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Tag: Biodegradable

  • Biodegradable Plastic Stronger than PET Developed

    Biodegradable Plastic Stronger than PET Developed

    PDCA, a biodegradable alternative to PET, boasts superior physical properties. Researchers at Kobe University engineered E. coli bacteria to produce PDCA from glucose at unprecedented levels without generating byproducts, opening new avenues in bioengineering.
    Image Credits:A Kobe University group now published that they achieved the production of PDCA — which is biodegradable and materials incorporating this show physical properties comparable to or even surpassing those of PET — in bioreactors at concentrations more than seven-fold higher than previously reported. Credit: Tsutomu Tanaka

    PDCA, a biodegradable alternative to PET, boasts superior physical properties. Researchers at Kobe University engineered E. coli bacteria to produce PDCA from glucose at unprecedented levels without generating byproducts, opening new avenues in bioengineering.

    While the durability of plastics has driven their widespread use, it also contributes to environmental problems. Most plastics are petroleum-based, making them non-renewable and dependent on geopolitical factors. Scientists worldwide are developing biodegradable and bio-based alternatives, but challenges with yield, purity, and production costs remain.

    Engineering PDCA with Nitrogen

    Kobe University bioengineer Tsutomu Tanaka explains that most biomass-based production focuses on molecules containing only carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen. “Yet some highly promising compounds for high-performance plastics include elements like nitrogen, and no efficient bioproduction methods exist. Chemical synthesis inevitably creates unwanted byproducts,” he says. PDCA (pyridinedicarboxylic acid) is one such compound. Biodegradable and physically comparable—or even superior—to PET, PDCA holds potential for containers and textiles. “We took a new approach: using cellular metabolism to incorporate nitrogen and build the compound from start to finish,” Tanaka adds.

    In Metabolic Engineering, the team reported producing PDCA in bioreactors at concentrations over seven times higher than previously achieved. “Our work shows that metabolic reactions can integrate nitrogen cleanly, without generating byproducts, enabling efficient synthesis,” says Tanaka.

    Solving the H₂O₂ Hurdle in Enzyme Production

    The team faced challenges, notably a bottleneck where an introduced enzyme produced hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), which then deactivated the enzyme. “By adjusting culture conditions and adding a compound to scavenge H₂O₂, we overcame this, though it may pose economic and logistical challenges for scaling up,” Tanaka notes.

    Looking ahead, the team plans to further optimize production. “Obtaining sufficient quantities in bioreactors sets the stage for practical applications. More broadly, our success in incorporating nitrogen-metabolism enzymes expands the range of molecules accessible via microbial synthesis, boosting the potential of bio-manufacturing,” Tanaka concludes.

    Read the original article on: Science Daily

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  • New Fungus-based Material is Biodegradable, Edible… and Alive

    New Fungus-based Material is Biodegradable, Edible… and Alive

    This thin mycelial film is almost transparent, has good tensile strength, and could be used as a living bioplastic
    EMPA

    Researchers have been using fungi to create innovative materials, such as fire-resistant insulation for buildings and even 3D-printed batteries.

    A New Approach to Mycelium-Based Materials

    Now, one of the scientists involved in this line of research, Dr. Gustav Nyström, along with Ashutosh Sinha from the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA), have discovered a new way to harness the unique properties of mycelium — the thread-like structure of fungi. They’ve developed a material that keeps living cells within its structure, making it biodegradable and capable of helping to break down waste. And yes, it’s edible too.

    For this study, the researchers chose a specific strain of Schizophyllum commune, a fungus that commonly grows on dead wood. Rather than using only the mycelium, as researchers typically do, they worked with the entire fungus. This strain produces two macromolecules with unique characteristics: one gathers at the interface between non-mixing liquids, and the other forms nanofibers that are extremely long relative to their sub-nanometer thickness.

    Thanks to the mycelial fibers’ auxiliary molecules, they are good natural emulsifiers – and they’re safe to eat too
    EMPA

    With these properties, the researchers developed a stable, edible emulsion with potential applications in preserving food and cosmetics, or enhancing their texture.

    But the possibilities go further: the researchers can also use the material to produce biodegradable moisture sensors and fungal-based batteries, which they could safely deploy in natural environments.

    The film reacts reversibly to moisture and could be used for bio-based humidity sensors
    EMPA

    The researchers also created a thin, high-strength film that resists tearing even when stretched or subjected to heavy loads. Since mycelium naturally breaks down organic matter, they could use it to produce “living” bags for disposing of organic waste.”Instead of using compostable bags, we could have bags that actually decompose the organic waste themselves,” Sinha explained.

    Reducing Waste and Environmental Impact

    This innovation could help accelerate the processing of food waste in urban areas and make organic waste disposal safer.In developing countries like India, people commonly use non-biodegradable plastic bags to dispose of trash.These bags stay in the soil for decades, and cows and other animals foraging through garbage often eat them. A more sustainable bag would offer a much-needed alternative.

    The researchers published their study in Advanced Materials in February.With any luck, we’ll soon see more practical and commercial applications for this living, versatile material.

    Read the original article on: New Atlas

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