Plastic waste in our oceans is a significant problem, but some bacteria might offer a solution. Did you know that certain bacteria can break down plastic?
Plastic pollution affects wildlife and can even enter our food and water. As plastic production increases, finding better ways to manage this material is essential.
Current recycling methods are not very efficient. Most plastic ends up in landfills or the environment after just one use, and it can take centuries to degrade.
Researchers are investigating plastic-degrading microbes and enzymes that could improve recycling. These microbes can break plastic into its original building blocks, allowing for more effective recycling.
Join me as I talk with Angie Beckett, a researcher at the University of Portsmouth, about the potential of plastic-degrading microbes to enhance recycling and reduce plastic pollution.
In this episode, we will explore:
- The discovery of plastic-eating bacteria
- How microbes break plastic down and their potential for large-scale use
- Challenges in finding and engineering efficient plastic degraders
- Using portable DNA sequencing to discover new microbial solutions
- The importance of collaboration in applying microbiology to real-world problems
- At-home microbiology activity: Find Plastic-Degrading Bacteria via Sequencing Simulation
Listen to my episode with Angie Beckett
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Links & Resources
- Articles based on this episode:
- The superpowers of bacteria: Dr. Sarah Wettstadt (BacterialWorld)
- Algae in Nature and Biotechnology: Dr. Kyle Lauersen
- Sustainability Through Biodegradation: Jhonatan Hernandez Valdes
- A Review of Cross-Disciplinary Approaches for the Identification of Novel Industrially Relevant Plastic-Degrading Enzymes
- Recent article in The Guardian on plastic-eating bacteria and enzyme recycling waste
- YouTube video by the University of Portsmouth explaining the process of breaking down plastic into its building blocks.
- University of Portsmouth Centre for Enzyme Innovation
Connect with Angie Beckett
Angie Beckett is a Specialist Research Technician working in the Discovery team of the Centre for Enzyme Innovation at the University of Portsmouth. Her research focuses on discovering novel enzymes, with plastic degrading capabilities, from environmental microorganisms. During the pandemic, Angie helped establish and maintain the South Coast COG-UK sequencing hub, whereby 20,000 SARS-CoV-2 samples were tested across the South of England to track and monitor COVID transmission. Prior to this academic position, Angie worked for five years in industry, developing point-of-care viral diagnostic assays and specialised vaccines. Angie holds a Master’s in Biomedical Science, specialising in medical microbiology, and a BSc in Biology. She regularly participates in public outreach events, with a particular focus on encouraging and supporting women in STEM.
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