Breakthrough: Bacteria Create Thermally Stable Plastics Like Polystyrene and PET

Aug 22, 2024, 10:52 AM

Researchers have achieved a breakthrough in bioengineering by developing thermally stable plastics similar to polystyrene and PET using bacteria. This innovation marks the first time such materials have been created through microbial processes. The development is part of a broader effort to design mono-material products that are bio-based, circular, and biodegradable. These bioplastics, made from living organisms, offer a potential solution for plastic degradation and can even be consumed by humans, theoretically biodegrading within the human body. This advancement in synthetic biology presents a promising alternative to traditional plastics, contributing to more sustainable and environmentally friendly materials.