Latest news with #biodegradable
Al Bawaba
15 hours ago
- Health
- Al Bawaba
Abu Dhabi University Faculty Member Secures German Patent for Breakthrough Sustainable Packaging
In a significant step toward sustainability and scientific innovation, Dr. Rahaf Ajaj, Chair of the Department of Environmental and Public Health at Abu Dhabi University's (ADU) College of Health Sciences, has been awarded a German utility model patent for her pioneering research into biodegradable polymeric films. This achievement underscores ADU's commitment to driving impactful research with real-world applications that benefit both the environment and student by the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (DPMA), the utility model titled "Composition of polymer films based on pectin containing a boswellic acid derivative for improved functionality' represents a breakthrough in active packaging materials. Developed in collaboration with an international team of scientists, the innovation combines pectin, a natural plant-based polymer, with a specially synthesized compound derived from boswellic acid, resulting in enhanced antioxidant activity and improved water new biodegradable film holds significant potential across several sectors. In the food industry, it has the potential to extend product shelf life by protecting against spoilage, while in healthcare, it introduces safer and more efficient drug delivery systems with wider biomedical applications. Engineered with an optimized formulation, the film delivers the ideal balance of durability and flexibility, paving the way for large-scale industrial Rahaf Ajaj, Chair of the Department of Environmental and Public Health at Abu Dhabi University, said: 'This patent reflects years of applied research aimed at replacing harmful plastics with sustainable alternatives. With the support of Abu Dhabi University, I am proud to see our work recognized on an international stage. By synthesizing a novel bioactive compound and integrating it into pectin-based films, we've created a material that delivers both environmental and functional value. This milestone reflects our mission to develop sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics and contribute to a circular economy. It also enhances opportunities for ADU students, who are involved in applied research that prepares them to be changemakers in environmental science, healthcare, and beyond.' This achievement reflects ADU's broader strategic vision to be a hub for global research collaboration and environmental innovation. By empowering faculty and students to co-create sustainable solutions, the university strengthens its contribution to the UAE's environmental goals and nurtures the next generation of scientific leaders.
Associated Press
a day ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Biodegradable Microbeads Markets 2024-2035: Emerging Applications in 3D Printing, Textiles, and Food Packaging Represent Future Growth Vectors for Innovative Market Participants
DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 19, 2025-- 'The Global Market for Biodegradable Microbeads 2024-2035" report has been added to offering. The Global Market for Biobased Microbeads: Market Report 2026-2036 provides critical insights into the rapidly evolving landscape of biobased microbeads from 2026 to 2036, analyzing market drivers, technological innovations, application segments, and competitive dynamics across multiple industries. Market segmentation analysis reveals significant opportunities across multiple application areas, with personal care and cosmetics leading adoption rates due to regulatory pressure and consumer demand. The market for biobased microbeads represents a rapidly evolving segment within the broader sustainable materials industry, driven by increasing environmental regulations and consumer demand for eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastic microbeads. These microscopic spherical particles, typically ranging from 1 to 1000 micrometers in diameter, are derived from renewable biological sources such as plant cellulose, algae, agricultural waste, and biodegradable polymers. The global biobased microbeads market has experienced significant growth following regulatory restrictions on synthetic plastic microbeads in personal care products. The agricultural and horticultural sectors present substantial growth potential for controlled-release applications, while paints and coatings, soap and detergents, oil and gas, and medical products offer diverse market entry points. Emerging applications in 3D printing, textiles, and food packaging represent future growth vectors for innovative market participants. Manufacturing technologies and processes continue to evolve, with advances in melt processing, extrusion techniques, solvent-based production methods, and emulsion and spray-drying technologies enabling improved quality control and particle size distribution. These technological developments directly impact cost competitiveness and market penetration potential across various application segments. Countries including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and several EU nations have implemented bans on plastic microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics due to their environmental persistence and potential harm to marine ecosystems. This regulatory landscape has created substantial opportunities for biobased