A biodegradable polymer

Scientists at the Centre for Research on Materials in Brno (Czech Republic) have recently developed a “bioplastic” by recycling waste oil from canteens. Bacteria synthesize a polymer from this oil which serves as an energy reserve. This polymer appears to have identical properties to those of plastics, with the added advantage of being biodegradable. The researchers who have managed to produce a small quantity plastic hope that this performance will improve when the process is industrialized. This bioplastic could have numerous applications, including in medical packaging. Worth keeping an eye on!