Marine pollution is one of the greatest environmental challenges of the 21st century.
According to UNESCO, 80% of the waste in the oceans comes from plastic, whose durability makes it a persistent hazard.
Every year, millions of tons of plastic break down into microplastics, affecting:
- Marine fauna, as they are ingested by fish and birds.
- Human health, as they enter the food chain.
- Oceanic ecosystems, promoting the accumulation of floating garbage.
A new biodegradable material
To address this crisis, a team of biomedical engineers from the University of Southern California (USC), led by Professor Eun Ji Chung, developed a biodegradable plastic substitute capable of naturally degrading in saltwater.
The material, based on calcium carbonate, a mineral present in seashells, offers a viable alternative to conventional plastic.
The discovery: plastic inspired by the oceans
Calcium carbonate, combined with an FDA-approved biodegradable polymer, gives rise to POC-CC, a strong and flexible material that breaks down without generating microplastics.
The researchers created prototypes, such as plastic rings for cans, reducing the risk of entanglement of marine animals.
A new biodegradable plastic against marine pollution
Tests and promising results
To validate its effectiveness, the team subjected POC-CC to tests in simulated seawater for six months.
The results showed that:
- It degrades significantly without altering the water’s pH.
- It is biocompatible with marine microorganisms, such as Scenedesmus sp..
- It could be applied in products like biodegradable straws, safer and more sustainable.
Challenges and future of biodegradable plastic
The team at USC Viterbi School of Engineering continues to work on:
- Improving degradation speed without compromising material strength.
- Expanding its applications, including sustainable wraps and packaging.
With the support of USC Sea Grant, this research marks a key step in the fight against marine pollution, offering innovative solutions to reduce the impact of plastic in the oceans.
