Scientists have created «living plastic» that decomposes itself
Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed an environmentally friendly “living plastic” that contains the seeds of its own destruction. This innovative material uses bacterial spores capable of surviving in extreme conditions and decomposes only in the presence of specific environmental signals.
In the experiments, the scientists genetically modified the bacterium Bacillus subtilis to secrete the enzyme BC lipase, which promotes plastic degradation. On contact with heavy metal ions, the bacteria form spores, which are then mixed with polycaprolactone plastic. The resulting mixture is melted and extruded to form a solid material.
Testing has shown that in everyday use, the “living plastic” behaves similarly to conventional plastic. However, when a special enzyme is added to its surface, erosion begins, activating the spores. As a result, they release BC lipase and completely degrade the plastic in 6-7 days. In addition, the spores can be activated through composting: samples of the material placed in the soil decompose in 25-30 days.
The scientists intend to continue research to determine the extent to which the new material is decomposed by the enzyme.
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