Innovative Plastic Engineering Inspired by DNA for Environmental Solutions

Chemists at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, led by Yuwei Gu, have developed a groundbreaking method for engineering plastics that can be programmed to break down in days, months, or years.

This innovative approach is inspired by natural polymers like DNA and RNA, which decompose efficiently in the environment. According to New Scientist, this new technique is a response to the alarming statistic that over a quarter of a billion tonnes of plastic were discarded globally in 2022, with only 14 percent recycled, while the rest was incinerated or landfilled.

Gu's research focuses on replicating the chemical structures known as neighbouring groups found in natural polymers, which facilitate deconstruction through internal reactions called nucleophilic attacks.

By integrating these artificial structures into new plastics, the team has succeeded in creating materials that decompose easily after their intended use. Gu's team discovered that by altering the chemical structure of these additives, they could fine-tune the degradation period of the plastics, making them suitable for short-lived consumer products like food packaging.

However, significant challenges remain before these biodegradable plastics can be commercially viable. The remnants of the decomposition process, described as a 'soup of parts,' must be tested to ensure they are non-toxic and safe for the environment.

Currently, the degradation process requires ultraviolet light, although the researchers note that ambient sunlight can initiate it. Until solutions are found to enable breakdown in the dark, plastics buried or covered could persist in the environment for extended periods.

Overall, this research represents a significant advancement in the intersection of biotechnology and environmental science, offering hope for effective solutions to the ongoing plastic pollution crisis.