How does biotechnology contribute to the production of biodegradable plastics?

Biotechnology contributes to the production of biodegradable plastics by using microorganisms or genetically modified plants to synthesise polymers.

Biotechnology plays a significant role in the production of biodegradable plastics, offering a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics. The process involves the use of microorganisms, such as bacteria and yeast, or genetically modified plants to synthesise polymers. These polymers are the building blocks of biodegradable plastics.

The most common type of biodegradable plastic produced through biotechnology is polylactic acid (PLA). PLA is derived from the fermentation of plant sugars, usually from corn starch, cassava or sugarcane, by genetically modified bacteria. The bacteria convert the sugars into lactic acid, which is then polymerised to form PLA. This bioplastic is fully biodegradable and compostable, breaking down into water and carbon dioxide under the right conditions.

Another type of biodegradable plastic produced using biotechnology is polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). PHAs are produced by certain bacteria as a form of energy storage when they are in nutrient-rich but carbon-limited conditions. Biotechnologists can manipulate these conditions to encourage bacteria to produce PHAs, which can then be extracted and processed into biodegradable plastic.

The use of biotechnology in the production of biodegradable plastics has several advantages. Firstly, it reduces our reliance on non-renewable petroleum resources. Secondly, the production process is often less energy-intensive and produces fewer greenhouse gases compared to the production of traditional plastics. Finally, the resulting biodegradable plastics can be composted, reducing the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfill or the environment.

However, there are also challenges associated with the biotechnological production of biodegradable plastics. These include the need for large amounts of plant material, which could compete with food production, and the fact that not all biodegradable plastics break down completely in all environments. Despite these challenges, biotechnology offers a promising approach to producing more sustainable and environmentally friendly plastics.