Hydrogel developed by IISc to remove Microplastics from water

• The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, has recently developed an innovative hydrogel that can effectively remove and degrade microplastics from water sources. 
• This breakthrough comes at a critical time when microplastic pollution is emerging as a serious global environmental and health threat. 
• These microscopic plastic particles are increasingly found in oceans, rivers, and even drinking water, posing risks to aquatic life and human health.

What is Hydrogel?

• Hydrogel is a three-dimensional, water-absorbent polymer network that can hold large amounts of water while maintaining its structure. 
• It is soft, flexible, and biocompatible, making it useful in a variety of medical, industrial, and environmental applications. 
• The hydrogel developed by IISc is specially designed to capture microplastic particles and degrade them using ultraviolet (UV) light.

Structure and Working Mechanism

• This novel hydrogel consists of three polymer layers:
  • Chitosan – a natural polymer derived from the shells of shrimp and crabs.
  • Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) – a synthetic water-soluble polymer.
  • Polyaniline – a conductive polymer that can trigger chemical reactions under UV light.
• The hydrogel’s interlinked structure enables it to bind with microplastic particles effectively. 
• When exposed to UV irradiation, the hydrogel activates a chemical process that breaks down the plastic particles into less harmful compounds through oxidation reactions.

Key Features and Innovations

• What makes this hydrogel unique is its dual capability: it not only absorbs microplastics but also degrades them in an environmentally friendly manner. 
• Its layered polymer design allows for targeted capture and breakdown of pollutants. 
• The biodegradable nature of chitosan and the UV-responsive behaviour of polyaniline make it a sustainable and innovative solution. 
• Importantly, it operates under ambient water conditions without requiring complex external inputs.

Other Applications of Hydrogel

• Hydrogels are already widely used in various fields, including:
  • Personal care products – such as toothpaste and sanitary items.
  • Medical applications – including contact lenses, wound dressings, and drug delivery systems.
  • Industrial uses – such as lubricants for air conditioning systems.
  • Environmental protection – for water purification and pollutant absorption.

Benefits and Challenges

Benefits:

• Cost-effective and made from readily available materials
• Biocompatible and eco-friendly
• Specifically designed for microplastic removal
• Utilizes safe and simple UV light for degradation

Challenges:

• Scaling up for large water bodies
• Long-term durability in real-world conditions
• Reusability and regeneration of hydrogel