Testing the biodegradation of engineered polymeric microparticles
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Leeds
Department Name: Chemical and Process Engineering
Abstract
Polymeric (plastic) microparticles are increasingly present in the environment. In particular, such microparticles are found in waste streams as a result of their inclusion within formulated products (for example home and personal care products such as hair/clothes conditioners and cosmetics). Currently, there exists no systematically designed tests to monitor the degradation of such microparticles in the environment - this project will address this gap and develop reliable and systematic methods to this effect for a wide range of microparticle types. A second aspect of this project will develop microparticles made from biodegradable polymers that match the characteristics of the current systems.
The project will aim to construct test methodologies that allow for monitoring the various characteristics of polymeric microparticles with time as they are placed within an environment to degrade them. For this purpose, we will first measure particle size, surface properties, and porosity over time. In addition, we will also monitor the evolution of the molecular weight and chemical composition of the polymers that form the particle cores. Combining all these characterisation techniques into one single biodegradation test will allow us to not only adapt the test for all kinds of polymeric microparticles but also to develop a deeper understanding of how the degradation process occurs for such systems. This will form a significant advance on the current test methodologies reported in the academic literature as they are mostly based on visually observing changes in these systems as they degrade over time.
In parallel, we will develop new polymeric microparticles made from polymers known to be easily biodegraded and aim to match the current characteristics of microparticles used in formulated products. In doing so, we hope to develop fully-biodegradable microparticle systems that can be included in current formulations without compromising the added value to the corresponding products.
The project will aim to construct test methodologies that allow for monitoring the various characteristics of polymeric microparticles with time as they are placed within an environment to degrade them. For this purpose, we will first measure particle size, surface properties, and porosity over time. In addition, we will also monitor the evolution of the molecular weight and chemical composition of the polymers that form the particle cores. Combining all these characterisation techniques into one single biodegradation test will allow us to not only adapt the test for all kinds of polymeric microparticles but also to develop a deeper understanding of how the degradation process occurs for such systems. This will form a significant advance on the current test methodologies reported in the academic literature as they are mostly based on visually observing changes in these systems as they degrade over time.
In parallel, we will develop new polymeric microparticles made from polymers known to be easily biodegraded and aim to match the current characteristics of microparticles used in formulated products. In doing so, we hope to develop fully-biodegradable microparticle systems that can be included in current formulations without compromising the added value to the corresponding products.
Planned Impact
The CDT in Molecules to Product has the potential to make a real impact as a consequence of the transformative nature of the underpinning 'design and supply' paradigm. Through the exploitation of the generated scientific knowledge, a new approach to the product development lifecycle will be developed. This know-how will impact significantly on productivity, consistency and performance within the speciality chemicals, home and personal care (HPC), fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), food and beverage, and pharma/biopharma sectors.
UK manufacturing is facing a major challenge from competitor countries such as China that are not constrained by fixed manufacturing assets, consequently they can make products more efficiently and at significantly lower operational costs. For example, the biggest competition for some well recognised 'high-end' brands is from 'own-brand' products (simple formulations that are significantly cheaper). For UK companies to compete in the global market, there is a real need to differentiate themselves from the low-cost competition, hence the need for uncopiable or IP protected, enhanced product performance, higher productivity and greater consistency. The CDT is well placed to contribute to addressing this shift in focus though its research activities, with the PGR students serving as ambassadors for this change. The CDT will thus contribute to the sustainability of UK manufacturing and economic prosperity.
The route to ensuring industry will benefit from the 'paradigm' is through the PGR students who will be highly employable as a result of their unique skills-set. This is a result of the CDT research and training programme addressing a major gap identified by industry during the co-creation of the CDT. Resulting absorptive capacity is thus significant. In addition to their core skills, the PGR students will learn new ones enabling them to work across disciplinary boundaries with a detailed understanding of the chemicals-continuum. Importantly, they will also be trained in innovation and enterprise enabling them to challenge the current status quo of 'development and manufacture' and become future leaders.
The outputs of the research projects will be collated into a structured database. This will significantly increase the impact and reach of the research, as well as ensuring the CDT outputs have a long-term transformative effect. Through this route, the industrial partners will benefit from the knowledge generated from across the totality of the product development lifecycle. The database will additionally provide the foundations from which 'benchmark processes' are tackled demonstrating the benefits of the new approach to transitioning from molecules to product.
The impact of the CDT training will be significantly wider than the CDT itself. By offering modules as Continuing Professional Development courses to industry, current employees in chemical-related sectors will have the opportunity to up-skill in new and emerging areas. The modules will also be made available to other CDTs, will serve as part of company graduate programmes and contribute to further learning opportunities for those seeking professional accreditation as Chartered Chemical Engineers.
The CDT, through public engagement activities, will serve as a platform to raise awareness of the scientific and technical challenges that underpin many of the items they rely on in daily life. For example, fast moving consumer goods including laundry products, toiletries, greener herbicides, over-the-counter drugs and processed foods. Activities will include public debates and local and national STEM events. All events will have two-way engagement to encourage the general public to think what the research could mean for them. Additionally these activities will provide the opportunity to dispel the myths around STEM in terms of career opportunities and to promote it as an activity to be embraced by all thereby contributing to the ED&I agenda.
UK manufacturing is facing a major challenge from competitor countries such as China that are not constrained by fixed manufacturing assets, consequently they can make products more efficiently and at significantly lower operational costs. For example, the biggest competition for some well recognised 'high-end' brands is from 'own-brand' products (simple formulations that are significantly cheaper). For UK companies to compete in the global market, there is a real need to differentiate themselves from the low-cost competition, hence the need for uncopiable or IP protected, enhanced product performance, higher productivity and greater consistency. The CDT is well placed to contribute to addressing this shift in focus though its research activities, with the PGR students serving as ambassadors for this change. The CDT will thus contribute to the sustainability of UK manufacturing and economic prosperity.
The route to ensuring industry will benefit from the 'paradigm' is through the PGR students who will be highly employable as a result of their unique skills-set. This is a result of the CDT research and training programme addressing a major gap identified by industry during the co-creation of the CDT. Resulting absorptive capacity is thus significant. In addition to their core skills, the PGR students will learn new ones enabling them to work across disciplinary boundaries with a detailed understanding of the chemicals-continuum. Importantly, they will also be trained in innovation and enterprise enabling them to challenge the current status quo of 'development and manufacture' and become future leaders.
The outputs of the research projects will be collated into a structured database. This will significantly increase the impact and reach of the research, as well as ensuring the CDT outputs have a long-term transformative effect. Through this route, the industrial partners will benefit from the knowledge generated from across the totality of the product development lifecycle. The database will additionally provide the foundations from which 'benchmark processes' are tackled demonstrating the benefits of the new approach to transitioning from molecules to product.
The impact of the CDT training will be significantly wider than the CDT itself. By offering modules as Continuing Professional Development courses to industry, current employees in chemical-related sectors will have the opportunity to up-skill in new and emerging areas. The modules will also be made available to other CDTs, will serve as part of company graduate programmes and contribute to further learning opportunities for those seeking professional accreditation as Chartered Chemical Engineers.
The CDT, through public engagement activities, will serve as a platform to raise awareness of the scientific and technical challenges that underpin many of the items they rely on in daily life. For example, fast moving consumer goods including laundry products, toiletries, greener herbicides, over-the-counter drugs and processed foods. Activities will include public debates and local and national STEM events. All events will have two-way engagement to encourage the general public to think what the research could mean for them. Additionally these activities will provide the opportunity to dispel the myths around STEM in terms of career opportunities and to promote it as an activity to be embraced by all thereby contributing to the ED&I agenda.
