Pestalotiopsis microspora, the fungus that eats plastic

Discovered in 2011 by Yale researchers, Pestalotiopsis microspora is a fungus capable of digesting plastic of the polyurethane type, even in the absence of oxygen. Meanwhile, This exceptional property makes it a potential ally in the fight against global plastic pollution. Nevertheless, A natural and promising track for a cleaner future. In addition,

In 2011. Similarly, during a scientific expedition to the Ecuadorian Amazon forest, students from the University of Yale discovered a surprising fungus to say the least. Furthermore, Hidden in the tissues of certain plants from Yasuní National Park. However, Pestalotiopsis Microspora has revealed a unique capacity: it is able to break down a very common plastic, polyurethane, even in the total absence of oxygen.

This discovery, although little known to the general public, immediately attracted the attention of biologists and environmentalists. Consequently, For what? Therefore, Because polyurethane. Furthermore, pestalotiopsis microspora, fungus eats plastic used in many everyday objects – insulating foams, shoe soles, car parts, mattresses, paintings or adhesives – is a non -biodegradable plastic. Moreover, He can persist for hundreds of years in nature, especially in discharges, where he accumulates without ever breaking down. Finding an organism capable of food potentially changes the situation in the fight against plastic pollution.

A unique digestive power

The secret of this fungus lies in its metabolism. Pestalotiopsis microspora produces specific enzymes – including a certain hydrolase – capable of breaking the chemical bonds of polyurethane. Once these links are broken. plastic is transformed into simpler molecules than the fungus can assimilate as a source of carbon and energy.

Even more impressive, he can accomplish this task in an anaerobic environment, that is to say without oxygen. This makes it particularly useful for the deep areas of discharges. industrial sludge or buried environments, pestalotiopsis microspora, fungus eats plastic where oxygen is rare or absent – there precisely where plastic waste stagnates the longest.

For Yale researchers, this biological ability immediately mentioned potential bioremediation applications. By introducing this type of fungus into polluted environments. we could accelerate the degradation of plastics and thus reduce their impact on soils and water tables.

But the Amazonian fungus is not an isolated case. Other fungal species also have degradation capacities of plastics. Aspergillus Tubingensis, for example, was able to fragment the polyester in a few weeks. The whining. a edible fungus, is used in artistic and scientific experiences where it degrades plastic films previously exposed to UV.

However. Pestalotiopsis microspora remains to date the only known fungus capable of degrading polyurethane without oxygen, which gives it a step ahead of its cousins.

Promises. limits

This discovery opens the way to new types of waste treatment, more natural pestalotiopsis microspora, fungus eats plastic and potentially less expensive than current industrial methods. Instead of incinerating waste or piling up, why not compost it biologically using organisms like Pestalotiopsis microspora?

However, several obstacles still slow down its large -scale exploitation.

First. the tests carried out in the laboratory are still very far from the real conditions of a discharge or a treatment station. To operate effectively, the fungus needs specific conditions: humidity, temperature, pH … parameters that are difficult to control outdoors or in polluted environments.

Then, this fungus feeds exclusively with polyurethane. However, plastic waste is extremely diverse: polyethylene, polystyrene, PVC, PET … each requiring specific treatment. To date, it does not exist of “universal” fungus capable of digesting all plastics.

Finally, the use of exotic microorganisms is not without ecological risks. Introduce pestalotiopsis microspora into an environment where it does not naturally exist could cause imbalances, even pestalotiopsis microspora, fungus eats plastic become invasive. One solution would be to produce your enzymes in vitro or to code its action in confined bioreactors.

A natural track for tomorrow

Despite these limits. Pestalotiopsis microspora represents a promising path in the search for ecological solutions to the plastic crisis. His discovery also reminds us of the importance of tropical biodiversity, still largely unexplored, and the immense potential it conceals.

Each year, more than 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced worldwide. Less than 10% are recycled. The rest is cremated, buried or abandoned in the wild. If reduction at source. recycling remain priorities, the exploitation of natural microorganisms could become a complementary, efficient, durable, and energy lever.

Provided you invest in research. test these solutions on a larger scale, and not see a magic wand in the fungus, but a tool among others to build a less plastic world.

Main pestalotiopsis microspora, fungus eats plastic sources: Yale Alumni Magazine, Futura Sciences, Treehugger, Earth.org, La Dépêche, Lamycosphere, Sciencepost