Papers

Machine learning-integrated droplet microfluidic system for accurate quantification and classification of microplastics

Scientists developed a new microplastic detection system that combines tiny droplet-based testing with machine learning to quickly identify and classify microplastic particles. This portable system can accurately detect microplastics on-site without expensive lab equipment, which could make widespread environmental and food safety monitoring much more practical.

Biodegradation behavior of polyesters with various internal chemical structures and external environmental factors in real seawater

Researchers tested how different types of biodegradable polyester plastics break down in real ocean conditions off the coast of South Korea. They found that the chemical structure of each polyester, particularly its crystallinity and glass transition temperature, significantly influenced how quickly it degraded. The study provides practical guidance for designing biodegradable plastics that will actually break down effectively in marine environments.

Development of a machine‐learning model for microplastic analysis in an FT‐IR microscopy image

Researchers developed a machine-learning model using a 1D convolutional neural network to classify FT-IR microscopy spectra of microplastics into 16 polymer types. The model addresses inaccuracies caused by secondary materials on real environmental samples, improving the speed and reliability of automated microplastic identification.

Liposome leakage and increased cellular permeability induced by guanidine-based oligomers: effects of liposome composition on liposome leakage and human lung epithelial barrier permeability

Guanidine-based oligomers widely used as antimicrobial agents were investigated for their ability to cause liposome leakage and increase cellular membrane permeability. Public health concerns about these compounds have grown after reports linking them to lung injury, and this study helps clarify the membrane-disruptive mechanism underlying their toxicity.

Recent Advances in Sustainable Plastic Upcycling and Biopolymers

This review argues that sustainable biopolymers, produced from renewable resources via biological or hybrid chemical-biological processes, represent the most promising long-term solution to the plastic pollution crisis and climate-related concerns about fossil-fuel-derived plastics. Key challenges include achieving the mechanical properties, production costs, and large-scale manufacturing needed to replace conventional plastics.

Label-Free Live-Cell Imaging of Internalized Microplastics and Cytoplasmic Organelles with Multicolor CARS Microscopy

Label-free multicolor coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy was used to simultaneously visualize internalized microplastics and cellular organelles in live cells without requiring fluorescent staining. The approach enables real-time tracking of plastic particle interactions with intracellular structures, offering new insight into how microplastics behave inside human cells.

Biodegradable, Water‐Resistant, Anti‐Fizzing, Polyester Nanocellulose Composite Paper Straws

Researchers developed a biodegradable paper straw coated with poly(butylene succinate) and cellulose nanocrystals that resists water absorption and prevents the fizzing typical of conventional paper straws in carbonated drinks. Unlike PLA-coated alternatives, the coating is fully ocean-degradable and the nanocrystals improved coating adhesion.

Water Purification from Organic Pollutants Using Photoelectrocatalytic Microreactors Under Sunlight Irradiation

‘They convert, I also convert’: the neighborhood effects and tea farmers' intention to convert to organic farming

Researchers found that neighborhood social influence — particularly from nearby farmers with close relationships — significantly increases tea farmers' intention to convert to organic farming in northern Vietnam, both directly and indirectly through attitudes and perceived behavioral control.

Biofilm development of Bacillus siamensis ATKU1 on pristine short chain low-density polyethylene: A case study on microbe-microplastics interaction

Researchers isolated a low-density polyethylene (LDPE)-degrading bacterial strain, Bacillus siamensis ATKU1, from a plastic dumping site and studied its biofilm formation on LDPE microplastics as the sole carbon source. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy confirmed biofilm development with measurable changes to surface mechanical properties, providing evidence for microbial utilisation of LDPE microplastics.

Water Purification from Organic Pollutants Using Photoelectrocatalytic Microreactors Under Sunlight Irradiation

Water purification of organic pollutants using photocatalytic microreactors integrating Au/TiO₂/carbon cloth under solar irradiation

Researchers developed a gold nanoparticle-decorated TiO2 carbon cloth photoelectrochemical microreactor that removed 89% of microcystin-LR in 12.9 minutes under solar irradiation, leveraging localised surface plasmon resonance and microfluidic confinement to enhance photocatalytic efficiency for water purification.

Colloidal Multiscale Assembly via Photothermally Driven Convective Flow for Sensitive In‐Solution Plasmonic Detections

Researchers developed a facile method for producing three-dimensional multiscale assemblies of molecules, nanoparticles, and microparticles using photothermally driven convective flow, enabling sensitive in-solution surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) without chemical linkers or templates. The photothermally generated convection concentrated colloids and targets into a small probe volume, improving plasmonic detection sensitivity.

Uniform formation and characterization of Au/TiO2 nanoparticles for electrokinetically assisted optofluidic reactors

Researchers developed uniformly formed Au/TiO2 nanoparticles for use in plasmonic photocatalytic optofluidic reactors, addressing the limitation of TiO2's poor visible-light absorption by incorporating gold nanoparticles to enhance solar energy utilization for water purification. The study characterized the nanoparticles' formation and performance in electrokinetically assisted photocatalytic treatment of organic wastewater compounds.

Fabrication and Evaluation of Biodegradable Alginate Bead Controlled Release Fertilizer for the Controlled Release on Nitrogen

Researchers developed biodegradable calcium alginate bead fertilizers for controlled nitrogen release, aiming to replace petroleum-based coatings in conventional controlled-release fertilizers. The bio-based beads showed good performance while avoiding the soil contamination risks associated with non-degradable polymer coatings.