MIT Develops Eco-Friendly Alternative to Harmful Microbeads
Researchers at MIT have created an environmentally safe replacement for the microbeads commonly found in health and beauty products. Unlike traditional microbeads, which contribute to plastic pollution, these innovative new polymers break down into harmless sugars and amino acids, offering a sustainable solution to a major environmental concern.
In addition to their environmental benefits, these biodegradable polymers also show potential for use in food fortification. They can encapsulate nutrients, making them a promising candidate for applications in both cosmetic and nutritional industries. This dual-purpose innovation offers a way to reduce pollution while enhancing the functionality of products across various sectors.
The Importance of Sustainable Materials: Addressing the Microplastic Problem
As the issue of microplastics continues to grow, MIT researchers emphasize the need for forward-thinking solutions that not only address existing pollution but also prevent further microplastic generation. Ana Jaklenec, a principal investigator at MIT's Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, highlights the dual approach of cleaning up current pollution while focusing on developing materials that do not contribute to the problem in the first place.
These newly developed biodegradable polymers have the potential to serve in various applications. In a recent study, Jaklenec and her team demonstrated that these particles could be used to encapsulate essential nutrients like vitamin A. This could significantly impact the estimated 2 billion people worldwide who suffer from nutrient deficiencies by fortifying food products with key vitamins and minerals.
Jaklenec, along with Robert Langer, an MIT Institute Professor, are the senior authors of the study published on December 6 in Nature Chemical Engineering. The lead author is Linzixuan (Rhoda) Zhang, an MIT graduate student in chemical engineering.
Tackling Research and Development Challenges
The MIT team’s work traces back to a 2019 study where Jaklenec, Langer, and others developed a polymer material for encapsulating nutrients like vitamin A. However, the European Union classified this polymer, BMC, as a microplastic in 2023 and included it in a ban. This prompted the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which had funded the original research, to ask the MIT team for a more environmentally friendly alternative.
Innovative Polymer Design for Environmental and Nutritional Benefits
Led by Zhang, the researchers turned to poly(beta-amino esters), a biodegradable polymer previously developed by Langer's lab. These polymers, known for their potential in gene delivery and medical applications, break down into harmless sugars and amino acids. By adjusting the composition of these materials, the team could fine-tune properties such as hydrophobicity, mechanical strength, and pH sensitivity. After testing five different candidate materials, the team identified one with the ideal composition for microplastic-free applications, including the ability to dissolve in acidic environments like the stomach, making it suitable for both food fortification and environmental sustainability.
Nutrient Protection and Delivery with Biodegradable Polymers
The MIT team demonstrated that their innovative biodegradable particles could encapsulate a wide range of essential nutrients, including vitamins A, D, E, and C, as well as zinc and iron. Many of these nutrients are sensitive to heat and light, which can lead to degradation. However, when these nutrients were encased in the new polymer particles, they were able to withstand boiling water for two hours without losing efficacy.
Moreover, the researchers tested the stability of the encapsulated vitamins after six months of storage in high temperature and humidity conditions. They found that over half of the encapsulated vitamins remained intact, showcasing the robustness of the material in protecting the nutrients over time.
Potential for Food Fortification
To test the potential of these particles in food fortification, the team incorporated them into bouillon cubes, a commonly consumed food product in many African countries. They found that the nutrients in the bouillon cubes remained protected even after being boiled for two hours, indicating their potential for improving nutrition in regions where nutrient deficiencies are prevalent.
In addition, the team conducted safety tests by exposing the particles to cultured human intestinal cells. At the doses that would be used in food fortification, they observed no harmful effects, ensuring that the particles are safe for consumption.
Advancements in Cleaning Applications
The researchers also explored the possibility of replacing microbeads, commonly found in personal care products like cleansers, with their new biodegradable particles. When mixed with soap foam, the particles were more effective in removing stubborn substances such as permanent markers and waterproof makeup compared to soap alone. In fact, the soap with these new particles outperformed cleansers containing polyethylene microbeads.
Furthermore, the particles demonstrated the ability to absorb potentially toxic elements like heavy metals, enhancing their safety and effectiveness in cleansing applications.
Ongoing Research and Future Goals
Supported by a grant from Estée Lauder, the team is continuing to test the microbeads for use in cleansers and exploring other potential applications. They plan to conduct a small human trial later this year and are gathering safety data to apply for GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) classification from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Additionally, they are planning a clinical trial to test foods fortified with these particles.
The researchers aim to help reduce the environmental impact of microplastics from health and beauty products, contributing to a broader effort to address the growing issue of microplastic pollution.
As Ana Jaklenec points out, “This work offers a step forward in addressing the problem. Polymers are essential in our daily lives, but we can minimize their negative environmental impact through innovative solutions like this.”
