A team of researchers at Rice University has developed a new approach to address the issue of plastic pollution by bioengineering E. coli bacteria to break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a commonly used plastic material. They achieved this by introducing the sticky properties of mussels to the bacteria, making them adhere to plastic and also capable of breaking it down. This innovative technique has the potential to solve the problem of plastic pollution, which accounts for over 40% of the single-use plastic waste in the US and 12% of the world’s total solid waste. The modified bacteria can also be used to prevent unwanted microbial growth on medical equipment and other surfaces. The researchers are optimistic about the prospects of this solution, which could lead to a faster and more efficient way to reduce plastic waste and its environmental impact. Further research is needed to scale up this technology and explore its potential applications.
Scientists have engineered bacteria with mussel-like abilities, allowing it to bind to and degradation plastic waste
