Microplastics, tiny fragments from plastic products, are pervasive in our environment, even found in human bodies. These fragments can take centuries to decompose, leading to increasing pollution.

Researchers from UC San Diego and Algenesis have developed plant-based polymers that biodegrade in under seven months. A study detailing these findings was published in Nature Scientific Reports by UC San Diego affiliates.

The research aims to replace conventional plastics with materials that biodegrade after their useful life to reduce environmental accumulation.