Bacteria rapidly produces biodegradable plastic from methane

Researchers have discovered a bacteria called Methylocystis suflitae that can produce biodegradable plastic quickly. This plastic, called polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), is made using methane. Methylocystis suflitae is a type of methanotroph, meaning it uses methane for growth. Scientists analyzed its genome and found four important genes that help in producing PHA synthase, an enzyme needed for making plastic. Using advanced techniques, the researchers modeled how these enzymes interact with different molecules. They found that two molecules, hydroxybutyrate and hydroxydodecanoate, bind most effectively to the enzymes. The study results were published in the journal Systems Microbiology and Biomanufacturing. They found strong evidence of plastic production by checking the FTIR spectrum, which showed a specific peak indicating the presence of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). This research has promising implications for climate and sustainability.