BBE researchers unveil innovative microbial approach for plastic biodegradation

June 10, 2024
endless plastic waste in a landfill

A recent study by researchers from the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, led by Dr. Brett  Barney, has made significant strides in the fight against plastic pollution. The team developed a new method to isolate and enrich microbial communities capable of biodegrading polyethylene, one of the most common and persistent plastics. By using a polyethylene surrogate, they identified specific bacterial strains that can break down this durable material within weeks, offering a potential pathway for accelerating plastic degradation in the environment. This groundbreaking work could pave the way for innovative solutions to reduce plastic waste and its impact on ecosystems worldwide. Read the full research article