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How can genetically modified bacteria be used to make biodegradable plastics?

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Rows of genetically modified barley plants grow in an outdoor test plot in Germany, with a yellow marker labeled 3 and protective netting overhead. — genetically modified organism Genetically modified crops are assessed for their impact on environmental factors such as soil quality.

Genetically modified (GM) bacteria are used to produce biodegradable plastics by leveraging their natural metabolic processes to synthesize polymers from renewable resources.

Certain bacteria naturally produce compounds like polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) or polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) as energy storage molecules. Through recombinant DNA technology, scientists can transfer or enhance these genetic pathways in microbes that are easier to cultivate in laboratory settings.12

For example, the GM bacterium Ralstonia eutropha has been utilized to convert glucose and various organic acids into flexible polymers like Biopol (a type of PHA). These microbially produced plastics are highly desirable because they are biodegradable; their chemical links can be broken down by microorganisms or water, unlike traditional petroleum-based plastics.21

While commercial production currently faces challenges regarding cost and yield, ongoing advancements in metabolic and genetic engineering aim to improve the efficiency of these processes, offering a more sustainable alternative to conventional plastic manufacturing.12