Articles tagged with "biodegradable-materials"
Photos: Light shows, drones could replace traditional fireworks for greener future
The article discusses the environmental and health concerns associated with traditional fireworks, which rely on metal salts like strontium, barium, and copper to produce colors but release harmful fine particles and plastic debris into the air, soil, and waterways. These particles pose respiratory risks and contribute to pollution, while the loud noise—often exceeding 120 decibels—disturbs wildlife and pets. To mitigate these issues, manufacturers are developing biodegradable fireworks made from paper, cardboard, and starch-based materials that break down more quickly, alongside cleaner chemical compositions that reduce toxic fallout and noise levels. However, these greener alternatives remain more costly and are not yet produced at large scale, limiting their widespread adoption. As an alternative to traditional pyrotechnics, drone light shows have gained popularity, using coordinated LED-equipped drones to create intricate aerial displays without smoke, debris, or loud explosions. These drones are reusable, reducing waste, though their lithium batteries have environmental impacts related to mining. Artists and companies worldwide are pushing the boundaries of
dronesenergy-efficient-lightingbiodegradable-materialsenvironmental-impactIoTdrone-technologysustainable-fireworksNew plant fiber-based artificial synapse holds memory longer
Researchers at the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) in South Korea have developed a fully biodegradable artificial synapse made entirely from natural materials such as beans, shells, and plant fibers. This innovation addresses critical challenges in artificial synapse technology by combining ultralow power consumption, stability, durability, and biodegradability. The device mimics the brain’s synaptic functions by releasing sodium ions that behave like neurotransmitters, enabling it to retain information and replicate both short-term and long-term memory processes through synaptic plasticity. The artificial synapse exhibits exceptional memory retention, holding information for nearly 6,000 seconds (about 100 minutes), making it the longest-lasting biodegradable synapse reported to date. It operates with remarkable energy efficiency, consuming only 0.85 femtojoules per signal, which is lower than the typical energy usage of the human brain. Environmentally, the device is designed to fully decompose in soil within 16 days, leaving no
materialsbiodegradable-materialsartificial-synapseneuromorphic-devicessustainable-technologyenergy-efficiencyeco-friendly-electronicsMicroneedle heart patch aims to improve post-attack recovery
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a biodegradable microneedle patch designed to improve recovery of heart muscle damaged by heart attacks. The patch delivers interleukin-4 (IL-4) directly into the injured heart tissue through tiny needles that penetrate the heart’s outer layer, enabling targeted drug delivery that reduces scarring and inflammation without the systemic side effects seen in previous methods. IL-4 shifts macrophages—immune cells central to the healing process—from promoting inflammation to supporting tissue repair, thereby helping the heart muscle recover more effectively. Early experiments demonstrated that the patch not only decreased inflammatory signals and scar tissue formation but also enhanced communication between heart muscle cells and endothelial cells lining blood vessels, which may support long-term heart function. Additionally, the patch increased activity in the NPR1 pathway, known to promote blood vessel health and reduce harmful inflammation. While the current version requires open-chest surgery, the researchers aim to refine the design for less invasive delivery, potentially via catheter. The study, published in
materialsbiomedical-engineeringdrug-deliverymicroneedle-patchheart-repairtissue-engineeringbiodegradable-materialsGerman students grow igloos from mushrooms for sustainable shelter
A team of architecture students at Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences (Frankfurt UAS) in Germany has developed MyGlu, a sustainable, mushroom-based igloo designed for hot, dry climates. The dome-shaped prototype is constructed entirely from mycelium—the root-like structure of fungi—grown on wood waste. This lightweight, modular, and fully biodegradable structure offers natural insulation, water resistance, and sound-dampening properties, making it suitable for climate-affected regions, humanitarian crises, or areas with material shortages. The design draws inspiration from traditional Arctic igloos but is specifically tailored to provide cooling and shelter in arid environments. The project, led by Florian Mähl, PhD, aims to establish mycelium-based construction as a key research focus at Frankfurt UAS, with plans to improve production processes and expand applied studies. MyGlu demonstrated promising thermal and acoustic performance during testing, showing potential as a low-cost, climate-neutral housing solution. Recognized with the university’s Sustain Award in
materialssustainable-materialsmyceliumgreen-buildinginsulationbiodegradable-materialssustainable-architectureScientists take leaf out of nature’s book to reinvent plastic
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a novel biodegradable plastic called LEAFF (Layered, Ecological, Advanced, and multi-Functional Film) inspired by the structure of a leaf. By embedding cellulose nanofibers between two layers of bioplastic, LEAFF overcomes common limitations of existing bioplastics such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), which typically lack durability and require industrial composting to degrade. LEAFF not only matches but exceeds the tensile strength of conventional petroleum-based plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene. Additionally, its multilayer design improves food shelf life by reducing water and air permeability, and its printable surface eliminates the need for separate labels, reducing packaging costs. The innovation also aligns with circular economy principles, as the research team is exploring ways to produce LEAFF feedstocks from agricultural waste products like corn fermentation residues, lignin, and even carbon dioxide. This approach could help address the U.S. waste problem
bioplasticsbiodegradable-materialssustainable-packagingcellulose-nanofiberscircular-economyrenewable-materialsenvironmental-engineeringBiodegradable cooling film slashes energy use 20% without power
Scientists from Zhengzhou University and the University of South Australia have developed the world’s first biodegradable cooling film capable of passively reducing surface temperatures by up to 9.2°C without electricity. Made from polylactic acid (PLA), a plant-based biodegradable plastic, the film achieves this cooling by reflecting 98.7% of solar radiation and enabling internal heat to radiate directly into outer space. This passive cooling effect can reduce energy consumption for air conditioning by more than 20% in hot urban environments, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional, energy-intensive cooling systems. The metafilm features a porous, bi-continuous structure with ultra-low thermal conductivity (0.049 W/m·K) and high durability, maintaining performance even after exposure to harsh acid solutions and prolonged UV radiation. Its robustness is attributed to a 29.7% stereocomplex crystal content, which enhances thermal and chemical stability. Computer simulations indicate significant potential energy savings in cities like Lhasa, China, and the technology
energybiodegradable-materialscooling-filmpassive-coolingsustainable-technologypolylactic-acidthermal-conductivityOkra and fenugreek extracts remove 90% of microplastics from water
Researchers at Tarleton State University, led by Rajani Srinivasan, have discovered that extracts from okra and fenugreek plants can remove up to 90% of microplastics from water, outperforming synthetic chemicals currently used in wastewater treatment. The team developed a simple method by soaking okra pods and fenugreek seeds to produce powders rich in natural polysaccharides, which effectively trap microplastic particles. Fenugreek powder removed 93% of microplastics within an hour, okra removed 67%, and a blend of both achieved 70% removal in just 30 minutes. This plant-based approach offers a low-cost, biodegradable alternative that avoids the harmful residues associated with synthetic polymers like polyacrylamide. Testing in real-world water samples from oceans, groundwater, and freshwater around Texas showed varying but consistently high removal efficiencies: okra was most effective in ocean water (about 80%), fenugreek excelled in groundwater (80-90%), and the blend
materialsmicroplasticswater-treatmentnatural-polymersenvironmental-technologybiodegradable-materialspollution-control