Plastic waste is one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time. Billions of tons of plastic accumulate on land, pollute our oceans, and break down into microplastics, infiltrating ecosystems, water sources, and even the human bloodstream. The growing crisis is compounded by the fact that most plastics are made from durable polymers that resist biodegradation, with biodegradable alternatives accounting for less than 20% of total production. While the processes to break down these plastics remain cumbersome, new advancements are on the horizon.

In a groundbreaking study published in ACS Nano, researchers from the Weizmann Institute of Science have developed a novel biodegradable composite plastic that can degrade easily using bacteria. This new material, which combines a biodegradable polymer with biological crystals, is not only environmentally friendly but also cheap, easy to produce, and exceptionally strong. The research was led by Dr. Angelica Niazov-Elkan, Dr. Haim Weissman, and Professor Boris Rybtchinski, alongside the late Dr. Eyal Shimoni, Dr. XiaoMeng Sui, Dr. Yishay Feldman, and Professor H. Daniel Wagner.

Composite plastics, which are created by combining two or more materials to leverage their best qualities, have already gained traction across various industries. These versatile plastics are used in manufacturing products ranging from airplanes and cars to bicycles, thanks to their light weight and strength.

However, the need for an environmentally sustainable composite material has prompted researchers to seek new, biodegradable alternatives. The Weizmann team focused on using inexpensive, readily available materials that could be improved to meet industrial standards. They turned to tyrosine, a common amino acid found in hard cheeses, which forms exceptionally strong nanocrystals. When combined with hydroxyethyl cellulose—a cellulose derivative widely used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries—the researchers created a highly durable composite plastic.

Hydroxyethyl cellulose alone is a weak material that easily disintegrates, so when mixed with tyrosine in boiling water, the two components formed a surprisingly strong composite plastic once cooled and dried. The resulting material was made up of fiber-like tyrosine nanocrystals integrated into the cellulose structure. In one notable test, a 0.04-millimeter-thick strip of the material was able to withstand a load of 6 kilograms, showcasing its impressive strength.

What’s even more remarkable is that the composite plastic maintains exceptional ductility—its ability to bend or stretch—making it far more versatile than other materials with similar strength. This combination of strength and flexibility makes the material suitable for various industrial applications. Unlike most plastics, which lose flexibility as they become stronger, this new composite maintains a balance between strength and plasticity, offering a unique set of properties for manufacturers.

Another surprising feature of this new composite plastic is that it is edible. Both the cellulose and tyrosine components are organic and safe for consumption, meaning the plastic could potentially be eaten in the future. While the material’s lab production process isn’t hygienic enough for food consumption just yet, the team has yet to test its taste. However, this opens up exciting possibilities for the future of biodegradable and sustainable packaging.

Looking ahead, the researchers plan to refine the production process to make it more suitable for large-scale industrial applications. Currently, the process involves boiling the materials in water, but the team has already begun exploring a more common industrial method: melting. By heating the biodegradable polymers until they become liquid and then mixing in the tyrosine, they hope to overcome the technical challenges and produce the composite plastic on a much larger scale.

As Professor Rybtchinski notes, “The follow-up study that we have already started could advance the commercial potential of this new material. If we manage to overcome the scientific and technical challenges involved, we will be able to explore the possibility of producing this new composite plastic on an industrial scale.”

This innovative composite plastic is an exciting step forward in the fight against plastic pollution. Not only does it offer an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plastics, but it also has the potential to revolutionize the way industries use materials. By combining strength, biodegradability, and versatility, this material could significantly reduce the environmental impact of plastic production while meeting the needs of modern manufacturing.

The researchers are optimistic that with further development, their creation could be scaled up to make a real difference in tackling the global plastic waste crisis.

By Impact Lab