{"id":51733,"date":"2024-10-08T11:57:52","date_gmt":"2024-10-08T10:57:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.innovationnewsnetwork.com\/?p=51733"},"modified":"2024-10-08T11:57:52","modified_gmt":"2024-10-08T10:57:52","slug":"scientists-engineer-bacteria-to-break-down-pet-plastic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.innovationnewsnetwork.com\/scientists-engineer-bacteria-to-break-down-pet-plastic\/51733\/","title":{"rendered":"Rice University scientists engineer bacteria to break down PET plastic"},"content":{"rendered":"
Inspired by the adhesive properties of mussels, the scientists have engineered microorganisms capable of both sticking to plastic surfaces and breaking them down. This innovation offers new hope for dealing with the millions of tons of plastic waste generated globally, much of it PET (polyethylene terephthalate), a type of plastic commonly used in packaging that takes centuries to decompose.<\/p>\n
In the United States alone, around 40 million tonnes of plastic waste are produced annually, with PET making up 64% of this total, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).<\/p>\n
PET plastic, which is widely used in bottles, packaging, and textiles, is particularly difficult to degrade and poses a significant environmental threat.<\/p>\n
Current recycling methods are often slow and inefficient, leading to vast amounts of plastic waste accumulating in landfills and oceans.<\/p>\n
This is where Rice University’s breakthrough could make a major impact. By genetically modifying bacteria to adhere to PET surfaces and equipping them with enzymes capable of breaking down the plastic, the research offers a promising tool for reducing the environmental burden of PET plastic waste.<\/p>\n