Tyrolean discovery: microbes revolutionize bioplasty from waste!
Tyrolean discovery: microbes revolutionize bioplasty from waste!
Innsbruck, Österreich - dealing with plastic waste and the need for sustainable alternatives are becoming more and more urgent. A newly discovered microorganism in Tyrol could make a significant contribution to the production of biodegradable plastic. The microbiologist Mira Mutschlechner and her team at the MCI (Management Center Innsbruck) work on research on this promising organism, which produces biodegradable plastic from food waste. According to Top Tirol , this discovery could contribute to solving a global problem, since plastic production is expected to increase three times and plastics are often difficult to break down, which leads to microplasty loads.
The microorganism, known as thermoactinomyces mirandus , has the potential to act as a biofabrik. Mutschlechner and their colleagues combine this organism with producers of polyhydroxy butter acid (phb), a biodegradable plastic that can be broken down within a few weeks to months. While PHB is still expensive and energy -intensive in production these days, the combination with Mirandus in a reactor could offer a more cost -efficient and more efficient solution.
focus on hydrogen production
In parallel to bioplasty research, another project for sustainable hydrogen production was initiated at the MCI. The project called "Biocubed" is carried out together with Spiegltec GmbH and aims to win hydrogen from organic biomass. Funded by the state of Tyrol, the focus is on the dark fermentation, which uses both bio -waste and lactose -containing biomass. Mutschlechner is also part of the interdisciplinary project team, which focuses on optimizing production conditions and its industrial applicability. The first tests for hydrogen production have already been successful, such as MciBoth research projects pursue the goal of significantly reducing the climate impact by using renewable raw materials and promoting the circular economy. These procedures could not only contribute to reducing waste, but also offer economic advantages for the regional and national economy.
meaning of recycling and circular economy
The approaches to the production of bioplasty and hydrogen are in the context of superordinate climatic challenges. A study by the eco-institute shows that chemical recycling of plastics, especially through pyrolysis, is far more environmentally harmful than originally assumed. This alternative produces significantly higher CO2 emissions compared to mechanical recycling. eunomia therefore recommends that the mechanical recycling to be promoted and legally preferred to lower emissions.
Through the synergistic combination of living microorganisms, innovative processes and increased focus on recycling, local locations such as Tyrol can become pioneers in research and development of more environmentally friendly solutions. It remains to be seen to what extent these projects make concrete progress and can contribute to the reduction of global plastic problems.
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| Ort | Innsbruck, Österreich |
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