A new plant-based plastic developed by American scientists has been ground into microbeads and tested for its biodegradability using three different tools. Microplastics, produced by everyday plastic products, are tiny and nearly indestructible debris that accumulate in the environment. The team at the University of California San Diego and Algenesis developed a plant-based polymer that can biodegrade even at the microplastic level in less than seven months.
Chemistry professor and biochemist Michael Burkart, a research team member and co-founder of Algenesis, emphasized the importance of finding alternatives to traditional materials that will biodegrade at the end of their useful life. The research was published in the journal Nature Scientific Reports, showcasing the groundbreaking discovery.
To test the biodegradability of the new material, the team ground it into microscopic particles and used three different measuring tools. The spirometer measured the CO2 released by bacteria breaking down the material, comparing it to cellulose as the industry standard for biodegradability. Another tool involved water flotation to determine if it dissolves in water. Finally, chemical analysis confirmed that it had been broken down into real materials through gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.
The new plant-based polymer showed promising results with nearly 100% biodegradability matching cellulose. Algenesis is already working on applying this material to produce sustainable products and reduce the accumulation of harmful plastics in our environment. Through partnerships with companies like Trelleborg and RhinoShield, they are paving way for a more sustainable future in manufacturing.
