Biodegradable ‘living plastic’ houses bacterial spores that help it break down

Credit: David Baillot/UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering

A biodegradable "living plastic" is made by combining thermoplastic polyurethane pellets (left) and Bacillus subtilis spores (right) that have been engineered to survive the high temperatures used to produce the plastic.

« Biodegradable ‘living plastic’ houses bacterial spores that help it break down

Credit: David Baillot/UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering

Strips of plain TPU (top) and "living" TPU (bottom) at different stages of decomposition over five months of being in compost.

« Biodegradable ‘living plastic’ houses bacterial spores that help it break down

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