Interactions Between Microplastics and Marine-Derived Polysaccharides: Binding Mechanisms and Bioavailability in...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Polymer Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive aquatic pollutants with ecological and human health implications due to their persistence and contaminant adsorption.
• Marine polysaccharides (alginate, chitosan, carrageenan) are natural biopolymers showing potential for interacting with MPs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the binding mechanisms between MPs and marine polysaccharides.
• To assess the role of these interactions in MP transport, aggregation, and bioavailability.
• To discuss modifications, analytical strategies, and remediation potential.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on MP-polysaccharide interactions.
• Analysis of binding mechanisms (electrostatic, hydrophobic, hydrogen bonding, entrapment).
• Examination of biopolymer modification, analytical techniques, and remediation applications.

Main Results:

• Marine polysaccharides interact with MPs through various forces, affecting MP fate and mobility.
• Biopolymer modifications can enhance MP sorption and stabilization.
• Analytical methods exist but face scaling limitations.

Conclusions:

• MP-polysaccharide interactions offer promising avenues for developing sustainable remediation technologies.
• Further research is needed on safety, lifecycle impact, and real-world feasibility.