Every other Tuesday, the Innovation Institute highlights a technology or a set of technologies from its portfolio of impactful innovations available for licensing or strategic partnerships.
This week, we feature a sustainable plastic alternative to conventional plastic, addressing the urgent issue of plastic pollution, including the notorious “Pacific trash vortex” – a massive garbage plastic dump island in the ocean. It is estimated that the Pacific Ocean alone is burdened with over 1.8 million pieces of plastic, forming massive floating patches that pose a severe environmental threat. These plastic fragments, known for their durable molecular structures, take centuries to degrade, with microplastic particles being discovered even in the deepest oceanic depths and within various aquatic species.
The technology is spearheaded by Eric Beckman, PhD, Distinguished Service Professor, Swanson School of Engineering and Susan Fullerton Shirey, PhD, Associate Professor, Swanson School of Engineering.
SUMMARY:
While recent biologically derived materials lack the necessary physical durability for commercial applications, molecular engineering offers a new approach. By creating temporary connections between polysaccharides (carbohydrates or sugars), Pitt researchers can produce robust films that resemble plastics. When these materials come into contact with saltwater, the chains break down after several days, resulting in harmless byproducts that do not endanger living organisms.
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