Microplastics in products? Silk offers a biodegradable alternative

Jul 25, 2022

“We cannot solve the whole microplastics problem with one solution that fits them all,” says MIT professor Benedetto Marelli.

Researchers have developed a biodegradable system based on silk proteins to replace microplastics added to products. Image: Unsplash/Susan Wilkinson

David L. Chandler

Writer, MIT News

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The silk protein used in the new microplastic alternative material is widely available and less expensive. Image: Muchun Liu

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Microplastics in products? Silk offers a biodegradable alternative

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