Monday, February 17, 2025
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Plastic eating bacteria

Plastic-eating bacteria can help waste self-destruct

Scientists have developed a revolutionary “self-digesting plastic” that could combat pollution, particularly from polyurethane products that are difficult to recycle and often end up in landfills.

By incorporating spores of plastic-eating bacteria, researchers have created a plastic that can break down on its own. These spores remain inactive during the plastic’s useful life but become active when exposed to nutrients in compost, starting the digestion process.

“We can mitigate plastic pollution in nature,” said researcher Han Sol Kim from the University of California San Diego.

Plastic-eating bacteria can help waste self-destruct

Moreover, the addition of these bacteria seems to enhance the plastic’s durability. Co-researcher Jon Pokorski stated, “Our process makes the materials more rugged, extending its useful lifetime. And then, when it’s done, we’re able to eliminate it from the environment, regardless of how it’s disposed.”

While the plastic is still in the lab, it could be in real-world use within a few years with the help of a manufacturer.

The bacteria used, Bacillus subtilis, is commonly used in food and as a probiotic but has been genetically engineered to withstand the high temperatures needed for plastic production.

However, not everyone is convinced by this approach. Some argue that reducing plastic usage is a more effective solution than developing biodegradable alternatives.

The penultimate round of UN talks for a future plastics treaty just concluded, aiming to agree on global measures to tackle plastic pollution.

Prof Steve Fletcher from the University of Portsmouth emphasized the need for global legally binding cuts in plastic production, cautioning against solutions that might lessen concerns about plastic pollution.

The research is published in the journal Nature Communication.

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