Articles tagged with "biodegradable-plastics"
Methane-eating bacteria turn waste gas into valuable materials
A recent scientific review highlights the potential of methane-eating bacteria, known as methanotrophs, to convert methane—a potent greenhouse gas—into valuable products like animal feed, biodegradable plastics, and cleaner fuels. Methanotrophs consume methane as both a carbon and energy source, naturally thriving in methane-rich environments such as wetlands and landfills. By oxidizing methane through specialized enzymes under mild conditions, these microbes offer a dual benefit: reducing methane emissions while enabling low-energy manufacturing pathways. Researchers are developing practical applications including landfill bio covers, methane-stripping biofilters, and wastewater treatments seeded with methanotrophs to capture and utilize methane effectively. However, the review also cautions that methane removal via methanotrophs can sometimes increase emissions of nitrous oxide, another potent greenhouse gas, due to microbial competition for metals. Therefore, designing systems that balance reductions in both gases is critical. Beyond emission control, methanotrophs can act as biological factories producing methanol,
energymaterialsmethanegreenhouse-gasesbiodegradable-plasticsmicrobial-biotechnologywaste-gas-conversionScientists to make plastics with crop waste for use in medical products
Researchers at the University of Oldenburg in Germany are developing a cost-effective, energy-efficient technology to produce fully biodegradable plastics from organic waste such as crop residues, hay, and algae. Their focus is on creating polybutylene succinate (PBS)-based plastics, which share similar robustness and processability with conventional plastics like polypropylene and polyethylene but have the significant advantage of being biodegradable. The project, supported by the university’s strong research infrastructure, aims to offer renewable raw material-based plastics as an industrially viable alternative, contributing to an environmentally friendly circular economy. The research involves three sub-projects: optimizing the fermentation process to convert biological substrates into Bio-PBS using microorganisms; improving downstream processing to remove contaminants and convert n-butanol into 1,4-butanediol, a key raw material for plastics; and refining the technology further, including developing a new chemical substance to produce fully biodegradable PBS. The team plans to use simulations and machine learning to enhance material and energy efficiency and intends to utilize production
materialsbiodegradable-plasticsbio-based-materialsfermentation-processrenewable-raw-materialscircular-economybioplasticsWood-pulp plastic dissolves in seawater without forming microplastics
Researchers at Japan’s RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science, led by Takuzo Aida, have developed a novel plant-based plastic made from cellulose that dissolves rapidly in seawater without forming harmful microplastics. Unlike many biodegradable plastics that degrade slowly or fragment into microplastics, this new material combines durability and flexibility during use with fast decomposition in natural marine environments. The plastic, termed CMCSP, leverages a cross-linked network formed by negatively charged carboxymethyl cellulose (a wood-pulp derivative) and positively charged polyethylene-imine guanidinium ions. Saltwater disrupts these salt bridges, triggering the plastic’s breakdown, while a protective coating can prevent premature degradation. To overcome initial brittleness, the team incorporated choline chloride, an FDA-approved food additive, as a plasticizer, allowing the material’s flexibility to be finely tuned—from rigid and glass-like to stretchable up to 130% of its length. The resulting plastic is transparent, strong, and
materialsbiodegradable-plasticscellulosesustainable-materialsplastic-pollutionmarine-environmentpolymer-scienceSelf-destructing plastic achieved with built-in 'on/off' switch
Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a novel type of programmable plastic that can self-destruct on command by incorporating a molecular "on/off" switch. Unlike traditional plastics designed for durability, these new plastics are engineered through conformational preorganization—a method of pre-folding polymer molecules so that specific bonds become exposed and susceptible to breaking when triggered by environmental factors such as water, light, or metal ions. This approach mimics natural polymers like DNA and proteins, which naturally degrade after fulfilling their function. By adjusting the geometry of small chemical groups adjacent to normally stable bonds, the plastics’ degradation timeline can be precisely controlled, ranging from days to years. This innovation does not rely on new or fragile chemicals, making it potentially applicable to a wide range of products, from short-term use items like food containers and packaging to long-lasting materials such as car parts and building components. The plastics can be designed to maintain structural integrity for a desired period before degrading environmentally. However, the technology remains at the laboratory stage, requiring
materialsbiodegradable-plasticspolymer-sciencesustainable-materialsplastic-degradationenvironmental-technologysmart-materialsProgrammable self-destructing plastic can break down when triggered
