Papers

61,005 results
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Article Tier 2

Effect of Addition of Spheroidal Cellulose Powders on Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Cosmetic Emulsions

The cosmetics industry has historically used tiny plastic microbeads as scrubbing and texturizing agents in face creams, but these are now widely banned due to environmental harm. This study evaluated spheroidal cellulose powders — derived from plant material — as a biodegradable replacement, finding that creams containing cellulose particles of two different sizes (2 and 7 µm) performed best, delivering good skin hydration, favorable texture, and high consumer sensory ratings. The results support cellulose-based particles as a viable and genuinely biodegradable substitute for synthetic microplastics in personal care products.

2025 Polymers 1 citations
Article Tier 2

A Scalable and Surfactant-Free Emulsion Method for Producing Microbeads from Varied Biomass Feedstocks

Researchers developed a scalable, surfactant-free emulsion method for producing microbeads from non-derivatized biomass such as cellulose, offering a biodegradable alternative to plastic microbeads still used in personal care and consumer products despite national and international regulations.

2024 Langmuir
Article Tier 2

Cellulose Acetate Microsphere in Cosmetics Application and Sustainability Benefits

Researchers developed biodegradable cellulose acetate microspheres as a sustainable replacement for synthetic microplastic particles in cosmetics, producing smooth spherical particles via thermal phase separation that deliver comparable sensory performance while avoiding persistent plastic pollution in the environment.

2024 Journal of the Society of Powder Technology Japan
Article Tier 2

Application of Spray Coating in the Fabrication of Free Standing Nanocellulose Films and Barrier Coating on the Paper Substrates

Researchers developed cellulose acetate microspheres as a sustainable alternative to synthetic microplastic beads in cosmetics, producing spherical particles with high surface smoothness through polymer thermal phase separation that provide a smooth sensory texture while being biodegradable and environmentally safe.

2024 Scientific and Social Research
Article Tier 2

The Degradation Rate of Bio Microbeads Derived from Cellulose and Impregnated with Moringa Leaf Flavonoids Extract

This study developed biodegradable microbeads derived from cellulose as an eco-friendly replacement for synthetic plastic microbeads, which are banned in many countries because they pass through wastewater treatment and accumulate in the environment. The bio-based microbeads showed competitive degradation rates while meeting functional requirements for personal care product applications.

2023 Materials science forum 1 citations
Article Tier 2

Particle Size and Dispersion Properties of Cellulose Beads Fabricated via Coaxial Needle Spray Method

Researchers developed a method for producing cellulose microbeads smaller than 500 micrometers using a coaxial needle spray technique, as a biodegradable alternative to synthetic plastic microbeads in cosmetics. Replacing plastic microbeads in personal care products with cellulose-based alternatives directly reduces microplastic contamination in wastewater and aquatic environments.

2023 Journal of Korea Technical Association of The Pulp and Paper Industry 1 citations
Article Tier 2

Biosourced spherical microbeads from brewer's spent grain for sustainable personal hygiene products

Researchers developed biosourced spherical microbeads from brewer's spent grain as a sustainable substitute for petrochemical plastic microbeads used as exfoliating agents in personal care products. The bio-based particles were characterized for size, shape, and mechanical properties to confirm suitability for cosmetic formulations.

2024 Journal of Polymer Science 4 citations
Article Tier 2

Applicability of bacterial cellulose in cosmetics – bibliometric review

Researchers reviewed scientific literature on bacterial cellulose — a natural material produced by bacteria — and its potential uses in cosmetics as a sustainable alternative to synthetic ingredients. Studies show it shows strong promise for use in face masks for delivering active compounds and improving skin hydration, making it a candidate to replace some petroleum-based cosmetic materials.

2020 Biotechnology Reports 104 citations
Article Tier 2

Fabrication of cellulose-based particles/capsules using gamma radiation-initiated radical precipitation polymerization

Researchers used radiation-initiated polymerization to create biodegradable cellulose-based microparticles as an alternative to fossil-fuel-derived microplastics used in cosmetics and personal care products. The bio-based particles showed promising properties and degraded more readily than conventional synthetic alternatives. Replacing conventional microplastic beads with biodegradable cellulose particles could reduce environmental pollution.

2022 International Journal of Polymeric Materials 6 citations
Article Tier 2

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.

2022 Small 25 citations
Article Tier 2

Preparation and Characterization of Cellulose/Silk Fibroin Composites Microparticles for Drug Controlled-Release Applications

This paper is not about microplastics; it focuses on developing cellulose and silk fibroin composite microparticles as controlled drug delivery systems, with no relevance to plastic pollution or environmental health.

2024 Preprints.org 2 citations
Article Tier 2

Complexes of cellulose model particles with polycations: composition, properties and cytotoxicity

Researchers used cellulose particles of 200–250 nm as a model for biodegradable microplastics, characterizing their stability in water-salt media and interaction with polycations to establish a reference system for studying the environmental fate of biodegradable plastic alternatives.

