Bacteria Recycle Nylon Waste

Scientists in Germany have engineered a bacterium, Pseudomonas putida, to break down nylon waste into valuable products. This breakthrough could significantly improve nylon recycling rates, currently less than 5%. The bacterium, modified through genetic engineering and laboratory evolution, can metabolize a mixture of nylon building blocks, converting them into biopolyesters. This process offers a solution to the challenges of traditional recycling methods, which often require pure nylon waste or result in incomplete breakdown. The research, conducted by the Institute of Bio- and Geosciences - Biotechnology at Forschungszentrum Jülich in collaboration with Novonesis, is part of the European project Glaukos, which aims to make the life cycle of clothing and fishing gear more sustainable.