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3D-printed cookies made from upcycled plastic, etc. A Nasa-funded project uses yeasts to turn plastics and other waste into edible proteins, fats and flavorings. (www.theguardian.com)
submitted 4 days ago by to c/chapotraphouse@hexbear.net
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[–] 19 points 4 days ago (1 child)

what would happen if the plastic-digesting microbes escaped into the world

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  • [–] 12 points 3 days ago (2 children)

    This is the unstated goal of everyone working with these microbes. Plastic biodegradation through microbiota.

    When it happens, it's not going to be a problem for things like your vacuum cleaner or phone case but it will mean that plastics in landfills or lost at the bottom of a gorge will break down.

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  • [–] 9 points 3 days ago* (1 child)

    What about all the plastic in my body?! This micro biota you speak off can pry it out of my cold, dead flesh. It's not much but this plastic is MINE.

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  • [–] 4 points 3 days ago* (1 child)

    yeah i know, i'd be mostly concerned about sensitive stuff like medical equipment

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  • [–] 3 points 3 days ago

    There are two main types of plastic-eating microbes. One consumes polyolefin plastics like Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). The other consumes polyester plastics like polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

    They're mutually exclusive, so at least there's that? Durable medical equipment isn't going to be impacted very strongly, but it might necessitate seal integrity indicators for disposable and sealed-sterile equipment.

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