E. coli bacteria help convert plastic waste into paracetamol, thus addressing the concerns of environmental pollution and extensive fossil fuel usage.
Plastic
While the ability to degrade plastics might seem beneficial, it poses a threat to the integrity of medical devices and increases the risk of infections.
This study shows that microplastics impact our ecosystems right down to the tiniest organisms.
Novel enzymes can break down plastics into biodegradable compounds. This process can be accelerated by adding biofilms to the mix.
Could a new deep-sea bacterium protect the oceans from plastic contaminants?
The succession patterns of microbes growing on plastic differ from the common species known to humans, and this could cause problems down the road. To learn more, keep on reading…
Plastic pollution needs immediate attention worldwide. “Reduce, reuse, recycle” is still the best way forward. Scientists have recently found that worms and their gut bacteria can collectively degrade plastic.
Plastics in the oceans gain a lot of attention, but what is the effect of plastics on microbial communities in the soil?
micro-bites.org 