alternatives that offer similar functional properties while maintaining biodegradability. The biobased microbeads market encompasses a diverse range of natural materials and biodegradable polymers, each offering unique performance characteristics and application potential. From polysaccharides like starch, cellulose, and chitin to proteins including collagen and casein, the material landscape continues to expand with innovations in polyesters such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and polylactic acid (PLA). Additionally, emerging materials like lignin and alginate present new opportunities for specialized applications across industries. Key applications for biobased microbeads span multiple industries, with personal care and cosmetics representing the largest market segment. These products serve as gentle exfoliants in facial scrubs, body washes, and toothpaste, providing the tactile and aesthetic properties consumers expect while addressing environmental concerns. Beyond personal care, biobased microbeads find applications in pharmaceuticals as drug delivery systems, in agriculture as controlled-release fertilizer carriers, and in industrial processes as biodegradable abrasives. The competitive landscape features a mix of established chemical companies and innovative startups developing novel biobased solutions. Major players include companies producing cellulose-based microbeads from wood pulp and cotton, while emerging technologies focus on algae-derived particles and agricultural waste conversion. Manufacturing processes typically involve controlled precipitation, spray drying, or specialized polymerization techniques to achieve desired particle size distributions and functional properties. Market growth drivers include strengthening environmental regulations, corporate sustainability commitments, and growing consumer awareness of microplastic pollution. The beauty and personal care industry's shift toward 'clean' formulations has particularly accelerated adoption. Additionally, technological advances have improved the performance characteristics of biobased microbeads, addressing early concerns about effectiveness and shelf stability. However, the market faces several challenges. Production costs for biobased alternatives typically exceed those of conventional plastic microbeads, though this gap is narrowing with scale and technological improvements. Supply chain development remains a consideration, as consistent quality and reliable sourcing of raw materials require ongoing investment. Additionally, biodegradation rates and environmental fate studies continue to be areas of active research and regulatory scrutiny. Regional market dynamics vary significantly, with Europe leading in both regulatory pressure and market adoption, followed by North America. Asia-Pacific markets show growing interest, particularly in countries implementing stricter environmental standards. The market structure includes both direct replacement of existing plastic microbeads and development of new applications leveraging unique properties of biobased alternatives. The market prospects appear robust, supported by expanding regulatory frameworks, increasing corporate environmental commitments, and continued innovation in raw materials and processing technologies. Industry analysts project sustained double-digit growth rates through the next decade, with market expansion driven by both regulatory compliance and voluntary adoption of sustainable alternatives across diverse applications. Report contents include: Key Topics Covered: 1 THE MICROPLASTICS MARKET 1.1 Microplastics added to products 1.1.1 Classification 1.1.2 Function and applications 1.2 Microplastics legislation 1.2.1 REACH 1.2.2 United States 1.2.3 Canada 1.2.4 Australia 1.2.5 Asia 1.3 Environmental Impact Assessment 1.3.1 Marine pollution and microplastic accumulation 1.3.2 Toxicological effects on marine life 1.3.3 Human health implications 2 BIOBASED MICROBEADS MATERIALS 2.1 Use as an alternative to microplastics 2.2 Biodegradation mechanisms and timeframes 2.3 Natural hard materials 2.4 Natural polymers 2.4.1 Polysaccharides 2.4.1.1 Starch 2.4.1.2 Cellulose 2.4.1.2.1 Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) 2.4.1.2.2 Regenerated cellulose microspheres 2.4.1.2.3 Cellulose nanocrystals 2.4.1.2.4 Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) 2.4.1.3 Chitin 2.4.2 Proteins 2.4.2.1 Collagen/Gelatin 2.4.2.2 Casein 2.4.3 Polyesters 2.4.3.1 Polyhydroxyalkanoates 2.4.3.2 Polylactic acid 2.4.4 Other natural polymers 2.4.4.1 Lignin 2.4.4.2 Alginate 2.5 Manufacturing Technologies and Processes 2.5.1 Melt processing and extrusion techniques 2.5.2 Solvent-based production methods 2.5.3 Emulsion and spray-drying technologies 2.5.4 Quality control and particle size distribution 2.6 Regulatory Framework and Standards 2.6.1 Biodegradability testing standards (ASTM, ISO) 2.6.2 Food contact and cosmetic safety regulations 2.6.3 International certification programs 3 MARKETS FOR BIOBASED MICROBEADS 3.1 Alternatives to microplastics (1-50?m), by application and market 3.2 Likelihood of market penetration of natural microplastic alternatives, by market 3.2.1 Market penetration barriers and challenges 3.2.2 Adoption timeline and market readiness assessment 3.3 Personal care 3.3.1 Market overview 3.3.2 Applications 3.3.3 Brand adoption case studies 3.3.4 Consumer acceptance and willingness