polylactic-acid-degradation

UManitoba

October 21, 2023
polylactic-acid-degradation, bio-based-device, enzymatic-activity-optimization
bioremediation

UManitoba # PLAnet Zero: A Bio-Based Device for the Degradation of Polylactic Acid # Despite being advertised as a compostable plastic, polylactic acid (PLA) plastic is only effectively degraded under very specific temperature and moisture conditions that are not reached in local commercial composting facilities. As a result, PLA is being diverted to landfills, further amplifying plastic pollution. This year, the UManitoba Prairie iGEM team aims to build a proof-of-concept for a bio-based device that improves the rate of PLA breakdown for application in Manitoban composting facilities. ...