'Hungry' bacteria will devour plastic waste

Microscopic organisms might be our new secret weapon in the war against plastic pollution.

Recent studies have revealed that certain bacteria can disintegrate plastic into small particles, which can then find their way back into the recycling process.

This promising discovery offers fresh hope in combating plastic waste, which is one of the most pronounced environmental crises of the 21st century.

Tiny titans of plastic consumption

The groundbreaking research originated from Leiden University, where scientists had compiled a vast repository of Streptomyces bacteria.

Initially intended as a resource for the discovery of novel antibiotics, PhD candidate Jo-Anne Verschoor found another compelling use for these microorganisms.

As she neared the completion of her doctorate program, Verschoor embarked on a unique exploration into how the microscopic organisms could tackle our macroscopic plastic problem.

She discovered that a substantial 20% of the bacterial strains could degrade specific forms of plastic. This groundbreaking finding reinforces the idea of turning microbes into environmental allies.

Neutral set of bacteria

Importantly, this scientific breakthrough didn’t emerge out of nowhere. Verschoor’s prior research had led her to suspect that these bacteria could potentially digest plastic.

However, much like us, these bacteria don’t perform tasks in a vacuum – they require the right conditions. The bacteria analyzed in the study were not initially collected with plastic degradation in mind.

This neutral set of bacteria offered an opportunity to observe the effects of various substances and conditions on their ability to break down PET plastic, which is commonly found in food packaging and drink bottles.

Hungry bacteria have motivation

A plastic bottle doesn’t just disappear when left in the soil. Much like humans, bacteria require motivation to exert effort. This means that the external conditions are crucial for bacteria to initiate the breakdown process.

“Bacteria are just like people,” said Verschoor. An example of this is our natural reaction to run from danger. Similarly, the bacteria in this study showed a heightened level of activity when “hungry.”

This behavior was observed in lab settings as the researchers introduced plastic models to bacteria-filled plates. The results were pretty clear – starving bacteria would indeed devour plastic pieces presented to them.

Plastic puzzle solved

In a pivotal step in her research, Verschoor made two major discoveries. First, she found that 18% of the bacterial strains could degrade plastics if the conditions were right.

Interestingly, the presence of a gene called Lipase A boosted this process significantly. Organisms with abundant Lipase A were seen breaking down plastic more quickly.

In light of these findings, the horizon of bacteria-based plastic recycling looks pretty promising.

The extensive gamut of bacteria that can ingest plastic is now expanded exponentially, paving the way for innovative plastic recycling methods.

An exemplar of this promising future is the French enterprise Carbios, embarking on a pioneering voyage to test large-scale recycling of plastics using bacteria and their enzymes.

As this method is further developed, we can envision a future where plastic pollution is not an insurmountable challenge, but a problem with a tangible and biological solution.

From the lab to the real-world

While these lab-based discoveries are groundbreaking, translating them into real-world applications presents its own set of challenges.

The transition from controlled environments to dynamic and variable conditions in nature requires meticulous planning and testing. Scaling up bacterial plastic degradation involves scientific innovation as well as logistical and economic considerations.

To bridge this gap, interdisciplinary collaborations are key. Engineers, environmental scientists, and policymakers need to work hand-in-hand to create effective systems for deploying these bacteria on a large scale.

Potential applications include introducing these bacteria into waste management facilities, creating bio-reactors designed for plastic breakdown, and developing consumer products that incorporate bacterial enzymes.

Moreover, public awareness and education are crucial. For these innovations to be effective, societies must be informed about the benefits and limitations of bacteria-based plastic degradation.

While the journey from lab to landfills is fraught with complexities, the potential for bacteria to revolutionize plastic recycling is immense.

With continued research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and public support, we might soon witness a significant leap towards a cleaner, more sustainable planet.

The study is published in the journal Communications Biology.

—–

Like what you read? Subscribe to our newsletter for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates. 

Check us out on EarthSnap, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

—–