Plastic Improper Bacteria Ideonella Sakaiensis 201-F6 Secluded

Japanese researchers have successfully secluded a bacterium species Ideonella sakaiensis 201-F6 capable of breaking down plastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyester. Their results were published in the journal Science.

Key facts:

  • On PET film Ideonella sakaiensis relies as a primary source of carbon for growth.
  • It has capability to completely degrading a thin film of PET in a short span of six weeks at 30°C.
  • And two enzymes have been used by the bacterium species to break down the highly biodegradable-resistant polymer PET.
  • To adhere to the PET and produce an intermediate substance through process of hydrolysis First enzyme helps.
  • Then works with water and acts on this intermediate substance the second enzyme is help.
  • And the 2 monomers ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid that are used for making PET through polymerization which is produced by it.

Applications:

  • The bacteria will be very useful in industrial recycling processes without having any adverse impact on the environment.
  • It has ability to replace the current mechanical recycling plastic process.

Examrace Team at Mar 14, 2016