Introducing Microbes

This microbe makes a meal of plastic

Newly identified bacterium decomposes common landfill plastic

PET bottles

The newly identified bacterium Ideonella sakaiensis can break down and eat bits of a polymer called PET, which is used to make plastic bottles like those seen here.

gavran333/iStockphoto

By Sarah Schwartz

- More than 2 years ago

A newly discovered microbe chows down on polluting plastic.

For humans, polyethylene terephthalate, also known as PET, is a stiff, strong plastic fiber that’s the main ingredient in polyester clothing and disposable bottles.