Chemo-Biotechnological Conversion of Polystyrene To Biodegradable Thermoplastic

Filed in archive Diagnostics, Methodologies and Instrumentation , Energy, Environment and Ecology , Microbiology on February 24, 2006

This entry is submitted by Gloria Gamat, via Creative Reporter.Polystyrene foam, commonly known as Styrofoam is what disposable cups, plates and utensils are made of these days. This material however is a ubiquitous, not environmentally friendly and difficult-to-recycle kind of waste.

In a study conducted at University College Dublin, Dr. Kevin O'Connor and colleagues found some microbes, a special strain of the soil bacterium Pseudomonas putida, which plays a pivotal role in converting polystyrene foam to biodegradable plastic. The study was published in the Feb 15 issue of Environmental Science & Technology.

O'Connor and his colleagues from Ireland and Germany, utilized pyrolysis, a process that transforms materials by heating them in the absence of oxygen, to convert polystyrene - the key component of many disposable products - into styrene oil. The researchers then supplied this oil to P. putida, a bacterium that can feed on styrene, which converted the oil into a biodegradable plastic known as PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates). The process might also be used to convert other types of discarded plastics into PHA, according to O'Connor.

PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates) is a biodegradable plastic resistant to hot liquids, greases and oils. It has numerous uses in medicine and can also be used to make plastic kitchenware, packaging film and other disposable items.

[Ed: You might also want to see a previous entry on commercial production of biodegradable plastic.]

Source: EurekALertAbout Gloria Gamat: Gloria is a Chemist and a single mom. Gloria also blogs about motherhood at EMothersOnline and about life and travel in the Philippines at The Philippine Culture Blog and at Pinoy Travel Blog respectively.