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Capturing the colloidal microplastics with plant-based nanocellulose networks
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Researchers found that nanocellulose—a material derived from plants—can efficiently capture colloidal microplastics and even nanoplastics from water, including particles too small for conventional filters. Plant-based nanocellulose networks could offer a sustainable, biodegradable solution for removing the smallest and most challenging microplastic fractions from water.
Abstract Microplastics accumulate to various aquatic organisms causing serious health issues, and they have raised concerns about human health by entering our food chain. The recovery techniques for the most challenging colloidal fraction even for the analytical purposes are limited. Here we show how hygroscopic nanocellulose network acts as an ideal capturing material even for the tiniest nanoplastic particles. We reveal that the entrapment of particles from the aqueous environment is a result of the network’s hygroscopic nature - a feature which is further intensified with the high surface area. We determine the nanoplastic binding mechanisms using surface sensitive methods, and interpret the results with the random sequential adsorption (RSA) model. The microplastic uptake does not rely on any specific interfacial interaction but rather on the water transport behavior of nanocellulose. These findings hold potential for the explicit quantification of the microplastics from different environments, and eventually, provide solutions to collect those directly on-site where they are produced.
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Capturing colloidal nano- and microplastics with plant-based nanocellulose networks
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Researchers developed a plant-based nanocellulose network that can capture even the smallest nanoplastic particles from water. The material works primarily through its moisture-absorbing properties, which are enhanced by the extremely high surface area of nanocellulose fibers. This technology could enable both better measurement of nanoplastic contamination in water and practical on-site collection of these hard-to-capture particles.
Potential of Nanocellulose for Microplastic removal: Perspective and challenges
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Researchers reviewed how nanocellulose — tiny fibers derived from plant cell walls — can capture and remove microplastics from water through its large surface area and adaptable chemistry, positioning it as a promising, naturally biodegradable filter material. While early results are encouraging, further research is needed to optimize how nanocellulose works at scale in real drinking water and wastewater treatment systems.
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Scientists created a filter made from lignocellulose (a plant-based material found in wood and plant fibers) that can remove over 95% of tiny nanoplastic particles from water without clogging up like traditional filters do. This matters because nanoplastics are increasingly found in our drinking water and are too small for many current filtration systems to catch effectively, so a cheap, plant-based solution like this could help reduce our exposure to these pollutants. The used filters can even be recycled into other useful products, making this a more sustainable option overall.
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Researchers developed plant-derived (cellulose-based) flocculants that clump microplastics together so they can be more easily removed from water, finding that a low concentration of 0.001 g/mL was optimal and that both electrical charge and water-repelling interactions drive the process depending on the type of plastic.
Nanocellulose-based packaging materials: Unlocking a sustainable path beyond microplastics
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Researchers review nanocellulose extracted from plant biomass as a sustainable packaging alternative to petroleum-based plastics, examining how its mechanical strength, tunable surface chemistry, and barrier properties can replace synthetic films and coatings while offering biodegradability and recyclability to reduce microplastic pollution from packaging waste.
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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.