Scientists Develop Ocean-Safe Plastic Substitute

Scientists Develop Ocean-Safe Plastic Substitute
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Biomedical engineers at the University of Southern California (USC) have developed a groundbreaking, ocean-safe, and biocompatible material designed to combat the pervasive issue of ocean plastic pollution, SciTech Daily reported. This innovative plastic substitute offers a promising solution to the millions of metric tons of plastic that contaminate marine environments annually, accounting for 80% of all ocean pollution.

Led by Dr. Eun Ji Chung, the USC Viterbi School of Engineering team created the biodegradable alternative, named POC-CC, by integrating calcium carbonate (found in seashells) into poly (1,8-octanediol-co-citrate) (POC), an FDA-approved biodegradable polymer.

Tested over six months, POC-CC demonstrated effective degradation in marine environments and proved biocompatible with marine microorganisms. This development paves the way for applications like eco-friendly beverage holder rings and stronger, safer biodegradable straws, with a faster-degrading second-generation version already in development.