Researchers have developed a new type of living plastic that uses engineered bacteria to break itself down completely within six days, offering a potential alternative to conventional plastics that persist in the environment. The material contains dormant Bacillus subtilis spores that become active when triggered, producing enzymes that degrade the plastic into its basic building blocks without generating microplastics. Tests showed the material remained durable during use before rapidly decomposing after activation. The technology could help reduce single-use plastic waste and may eventually be adapted for a wider range of plastic products, although further research is needed before large-scale applications become possible.
