How are bacteria used in the production of bioplastics?

Bacteria are used in the production of bioplastics by converting organic materials into polymers through fermentation processes.

In more detail, the production of bioplastics involves the use of bacteria as a biological catalyst to transform organic materials into polymers. This process is known as fermentation. The organic materials used are typically renewable resources such as plant-based materials, including corn starch, sugarcane, and cellulose.

The bacteria used in this process are often genetically modified to optimise their ability to produce the desired polymers. The bacteria consume the organic material and, through their metabolic processes, convert it into a polymer. This polymer is then extracted and processed to form bioplastic.

One common type of bioplastic produced using bacteria is Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). PHAs are produced by many bacteria as a form of energy storage and can be harvested and processed into a plastic that is both biodegradable and biocompatible.

Another type of bioplastic produced using bacteria is Polylactic Acid (PLA). PLA is produced by fermenting plant sugars with the bacterium Lactobacillus. The resulting lactic acid is then polymerised to form PLA, a biodegradable plastic that is commonly used in packaging and disposable cutlery.

The use of bacteria in the production of bioplastics is a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics. It reduces the reliance on fossil fuels and results in products that are biodegradable, reducing the impact on the environment.