Brazilian researchers have discovered bacteria capable of transforming plastic into bioplastic, offering an efficient solution for the material.
The increasing amount of waste on the planet has become one of the biggest environmental challenges. Thinking of ways to solve this problem, Brazilian researchers have identified a bacterium which has the ability to decompose plastic, especially PET, found in bottles and packaging. This bacteria transforms plastic into bioplastic, offering a more sustainable and high-quality solution.
The discovery could revolutionize the way we deal with plastic waste and open doors to the production of new materials, such as bioplastics, useful in the manufacture of packaging and in biomedical applications.
The study on the bacteria and the contribution of researchers
The research that led to the discovery of the BR4 bacteria was carried out with the support of FAPESP and was led by researcher Fábio Squina, from the University of Sorocaba.
The study, published in the journal Science of the Total Environment , shows how a bacteria can efficiently decompose plastic and transform it into bioplastic.
Image: Fabio Squina/Uniso
This bioplastic, unlike recycled plastic, is of high quality and can be used in various sectors, such as packaging production and even in biomedical applications.
The researchers' work is an important step forward in reducing the impact of plastic waste on the environment and finding more effective alternatives for recycling plastic.
How does the transformation of plastic into bioplastic by bacteria work?
To understand how bacteria transform plastic into bioplastic, a study analyzed soil contaminated with plastic, where microbial communities were identified that had the capacity to decompose, like PET.
The bacterium Pseudomonas sp. BR4 stood out for its ability to not only decompose PET plastic, but also to generate polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), a highly resistant and flexible bioplastic.
This bioplastic generated by the BR4 bacteria can be used in the manufacture of packaging and in several other applications.
Bioplastic, when enriched with hydroxyvalerate (HV), becomes even more useful, gaining properties ideal for use in sectors such as sustainable packaging and biomedicine.
Furthermore, the study details how bacteria carry out this bioplastic manufacturing and production process.
By sequencing the genomes of 80 bacteria, researchers are seeking to identify the metabolic pathways and transport mechanisms that bacteria use to degrade plastic and convert this material into bioplastic.
This knowledge is essential for improving the process and for possible applications in other types of plastics, not just PET.
Challenges for plastic biodegradation
Although the study showed promising results, researchers still face challenges.
Although the BR4 bacteria is resistant to degrading PET and generating bioplastic, further research is useful to improve the technique and expand its applications to other types of plastic.
The bacteria's potential is not limited to PET, and researchers believe that with further studies, it will be possible to use this same approach to degrade other fossil-based plastics and convert them into bioplastics, which could be a viable solution to large-scale waste.
With the increase in plastic waste in the oceans and its impact on marine life, the need for innovative solutions such as transforming plastic into bioplastics becomes even more urgent.
The discovery of the BR4 bacteria represents an important advance, but the path to large-scale application of this process required further research and testing.
A breakthrough in the fight against plastic waste
The discovery of the BR4 bacteria, which turns waste into bioplastic, is a significant step forward in the fight against plastic pollution.
This bacteria not only decomposes PET, but also generates a high-quality bioplastic, with great potential for use in various areas, such as packaging production and biomedical applications.
The work of Brazilian researchers is essential to finding a more effective solution for plastic waste, offering alternatives to the conventional recycling process.
In the future, the technique could be expanded to deal with other types of plastics and thus contribute to a cleaner planet.
SOURCE: FAPESP