Turning waste into wealth – and more
18 Dec 2024
Researchers use bacteria to convert plastic waste into human therapeutics, including insulin
Manchester researchers have developed a pioneering process using engineered bacteria to transform complex mixed waste into sustainable biopolymers including human therapeutics such as insulin, and bioplastics.
The new study from the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology describes a novel biological method to convert mixed municipal waste-like fractions – including food scraps, plastics, and textiles – into valuable bio-products. This new approach could significantly reduce waste sent to landfills and cut greenhouse gas emissions.
Led by Dr Neil Dixon, the team utilised the bacterium Pseudomonas putida, renowned for its resilience and adaptability, to process complex waste streams into bioplastics and even therapeutic proteins. This research offers a promising pathway toward achieving a circular economy, where waste is reused and repurposed rather than discarded.
Reader in Sustainable Biotechnology, Neil explains: “Municipal waste is incredibly diverse, from plastics to paper to food scraps, its composition changes depending on geography and season. Our process uses enzymes to break down these materials into basic building blocks, which bacteria can then convert into useful products.”
You can get the full, fascinating story – how the team are turning waste into wealth, tackling pollution and looking ahead to more real world applications that will help work towards a global circular economy – at: