Researchers Develop "Living" Plastic that Self-Biodegrades

In the ongoing quest for sustainable solutions, scientists at the University of California San Diego have pioneered a groundbreaking innovation: "living" plastic! By integrating bacterial spores into the plastic itself, this material will break down on its own when exposed to the environment. This revolutionary material offers a biodegradable alternative to traditional plastics, presenting a promising step forward in environmental stewardship.

A New Era of Eco-Friendly Plastics
The polymer chosen for this research, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), is a common plastic used to produce disposable gloves, phone cases, water bottles, packaging materials, and disposable diapers. This plastic polymer can be broken down by Bacillis subtilis, a bacteria which uses the carbon in TPU as a source of energy. This bacteria is also used in probiotics, and is considered safe to both humans and animals.

Considering that TPU manufacturing requires temperatures up to 200°F, the researchers had to develop a strain of Bacillis subtilis whose spores (dormant bacteria) could survive these environmental extremes. By exposing one generation after another to increasingly high temperatures, the researchers were left with the temperature-tolerant strain they needed. After integrating the bacterial spores into the TPU mix, the researchers found the polymer had increased strength and stretchability. Biodegradable materials have historically been brittle and rigid, so finding that adding the bacteria improved the usability of the plastic added great value to this work.

Upon testing how biodegradable the "living" plastic truly is, the researchers found that over 90% of the plastic broke down within five months when exposed to simulated outdoor conditions – even in the absence of other microbes. That means that this plastic has the potential to quickly break down on its own, even when floating out in the ocean.

Advancing Sustainability Through Innovation
While we celebrate this significant milestone in the journey towards sustainability today, challenges remain for the UCSD research team. The scalability and cost-effectiveness of production are key considerations, with further research needed to streamline manufacturing processes and expand the range of this biodegradable material.

Nevertheless, it's important to recognize innovations like this as we confront the urgent challenges of climate change and environmental degradation. With its ability to self-degrade in microbe-free environments, this technology offers a new level of versatility and eco-friendliness. The applications of living plastic extend far beyond conventional plastics, and we're excited to see how this research will progress in the years ahead.