Now, researchers at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering have made a breakthrough by developing a safer, biodegradable plastic alternative—using a mineral commonly found in seashells. By combining this earlier work with the eco-friendly properties of calcium carbonate, her team has created a plastic alternative that could reduce ocean plastic pollution while maintaining medical-grade functionality. The resulting material, POC-CC, was developed into a prototype and cut into the formation of soda can beverage holder rings that were robust enough to hold cans. “Our results show the degradation rate increases with increased POC content, and the addition of CC maintains the pH of ocean water,” Chung said. with the POC-CC material in simulated ocean water showed high cell viability, confirming its compatibility with marine microorganisms.