Articles tagged with Biodegradable Plastics
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Researchers at NTU Singapore have developed an artificial 'worm gut' that can efficiently break down plastics using microbes found in worms' guts. The artificial system replicates the natural process of worms breaking down plastics and has potential for biotechnological approaches to process plastic waste.
The study proposes technical, legal, and economic interventions to transition the global plastics system to net zero emissions by 2050. The authors emphasize the need for concerted action across four target areas: smart materials design, waste management, recycling, and reducing future demand.
A new study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution scientists found that bioplastic straws made from cellulose diacetate (CDA) degrade up to 50% in 16 weeks, projecting an environmental lifetime of 10-20 months. This rate is faster than paper straws and could be a promising alternative to conventional plastic straws.
Researchers found that bioplastic straws made from cellulose diacetate and polyhydroxyalkanoates can break down within 10-20 months, while those made from polypropylene and polylactic acid persist for years. Switching to foam materials significantly reduces their environmental lifetime.
Researchers at the University of Bath and University of Surrey have developed a method to introduce degradable bonds into thermoset polymers, making them more easily recyclable. The study found that gels with breakable bonds retained their properties better when reformed after degradation.
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 at KAIST have developed eco-friendly technologies for producing plastics and processing waste plastics using microorganisms. The team presented the latest microorganism-based technologies that can produce plastics from renewable biomass resources and decompose waste plastics, contributing to a circular economy.
A new catalyst developed by Northwestern University chemists can break down Nylon-6, a common plastic found in fishing nets, carpet, and clothing, in just minutes. The process does not generate harmful byproducts and is practical for everyday applications.
Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and JBEI developed a simple
A team of international scientists cautions that reliance on mechanical cleanup devices to address plastic pollution is ineffective and may even harm marine life. They argue that reducing plastic production and consumption is the most cost-effective way to prevent further pollution.
Researchers at University of Tokyo developed a new plastic material called VPR, which can maintain complex shapes, repair itself with heat, and biodegrade in seawater. The material has improved toughness, shape memory, and recyclability.
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.
Researchers at Hokkaido University found a bacterium that can break down the eco-friendly polymer polybutylene succinate in marine environments. The discovery of the enzyme PBSase has the potential to improve recycling technologies and develop new marine biodegradable polymers.
A UNIGE team has developed an electrical device that can activate and accelerate chemical reactions using a simple electric field. The device, called an electrochemical microfluidic reactor, enables chemists to control chemical reactions with ease, reducing the need for complex strategies and resources.
A recent study emphasizes the need to reduce plastic use in agriculture to mitigate pollution and prevent toxic chemicals from entering the soil and food chain. Innovative recycling methods are crucial to protecting the environment and human health. The researchers suggest adopting a strategic approach, including responsible usage, red...
A recent study by the University of Vienna suggests that using plastics in agriculture can both benefit and harm the environment. On one hand, plastics conserve resources and enhance yields; on the other hand, they can impair soil fertility and contaminate food chains.
A UH research team is developing innovative chemical processes to transform plastic waste into useful materials, aiming to create new ways to reuse and recycle polyolefins. The project seeks to produce durable thermoset materials that can be recycled multiple times, reducing environmental impact and promoting a circular plastics economy.
A study by the University of Gothenburg found that paper cups, made from bioplastics like PLA, leach toxic chemicals into water and sediment, affecting aquatic life. Researchers call for transparency in plastics industry reporting to minimize plastic production.
Researchers found long-lasting PFAS in 27 out of 39 paper straws tested, with bamboo straws also contaminated. The study highlights the potential harm of seemingly eco-friendly alternatives to plastic drinking straws.
Researchers have successfully transformed black soldier fly carcasses into degradable plastics through a process of extraction and purification. The resulting bioplastics can absorb water and potentially address drought situations, making them a promising solution for sustainable agriculture.
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.
