Turning plastic waste into bio-fiber

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in New York, USA have just created a bacterium called Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can convert polyethylene in many disposable plastic items into a high-protein spider silk-like silk. This bio-silk product can be used in textiles, cosmetics and even medicine.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria opens up new directions in plastic waste treatment

Helen Zha, one of the researchers leading the project, said the silk can be almost as strong as steel when stretched. However, it is six times lighter than steel and is a stretchy, tough, non-toxic and biodegradable bioplastic.

Polyethylene, found in products like plastic bags, water bottles and food packaging, is the biggest contributor to plastic pollution globally and can take more than 1,000 years to decompose naturally.

Only a small fraction is recycled, so the bacteria used in the study could help “recycle” it faster. Meanwhile, the plastic-degrading process of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria requires little energy and does not require the use of toxic chemicals.

GIA BAO

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/bien-rac-thai-nhua-thanh-to-sinh-hoc-post724527.html