Sustainable biopolymer recycling and upcycling using microbial and enzymatic processes

Overview

This research-driven solution addresses a critical gap in plastic recycling: the effective separation and valorization of biopolymers such as PLA, PHB, and thermoplastic starch (TPS) that are currently treated as contaminants in recycling streams. The technology combines targeted microbial degradation with mechano-chemical and enzymatic methods to process mixed biopolymer feedstocks, including blends with petroleum-based plastics. A unique value proposition is the upcycling of degradation products into high-value biomaterials, including bacterial nanocellulose and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), turning a waste management problem into a circular bioeconomy opportunity.

Technical specifications

• Targeted microbial strains: A characterized collection of 150 bacterial strains isolated from plastic-polluted sites, with five high-performing candidates (Streptomyces and Bacillus species) selected for biopolymer degradation.
• Validated degradation performance: Demonstrated ability to use PHB and PLA as a sole carbon and energy source, achieving up to 85% degradation of PHB and 70% degradation of PLA within three weeks.
• Multi-method validation: Performance confirmed through agar-based screening, soil burial assays, and liquid culture techniques with CO₂ release analysis, all conducted in triplicate with appropriate controls.
• Pre-treatment integration: Compatibility with UV, microwave, and reactive extrusion pre-treatment techniques to enhance degradation of mixed feedstock.
• Advanced characterization: Analytical validation via FTIR, DSC, SEM, and HPLC to assess degradation efficiency and product quality.
• Upcycling capability: Existing fermentation suite enables conversion of degradation products into bacterial nanocellulose, PHAs, and single-cell proteins.
• Genomic-informed enzyme production: Selected strains produce enzymes with potential activity against petroleum-based polymers, enabling future cross-polymer degradation.

Technology readiness level

The technology is at an advanced laboratory validation stage (TRL 4–5). Individual strain performance on pure biopolymers has been validated through multiple experimental methods, and proof-of-concept upcycling of TPS-PET blend enzymatic treatment into bacterial nanocellulose has been completed. The next phase focuses on validating performance with mixed biopolymer feedstock without pre-treatment, followed by optimization of the upcycling process using experimental design approaches. Full characterization of resulting products' mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties is planned. The solution is ready for collaborative pilot trials and sponsored research partnerships to advance toward commercial-scale validation.