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Biocompatible materials as a sustainable solution to micro- and nanoplastic remediation and their challenges
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This review evaluates biocompatible materials—including chitosan, cellulose, and biopolymers—as sustainable sorbents for removing micro- and nanoplastics from water, highlighting their advantages of biodegradability and low toxicity compared to conventional treatment media.
The alarming accumulation of micro- and nanoplastics (M/NPs) in ecosystems has raised serious environmental and health concerns due to their chemical stability, small size, and resistance to biodegradation. Addressing this challenge requires sustainable and biocompatible remediation strategies. This review explores a wide range of remediation approaches using biocompatible materials, including natural-based polymers, biochar, plant-derived substances, microorganism-derived systems, and protein coronas. Among these materials, natural-based polymers (e.g., chitosan, alginate) effectively adsorb M/NPs via electrostatic interactions and gel encapsulation. Similarly, biochar, due to its highly porous structure, enhances pollutant sequestration, particularly in aquatic systems. Plant-derived substances, including cellulose nanofibrils (CNF), sponges, and aquatic plants, offer promising nature-inspired solutions for M/NP remediation. Microorganism-derived systems facilitate M/NP degradation through enzymatic hydrolysis , biofilm formation, and trapping, while protein coronas influence particle aggregation and sedimentation, improving removal efficiency. The aim of this study is to review a wide range of biocompatible materials for the removal of M/NPs from contaminated environments. This study discusses the functional mechanisms, advantages, and challenges of each material and also proposes opportunities to enhance their efficiency through surface modifications and integration with other remediation technologies. • Biocompatible materials offer promising solutions for mitigating M/NPs. • Natural-based polymers, biochar, protein corona are effective in M/NPs removal. • Plant & microorganisms-derived substances are effective in M/NPs removal. • Investigating the mechanism of action, and optimizing current methods are needed.
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Bioadsorbents for removal of microplastics from water ecosystems: a review
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This review analyzes over 200 studies on using natural biological materials, called bioadsorbents, to remove microplastics from water. Researchers found that materials like chitosan, biochar, and cellulose show strong potential for capturing microplastic particles from contaminated water. The study highlights bioadsorbents as a promising, eco-friendly alternative to conventional water treatment methods for addressing microplastic pollution.
A Comprehensive Review of Natural Polymer‐Based Adsorbents for Microplastic Removal
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This review evaluates natural polymer-based materials, including chitosan, cellulose, and alginate, as adsorbents for removing microplastics from water. Researchers found that these renewable materials can achieve removal efficiencies often above 90% through mechanisms including physical interception, hydrophobic interactions, and electrostatic attraction, making them promising candidates for sustainable water treatment systems.
Biodegradable Nanomaterials For Removal Of Microplastics Removal In Aquatic Ecosystems
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This study explores the potential of biodegradable nanomaterials made from natural polymers like chitosan, cellulose, and lignin to remove microplastics from water. These materials have high surface areas and can be engineered to selectively attract and capture plastic particles through surface interactions. The approach offers a greener alternative to conventional filtration and chemical treatment methods, which are often energy-intensive and can create secondary pollution.
Biodegradable sponges made from chitin-cellulose nanofibers for sustainable removal of microplastics from aquatic environment
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Researchers developed a biodegradable sponge made from chitin and cellulose nanofibers that can remove up to 93% of microplastics from water. The sponge maintained strong performance after four reuse cycles and naturally biodegraded in soil environments. The study presents a sustainable, eco-friendly approach to cleaning microplastic contamination from aquatic ecosystems without introducing additional persistent pollutants.
Sustainable biomaterials based on cellulose, chitin and chitosan composites - A review
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Researchers reviewed advances in making sustainable composite materials from cellulose, chitin, and chitosan — abundant natural polymers found in plants and shellfish — as biodegradable alternatives to synthetic plastics that contribute to microplastic pollution. The review covers how these biopolymers can be dissolved and combined into fibers, films, and gels for a wide range of environmentally friendly applications.
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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.