Researchers at Rice University have developed an innovative method to combat plastic pollution using bioengineered sticky microorganisms inspired by mussels. These genetically modified microorganisms exhibit adhesive properties that allow them to break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic waste more efficiently.
Decomposition of plastics in record time!
This biotechnological breakthrough is based on the use of an enzyme called polyethylene terephthalate hydrolase, combined with a natural amino acid extracted from mussels, known as 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA). The result: microorganisms with amplified adhesion that achieve an increase of up to 400 times in their capacity to break down plastics into smaller, more manageable fragments . According to scientists, this discovery could revolutionize plastic recycling, reducing the accumulation of PET waste in the environment.
One of the major challenges in waste management is that PET plastic, commonly used in packaging, takes centuries to degrade. Thanks to this new approach, modified bacteria are able to break down plastic in just one night . In addition, these bacteria could help prevent biofouling, a problem affecting the maritime and medical industries, where the accumulation of microorganisms and other materials on metallic and organic surfaces can cause considerable damage.
Sticky microorganisms also improve medicine
The Rice University team also pointed to applications in medicine. DOPA-modified proteins could improve medical devices by reducing bacterial growth , making them safer and more effective. This finding expands opportunities for bioengineering in drug delivery and tissue engineering.
Dr Han Xiao, leader of the study, stressed the importance of the research to address the growing problem of plastic pollution worldwide. Our approach has the potential to transform bioengineering and offer real solutions to global problems such as pollution and biofouling.
This breakthrough was published in the journal Small Methods and supported by institutions such as the National Institutes of Health and the US Department of Defense.
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Source and internal photos: Rice University
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