Identifying marine microorganisms that are efficient at PHB degradation

Project 5: Identifying marine microorganisms that are efficient at PHB degradation

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PHB can replace many forms of plastic that is so prevalent in modern society. If this replacement is successful, we can expect that PHB waste will accumulate in our oceans. How will this affect our marine environments? Will this encourage large populations of bacteria/fungi that are specialized at degrading PHB, and if so, does this present a danger for the marine ecosystem?

Furthermore, could PHB be used as a source of carbon once it has served its purpose, e.g., single-use plastic for further production? In a controlled environment, could the degradation process be improved by control over specific genes? This project looks at the possibilities of recycling PHB via the identification and controlled expression of novel genes.