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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Hierarchical Plant Protein Microcapsules for Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Cargo Molecules
ClearA Dual-Phase Bio-Capsule for the Sequestration and Degradation of Micro and Nanoplastics in Biological Systems and Aquatic Environment
Researchers developed a novel dual-phase bio-capsule designed to both capture and break down micro- and nanoplastics using plant-derived proteins and specialized microbes. The system was engineered to work in both aquatic environments for ecological restoration and in animal biological systems to reduce bioaccumulation. Early testing focused on binding kinetics and enzymatic degradation, suggesting a promising nature-based approach to addressing plastic pollution across environmental and biological settings.
Surface Morphology-Enhanced Delivery of Bioinspired Eco-Friendly Microcapsules
Researchers developed biodegradable microcapsules made from proteins and biominerals as a sustainable replacement for the synthetic polymer microplastic particles used in many consumer products including cosmetics and paints. The capsules degraded naturally and performed comparably to conventional capsules in controlled release tests. Replacing non-biodegradable microcapsules with protein-mineral alternatives could significantly reduce microplastic pollution from consumer goods.
Encapsulation of volatile compounds in liquid media: Fragrances, flavors, and essential oils in commercial formulations
Researchers reviewed microencapsulation techniques for fragrances, flavors, and essential oils and found that widely used rigid polymer microcapsules in consumer products release microplastics into wastewater, accounting for roughly 4% of total environmental microplastic load, underscoring demand for biodegradable encapsulation alternatives.
An integrated approach to address the biodegradability of cosmetic formulations as part of a corporate sustainability strategy
Not relevant to microplastics — this paper describes a corporate sustainability framework for evaluating and improving the biodegradability of cosmetic product portfolios, helping companies prioritize reformulation of high-impact products and ingredients.
Rational Design of Sustainable Liquid Microcapsules for Spontaneous Fragrance Encapsulation
Researchers designed sustainable liquid microcapsules for fragrance encapsulation using bio-based rather than petroleum-derived materials, reducing environmental impact. This approach could replace conventional capsules that shed microplastic particles into wastewater when rinsed off personal care products.
Capturing the colloidal microplastics with plant-based nanocellulose networks
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.
Natural biomass-derived carbon dots as a potent solubilizer with high biocompatibility and enhanced antioxidant activity
Not relevant to microplastics — this paper investigates carbon dots derived from citrus fruit as a pharmaceutical solubilizer to improve drug bioavailability, with no connection to plastic pollution.
Triple-Emulsion-Based Antibubbles: A Step Forward in Fabricating Novel Multi-Drug Delivery Systems
Not relevant to microplastics — this paper describes a novel triple-emulsion 'antibubble' drug delivery system designed to carry both water-soluble and fat-soluble medications simultaneously.
Microencapsulation for Functional Textile Coatings with Emphasis on Biodegradability—A Systematic Review
This systematic review found that microencapsulation techniques for functional textile coatings are well-established for conventional shell materials, but biodegradable alternatives remain limited and often sacrifice durability. The review identified that most microcapsule shell materials are synthetic polymers that can contribute to microplastic pollution when they degrade from textile surfaces during washing. Developing truly biodegradable microcapsule formulations is essential for reducing the microplastic fiber shedding that makes textiles one of the largest sources of microplastic pollution.
Microplastic label in microencapsulation field – Consequence of shell material selection
This review examines whether microcapsules used in consumer products like laundry detergents and fabric conditioners should be classified as microplastics under proposed EU regulations. Many of these tiny polymer shells are not biodegradable and could persist in aquatic environments after product use, making their regulatory classification important for reducing intentional microplastic releases. The review argues that shell material selection is the key factor determining whether a microcapsule qualifies as a microplastic, with significant implications for product reformulation across the personal care industry.
Interfacial photocycloaddition polymerization: a synthetic approach for structurally functionalized degradable polymer particles from naturally derived monomers
A new synthesis method uses light to polymerize capsules from natural plant-derived materials, creating biodegradable microcapsules for fragrances and cosmetics that break down into harmless natural compounds when exposed to UV light. This is directly relevant to microplastic concerns because conventional cosmetic and fragrance microcapsules are made of non-degradable synthetic polymers that are a growing source of microplastic pollution in wastewater and aquatic environments.
