In 2012, Federica Bertocchini made a fascinating discovery while tending to her honeybees in Santander, Spain. After removing worms from a honeycomb, she noticed that the plastic bag she placed them in was full of tiny holes. This led to her realization that the worms’ saliva had caused the plastic to degrade.
Bertocchini’s discovery sparked the interest of scientists who are now exploring bio-inspired solutions for recycling plastic. They are searching for organisms that can break down plastic into its component pieces, with the goal of creating an “infinite recycling” loop. By enhancing the polymer-munching abilities of these microbes in the lab, scientists hope to reclaim the building blocks of plastics and use them to manufacture new materials.
The need for this type of recycling is urgent. Plastics production has skyrocketed since the 1940s, and the majority of plastic ends up burned, buried in landfills, or dumped in the environment. Plastics have become a global problem, affecting our oceans, poles, and even our bodies. However, the demand for plastics remains high, making it essential to find more effective and environmentally friendly recycling methods.
Biological recycling, which involves using enzymes to break down plastic polymers into their basic monomers, could be a valuable tool in addressing the plastic waste crisis. Enzymes have the ability to turn used plastics into a valuable resource instead of waste. Researchers have discovered plastic-eating organisms in various locations worldwide, and they are working to optimize these enzymes for better performance. Artificial intelligence is also being used to enhance the characteristics of these enzymes.
Early data suggests that biological recycling could have a smaller carbon footprint compared to producing plastics from scratch. For example, using enzymes to break down PET plastic can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, it’s important to note that this method currently works best with PET and similar plastics with mixed-carbon backbones. Efforts are underway to expand the range of plastics that can be efficiently recycled using enzymes.
Companies like Carbios and Samsara Eco are leading the way in commercializing bio-recycling technologies. Carbios plans to open a bio-recycling plant in France that can recycle 50,000 tons of PET waste annually. Meanwhile, Samsara Eco is focusing on PET and other plastics like nylon.
In conclusion, biological recycling shows promise as a solution to the global plastics problem. By harnessing the power of enzymes, scientists aim to create a more sustainable and efficient way to recycle plastic waste. With ongoing research and advancements in technology, we may be one step closer to achieving a circular economy for plastics.
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