UK researchers develop biodegradable cellulose microbeads for use in cosmetics

Researchers of University of Bath’s Centre for Sustainable Chemical Technologies have developed biodegradable cellulose microbeads which could potentially replace harmful plastic variety used in personal care and cleaning products.

Plastic microbeads measure less than 0.5mm and are added to cosmetics, sunscreens, and fillers for a smooth texture. As the microbeads are too small to be removed by sewage filtration systems, these make their way into rivers and oceans, where they are ingested by birds, fish, and other marine life.

It is believed that a single shower can lead to 100,000 plastic particles entering the ocean, meaning that eight million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean every year. There are also concerns that the particles could enter the human food chain.

The UK Government pledged to ban plastic microbeads in 2017.

The researchers have made beads from cellulose, a material that forms tough fibres in wood and plants. It was dissolved and transformed into tiny beads by forming droplets. These microbeads are strong enough to remain stable in a bodywash, but can be broken down by organisms at the sewage treatment plants in a short time.

Researchers expect to use cellulose from a range of waste sources, including from the paper making industry.

The University's Department of Chemistry reader and part of the CSCT Dr Janet Scott said: “Microbeads used in the cosmetics industry are often made of polyethylene or polypropylene, which are cheap and easy to make. However these polymers are derived from oil and they take hundreds of years to break down in the environment.

“We’ve developed a way of making microbeads from cellulose, which is not only from a renewable source, but also biodegrades into harmless sugars.

“We hope in the future these could be used as a direct replacement for plastic microbeads.”

They plan to team up with industrial partners to develop materials that could be used in cosmetics and personal care products.

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Image: Microscope picture of cellulose microbeads. Photo: courtesy of University of Bath.