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<p>Persistent pollution caused by conventional plastics poses significant risks to marine ecosystems and human health. Thus, there is a need for the development of biocompatible and biodegradable materials that mimic the properties of plastics that are also safe for environmental and public health. To address this, we engineered a plastic substitute by integrating calcium carbonate (CC), an abundant mineral naturally found in seashells, into poly (1,8-octanediol-co-citrate) (POC), a synthetic biodegradable elastomer already used as the binder of FDA-approved orthopedic fixation devices containing calcium minerals. We hypothesized that POC-CC is a biocompatible plastic substitute that can degrade in marine environments while maintaining sufficient strength for industrial applications. To test this, POC-CC was synthesized with varying CC concentrations (0, 15, 30 wt%). Weight degradation rate in ocean water, pH of ocean water after long-term incubation, elastic modulus, and the morphology of POC-CC using SEM was evaluated over 6&#xa0;months. Our results show the degradation rate increases with increased POC content, and the addition of CC maintains the pH of ocean water. Additionally, to evaluate biocompatibility, <i>Scenedesmus sp.</i> algae was incubated with the POC-CC supernatant after incubation with simulated ocean water for six months. High cell viability was found, confirming the biocompatibility of POC-CC with marine microorganisms. Lastly, a model can holder was made with POC-CC to demonstrate its proof-of-concept as an alternative plastic material. In sum, we demonstrate POC-CC as a new material and the feasibility of its use as a biodegradable plastic alternative.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>

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Calcium carbonate-based biodegradable composites as an alternative material to industrial plastics

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2025年2月25日

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  • Nathan Ho,
  • Yi Huang,
  • Eun Ji Chung

摘要

Persistent pollution caused by conventional plastics poses significant risks to marine ecosystems and human health. Thus, there is a need for the development of biocompatible and biodegradable materials that mimic the properties of plastics that are also safe for environmental and public health. To address this, we engineered a plastic substitute by integrating calcium carbonate (CC), an abundant mineral naturally found in seashells, into poly (1,8-octanediol-co-citrate) (POC), a synthetic biodegradable elastomer already used as the binder of FDA-approved orthopedic fixation devices containing calcium minerals. We hypothesized that POC-CC is a biocompatible plastic substitute that can degrade in marine environments while maintaining sufficient strength for industrial applications. To test this, POC-CC was synthesized with varying CC concentrations (0, 15, 30 wt%). Weight degradation rate in ocean water, pH of ocean water after long-term incubation, elastic modulus, and the morphology of POC-CC using SEM was evaluated over 6 months. Our results show the degradation rate increases with increased POC content, and the addition of CC maintains the pH of ocean water. Additionally, to evaluate biocompatibility, Scenedesmus sp. algae was incubated with the POC-CC supernatant after incubation with simulated ocean water for six months. High cell viability was found, confirming the biocompatibility of POC-CC with marine microorganisms. Lastly, a model can holder was made with POC-CC to demonstrate its proof-of-concept as an alternative plastic material. In sum, we demonstrate POC-CC as a new material and the feasibility of its use as a biodegradable plastic alternative.

Graphical abstract