Scientists have created a self-destructing plastic with embedded bacteria that activate on command and fully break down the material, addressing environmental pollution, according to infohub.kz.
Researchers from the American Chemical Society have developed a technology for producing 'living plastic.' They embedded dormant spores of Bacillus subtilis bacteria into polycaprolactone, a polymer used in 3D printing and medicine. Under normal conditions, the material retains its strength, but when exposed to a special nutrient solution heated to 50 degrees Celsius, the microorganisms awaken.
A key difference from earlier developments is the use of two enzymes working in tandem. Through their sequential action, the plastic does not merely break into small particles but fully decomposes into basic molecular building blocks, eliminating the formation of hazardous microplastics. In tests, the material disappeared completely in just six days.
To test practical application, the authors made a flexible wearable electrode from the living plastic for electrocardiogram monitoring. The device functioned as intended and then fully dissolved within two weeks. Study leader Zhuojun Dai noted that this work could help embed plastic disposal directly into its life cycle. In the future, scientists aim to enable the bacteria to activate in ordinary water, where most waste ends up.