Microencapsulation of High‐Content Actives Using Biodegradable Silk Materials
Researchers developed biodegradable silk fibroin microcapsules capable of encapsulating high concentrations of active ingredients through controlled protein assembly, offering a scalable alternative to conventional non-degradable plastic microbeads used in cosmetics and consumer care products.
Role of the Protein Corona in the Colloidal Behavior of Microplastics
Researchers investigated how protein coronas form on polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics in biological media, finding that proteins act as surfactants that alter the colloidal behavior and stability of microplastics in aquatic environments.
Micro(nano)plastics as a vector of pharmaceuticals in aquatic ecosystem: Historical review and future trends
This systematic review examines how microplastics and nanoplastics in water can absorb and carry pharmaceutical drugs, creating a combined pollution threat. When medications attach to tiny plastic particles in rivers and oceans, they may become more harmful to aquatic life and potentially to humans who consume contaminated seafood or water. The research traces how this emerging double-threat has grown since 2018 and identifies key knowledge gaps.
Chemical Regeneration of Mixed‐Matrix Membranes for Micropollutant Removal from Wastewater
This paper investigates chemical regeneration of mixed-matrix membranes embedded with adsorbents for removing pharmaceutical micropollutants from wastewater. It is focused on dissolved chemical contaminants rather than microplastics and is not directly relevant to microplastic research.
Effects of nanoplastics and microplastics on the availability of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in aqueous environment
Researchers found that nanoplastics and microplastics can sorb pharmaceuticals and personal care products in water, with smaller nanoplastics showing 1-2 orders of magnitude stronger sorption than microplastics, potentially reducing the bioavailability of these contaminants in aquatic environments.
Which\nMicropollutants in Water Environments Deserve\nMore Attention Globally?
This review analyzed which organic micropollutants in water environments deserve the most global attention based on their toxicity, occurrence frequency, and persistence. Microplastics are among the contaminants considered, alongside pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals that routinely escape conventional water treatment and accumulate in aquatic ecosystems.
Which\nMicropollutants in Water Environments Deserve\nMore Attention Globally?
This review analyzed which organic micropollutants in water environments deserve the most global attention based on their toxicity, occurrence frequency, and persistence. Microplastics are among the contaminants considered, alongside pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals that routinely escape conventional water treatment and accumulate in aquatic ecosystems.
Lack of Evidence for Microplastic Contamination from Water-Soluble Detergent Capsules
Researchers tested 39 brands of water-soluble detergent capsules from four EU countries for microplastic release, finding no evidence that the capsule materials themselves shed microplastics into laundry or dishwasher wastewater. They found that microplastics detected in laundry wastewater originated from PET textiles rather than capsule composition, and that the Guppyfriend bag outperformed the Cora Ball in capturing shed fibers.
Extraction of biodegradable microplastics from tissues of aquatic organisms
Researchers developed and validated a method for extracting biodegradable microplastics from tissues of aquatic organisms, finding that standard extraction protocols used for conventional plastics are insufficient and that enzymatic digestion combined with density separation is needed to recover these materials accurately.
Aggregation Kinetics and Stability of Biodegradable Nanoplastics: Effects of Weathering and Proteins
Researchers studied how weathering and proteins affect the aggregation and stability of biodegradable nanoplastics in water. Biodegradable plastics can still generate persistent nanoscale particles that behave differently depending on environmental conditions, complicating assumptions about their safety compared to conventional plastics.
Investigación en nuevas técnicas de microencapsulación biodegradables de fragancias para el sector de detergencia que eviten la liberación de microplásticos al medio ambiente
This study investigates biodegradable microencapsulation techniques for fragrances used in laundry and personal care products, aiming to replace conventional plastic microcapsules that release microplastics into the environment during washing. The research develops new polymer matrices that deliver fragrance performance while breaking down naturally, avoiding microplastic pollution.
Impact of Microplastic Contaminants on Drug Stability and Safety
Researchers reviewed how microplastic contaminants may alter the stability, bioavailability, and safety of pharmaceutical products by adsorbing drug compounds and releasing them unpredictably. Survey data from pharmaceutical quality assurance professionals and literature synthesis identified specific mechanisms by which MPs could degrade drug formulations, flagging an underexplored drug safety concern.
Challenges and Strategies for Degradation of Microplastics in Environment
This review examines the challenges of degrading microplastics in environmental settings, discussing their hydrophobic nature, persistent covalent bonds, and large specific surface area that attracts co-contaminants, and surveys physical, chemical, and biological degradation strategies alongside remaining technical hurdles to practical implementation.