Polyethylene makes up 30% of all plastic production and constitutes a large part of global pollution.
Scientists have discovered that waxworm saliva quickly degrades plastic bags. Its enzymes break down polyethylene within hours at room temperature and can transform waste recycling.
Wax worms are moth larvae that become parasites in hives. This process can lead to cost-effective ways to recycle plastic.
The discovery was made after a novice beekeeper cleaned out an infested hive and found that the larvae had begun eating holes in a plastic trash bag.
The researchers said the study showed that insect saliva can be a reservoir of putrefactive enzymes that can transform.
Enzymes can be easily synthesized and overcome the bottleneck in plastic degradation, which is the initial degradation of polymer chains. This usually requires high heat, but enzymes work at normal temperatures, in water and at neutral pH.
“My hives were infested with wax worms so I started cleaning them by putting the worms in a plastic bag. Later I noticed a lot of holes and we found out that it wasn’t just chewing, it’s chemical decay, so that’s the beginning of the story.” , said Dr. Federica Bertocchini from the Center for Biological Research in Madrid.
In addition to large-scale recycling plants, scientists say it may one day be possible to install kits in homes to turn plastic bags into useful products. Other scientists are currently investigating beetle and butterfly larvae for their ability to eat plastic.
Remember that early Japanese scientists discovered bacteria that could absorb plastic. Experts believe that in the future they can be used for the disposal of plastic waste.
Find a way to recycle any type of plastic
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Source: korrespondent
