Scientists Embed Bacteria in Plastic to Accelerate Biodegradation, Revolutionizing Waste Management

Commonly seen in daily items, thermoplastic polyurethane now harbors microorganisms to hasten its deterioration.

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To successfully combat plastic waste, researchers at the University of California have harnessed the power of microbes.

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Aiming for quick biodegradation, certain bacterial spores that have been chosen for their toughness are incorporated into plastics.

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In just five months, 90% mass loss is attained with the new bacteria-embedded plastic, indicating a much faster rate of breakdown.

[{"selector":"#anim-2b5e3546-d735-4817-8e24-2625e80a0dc7","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(115.18987%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-958335cb-870f-4edb-9bd5-8933f647c85c","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-e4093389-6c26-4da6-9f8a-2a3a62a5535b","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.15)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-9465da7a-3853-4f7d-8b61-ff3639f8672c","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-91.90083%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-c07bb5db-69d6-44c3-a49a-3e429609f158","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-1ad00c43-9139-41fe-9874-cc8b248da856","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.15)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-691c83e7-3b31-451e-9d99-d451b060446b","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Photo By: Han Sol Kim

The procedure includes the smooth integration of microorganisms into plastic by melting polymers using heat and shear.

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The designed bacteria are dormant, but when the soil conditions are right, they activate and start the breakdown process.

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In controlled experiments, a startling 90% of the polymers biodegrade, turning into CO2 in around six months for the most part.

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This innovative approach does not compromise the plastic's mechanical strength, maintaining its practical applications.

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The technology promises to transform waste management, adapting well to current industrial processes and safety standards.

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Scientists Embed Bacteria in Plastic to Accelerate Biodegradation, Revolutionizing Waste Management

Scientists Embed Bacteria in Plastic to Accelerate Biodegradation, Revolutionizing Waste Management

Commonly seen in daily items, thermoplastic polyurethane now harbors microorganisms to hasten its deterioration.

Commonly seen in daily items, thermoplastic polyurethane now harbors microorganisms to hasten its deterioration.

To successfully combat plastic waste, researchers at the University of California have harnessed the power of microbes.

To successfully combat plastic waste, researchers at the University of California have harnessed the power of microbes.

Aiming for quick biodegradation, certain bacterial spores that have been chosen for their toughness are incorporated into plastics.

Aiming for quick biodegradation, certain bacterial spores that have been chosen for their toughness are incorporated into plastics.

In just five months, 90% mass loss is attained with the new bacteria-embedded plastic, indicating a much faster rate of breakdown.

In just five months, 90% mass loss is attained with the new bacteria-embedded plastic, indicating a much faster rate of breakdown.

The procedure includes the smooth integration of microorganisms into plastic by melting polymers using heat and shear.

The procedure includes the smooth integration of microorganisms into plastic by melting polymers using heat and shear.

The designed bacteria are dormant, but when the soil conditions are right, they activate and start the breakdown process.

The designed bacteria are dormant, but when the soil conditions are right, they activate and start the breakdown process.

In controlled experiments, a startling 90% of the polymers biodegrade, turning into CO2 in around six months for the most part.

In controlled experiments, a startling 90% of the polymers biodegrade, turning into CO2 in around six months for the most part.

This innovative approach does not compromise the plastic's mechanical strength, maintaining its practical applications.

This innovative approach does not compromise the plastic's mechanical strength, maintaining its practical applications.

The technology promises to transform waste management, adapting well to current industrial processes and safety standards.

The technology promises to transform waste management, adapting well to current industrial processes and safety standards.

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