New Biodegradable Material Could Replace Harmful Microplastics
December 09, 2024
Microplastics have become a major environmental issue, found in oceans, rivers, and even the air. These tiny pollutants primarily stem from the breakdown of tires, clothing fibers, and plastic packaging. A significant source of microplastics is also the small beads used in many cleansers, cosmetics, and beauty products.
In response to this growing concern, researchers at MIT have created a new class of biodegradable materials designed to replace the plastic microbeads currently used in beauty and skincare products. Unlike traditional plastic, these innovative polymers break down safely into harmless sugars and amino acids, offering a more sustainable alternative to the microplastics polluting our environment.
Ana Jaklenec, a principal investigator at MIT’s Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, emphasized the importance of addressing the root of the problem. “One way to mitigate the microplastics issue is to clean up existing pollution. But it’s just as crucial to focus on creating materials that won’t generate microplastics in the first place,” she said.
Beyond their potential in beauty products, these biodegradable particles also hold promise for other applications. In the new study, Jaklenec and her team demonstrated that these particles could effectively encapsulate nutrients, such as vitamin A. This technology could be used to fortify foods, offering a potential solution for the nearly 2 billion people worldwide who suffer from nutrient deficiencies.
This development marks an important step in reducing microplastic pollution while also addressing global health challenges, highlighting the broad potential of these biodegradable materials in both environmental and nutritional applications.
SOURCE: https://news.mit.edu/2024/new-biodegradable-material-could-replace-certain-microplastics-1206