A wax worm eats plastic.
Strangely, the bag was now full of holes.
Researchers who published their findings inNature Communicationstrumpeted this exciting development which may contribute to solving the plastic waste problem.
A wax worm eats plastic. (Photo: CSIC Communications Department/PA)
Researchers investigated the phenomenon and discovered 200 proteins in the worms' saliva.
Of these, two enzymes appear to be the agents which break down polyethylene.
Recycling plastic involves breaking polymer chains, a difficult process which usually requires heat.
A wax worm, or Galleria mellonella. (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
However, these worm enzymes work at room temperature and bore holes in plastic bags in only hours.
They are hopeful that the enzymes can be synthesized in affordable, mass-produced ways.
Someday, home kits to disintegrate plastic may also be feasible.
Enzymes in the saliva of the wax worm, scientifically known asGalleria mellonella, break down plastic.
A wax worm, or Galleria mellonella.
