Whatâs new â Cow guts, like our own, are teeming with microbes like bacteria, fungi, and other microbes.
The researchers speculate that because the cowâs gut breaks down natural plant polyesters, the rumen flora could probably do the same for polyesters found in plastic materials.
The team thus tested how well cow rumen could degrade or break down three common polyester materials found in plastic:.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) â A lightweight plastic that is found in many common types of packaging, including water bottles.
As it turns out, cow rumen and its arsenal of bacteria are very good at breaking down plastic in a sustainable way.
The researchers write that âfuture studies should aim at identification and cultivation of the microbes and enzymesâ that can break down plastic.
Abstract: Microorganisms, like bacteria and fungi, are becoming an emerging resource for the development of eco sustainable plastic degradation and recycling processes. »