2025 Carbohydrate Research
Article Tier 2

Nanocellulose-based membrane as a potential material for high performance biodegradable aerosol respirators for SARS-CoV-2 prevention: a review

Researchers reviewed nanocellulose-based membrane materials as biodegradable alternatives to synthetic face mask filters, finding that cellulose nanofibers and nanocrystals offer promising filtration efficiency, biocompatibility, and environmental safety compared to single-use plastic-based respirators.

2022 Cellulose 29 citations
Article Tier 2

Bacterial cellulose: A smart biomaterial for biomedical applications

This review covers bacterial cellulose, a natural material produced by bacteria that has unique properties like high purity, biodegradability, and excellent water retention. It shows promise for medical uses including wound healing, drug delivery, and tissue engineering as a sustainable alternative to synthetic materials. As concerns grow about microplastic contamination from synthetic polymers in medical products, biodegradable alternatives like bacterial cellulose become increasingly relevant.

2023 Journal of materials research/Pratt's guide to venture capital sources 61 citations
Article Tier 2

Bacterial Nanocellulose toward Green Cosmetics: Recent Progresses and Challenges

This review summarizes recent advances in the use of bacterial nanocellulose as a sustainable ingredient in cosmetic formulations, highlighting its potential to replace synthetic microplastic-containing polymers used as film formers, fillers, and carrier materials in skin care products.

2021 International Journal of Molecular Sciences 96 citations
Article Tier 2

Bacterial Cellulose—A Remarkable Polymer as a Source for Biomaterials Tailoring

This review explores bacterial cellulose, a natural polymer produced by non-pathogenic bacteria, as a versatile and eco-friendly biomaterial for medical and pharmaceutical applications. Researchers highlight its unique properties including high purity, strength, and biocompatibility, which make it suitable for wound dressings, drug delivery, and tissue engineering. The material offers a sustainable alternative to synthetic polymers, aligning with growing efforts to reduce plastic-based materials in healthcare.

2022 Materials 120 citations
Article Tier 2

Evaluation of Ceramic Membrane Filtration for Alternatives to Microplastics in Cosmetic Formulations Using FlowCam Analysis

Ceramic membrane crossflow filtration was evaluated for removing silica powder and cornstarch—common microplastic alternatives in cosmetics—with FlowCam particle analysis revealing high removal efficiency and insights into particle behavior that can guide greener cosmetic formulation strategies.

2025 Membranes 2 citations
Article Tier 2

Biosourced Spherical Microbeads from Brewer’s Spent Grain for Sustainable Personal Hygiene Products

Researchers developed biodegradable microbeads from brewer's spent grain as a sustainable replacement for plastic microbeads in personal care exfoliants, which are banned in many countries due to their environmental persistence. The biosourced spherical particles showed mechanical properties comparable to plastic microbeads, offering a genuinely plastic-free alternative that breaks down naturally.

2023 1 citations
Article Tier 2

Biodegradable chito-beads replacing non-biodegradable microplastics for cosmetics

Biodegradable microbeads were prepared by reacetylation of chitosan as a direct substitute for synthetic polymer microbeads in cosmetic exfoliators. The chitosan-based beads demonstrated suitable mechanical properties and high cleansing efficiency, offering a viable biodegradable alternative to conventional microplastic microbeads.

2021 Green Chemistry 76 citations
Article Tier 2

Potential of Nanocellulose for Microplastic removal: Perspective and challenges

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.

2024 Tetrahedron Green Chem 19 citations
Article Tier 2

Cellulose aerogels in water pollution treatment: Preparation, applications and mechanism

This review explores how cellulose aerogels, derived from the most abundant natural polymer on Earth, can be used to treat water pollution including microplastic contamination. Researchers found that these biodegradable materials offer a promising sustainable alternative for water treatment due to their unique porous structure, high surface area, and ease of functionalization.

2025 Advanced bionics. 6 citations
Article Tier 2

Green synthesis of lignin nano- and micro-particles: Physicochemical characterization, bioactive properties and cytotoxicity assessment.

This study produced lignin nanoparticles and microparticles using a green synthesis method and characterized their properties, finding they have good thermal stability and bioactive characteristics. While focused on biomaterial applications rather than pollution, lignin-based particles represent a potential biodegradable alternative to conventional plastic microbeads used in consumer products.

2020 International journal of biological macromolecules
Article Tier 2

A Mini Review of Natural Cellulosic Fibers: Extraction, Treatment and Characterization Methods

This paper is not about microplastics; it reviews methods for extracting, treating, and characterizing natural plant-derived cellulose fibers as sustainable alternatives to synthetic materials in composites and textiles.

2023 Journal of Computers Mechanical and Management 8 citations
Article Tier 2

Microcellulose Membranes for Water Purification

This review examines cellulose-based membranes as materials for water purification, highlighting cellulose's mechanical, thermal, and chemical stability and exploring how membrane pore size and structure determine filtration performance across different applications.

2025