A recent study in Japan found that consumer awareness of bioplastic characteristics is limited, with most respondents unaware that not all bioplastics are biodegradable. Educational interventions can increase willingness to pay for more environmentally friendly products, particularly those reducing CO2 emissions.
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 at the University of Washington have developed bioplastics that degrade on the same timescale as banana peels and can be processed at home. These spirulina-based bioplastics are stronger, stiffer, and more fire-resistant than previous attempts, making them suitable for various industries.
Scientists at The Chinese University of Hong Kong have developed an edible, transparent, and biodegradable material for food packaging using bacterial cellulose. The material has high tensile strength, versatility, and can be produced through microbial fermentation, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a novel strategy for making recyclable polyolefins by introducing masked double bonds, known as 'Trojan horse' functional groups. These polymers can be chemically deconstructed and re-polymerized without losing quality.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have discovered that bioplastic made from sugar cane, specifically poly-L-lactide (PLA), can alter the behavior of small perch in fish food. The study found changes in their social interactions, including reduced movement and altered responses to danger.
A new study found that natural fibers degrade within a month, but synthetic textiles like bio-based plastics and fabric blends show no signs of degradation even after over a year. The experiment revealed the need for standardized tests to determine if materials are biodegradable in natural environments.
A new study finds that popular compostable plastics like PLA don't biodegrade in marine environments, instead persisting unchanged. The research highlights the need for standardizing tests to see if materials promoted as compostable or biodegradable actually break down in natural environments.
Researchers have identified microorganisms in the Alpine and Arctic regions capable of degrading biodegradable plastics at 15°C, including polyethylene, polyester-polyurethane, and polybutylene adipate terephthalate. The discovery could reduce costs and environmental burden associated with enzymatic recycling processes.
Scientists from Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) unveiled multiple advancements in 3D printing, accelerating development of drug delivery systems, biodegradable contact lenses, and pharmaceuticals. CORE's innovations include a novel method to fabricate PDMS microfluidic chips with high throughput.
Chemists at Colorado State University have created a synthetic PHA platform that addresses the limitations of existing biodegradable plastics. The new design enhances thermal stability, mechanical toughness, and enables closed-loop chemical recycling.
Researchers at Leipzig University have increased the efficiency of an enzyme that breaks down PET plastic, which has implications for bioplastics and a more sustainable future. The team used computer simulations and experiments to improve the enzyme's activity and stability.
The latest issue of PLOS Biology features a special collection on biology-based solutions to reduce plastic pollution, carbon dioxide emissions, and produce food or energy more sustainably. Insect enzymes may degrade plastic waste, while photosynthetic algae can capture CO2 produced by industrial applications.
Scientists at US national laboratories are developing new chemical recycling methods to make sustainable, high-quality plastic materials. They aim to transform plastic waste into valuable chemicals and reduce plastic pollution, paving the way for a circular economy.
A team of researchers has designed fully biodegradable artificial muscles using gelatin, oil, and bioplastics, demonstrating potential for sustainable technology. The new materials system shows outstanding performance and is electromechanically competitive with non-biodegradable counterparts.
A research team created bioplastic diffraction gratings from chitosan extracted from crab shells, enabling the production of portable and disposable spectrometers. The biodegradable gratings could improve sustainability in optical manufacturing and reduce seafood waste.
Researchers developed classification models using machine learning to accurately sort different types of compostable and biodegradable plastics from conventional ones. The technique achieved perfect accuracy for larger samples but showed some variability with smaller ones, highlighting its potential for industrial-scale implementation.
Researchers have developed a new type of bioplastic film that can be rolled into a straw without getting soggy. The bioplastic, made from natural materials like lignin and starch, is stronger than plastic and can break down when no longer needed.
Two research projects aim to convert rejected plastic wastes into materials for construction industries. The first project uses anaerobic digestion and pyrolysis to produce biogas and bio-oils, while the second project employs plasma technology to break down single-use plastics and create biodegradable polymers.
