A research team with Portuguese participation managed to develop an enzyme capable of degrading plastic. This enzyme was discovered in a bacterium found in organic compost samples collected in Denmark.
The enzyme in question is capable of devouring plastic materials, offering a potential solution to the plastic pollution problem that affects the global environment. The research work involved scientists from various institutions, including Portuguese collaborators.
The originating bacterium was identified in Danish biological samples, which suggests that microorganisms present in nature may have natural mechanisms to deal with the accumulation of plastic waste. This discovery represents a significant advance in the field of environmental biotechnology.
The development of this enzyme opens doors to new strategies for plastic treatment and recycling, potentially contributing to reducing the environmental impact of plastic waste worldwide.
