Microplastics, tiny and nearly indestructible pieces from plastic items, are found all over from oceans to human bodies, presenting major environmental and health dangers. Breakthrough research by the University of California San Diego and Algenesis exposes algae-based polymers that biodegrade at the microplastic level within seven months, using a promising alternative to petroleum-based plastics.A new study indicates that plant-based polymers can degrade within a seven-month period.Microplastics are tiny, nearly indestructible fragments shed from daily plastic items. Microplastics can take anywhere from 100 to 1,000 years to break down and, in the meantime, our planet and bodies are ending up being more polluted with these products every day.Finding feasible alternatives to standard petroleum-based plastics and microplastics has never been more essential. New research study from researchers at the University of California San Diego and materials science company Algenesis reveals that their plant-based polymers biodegrade– even at the microplastic level– in under 7 months.”This material is the first plastic showed to not produce microplastics as we utilize it,” said Stephen Mayfield, a paper coauthor, School of Biological Sciences professor and co-founder of Algenesis.
Development research study by the University of California San Diego and Algenesis exposes algae-based polymers that biodegrade at the microplastic level within seven months, offering an appealing alternative to petroleum-based plastics.A new research study suggests that plant-based polymers can degrade within a seven-month period.Microplastics are small, almost indestructible fragments shed from everyday plastic items. Microplastics can take anywhere from 100 to 1,000 years to break down and, in the meantime, our world and bodies are becoming more polluted with these materials every day.Finding viable alternatives to conventional petroleum-based plastics and microplastics has never been more essential.”This product is the first plastic demonstrated to not produce microplastics as we utilize it,” said Stephen Mayfield, a paper coauthor, School of Biological Sciences teacher and co-founder of Algenesis.
