Fungus capable of degrading polyurethane plastics

At some point, the researchers came up with the idea to check the endophytic fungi found in the ability to decompose the plastic. Initial tests have shown that several fungi polyurethanes could involve any chemical reactions - as they are destroyed plastic in the solid state and in a liquid suspension. Thus Pestalotiopsis fungi showed the highest activity in the destruction of chemical bonds in synthetic polymers; most surprised researchers view Pestalotiopsis microspora.

However, the ability to decompose plastic (polyurethane compounds and including) the news is not so for those who are engaged in bacteria and fungi. But this type of plastic destroyed in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, i.e. without access of oxygen.

The researchers were able to identify an enzyme from the class of serine hydrolases responsible for the fungus in this operation. The ability to destroy polyurethanes in anoxic conditions makes finding the fungus particularly promising in the fight against plastic waste: can, roughly speaking, Pestalotiopsis microspora leave alone with a bunch of plastic and not worry about the air flow for efficient decomposition.

Now, while some scientists are exploring the biochemistry especially fungi, others enthusiastically looking for new endophytic species that can be as environmentally promising.