Detection of bacteria capable of biodegradable plastic

Scientists have discovered a bacterium that can "eat" organic PET plastic. This may be the key to reducing millions of tons of PET plastic discharged into the environment each year.

A group of researchers at the Kyoto Institute of Technology (Japan) has discovered a new bacterium that is capable of producing a very effective plastic destruction enzyme.

According to research published in Science magazine, scientists collected 250 samples of debris - including rock, waste water and mud - from a PET recycling plant and screened the bacteria found in them. This sample determines their role in plastic decomposition.

"There is a sample of sediment containing a combination of different species of microorganisms," said Dr. Kenji Miyamoto of the research group. " This combination is a mixture of bacteria , yeast-like cells and protozoa".

Every year, more than 45 million tons of PET plastic is produced worldwide.

The team tried putting the organism into a thin plastic sheet, causing many corrosive holes in the plastic sheet. After only six weeks, the plastic sheet was completely decomposed.

Next, the team discovered and isolated a bacterium named Ideonella sakaiensis from this complex. This type of bacterium has synthesized two enzymes, PETase and MHETase - that can destroy PET plastic and a compound called MHET - (mono 92-hydroxyethyl) terephthalic acid - formed during decomposition.

The resolution process also produces ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. These are environmentally friendly decomposers used as a source of energy for bacteria.

Every year, more than 45 million tons of PET plastic is produced worldwide but only a small amount of it is recycled. Much of this plastic is put into landfills or thrown into canals, creating serious environmental problems.

Scientists have long been looking for a biological "catalyst" that can break down the sustainable crystal structure of polyethylenes effectively. But until now, they have only found a few fungi that can decompose part of plastic.