to pay 3.3.5 Total quantity of microplastics present 2024-2036 (MT), by scale 3.4 Cosmetics 3.5 Agriculture and horticulture 3.6 Paints & coatings 3.7 Soap, detergents and maintenance products 3.8 Oil and gas 3.9 Medical products 3.10 Emerging Applications 3.10.1 3D printing and additive manufacturing 3.10.2 Textile and fibre 3.10.3 Food packaging and biodegradable films 3.11 Market value analysis 3.12 Price elasticity and cost-competitiveness analysis 4 GLOBAL MARKET SIZE 4.1 Primary microparticles (volume in Metric Tons) 4.2 Biobased microbeads (MT) 5 SWOT ANALYSIS AND MARKET CHALLENGES 5.1 Strengths of biobased microbeads 5.2 Weaknesses and technical limitations 5.3 Market opportunities and growth drivers 5.4 Threats and market risks 5.5 Critical success factors for market penetration 6 PRODUCER PROFILES (40 company profiles) 7 REPORT METHODOLOGY 8 REFERENCES For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. View source version on CONTACT: Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 KEYWORD: INDUSTRY KEYWORD: PACKAGING CHEMICALS/PLASTICS TEXTILES MANUFACTURING SOURCE: Research and Markets Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 06/19/2025 07:11 AM/DISC: 06/19/2025 07:10 AM
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
European Patent Office (EPO): Neeka and Leila Mashouf win the Nature Guardians prize at the Young Inventors Prize 2025 for turning CO₂ into essential materials
28-year-old American scientists recognised for converting industrial CO₂ emissions into biodegradable cellulose Their innovation offers a scalable, low-carbon alternative to textile production The European Patent Office is awarding them EUR 20 000 for advancing sustainable material manufacturing MUNICH and REYKJAVÍK, Iceland, June 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- During a ceremony held today in Iceland, the European Patent Office (EPO) awarded the twin American sisters Neeka and Leila Mashouf (28) the Nature Guardians prize for their invention, developed through their company Rubi Laboratories. Their breakthrough innovation mimics the way trees absorb carbon dioxide using enzymes to convert industrial CO₂ emissions into biodegradable cellulose that can be spun into sustainable textiles and other products. The Nature Guardians prize recognises initiatives dedicated to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity, addressing climate change, ocean health and wildlife conservation. Their work helps prevent environmental damage and restore natural balance. As this year's recipients of the Nature Guardians Prize, the Mashouf sisters received in total EUR 20 000 (EUR 5 000 awarded to each Tomorrow Shaper and an additional EUR 15 000 in recognition of this special prize). "Additional recognition from the European Patent Office propels Rubi's mission forward, as we pioneer the next era of energy-efficient manufacturing by transforming carbon into essential materials," said Neeka Mashouf, co-founder and CEO at Rubi. "A better world, where manufacturing exists in harmony with the planet, continues to serve as our North Star as we reach new milestones and make strides in commercializing our technology." The American inventors were selected by an independent jury as one of the ten winners of the Young Inventors Prize 2025, chosen from over 450 candidates worldwide. This prize celebrates innovators aged 30 and under, known as Tomorrow Shapers. From this group, three were awarded special prizes: World Builders, awarded to the French-American Marie Perrin, for promoting sustainable access to essential resources like water, energy and sustainable infrastructure; Community Healers, awarded to the Ugandan team of Sandra Namboozo and Samuel Muyita for developing solutions for food security, education, healthcare and fair working conditions; Nature Guardians, awarded to the American team. Reducing emissions through textile innovation The global textile industry is one of the most environmentally damaging supply chains, contributing up to 8% of global CO₂ emissions, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). In response to the sector's high environmental cost, the Mashoufs developed a novel carbon conversion process that avoids the energy demands and sugar-based inputs typical of many existing technologies. Operating outside living cells in a controlled reactor, their system uses enzymes to turn captured CO₂ into cellulose pulp – the basis for biodegradable fibres. The sisters claim this method consumes ten times less energy than thermochemical alternatives and reintegrates carbon into the natural cycle. "It took countless trials, errors, and optimisations to make it all work, from producing enzymes that had never been made before to testing them in conditions no one had ever explored," said Neeka. Shaped by science, inspired by nature Neeka and Leila Mashouf were driven by a desire to tackle the environmental impact of the fashion industry. In 2021, they founded Rubi Laboratories to turn industrial CO₂ emissions into textiles using a nature-inspired enzymatic process. The company is now focused on scaling the technology and expanding its applications, with CO₂-derived cellulose already being piloted by Walmart, Patagonia and H&M. "Our focus is now on engineering and execution. It's exciting to be at the point where we can concentrate on scaling the system and bringing everything to the next level," said