🐛 Super larvae revel in plastic
An enzyme in the stomach of a larva can break down plastic which can then be used as a basis for new bioplastic.
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Researchers at The University of Queensland in Australia have discovered a species of larvae that can feed on polystyrene (styrofoam) plastic.
When the larvae of the beetle Zophobas morio only got polystyrene to eat, they not only managed to survive but also gained weight. This means that there is an enzyme in the larvae's stomach that can break down plastic.
The researchers hope to be able to mass-produce that enzyme so that it can break down plastic and act as food for bacteria, which then produce bioplastic. In this way, we could get a completely natural cycle for plastic recycling.
Linn Winge
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