New biodegradable plastics can be strengthened by adding a small amount of cream of tartar or citric acid, making them suitable for bags and food packaging. The new materials are stronger than conventional bioplastics and some petroleum-based products.
Researchers have created a strong and recyclable biodegradable polyester that breaks down fully to its starting materials using mild chemical or biological processes. The new material has similar crystallinity to high-density polyethylene and retains beneficial mechanical properties.
Researchers have developed a new method for recycling high-density polyethylene (HDPE) into fully recyclable and biodegradable material. The approach uses catalysts to cleave polymer chains, reducing carbon emissions and pollution associated with HDPE.
Scientists have created a new polyester material that combines mechanical stability with high biodegradability, making it an attractive alternative to traditional plastics. The innovative material, called polyester-2,18, was shown to degrade in lab experiments and pass industrial composting standards.
A UK-wide study found that 60% of home-compostable plastics do not fully disintegrate in home compost bins, ending up in soil. The study highlights the need to revise and redesign sustainable plastic waste management systems.
Researchers at ETH Zurich develop a new method to track plastic biodegradation in soil, using stable carbon isotopes to demonstrate complete mass balances. The study finds that about two-thirds of the added polymer carbon is converted into CO2, while one-third remains in the soil, with some being incorporated into microbial biomass.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in plastics recycling by developing a technology that can convert mixed plastics into biodegradable products, reducing the need for costly separations. The process uses chemical oxidation and biological processes to break down plastics into smaller building blocks that can be consumed by microorgani...
A team of researchers developed a system that uses carbon dioxide to produce biodegradable plastics, which could replace traditional nondegradable plastics. The new platform has great potential to address sustainability challenges and transform the future design of carbon dioxide reduction.
Scientists at the University of California San Diego have developed a new biodegradable polyurethane material that can break down in seawater, reducing plastic pollution. The material was tested in marine environments and found to be degraded by microorganisms, which consume the chemicals as nutrients.
A new study reveals that plastic degradation releases organic compounds and CO2 into the water, causing a drop in pH levels. The study found that aged plastic contributes significantly more to ocean acidification than new plastic, with some types of plastic releasing up to 0.5 pH units.
Researchers developed a scalable process for a biodegradable coating that protects against pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms, transportation damage, and reduces weight loss in avocados by 50%. The coating can be rinsed off with water and degrades in soil within three days.
A recent study has found that ocean plastic may be a source of novel antibiotics, with researchers isolating five antibiotic-producing bacteria from plastic debris. The isolated bacteria showed promise against commonly used and resistant bacterial strains, providing hope for an alternative solution to the growing antibiotic crisis.
Researchers discovered Zophobas morio 'superworms' can survive on polystyrene diet, suggesting they can derive energy from it. The worms' gut microbes are believed to play a crucial role in breaking down the plastic material.
Researchers at the University of Bath developed a way to make PLA plastics more degradable in natural environments by incorporating sugar molecules. This technology can degrade 40% of the plastic within six hours of exposure to UV light, making it compatible with existing manufacturing processes.
Cornell scientists have created a biodegradable polymer to extend the shelf life of salad dressings, marinades, and beverages in refrigerators. This innovation uses a bioderived material that interacts with food without migrating into it, reducing waste and environmental impact.
A team of high school students, led by science teacher Rebecca Bushway, designed an inexpensive filter attachment that removes lead from tap water. The filter uses a biodegradable plastic cartridge with a built-in indicator that turns the water yellow when lead is present.
Researchers at São Paulo State University have developed an edible bioplastic with a tensile strength comparable to petroleum-based plastics. The material is made from gelatin, clay and a nanoemulsion of black pepper essential oil, extending shelf life and preventing microbial contamination.
Researchers at the University of Bath have developed a simple and rapid chemical recycling process for polycarbonates, breaking down plastic waste within 20 minutes at room temperature. The new process can convert waste into its chemical constituents, preserving product quality over an infinite number of cycles.