Scientists discover bacteria that eat plastic

 Scientists discover bacteria that eat plastic

Scientists have developed self-destructive plastic. Scientists say that this will help reduce pollution.

Polyurethane, i.e. plastic, is used everywhere. Since it is difficult to recycle, it is disposed of in landfills. However, scientists have found a scientific solution to this.

Scientists have developed a plastic that self-destructs by incorporating particles of plastic-eating bacteria.

Those bacterial particles remain inactive as long as the plastic is being used. However, when the plastic is disposed of after use, they revive and start eating the plastic.

University of California researcher Han Sol Kim says that this gives us hope that we can reduce plastic pollution in nature.

In addition, it has another advantage that the bacterial particles of plastic-eating bacteria increase the hardness of the plastic.

Another researcher, John Pokorsky, says, “Our process makes the material stronger, which increases its useful life. And, when it is finished, we can eliminate it from the environment, regardless of how it is disposed of.”

Although this self-destructive bacterial plastic has only been produced in the laboratory so far, the researchers say that there is a possibility that it could be produced commercially and sent to the market in the near future.

The bacteria used to destroy the plastic is Bacillus subtilis, which is commonly used as a food additive and probiotic.

The bacteria have been genetically engineered to withstand the high temperatures used in plastic production.

Although the researchers have developed self-destructive plastic using plastic-eating bacteria, some say that this is not the best option and that the best option is to reduce the use of plastic.