A bacterium found in the sea can degrade a plastic that otherwise resists microbial breakdown in marine environments.
A bacterium that can degrade the common polymer polybutylene succinate , which naturally biodegrades to only a limited extent in marine environments, could lead to improved ways to recycle this polymer. The bacterium's potential, and its enzyme molecule that breaks down PBS, was discovered by researchers at Hokkaido University, working with colleagues at the Mitsubishi Chemical Group in Japan.
As only a small number of marine microorganisms able to biodegrade PBS had been discovered previously, Sawabe and his colleagues set out to try to find others and with better activity. The availability of the purified enzyme also allowed the researchers to examine its structure, with simulations suggesting it was closely related to a different enzyme known to degrade another common polymer: polyethylene terephthalate .
This research is part of wider efforts to address the complexity of biodegradable polymer technologies caused by their differing biodegradability on land and in the sea. By learning more about what controls biodegradability in different environments, scientists will hopefully develop polymers that are best suited to the environments they are used in, and those that they may end up in after use.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Breguet Adds Tourbillon Watches to Its Sporty Marine CollectionBreguet’s new Marine Tourbillon watch is available in stylish rose gold and platinum cases.
Read more »
Enzyme molecule in marine bacteria degrades plastic polymerA bacterium that can degrade the common polymer polybutylene succinate (PBS), which naturally biodegrades only to a limited extent in marine environments, could lead to improved ways to recycle this polymer.
Read more »
City-size comet racing toward Earth regrows 'horns' after massive volcanic eruptionHarry is a U.K.-based staff writer at Live Science. He studied Marine Biology at the University of Exeter (Penryn campus) and after graduating started his own blog site 'Marine Madness,' which he continues to run with other ocean enthusiasts.
Read more »
Elusive Planet Nine could be an alternative form of gravity masquerading as a planet, study claimsHarry is a U.K.-based staff writer at Live Science. He studied Marine Biology at the University of Exeter (Penryn campus) and after graduating started his own blog site 'Marine Madness,' which he continues to run with other ocean enthusiasts.
Read more »
One Piece Episode #1080 Release Date & TimeOne Piece episode 1080 will feature a new threat to Wano as the mysterious marine admiral Ryokugyu arrives at its shores and starts a fight.
Read more »