A groundbreaking development in sustainable cleaning products has emerged from a team of researchers in China, who have successfully created a biodegradable detergent using components derived from wood and corn. The research, funded by China’s Key Technologies R&D Program under the Ministry of Science and Technology is a plant-based alternative made by a blend of cellulose nanofibers from wood and zein protein from corn. It has demonstrated remarkable cleaning efficacy, even surpassing conventional chemical cleaners at higher concentrations.

Detergents are vital for everyday cleanliness and hygiene but often contain chemicals that are difficult to break down, leading to accumulation in water systems. This accumulation contributes to detrimental algal blooms, disrupting aquatic ecosystems, depleting oxygen levels, and harming biodiversity.

Driven by the need for eco-friendly solutions, the scientists, led by Pengtao Liu, developed an emulsion using readily available and renewable resources. Cellulose nanofibers are known for their ability to both attract and repel water. It effectively forms emulsions and capture various types of stains. Zein protein, extracted from corn, stabilizes the mixture and traps oils, enhancing its cleaning capabilities.

The researchers conducted rigorous testing to evaluate the detergent's performance. They compared the cellulose/zein detergent against standard laundry powder and commercial dish soap solutions on cotton fabrics and dishes stained with ink, chili oil, and tomato paste. The results were compelling.

On cotton fabrics, the cellulose/zein detergent showed slightly lower effectiveness than a 1% dilution of laundry powder. However, when the concentration of the plant-based detergent was increased to 5%, it outperformed the 1% laundry powder solution, demonstrating its superior cleaning power at higher concentrations. Furthermore, microscopic analysis revealed that the cellulose/zein detergent left no residue on the fabric after washing and rinsing, indicating its gentle nature and reduced potential for fabric damage.

The detergent's efficacy was further tested on chili oil stains across various surfaces, including ceramic, stainless steel, glass, and plastic plates. The cellulose/zein detergent cleaned nearly as effectively as commercial dish soap at the same dilution. Notably, at a 5% concentration, it surpassed the performance of commercial dish soap. For instance, on stainless steel plates, a 5% solution of the cellulose/zein detergent removed 92% of the stains, compared to 87% removal by a 1% solution of commercial dish soap.

These results highlight the potential of this natural detergent as an efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative to synthetic cleaning agents currently dominating the market. The growing public awareness of the environmental impact of household products, which often contain harmful ingredients like alkylphenol polyethoxylates and phosphates, is fueling the demand for natural alternatives. This innovation aligns with the increasing movement towards environmentally responsible consumer products.

The research findings, published in the American Chemical Society journal Langmuir, signify a significant step forward in developing sustainable cleaning solutions.