Researchers have genetically engineered a marine microorganism to break down plastic in salt water, specifically polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a common contributor to microplastic pollution. They combined the genes of two bacteria, Vibrio natriegens and Ideonella sakaiensis, to create a modified organism that can produce enzymes to break down PET. The Vibrio natriegens bacteria was chosen for its ability to thrive in saltwater and reproduce quickly, while the Ideonella sakaiensis bacteria produces the enzymes needed to break down PET. The researchers introduced the Ideonella sakaiensis genes into the Vibrio natriegens bacteria, allowing it to produce the enzymes on its surface. The modified bacteria was then able to break down PET in a saltwater environment at room temperature. This breakthrough is the first of its kind, and the researchers believe it could be a significant step in addressing microplastic pollution in oceans. However, they acknowledge that additional challenges must be addressed before this technology can be widely implemented.
Genetically engineered bacteria can decompose plastics in a saltwater environment.
