Genetic Engineered Ideonella Sakaiensis Bacteria: A Solution of the Legendary Plastic Waste Problem

Abstract

Plastic waste has been known as the most unsolved environmental problem in this world. Instead of what have been expected, the amount of plastic waste is increasing significantly in years. Nowadays, 6.3 billion metric tons of plastic waste is produced and if present trends continue, there will be 12 billion metric tons of plastic in landfills by 2050. Due to the fact, an effective and environmental friendly solution is urgently needed. The ability of Ideonella sakaiensis bacteria to consume polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the main material of plastic, in only 6 weeks becomes a great potential to solve this problem. These bacteria need to consume PET for their metabolism and they can produce safety secretes from it as well. Nevertheless, the habitat of these bacteria is very limited. With technology of genetic engineering, the genes of Ideonella sakaiensis can be modified with Azotobacter sp.’s genes that make them survive in areas that usually have much plastic waste, such as soil and water. This combination is expected to optimize the ability of Ideonella sakaiensis as it breaks down the limitation of where the bacteria can survive. As a result, the problem of plastic waste can be solved effectively without damaging the environment and automatically form a sustainability in nature and life.