Neeka. Their team now includes 17 scientists and engineers specialising in enzymology, chemical engineering and carbon capture. "These skills hadn't really been combined before. It's an ongoing challenge to find the right people, which is why we always search globally—because this work requires something truly unique," she added. The Young Inventors Prize celebrates worldwide innovators 30 and under using technology to address global challenges posed by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By turning waste carbon into a valuable resource, the Mashouf sisters are directly contributing to UN SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The winners of the 2025 edition were announced today during a ceremony livestreamed from Iceland. Find more information about the invention's impact, the technology and the inventor's story here. About the Young Inventors Prize Aimed at individuals 30 and under, the Young Inventors Prize showcases the transformative power of youth-driven solutions and recognises the remarkable young people paving the way to a more sustainable future. Established in 2022, trophies were first handed out during the European Inventor Award ceremony. As of 2025, the Prize has moved up a gear with its own dedicated event, held separately from the Award. Among the 10 Tomorrow Shapers selected for each edition, three receive special prizes: World Builders, Community Healers, and Nature Guardians. In addition, a People's Choice winner is selected through an online public vote. Each Tomorrow Shaper receives EUR 5 000, while the three special prize winners are awarded an additional EUR 15 000. The People's Choice winner also receives an extra EUR 5 000. Read more on the Young Inventors Prize eligibility and selection criteria. About the EPO With 6,300 staff members, the European Patent Office (EPO) is one of the largest public service institutions in Europe. Headquartered in Munich with offices in Berlin, Brussels, The Hague and Vienna, the EPO was founded with the aim of strengthening co-operation on patents in Europe. Through the EPO's centralised patent granting procedure, inventors are able to obtain high-quality patent protection in up to 46 countries, covering a market of some 700 million people. The EPO is also the world's leading authority in patent information and patent searching. *Important noteB-roll materials of the inventors/invention herePicture materials of the inventors/invention here Additional videos and photos from the ceremony will be available shortlyFull ceremony video available upon request View original content: SOURCE European Patent Office (EPO) Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Malay Mail
Texas startup sells plastic-eating fungi diapers to tackle landfill waste
AUSTIN, June 19 — Could baby poop and fungi work together to tackle landfill waste? That's the idea behind a new product launched by an Austin, Texas-based startup that sells disposable diapers paired with fungi intended to break down the plastic. Each of Hiro Technologies' MycoDigestible Diapers comes with a packet of fungi to be added to the dirty diaper before it is thrown in the trash. After a week or two, the fungi are activated by moisture from feces, urine and the environment to begin the process of biodegradation. Disposable diapers contribute significantly to landfill waste. An estimated 4 million tons of diapers were disposed of in the United States in 2018, with no significant recycling or composting, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Diapers take hundreds of years to naturally break down. That means the very first disposable diaper ever used is still in a landfill somewhere. To tackle this, Hiro Technologies turned to fungi. These organisms — which include mushrooms, molds, yeasts and mildew — derive nutrients from decomposing organic matter. In 2011, Yale University researchers discovered a type of fungus in Ecuador that can feed on polyurethane, a common polymer in plastic products. They figured the fungus, Pestalotiopsis microspora, would be capable of surviving on plastic in environments lacking oxygen, like landfills. Hiro Technologies co-founder Tero Isokauppila, a Finnish entrepreneur who also founded medicinal mushroom company Four Sigmatic, said there are more than 100 species of fungi now known to break down plastics. 'Many, many moons ago, fungi evolved to break down trees, especially this hard-to-break-down compound in trees called lignin. ... Its carbon backbone is very similar to the carbon backbone of plastics because essentially they're made out of the same thing,' Isokauppila said. Three sealed jars at Hiro Technologies' lab show the stages of decomposition of a treated diaper over time. By nine months, the product appears as black soil — 'just digested plastic and essentially earth,' Isokauppila said. The company says it needs to do more research to find out how the product will decompose in real-world conditions in different climates and hopes to have the data to make a 'consumer-facing claim' by next year. It also plans to experiment with plastic-eating fungi on adult diapers, feminine care products and other items. For now, it is selling 'diaper bundles' for US$35 a week online. Co-founder Miki Agrawal, who was also behind period underwear company Thinx, said the MycoDigestible Diapers had been generating excitement from consumers and investors since launching about a month ago, declining to give details. Agrawal said the company had chosen to focus on diapers as the top household plastic waste item. 'There is a deleterious lasting effect that we haven't really thought about and considered,' Agrawal said. 'Because when you throw something away, no one's asking themselves, 'Where's away?'' — Reuters
