![]() ![]() "The breakdown products from this reaction can then be used by other microbes to create high-value compounds such as bioplastics," Dr Rinke said. ![]() Plastic would then be mechanically shredded, before being treated with the enzyme, said the research published in Microbial Genomics. Instead, scientists hope to identify which enzyme is the most effective so it can be reproduced at scale for recycling. Both are common in takeaway containers and other items such as insulation and car parts.īut the research is unlikely to lead to massive worm farms that double as recycling plants. The team found several enzymes in the superworm's gut have the ability to degrade polystyrene and styrene. The batch that ate polystyrene even put on weight. The University of Queensland team fed three groups of superworms different diets over three weeks. "Superworms are like mini recycling plants, shredding the polystyrene with their mouths and then feeding it to the bacteria in their gut," Dr Chris Rinke said. That could be significant for advancements in recycling, says one of the study's authors. They believe the beetle larvae digest the plastic through a gut enzyme. Photo: University of QueenslandĪustralian scientists have found the Zophobas morio - commonly known as a superworm - can survive on a diet of polystyrene. Scientists hope the discovery of a 'superworm' gut enzyme can transform plastic recycling.
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