Plastic-eating microbes are engineered microorganisms, typically bacteria or fungi, that produce and secrete PETase (polyethylene terephthalate) enzymes to break down plastic waste into its constituent monomers.
The rapid accumulation of plastic waste in landfills and oceans poses significant environmental challenges. Plastic-eating microbes offer an innovative solution for breaking down plastics more efficiently than traditional methods.
Through metabolic engineering, these organisms are modified to enhance the production of PETase enzymes. When exposed to plastic waste, the microbes secrete these enzymes directly onto the plastic surface, initiating a chemical reaction that degrades the polymer chains into smaller molecules (monomers).
The manufacturing process involves genetic engineering to introduce or enhance the PETase gene within microorganisms, followed by cultivation under controlled conditions to produce large quantities of these engineered organisms.
Genetic modification is performed using CRISPR-Cas9 or other genome editing tools. The modified microbes are then cultured in bioreactors with appropriate nutrients and growth media to ensure optimal enzyme production.
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