A study recently published in the journal Nature Communications presents bacteria innovative synthetics capable of transforming plastic waste into substances chemicals of value.
These microorganisms could be the key to combating the growing plastic pollution crisis, transforming it into useful products for industry.
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Faced with alarming levels of plastic pollution, which threatens both the environment and human health, the search for efficient solutions has never been more urgent.
One of the most intriguing proposals is the “upcycling” of plastics using modified microorganisms. However, developing such technology proved to be a complex task.
Taking a significant step in this direction, the scientists Ting Lu and James Collins, together with their team, engineered two variants of the soil bacterium Pseudomonas putida.
These strains have been genetically modified to degrade one of the most abundant plastics: polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The bacteria specifically focus on breaking down the by-products of this plastic, transforming them into acid terephthalic and ethylene glycol – valuable compounds in various industries, including the production of adhesives, insulation and nylon.
If this innovation can be scaled up and applied on a large scale, we could be looking at a significant advance in the way we deal with plastic waste and its recycling.
Researchers have discovered an innovative technique for recycling plastics using a consortium of genetically modified bacteria. By joining forces, these bacteria are able to work more efficiently than when they work alone, the study revealed.
By processing plastic byproducts, bacteria were able to convert the material into the biodegradable polymer PHA and muconate.
These products have wide industrial applications: muconate can be used in the synthesis of polyurethane and adipic acid, essential substances in the manufacture of insulation, foams, coatings, adhesives and nylon.
The research authors highlight that the formation of microbial communities for polymer upcycling represents a advance for environmental sustainability. The method not only proves to be more effective, but also offers promising possibilities in the treatment of different types of plastics.
These results point to a greener future, in which plastic waste can be reused in an even more efficient and sustainable way.
