Biodegradable plastics can be degraded by microbes in the environment. The term biodegradable refers to materials that are not stable and are broken down by metabolism of microorganisms from the environment.
Biodegradable plastics can be degraded by microbes 21 days or less. Many conventional plastics do not break down very quickly in water, soil or air. Biodegradable plastic is made from corn, potato and cassava bacteria produce degrading enzymes, called exoenzymes, which degrade the polymer chains present in biodegradable plastic. Biodegradable plastic needs time to be completely degradable
There are two main types of biodegradable plastics:
Biodegradable plastics are not stable and are broken down by metabolism of microorganisms from the environment. They can be degraded by microbes in the environment. Biodegradable plastics are made from corn, potato and cassava.
You may have heard that plastic doesn't break down. If you've ever read the package of your sandwich maker, for example, you'll know that it says "No BPA." That's because BPA is believed to be harmful to humans and animals.
The problem with conventional plastics isn't just that they contain toxic chemicals; it's also that they don't break down very quickly in water, soil or air. They can take up to thousands of years to decompose—and even then only into smaller fragments that never fully disappear from our environment.
Plastic does not break down in a landfill because landfills are designed primarily for waste management (not for breaking down materials), so plastic remains intact there until long after its useful life has passed. Likewise, when disposed of by incineration or recycling programs, plastic tends not to break down into its constituent parts but instead breaks apart into smaller pieces called microplastics which can cause harm if ingested by animals as well as leach chemicals into the environment around them (and thus back up the food chain).
Biodegradable plastics are not completely biodegradable. Some biodegradable plastics can be degraded by microbes 21 days or less, and some take much longer to degrade. Biodegradable plastics made from microorganisms are generally considered to be compostable, which means that they break down into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass (organic matter).
Biodegradable plastic is made from corn, potato and cassava. These are all plants that can be used for food or fuel.
The enzyme exoenzyme, produced by bacteria, breaks down the polymer chains present in biodegradable plastic. It is secreted by bacteria as a way to digest other bacteria and release nutrients from them. These enzymes are proteins that break down polymers into smaller molecules that can be used for growth or other purposes. Additionally, some microbes live in symbiosis with plants and trees and produce polymeric materials that are degraded by the plant's root system.[9]
Biodegradable plastic is still a long way from being as strong, flexible or durable as regular plastic. It also can’t be recycled like other types of plastics.
In order for biodegradable plastic to completely break down, it needs time and the presence of specific conditions like sunlight and water.
Yes, there is a way to make biodegradable plastic from plants. Biodegradable plastics are derived from renewable resources and are designed for composting without causing environmental damage. These plastics are derived from natural materials like starch or cellulose, which can be easily broken down by microorganisms in the environment.
However, not all biodegradable plastics are created equal. Some types of bioplastics may break down very quickly or slowly depending on their chemical composition, molecular weight and other factors that influence how long it takes for them to degrade in the environment.
In conclusion, biodegradable plastic is made from corn, potato and cassava. Bacteria produce degrading enzymes, called exoenzymes, which degrade the polymer chains present in biodegradable plastic. Biodegradable plastic needs time to be completely degradable.