The team conducting the research reside in Japan. And as referenced on page 1, the key id their biochemical tool kit:
Now a team at Kyoto University have, by rummaging around in piles of waste, found a plastic munching microbe. After five years of searching through 250 samples, they isolated a bacteria that could live on poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), a common plastic used in bottles and clothing. They named the new species of bacteria Ideonella sakaiensis.
And apparently related enzymes are already used in a lot of items we interact with everyday:
Manufactured enzymes are already used to great effect in a wide range of everyday items. Biological washing powders contain enzymes that digest fatty stains.
What do you think are they onto something awesome or will this be a dud?
And apparently even some people are discussing plastic eating worms.
Let’s find out more about these worms in the video on the next page
