Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed innovative biodegradable materials aimed at addressing global micronutrient deficiencies. These new polymers protect fragile nutrients during cooking and storage, dissolving in the stomach to release encapsulated vitamins and minerals.
The polymers, designed to replace plastic beads in beauty products, decompose into harmless sugars and amino acids. Ana Jaklenec, a principal investigator at MIT, emphasized the importance of creating materials that do not generate microplastics, alongside efforts to clean existing pollution.
Jaklenec and Robert Langer, a professor at MIT, are the lead authors of a study published on December 6 in Nature Chemical Engineering. The research follows previous work where they demonstrated a polymer's ability to encapsulate essential nutrients like vitamin A and iron, which improved iron levels in consumers of fortified bread.
However, due to regulatory changes in the European Union classifying the previously used polymer as a microplastic, the Gates Foundation requested the team to develop a more environmentally friendly alternative. By modifying the material's basic components, researchers adjusted properties such as hydrophobicity and mechanical strength, identifying a candidate that dissolves in acidic environments.
The team demonstrated that over half of the encapsulated vitamins remained intact after six months of storage under high temperature and humidity conditions. Jaklenec noted that improving nutritional status in regions like sub-Saharan Africa could significantly benefit billions.
The researchers aim to reduce the microplastic pollution associated with health and beauty products. Jaklenec stated that while this research addresses part of the broader microplastic issue, it represents a significant step towards recognizing and mitigating the problem.