Northwestern University-led study finds how bacterium could help recycle plastic and lignin

February 14, 2023 |

In Illinois, a common environmental bacterium, Comamonas testosteroni, could someday become nature’s plastic recycling center. While most bacteria prefer to eat sugars, C. testosteroni, instead, has a natural appetite for complex waste from plants and plastics.

In a new Northwestern University-led study, researchers have, for the first time, deciphered the metabolic mechanisms that enable C. testosteroni to digest the seemingly undigestible. This new information could potentially lead to novel biotechnology platforms that harness the bacteria to help recycle plastic waste.

Comamonas species are found nearly everywhere — including in soils and sewage sludge. C. testosteroni first caught researchers’ attention with its natural ability to digest synthetic laundry detergents. After further analysis, scientists discovered that this natural bacterium also breaks down compounds from plastic and lignin (fibrous, woody waste from plants).

Category: Research

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