Researchers at Kobe University, Japan, have made a significant breakthrough in the development of eco-friendly plastics. Their approach involves modifying a plant-based bioplastic, polylactic acid (PLA), to address its limitations.
PLA, derived from renewable resources like plants, offers a greener alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics. However, PLA can be brittle and lacks the complete biodegradability desired for certain applications, particularly in marine environments.
To overcome these challenges, the research team, led by Dr. Seiichi Taguchi, focused on a different bioplastic called LAHB. LAHB possesses excellent biodegradability but is currently difficult and expensive to produce in large quantities.
The team’s ingenuity lies in utilizing engineered bacteria. By manipulating the bacteria’s genome, they successfully created a “bacterial plastic factory” capable of efficiently producing high volumes of LAHB using readily available glucose as a feedstock.
Furthermore, the researchers discovered that by controlling the bacteria’s genetic modifications, they could tailor the length of the LAHB molecules. Longer LAHB chains resulted in a stronger final plastic product.
The most exciting outcome involves combining this specially engineered LAHB with PLA. This innovative blend offers a remarkable combination of properties such as enhanced processability, increased strength and rapid biodegradation – this bioplastic blend breaks down completely within a week even in seawater, addressing a critical environmental concern.
Dr. Taguchi emphasizes the potential of this research: “By blending PLA with engineered LAHB, we can address the multiple shortcomings of PLA in one step. This modified material holds immense promise as a truly sustainable bioplastic that fulfills the often-conflicting demands of both durability and biodegradability.”
This development represents a significant step towards a more sustainable future for plastic production, potentially paving the way for eco-friendly alternatives across various applications.