Researchers at Rutgers University, led by chemist Yuwei Gu, have developed a novel type of programmable self-destructing plastic inspired by natural polymers like DNA and RNA, which naturally break down over time. Unlike conventional plastics that persist in the environment, this new plastic incorporates small chemical "helper" groups strategically positioned within its structure, enabling it to degrade on demand when exposed to everyday triggers such as ultraviolet light or metal ions—without requiring heat or harsh chemicals. This biomimetic approach allows the plastic to remain durable during use but break down naturally afterward, addressing a major environmental challenge posed by synthetic plastics. A key innovation of this technology is the ability to control the degradation speed by adjusting the spatial arrangement of the chemical groups within the polymer. This means the same plastic can be engineered to decompose in days, months, or years depending on its intended application—for example, short-lived take-out containers or long-lasting car parts. Early laboratory tests indicate that the breakdown products are non-toxic, and future
materialsbiodegradable-plasticspolymer-chemistrysustainable-materialsenvironmental-technologyself-destructing-plasticchemical-degradationEngineered biodegradable plastics disappear in the deep ocean
Researchers from Japan have developed a novel biodegradable plastic, called LAHB (lactate-based hybrid polymer), that can degrade in the deep ocean—addressing a major environmental challenge where conventional biodegradable plastics like polylactide (PLA) fail. While PLA is widely used and compostable at high industrial temperatures, it does not break down in marine environments because marine bacteria lack the enzymes to recognize and degrade its molecular structure. In contrast, LAHB combines lactic acid from PLA with 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) from polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), a naturally occurring polyester that marine microbes can digest. This hybrid polymer maintains material strength while being susceptible to microbial degradation in deep-sea conditions. The breakthrough stems from engineering Escherichia coli bacteria to biosynthesize LAHB by inserting genes for a lactate-polymerizing enzyme, enabling the production of a plastic that balances durability with biodegradability. Marine bacteria have evolved depolymerase enzymes that
materialsbiodegradable-plasticsocean-pollutionpolymersmarine-microbesplastic-degradationsustainable-materialsChina's bamboo plastic with mechanical strength biodegrades in 50 days
Researchers at China’s Northeast Forestry University have developed a novel bamboo-based bioplastic that combines exceptional mechanical strength with rapid biodegradability. This new material, produced through a non-toxic, alcohol solvent-based process that dissolves and reorganizes bamboo cellulose at the molecular level, exhibits tensile strength of 110 MPa and a flexural modulus of 6.41 GPa, outperforming many commercial plastics such as polylactic acid and high-impact polystyrene. It also offers superior thermal stability above 180 °C and can be processed using conventional industrial techniques like injection molding and machining. Unlike traditional bamboo composite plastics, which often have inferior mechanical properties and incomplete biodegradability due to their fiber-resin composition, this bamboo molecular plastic fully biodegrades in soil within 50 days and supports closed-loop recycling with 90% retention of strength. Published in Nature Communications, the research highlights the material’s potential as a sustainable, high-performance alternative to oil-based plastics, addressing both environmental concerns and industrial application demands
materialsbiodegradable-plasticsbamboo-plasticsustainable-materialsbioplasticsmechanical-strengththermal-stabilityOkosix will show its biodegradable plastic at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
Okosix, a company founded by Eddie Yu, aims to address the significant issue of single-use plastics in healthcare by developing a biodegradable plastic alternative. Yu, motivated by a personal moment with his niece during the pandemic, created Okosix after selling his disposable mask company in 2021. The company’s material blends cellulose, chitosan from crustacean shells, wax, and a proprietary compound to produce a biodegradable plastic that is cheaper and functionally comparable or superior to polylactic acid (PLA), a common biodegradable plastic. Okosix’s material is internationally certified to fully biodegrade within six months under natural conditions, avoiding the pitfalls of some plastics that only break down into microplastics. Initially focusing on face masks, Okosix plans to expand its product range to include surgical gowns, diapers, and sanitary napkins, targeting the replacement of fossil-based disposable plastics with safer, non-plastic materials. Although a formal lifecycle analysis is pending, Yu estimates that Okosix’s
biodegradable-plasticssustainable-materialshealthcare-waste-reductioncellulose-based-materialseco-friendly-packagingplastic-alternativescarbon-footprint-reductionScientists engineer enzymes to turn crops into recyclable bioplastics
Researchers at Purdue University, supported by a $7 million grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation, are engineering novel enzymes to convert crops like corn and sugar, as well as agricultural waste, into recyclable bioplastics called polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). These bioplastics aim to match the toughness and malleability of conventional petroleum-based plastics while being biodegradable and infinitely recyclable. By using domestically sourced feedstocks, the project also seeks to reduce reliance on imported petrochemicals and strengthen U.S. supply chains. The team is focusing on overcoming the limitations of PHAs, which historically have been fragile and unstable at high temperatures, restricting their use in consumer and medical products. The approach involves tuning the chemical structure of PHAs to enhance their strength and thermal stability through biocatalysis—using engineered enzymes to drive specific chemical reactions efficiently and sustainably. Collaborators from several universities are contributing expertise in enzyme selection, engineering via deep learning, functional testing, and commercialization potential.
