
Researchers find that nanoparticles from biodegradable plastics like PLA can cross the placenta and disrupt fetal growth in pregnant mice. This raises concerns about the health effects of these plastics on human fetuses.
Research highlights biodegradable polymers' energy efficiency in recycling, challenging the assumption of composting as the only end-of-life solution. Chemical recycling offers better environmental and economic outcomes, transforming waste into a profitable resource.
Researchers discovered 30 bacterial species that break down biodegradable plastic, revealing speed and factors influencing degradation. The study highlights the importance of understanding microbial communities and plastic chemistry in plastic biodegradation.
Researchers developed a method to produce durable lactate-based polyester with improved mechanical properties, comparable to traditional polymers. The new process resulted in a high molecular weight and balance of strength and elongation.
The INSOIL project develops three families of fully bio-based plastic products for agriculture, reducing microplastic release by 5,820 tonnes and agrochemical use by 4,000 tonnes. These products aim to contribute to more sustainable agricultural production and support European reduction targets.
A new study by University of California San Diego researchers found that fossil fuel plastics can amplify harmful algae blooms by killing off zooplankton, leading to an increase in algal concentrations. In contrast, biodegradable plastics had a smaller impact on zooplankton and algal communities.
Researchers have found that nanoplastics interact with environmental microbes, strengthening bacteria and antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. This can lead to challenges for water treatment and distribution systems. More research is needed to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions.
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.
A new review highlights how climate change intensifies the impact of plastic pollution, affecting ecosystems and potentially disproportionately impacting apex predators. The study urges eliminating non-essential single-use plastics, creating international standards for reusable and recyclable plastics.
A University of Delaware-led research team has developed a new type of catalyst that enhances conversion of plastic waste into liquid fuels more quickly and with fewer undesired byproducts. The catalyst achieves reaction rates nearly two times faster than those previously reported, producing targeted production of liquid fuels while mi...
A Kobe University team has engineered E. coli bacteria to produce the compound pyridinedicarboxylic acid (PDCA) from glucose at unprecedented levels, surpassing previously reported concentrations. The breakthrough enables the clean and efficient synthesis of a biodegradable PET alternative with superior physical properties.
Researchers develop biodegradable film using calcium caseinate, modified starch and nanoclay for sustainable food packaging. The film breaks down within 13 weeks in normal soil conditions, offering a potential solution to reduce plastic waste.
A team of researchers has developed a new method to produce sturdy and reusable bioplastics from domestic raw materials, reducing reliance on petroleum-based chemicals. The bioplastics, known as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), have similar levels of toughness and malleability to traditional plastics, but are infinitely recyclable.
A new study from South Dakota State University reveals how grapevine canes can be converted into a biodegradable plastic-like material. The resulting films are stronger than traditional plastic and will decompose in the environment, providing a potential solution to the plastic waste problem.
A new study by Colorado State University outlines a path to creating advanced, recyclable plastics using natural poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB). The breakthrough method involves stereodivergent catalysis, which enables the production of enantiopure PHAs with improved properties for various applications.
The use of plastics in agriculture and food production has grown significantly, with 20% of all plastics used in France in 2023. Plastics are used to package, transport, and preserve food products, but their composition is often complex and diverse.
A comprehensive review reveals that agricultural soils contain 23 times more microplastics than oceans, with plastics linked to reproductive issues, neurodegenerative disease, and early death. The study highlights the need for coordinated scientific and regulatory efforts to address the plastic crisis.
A low-cost method to bind polyethylene and polypropylene together, creating a high-quality plastic recycling additive. The researchers used an organic alkyl peroxide to graft hydrogen molecules onto the polymers, forming a copolymer material that can be added to mechanical recycling processes.
Researchers highlight biodegradable plastics as a promising solution to single-use plastic waste, with the packaging segment accounting for half of single-use plastic production. The market is expected to reach $105 billion by 2024, driven by consumer awareness and corporate response.
USC researchers developed a biocompatible material by adding calcium carbonate to poly (1,8-octanediol-co-citrate), an FDA-approved biodegradable material. The resulting material, POC-CC, is a safer alternative to traditional plastics and degrades in marine environments while maintaining strength.
A study published in ACS Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that starch-based microplastics can cause liver damage, gut microbiome imbalances, and circadian rhythm disruptions in mice. Researchers suggest further research is needed to understand the effects of these biodegradable particles.
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 UC San Diego developed a novel method to produce biobased aromatic diisocyanates from D-galactose, avoiding toxic chemicals and high-pressure reactions. The resulting thermoplastic polyurethane exhibits excellent material properties equivalent to petroleum-based alternatives.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University developed an engineered yeast that can produce record-high yields of D-lactic acid from methanol, a key compound used in biodegradable plastics and pharmaceuticals. The optimized yeast strain achieves a 1.5-fold boost in production compared to other methanol-based methods.
Research by University of Missouri researchers uncovers microplastic pollution generated by polymer-coated fertilizers, threatening human and animal health. The study suggests biodegradable alternatives and effective stormwater management to mitigate the risks associated with PC-CRFs.
A team of researchers at the University of Washington has developed a novel method for 3D printing objects using a mixture of coffee grounds, brown rice flour, and Reishi mushroom spores. The resulting material is compostable, lightweight, and strong, with a density similar to that of polystyrene foam.
New studies found that micro- and nano-plastic particles can significantly increase the uptake of toxic chemicals by plants and human intestinal cells. Researchers at Rutgers University discovered that these tiny plastics can bypass biological barriers, allowing them to accumulate in plant tissues and intestinal cells.
Researchers have developed a method to produce polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) from photosynthetic microorganisms, fully degrading in soil, water, and marine environments. The new approach uses sunlight, absorbs CO2, and requires minimal organic resources, creating a truly biodegradable plastic alternative.
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 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.
A Tel Aviv University study finds that microplastic particles are excreted in the feces of marine animals, making them undetectable as plastic. This process can lead to increased carbon and nitrogen levels on the seafloor, promoting algal blooms and disrupting the marine food web.
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.
A new study found that mealworms can ingest and absorb microplastics when fed a realistic diet, gaining weight in the process. The insects' digestive mechanisms hold potential for breaking down microplastics, offering a novel approach to addressing plastic pollution.
A German Research Foundation-funded project led by Stefan Mecking aims to quantify the biodegradation of polyethylene. The team develops methods to distinguish carbon dioxide from plastic and investigate factors influencing biodegradability, such as molecular structure and functional groups.
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.
University of Delaware researchers develop a method to remove toxic particles from tires by upgrading a molecule that provides UV protection into safe chemicals. The leftover crumb rubber can be recycled using classic plastic recycling methods or converted into aromatics and carbon black.
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.
A KAIST research team has successfully produced a microbial-based plastic that is biodegradable and can replace existing PET bottles. The team used metabolic engineering to develop a microbial strain that efficiently produces pseudoaromatic dicarboxylic acids, which are better suited for producing polymers than traditional methods.
New research found that bio-based fibres have a range of adverse effects on earthworms, animals critical to environmental health. The study highlights the importance of testing new materials before they are released on the market.
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.
A Yale University team developed a method to assess the impact of biodegradable microplastics on the environment. The study found that while biodegradable plastics may be more sustainable, they can still release greenhouse gases and have toxic effects.