How a bacterium may help solve the plastic pollution crisis.

One of the most important environmental challenges of our time is plastic pollution. Our ecosystem, animals, and human health are all suffering as a result of the accumulation of petroleum-based plastics. Researchers from Nara Institute of Science and Technology recently published a study in Scientific Reports that revealed a bacterium that can not only digest difficult-to-recycle petroleum-based plastics but also make more ecologically friendly biodegradable plastics on a long-term basis.

Plastics derivation 

Plastics that come from petroleum, such as poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), are widely in use on daily items such as single-use plastic bottles, fabrics, and food wrappers. While such things are quickly discarded after use, they can last for hundreds of years in the environment. Plastic pollution as a result of our throw-away lifestyle has now reached unmanageable proportions, outpacing the planet’s ability to cope. The environmental consequences are becoming increasingly clear, putting animal and human health in jeopardy.

While limiting the production of excessive single-use plastics and strengthening waste management systems may help to alleviate the pollution situation. Our reliance on the convenience of plastic products is unlikely to phase out anytime soon. As a result, researchers are looking for new ways to “clean up” the more persistent plastics in our environment. And it looks that bacteria may hold some promise.

Hydroxyalkanoate

According to lead author Shosuke Yoshida, “some bacteria carry the required enzymes to digest PET, the most environmentally hazardous plastic.” “We discovered that the bacteria Ideonella sakaiensis transforms PET into poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB). A biodegradable poly(hydroxyalkanoate) (PHA) plastic,” he explains.

This discovery is particularly intriguing because it solves two current issues in plastic sustainability. Decomposing the most persistent form of petroleum-based plastic while sustainably manufacturing biodegradable polymers.

“As we show that the PET-degradation and PHB-synthesis pathways are functionally related in I. sakaiensis,” Yoshida says. “We feel this discovery could be significant in combating plastic pollution.” This could open up a new pathway in which a single bacterial species breaks down difficult-to-recycle PET plastics. And converts the waste into biodegradable PHA polymers.”

Given the enormity of the problem of global plastic pollution, this unique bacterial technique could be a critical component of the answer.