bioplasticsenzymesbiodegradable-plasticssustainable-materialsagricultural-wastepolymer-engineeringrenewable-resourcesScientists turn grapevine waste into stronger plastic alternative
Researchers at South Dakota State University, led by Dr. Srinivas Janaswamy, have developed a biodegradable plastic-like film made from grapevine canes, an agricultural waste product. These canes, typically discarded or composted after grape harvests, are rich in cellulose—a naturally strong and rigid biopolymer. By drying, grinding, and extracting cellulose from the canes, the team created films that are stronger than traditional plastic bags and decompose fully within 17 days in soil, addressing significant issues related to plastic pollution and waste management. This innovation leverages an abundant, low-water-content biomass that is usually underutilized, turning it into a sustainable packaging alternative with high transparency, which is beneficial for food packaging by enhancing product visibility. The researchers emphasize that this approach not only offers an eco-friendly substitute to single-use plastics but also supports the circular bioeconomy by adding value to agricultural byproducts. The study marks a significant step toward producing biodegradable plastic-like bags, aligning with broader environmental
materialsbiodegradable-plasticssustainable-packagingcelluloseagricultural-wasteplastic-alternativeenvironmental-innovationJapan's scientists find bioplastic that vanishes 80% even in deep sea
A Japanese research team led by Prof. Seiichi Taguchi has demonstrated that a novel microbial polyester called poly(D-lactate-co-3-hydroxybutyrate) (LAHB) can biodegrade rapidly on the deep-sea floor, unlike conventional bioplastics such as polylactide (PLA). In tests conducted 855 meters underwater near Hatsushima Island, Japan, at 3.6 °C and under high pressure, LAHB films lost over 80% of their mass within 13 months, while PLA showed no degradation. The LAHB surfaces became cracked and covered with microbial biofilms, indicating active breakdown in one of Earth’s most challenging environments. Genetic and biochemical analyses revealed a microbial consortium responsible for this degradation. Gammaproteobacteria secreted enzymes that broke down LAHB polymers into smaller fragments, which were further hydrolyzed into monomers like 3-hydroxybutyrate and lactate. These monomers were then metabolized by other
biodegradable-plasticsbioplasticdeep-sea-biodegradationsustainable-materialspolymer-scienceenvironmental-technologymarine-pollutionScientists create compostable food packaging that leaves no trace
Scientists at Murdoch University in Western Australia have developed a new type of bioplastic that is fully compostable and leaves no environmental trace, addressing the growing problem of plastic pollution. By harnessing native microbes from local environments, the researchers produce a natural polymer called PHB, which microbes store as excess organic molecules. Unlike conventional plastics that break down into harmful microplastics, this bioplastic naturally degrades in soil and water, eliminating long-term contamination risks. The innovation is particularly aimed at creating compostable linings for recycled paper or cardboard food packaging, a sector where over 80% of single-use plastics currently end up in landfills due to lack of recyclability. This research is part of the Bioplastics Innovation Hub, a collaboration between Murdoch University and CSIRO, combining expertise in microbiology, genetics, and engineering to develop sustainable packaging solutions. The team envisions widespread adoption of bioplastics in households as part of a circular economy, aligning with Western Australia’s 10-Year Science
materialsbioplasticscompostable-packagingbiodegradable-plasticssustainable-materialseco-friendly-packagingplastic-alternativesNew method converts food waste into plastic and organic fertilizer
Researchers at Binghamton University, led by PhD student Tianzheng Liu and supported by Professors Sha Jin and Kaiming Ye, have developed an innovative microbial process that converts food waste into biodegradable plastic and organic fertilizer. Using the bacteria Cupriavidus necator, which synthesizes polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) from fermented food waste containing lactic acid and ammonium sulfate, the team can harvest about 90% of the bioplastic produced. This method addresses two major environmental issues simultaneously: the massive food waste in landfills that emits greenhouse gases and the growing problem of plastic pollution. The process is robust and adaptable, working with various types of food waste as long as the mixture ratios remain consistent, and the waste can be stored for at least a week without impacting results. The leftover residue from fermentation is also being evaluated as an organic fertilizer alternative to chemical fertilizers. The researchers aim to scale up the system for industrial application, seeking partnerships and additional funding to expand the
