Researchers at Monash University have found a way to make flexible, customizable bioplastic films using natural materials produced by soil microbes. These bioplastics, called PHAs, can behave like regular plastics but are also biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
The scientists used different types of bacteria to produce these plastics. By choosing specific bacterial strains and mixing their biopolymers, they created films that can be shaped and molded like conventional plastics. The bacteria were fed a special diet of sugars and nutrients, which made them produce the plastics inside their cells.
Once the bacteria stored the plastics, the scientists extracted and processed them into very thin films, only about 20 microns thick. They then tested the films for properties like stretchiness, strength, and how they melt.
According to lead researcher Edward Attenborough, this work shows how food waste can be turned into sustainable, compostable films that can be customized for different uses. These natural plastics could replace many everyday materials without harming the environment.
Attenborough added that by adjusting the mix of bacteria and materials, the team can create bioplastic with different properties. This makes it possible to develop eco-friendly packaging that can be composted along with food or agricultural waste.
The study compared a stiff plastic made from one bacteria with a softer, more flexible version from another. Blending these allowed the scientists to control qualities like hardness and melting point while keeping the material strong and flexible.
The team is working with industry partners to develop biodegradable packaging and medical products. Their goal is to create environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional plastics that can be used in everyday life.
