Articles tagged with Biodegradable Plastics
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.
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.
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.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed soft, sustainable electroactive materials using peptides and a snippet of plastic. These materials can store energy or record digital information and have potential applications in low-power electronics, sensors, and medical implants.
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 study reveals high levels of airborne plasticizers in Southern California, including phthalates known to cause reproductive harm and cancer. The study uses silicone wristbands to track exposure to these chemicals, finding that daily levels are both high and persistent.
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.
A new report by international experts urges a collective approach to tackle plastic pollution, citing over 7,000 research studies on microplastics. The need for global reduction in plastic production and emission of microplastic particles is emphasized to avoid irreversible environmental damage.
A new hybrid technology called SonoBio uses high-frequency ultrasound in combination with biodegradation to break down per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of 'forever chemicals'. Researchers aim to make PFAS completely harmless by turning them into carbon dioxide and fluoride.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have discovered two species of purple bacteria that can produce polyhydroxyalkanoates, natural polymers for bioplastics. Genetic engineering has also been used to boost production levels in another well-studied but stubborn species.
A new study found that microplastics impact plant reproduction, while seawater flooding causes greater tissue death in coastal plants. Combining both stressors amplifies threats to ecosystem wellbeing.
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.