Ideonella sakaiensis
| Ideonella sakaiensis | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Bacteria |
| Phylum: | Proteobacteria |
| Class: | Betaproteobacteria |
| Order: | Burkholderiales |
| Family: | Comamonadaceae |
| Genus: | Ideonella |
| Species: | I. sakaiensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Ideonella sakaiensis Yoshida et al. 2016, sp. nov.[1] | |
Ideonella sakaiensis is a bacterium from the genus Ideonella and family Comamonadaceae capable of breaking down PET plastic which was isolated from outside a plastic bottle recycling facility.[1]
Discovery
Ideonella sakaiensis was identified 2016 by a team of researchers from Kyoto Institute of Technology and Keio University, after collecting samples of PET debris in a search for bacteria which relied on the plastic for carbon growth. The bacterium was observed to utilize two distinct enzymes that reacted with water to break down PET plastics into terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol, substances which on their own pose no threat to the environment.[2][2]
Impact
The discovery of Ideonella sakaiensis has potential importance for the recycling process of PET plastics. Prior to its discovery, the only known consumers of PET were a small number of fungi including Pestalotiopsis microspora, and knowledge of the new species has spurred discussion about biodegradation as a method of recycling.[3] The bacterium can currently break down a thin film of PET in a little over six weeks, so it is thought that any prospective applications in mass recycling programs will have to be preceded by enhancement of its abilities through genetic modification.[4]
References
- 1 2 Yoshida, S.; Hiraga, K.; Takehana, T.; Taniguchi, I.; Yamaji, H.; Maeda, Y.; Toyohara, K.; Miyamoto, K.; Kimura, Y.; Oda, K. (10 March 2016). "A bacterium that degrades and assimilates poly(ethylene terephthalate)". Science 351 (6278): 1196–1199. doi:10.1126/science.aad6359.
- 1 2 "Ideonella sakaiensis: Newly-Discovered Bacterium Can Break Down, Metabolize Plastic | Biology | Sci-News.com". www.sci-news.com. Retrieved 2016-03-18.
- ↑ "Plastic-eating bug could clean up the planet". Mail Online. Retrieved 2016-03-18.
- ↑ Coghlan, Andy. "Bacteria found to eat PET plastics could help do the recycling". New Scientist. Retrieved 2016-03-18.