The stubborn problem of plastic waste has led to many efforts to use microbes to break down polymers into something reusable. But single strains of microbes often struggle to act on mixed substrates. Sometimes, the products of the breakdown themselves even inhibit microbial growth.
Now, a new study suggests a more cooperative path: a “consortium” of microbes that can divide and conquer the plastic breakdown process. By combining several strains of bacteria, the new research finds, it’s possible to harness the specialization of each and break down plastic more efficiently than with a single strain alone.
▲ Scientists have created a consortium of modified microbes capable of breaking down plastics more efficiently than a single strain alone.
“While there are a few challenges to address, we believe that biobased upcycling holds tremendous potential for large-scale, commercial use and...
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