energymaterialsbiodegradable-plasticsfood-waste-recyclingbioplastic-productionsustainable-materialsenvironmental-technologyUS engineer spins bacteria into strong plastic-like eco-sheets
A team led by Maksud Rahman, assistant professor at the University of Houston, has developed a novel single-step method to grow biodegradable bacterial cellulose sheets that are strong enough to rival conventional plastics. By using a custom rotational culture device that guides bacterial motion through controlled fluid flow, the researchers produced aligned cellulose nanofibers, resulting in flexible, strong, and multifunctional sheets. These sheets have potential applications ranging from packaging and medical dressings to textiles and green electronics, offering an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based plastics. The innovation also includes enhancing the bacterial cellulose by incorporating boron nitride nanosheets into the nutrient solution, creating hybrid composites with significantly improved properties such as tensile strength up to 553 MPa and thermal conductivity three times higher than untreated samples. Published in Nature Communications, this scalable, bottom-up biosynthesis approach leverages biological processes combined with mechanical design, avoiding energy-intensive manufacturing typical of traditional bioplastics. The team envisions widespread adoption of this sustainable material across various industries aiming to
materialsbiodegradable-plasticsbacterial-cellulosenanofiberseco-friendly-materialscomposite-materialsthermal-conductivityNew diaper transforms poop and plastic into soil in less than a year
Hiro Technologies, a Texas-based startup, has developed MycoDigestible Diapers, an innovative sustainable diaper that uses fungi to transform baby poop and plastic components into nutrient-rich soil within nine months. Disposable diapers, which typically take around 500 years to decompose, contribute significantly to landfill waste and environmental pollution. The company’s approach leverages fungi’s natural ability to break down complex carbon materials, including plastics, by releasing enzymes that degrade the strong carbon bonds in petroleum-based diaper plastics. Each diaper includes a packet of fungi that activates upon exposure to moisture from the diaper’s contents and environment, initiating the biodegradation process. The diapers are made from unbleached cotton and softwood fluff pulp sourced from sustainably managed forests, ensuring they are gentle on babies’ skin and environmentally friendly. Lab tests demonstrated that within nine months, the treated diapers fully decomposed into black soil. Hiro Technologies currently sells diaper bundles online and plans to expand the fungi technology to other plastic-containing products such as adult incontinence and
materialssustainabilitybiodegradable-plasticsfungi-technologywaste-managementenvironmental-innovationdecompositionBiodegradable microplastics could pose diabetes threat, harm gut
A recent study highlights potential health risks posed by biodegradable microplastics, specifically polylactic acid (PLA), widely used in eco-friendly food packaging and disposable tableware. Unlike conventional plastics, PLA is derived from renewable resources like corn starch and sugar cane and has been considered a sustainable alternative. However, the study reveals that PLA microplastics do not merely pass through the digestive system but enter the metabolic cycle of gut bacteria and intestinal cells. Using mouse models, researchers found that certain gut bacteria secrete enzymes that break down PLA microplastics, turning them into carbon sources that may contribute to metabolic disorders such as diabetes and hyperuricemia, which can lead to gout and kidney stones. Additionally, PLA microplastic fragments in gut epithelial cells reduce the production of linear short-chain fatty acids, essential energy sources for these cells, resulting in decreased appetite and weight loss in mice. The study also suggests that PLA microplastics may promote harmful bacteria like Helicobacter muridarum, potentially disrupting the gut microbiome balance by displacing beneficial microbes. While the exact mechanisms remain unclear, the researchers propose that frequent plastic consumption may have conditioned gut microbiota to recognize and metabolize these particles. Importantly, the study notes that the adverse effects might be reversible if exposure to PLA microplastics ceases for six to twelve months. This research raises concerns about the hidden health impacts of biodegradable plastics previously regarded as safe alternatives to conventional plastics.
materialsbiodegradable-plasticsmicroplasticspolylactic-acideco-friendly-materialshealth-impactgut-bacteria