Ideonella sakaiensis
| Ideonella sakaiensis | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Bacteria |
| Phylum: | Proteobacteria |
| Class: | Betaproteobacteria |
| Order: | Burkholderiales |
| Family: | Comamonadaceae |
| Genus: | Ideonella |
| Species: | I. dechloratans |
| Binomial name | |
| Ideonella sakaiensis or Ideonella dechloratans Yoshida et al. 2016, sp. nov.[1] | |
Ideonella sakaiensis or Ideonellla dechloratans is a bacterium from the genus Ideonella and family Comamonadaceae capable of breaking down PET plastic which was isolated from outside a plastic bottle recycling facility.[1]
Discovery
Ideonella sakaiensis was identified in 2016 by a team of researchers from Kyoto Institute of Technology and Keio University, after collecting samples of PET debris in a search for bacteria which relied on the plastic for carbon growth. The bacterium was observed to utilize two distinct enzymes that reacted with water to break down PET plastics into terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol, substances which on their own pose no threat to the environment.[2]
Impact
The discovery of Ideonella sakaiensis has potential importance for the recycling process of PET plastics. Prior to its discovery, the only known consumers of PET were a small number of fungi including Pestalotiopsis microspora, and knowledge of the new species has spurred discussion about biodegradation as a method of recycling.[3] The bacterium can currently break down a thin film of PET in a little over six weeks, so it is thought that any prospective applications in mass recycling programs will have to be preceded by enhancement of its abilities through genetic modification.[4]
Characterization
I. sakaiensis is Gram-negative, aerobic, and rod-shaped. The individual cells of the organism are motile and have a single flagellum. I. sakaiensis is tests positive for oxidase and catalase.[5]
Morphology
Colonies of I. sakaiensis are colorless, smooth, and circular.[5]
References
- 1 2 Yoshida, S.; Hiraga, K.; Takehana, T.; Taniguchi, I.; Yamaji, H.; Maeda, Y.; Toyohara, K.; Miyamoto, K.; Kimura, Y.; Oda, K. (10 March 2016). "A bacterium that degrades and assimilates poly(ethylene terephthalate)". Science. 351 (6278): 1196–1199. doi:10.1126/science.aad6359.
- ↑ "Ideonella sakaiensis: Newly-Discovered Bacterium Can Break Down, Metabolize Plastic | Biology | Sci-News.com". www.sci-news.com. Retrieved 2016-03-18.
- ↑ "Plastic-eating bug could clean up the planet". Mail Online. Retrieved 2016-03-18.
- ↑ Coghlan, Andy. "Bacteria found to eat PET plastics could help do the recycling". New Scientist. Retrieved 2016-03-18.
- 1 2 Somboon Tanasupawat; Toshihiko Takehana; Shosuke Yoshida; Kazumi Hiraga; Kohei Oda (1 August 2016). "Ideonella sakaiensis sp. nov., isolated from a microbial consortium that degrades poly(ethlyene terephthalate)". International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 66 (8). doi:10.1099/ijsem.0.001058. Archived from the original on 2 December 2016. Retrieved 2 December 2016.