Chemists found ways to use bacteria to convert CO2 into bioplastic
A new simple hybrid setup allows bacteria to capture CO2 and produce biodegradable plastic for days, boosting output by 100x over previous efforts
Scientific discoveries are critical to avert a climate disaster, especially those that move towards circularity. In the case of CO2, it can be used as a strategy for lowering carbon emissions while solving a question of resource optimisation.
For instance, in BAU (Business As Usual), emissions from plastic production and use could reach 1.34 Gt per year by 2030, growing whilst carbon emissions targets have just been tightened.
In an effort to close the carbon cycle, chemical engineers in Korea have harnessed bacteria to turn carbon dioxide into a biodegradable plastic. It runs on electricity, meaning that renewable sources could contribute to a cost-effective scale up.
Source and an opportunity to find out more:
- Anthropocene Magazine: https://www.anthropocenemagazine.org/2023/03/chemists-use-bacteria-to-convert-co2-in-the-air-into-bioplastic/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=scientists-harness-bacteria-to-make-sustainable-bioplastic