Chinese scientists have attracted public attention with another unusual invention in the world of science. They have developed a "living plastic" that decomposes on command. Most importantly, this innovative material does not create microplastics and does not pollute the environment with waste. This was reported by The Independent.
Currently, many plastic products are designed for single use. However, such materials exacerbate environmental problems by remaining in nature for hundreds of years.
Study author Juojun Day noted that traditional plastics do not disappear for centuries. Therefore, scientists worked on the idea of incorporating decomposition properties into the material itself.
The new generation of "living plastic" contains special microbes that produce enzymes that degrade plastic. In the experiment, scientists used two types of the common Bacillus subtilis bacterium.
It turns out that these bacteria completely decompose plastic in just six days. Interestingly, no harmful microplastic residues remain after the process is complete. The bacteria are embedded in the plastic in spore form and "awakened" when needed.
Researchers added bacterial spores to polycaprolactone, a material widely used in 3D printing technologies. To decompose the plastic, it is enough to place it in a special nutrient solution and raise the temperature to 50 degrees. Then, the spore-shaped bacteria activate and begin to break the material into small pieces.
According to the scientists, the combined activity of two types of bacteria is much more effective than a single bacterial species. This is because one cuts the plastic chains from the middle, while the other accelerates the process by "gnawing" the edges.
Currently, experts are working on activating the bacteria in an aquatic environment as well, since most plastic waste ends up in seas and water bodies. At the same time, there are plans to apply this technology to other types of plastic products in the future.
Read “Zamin” on Telegram!
