Nano/Microplastics Capture and Degradation by Autonomous Nano/Microrobots: A Perspective

Nano/Microplastics Capture and Degradation by Autonomous Nano/Microrobots: A Perspective

Článek WoS

The growing use of plastic materials has led to the continuous accumulation of wastes in marine environments, which fragment into hazardous micro-and nanoplastics. These plastic particles absorb toxic organic pollutants on their surface, support bacterial biofilms growth, and propagate through the food chain, posing serious risks for human health. Therefore, nano/microplastics pollution has become a global issue, making their definitive elimination compulsory. Self-propelled nano/microrobots have demonstrated efficient removal of nano/microplastics from water, combining enhanced physicochemical properties of nano/microscale materials and active motion. During the last year, the potential of this technology to degrade nano/microplastics has been investigated. Here, the most advanced strategies for nano/microplastics capture and subsequent degradation by autonomous nano/microrobots are critically reviewed. A short introduction to the main propulsion mechanisms and experimental techniques for studying nano/microplastics degradation is also provided. Forthcoming challenges in this research field are discussed proactively. This perspective inspires future nano/microrobotic designs and approaches for water purification from nano/microplastics and other emerging pollutants.

The growing use of plastic materials has led to the continuous accumulation of wastes in marine environments, which fragment into hazardous micro-and nanoplastics. These plastic particles absorb toxic organic pollutants on their surface, support bacterial biofilms growth, and propagate through the food chain, posing serious risks for human health. Therefore, nano/microplastics pollution has become a global issue, making their definitive elimination compulsory. Self-propelled nano/microrobots have demonstrated efficient removal of nano/microplastics from water, combining enhanced physicochemical properties of nano/microscale materials and active motion. During the last year, the potential of this technology to degrade nano/microplastics has been investigated. Here, the most advanced strategies for nano/microplastics capture and subsequent degradation by autonomous nano/microrobots are critically reviewed. A short introduction to the main propulsion mechanisms and experimental techniques for studying nano/microplastics degradation is also provided. Forthcoming challenges in this research field are discussed proactively. This perspective inspires future nano/microrobotic designs and approaches for water purification from nano/microplastics and other emerging pollutants.

environmental remediation; micromotors; microplastics; nanomotors; nanoplastics; polymers; removal

environmental remediation; micromotors; microplastics; nanomotors; nanoplastics; polymers; removal

URSO, M.; PUMERA, M.

2023

14.05.2022

Wiley VCH

WEINHEIM

1616-3028

ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS

32

20

Spolková republika Německo

1

12

12

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adfm.202112120

http://hdl.handle.net/11012/208466

[1] Accepted (peer-reviewed) version of Urso_AFM_2022 microplastics
adfm.202112120-accepted
AFM-Microplastics_Microrobots-Mario_Perspective