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Water-processable, biodegradable and coatable aquaplastic from engineered…
Water-processable, biodegradable and coatable aquaplastic from engineered biofilms
Problem :no_entry:
Plastic are non-biodegradable
Plastics accumulate
in landfills
in oceans
in waterways
Single-use plastics widespread
Strategies to investigate problem :pen:
Biomanufacturing
Cells engineered to manufacture:
Chemicals
Drugs
Fuels
Synthetic biology
Entitled Engineered Living Materials
Aka ELMs
Biologically directed materials fabrication
Known to:
Bind synthetic surfaces
Catalyze reactions
Sequester chemicals
Link to global issues :silhouettes:
Pollution kills animals
Ingest microplastics
Endangered
Landfills take up space
Less housing
Less agriculture
More trash = more land
Potential solutions :check:
Previous solution: PVA :red_cross:
Prevalent water-soluble plastic
Dissolves well
Doesn't biodegrade well
New solution: Aquaplastic : :star:
Microbially derived bioplastic :!!:
E-coli produces hydrogels
Biofilm aquagels
Cells removed
Curli aquagels
Visible bacteria cells
Comparable to petrochemical plastics
Water-processable, robust, templatable
Withstand strong acids and bases
Unique water-processable characteristics
"Aqua-molding"
Water molds plastic
"Aqua-welding"
Water welds plastic together
"Aqua-healing"
Water seals cuts/tears
Formed by casting aquagels
Link to broader systems
Engineering ethics: sustainable development :silhouette:
Less plastic helps
Engineering for environment
Increase common good : :beer_mugs:
Bioplastics can solve problem :recycle:
Compostable/can biodegrade
Microbes decompose it
More natural
Animal safe
Less landfills
Future challenges :warning:
Improving durability
Petrochemical plastics more durable
Isn't water-proof
Adding aquaplastic to market
Change habits
Create products