Microplastic research: UDE team receives 1.4 million euros for a solution!

Microplastic research: UDE team receives 1.4 million euros for a solution!

On April 16, 2025, scientists presented an innovative initiative to combat the microplastic problem. Microplastics are not biodegradable and have proven to be a serious threat to people and the environment. A research team led by Prof. Dr. Bettina Siebers and Dr. Christopher Bräsen from the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) and Prof. Dr. Oliver Spadiut from the Vienna University of Technology receives support from the Volkswagen Foundation. A funding volume of 1.4 million euros is available for the “HotCircularity” project, with the UDE’s share being around one million euros.

The central goal of the project is to replace microplastics with natural lipids produced by microorganisms. In particular, the research is intended to develop solutions to reduce the release of microplastics in agriculture. Microplastics enter the environment through influences such as UV radiation and weather and are broken down into micro- and nanoplastics. The impact on the soil ecosystem is negative and human health could also be at risk. The targeted release of microplastics in agricultural applications represents a particular challenge.

Innovative solutions

The scientists are focusing on the synthesis of biodegradable lipids to replace coatings in agriculture. Archaea are used here, which synthesize tetraether lipids for their cell membranes. These lipids are stable to physical and chemical influences and are also biodegradable. The microorganisms can grow on waste products such as crude glycerol, which is a byproduct of biodiesel production. The goal is to optimize the organisms and their growth conditions to create an economical “biofactory” that is useful for the environment.

The first presentation of results from the project is expected in approximately 18 months. “HotCircularity” is supported over a period of four years as part of the “Circularity with recycled and biogenic raw materials” funding initiative in order to contribute to solving the growing microplastic problem.

Research measures and challenges

The problem of microplastics has become increasingly important in recent years, as research at the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) shows. The first research projects on microplastics were initiated there in 2013. A key goal was to develop a standard protocol for contaminating mussels with microplastic particles. Laboratory studies have shown that Baltic Sea mussels and oysters can be successfully contaminated with plastic particles. In an animal study in which mice were fed various microplastic particles for 28 days, no harmful effects on intestinal tissue or organs were found.

Further in-vitro studies are investigating the possible uptake of micro- and nanoplastic particles into human cells, including cells of the intestine, liver and lungs. The results of these studies are regularly published in scientific journals. The EU-funded POLYRISK project is currently underway and has been investigating the hazard potential of micro- and nanoplastic particles since 2021 and providing valuable insights into exposure and risk assessment.

These research efforts are necessary to understand growing plastic emissions and develop appropriate measures to reduce them. Around 400 million tons of plastics are produced worldwide every year, which not only perform important functions in everyday life, but also represent a significant environmental problem. The causes of microplastic emissions are diverse: production losses, wear and tear, weather events and littering are among the main factors.

Fraunhofer UMSICHT has been working intensively on the effects of microplastics and plastics on the environment since 2014. The focus is on interdisciplinary collaboration to develop technical solutions and strategies to reduce plastic emissions. The organization offers extensive services such as contract research, funded projects and strategic consulting to sustainably contribute to the circular economy and environmental protection.