Oleo-extraction of microplastics using flotation plus sol-gel technique to confine small particles in silicon dioxide gel.

Extracting microplastics from natural sources is challenging, especially microplastics with sizes smaller than 100 μm. The flotation method is the most common microplastic extraction, but it struggles with fine particles due to the difficulty in collecting floating plastic particles from the liquid during the separation process. This study proposes a new floating media, tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), that could separate microplastics using its hydrophobic-oleophilic properties.

Development and application of nanofibrillated cellulose coating for shelf life extension of fresh-cut vegetable during postharvest storage.

Food loss is a global concern nowadays. Fresh produce has the highest rate of loss among food products. In this study, nanocellulose suspensions were employed to coat on a perishable vegetable (spinach) for extending its shelf life during postharvest storage.