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
VTT has developed a degradable solar cell module to be attached to a plant leaf - agriculture needs green electronics
Globally, the digitalisation of agriculture requires the increasing use of measurement electronics in farming. However, power supply and electronic waste pose problems. VTT has now developed a biodegradable solar cell module power source in an international green electronics research project. ESPOO, Finland , June 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The solar cell module developed by VTT is so small and light that it can be attached directly to, for example, the stem of a cultivated plant or a large leaf. The cell is approximately the size of a credit card, very flexible and extremely thin. After the growing season, the cell decomposes along with the rechargeable power supply that the cell charges. "When a solar cell is used in an agricultural application, biodegradability is essential. In this case, there is no real harm caused if the cell cannot be removed from the field, even if it is in close contact with the soil. And, there are no harmful substances to leach into the environment or exacerbate the microplastics problem," says Maria Smolander, Research Team Leader at VTT. "Right now, sensors still aren't being used a great deal in agriculture, but this biodegradable solution makes it possible to more effectively implement them in agricultural applications," says Smolander. Compostable device developed in cooperation with six research institutes The aim of the three-year international research project is to create degradable cultivation sensors. In addition to VTT, Tampere University, University of Glasgow, Lukasiewicz Institute of Microelectronics and Photonics (Łukasiewicz-IMIF), Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique S.A. (CSEM) and McGill University contributed to the project, which was funded by the CHIST-ERA and national funding agencies (e.g. Research Council of Finland). "Although agriculture has served as a practical test platform for this green electronics project, the main idea is to explore how electronics can be made more environmentally friendly," says Liisa Hakola, Senior Scientist at VTT. In the project, VTT developed the solar cell and Tampere University developed a battery-like supercapacitor that stores energy. The project has also developed compostable sensors and modules that transmit collected data wirelessly. "The aim here is not to collect a large amount of energy - it's about low energy consumption sensors that can be used to monitor the state of the environment. The degradable solar cell is not intended to match the performance of conventional cells, and there is no need for a long service life", says Marja Välimäki, Senior Scientist at VTT. Development of a biodegradable cell set new requirements VTT has years of comprehensive experience in the manufacture of state-of-the-art solar cells. However, development of a biodegradable cell set new requirements. The structural components must not prematurely decompose or accelerate the decomposition of other components. "The biodegradable material is less resistant to environmental conditions, such as heat and moisture stress. It must also be ensured that the sensors are extremely light if they are going to be attached to a plant," says Liisa Hakola. Depending on the conditions, a biodegradable solar cell will decompose within weeks or months. Solar cell protection can be used to regulate its service life. The cell developed by VTT is made of a bio-based thin film substrate and has a partly inorganic structure. The manufactured solar cell is less than 35 micrometres thick and, even with protection added, the total thickness remains only tenths of a millimetre. Regulation requires more measurement technology for farms Measurement technologies employed on farms serve the growing needs of agricultural data collection, which is used to improve yields, combat plant diseases and reduce agricultural emissions. Regulation also requires increasingly accurate measurement data. "For example, EU regulations require that nutrient loads be studied regularly in soil samples. The new biodegradable solar cell offers a widely applicable way to collect energy, and sensoring enables more real-time data collection and environmental monitoring," explains Välimäki. VTT is also developing environmentally friendly electronics and solar cells as part of a EU funded IoT research project, whose objectives include combining sensor technology with a sustainable circular economy and clean solutions. Further information: VTT Technical Research Centre of FinlandMaria Smolander, Research Team Leader, tel. +358 (0)40 702 9933, Välimäki, Senior Scientist, tel. +358 (0)40 578 9014, Hakola, Senior Scientist, tel. +358 (0)40 841 5978, Further information on VTT:Paula Bergqvist, Communications Manager+358 20 722 5161, This information was brought to you by Cision The following files are available for download: aurinkokennomoduuli-vtt-21 View original content: SOURCE VTT Info
