Scottish scientists from the University of Edinburgh have developed a new method for biologically refining plastic bottles and similar waste into valuable raw materials for the food and chemical industries. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine ACS Center for Science (ACSCS).
Scientists have modified a strain of E. coli to absorb polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and produce adipic acid. Adipic acid is widely used in industry in the production of nylon materials, medicines and flavors, including the food additive E355, which adds sourness to products.
The process of chemical recycling of plastic waste with the help of bacteria occurs in several stages. First, the modified microorganisms secrete enzymes that convert terephthalic acid (the main component of PET plastic) into muconic and adipic acids. Then, a second type of microorganism comes into play, converting the resulting muconic acid into the desired raw material.
Experiments have shown that microbes can convert 79% of terephthalic acid to adipic acid.
According to the researchers, this approach will not only reduce the amount of plastic waste in landfills, but will also reduce fossil fuel consumption, as adipic acid is generally obtained from hydrocarbon feedstocks with high energy consumption.
Previous scientists was created New enzymes that break down plastic.