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Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Environmental Sources Food & Water Marine & Wildlife Nanoplastics Sign in to save

How to Eliminate Microplastics With Biological Nanoparticles

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) 2026
Laura Fernández-López, Ana Robles Martín, Rafael Amigot Sánchez, José Luis González Alfonso, Sergi Rodà, Victor Alcolea-Rodriguez, Diego Heras Márquez, David Almendral Nieto, Francisco J. Plou, Raquel Portela, Miguel A. Bañares, Álvaro Martínez-del-Pozo, Sara García Linares, Cristina Coscolín, Manuel Ferrer, Vı́ctor Guallar, Keiji Numata

Summary

Researchers propose using engineered pore-forming proteins—essentially biological nanoreactors—as a new approach to degrading plastic particles in the environment, leveraging protein engineering and AI-guided molecular modelling to design the system. This is an early-stage concept rather than a deployed technology, but it addresses the core challenge that no currently scalable solution exists for removing microplastics already dispersed in oceans, soils, and drinking water. If realized, this approach could complement filtration and chemical methods for microplastic remediation.

Study Type Environmental

It is possible to recycle, although inefficiently, about 10% of the plastic we see, but there is still no sustainable solution to reduce plastic particle pollution found in oceans, soils, air, and drinking water. In this study, we explore how pore-forming toxins can be transformed into biological nanoreactors capable of degrading plastics, with the help of protein engineering driven by molecular modelling and artificial intelligence.

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