A new study from the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology has proposed a novel method for converting mixed municipal waste into valuable bio-products. The researchers used the bacterium Pseudomonas putida to break down complex waste streams into bioplastics and therapeutic proteins. This approach has the potential to achieve a circular economy, where waste is reused and repurposed instead of discarded. The process involves pre-treating waste using enzymes, followed by a bioreactor containing engineered Pseudomonas putida. The bacteria convert the waste into useful products, such as bioplastics and therapeutic proteins.
The study found that this approach could reduce the carbon footprint of waste management by up to 62% compared to traditional methods, and be more cost-effective, with savings of up to 37%. The key to this success is the adaptability of Pseudomonas putida, which can metabolize a mix of sugars, acids, and oils derived from various waste materials. The researchers have already demonstrated the potential of this technology by producing bioplastics and therapeutic proteins, including human insulin analogues and a synthetic HEL4 nanobody. This innovation has the potential to transform the way we manage waste and could be integrated into municipal waste management systems in the future.