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Sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based micro/nanospheres: a systematic scoping review on biodegradable materials and applications
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This review pulls together existing research on eco-friendly, biodegradable alternatives to the tiny plastic beads and particles (micro/nanospheres) commonly used in cosmetics, medicines, and industrial products—materials that often end up as microplastic pollution in our environment and bodies. The researchers found promising options made from natural and plant-based materials that could replace petroleum-based versions, but note more work is needed to make these alternatives perform as well and be tested consistently. This matters because reducing our reliance on plastic microspheres could help cut down microplastic exposure in food, water, and eventually human tissue, while still suppor
Abstract Adhering to PRISMA-ScR guidelines, this systematic review evaluates sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based micro/nanospheres. We classify biodegradable materials into natural, synthetic, and composite systems, analyzing their fabrication alongside diverse applications in cosmetics, biomaterials, environmental remediation, catalysis, and thermal energy storage. By addressing technical trade-offs, standardized testing, and critical research gaps, this work provides a strategic roadmap for engineering high-performance, eco-friendly microspheres to mitigate the global microplastic crisis and promote a circular bioeconomy.
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Microplastics in Cosmetics: Open Questions and Sustainable Opportunities
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This review examines the role of microplastics in cosmetic products and the industry's transition toward sustainable alternatives as regulations tighten worldwide. Researchers surveyed the properties that make plastic particles useful in cosmetics, such as texture and appearance enhancement, alongside their environmental drawbacks. The study provides an overview of emerging bio-based and biodegradable replacement materials that could help the personal care industry eliminate microplastics from formulations.
Microplastics (MPs) in Cosmetics: A Review on Their Presence in Personal-Care, Cosmetic, and Cleaning Products (PCCPs) and Sustainable Alternatives from Biobased and Biodegradable Polymers
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This review documents how microplastics are widely used in personal care products, cosmetics, and cleaning supplies as exfoliants, film formers, and texture enhancers. These products wash down the drain and contribute to environmental microplastic pollution, which can ultimately cycle back to humans through contaminated water and food.
An Eco-friendly Alternative to Polyethylene Microbeads in Personal Healthcare Products
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This paper proposes eco-friendly, biodegradable alternatives to polyethylene microbeads used as exfoliants in personal care products like shower gels. Replacing synthetic plastic microbeads with natural materials would reduce a direct source of microplastic pollution entering waterways through drain runoff.
Advances in Biodegradable Polymers: Synthesis, Properties and Environmental Applications
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This review pulls together current research on biodegradable plastics made from natural, synthetic, and microbial sources, looking at how they break down and where they could replace conventional petroleum-based plastics in things like food packaging and farming. Since plastic pollution and microplastics are increasingly linked to health concerns, developing materials that break down safely instead of persisting in the environment (and potentially our food and water) matters for reducing our long-term exposure. The paper notes these alternatives still need more research and better regulations before they can be widely used to replace everyday plastics.
Size-Controlled Preparation of Cellulose Microspheres and Preliminary Investigation of their Use as Additives in Cosmetic Products
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Researchers developed a method for producing cellulose microspheres of controlled size as a biodegradable alternative to plastic microbeads used in cosmetics. Cellulose microspheres performed comparably to conventional plastic microbeads in cosmetic formulations while being biodegradable, offering a viable substitute to reduce microplastic pollution from personal care products.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.