A research team from the MIT has developed a class of biodegradable materials that could replace the use of plastic beads in cleansers, cosmetics, and beauty products.
These new polymers break down into harmless sugars and amino acids, addressing the issue of microplastics.
Innovation in Biodegradable Polymers
Ana Jaklenec and Robert Langer, lead researchers at the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT, have spearheaded the development of these biodegradable polymers.
In their study, published in Nature Chemical Engineering, they demonstrated that the particles can encapsulate nutrients such as vitamin A, D, E, C, zinc, and iron. These particles protect the nutrients from degradation by heat and light, and can withstand exposure to boiling water for two hours and remain stable for six months under high-temperature and humidity conditions.
Microplastics Ban and New Alternative
Since 2023, the European Union has banned the use of BMC polymer, previously used to encapsulate nutrients, due to its classification as a microplastic. In response, the MIT team developed a more eco-friendly material based on poly(beta-amino esters), biodegradable polymers that break down into sugars and amino acids.
Property Adjustments and Future Applications
Researchers can adjust the properties of these polymers, such as hydrophobicity and mechanical resistance, to optimize them for various applications.
The new biodegradable particles not only have the potential to replace microplastics in cosmetics but can also be used to enrich foods with essential nutrients, benefiting millions of people suffering from nutrient deficiencies.
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