Researchers at The University of Queensland in Australia have discovered a species of larvae that can feed on polystyrene (styrofoam) plastic.
When the larvae of the beetle Zophobas morio only got polystyrene to eat, they not only managed to survive but also gained weight. This means that there is an enzyme in the larvae's stomach that can break down plastic.
The researchers hope to be able to mass-produce that enzyme so that it can break down plastic and act as food for bacteria, which then produce bioplastic. In this way, we could get a completely natural cycle for plastic recycling.
♻️ A new type of plastic is recycled with near-perfect efficiency
Researchers have discovered a method where hard plastic polymer can be broken down and recycled with almost perfect efficiency.
Linn Winge
