19 May 14:50
Scientists from the Krasnoyarsk Scientific Center of the SB RAS and the Siberian Federal University have isolated a new strain of bacteria that can process fatty waste from fish processing into biodegradable plastic and protein.
We are talking about the bacterium Cupriavidus necator B-15081. In her experiments, she used fat from the waste of commercial fish, including mackerel and sprat. As a result, the bacterium accumulated valuable bioplastic inside the cells and produced protein.
This approach can help in two directions at once. On the one hand, fish waste can be reused rather than sent to landfills. On the other hand, they can be used to obtain raw materials for environmentally friendly plastics and feed protein.
According to the leader of the work, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor Tatiana Volova, the new strain processed more than 80% of the offered fat. This makes the technology promising for industrial use.
“The production of such protein is important due to the growing population of the planet. It allows you to obtain protein without expanding arable land and without wasting huge amounts of water, as happens in traditional agriculture. It is important that waste is used as food for bacteria. This is a way to reduce raw material costs, as well as solve environmental problems associated with waste reduction and the transition to a circular economy,” said Tatiana Volova.
The resulting bioplastic can biodegrade in nature, unlike conventional plastic. And in the future the protein can be used in feed for farm animals and fish.
The research results were published in the scientific journal Polymer Journal. The work was supported by the Russian Science Foundation.
Related links:
- In the Krasnoyarsk Territory, the training of students in exact and natural sciences will be strengthened
- A technology development center for spacecraft will be created in Krasnoyarsk
