By Abbas Nazil
In a major breakthrough in sustainable plastic production, South Korean researchers have developed an eco-friendly bio-based plastic that mimics the strength of nylon and the versatility of PET.
This new polymer, called poly(ester amide), was created using microorganisms and biomass sources like waste wood and weeds, presenting a viable alternative to petroleum-based plastics.
The research, conducted by Professor Sang Yup Lee’s team at KAIST, in collaboration with the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), was published in Nature Chemical Biology.
The innovative approach involves engineering metabolic pathways that do not naturally exist in microorganisms, enabling them to synthesize nine different poly(ester amide)s, including poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-ran-3-aminopropionate) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-ran-4-aminobutyrate).
The researchers demonstrated industrial-scale feasibility by achieving a high production efficiency of 54.57 g/L through fed-batch fermentation.
The properties of the newly developed polymer were analyzed by KRICT researchers Haemin Jeong and Jihoon Shin, who found that it exhibits characteristics similar to high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
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This means that the bio-based plastic is not only sustainable but also strong and durable enough to replace conventional plastics in multiple applications.
Professor Lee emphasized that this is the first demonstration of poly(ester amide)s being produced through a renewable bio-based chemical process rather than petroleum-based synthesis.
He noted that the study opens possibilities for the biosynthesis of other polymer types and that future research will focus on improving production yield and efficiency.
This achievement builds on KAIST’s previous advances in sustainable plastics.
Last year, the institute successfully developed a biodegradable microbial-based plastic as a potential substitute for PET bottles.
The team enhanced the production of protocatechuic acid, a key precursor, by applying metabolic engineering to Corynebacterium glutamicum while minimizing precursor loss.
The latest breakthrough marks a significant step in the shift toward sustainable materials, aligning with global efforts to reduce plastic waste and environmental impact.
By harnessing microorganisms and biomass-derived resources, KAIST and KRICT are paving the way for greener alternatives in the plastics industry, reinforcing South Korea’s leadership in biotechnological innovation.
